SOCMA Leadership Forum Provides Key Networking Opportunities

WASHINGTON, May 27, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dozens of chemical industry executives travelled to Charleston, SC, last week to participate in the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA) 2014 Leadership and Business Development Forum. The event, held at the Double Tree by Hilton in Charleston's historic district May 19-21, featured expert presentations on the economy, the impact of the Affordable Care Act on small business, how to improve interpersonal communication and other topics from some of the leading experts in their respective fields.

SOCMA hosts its Leadership and Business Development Forum every other year.  The previous conference was held in Cambridge, MD, at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay.

"We are proud to host a forum that provides our member company executives in the specialty chemical industry with educational information and key updates that will not only benefit them personally, but also their businesses as well," said SOCMA President and CEO Lawrence D. Sloan. "Rich with networking opportunities and presentations on a number of timely topics, the Leadership Forum is becoming a hallmark event for SOCMA."

After opening with a welcome reception on Monday evening, Brian Beaulieu, Ph.D., Principal at the Institute for Trend Research, kicked things off Tuesday with an update on the economy.  Isaac Angres, Ph.D., Of Counsel to Brundidge & Stanger P.C., followed with a presentation on intellectual property protection.  After a brief break, David DeLong, Ph.D., President of David DeLong & Associates, Inc., shared innovative talent solutions to accommodate a changing workforce.  The remainder of the day featured a sponsor showcase, provided by The Wercs, and a reception hosted by Gabriel Performance Products.

Wednesday started with a breakfast briefing on navigating the Affordable Care Act from Molly Berman, Director of Compliance at C.T. Helmuth and Associates. Berman's presentation focused specifically on how small businesses can comply with the new law. Dan Seidman, President of Got Influence?, Inc., wrapped up the Forum with an interactive presentation on "The Secret Language of Influence," which focused on improving interpersonal communication. 

SOCMA live-tweeted the event from its @SOCMA twitter feed under the hashtag #LeadershipConference14.

SOCMA offers a special thanks to Forum sponsors Encore Container, Gabriel Performance Products, InformEX, Optima Chemical and The Wercs.  Chemical and Engineering News was the official media partner.

Contact: Jennifer Drogus
Senior Manager, Public Relations and Media
(202) 721-4182
[email protected]

SOURCE Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates