Fitz Chem - 1998 Press Releases

Fitz Chem Corporation wins National Award
Largest Percentage Increase In Sales Award by CIMBAR Performance Minerals goes to Fitz Chem Corporation of Elmhurst, Illinois
Elmhurst, Illinois - December 19, 1998: Fitz Chem Corporation, a leading Midwest distributor/sales agent of raw materials to the Paint, Coatings, Plastics, Rubber, Ink and Adhesives Industries, won the 1997 Award for Largest Percentage Increase in Sales given by CIMBAR Performance Minerals. One of three national awards presented by Cimbar, the black and clear crystal statue was presented to Fitz Chem's Vice President of Marketing, Ed Croco, during ceremonies held by Cimbar at the International Coatings Exposition last month in Atlanta.

Cimbar Performance Minerals is a subsidiary of Baroid, a division of Dresser Industries. Cimbar was formed from the buyout of Cyprus Mines by Baroid in 1993. Baroid merged with Dresser Industries the subsequent year. Fitz Chem has had a relationship with Cimbar since its inception and represents Cimbar's barytes line in major areas of Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana.

Fitz Chem, an Elmhurst, Illinois based corporation, is a leading distributor and sales agent of raw materials to the paint, coatings, plastics, rubber, ink, adhesives, paper, food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals industries. Its distribution arm is FC Distribution Corporation, a public warehouse facility, also located at 185 Industrial Drive in Elmhurst. Fitz Chem has served the Midwest including Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan for over 12 years. Fitz Chem is an active member of the National Association of Chemical Distributors ("NACD") and is certified under their "Responsible Distribution Process" program-the industry standard for Chemical Distributors.

David Crenshaw named new Ink & Adhesives
Industry Manager for Fitz Chem Corporation
Fitz Chem names new Industry Manager as part of their industry focused marketing plan
Elmhurst, Illinois - December 19, 1998: Fitz Chem Corporation, a leading Midwest distributor/sales agent of raw materials to the Ink, Adhesives, Coatings, Plastics and Rubber Industries, is pleased to announce the appointment of David Crenshaw to the position of Ink and Adhesives Industry Manager. This formal appointment came on September 15, 1997. Crenshaw will oversee the management of Fitz Chem's ink and adhesives accounts in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan.

Crenshaw has 20 years of laboratory and sales experience within the ink industry from former positions with Sun Chemical and Datacolor International (ACS Color Systems). He is well-versed in the ink industry with full knowledge of liquid ink-both flexo and gravure-as well as paste ink . Crenshaw resides in South Holland, Illinois with his wife, Mackie.

Fitz Chem, an Elmhurst, Illinois based corporation, is a leading distributor and sales agent of raw materials to the ink, adhesives, coatings, plastics, rubber, paper, food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals industries. Its distribution arm is FC Distribution Corporation, a public warehouse facility, also located at 185 Industrial Drive in Elmhurst. Fitz Chem has served the Midwest--including Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan--for over 12 years. Fitz Chem is an active member of the National Association of Chemical Distributors ("NACD") and is certified under their "Responsible Distribution Process" program-the industry standard for Chemical Distributors.

Papousek Joins Fitz Chem Sales Team
Appointed Technical Industry Manager
Elmhurst, Illinois - October 13, 1998: Fitz Chem Corporation, a leading Midwest distributor/sales agent of raw materials to the Paint, Coatings, Plastics, Rubber, Ink and Adhesives industries, announced today that ten-year industry veteran, Ted Papousek, has accepted an appointment as Technical Industry Manager specializing in the plastics and rubber industries. Papousek comes to Fitz Chem from a strong distribution base. He has held sales positions at both Sacco/Mid-States and ChemCentral. Fitz Chem Director of Sales, Robert Milano, stated that "Ted's strong background and expertise in the plastics and rubber industries will be of the greatest benefit to Fitz Chem customers. His overall knowledge of, passion for, and dedication to the industry will keep our customers at the cutting edge." Papousek's responsibilities will consist of serving Fitz Chem's plastics and rubber accounts in Indiana and western Michigan, Illinois, as well as certain select accounts in the Wisconsin and Minnesota territories Fitz Chem serves.

Papousek is a Chicago-area native and a graduate of Illinois State University with a BS in Business Administration. Papousek resides with wife Joelle, young daughter, Kendall, and their newest addition, son T.J. (Theodore J. Papousek, IV) in suburban Naperville. A letterman on the college baseball circuit, his interest in the game has stayed keen-he always manages to find some time to root for his favorite team, the Chicago White Sox.

Fitz Chem, of Elmhurst, Illinois, is a leading distributor and agent of raw materials. Its distribution arm is FC Distribution, a public warehouse facility, at the same location. Fitz Chem has served the Midwest--including Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan--for over 12 years. Fitz Chem is an active member of the National Association of Chemical Distributors ("NACD") and is certified under their "Responsible Distribution Process" program-the industry standard for chemical distributors. Visit with Fitz Chem on their award-winning website at, www.fitzchem.com/fcinfo/.

Tersigni Joins Fitz Chem Sales Team
Appointed Technical Industry Manager
Elmhurst, Illinois - September 21, 1998: Fitz Chem Corporation, a leading Midwest distributor/sales agent of raw materials to the Paint, Coatings, Plastics, Rubber, Ink and Adhesives industries, announced today that ten-year industry veteran, Donald P. Tersigni, has accepted an appointment as Technical Industry Manager. Tersigni comes to Fitz Chem from Laporte Pigments, where he had served the last five years as Midwest Regional Sales Manager. Prior to that, Tersigni had five years in chemical distribution sales. Said Director of Sales, Robert Milano, "His pigment sales and marketing experience in the industrial coatings industry will serve him well in his new position with Fitz Chem where his responsibilities will consist of serving Fitz Chem's industrial coatings accounts in Indiana and western Michigan, as well as certain select accounts in the Chicago metropolitan area. We are excited about his joining our Fitz Chem family."

Tersigni was born and raised in Pontiac, Michigan. He has made his home in Valparaiso, Indiana for the last five years with wife, Lisa, and their three young children. Tersigni is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving as Chaplain's Assistant on the aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Kittyhawk. As a stand-up comedian, Tersigni is in demand by local clubs and private parties-most of his free time, however, is reserved for family. Said Tersigni of his appointment, "I'm excited about being a part of Fitz Chem-my work will cover familiar territory, geographically and product-wise. But our alliance also allows me time to enjoy my family and relatives at home base. It is truly win-win for us both."

Fitz Chem, of Elmhurst, Illinois, is a leading distributor and agent of raw materials. Its distribution arm is
FC Distribution, a public warehouse facility, at the same location. Fitz Chem has served the Midwest--including Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan--for over 12 years. Fitz Chem is an active member of the National Association of Chemical Distributors ("NACD") and is certified under their "Responsible Distribution Process" program-the industry standard for chemical distributors. Visit with Fitz Chem on their award-winning website at, www.fitzchem.com/fcinfo/.

Fitz Chem Restructures
Names Mack Director of Operations
Elmhurst, Illinois - September 10, 1998: Fitz Chem Corporation, a leading Midwest distributor/sales agent of raw materials to the Paint, Coatings, Plastics, Rubber, Ink and Adhesives industries, announced today that six year management team member, Michael Mack, would assume the new position of Director of Operations. Under recent restructuring, Operations will now include the entire order fulfillment process, from the moment the order is placed with Fitz Chem to the instant it is delivered to the customer.

Mack, member of the NACD OPSEM Committee and RDP Coordinator for Fitz Chem, has been General Manager of FC Distribution, Fitz Chem's public warehouse and distribution company. He has also been the innovator and manager of Fitz Chem's expanding Information Systems Department. He will retain both these areas of responsibility as Direction of Operations, and also assume responsibility for the restructured Customer Service area. Under the restructuring, Customer Service will have total focus on customer fulfillment and satisfaction, rather than combined sales support and customer service roles of Account Support positions in the past. Said Mack, "This cradle to grave philosophy is a win-win situation for our customers. We will now be able to closely attune our response and service directly with the customer, focusing exclusively on their needs."

Actual fulfillment of customer needs will be handled by two customer service associates. Wendy Warren, a two year Fitz Chem associate who has been promoted from her administrative role in FCD and Kim Woods, a recent hire who has three years of industry related purchasing experience, are the associates named to these positions.

Fitz Chem, of Elmhurst, Illinois, is a leading distributor and agent of raw materials. Its distribution arm is FC Distribution, a public warehouse facility, at the same location. Fitz Chem has served the Midwest--including Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan--for over 12 years. Fitz Chem is an active member of the National Association of Chemical Distributors ("NACD") and is certified under their "Responsible Distribution Process" program-the industry standard for chemical distributors. Visit with Fitz Chem on their award-winning website at, www.fitzchem.com/fcinfo/.

Fitz Chem Restructures
New Roles for Management Team
Elmhurst, Illinois - September 1, 1998: Fitz Chem Corporation, a leading Midwest distributor/sales agent of raw materials to the Paint, Coatings, Plastics, Rubber, Ink and Adhesives industries, announced today that they have completed an internal restructure of their management team which will enhance their ability to grow their market-share. Bob Becker, President, said, "Our realignment of internal responsibilities more accurately reflects the importance we place on our principal and customer relationships. We feel that by concentrating our strengths with the proper alignment of management roles and areas of responsibility, we are better positioned to grow Fitz Chem and enhance our reputation with our customers, with our principals and within the industry."

Over the last nine months Fitz Chem evaluated its entire operation, as well as each job within the organization. Full concentration was given to aligning tasks with ultimate areas of responsibility. At the culmination of the study and subsequent restructuring, the Management Team remained in place, however, the roles of each were adapted to the realignment of responsibilities.

President, Bob Becker, continues his guidance as CEO. Vice President of Marketing, 11 year Fitz Chem veteran, Edward Croco, remains in this position, with a greater focus placed upon Principal Relations. Fitz Chem Controller, Laura Bodmer, stays on this capacity with the management and expansion of the accounting department, as well as an expanded role in the financial planning and human resources areas. Greatest realignment occurred in the areas of support, customer service and warehousing.

Michael Mack has been appointed as Director of Operations. Mack entered his sixth year with Fitz Chem as General Manager of FCD, Fitz Chem's distribution arm and public warehouse venture. He was last year named the RDP Coordinator for Fitz Chem and assumed the title of Information Systems Department Manager. As Director of Operations, Mack will be responsible not only for FCD, the general facility, and the management of the expanding Information Systems Department, but will also oversee the customer service area. The alignment of these duties will enable Mack to have control of product from point of order to point of shipment.

Elizabeth Buscaglia, a ten year Fitz Chem veteran, has more narrowly focused her management role to that of Director of Marketing & Sales Support. In this capacity, Buscaglia will be responsible for six associates who will assist and support the expanded marketing functions and the external sales force with everything from pricing to call reports, internal and external communications by and to the sales staff, as well as technical and quality issues, inside sales and data-base information management. This newly-created position oversees the two new positions of sales coordinator.
Robert Milano, another ten year Fitz Chem veteran, has been appointed to the job of Director of Sales. An expansion of his previous duties as Sales Manager, the realignment of the Sales Department to an industry focus approach has led to a broader, more supportive role in the management of Fitz Chem's sales force-a role that is reflected in his new title and expanded responsibilities.

Fitz Chem, of Elmhurst, Illinois, is a leading distributor and agent of raw materials. Its distribution arm is FC Distribution, a public warehouse facility, at the same location. Fitz Chem has served the Midwest--including Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan--for over 12 years. Fitz Chem is an active member of the National Association of Chemical Distributors ("NACD") and is certified under their "Responsible Distribution Process" program-the industry standard for chemical distributors. Visit Fitz Chem on their award-winning website at, www.fitzchem.com/fcinfo/.

Fitz Chem Wins Top Website Award
Website Ranked in Top 5%
Elmhurst, Illinois - June 15, 1998: Fitz Chem Corporation, a leading Midwest distributor/sales agent of raw materials to the Paint, Coatings, Plastics, Rubber, Ink and Adhesives industries, announced that their website, www.fitzchem.com/fcinfo/ was named top website for the month of April by ChemConnect. ChemConnect, leading Internet resource for connecting chemical buyers and sellers worldwide, reviews websites from around the world, choosing just one website per month for this honor.

In their release of the news, ChemConnect stated that www.fitzchem.com/fcinfo was "a solid website…professional layout and all the information you need about the company is easy to find." Fitz Chem Vice President of Marketing, Ed Croco, said, "We are proud to have our website professionally reviewed and commended by an industry leader." ChemConnect's went on to say "…new visitors will be impressed and everything is geared towards changing web surfers into new customers. And that is a vital role for any website." The award-winning website has automated linking to the websites of Fitz Chem's principals. The site undergoes continuous scrutiny by Fitz Chem's website designer and in-house specialist, Mike Barrett. Barrett said of the honor, "It is very rewarding to know that we are one of the best in the world at sharing our information with our customers and the world."

Fitz Chem, of Elmhurst, Illinois, is a leading distributor and agent of raw materials. Its distribution arm is FC Distribution, a public warehouse facility, at the same location. Fitz Chem has served the Midwest--including Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan--for over 12 years. Fitz Chem is an active member of the National Association of Chemical Distributors ("NACD") and is certified under their "Responsible Distribution Process" program-the industry standard for chemical distributors.

Fitz Chem extends their coverage for Laporte Pigments
Elmhurst, Illinois - May 7, 1998: Fitz Chem Corporation, a leading Midwest distributor/sales agent of raw materials to the Paint, Coatings, Plastics, Rubber, Ink and Adhesives Industries, announced today that they have been appointed as Laporte Pigments' Manufacturer's Agent for the southwestern part of Michigan, effective June 1, 1998. Fitz Chem currently represents Laporte Pigments in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Minnesota. Fitz Chem will handle Laporte Pigments' entire line of iron oxides and anti-corrosive pigments. "We are proud to represent Laporte Pigments in the southwestern part of Michigan. We feel that the added value their products bring to the Fitz Chem distribution mix will be a win-win situation for our current and new customers in southwestern Michigan," said Fitz Chem President, Bob Becker.

As of June 1, 1998, customers in the southwestern part of Michigan may place their orders for the iron oxides and the anti-corrosive pigments directly with Fitz Chem at 630/941-0410.

click file save Fitz Chem, an Elmhurst, Illinois-based corporation, is a leading distributor and sales agent of raw materials to the paint, coatings, plastics, rubber, ink, adhesives, paper, food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals industries. Its distribution arm is FC Distribution, a public warehouse facility, also located at 185 Industrial Drive in Elmhurst. Fitz Chem has served the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan, for over 12 years. Fitz Chem is an active member of the National Association of Chemical Distributors ("NACD") and is certified under their "Responsible Distribution Process" program-the industry standard for chemical distributors.

Fitz Chem extends representation for Henkel's Coatings and Inks Division
Named distributor for Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Elmhurst, Illinois - May 1, 1998: Fitz Chem Corporation, a leading Midwest distributor/sales agent of raw materials to the Paint, Coatings, Plastics, Rubber, Ink and Adhesives Industries, announced today their appointment as distributor for the products of the Coatings and Inks Division of the Henkel Chemical Corporation for the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, effective May 1, 1998. Fitz Chem currently distributes the products of Henkel's Coatings and Inks Division in the territory of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Minnesota,

As of May 1, 1998, orders placed by customers in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for the products of the Coatings and Inks Division may be phoned directly to Fitz Chem at 630/941-0410. Fitz Chem stocks the products of the Coatings and Inks Division in Elmhurst, Illinois for immediate delivery to their customers.

Fitz Chem, an Elmhurst, Illinois-based corporation, is a leading distributor and sales agent of raw materials to the paint, coatings, plastics, rubber, ink, adhesives, paper, food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals industries. Its distribution arm is FC Distribution, a public warehouse facility, also located at 185 Industrial Drive in Elmhurst. Fitz Chem has served the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan, for over 12 years. Fitz Chem is an active member of the National Association of Chemical Distributors ("NACD") and is certified under their "Responsible Distribution Process" program-the industry standard for chemical distributors.

Fitz Chem names Parry as Inventory Coordinator
Parry assumes position on April 13, 1998

Elmhurst, Illinois - April 13, 1998: Fitz Chem Corporation, a leading Midwest distributor/sales agent of raw materials to the Paint, Coatings, Plastics, Rubber, Ink and Adhesives Industries, announced today that Christy Parry has been appointed to the position of Inventory Coordinator, effective immediately.

Working with such principals as IMERYS, Dominion Colour Corporation, Columbian Chemical Company, Luzenac America, Crosfield and Henkel and the newly acquired Mississippi Lime, Parry has demonstrated the ability to interface, expedite and successfully negotiate the strategic purchasing and inventory control functions which her new position will entail. Parry's last six years with Fitz Chem have been as an Account Support Specialist with ever increasing responsibilities. Fitz Chem Controller, Laura Bodmer, stated, "Our policy has always been to promote the growth of our employees to enhance our overall reputation. In appointing an experienced and valuable employee to this position we are able to utilize Ms. Parry's expertise and provide continuity of service which will prove rewarding for both our customers and our principals."

Fitz Chem, an Elmhurst, Illinois-based corporation, is a leading distributor and sales agent of raw materials. Its distribution arm is FC Distribution, a public warehouse facility, also located at 185 Industrial Drive in Elmhurst. Fitz Chem has served the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan, for over 12 years. Fitz Chem is an active member of the National Association of Chemical Distributors ("NACD") and is certified under their "Responsible Distribution Process" program-the industry standard for chemical distributors.

Fitz Chem to represent Mississippi Lime
Named distributor in Midwest States
Elmhurst, Illinois - March 17, 1998: Fitz Chem Corporation, a leading Midwest distributor/sales agent of raw materials to the Paint, Coatings, Plastics, Rubber, Ink and Adhesives Industries, announced today that they have been appointed as distributor for the Mississippi Lime Company in the territory of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Minnesota, effective April 13, 1998. Fitz Chem will handle Mississippi Lime's entire line of precipitated calcium carbonates. "We are proud to represent Mississippi Lime and feel that the added value their products bring to the Fitz Chem distribution mix will be a win-win situation for our current customers," said Fitz Chem President, Bob Becker.

As of April 13, 1998, orders for the precipitated calcium carbonate products may be phoned to Fitz Chem at 630/941-0410.

Fitz Chem, an Elmhurst, Illinois-based corporation, is a leading distributor and sales agent of raw materials to the paint, coatings, plastics, rubber, ink, adhesives, paper, food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals industries. Its distribution arm is FC Distribution, a public warehouse facility, also located at 185 Industrial Drive in Elmhurst. Fitz Chem has served the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan, for over 12 years. Fitz Chem is an active member of the National Association of Chemical Distributors ("NACD") and is certified under their "Responsible Distribution Process" program-the industry standard for chemical distributors.