Article From:
"CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTOR", Publication of the National Association of Chemical Distributors.
August 2003, Volume 25, No. 7
Visit: http://www.nacd.com
KNOWING Our Members
UNDERSTANDING Our Industry
Arriving in Washington, DC, some eight years ago, I remember learning the adage that "all politics are local." Upon arriving in Batavia, Illinois, early last month I was pleased to see that NACD members and CEF contributors often think a little broader than that, and Roger Harris, president and owner of Producers Chemical, is no exception.
Roger balances the importance of national issues with the realties of running a small chemical distribution company in northern Illinois. Founded in 1963, Producers' success over its forty years has come in large part to its ability to change with the changing needs of its customers. From southern Wisconsin, spreading out across the Midwest into Illinois and
Michigan, Producers meets the challenge of the changing face of chemical distribution by adapting its product line and services to meet the needs of economic sectors across the territory.
This 18-person, one location, family-owned and operated business runs a pretty full gamut of services. Producers' main product lines are focused in solvents for the print industry and paint and coatings, acids for the metal plating industry, and water purification chemicals for both industrial and municipal facilities. In addition, a small fleet of trucks and subcontracts with HazMat removal firms allows Producers to maintain its market position in the area. Their focus is primarily in "commodity chemicals," and they take possession of the product and repack for folks further down the chain.
In addition to running Producers, Roger is also active in CEF and NACD activities. As the Chairman of NACD's Government Affairs Committee, Roger has a firm and strong hold on the issues facing his company and the industry as a whole. From Senator Jon Corzine's "Chemical Security" bill to Senator Jim Inhofe's competing measure, you will find few people outside the Washington Beltway who know the issues better than Roger. He understands the developing trend towards regulating the chemical distribution industry extremely well and I enjoyed our lively and informative conversation on the subject. His knowledge and interest should come as no surprise as Roger previously served as the Director of Taxation for the state of Missouri. He is also actively involved with his state and local legislators. Roger remarked, "NACD's focus and efforts on our behalf on the legislative and regulatory process is, in my opinion, by far the most valuable service NACD provides to its members. So being involved with the Government Affairs Committee is where I think I can bring the most value to my company and the other members of NACD:"
Roger also keeps a focus on the inter-industry relations between the various chemical trade associations in Washington, DC. When I returned to DC, I asked Chris Strew, NACD's Vice-President of Government and Public Affairs, of his opinion of Roger and with a grin he replied, "I always need to make sure I've got my details straight before I talk to Roger!"
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