2019 SOCMA Week

Detailed Session Information

Concurrent Session Block 1
9:10am - 10:00am 1001: Demystifying Toll Agreements

Inquiring minds want to know what contracting and producing companies are doing regarding toll agreements. In this Toll Agreements 101 session you’ll hear how companies are managing their agreements, what pitfalls they are seeing, and what steps and processes they take when a project does not meet specifications including further examination of patents and ownership.

Session Objectives:
  1. Learn about core elements and ongoing trends in chemical tolling agreements
  2. Identify issues and hearing real examples of how processes have been developed to meet specifications proactively
  3. Identify resources and professional specialists you may need to minimize liability
Moderator: Melinda Davis Lux, Partner, Womble, Bond, Dickinson
Panelists: Chuck Hinton, President, Ethox Chemicals;  John Foley, CEO, KMCO Inc;. Greg Gibson, President, Synalloy Chemicals; Larry Brotherton, President, Ortec Inc.
 		 Commercial Track
9:10am - 10:00am 1002: The State of Chemical Facility Security Regulations

The Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) is a federal program that identifies and regulates high-risk chemical facilities to ensure security measures are in place to reduce the risk of a terrorist attack associated with more than 300 chemicals of interest (COI). The CFATS program has successfully regulated more than 3,000 high-risk facilities and continues to secure what could be dangerous chemicals on our homeland. This panel will discuss good security practices learned as a result of a decade of implementing chemical facility security regulations with applicable lessons-learned to security practitioners across all industries.

Session Objectives:
  1. Upon completion, participant will be able to identify risks associated with chemicals of interest on or surrounding their facilities
  2. Upon completion, participant will be able to have the resources available to secure those chemicals identified as high-risk.
  3. Upon completion, participant will be able to understand the safety measures needed to be taken when storing chemicals at their facilities.
Presenter: David Wulf, Director, Infrastructure Security Compliance Division, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
 		 Policy Track
9:10am - 10:00am 1003: Identifying Safe and Cost-Effective Solutions for Process Safety Management

Facilities with threshold quantities of Highly Hazardous Chemicals (HHC) must adhere to the Process Safety Management (PSM) regulation, which encompasses 14 different elements. This session details the importance of PSM by educating individuals on how to recognize OSHA violations and identify safe and cost-effective solutions. The motivation to review common OSHA PSM violations is to learn how to create directed solutions that may lead to safer and more reliable facilities.

Session Objectives:
  1. Understand the OSHA PSM violation process
  2. Identify the most common OSHA PSM violations
  3. Identify solutions to common OSHA PSM violations
Presenter: Janet Pereschino, Technical Manager - Chemical Process Safety, EPM, Inc.
 		 Manufacturing/Ops Track
9:10am - 10:00am 1004: Specialty Chemical End Use Markets Perspectives

The specialty chemicals industry feeds into many downstream markets that are impacted by many issues. Specialty chemical manufacturers can benefit from understanding the challenges of their downstream customers and find ways to help those customers succeed becuase those partnerships help both industries grow.
 		 Industry Trends Track

 

Concurrent Session Block 2
11:10am - 12:00pm 2001: Stakeholder Engagement: Deepening Connections and Building Goodwill

As specialty chemical manufacturers, we never lose sight of our customers. But what about all of those other audiences – from employees, to community leaders, to elected officials, to neighbors – that control our reputation and, in turn, our bottom line. This session offer guidance on how companies can create a plan for broader audience engagement that helps to solidify their positions in the marketplace.

Session Objectives:
  1. Understand the relationship between goodwill and bottom line.
  2. Reflect on the audiences most important to long-term success.
  3. Learn concrete steps for deepening engagement with overlooked, influential audiences.
Presenter: Chris Lukach, President, AKCG		 Commercial Track
11:10am - 12:00pm 2002: PFAS: the Fast-Changing Regulatory and Litigation Landscape

PFAS are in the news. The focus of this topic will be on developing legal concerns associated with the manufacture, use, and presence of this family of emerging contaminants.

Session Objectives:
  1. Understand the pertinent legal framework applicable to chemical risk management, both regulatory and common law
  2. Appreciate the regulatory and legal implications associated with having PFAS manufactured, used, or present on property
  3. Have insights into steps that might be taken to reduce legal exposure
Presenters: Jeff Civins, Senior Counsel, Haynes and Boone, LLP; Ann Al-Bahish, Partner, Haynes and Boone, LLP; Mary Mendoza, Partner, Haynes and Boone, LLP
 		 Policy Track
11:10am - 12:00pm 2003: Accident Investigations: Bring the Predictable to the Unpredictable

There is key evidence to be gained and preserved in the hours and days following a workplace accident or environmental release. Unfortunately, the call to action never comes at a convenient time. Smart companies plan ahead and have accident investigation protocols in place in advance of any incident. Hear about lessons learned from accident and workplace investigations, and how those investigations can inform a company’s accident investigation protocols.

Session Objectives:
  1. Learn best practices for conducting an accident investigation.
  2. Gain insights about how to build an accident investigation team.
  3. Understand how to maintain privilege over accident investigations.
Presenter: William Hubbard, Partner, Thompson Hine LLP		 Manufacturing/Ops Track
11:10am - 12:00pm 2004: Emerging Digital Technology Trends in the Chemical Industry

Digital Transformation is a buzz phrase circulating in hallways of businesses of all sizes and types these days. Company leaders, especially in sales, marketing, and procurement, have already witnessed that the changes in buying processes and customer awareness are impacting traditional and reliable approaches to conducting business. This informative panel session will discuss challenges, risks, and opportunities for the integration of new digital technologies and practices in chemical manufacturing.

Session Objectives:
  1. Understand what Digital Transformation and Digitization means in today’s environment and how it impacts chemical companies.
  2. Learn how the use of technologies such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Marketing Automation, E-Commerce applications, and improved Customer Service Tools can help improve business productivity.
  3. Understand how to leverage emerging digital technologies to the specific circumstances of your business, employees, and customers.
Presenters: Derek Jacobson, Practice Leader, Net at Work, Inc.; Mark Bradley, Operating Executive, ChemDirect; Dan McCusker, Vice President of Sales, Datacor		 Industry Trends Track

 

Concurrent Session Block 3
1:10pm - 2:00pm 3001: Duty Drawbacks: Simplifying the Not so Simple

On February 24, 2019, the old drawback law expired. Under the new law, TFTEA, includes provisions simplifying the drawback matching and claims process. At this time, CBP was integrating drawback into CBP’s ACE system. The complexities between the new law, navigating ACE and folding the 201/301 tariffs into the process has created an environment where drawback is not as simple as it seems. This presentation will highlight those changes, what importers and exporters should be aware of in this new drawback world and strategies for maximizing your drawback program.

Session Objectives:
  1. Participants will understand that if they have imports and exports that there is a possibility to utilize drawback for refunds of duties paid at import
  2. Participants will understand that there are several different tranches for drawback where they don’t always have to be the importer or exporter
  3. Participants will learn that products that are on the 201/301 list are eligible for drawback and how to manage those shipments if they are or are not on the exclusions lists
Presenter: Alessandra Mediago, Senior Manager of Drawback, Charter Brokerage
 		 Commercial Track
1:10pm - 2:00pm 3002: The Latest on Recent Clean Air Act Rule/Guidance Changes

Although not changing the basic regulatory programs, USEPA has been very busy lately adjusting specific Clean Air Act regulations and guidances that businesses have found particularly difficult to implement. These adjustments have been announced at an increasing frequency and if you aren’t paying attention, you could miss changes that will affect permitting for your next project. This presentation will alert you to recent changes affecting new source review permitting, source aggregation and more. We will also discuss our thoughts on the long term prospects for such changes, given inevitable future administration changes.

Session Objectives:
  1. Learn recent Clean Air Act regulatory and guidance changes
  2. Understand how these changes could impact specialty chemical facility operations
  3. Understand the factors that impact on whether the changes are permanent
Presenter: Amy Wachs, Partner, Husch Blackwell LLP
 		 Policy Track
1:10pm - 2:00pm 3003: Five Steps to Plan for a Successful Inspection or Audit

This informative session will address the 5 steps that should be followed to plan for a successful compliance inspection or audit. Whether an internal audit, regulatory compliance inspection or quality audit, proper planning will yield a successful outcome.

Session Objectives:
  1. Learn how to outline a plan for a compliance audit / inspection
  2. Understand how to coordinate and structure internal teams and resources to effectively prepare for the inspection / audit
  3. Learn approachs for reviewing the inspection/ audit process afterward to strengthen management processes
Presenter: Ron Razzolini, Director of Business Development, Telgian Management Technologies
 		 Manufacturing/Ops Track
1:10pm - 2:00pm 3004: Navigating Disruptive Innovations in the Chemical Industry

How can we navigate disruptive innovations in the chemical industry and what are some best practices for managing change? How can small and large chemical businesses learn from one another, and what value can private investment firms add? Hear the latest perspectives on the outlook of chemical manufacturing in an era of disruption in a panel discussion with senior chemical company executives.

Session Objectives:
  1. Gain Increased awareness of potential disruptive innovations in the chemical industry
  2. Learn new management ideas and best practices to successfully navigate industry change
  3. Gain insights into lessons learned across various company sizes and management structures
Presenter: Flemming Bjoernslev, Operating Partner, Virgo Investment Group		 Industry Trends Track

 

Concurrent Session Block 4
2:10pm - 3:00pm 4001: Risk Mitigation in the Chemical Supply Chain

Risk Mitigation is found in every company and throughout every part of the supply chain from raw materials to transportation of finished goods. Business Continuity Plans are a great way to manage risk and recognize gaps while creating timelines to implement mitigation as quickly as possible. This session will explore examples of our company’s Risk Mitigation that accounts for a diverse portfolio of products that require varied Business Continuity Plans and adaptable Risk Management.

Session Objectives:
  1. Discuss Risk Mitigation and examples in different industries.
  2. Understand the Four Pillars of Business Continuity Management.
  3. Gain best practice knowledge of a Business Continuity Plan for a company with a diverse raw material and finished goods product portfolio.
Presenter: Andi St. Pierre, U.S. Sourcing Manager, EMD Performance Materials (Merck KGaA)		 Commercial Track
2:10pm - 3:00pm 4002: Understanding the Paradigm Shift in the US New Chemicals Program and Importance of Supply Chain Communication

Understanding the new chemical review framework in the US assists companies with proper business planning and helps to ensure chemicals get to market in a timely fashion. This session will outline changes to TSCA Section 5, as amended by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act and show how the U.S. EPA is now regulating new chemical notifications. The session will outline the paradigm shift in the new chemical review process and highlight the importance of supply chain communication and how it can improve a company’s chance for successful submissions and expedite the notification process.

Session Objectives:
  1. Changes to the new chemical review framework that came into place in June 2016 under the Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act
  2. Potential regulatory outcomes of the EPA new chemical review
  3. How the supply chain plays a significant role in the risk assessment paradigm and regulatory controls
Presenter: Kelly Mayo-Bean, Senior Regulatory Scientist, Knoell USA		 Policy Track
2:10pm - 3:00pm 4003: Maximizing Your ChemStewards Management System

Session Objectives:
  1. Maximizing Your ChemStewards Management System
  2. Learn ways to support an effective ChemStewards Management System
  3. Be prepared for your re-certification audit
Presenter:  Art Gillen, Senior Associate, Verrico Associates 		 Manufacturing/Ops Track
2:10pm - 3:00pm 4004: End Use Market Trends in Performance Materials

The end product manufacturers in the performance materials space, customers of the specialty chemicals industry, face many unique challenges. The burdens of purchasing materials to manufacture consumer goods can only be overcome by understanding the challenges face by everyone in the supply chain.

Panelist: Melissa Hockstad		 Industry Trends Track

 

Concurrent Session Block 5
3:40pm - 4:30pm 5001: Leveraging the Latest Tax Breaks for Chemical Manufacturers

This informative session will provide the latest updates on powerful tax credits and incentives for chemical and contract manufacturers. Hear from alliantgroup’s technical director as he walks you through the Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit and why it applies to you, the latest changes to the tax code from the IRS and how you can qualify for these significant and beneficial credits and incentives.

Session Objectives:
  1. Learn about the current implications of tax reform legislation on chemical manufacturers
  2. Understand the applicability and benefits of the Research and Development Tax Credit
  3. Learn how to leverage and make use of such tax credits and incentives.
Presenter: Neil Shah, Technical Director, alliantgroup		 Commercial Track
3:40pm - 4:30pm 5002: Global Perspectives on International Trade

Ever since special tariffs on Chinese-origin goods have gone into effect, importing into the U.S. has become increasingly complicated. In this session, a panel of compliance experts and local Customs and Border Protection officials will provide a deeper understanding into how Section 301 tariffs affect shipments, and discuss considerations for the importation of chemicals generally.

Session Objectives:
  1. Understanding the importing process and key components of your Entry Summary
  2. Assuring importation of chemical substances complies with other agencies requirements (FDA, EPA, DOT, CPSC, FTC, Agriculture, etc.)
  3. Timelines and guidance from private-sector experts to minimize liability
Presenters: Julie Lugo, Director Global Quality, Trade and Compliance Solutions, Ashland LLC;  Marc Hebert, Partner, Jones Walker, LLP; Gregory Connor, Chief, Electronics, Machinery, Automotive, and International Nomenclature Branch, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
 		 Policy Track
3:40pm - 4:30pm 5003: Resilience is a Choice

Resilience matters in any industry, but the needs is heightened in the chemical industry This session will provide a detailed overview about why resilience is a sound defensive strategy to protect your ability to maintain your mission and stay on your business plan. But, it’s also more than that. It’s an offensive strategy as well because resilience is a competitive advantage and a choice that’s achievable.

Session Objectives:
  1. Understand ways in which business and operational resiliency can be achieved
  2. Learn why resiliency can actually provide a competitive advantage
  3. Identify the key hallmarks of resiliency and learn how to start to deploy them within your own organization
Presenter: Stephen Clark, Business Development Executive, FM Global
 		 Manufacturing/Ops Track
3:40pm - 4:30pm 5004: Economic Forecast for the Chemical Industry

Presenters: Vipin Sahijwani, CFA, FRM, CEO & Chief Investment Officer, Lynx Investment Advisory; Heather T. Errigo, CFA, Managing Director-Consulting, Lynx Investment Advisory		 Industry Trends Track