Jennifer Abril, SOCMA president and CEO06.26.19
Welcome to the new SOCMA! We are thrilled to unveil a refreshed and modern brand that is more adaptive, agile and laser-focused on the ever-evolving landscape of the specialty and fine chemical industry.
A brand refresh is a big milestone for any organization. It represents a progressive mindset and a fresh but familiar identity. It is also an opportunity to externally showcase a dynamic brand that resonates with the growth of the industry and our members, clearly setting the stage for the future.
We were the first, and now we’re the most comprehensive trade association squarely aimed at addressing the specific challenges and needs impacting the specialty and fine chemical supply chain spanning a variety of sectors, including performance materials such as paints and coatings, cosmetics, homecare products and electronics, in addition to agricultural and pharmaceutical chemicals.
This new direction allows us to stay keenly focused and responsive to the challenges facing the value chain.
Re-establishing our role as a business accelerator
Through our continued dialogue with stakeholders, we understand the industry is constantly evolving to manage potential disruptors and take advantage of opportunities. In response, we are reinvigorating the commercial arm of SOCMA.
We recognize there are distinct differences and needs between contract manufacturers and those creating proprietary chemistries. Those who manufacture their own chemicals are seeking insight on trends and end-market regulations, whereas contract manufacturers are interested in cultivating business partners.
For companies in the proprietary chemical supply chain, SOCMA provides key industry intelligence as part of our ChemSectors program. Through connections with allied associations and keeping a pulse on end-use markets, we convey anecdotal insight on how the “winds” are shifting and what is transpiring within each sector, so suppliers can make more strategic business decisions.
On the advocacy side, we have formed a Value Chain Committee that looks at how regulations and policy impact downstream customers. This helps us proactively communicate that impact to our members so they can stay ahead of the curve.
We also have an end-use market track included in our SOCMA Week programming set for December 4-6 in New Orleans. Here, we are bringing manufacturers and end-use market customers to the table to dialogue and gain crucial insight that will benefit the value chain as a whole.
Contract and toll manufacturers look to SOCMA for a platform where they can come together and connect with business partners, whether it be on the trade show floor, or through a service where they can efficiently find companies with the right capabilities and equipment to do the job. In response, we have developed a clearinghouse to map manufacturer capabilities and facilitate business partnerships via SOCMA’s Lead Sheet service, where we essentially play matchmaker between companies looking to do business with SOCMA members.
As part of our strategic direction, we are also helping members strengthen their manufacturing and operations, whether it be through training, improving environmental, health and safety through our compliance and stewardship program, or sharing best practices. And on the advocacy front, we are drilling down deeper and advocating for regulatory and legislative policies that advance specialty and fine chemical manufacturers’ ability to grow their businesses.
We see the rebrand as an opportunity to pay homage to SOCMA’s rich history while boldly springboarding into a new chapter dedicated to engaging the full value chain.
SOCMA President and CEO Jennifer Abril
