5/5/15 - “Driving, Building, Growing”: MCC’s 2015 Meeting to Feature Policy Discussions and to Highlight Chemical Industry’s Contributions to Michigan

LANSING, MI, May 5, 2015 – For the 47th consecutive year, the Michigan Chemistry Council (MCC) will host its annual membership meeting and legislative reception in Lansing on Wednesday, May 13th, as the industry celebrates renewed growth and new opportunities. This year’s theme is “Driving, Building, Growing,” as the MCC highlights the role of chemistry in the automotive, construction, and agricultural sectors.

“Michigan’s chemistry companies do amazing work every day of the year, but this is the one day that we look forward to sharing these contributions with policymakers in Lansing,” said John Dulmes, MCC Executive Director. “There is a lot going on in our industry, and our members need to be aware of how proposed laws and regulations would impact their businesses. Likewise, it is helpful for legislators to understand what exactly it is that chemical companies do, and how chemicals are involved in every part of our economy.”

Dozens of Michigan’s chemical companies will gather on the 13th to discuss the latest in state policy issues facing the industry, which accounts for 120,000 jobs and $2.3 billion in payroll in the state. Speakers will include Senate Energy Committee Chairman Mike Nofs (R-Battle Creek) who will speak about his comprehensive proposal to update Michigan’s energy policy, and Governor Snyder’s Director of Strategy, John Walsh, who will share updates on the administration’s 2015 initiatives.

MCC members will also hear the latest in industry issues, including how chemical companies are increasingly engaging with retailers and their value chain partners, and how unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, or drones) will impact the chemical industry in unforeseen ways. Regulators from the Michigan’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), including Director Dan Wyant and leaders of the various divisions, will also share an extended update and take questions from the MCC members.

Finally, the MCC will host its well-known legislative reception at the Lansing Radisson, where member companies will display the products and innovations developed by chemistry in Michigan. Legislators, staff, executive branch officials, and friends of the industry are invited to celebrate these contributions, and will also have the chance to check out several models of drones being used in the state. “I’m extra excited this year to have the drones on display – most people have never had the chance to see them up close,” said Dulmes.

The Michigan Chemistry Council, established in 1967, represents Michigan’s chemical manufacturers, formulators and distributors. Chemistry is Michigan’s third-largest manufacturing sector, supporting nearly 120,000 Michigan jobs and generating $127 million in state and local taxes.

For more information, please visit www.MichiganChemistry.com