ACD Names Two Responsible Distribution Excellence Award Winners
The Alliance for Chemical Distribution named Chicagoland Quad Cities Express, Inc. of Bridgeview, Illinois, and Chem/Serv, Inc. of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, recipients of the 2026 Responsible Distribution Excellence Award during its annual ChemEdge Conference and Trade Show.
The award is presented to companies that demonstrate continuous improvement and a sustained, rigorous commitment to ACD Responsible Distribution™, the association’s mandatory, third-party-verified environmental, health, safety and security program. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Excellence Award, two winners were announced for only the third time in the award’s history.
“For two decades, the Responsible Distribution Excellence Award has recognized the companies that define what leadership looks like in our industry,” said Caroline Brooks, senior director of Responsible Distribution. “We're proud to recognize Chicagoland Quad Cities Express, Inc. and Chem/Serv, Inc. for carrying that tradition forward through their commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.”
Chicagoland Quad Cities Express is a family-owned chemical transportation and logistics company serving customers throughout the supply chain. ACD recognized the company for making Responsible Distribution a foundation of its business strategy and culture.
Its initiatives include an internal audit process connecting Responsible Distribution Code requirements, a digital carrier sign-in system designed to strengthen safety verification and reduce paperwork, and collaboration with customers and other ACD members on supply chain performance, inventory management and product recycling.
“Responsible Distribution isn't just a program we participate in — it's the way we run our business every day,” said Terri Wintermute, president of Chicagoland Quad Cities Express.
Chem/Serv is a specialty chemical distributor serving customers across the Upper Midwest and has participated in Responsible Distribution for more than 30 years.
The company was recognized for employee training, routine audits and company-wide STOP Work Authority; conversion of its sales fleet to 100% hybrid vehicles; facility and transportation improvements; and emergency response exercises.
“For more than 30 years, Responsible Distribution has shaped how we operate, how we train our employees, and how we invest in the future of our business,” said Andrea Nagle, CEO of Chem/Serv.
The Responsible Distribution Excellence Award has been presented to more than two dozen companies since 2006. Recipients are nominated by third-party verifiers and peers.
Chemical distributors are a critical link between raw-material producers and coatings manufacturers, making safety, supply-chain performance and responsible handling relevant throughout the coatings industry. Read more PCI coverage of raw materials for paint and coatings formulation.
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