Through ACC's Responsible Care® Roadshow, chemical manufacturers across the country are opening their doors to policymakers and community leaders to showcase the industry's commitment to safety, environmental stewardship and continuous improvement while highlighting the policies needed to strengthen American manufacturing and innovation.
As part of the latest Roadshow stop, ACC partnered with Syensqo to welcome Congressman Rich McCormick (GA-07) to the company's Alpharetta, Georgia, Innovation Center. Joined by Mike Finelli, Chief Technology & Innovation Officer and Chief North America Officer at Syensqo, employees, educators, community leaders and local officials, Rep. McCormick participated in a day of discussions focused on Responsible Care®, advanced manufacturing, workforce development and the importance of practical, science-based policies that support a strong, competitive U.S. chemical industry.
The event also provided an opportunity to explore how collaboration among industry, policymakers and community partners can support local economies and prepare the next generation workforce.
The visit began with a town hall featuring Rep. McCormick and Finelli, facilitated by Mitch Toomey, ACC's Vice President of Responsible Care and Stewardship. Their conversation explored how Responsible Care creates a foundation for a safe and sustainable U.S. chemical industry, and how emerging technologies and advanced materials made possible by chemistry are supporting industries ranging from aerospace and automotive to semiconductors and batteries.
Rep. McCormick emphasized the importance of hearing directly from manufacturers as policymakers consider issues affecting innovation and American competitiveness.
America leads the world when our businesses have the freedom to innovate and compete. As a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I’m focused on making sure our policies reflect the realities of American industry by listening directly to manufacturers and relying on sound science. Engaging directly with industry is critical to getting that right and keeping American manufacturing strong.
Responsible Care® remained a central theme throughout the day, with Syensqo highlighting how its principles inform the company’s research, manufacturing and community partnerships. Discussions explored how the program supports environmental, health, safety and security performance while fostering transparency, stakeholder engagement and operational excellence.
Finelli emphasized that, at Syensqo, this commitment shapes the company’s day-to-day decisions:"
"Responsible Care® isn't simply a program we participate in—it's embedded in how we operate every day. It shapes the way we approach safety, stewardship and innovation, while driving a culture of continuous improvement that helps us deliver advanced solutions responsibly for our customers and communities.
Following the town hall, Rep. McCormick joined local leaders, education partners and workforce stakeholders for a roundtable discussion focused on community engagement and workforce development. Participants discussed how industry partnerships can strengthen the future talent pipeline through initiatives such as the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI). To date, Syensqo has sponsored 36 FOSSI scholars and recently hired a FOSSI graduate.
The visit concluded with a tour of Syensqo's research and development facilities, where participants saw firsthand how the company is leveraging advanced technologies to support research, improve operational performance, and develop advanced materials. Tour stops included melt processing, mechanical testing and the Advanced Development Laboratory (ADL), providing an up-close look at how Responsible Care® principles support scientific advancement and operational excellence across the facility.
ACC thanks Rep. McCormick, Mike Finelli, the Syensqo team and the many community and education partners who participated in the day's discussions.
