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| February 27, 2007 |
Volume # 8 |
Issue # 5 |
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NACD News - Table of Contents
- NACD Submits Comments on Rail Security to DHS and DOT
Last week, NACD submitted comments to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the Department of Homeland Security and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) of the Department of Transportation on the agencies’ hazardous materials rail security proposals. NACD’s comments praised TSA and PHMSA for addressing the security of hazardous materials by rail, but raised concerns about the safety, practicality, and costs of some of the proposals. The majority of the comments focused on the TSA proposal regarding chain of custody, which would require an individual to be physically present to receive each shipment, even those arriving in the middle of the night. NACD raised several questions about this requirement such as what type of training and background these individuals would need and what expectations would be placed on the facility owner to provide a safe work environment. NACD also addressed TSA’s proposal to require rail carriers and shippers of hazardous materials in high urban threat areas to designate Rail Security Coordinators, urging the agency to provide for flexibility in how to carry out this requirement, such as allowing each facility to appoint one person or a team of individuals. Finally, NACD expressed support for the PHMSA proposal to require rail carriers to notify storage facilities and consignees of deliveries as well as unplanned delays in deliveries. To read the entire comments, go to /advocacy/comments.aspx.
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- Rail Security Legislation Moving Quickly Through Congress
Earlier this month, the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee approved S. 184, the Surface Transportation and Rail Security (STARS) Act, a comprehensive bill that would address rail, truck, and bus security for passengers and cargo. In the area of hazardous materials transportation security, the bill would establish through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) a rail security research and development program, encourage use of equipment that could track rail shipments of HazMat, require railroads shipping HazMat to develop threat mitigation plans, subject foreign commercial HazMat drivers to security background checks, and require motor carriers of highly-hazardous material shipments to have wireless tracking and communications abilities and written routing plans. Similar legislation is expected to be introduced and considered in the House Homeland Security Committee later this week with a goal of having the bill on the House floor during the week of March 12, to coincide with the March 13 Madrid train bombing anniversary. For more information or a copy of S. 184 as approved by the Senate Commerce Committee, contact Jennifer Gibson at jgibson@nacd.com or 703/527-6223, ext. 103.
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- House Scheduled to Vote Thursday on Legislation to Make it Easier for Workers to Unionize
The House Leadership has scheduled H.R. 800, the ill-named “Employee Free Choice Act,” for a vote on the House floor on Thursday, March 1. This legislation would make it easier for workers to unionize by allowing them to designate a union as its bargaining representative by majority sign-up, or “card checks” rather than by secret ballot. Despite strong opposition from the business community, the bill is expected to easily pass the House because it has 234 cosponsors, more than the 218 needed for a majority vote. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Chairman Ted Kennedy (D-MA) has said that he will also act quickly to move the legislation through the Senate. There is a good chance that the bill will not pass as easily in the Senate. Because the bill is controversial and has many opponents, it is likely that it will be subject to a filibuster, needing 60 votes to move forward. NACD has joined the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace to help fight this legislation. Additional information is available at http://www.myprivateballot.com.
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- 9/11 Commission Recommendation Legislation on the Senate Schedule This Week
The main business on the Senate floor this week will be legislation to adopt the 9/11 Commission recommendations. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee unanimously approved the "Improving America's Security Act" earlier this month. Unlike the House version, the Senate bill DOES NOT include the provision to require all shipping containers bound for the U.S. to be screened at their ports of origin. The legislation is expected to attract controversial amendments on homeland security grant formulas and the Iraq War.
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- Legislation Introduced to Repeal Toxic Release Inventory Burden Reduction Rule
Earlier this month, Senators Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) introduced legislation to repeal the final rule on Toxic Release Inventory burden reduction that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued in December 2006. The rule expands the use of the shorter Form A, which is intended to reduce the burdens of filling out the much longer Form R; however, it is of minimal benefit to NACD members because companies will still need to calculate the same information to determine which form to use. Despite this, numerous organizations, including the Government Accountability Office, have stated that the EPA's changes would significantly reduce the amount of information about toxic chemicals available to the public. Representatives Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Hilda Solis (D-CA) introduced companion legislation in the House.
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- OSHA Releases New "It's the Law" Poster
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced the publication of its new "It's the Law" poster. Also known as the OSHA notice of employee rights, this poster is required to be displayed in every workplace in the U.S. and informs employers and employees of their responsibilities and rights for a safe and healthy workplace. Employers are not required to replace their existing poster with the new one. The poster is free and can be downloaded or ordered at http://www.osha.gov/pls/publications/pubindex.list.
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- New PHMSA Deputy Administrator Announced
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Mary Peters has announced the appointment of Krista Edwards as the Deputy Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). In this position, Edwards will assist PHMSA Administrator Thomas Barrett with legislative policy, regulatory matters, and enforcement. She has served as PHMSA's Chief Counsel since May 2006. Prior to that, she was a partner in the Washington, DC office of Sidley Austin, LLP.
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- European Chemicals Bureau Releases New Questions and Answers on REACH
Earlier this month, the European Chemicals Bureau released an updated version of REACH questions and answers. Included in the updated document is information about who can register, what information must be in chemical safety reports, how data can be shared, and rights to be heard before decisions are made and to appeal after they are made. The document is available at http://ecb.jrc.it/documents/REACH/REACH_PROPOSAL/Questions_
and_Answers_on_REACH.pdf.
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- United Kingdom Agency Publishes REACH Compliance Deadlines
The United Kingdom's Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs has published the REACH Implementation Timeline, a chart listing various compliance deadlines for the new chemical regulation. The timeline runs from the June 1, 2007, REACH entry into force through June 1, 2022. To view the calendar, go to http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/chemicals/reach/pdf/reach-timetable.pdf.
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- REACH Workshop to be Held in Philadelphia for Pennsylvania and Delaware Firms
On Thursday, March 1, the U.S. Export Assistance Center of Philadelphia will hold a workshop on REACH for firms located in Pennsylvania and Delaware. The workshop costs $95 and will be held in Philadelphia. The workshop will be followed by optional one-on-one sessions with the presenters. For more information, go to http://www.buyusa.gov/philadelphia/243.html.
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- Third-Cycle RDP Verifications Underway
The first on-site RDP Verification of the third cycle took place last week, and verifications are scheduled through March at an additional eighteen NACD members’ and Chemical Handler Affiliates’ facilities. RDP Verification Administrator Chuck McHugh is now contacting members undergoing RDPV during the second quarter of 2007 (April-June) and will soon contact members for the third quarter of 2007 (July-September).
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- NACD Web Site is a Resource to Prepare for Verifications
NACD has added new tools and updated existing tools to help you prepare for your company’s on-site RDP Verification. You can obtain these tools easily on NACD’s RDP Web site, http://www.ResponsibleDistribution.com. Key RDP Verification documents on the site include the Verification Guidance Document, RDPV Frequently Asked Questions, guidance on RDPV at a Public Warehouse, a flowchart on the RDP Verification Process, and the Company Profile Questionnaire. Please note that TO COMPLETE THE WEB-BASED SITE PROFILE QUESTIONNAIRE & RDP VERIFICATION PROTOCOL, SPECIAL ACCESS MUST FIRST BE ISSUED FOR SECURITY PURPOSES. TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE SITE: Please call Jennifer Gibson at 703/527-6223, ext. 103, or e-mail jgibson@nacd.com. Access to the Web-based tools is limited to NACD members and Chemical Handler Affiliates.
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- Suppliers Invited to Participate in RDPV Funding
Chemical suppliers interested in participating as funding suppliers for RDPVs conducted on NACD member companies should contact Camille E. Soriano at memberprograms@nacd.com. You will receive a funding package that explains the Supplier-RDPV program and funding schedule. Funders will nominate company sites in addition to NACD’s mandatory RDPV site and will have access to these reports. The following companies are Supplier Funders as of 2/13/2007:
1. Dow Chemical
2. Eastman Chemical
3. ExxonMobil Chemical
4. ICL Performance Products LP
5. Lyondell Chemical
6. Shell Chemical
7. Stepan
8. PQ Corporation
The deadline to commit to participate as a Funding Supplier is March 31, 2007. Contact Camille Iasiello at memberprograms@nacd.com for more information.
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- Thank You to All NACD Members Who Have Submitted the Membership and Performance Data Questionnaire - Responses Due by March 16
The 2006 NACD Membership and Performance Data Questionnaire was mailed and e-mailed to all regular NACD Members during the first week in February. Thank you to the numerous NACD members who have already submitted your completed questionnaires. If your company has not yet submitted the survey, please make sure that the appropriate individual within your company completes it and returns it to NACD by the deadline of Friday, March 16 by fax at 703/527-7747, e-mail at jgibson@nacd.com, or U.S. mail to the NACD office. As a reminder, following last year’s membership ballot vote, participation in the questionnaire is a mandatory condition of membership for all NACD Regular members. Only with 100% participation can we demonstrate the success of RDP to our elected and appointed officials, the media, the public, and our international colleagues. If you have any questions, or need another copy of the questionnaire, please contact Jennifer Gibson at 703/527-6223, ext. 103, or jgibson@nacd.com.
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- NACD Western Region Meeting
The NACD Western Region invites all NACD members and Affiliates to their Regional meeting at the Maui Prince Hotel, 808/874-1111, April 25-27, 2007. For an agenda and meeting registration, please e-mail Camille Iasiello at memberprograms@nacd.com or visit /about/regions/western/western_regional_meetings.aspx.
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- RDP Code Coordinator Orientation & Workshop - May 1-2 - Baltimore, MD
The RDP Committee will host its first RDP Code Coordinator Orientation and Workshop of 2007 on May 1-2 in Baltimore, MD. The full-day workshop will follow the 2-hour RDP Orientation and will focus primarily on preparing members for on-site RDP Verification. As you know, many enhancements have been made to RDP Verification, and the useful tools developed to help members prepare will be on display at the workshop. Registration information is available at: http://www.ResponsibleDistribution.com. Spring is a great time to be in “Charm City.” The RDP events are a short walking distance to great restaurants and waterfront entertainment of the Baltimore Inner Harbor. Feel free to contact Jennifer Gibson with any questions at 703/527-6223, ext.103 or jgibson@nacd.com.
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- NACD Washington Fly-In - May 15-16 - Sign Up Today
With 10 new Senators, 55 new Representatives, and all new committee chairman with the change in control from Republican to Democrat, the 2007 NACD Washington Fly-In is one of the most important ever. Strong participation from the NACD membership is needed in order to educate the new Congress on the chemical distribution industry and RDP and to deliver NACD's message on important issues such as chemical security and hazardous materials transportation security. Sign up today by visiting the Fly-In section of the NACD Web site at /advocacy/washingtonFlyin.aspx and downloading the registration form. Also, be sure to make your reservations as soon as possible at the host hotel, the Hamilton Crowne Plaza, at the group rate of $199 S/D, by calling 1-800/263-9802 and identifying yourself as part of the National Association of Chemical Distributors meeting. Rooms will sell out fast as spring is the busiest time of year in Washington. For more information and program updates, see the upcoming March issue of the Chemical Distributor, visit the NACD Web site, or contact Jennifer Gibson at jgibson@nacd.com or 703/527-6223, ext. 103.
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- OPSEM2007 is in Nashville, TN – September 19-21, 2007
Please mark your calendars for OPSEM2007, September 19-21, at the Nashville Convention Center and the Renaissance Nashville.
Renaissance Nashville Hotel & Nashville Convention Center
NACD Room Rate: $153 S/D
Hotel Reservations Deadline: August 17, 2007
To make your room reservations on-line, please go to
http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/bnash?groupCode=chechea&app=resvlink
OPSEM has a New Program Schedule. To view the newly improved program schedule, please go to
/docs/opsem/opsem2007%20preliminary%20program%20schedule.221.pdf.
Affiliates – Early Bird rate deadline for booth space is April 16, 2007. Please take advantage of the $1,095 booth rate now! The OPSEM2007 booth contract is available on-line for your download at /events/opsem.
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- 2007 Annual Meeting
El Conquistador Golf Resort & Casino, Los Croabas, Puerto Rico
November 26-30, 2007
Room Reservation Deadline: October 31, 2007
El Conquistador Golf Resort & Casino (New name)
Tel:787/863-1000 or 1-800/468-5228
http://www.elconresort.com
NACD Room Rate: $125 SD for ROH rooms* plus 11% room tax and 11% resort fee.
New Program Format – For the Thursday night dinner dance, we are holding a beach party at Palomino Island. Leave your gowns and tuxedos at home this year!
NACD Affiliates - Interested in sponsoring the Annual Meeting, OPSEM or any of the upcoming Regional Meetings? This is your chance to maximize your exposure and provides purchasing and sales networking opportunities with NACD members. For more information, please contact Camille Iasiello at memberprograms@nacd.com.
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- NACD Educational Opportunities
The Habit of Selling Sales Conference– March 20-22
NACD is co-sponsoring this event with other associations for sales professionals to learn how to document their organization’s value-added services and sell them to their customers. Sales training professional Don Buttrey will teach participants how to build relationships, actively listen, enhance presentation skills, and perfect closing techniques.
The Habit of Selling conference will be held at Doubletree Guest Suites Dayton Mall in Dayton, Ohio, on March 20-22, 2007. Participants should call 937/436-2400 by February 26 for the discounted rate of $92 per night for accommodations. The registration fee is $895 per person, which includes 2½ days of training, take-home materials, breakfasts, breaks, and lunches. Spaces are limited to 30 per class, so be sure to register soon.
Distributor/Manufacturer Relations: Demonstrating Total Cost Savings Webinar – March 28
Manufacturers and distributors both add value through the products and services they provide their customers, but being able to show the dollar savings these products and services provide is difficult for many companies. With the rise in the price of steel, energy, plastics, and other costs, the need to demonstrate your value is rising. This presentation will focus on why customers need suppliers that can reduce their total operating costs and why distributors need to show their value. To register, click here.
Speaker: Tim Underhill
Date: March 28, 2007
Time: 1 – 2 p.m. EST
Young Distribution Professionals Conference - Enhancing Distribution Management Skills
Eaglewood Resort & Spa (Itasca, IL)
August 5-8, 2007
Jointly hosted by NACD in partnership with the Association Education Alliance
Designed for career-oriented professionals who want to grow and expand their distribution career skills.
Join us August 5-8, 2007, for an exciting new program designed specifically for young professionals with careers in the distribution industry. This conference will bring together young professionals representing nearly 40 different distribution industries. Space will be limited, so don’t miss your opportunity, register today!
Who Should Attend?
- Sales Managers
- Operations Managers
- Marketing Managers
- Other Professionals interested in advancing their distribution career.
- Supplier Executives who want to better understand Distribution Operations.
On-line Training
NACD, in partnership with the Hubbard-Hall Online Learning Center, offers more than 450 certified courses to NACD members and Affiliates at a 20% discount. Regulatory training and professional development courses include Environmental Health & Safety (OSHA), HazMat/RCRA (DOT), HAZWOPER (U.S. EPA), business, management skills, and sales. For a complete listing on the courses offered by Hubbard-Hall Inc., please visit the Hubbard-Hall Online Learning Center at http://www.hubbardhall.com/online. Be sure to include “NACD” at the end of your Online Learning Center login to receive the discounted rate (ex: jsmithNACD). For more information on courses or enrollment, please contact Robi Stack at 1/800-648-3412 ext. 5248 or by e-mail at rstack@hubbardhall.com.
For additional information on this event and other professional development courses, please visit NACD’s professional development page at /events/development/.
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- Membership and Affiliate Updates
New Candidate Member
Alcan International Network U.S.A. Inc.
Miles Chemical, Arleta, CA
Chemical Supplier Affiliate
Jones-Hamilton Co., Walbridge, OH
Applications Currently in Process:
Chemical Handler Affiliate
DL Trading LLC, Katy, TX
Non-Chemical Handler Affiliates
HRH Insurance Services, San Diego, CA
Yukon, Richmond, VA
Chemical Supplier Affiliates
Escalade, Ltd., Huntington, NY
JLM Industries, Inc., Tampa, FL
Potash Corporation, Northbrook, IL
Please refer any prospective members or Affiliates to Kristi L. Van Buren at kvanburen@nacd.com.
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- Chemical Educational Foundation Updates
CEF to Make Presentation at Gifted and Talented Conference
CEF will make a presentation to the Northern Virginia Council for Gifted and Talented Education in Loudon County, VA, on March 10. Laurel Brent and Cori Bradley will give a brief overview of the Foundation, conduct two experiments from the You Be The Chemist kit, and introduce attendees to the YBTC Challenge and Lesson Plan Competition. The conference, C-cubed: Creativity, Connection & Challenge, is a forum for teachers, parents, and administrators of gifted students in Northern Virginia to discuss ways to meet the needs of their gifted children.
CEF Attends Texas Chemical Day
On March 6, CEF Managing Director John Rice will be traveling to the Texas State Capitol in Austin to attend the bi-annual Texas Chemicals Day. The day, sponsored by the Texas Chemistry Council, allows Texas chemical industry members to meet with elected officials to further familiarize state senators, representatives, and their staffers with the important topics affecting the chemical industry in Texas. While in Texas, Rice will also meet with several chemical distributor and manufacturer companies.
For more information on CEF’s programs and publications, please contact CEF by e-mail at comments@chemed.org or call 703/527-6223.
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