Huntsman, Chevron Phillips Are Back In The ACC Fold

Huntsman Corp. and Chevron Phillips Chemical have rejoined the American Chemistry Council after walking out of the organization in 2003 over what they perceived as shortcomings in the organization's advocacy programs.

At the time, Huntsman CEO Peter R. Huntsman complained that "ACC's inability to deal effectively with its diverse membership makes reaching a consensus on issues of advocacy extremely difficult, if not impossible." And Chevron Phillips' then-CEO James L. Gallogly said ACC would have to make substantial improvements in operational efficiency and advocacy efforts for his company to consider rejoining.

ACC was headed at the time by Gregori Lebedev, who ended up resigning under pressure. Now under the leadership of Jack N. Gerard, the trade association has evidently proven itself worthy to the two companies.

"Chevron Phillips has a strong interest in direct advocacy, industry performance, and ensuring that the business of chemistry remains a vital and integral part of the American marketplace," says Ray Wilcox, who replaced Gallogly as CEO at Chevron Phillips. "ACC's current direction will enable us and our industry colleagues to further that goal."

Peter Huntsman says: "We are pleased with the new direction and focus at ACC, and we are excited to be rejoining this dynamic association. It is a new day at ACC and we are looking forward to being part of it."

ACC also announced that sodium borohydride producer Montgomery Chemicals, Conshohocken, Pa., has joined the organization. Two large chemical makers that earlier left the group, Lyondell Chemical and GE Plastics, have not rejoined.