Building on its reputation as an association that provides top-notch products, services, and events, the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA) has launched an online chemical services directory and networking tool, modernizing the way chemical companies market their products and find new business.

SOCMA’s Marketplace and Chemical Services Directory allows users to search a vast network of chemical companies based on more than 400 different types of reactions and chemistries. Users can further narrow their search by choosing from more than 200 various capabilities and services, as well as equipment and markets served. Users can even verify a company’s certification in SOCMA’s ChemStewards program, as well as other performance improvement programs such as ISO and OSHAS 18001.

“SOCMA has a proud history of helping batch manufacturers promote their products and find business connections, including most notably the creation of InformexUSA in 1984, which is the country’s longest continually running and best-known trade show serving the specialty chemicals sector,” said SOCMA president and CEO Lawrence D. Sloan. “This directory is the latest in a long line of products we are pleased to offer to members and non-members alike.”

Sloan said the directory was developed following extensive discussions with members and observing the growing popularity of online networking in recent years. SOCMA members receive a free listing in the directory as part of their benefits package. SOCMA is currently offering non-members a special introductory offer of $3495 until February 14, 2012. After that, non-members can purchase an annual subscription for $5000.

“Right now, many in our industry are using social media platforms like Linkedin to identify companies who produce or supply certain chemicals and are having great difficulty,” said Sloan. “This directory was designed specifically for that purpose and will save companies a lot of time, energy and frustration.”

Recognizing that many chemical companies exhibit at InformexUSA, the tool allows users to promote their participation by featuring the Informex logo in their company profile. In addition to the directory’s search capabilities, the tool can be used to buy and sell chemical equipment, share documents and exchange ideas. “It is the perfect complement to face-to-face events such as InformexUSA,” Sloan adds.

Plans are currently under way to create a version of the directory for mobile device users.

SOCMA plans to showcase the directory at its 90th Annual Dinner and Member Meeting in New York City on December 5, as well as InformexUSA in New Orleans, February 14-17, 2012.

For more information, visit www.socma.com.