The Delaware County Cultural Arts Center in Delaware, Ohio, otherwise known as The Arts Castle, is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing the creative energies of the residents of Delaware County and surrounding areas. Frances (Smith) Hutchinson was one of the owners of GFS Chemicals for 20 year and was one of the founders of The Arts Castle in Delaware, Ohio. The “Castle” offers a full array of artistic experiences including classes in painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, stained glass, jewelry, fiber and culinary arts. The “Castle” has a strong performing arts program that includes instruction in dance, drama and music. It feature workshops, summer camps, exhibitions and special events that are fun for the whole family. The Arts Castle is recognized as one of Ohio’s premier community teaching centers for the arts.

In the mid 1940’s, Prof. GF Smith began hosting his current and returning students in his kitchen at his home near the University of Illinois. These holiday gatherings allowed everyone to catch up on the research work that everyone was doing. The meeting outgrew his kitchen and became knowns at MUACC: The Midwestern Universities Analytical Chemistry Conference series that seeks to maintain casual interactive “chalk-talks” among analytical faculties and graduate students at Midwestern Universities. GFS Chemicals continues the Professor’s practice underwriting of the annual dinner at MUACC meetings held at various universities throughout the Midwest.

The GFS Chemicals Donor Advised Fund has also been instrumental in the creation of the G. Frederick Smith Memorial Lecture Series at the University of Illinois where Dr. Smith was a professor of Analytical Chemistry for 5 decades. Begun in 1998, the series continues today and has attracted world-class speakers covering a broad range of analytical disciplines, including bio-analytical expression on a cellular level, the electro-optics of metal-ligand complexes, current topics in systems biology, genomics and proteomics, and catalytic mechanisms associated with the complex chemistries of solid surfaces.

GFS Chemicals, a member company of the Ohio Chemistry Technology Council (OCTC). GFS’ President and CEO currently serves on the Board of OCTC in Columbus Ohio The Ohio Chemistry Technology Council (OCTC) is the leading advocate for Ohio's chemical manufacturing industry. Ohio is the third largest chemistry producing state in the nation. Since 1988, OCTC has been the effective and trusted voice of communication for elected officials, regulators, media, and the citizens of Ohio. OCTC Foundation also runs its annual TIE (Teachers, Industry and Environment) Conference in Columbus, Ohio. TIE brings together teachers from across the State to provide learning opportunities for elementary & middle school STEM teachers. The conference assists teachers in bringing practical science into the classroom.

This third party audited and certified program fosters continuous improvement in EHS&S (Environmental, Health, Safety & Security) performance to support overall operational excellence in the batch chemical industry. Participation leads to improved business practices relating to EHS&S performance, enhanced interactions with employees and the community, and heightened efficiency of plant processes and personnel. GFS is committed to enhancing site security, implementing a third-party verified management system, and tracking and reporting on EHS&S metrics.