CDMA President's Message: Re-Energize, It's Summer Time!

In the spring news letter, I talked about $110 per barrel oil and the mortgage crisis placing pressure on the US (and world) economy. Well, now we are facing $150 per barrel and significant pricing pressure, particularly in the chemical industry. The news just keeps getting better & better!!!

That being said, we all know that challenges also mean opportunities. Business priorities will be readjusted, the competitive landscape will change and new technologies will solve new problems. All of this disruption creates openings for new solutions. Just look at the new market potential for epoxy resins in the manufacture of wind turbines or the expansion of silicon production for solar power.  All of these are opportunities driven by the energy challenges that face us.

Commercial Development Professionals are in a perfect position to drive change and capture opportunity.  This is not the time to be timid or reserved. The good news is CD professionals never are timid or reserved.

So while you’re enjoying the summer weather and hopefully some vacation time -- get re-energized and get ready to help your company capture the opportunities around the corner.

Also, please set your schedules for the Fall meeting. It will be held in Philadelphia at the Union League on October 6th and 7th. We will continue with the theme of “Innovation led Growth.” It is going to be a great program; I hope to see you there.

Have great summer!

Chuck Martz
CDMA President, 2008-2009