We’re honored to announce that Jillian Cimo, vice president of Coast Southwest, has been officially elected to the Board of Directors of the Chemical Industry Council of California (CICC).

Coast Southwest joined CICC one year ago, continuing a company tradition of involvement in community and professional activities and organizations. That involvement is at the crux of Jillian’s new role with CICC, as you’ll see from her comments below.

Can you tell us about the mission of the CICC, and what the attraction is for a firm like Coast Southwest and yourself?

 Jillian: The Chemical Industry Council of California (CICC) seeks to provide an effective means for individual companies and organizations engaged in the commerce of chemicals to combine their talents and resources to build understanding and support for sound public policies that affect the chemical industry in California.

The regulatory landscape in California is quite difficult to navigate. CICC monitors all enacted, as well as proposed, legislation that could impact how we do business successfully in this state.

Are there any specific CICC initiatives that stand out for you, or are particularly relevant to Coast Southwest?

Jillian: CICC’s ability to monitor and communicate to members regulatory updates and their potential impact on industry is of vital interest to Coast Southwest, and it’s valuable to California communities, too.

How did you come to be appointed to the board of the CICC?

Jillian: CICC’s new general manager, Lisa Johnson, and I share an interest in the scientific education of our youth. We both believe passionately that chemistry matters. She’s aware of the work I do as an organizer for the You Be The Chemist® Challenge in California. She attended the state championship this year, and thereafter decided to commit CICC to the cause of STEM education.

It was this connection that led to my nomination and subsequent election to the Board of Directors. The member companies of CICC understand that to have an informed electorate and a talented future workforce, we must educate our youth on the value of chemistry.

What will your specific involvement be with its direction and operations?

Jillian: New member outreach and enrollment, as well as the emphasis on STEM education, will be my initial areas of focus.

Are there any future issues or considerations affecting the industry you hope to address in your new role?

Jillian: I will be a vocal advocate for science-based regulation of our industry, ensuring that our regulatory environment is sensible. Certain initiatives, such as the California Green Chemistry and Safer Consumer Products Initiatives, protect our environment, our workers, and are welcomed by industry as well.

What would you say to anyone contemplating membership in the organization?

Jillian: Membership in CICC is vital to Coast Southwest’s ability to successfully be a chemical distributor in the state of California. CICC isn’t limited to distributors, however, and represents forty-three manufacturing plants and five research laboratories, as well as a total of sixty-seven sales, service, and distribution centers.

Any business contemplating CICC membership would find itself in excellent company. CICC provides a forum where member companies can share best business practices, strategies for compliance, and other information to enable us all to be successful in California.