Why Safety Matters Now More Than Ever

Professional Brainerd Chemical operator ready to deliver industrial chemicals safely.

Brief: Our customers rely on Brainerd Chemical not just for specialty and commodity chemicals, but for the confidence that comes with true partnership. Backed by a strong safety culture, certified products, sustainable solutions, and a hybrid distribution network, Brainerd delivers more than compliance. We provide nationwide logistics and technical expertise that give our partners a clear business advantage.

Forward-thinking companies recognize that compliance is just the starting point. True stewardship comes when suppliers are more than vendors — when they stand beside customers as partners in safety, reliability, and responsible growth.

Safety is more than a box to be checked. It should be the foundation of every decision — from product offerings and packaging design to logistics, sustainability, and customer collaboration.

The cultural mindset that safety is an operational imperative distinguishes Brainerd from our competitors and positions the company as one of North America’s most trusted chemical partners.

Stewardship

Brainerd Chemical is not only a distributor but also a recognized industry thought leader. Through its involvement with organizations such as the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) and participation in national safety and stewardship initiatives, Brainerd has helped shape best practices across the industry.

“Stewardship is more than meeting today’s standard — it’s about improving tomorrow’s. At Brainerd Chemical, we see it as our responsibility to deliver chemicals in a way that protects our employees, our customers, and our communities.

– Mat Brainerd, Chairman, Brainerd Chemical Company

This leadership translates into customer value. Brainerd’s experts engage with regulators, engineers, and purchasing managers to anticipate emerging trends, align with evolving standards, and deliver proactive solutions. For customers, this means having a partner that helps keep them compliant today and proactively prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

Safety as Culture, Not Checklist

For Brainerd Chemical, safety extends beyond compliance. It is embedded in training, stewardship initiatives, facility tours, and packaging design. Employees are empowered to prioritize safety, and customers benefit from a partner who takes responsibility for minimizing risk across the supply chain.

  • Employee Training: Continuous education ensures workers handle hazardous materials with expertise and vigilance.
  • Stewardship Programs: Regular facility tours and customer site visits reinforce best practices.
  • Risk Management: Packaging and transport innovations minimize exposure risks at every stage.

You can trust that when buying from Brainerd, you are choosing a partner that cares as much about safety as you do.

Customer-Focused Innovation

The best suppliers do not simply react to customer needs; they anticipate them. Brainerd Chemical invests in customer-focused innovation, developing solutions that align with evolving industry demands.

  • Custom Packaging: Designing containers and connections that reduce spills and exposure.
  • Digital Tools: Streamlining documentation, labeling, and compliance reporting for easier integration into customer systems.
  • Technical Consultation: Providing guidance on application-specific questions, from corrosion control to water treatment efficiency.

This proactive approach transforms Brainerd from a supplier into a true extension of the customer’s team.

Sustainable by Design

Modern manufacturing operates under growing scrutiny for its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. Customers, regulators, and investors are demanding safer, cleaner, and more sustainable operations.

Brainerd Chemical supports these objectives with a safe and sustainable design approach:

  • GFSI Certification: Ensuring sulfuric acid products under 80% concentration meet global food safety standards.
  • Greener Chemistries: Expanding the use of peracetic acid, eutectic solvents, and other lower-impact alternatives.
  • Packaging Innovation: Designing container systems that reduce exposure and minimize environmental risks.
  • Transparency & Traceability: Providing documentation that simplifies customer audits and ESG reporting.

These measures mean safer operations, easier compliance, and more consistent alignment with corporate sustainability goals.

Brainerd Chemical’s Comprehensive Product Portfolio

Manufacturers across sectors depend on access to a diverse chemical portfolio. Brainerd Chemical supports virtually every corner of industrial and specialty manufacturing through a robust, diversified product portfolio. Rather than offering just a few commodity chemicals, Brainerd delivers not only core acids and bases but also blends, reagents, specialty solvents, and food-grade chemistries — all under one roof. Here’s how those offerings break down:

Core Acids & Corrosion / Material Treatment

  • Nitric Acid (98+ %) — a powerful oxidizer essential for metallurgical processes, etching, and surface treatments in powder metals and ceramic industries.
  • Sulfuric Acid (1-93 %) — one of the most widely used industrial chemicals, critical in fertilizer manufacture, oil refining, and pH control in water treatment. Importantly, Brainerd certifies all sulfuric acid below 80 % as GFSI-certified for food contact.
  • Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) — a general-purpose strong acid for cleaning, pickling, pH adjustment, and other industrial uses.
  • Hydrofluoric Acid (49 %, 70 %) — used in the semiconductor, glass, and specialty etching industries for its ability to etch silicon dioxide and complex materials.
  • Phosphoric Acid (75 % FG) — food-grade and industrial-grade phosphoric acid for fertilizer, food processing, and cleaning applications.

Bases, Oxidizers & Disinfectants

  • Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic) and Caustic Blends — fundamental alkali reagents used for pH adjustment, neutralization, and chemical processing in many industries.
  • Sodium Hypochlorite (12.5 %) — a mainstream disinfectant and bleach solution for water treatment and sanitation.
  • Hydrogen Peroxide (1-50 %) — a strong oxidizer and disinfectant, often used in water treatment, pulp & paper, and chemical synthesis.
  • Peracetic Acid (PAA) — a high-performance biocide and sanitizer widely used in food processing, energy, water treatment, and industrial hygiene.

Specialty & Reagent Chemicals

  • Formaldehyde — Brainerd is proud to hold an exclusive EPA registration for formaldehyde, making it a unique source in the market.
  • Citric Acid (50 %) — a mild organic acid used in food processing, chelation, cleaning, and pH control applications.
  • Glycols — ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or other glycols used as antifreezes, heat transfer fluids, or solvents.
  • Isopropyl Alcohol & Methanol — common industrial solvents and cleaning agents.
  • Toluene — an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent used in many chemical processes and formulations.
  • Mixed Acids — custom blends of acids to suit specific process requirements or corrosion control formulations.
  • Solvents — a broader category of specialty and general-purpose solvents for industrial and formulation use.

Brainerd’s portfolio spans the full spectrum of industrial and specialty chemistries — from strong acids and bases to disinfectants, solvents, reagents, and custom blends. This breadth allows purchasing agents and specifying engineers to simplify their supply chain and rely on a single partner for many of their critical chemical needs.

Safe, Redundant and Reliable Supply Logistics

Reliable logistics capabilities are essential to your success. Brainerd Chemical’s hybrid distribution network is designed to ensure that critical materials reach you safely, consistently, and on time.

  • Nationwide Reach: With strategically located facilities in Oklahoma, North Carolina, Delaware, Georgia, and beyond, Brainerd delivers coast-to-coast coverage.
  • Multi-Modal Logistics: A combination of rail, truck, and common carrier partnerships provides flexibility and resilience against regional disruptions.
  • On-Site Storage & Blending: Facilities equipped with blending and packaging capabilities ensure rapid response to custom specifications.
  • Just-In-Time Manufacturing: Reduces storage costs, waste, and degradation risk while keeping your supply chain efficiently aligned with your production demands.
  • DOT-Approved Packaging: Specialized solutions — including Brainerd’s exclusive U.S. Department of Transportation Special Permit for concentrated nitric acid drums — set new standards for safety and accessibility.

This distribution network reduces risk for manufacturers whose production depends on uninterrupted supply. When delays or shortages can cost millions, Brainerd’s ability to safely deliver on-time becomes a competitive advantage.

What Makes Brainerd Chemical a Better Choice

In a crowded marketplace, Brainerd Chemical Company distinguishes itself through a combination of exclusive capabilities, technical expertise, and outstanding customer service:

  1. Exclusive Capabilities: Brainerd’s DOT Special Permit enables drums of concentrated nitric acid to be shipped on traditional carriers, a rare capability in North America. This packaging design minimizes human contact during use, reducing risk for workers.
  2. Comprehensive Solutions: From bulk tank shipments to packaged drums and custom blends, Brainerd delivers flexibility tailored to each customer’s operational model.
  3. Technical Expertise: A team of specialists provides application-specific insights, ensuring that customers choose the right concentration, blend, and packaging for their processes.
  4. Customer Service: Brainerd operates with a partnership mindset, focusing on safety, stewardship, and performance rather than simple transactions.

This combination of unique solutions, deep expertise, and customer-first service makes Brainerd Chemical a better choice for those seeking reliability and risk mitigation.

Choosing Partnership for a Safer Future

In competitive manufacturing markets, the choice of chemical supplier can make the difference between meeting targets and missing deadlines, between passing an audit and facing penalties, between protecting workers and exposing them to risk.

Brainerd Chemical delivers that strategic advantage through a comprehensive product portfolio, resilient logistics, certified stewardship, and innovative capabilities that reduce risk and add value. This gives you the strategic advantage of knowing that essential chemicals arrive safely, on time, and tailored to your needs. Brainerd offers true partnership — with fewer supply chain worries, stronger compliance support, and greater operational confidence.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is one of the nation’s leading chemical manufacturers and distributors, supporting industries from energy and agriculture to water treatment and manufacturing. We combine proven expertise with innovative packaging, logistics, and service solutions to help our partners achieve efficiency, safety, and long-term success.

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

Stewardship Over Shortcuts: What Separates a Vendor from a Partner

When sourcing hazardous chemicals, price per gallon isn’t your biggest risk. Downtime, non-compliance, and catastrophic safety failures are.

The true cost of choosing the wrong supplier can be measured in injuries, lawsuits, environmental fallout, and damaged reputations. That’s why safety must be more than a line item on your procurement checklist — it must be baked into your supply chain.

Brainerd Chemical Company delivers more that products. They deliver peace of mind — the kind that comes from a deeply embedded culture of stewardship.

Safety isn’t a seasonal campaign at Brainerd. It’s a continuous operational priority, driven by leadership and lived out on the ground by teams across six production facilities. That mindset has real-world consequences — and measurable returns.

Take their Tulsa, Oklahoma site: 1,839 consecutive safe workdays and Zero OSHA recordables company-wide over the past year.

Brainerd Chemical Companies Scooba, Mississippi team just passed 1,262 safe workdays, and Danville, Illinois marked 757 days and counting.

Real Stewardship. Real Impact.

Every employee understands that safety is an operational performance metric. Ask the employees. Billy Joslin in Tuttle, Oklahoma, puts it plainly:

“In the 10 years I’ve worked here, I’ve watched safety evolve with support from leadership and across sites. We’re proactive — not reactive.”

Rodney Austin in Danville adds: “When we prioritize safety, we create trust, boost morale, and build a workplace where people can perform without fear.”

That’s not just good for employees. It’s good for your bottom line.

The ROI of Responsibility

Sourcing from a safety-first partner like Brainerd delivers quantifiable advantages:

Regulatory Confidence: Brainerd’s compliance protocols meet or exceed OSHA, EPA, DOT and local standards. Proper SDS, labeling, documentation, and transport procedures eliminate risk of violations.

Logistical Precision: With a modern fleet equipped with spill containment and temperature controls, plus Just-In-Time delivery strategies, you get product where and when you need it — without excess inventory or risk exposure.

Storage Solutions: Brainerd’s network of high-compliance facilities reduces your need for on-site storage and the risks (and insurance costs) that come with it.

Resilient Supply Chain: Contingency planning and hybrid distribution ensure you’re not left vulnerable during disruptions.

Custom Service: From bulk contract purchasing to emergency response shipments, Brainerd adapts to your operational priorities.

What Safety-Driven Supply Feels Like

Reliable. Predictable. Secure. When a supplier truly understands what’s at stake — your uptime, your people, your reputation — they build systems to protect them all.

Brainerd Chemical doesn’t just check the boxes. They redefine what chemical stewardship should look like in today’s industrial landscape.

If you’re still sourcing based on cost alone, it’s time to rethink the equation. The true value is in a partner who makes safety non-negotiable.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company safely supplies critical chemicals with the reliability, service, and support industrial clients depend on. With a nationwide presence and unmatched commitment to safety, Brainerd is the partner you want when failure is not an option.

📞 Contact: (918) 622-1214
🌐 brainerdchemical.com

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 Making a Difference with Iron Gate

Tulsa, OK, USA // Nov 2, 2024 — The Brainerd Cares team rolled up their sleeves at Iron Gate Tulsa helping to spruce up the landscaping around their facility at 501 W Archer St, Tulsa.

Our team felt so rewarded by their experience volunteering their time to at Iron Gate. Thank you Iron Gate Tulsa and congratulations on the upcoming 5th anniversary of your new facility. You make an incredible difference in our community bringing people together to nourish hungry Tulsan’s and our team is excited to play a role in the impact you make over the years ahead.

Sarah Alfred, Development Chair at Iron Gate remarked, “Thank you SO MUCH for the hard work and beautification of our building! I enjoyed meeting and working alongside these great folks.”

ABOUT IRON GATE

As Tulsa’s largest stand-alone soup kitchen and grocery pantry, Iron Gate’s mission is simple: feed the hungry of Tulsa every day. People are fed in three ways, through our soup kitchen, grocery pantry and a Kids Pantry. Those who eat at Iron Gate are referred to “guests” because they are invited to eat. The organizations’ philosophy is that we are all guests on this earth and guests treat one another with courtesy, kindness and respect.

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 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 Supports Oklahoma Special Olympics

Poteau, OK // March 31, 2024 // Brainerd Chemical Company was delighted to be a part of the Oklahoma Special Olympics events held on March 29th and April 1st, 2024. Demonstrating their commitment to community engagement and support for inclusive sports, the Brainerd team had a lot of fun refereeing the cornhole challenge and helping athletes and attendees stay refreshed and energized with snacks and drinks throughout the day.

“We are incredibly proud of our team for their dedication and enthusiasm in supporting the Oklahoma Special Olympics,” said Mat Brainerd, Chairman of Brainerd Chemical Company. “Our employees had a fantastic time interacting with the athletes and contributing to such a meaningful cause. It’s an honor to be part of an event that celebrates the abilities and achievements of these remarkable individuals.”

The Oklahoma Special Olympics events brought together athletes from across the state to compete in various sports and activities, fostering a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship. Brainerd Chemical Company’s involvement underscores its commitment to promoting inclusivity and supporting community initiatives that make a positive impact.

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

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).