gold star trophy against shiny sparks background

The National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) announced the winner of the 2021 NACD Responsible Distribution Excellence Award. This award is presented to companies that demonstrate a sustained and rigorous commitment to Responsible Distribution, NACD’s mandatory, independent, third-party verified environmental, health, safety and security program.

This year’s Responsible Distribution Excellence Award goes to EMCO Chemical Distributors, Inc. Established in 1971 and headquartered in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, EMCO Chemical Distributors is recognized as one of the leading providers of chemicals and chemical-related products and services in North America. Guided by its commitment to quality and safety, EMCO annually handles more than 350 million pounds of product through its chemical distribution and contract packaging divisions.

“EMCO embodies everything we look for in responsible distributors,” says Megan Bohan, CEO and Owner of TRInternational and Treasurer of NACD’s Board of Directors. “EMCO Chemical Distributors has gone through rigorous steps to prove their attention to detail, dedication to their employees and the communities where they operate, and willingness to continuously improve and raise their standards to ensure the highest safety and quality operations possible.”

Some of the positive work includes:

• Strong management buy-in for Responsible Distribution with annual reviews of Code Procedures conducted and documented by members of senior management;

• Monthly site safety meetings with all senior management involved in environment, health, security, and safety procedures;

• A robust annual training schedule for all employees, with every position having a Training Programs Policy;

• Projects such as a new video training program, a new preventative maintenance system, a badging system for employees to enter the facility, and tracking key performance indicators annually in their Corporate Goals and review; and much more.

“Responsible Distribution challenges us to examine and improve every level of our operations,” says Edward Polen, President and Founder of EMCO Chemical Distributors. “Receiving the Responsible Distribution Excellence Award reflects all the incredible work everyone at EMCO carries out every day to lead the industry in safe distribution practices, surpass regulatory requirements, and promote the principles of Responsible Distribution.”

Since 2006, more than a dozen companies that exemplify the principles of Responsible Distribution have received the Responsible Distribution Excellence Award. Third-party verifiers and peers nominate the award recipients to earn this distinctive recognition. Company representatives join NACD leadership at the ChemEdge conference in August each year to receive the award in front of their colleagues and encourage other association members to learn from their best practices.