SOCMA: Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2009

Media Contact:
Christine Sanchez
Manager, Public Relations & Media
(202) 721-4182
sanchezc@socma.com
 

Washington, DC – Reauthorizing chemical security rules, modernizing the Toxic Substances Control Act, and protecting workers’ rights threatened by “Card Check” were among the subjects discussed with Members of Congress June 3rd during SOCMA’s second annual Washington Fly-In. The most notable of the 30-plus visits on Capitol Hill was a meeting between members of SOCMA’s Board of Governors and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).

“Concerns within our industry about historic challenges we face on the economic and regulatory fronts is at an all-time high,” said Joseph Acker, SOCMA President and CEO. “This level of concern was underscored by the number of industry leaders who came to Washington this week to offer solutions with their Members of Congress. Industry leaders reiterated in these meetings that, despite the challenges we are under, we continue to significantly contribute not only to the U.S. economy as employers but also to the betterment of human health through the products SOCMA members produce.”

SOCMA’s Washington Fly-In, June 2-3rd, is an annual event that enables industry representatives to participate in the policymaking process by directly communicating the industry’s position on legislative priorities with their congressional representatives. It is the highlight of SOCMA’s year-round grassroots initiative, known as SOCMA CONNECT.

This year 21 participants from over 12 states met with 30 congressional offices in a single day. In addition to the meeting with Senator McConnell by two Kentucky-based SOCMA members, participants also met with key lawmakers and congressional committee staff with oversight over SOCMA’s legislative priorities.

As a result of these meetings, SOCMA has positioned the industry as a partner in addressing the most pressing challenges being faced by the batch, custom and specialty chemical manufacturing industry.

To enable as much industry grassroots participation as possible, SOCMA is also hosting a “Virtual Fly-In” for members unable to make the visit to Washington.  The Virtual Fly-in will be ongoing over the next 30 days.

Editor’s Note: Photographs are available at the following link:

http://www.socma.com/assets/Image/socma1/fly-in/Fly-In-09-steps1-1.jpg

Caption: SOCMA Members met with over 30 congressional offices during a one-day Capitol Hill marathon.

http://www.socma.com/assets/Image/socma1/fly-in/Fly-In-09-IMG_0278-caption.jpg

Caption: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) flanked by SOCMA Members Richard Monty, Hexion Specialty Chemicals (left) and Andy Harris, Syrgis Performance Products.

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SOCMA is the leading trade association, serving the batch, custom and specialty chemical industry since 1921. SOCMA’s nearly 300 members employ more than 100,000 workers across the country and produce 50,000 products valued at $60 billion annually. For more information please visit www.socma.com.

ChemStewards® is SOCMA’s flagship environmental, health, safety and security (EHS&S) continuous performance improvement program.  ChemStewards was created from industry’s commitment to reducing the environmental footprint left by member’s facilities.  Industry created ChemStewards to meet the unique needs of the batch, custom, and specialty chemical industry. As a mandatory requirement for SOCMA members engaged in the manufacturing or handling of synthetic and organic chemicals, ChemStewards is helping participants reach for superior EHS&S performance.  To learn more visit www.chemstewards.com.