The ACS Division of Small Chemical Businesses (SCHB) rose to the call of duty to assist members in need during the early days of COVID-19. SCHB member needs varied and this was captured in the topics we have addressed weekly on our Zoom Happy Hour sessions held continuously from April 3, 2020 to the present. What began as a members-helping-members teleconference has evolved into weekly programming under the Discuss Business Happy Hour N’ Learn banner which incorporates professional development, socializing, and networking, in a relaxed virtual environment. SCHB plans to continue this Happy Hour member benefit and will begin to add regular coffee hours to the repertoire. Hot topics SCHB has addressed include cyber security when working at home, workplace safety for essential workers,reopening businesses safely, SBA, PPP, and EIDL programs, cooking, food and beverage, school reopening, vaccines, and generally everything SCHB members would discuss in person at an ACS National, Regional, Local Section or speciality conference. Partnerships with other organizations for these events have included the ACS Division of Chemical Health & Safety (CHAS), the ACS Chicago Local Section, the Chemical Angel Network and the American Industrial Hygiene Association’s New England Section. Recent weekly topics include: Green chemistry, energy and fuels, cannabis, bootstrapping your chemistry company, funding your startup, and creative expressions: Hobby Happy Hour. While this is a member benefit, SCHB welcomes all who are interested to join us at Happy Hour or Coffee/Tea Hour.

How SCHB expanded member benefits during the pandemic and beyond

ACS Fall 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.