Why Talent Is a Strategic Priority

Every year, the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) annual meeting offers a clear snapshot of where the industry is headed. But this year, one theme rose above the rest: the companies winning the next decade are the ones investing in people, not just processes.

“In today’s chemical industry, strategy only matters if you have the people who can execute it. Talent, training, and leadership development are now as critical to competitiveness as safety and supply reliability.”
— Matt Brainerd, Chairman, Brainerd Chemical Company

With regulatory pressures reshaping operations, global trade dynamics introducing new volatility, and customers expecting more transparency and responsiveness than ever before, workforce capability has become a true differentiator. The companies developing their people — their judgment, leadership, technical expertise, and communication skills — are the ones building the strongest foundations for growth.

A Competitive Advantage

For decades, the chemical sector has leaned heavily on operational efficiency, footprint, and supply reliability. While these remain essential, the industry’s evolution is forcing an additional layer of capability: talent that can think, adapt, lead, and collaborate in increasingly complex environments.

In this environment, people become the stabilizing force, the problem-solvers who ensure reliability, trust, and resilience even when market conditions shift. That’s why the conversations at ACD focused not only on where the industry is going, but who will lead it forward.

A Path Forward

Brainerd Chemical has long believed that industry leadership isn’t defined by scale, but by the discipline, capability, and character of your people. Talent is a strategic differentiator in chemical distribution as essential as supply reliability and safety performance.

The companies building stronger teams today aren’t just more competitive — they’re building stronger a more resilient chemical industry for tomorrow.

Brainerd Chemical’s CARE Program Strengthens Communities

Brief: Brainerd Chemical Company’s CARE Program—Community, Awareness, Respect, and Engagement—turns corporate responsibility into measurable community impact. Across all our facilities, Brainerd employees actively support education, safety, and well-being through partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and first responders. From sponsoring STEM scholarships and serving meals with the City Lights Foundation to hosting emergency-preparedness tours and supplying thousands of students with school essentials, CARE reflects Brainerd’s deep commitment to the people and communities.

Building a Culture of Community, Awareness, Respect, and Engagement

At Brainerd Chemical Company, giving back isn’t an afterthought — it’s a guiding principle. Through our CARE Program — Community, Awareness, Respect, and Engagement — Brainerd employees across all six U.S. locations dedicate time, talent, and resources to support the people and places that make our work possible.

From classroom visits to first-responder preparedness tours, the CARE Program demonstrates how a values-driven company can make measurable, human-centered impact — locally and nationally.

Strengthening the Places We Call Home

United Way Tulsa-Area Volunteer Event
In partnership with the Tulsa Area United Way, Brainerd employees recently joined dozens of community volunteers to sort supplies, assemble resource kits, and support local nonprofits. The event reflected Brainerd’s belief that lasting success begins with helping people thrive where they live and work.

Back-to-School Resource Fair Support
Brainerd also contributed thousands of school supplies — scissors, erasers, and activity sheets — to the 8th Annual Back-to-School Resource Fair in Tulsa, ensuring more than 2,000 students started the year with the tools they need to learn and succeed.

Family & Community Festivals
At events like Tulsa Tough, Brainerd turns corporate sponsorship into family fun — hosting games, inflatables, and community activities that connect employees, neighbors, and families in celebration of local pride.

Awareness: Investing in Education and the Next Generation

Seaford Central Elementary Visit
At Brainerd’s Seaford, Delaware facility, team members visited Seaford Central Elementary School to engage with students and teachers — sharing encouragement, delivering classroom resources, and fostering early curiosity in science and technology.

STEM Scholarships Through FOSSI
Brainerd also supports the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) — an American Chemistry Council partnership that provides scholarships and mentoring to underrepresented students pursuing STEM degrees at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Events like Swings for STEM help fund those programs and open pathways into chemical industry careers.

Respect: Serving with Compassion and Integrity

Volunteer Work with City Lights Foundation
In Tulsa, Brainerd employees joined City Lights Foundation in serving meals and providing direct assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness. The effort reinforced Brainerd’s respect for every individual’s dignity — and the belief that businesses can be agents of compassion.

Inclusive Sports & Community Events
Brainerd volunteers also supported Special Olympics Oklahoma by officiating cornhole challenges and cheering on athletes. Through this involvement, employees demonstrated how simple acts of presence and encouragement can create lasting connections.

Engagement: Empowering Preparedness and Safety

First-Responder Safety & Preparedness Tours
Each year, Brainerd opens its facilities to local fire, EMS, and law-enforcement agencies for site walkthroughs and safety briefings. The goal: to ensure responders are familiar with site layouts, equipment, and materials before an emergency ever occurs.

At the Tuttle, Oklahoma plant, these tours have become an annual tradition that strengthens trust between Brainerd and its surrounding community. It’s a model being replicated across all Brainerd sites.

Why CARE Matters

For Brainerd Chemical, CARE isn’t just a program — it’s part of the company’s DNA. Each initiative connects directly to core business values:

  • Safety and Stewardship — embodied through first-responder outreach and community education.
  • Empowerment and Education — shown through STEM partnerships and school engagement.
  • Compassion and Collaboration — reflected in volunteerism and human-service partnerships.
  • Transparency and Trust — built through open communication and consistent presence in local communities.

Brainerd’s CARE Program turns corporate citizenship into meaningful action — demonstrating that the same precision and accountability driving chemical excellence can also drive positive community change.

Join the CARE Movement

Brainerd Chemical invites community partners, educators, first responders, and nonprofits to join the CARE mission. Together, we can create safer, stronger, and more connected communities — one act of care at a time.

👉 Learn more or partner with us: brainerdchemical.com

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.

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1.918.622.1214

www.brainerdchemical.com

Source: Brainerd Chemical Company

Focus on Food Safety at CheeseCon 2025

Tulsa, OK April 3rd, 2025 // Specialty chemical manufacturer Brainerd Chemical Company is showcasing its food safety, processing, and facility hygiene products at CheeseCon, April 15-17, 2025, at the Alliant Energy Center, Madison, WI.

Brainerd Chemical Company helps food producers across the country win the battle against pathogenic organisms and deliver goods more safely while improving operational efficiencies. Rely on Brainerd Chemical company to supply an comprehensive array of chemistries including mixed acids, phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide blends, sulfuric acid, and our Terrastat® line of PAA antimicrobial products.

Want to learn more? Visit https://brainerdchemical.com/safety-food/ and find out how the Brainerd team and our comprehensive product line will help you improve your operational efficiency.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is a leading manufacturer and supplier of innovative food safety chemistries, delivering wide-ranging solutions that optimize operational efficiencies for managing food, water and facilities safe and clean. Brainerd Chemical offers a complete line of EPA and FDA approved products for a variety of industries including food & beverage, meat and poultry processing, agriculture, animal health, industrial water treatment, oil & gas, wastewater treatment and more.

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Brainerd Chemical Showcase at AFPM 2025 

Tulsa, OK March 17, 2025 // Specialty chemical manufacturer Brainerd Chemical Company is showcasing its comprehensive product line at the AFPM International Petrochemical Conference March 23rd through 25th in San Antonio, TX. 

The AFPM International Petrochemical Conference is one of the largest petrochemical events in the world, attracting thousands of participants from companies across the globe. Brainerd Chemical Company welcomes the opportunity to share and hear insights from industry leaders on key political, economic and environmental issues facing the petrochemical industry. 

Brainerd Chemical Company helps the oil and gas industry enhance productivity while safeguarding people, assets, and the environment. We serve the energy industry through a broad offering of solvents, alcohols, glycols, surfactants, silicones, glycol ethers, amines, and other various acids as well as innovative PAA biocides that reduce bacteria, hydrogen sulfide, iron sulfide and other oilfield contaminates without the harmful byproducts and safety risks associated with traditional chemistries.  

Available in 5%, 15% and 22% concentrations, Terrastat® PAA biocides offer high oxidation potential, and can be a faster, more effective biocide. It’s safer and more efficient because it’s ready to use without the need for onsite mixing. And, because PAA complies with many new legal guidelines, Terrastat® biocides help you protect your investment while also protecting the land.  

Whether you’re thinking of switching from traditional biocides like CIO2 or looking for a way to boost the effectiveness across your operations, the Brainerd Chemical team will help you better achieve your goals. We’d be honored to connect and learn about your critical challenges. Join the Brainerd Chemical team March 23rd through 25th at the Grand Hyatt in San Antonio, TX. 

Read to learn more? Visit https://brainerdchemical.com/oil-and-gas and find out how the Brainerd team and our comprehensive product line can help you improve your operational efficiency.  

About Brainerd Chemical Company 

Brainerd Chemical Company – is a leading manufacturer and supplier of innovative solutions for oil and gas producers that optimize operational efficiencies. Brainerd produces a complete line of EPA and FDA approved products for a variety of industries including oil & gas, wastewater treatment, industrial water treatment, meat and poultry processing, food & beverage, agriculture, animal health, mining and more.  

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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.

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Brainerd Chemical Company

Source: Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Thrives at WEFTEC 2024

Brainerd Chemical shares industry insights at WEFTEC 2024

New Orleans, LA, USA // Oct 12, 2024 — Brainerd Chemical Company is proud to lead the way in water treatment at the WEFTEC 2024 exhibition and conference in New Orleans October 5-9th. David Potter, Water Treatment Specialist, Brainerd Chemical Company commented, “WEFTEC was a huge success. I really enjoyed catching up with industry friends, learning about new trends impacting their business and introducing a new generation our water treatment technologies that are helping them build more sustainable wastewater treatment solutions.”

About WEFTEC 2024

WEFTEC, the Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference, is the largest annual water quality exhibition in North America. It offers water quality professionals the best water quality education and training available by bringing together voices from diverse cultures, communities, and backgrounds—each with a unique connection to water.


WEFTEC is more than just a conference—it’s an immersive experience that empowers attendees to learn how to positively impact the future of water quality and environmental sustainability by exploring cutting-edge solutions, connecting with sector leaders, and discover new tools to drive sustainable change. With expert insights, unparalleled networking opportunities, and groundbreaking innovations, WEFTEC empowers you to tackle today’s challenges and shape the future of water and the environment.

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, WEFTEC 2024.

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 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.