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 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).

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).

Safety First

Tuttle, OK // June 12, 2024 // Brainerd Chemical Company proactively works to ensure swift emergency response and containment by engaging with local area first responders and emergency management planners to develop relationships, improve communication and amplify first responder facility layout knowledge.

Brainerd Chemicals’ Tuttle facility supplies energy producers and the food safety industry with the chemical products and guidance they need for more efficient, effective, and environmentally responsible operations.

Every Brainerd employee is expected to promote a culture of safety by continuously striving for the safest way forward. And every employee is empowered to stop, review, and improve any process they feel can be made safer. It’s an approach that helps our team foster a positive, healthier environment for our staff, customers, and the communities we live and work in.

Brainerd Chemical strives for open, transparent, and frequent communication with the local, state, and federal organizations taking a proactive approach to responsible operations. “Safety is at the forefront of everything we do,” says Garrett Woodson, Operations/Logistics Manager.

Garrett and his team regularly host a two-hour facility tour and lunch meetings with local emergency management teams. The process helps build invaluable relationships, accelerate communication, and provide first responders with the critical on-site familiarization they need to expedite response times, reduce human risks and help minimize potential environmental damage in the event of an emergency.

Jessica Lane, reporter for the Chickahsa Express-Star learned a lot when she joined the Grady County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) for a facility tour. All operations are shut down during the tour, ensuring a safe and comprehensive learning opportunity.

Lane noted that Brainerd Chemical Company has a unique “constant visual” of safe operations. Safety features are engineered into every square foot in the facility such as the sloped floors nearly everywhere the LEPC group walked. Woodson explained that keeping all chemicals off the ground is a priority. Although barely perceptible if not pointed out, sloped floors direct any spilled material towards a retention area where they can be safely remediated.

Overhead, the Brainerd facility has specialized, explosion-proof lighting, as well as highly sensitive sensors able to detect chemical leaks and prevent potential emergencies before they happen. Should a situation occur, a fire suppression system is in place able to provide 21 minutes of continuous flow to quickly knock-down flames.

Integrated physical safety systems are only as effective as the people and culture behind them. At Brainerd, every employee is expected to focus on safety and improve any process in pursuit of a healthier environment for staff, customers, and the neighboring communities.

About Brainerd Chemical Company:

Brainerd Chemical Company is one of the largest independent suppliers of chemicals and related services in the continental United States, manufacturing, blending, packaging and distributing chemical products to a wide variety of industrial sectors.

Media Inquiries:

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

SOURCE:

Brainerd Chemical Company, Chickasha Express News, Grady County LEPC & City of Tuttle Fire Department

Brainerd Brings Family Festival to Tulsa Tough

Tulsa, OK // June 8, 2024 // In partnership with Tulsa Tough, Brainerd Chemical Company presents the first-ever Brainerd Family Festival on Guthrie Green during the FC Tulsa Arts District Criterium bicycle race.

Free and open to everyone, the Brainerd Family Festival on Guthrie Green provides the best seat in the house where families can cool off in the shade while watching the crit race excitement. It’s an extension of how Brainerd puts CARE into action every day through our philanthropic involvement in the communities where we work and live. This event provides a variety of amusements for the whole family to enjoy including face painting, inflatables, yard games, the Saint Francis Bear Clinic, and much more. And, the first 300 Saint Franics Tulsa Tough Kids Race participants receive a free t-shirt.

One of Tulsa’s most beloved traditions, Saint Francis Tulsa Tough, is a unique three-day cycling festival experience for racers, riders, and spectators, all centered in beautiful downtown Tulsa and along the banks of the Arkansas River. The event attracts professional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts from around the world. It’s an amazing event that showcases a wide variety of cycling races, rides and events, encouraging people to have fun and stay active while raising funds for worthy Tulsa causes through the Tulsa Community Foundation.

About Brainerd Chemical Company:

Brainerd Chemical Company is one of the largest independent suppliers of chemicals and related services in the continental United States, manufacturing, blending, packaging and distributing chemical products to a wide variety of industrial sectors.

Media Inquiries:

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

SOURCE: Saint Francis Tulsa Tough and Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Named a 2022 Top Workplace

Tulsa, OK Nov. 21, 2022 // Brainerd Chemical Company, an industry leading chemical manufacturer and hybrid distributor is honored to be recognized as a Top Workplace for the fourth year in a row.

Brainerd Chemical was recognized with the Oklahoma regional award as a top employer within the mid-sized company category (35 to 149 employees) by The Oklahoman, a leading regional media company.

“Being named a Top Workplace for four consecutive years is an incredible achievement that underscores our workforce’s commitment to stewardship.”

– Neil Morgan, COO Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical is proud to represent the chemical manufacturing & distribution industry alongside the diverse range of companies.  We value employee engagement, its impact on performance and how employee feedback provides critical business intelligence that helps our leadership continuously improve health, safety, security, and environmental procedures in every phase of chemical manufacturing, production, service, storage, handling, transportation and disposal.

Award Criteria

The Top Workplace selections were made based on feedback from participating companies’ employees. In the Spring of 2022, Brainerd Chemical staff members were offered an opportunity to complete an anonymous employee engagement survey which polled for feedback on various topics related to job satisfaction and company culture. Response was overwhelming with Brainerd employees completing well beyond the minimum rate of 35% participation to be considered for the Top Workplace award. The results were then compared to other participating companies and ranked accordingly, with the highest-scoring companies receiving Top Workplace designations.

About Brainerd Chemical Company:

Brainerd Chemical specializes in high hazard chemistries and their transportation. More than toll blenders, Brainerd creates, builds and manages specialized manufactured chemistries.

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.

For over 64 years, Brainerd has dared to do the challenging work that builds a more sustainable chemical industry.

Media Inquiries

1.918.622.1214

Brainerd Chemical Company

SOURCE: Brainerd Chemical Company

50 for 50 Site Visit Challenge Winner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. ARLINGTON, VA, January 6, 2022 – Brainerd Chemical Company honored for hosting the most legislator site visits to champion the cause of the Chemical industry in the face of ongoing supply chain difficulties and the problems with the ocean carriers and port backlogs.

Engaging our nation’s leaders in discussions about safety and responsibility pays off. Mat Brainerd and his team at Brainerd Chemical Company, Inc., led the way in ACD’s 50 for 50 Site Challenge.

“Thank you to the ACD (formerly known as the NACD) for recognizing Brainerd as the 50 for 50 Site Visit Challenge winner. We always look forward to discussing industry issues with legislators and hope to continue site visits in the new year. Congrats to the other rock star organizations who were also honored!” said Mat Brainerd.

ACD members and legislators find site visits invaluable for fostering relationships, exchanging insights, and highlighting challenges and opportunities within the chemical industry and the 750,000+ businesses that depend on chemical suppliers. A standout event was U.S. Senator James Lankford’s tour of Brainerd Chemical Companies Tuttle, Oklahoma facility which focuses on serving the chemical needs of the oil & gas, animal health and food safety industries. Discussions emphasized the role of peracetic acid and sustainable chemical solutions.

What is the 50 for 50 Site Challenge?

In honor of the ACD’s 50th Anniversary, the organization created an initiative to facilitate in-person chemical production and distribution facility site visits with congressional policymakers. In-district site visits give legislators direct insight into the important work performed inside chemical supplier facilities so that the 750,000+ businesses nationwide that depend on them can get the chemical supplies they need to keep our economy strong.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical has specialized in high hazard chemistries and their transportation. Brainerd creates, builds and manages specialized manufactured chemistries. 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 Inquiries

1.918.622.1214

Brainerd Chemical Company

SOURCE: Brainerd Chemical Company

RELATED LINKS:  Winner of the 2021 ACD 50 for 50 site visit challenge

Celebrating 40 Years at Brainerd Chemical Co.

Mathew (“Mat”) A. Brainerd, Chairman and CEO of Brainerd Chemical Company, Inc. (Tulsa, OK – United States), a family owned and managed distributor with activities in 40 states of the U.S., has recently celebrated his 40th work anniversary. The youngest of three brothers, Mat became President of Brainerd Chemical in 1979, when his father Harold Brainerd, Jr., the company’s founder, was approaching retirement.

Over the last 40 years, Mathew has worked to expand Brainerd’s product line into many new markets, which resulted in the company’s growth from a local chemical outlet to a major chemical supplier. Being very active in industry associations like Alliance for Chemical Distribution  (ACD) or the International Council of Chemical Trade Associations (ICCTA), he is well known also to distributors in Europe from his regular visits to the FECC Congress. Mathew has worked to impact the legislative and regulatory processes in the chemical industry to promote safety and environmental protection.

In November 2016 NACD named Mathew the 2016 Distributor of the Year. According to NACD, recipients of this award “demonstrate outstanding commitment to the chemical distribution community and work steadfastly on behalf of NACD and the entire industry.”

SOURCE: DistriConsult Gmbh

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Mathew A. Brainerd celebrates 40 Years at Brainerd Chemical Company, Inc.