The History of Pittsburgh Chemical Day
How it Began
Founding fathers Harry Pugh (Chemical Sales Association/Monsanto) and Art Morgan (Purchasing Association/PPG Industries) met for lunch in 1967 to discuss the feasibility of a joint group dinner. Upon agreement to move forward, the Chemical Marketing Association and its Chairman Ray Siren were also invited; ultimately Ralph Reed, President Elect of the Sales Association, was selected to chair the initial Pittsburgh Chemical Day affair. The event was held on April 18, 1968, a date which coincided with National Chemical Week. Anticipating a crowd of 80-90, the event’s founders were astounded when 203 people convened at Chatham Center to hear John Gillis, Vice President, Monsanto, speak about "The International Posture of the U.S. Chemical Industry." Sponsored by the aforementioned associations, the full committee for the first Pittsburgh Chemical Day consisted of the following:
- H. Carlson Sinclair Koppers
- Q. Ebert PPG Industries
- P. LaGrotteria Pittsburgh Activated Carbon
- A. Morgan PPG Industries
- T. Onett Koppers Company
- F. Parkin Parkin Chemical
- J. Payne Carnegie Mellon University
- H. Pugh Monsanto
- R. Reed Chemply, Inc.
- J. Rogers DuPont
- W. Sawyer PPG Industries
- R. Siren Mobay
- J. Snyder Allegheny Solvents
- S. Varga Air Reduction
- D. Weimer Koppers Company
How it Grew
Pittsburgh Chemical Day wasn't always a full-day event replete with Workshop, Forum and Dinner. Its early years called for evening cocktails, a dinner, and an address by a well respected member of the Chemicals Industry family. CEO's and Presidents of Fortune 500 companies have graced the Chemical Day dais. Past keynote speakers are so sufficiently impressed that they often endorse participation with future keynote speakers.
(Click here to see a list of previous keynote speakers.)
Support and enthusiasm for Pittsburgh Chemical Day from its inception continues to be stong. This support comes from local Pittsburgh executives or those chemical industry related personnel who have succeeded the original full committee. Although the Chemical Marketing Association and the Sales Association have both folded, their membership has been absorbed by the Chemical Association of Pittsburgh. It is this group that provides the majority of the personnel who make the event successful. The Joint Chemical Group, comprised of past Pittsburgh Chemical Day chairpeople, provides guidance and counsel for the General Chairperson and his/her committees. Over the past four decades, Pittsburgh Chemical Day has grown to become the largest one-day event in the chemicals industry. With virtually every major chemical company and industry publication in annual attendance, Pittsburgh Chemical Day is perceived as one of the industry's most informative and influential events of the year.
What does the Future Hold?
The sponsoring groups are well staffed with capable and experienced people, both young and old, who have the desire to improve upon the past. The more extensive agenda, enhanced publicity, and viewing/speaking technological advances experienced recently bode well for the future. What will not change is the breaking of bread with one’s brothers for the benefit of the Chemical Industry and our world. Come, join us each year, and see the future unfold!