Highlights from ChemEdge 2025

Louisville, KY – August 18, 2025 — Last week, leaders from across the chemical distribution industry gathered for ChemEdge 2025, one of the year’s most anticipated events hosted by the Alliancefor Chemical Distribution (ACD). The energy was high, the conversations meaningful, and the outlook for the future of our industry brighter than ever.

Brainerd Chemical Company was proud to participate once again as a Platinum Sustaining Sponsor, reaffirming our commitment to supporting the growth, innovation, and safety of the chemical distribution community.

Why ChemEdge Matters

ChemEdge is more than just a conference—it’s a hub where chemical industry professionals come together to:

  • Share knowledge on best practices, regulatory updates, and emerging technologies.
  • Build connections that strengthen our industry network and foster long-term partnerships.
  • Prepare for the future by tackling challenges head-on and identifying opportunities for innovation, sustainability, and growth.

For Brainerd Chemical, these pillars align directly with our mission: to safely supply our customers with the solutions they need, the expertise they want, and the reliability they depend on.

Our Takeaways from Louisville

This year’s ChemEdge offered more than just great sessions and conversations—it highlighted where the industry is headed. Key themes included:

  • Safety as the standard, not the exception. From new regulatory frameworks to practical on-site strategies, safety remains at the core of our industry.
  • Sustainability in action. Companies are finding innovative ways to lower environmental impact while improving efficiency.
  • The power of partnerships. The future of chemical distribution depends on collaboration across the supply chain, from producers to distributors to end-users.

Looking Ahead

We are energized by the insights, connections, and opportunities that came out of ChemEdge 2025. Events like this remind us why our work matters—not just for our company, but for the people, communities, and industries we serve.

As a platinum sponsor, we were honored to support ACD’s mission of advancing a safe, sustainable, and successful chemical distribution industry.

Here’s to another successful ChemEdge—and to building a stronger future, together.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is a leading U.S. manufacturer and distributor of specialty and commodity chemicals, serving critical industries including energy, agriculture, water treatment, and manufacturing. Our mission is to safely supply the solutions our customers need, the expertise they want, and the reliability they depend on—every single day.

👉 Did you attend ChemEdge 2025? We’d love to hear your biggest takeaway. Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Commitmed to First Responder Preparedness

Tulsa, OK – June 4, 2025 — Brainerd Chemical Company, a national leader in chemical manufacturing and distribution, once again welcomed local first responders to its Tuttle, Oklahoma, facility for its annual safety walkthrough and emergency preparedness tour.

This annual tradition underscores Brainerd’s long-standing commitment to proactive safety measures and strong community partnerships. The event is designed to give emergency personnel a hands-on orientation of the site’s layout, operations, and emergency protocols—ensuring rapid, informed response in the event of an incident.

“At Brainerd, safety isn’t just a compliance requirement—it’s a core value,” said Jason Jacobus, VP of Business Development. “We believe in empowering our teams and our community partners with the knowledge and resources they need to keep everyone safe.”

At Brainerd Chemical, safety and responsible distribution are fundamental principles shaping our operations. First responder safety tours are a regular part of Brainerd’s operational calendar and take place at all six of the company’s U.S. manufacturing and distribution facilities. Locations in Scooba, MS; Seaford, DE; Danville, IL; Dunn, NC; and Tuttle, OK, each host their own first responder tours to ensure regional emergency teams are well-acquainted with site-specific hazards, layouts, and response plans. These efforts reflect Brainerd’s consistent, company-wide approach to safety and preparedness. It’s a mindset that facilitates consistently safer work environments that far exceed industry standards and lead the way to continuously improving health, safety, security, and environmental procedures in every phase of chemical manufacturing, production, service, storage, handling, transportation and disposal.

The Tuttle event brought together members of local fire, EMS, and law enforcement agencies, all of whom play a vital role in the region’s emergency response network. Brainerd Chemical expressed its sincere appreciation for their service and ongoing collaboration.

Brainerd Chemical was recently recognized again as one of Oklahoma’s top workplaces—a testament to its investment in employee safety, innovation, and operational excellence.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

For more than 65 years, Brainerd Chemical has been at the forefront of the specialty chemical industry, providing high-hazard chemistries and advanced blending and distribution solutions. As a hybrid distributor, Brainerd supports clients across diverse sectors with faster, safer, and more sustainable delivery—thanks to its strategically located rail terminals and bulk storage facilities across the U.S.

Media Contact:

Brainerd Chemical Company

1.918.622.1214

www.brainerdchemical.com

Source: Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Again Honored as Top Workplace in Oklahoma

Tulsa, OK Dec 15, 2024 // Brainerd Chemical Company is proud to again be named a ‘Top Place to Work’ in Oklahoma, cementing its reputation as a leader in workplace excellence. Chairman and CEO Mat Brainerd shared, “Stewardship is at the heart of everything we do. It’s the principle that drives us to prioritize people over profits and make decisions based on what’s right, not what’s easy.”

Recognized in the mid-sized company category (35 to 149 employees) by The Oklahoman, this prestigious award highlights Brainerd Chemical’s commitment to fostering a positive, people-centered workplace environment.

2024 Oklahoma Top Workplaces Award

The annual prestigious ‘Top Workplace’ recognition highlights companies that excel in fostering work environments where employees thrive at work and in their personal lives. This accolade is driven entirely by anonymous employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology provider Energage. The confidential survey measures the employee experience including how employees feel respect & support, enabled to grow, and empowered to execute, balanced in work and life and other key areas. Gregg Johnson, Brainerd Chemical HR Director, expressed it best: “This achievement underscores the importance we place on listening to and empowering our team. I am honored to be part of a team that values our employees’ voices and efforts, and this recognition is a testament to everyone’s commitment to creating an exceptional workplace!”

About Brainerd Chemical Company

For over 65 years, Brainerd Chemical has dared to do the challenging work that builds a more sustainable chemical industry by creating, blending and distributing specialized manufactured chemistries. We specialize in supplying high hazard chemistries and their transportation. As a hybrid distributor, we’re transforming the industry, supporting clients with faster, safer and more efficient delivery. Our robust rail terminals and bulk storage warehouses are strategically positioned across the U.S. for domestic and international delivery.

Media Inquires

1.918.622.1214

Brainerd Chemical Company

Source: Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company at ACD 2024

La Quinta, CA, USA // Nov 17th, 2024 — Brainerd Chemical Company connected with other industry leaders at the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) 2024 annual meetings where our team learned about the latest chemical industry innovations and discussed a range of initiatives promoting a safer, more responsible future for the chemical distribution.

The ACD’s annual meetings keep members informed and connected while providing the opportunity for industry leaders like Mat Brainerd to amplify the voices of chemical distribution. With this in mind, Brainerd Chemical was honored to sponsor a lively session with former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson where he offered compelling insights in a conversation with Eric Byer, ACD President and CEO, where they explored future strategies related to trade, tariffs, and collaboration, in light of the geopolitical implications related to President Donald Trump’s election.

ABOUT ACD 2024 ANNUAL MEETINGS

The ACD Annual Meeting is a time when industry leaders, together with their customers and colleagues, learn from each other new ways to lead high performing companies, to improve sales organizations and better understand the challenges facing all of us. These interactions are vital to staying current and energized. Each annual meeting program includes the most qualified and knowledgeable subject-matter experts to ensure attendees get the essential updates, fresh strategies, and practical advice needed by chemical industry professionals.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is one of the largest independent suppliers of chemicals and related services in the continental United States. They specialize in manufacturing, blending, packaging, and distributing chemical products across a diverse range of industrial sectors.

Media Inquiries:

Brainerd Chemical Company:  1+ (918) 622-1214

SOURCE: Brainerd Chemical Company.

Brainerd Chemical Supports City Lights Foundation

Tulsa, OK // July 3, 2024 — Brainerd Chemical Company is proud support the meaningful work the City Lights Foundation provides in its mission to build relationships and aid those experiencing homelessness. As June Night Light event sponsors, the Brainerd team volunteered with The City Lights Foundation of Oklahoma to prep and serve hot meals under the bridge.

“Every act of kindness counts” remarked Brainerd CFO Erika Coates, “We are honored to serve and share warm smiles with our neighbors.”  

About The City Lights Foundation

The City Lights Foundation builds relationships and restores community as a nonprofit organization that has been bringing hope and dignity to those experiencing homelessness since 2013 through relational service and dignified housing.

With a mission of ‘loving individuals, giving hope, and touching souls through relational service and dignified housing’, The City Lights Foundation focuses on facilitating support for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness by providing comprehensive case management, housing stability services, and mobilizing community events. Over the course of 2023, The City Lights Foundation mobilized 4,700 volunteers, served 20,000 meals to 9,500 guests over 51 nights. Learn more at citylightsok.org

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is one of the largest independent suppliers of chemicals and related services in the continental United States. They specialize in manufacturing, blending, packaging, and distributing chemical products across a diverse range of industrial sectors.

Media Inquiries:

Brainerd Chemical Company:  1+ (918) 622-1214

SOURCE: Brainerd Chemical Company, The City Lights Foundation.

Brainerd Champions More Responsible Global Chemical Distribution

Hague, Netherlands // August 26, 2024 // Momentum is gaining as the International Chemical Trade Association (ICTA) plans to launch a Global Responsible Distribution program by the end of 2024 enhancing safety across worldwide chemical supply chains.

The ITCA Global Responsible Distribution program draws inspiration from the ACD Responsible Distribution program developed in the United States by the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD).  The ICTA’s intention is to provide a responsible distribution program in countries where no such industry organization exists. The global program is built on 10 guiding principles and requirements for site sampling and mandatory third-party verification.

Mat Brainerd, President of the ICTA and Chairman of Brainerd Chemical Company, champions positive change from within the chemical industry and was proud to explain, “I’m very proud of the companies that have gotten behind this. It takes a lot of support, both from a financial and human resource perspective, to stand up a robust Responsible Distribution program in all corners of the world. This is a big deal and one that no one else has ever tried before. People need to know it is not chatter anymore; we’re finally doing it.”

Key Elements of Global Responsible Distribution

  • Developed by, and designed especially for, the chemical distribution industry.
  • Mandatory third-party verification.
  • Includes third-party warehouses.
  • Risk-based approach to limit sites to be verified. Incorporates safety, security, and health (SSH) as well as environment, social, and governance (ESG).
  • Differentiates between gold, silver, and bronze.
  • Globally harmonized.
  • No commercial set-up (lower fees, security of data).

The ITCA’s Responsible Distribution program has the potential to drive the chemical industry toward a unified commitment to continuous improvement, setting the highest standards for supply chain safety and promoting sustainable practices worldwide. Through this initiative, supply chain partners across the globe can align their efforts to achieve a safer, more sustainable future for the industry.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is one of the largest independent suppliers of chemicals and related services in the continental United States. They specialize in manufacturing, blending, packaging, and distributing chemical products across a diverse range of industrial sectors.

Media Inquiries:

Brainerd Chemical Company:  1+ (918) 622-1214

SOURCE: Brainerd Chemical Company, International Chemical Trade Association (ICTA), the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD).

Brainerd Cares Program in Action

Tulsa, OK // August 16, 2024 // Brainerd Chemical Company is proud to celebrate our team supporting the 8th Annual Back to School Community Resource Fair, organized by the Coalition of Hispanic Organizations (COHO). This event was a resounding success, bringing together families and students from across the Tulsa area to prepare for the upcoming school year.

Brainerd Chemical Company contributed by providing over 2,000 pairs of scissors, activity sheets, and erasers. These essential supplies were distributed to students, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed in their educational journey.

“We are thrilled to support our community and help students start the school year on the right foot,” said Susan Lack, Brainerd Cares program manager at Brainerd Chemical Company. “Education is a cornerstone of our community’s future, and we are committed to making a positive impact through initiatives like the Back to School Resource Fair.”

The event, hosted by COHO, featured a variety of resources and activities designed to equip students and families with the necessary supplies and information for a successful school year. Attendees had access to free school supplies, health screenings, and valuable information from local organizations.

Brainerd Chemical Company is dedicated to fostering community engagement and supporting educational initiatives. By participating in events like the Back to School Resource Fair, the company aims to contribute to the well-being and success of the community it serves.

About Brained Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is a leading provider of chemical products and services, committed to innovation, quality, and community engagement. With a strong focus on sustainability and customer satisfaction, Brainerd Chemical Company strives to make a positive impact in the industries it serves and the communities it operates in.

Media Inquiries:

Brainerd Chemical Company:  1+ (918) 622-1214

SOURCE: Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical at the AWT 2024 Convention

Louisville, KY // August 22, 2024 // Brained Chemical Company, a leading innovator in water treatment solutions, is thrilled to announce its participation in the Association of Water Technologies (AWT) Annual Convention & Exposition, taking place from September 10-13, 2024, at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, KY. Attendees are invited to visit Brained Chemical Company at Booth 141 to explore our latest products and services designed to meet the evolving challenges of water treatment.

The AWT Annual Convention & Exposition is the premier event for professionals in the water treatment industry, bringing together experts, innovators, and decision-makers from around the world. This year, Brained Chemical Company will be highlighting its cutting-edge solutions that address key industry challenges, including advanced water treatment chemicals, corrosion control strategies, and sustainable practices that align with today’s environmental standards.

What to Expect at Booth 141:

  • Innovative Water Treatment Chemical Solutions: Discover our latest chemical formulations engineered for efficiency and effectiveness across various industrial applications.
  • Sustainability Initiatives: Explore how Brained Chemical Company is leading the charge in sustainable water treatment, with solutions that reduce environmental impact while maintaining superior performance.
  • Expert Consultations: Our team of experts will be on hand to discuss your specific water treatment challenges and provide tailored solutions to optimize your processes.
  • Corrosion Control Solutions: Learn about our state-of-the-art technologies designed to protect your equipment and infrastructure, ensuring long-term reliability.

“We are excited to be part of the AWT Annual Convention & Exposition, which is a key event for showcasing our latest innovations and connecting with industry professionals,” said David Potter, Water Treatment Specialist at Brained Chemical Company. “We look forward to engaging with attendees, learning about their most pressing challenges and demonstrating how our solutions can help them more effectively achieve their water treatment goals.”

Brained Chemical Company has been at the forefront of the water treatment industry for over 64 years, consistently delivering high-quality products and services that meet the diverse needs of our clients. Our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction sets us apart as a trusted partner in the industry.

Join us at Booth 141 to experience firsthand the cutting-edge technologies that the Brainerd Chemical team are developing to help create more sustainable water treatment solutions.

AWT2024-BrainerdChemicalCo-Booth141-MapDownload

For more information about Brained Chemical Company and our products, please visit BrainerdChemical.com

About Brained Chemical Company

Brained Chemical Company is a leader in the water treatment industry, specializing in innovative chemical solutions, corrosion control, and sustainable practices. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on customer success, we provide cutting-edge products and services that help our clients achieve optimal water quality and system performance.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: Brainerd Chemical Company:  1+ (918) 622-1214

SOURCE: Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Joins Omni Chem 136 Alliance

Tulsa, OK // January 1, 2024 // Brainerd Chemical Company, a leading U.S. based chemical manufacturer and hybrid distributor headquartered in Tulsa, OK, has joined the Omni-Chem 136 alliance effective January 1, 2024.

Omni-Chem 136 is the largest global alliance of regional independent chemical distributors working to provide an extensive range of supply chain solutions for both customers and chemical manufacturers throughout the Americas and Europe.

“The Omni-Chem 136 alliance of world class companies offers the blueprint for Brainerd’s evolving and ever-changing focus on the business of chemistry.” says Mathew Brainerd, CEO Brainerd Chemical Company, Inc. “I appreciate the Omni-Chem 136 member companies welcoming the Brainerd team and I look forward to rolling up my sleeves as together we write the next chapter for innovation.”

Fred A. Buehler, Managing Director Omni-Chem 136 commented, “Their [Brainerd Chemical Company] unwavering commitment to innovative customer solutions, safety and responsible distribution aligns with the values of the Omni-Chem alliance. Together we look forward to working alongside Brainerd Chemical to push the boundaries of what is possible through our global alliance of independent chemical distributors.”

About the Omni-Chem 136 Alliance:

With more than 150 locations, 40 million gallons of bulk storage, 8 million square feet of warehousing capacity and 2,400 employees, the Omni-Chem136 alliance has the capability, experience and resources for large scale integrated chemical distribution while at the same time delivering products and services to customers in a flexible, personalized approach, typical of a smaller scale independent distributor. The 16 member companies are globally competitive and locally responsive, offering a diversified range of products and services that touch essentially every segment of the chemical industry from commodity industrial chemicals to specialty ingredients.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical is one of the largest independent providers of chemicals and related services in the continental United States. Brainerd Chemical manufactures, blends, packages and distributes custom industrial chemical products serving a broad array of industries.

Media Inquiries

Brainerd Chemical Company:  1+ (918) 622-1214

Omni-Chem 136:  www.omni-chem.com

SOURCE: Brainerd Chemical Company & Omni-Chem 136, LLC

Supporting STEM Learning

Lansdowne, VA // June 24, 2024 — Brainerd Chemical Company is thrilled to champion STEM education as a proud sponsor of the first-ever Swings for STEM golf tournament. Today’s event hosted by the American Chemistry Council (ACC) and the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD supports of the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI).

Lucinda Shofer, Chief Operating Officer of the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) commented, “Special thanks from the ACD team to our members, Brainerd Chemical Co., Inc., Brenntag and Catalynt™ (formerly TRInternational) for supporting this event. Your generosity will fund several scholarships for Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) scholars. Looking forward to next year!”

Brian Miller, President of Brainerd Chemical, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “Supporting students in their pursuit of STEM education is a cause close to our hearts. These future innovators will drive us towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking world. We’re eager to see the remarkable contributions they will make.”

The tournament saw nearly 100 participants, including professionals from the chemical industry, affiliated associations, Congressional staff, and representatives from Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs). The event was a hub for meaningful discussions about the importance of STEM and its critical role in the future of the chemical industry and our nation. Eric R. Byer, President & CEO of ACD, remarked, “This week’s event represents an important step in investing in the future of our workforce so that we can continue to demonstrate the value of our industry among students nationwide.”

In today’s competitive global economy, fostering growth and creating opportunities for diverse, young talent is more crucial than ever. FOSSI is dedicated to bridging the STEM workforce gap in the chemical industry by supporting scholars who would otherwise not have access to a STEM education by eliminating financial barriers. Thanks to the generous support Brainerd Chemical Company and over 20 sponsoring organizations, the event successfully raised $75,000 for this powerfully impactful scholarship initiative.

About the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI)

Launched in 2020 by the American Chemistry Council, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), The Chemours Company, and the HBCU Week Foundation, FOSSI is a national initiative that offers scholarships to students pursuing degrees in STEM at HBCUs. With funding from over 70 chemical industry stakeholders, the program has supported more than 600 scholars through 2025 with scholarship recipients representing 30+ states, with students attending 42 HBCUs.

Since its inception, thousands of high school students across the nation have applied for FOSSI scholarships, demonstrating both the urgent need for this program and the enormous pool of untapped talent.

FOSSI will welcome 150 new scholars in the fall of 2025 providing program recipients with a four year scholarship as well as leadership development, mentoring, and internship opportunities. For more information, visit futureofstemscholars.org

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is one of the largest independent suppliers of chemicals and related services in the continental United States. They specialize in manufacturing, blending, packaging, and distributing chemical products across a diverse range of industrial sectors.

Media Inquiries:

Brainerd Chemical Company:  1+ (918) 622-1214

SOURCE: Brainerd Chemical Company, The American Chemistry Council, The Alliance for Chemical Distributors and the Future of Stem Scholars Initiative (FOSSI).