From Assessments to Advocacy

00:00:00: Hello, I'm your host Adam Brunner and welcome to the Evonik Minute.

00:00:04: Your quick bi-weekly podcast for the important stories, news and announcements for Evonik's North America region.

00:00:12: The date is September, twenty-fifth, twenty-twenty-five and on today's episode, Evonik holds a safety workshop in Ohio.

00:00:19: We celebrate forty years of safety in Maryland and the Evonik colleagues complete the ACC Advocacy Academy.

00:00:27: Those stories and more coming up.

00:00:29: in just a minute.

00:00:39: First up, Ivonic recently hosted a two-day workshop at the Ashland plant in Columbus, Ohio, focused on Ivonic Life Safety Assessment Tools, or LSATS.

00:00:48: This event welcomed twenty-five participants from Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates, SOCMA, who were eager to learn about the practical applications of LSATS in enhancing safety protocols.

00:00:59: The LSATS Developed by Avonix North America Environment Safety, Health and Quality Services team consists of fifteen tools aimed at addressing critical life safety topics such as permit to work, hot work and confined space procedures.

00:01:12: Sean Marsh, vice president of ESHQ in North America, played a pivotal role in leading the workshops.

00:01:17: The workshop was open to all SOCMA members.

00:01:20: People came from multiple companies.

00:01:22: It was over two days.

00:01:24: I think we had about a day and a half worth of content, plant tour, and we basically went through.

00:01:28: there are two types of.

00:01:30: One is you check your procedures.

00:01:31: Do they have the right things?

00:01:32: The other is you go out in the field and you interview people during a live permit and you convince yourself that these people understand the important things about the job.

00:01:42: Next, the Harvard to Grace pilot plant in Maryland celebrated a remarkable milestone.

00:01:47: Forty years of safety and operation.

00:01:50: Since its establishment in The pilot plant has played a crucial role in developing and supporting plant processes, continuously evolving with advancements in equipment and personnel.

00:02:00: It not only focuses on safety, but also engages in vital activities such as troubleshooting and process improvements, which have led to significant advancements in efficiency and sustainability.

00:02:09: During the recent celebration, the team reflected on their journey, sharing stories of past managers and highlighting the strong relationships built within the workplace.

00:02:16: This milestone serves as a reminder of the importance of teamwork and commitment to safety in achieving long-term success.

00:02:22: According to Will Hagar, the North American and Asian Head of Process and Optimization Development,

00:02:27: I want to say award, but milestone.

00:02:29: Let's call it milestone because we don't fit a normal plant size.

00:02:33: We have a staff of five in the pilot plants.

00:02:35: What makes this pretty unique?

00:02:37: in the pilot plan, we operate with a self-directed team, more or less self-directed to meet our goals.

00:02:43: And that includes, you know, some aspects of safety as well.

00:02:46: Like-minded individuals focused on safety, working towards continuous improvement, and we put a priority on it.

00:02:54: You know, forty years of safe operation isn't luck,

00:02:57: and

00:02:59: they own their own success.

00:03:03: Ivana Collies completed the American Chemistry Council's Advocacy Academy.

00:03:07: John Griffin, the Bayport, Texas plant manager, and Brittany Brogue, the Reserve Louisiana plant manager, recently graduated from the ACC's Advocacy Academy.

00:03:17: Following their graduation, they traveled the Capitol Hill to engage in productive discussions with their congressional representatives, emphasizing the significance of Ivana's contributions to the community and economic growth in the respective regions of North America.

00:03:29: Here is Brittany.

00:03:30: Being in the heart of the nation's decision making enabled me to witness firsthand how advocacy efforts can shape policy and influence the future of our industry.

00:03:41: This experience educated me on the power of informed advocacy and the necessity of building relationships with key stakeholders.

00:03:49: The Advocacy Academy aims to educate employees from ACC member companies on advocacy strategies.

00:03:55: featuring expert speakers, professional networking opportunities, and direct engagement with elected officials, both locally and in Washington, D.C.

00:04:02: Participants learn grassroots advocacy tactics, effective science communication, and leadership development over a six-month program.

00:04:09: This initiative showcases Ivana's commitment to empowering its employees to be strong advocates for the chemistry industry, as John explains.

00:04:17: I would say that advocacy occurs at many levels.

00:04:20: It does not only consist of meeting with officials.

00:04:22: Advocacy may occur at a grocery store, at a school, at a local community center, and many other places.

00:04:28: There are always opportunities to advocate for our industry.

00:04:31: I've always been a proponent.

00:04:33: of our industry, I feel like we create products that are beneficial for society.

00:04:37: After completing the academy, I think I have a better understanding of actions that I can take to enhance the perception that our local community has of our company as well as our industry.

00:04:49: And that's the news.

00:04:50: I'm Adam Brunner.

00:04:52: Thank you for spending some time with us today on The

00:05:01: Ivonic Minute.