2021 was a monumental year for SOCMA. On October 28, we celebrated 100 years of providing solutions for specialties. That history is memorialized in our commemorative 100th Anniversary publication of Specialty Insights, in addition to a separate issue capturing the current state of the industry.
Despite 2021’s challenges, SOCMA continued supporting the industry and members in navigating uncharted waters, sustaining operations and promoting business growth. 20 new members were welcomed to the SOCMA community this year. Join us in welcoming our newest members.
As we close out this historic year, here’s a look back at some of our 2021 programs and activities.
2021 was a busy year for our commercial services department. SOCMA launched quarterly virtual Manufacturing Solutions Days to showcase capabilities and find project partners. In its inaugural year, Manufacturing Solutions Day is helping foster B2B connections with a wide reach through the SOCMA network.
In June, SOCMA released the Specialty Chemicals Industry Census+. 100% of the respondents anticipate revenue growth over the next 3 years.
SOCMA remained the hub and key partner to grow and develop connections in the specialty chemical value chain. Our Lead Sheet service is thriving. In November, our 100th lead sheet was issued.
To address issues throughout the year, SOCMA hosted Executive Roundtable discussions including:
- Cybersecurity: Threats and Mitigation
- Supply Chain and Logistics
In 2021 ChemOps Training was updated and became a critical tool for onboarding.
The expanded tool now includes:
- Leaner tracking capability through a Learning Management System
- Multiple choice assessments
- A fifth unit on Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) that includes:
- Hazard Communication
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Lockout/Tagout
- Confined Space Entry
- Line Breaking
- Material on hoses, chemical reactions, centrifuges and condensers
- Interactive animations of various plant equipment
In 2021 SOCMA served as the main point of contact between your company and lawmakers, remaining an advocate with your business growth in mind.
As issues arose through the year, we issued member alerts and held town halls. On November 5, OSHA published its Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) to implement the recent Executive Order requiring companies with 100 or more employees to mandate vaccinations or require weekly COVID-19 tests. SOCMA has since completed a thorough review of the ETS and provided Town Halls to address questions. Other 2021 webinars and townhalls included:
SOCMA continues to bring information down to the implementation stage by interpreting new rules, delivering tools and 1:1 support so you can execute at the plant and operational levels.
As we close out the year and look to 2022, we’re excited to see you all face-to-face in just two months at the Specialty & Custom Chemicals Show, February 28 through March 2, back in Fort Worth! Thank you all so much for making 2021 a great year and we look forward to the promise of 2022 and beyond.