Riteks on Capitol Hill: Reflections from the ACD Washington Fly-In Riteks Field Notes & Reflections

On the Steps of the Capitol: Why Riteks Shows Up

Two days on Capitol Hill, a packed schedule of meetings, and a renewed conviction that the work of chemical distribution deserves a seat at the table.

This week, Riteks joined fellow members of the Alliance for Chemical Distribution on Capitol Hill for two days of direct advocacy with Members of Congress and federal regulators. Representing Riteks were Edward Boss (President/CEO), Ryan Boss (VP of Operations), and Tony McLean (Operations Manager) — a small team carrying a big message on behalf of an industry that quietly powers the American economy.

The Washington Fly-In is the ACD's premier advocacy event. Each spring, chemical distributors and supply chain partners from across the country gather in Washington, D.C. to meet face-to-face with lawmakers and the agencies that regulate our work. The format is straightforward: briefing sessions, prep, structured meetings on the Hill, and an evening reception that brings advocates and policymakers into the same room.

I.Why we attend

Chemical distribution touches nearly every corner of the U.S. economy — from the materials that build our homes and roads, to the inputs behind food, fuel, water treatment, and manufacturing. The policies coming out of Washington have real, day-to-day consequences for our customers, our employees, and the communities we serve.

Face-to-face conversations with lawmakers remain the most effective way to make sure our industry's voice is heard.

A press release. A letter. An email to a staffer. These things matter — but none of them replace sitting across the table from a Member of Congress and explaining, in plain terms, what a given regulation, tariff, or piece of legislation will actually do to a small business back home. That is the work of the Fly-In, and it is why we keep coming back.

II.What was on the table this year

Conversations centered on the issues most critical to keeping the chemical supply chain strong, secure, and competitive:

• Tax policies that work for small businesses. The vast majority of ACD members are small businesses. Sensible tax policy keeps them investing, hiring, and serving their customers.
• A stronger, more resilient chemical supply chain. Reliable access to essential products depends on policy that supports every link in the chain — not just the largest ones.
• Easing unnecessary regulatory burden. Compliance costs hit smaller distributors disproportionately. Smarter, clearer rules let our people focus on safety and service.
• Recognizing facilities that go above and beyond. Through the ACD's Responsible Distribution^® program, members commit to environmental, health, safety, and security standards that exceed what is required by law.

III.The bigger picture

The numbers behind the industry tell a quiet but important story:

Most ACD members are small businesses. But together, the industry has a very large footprint — and a very large responsibility. That is exactly why we believe advocacy isn't optional. When the policies that shape our industry are being written, we need to be in the room.

IV.Looking ahead

We left Washington energized. Our team is grateful to the ACD for organizing another impactful event, to the lawmakers and staff who took the time to sit with us and listen, and to our customers and partners who make this work meaningful in the first place.

The conversations from this week will continue back home — on the loading dock, in the lab, at the customer site, and on every phone call where Riteks does what it does best: delivering the essential products America depends on, safely and reliably.

The work continues.