ALCO CHEMICAL APPOINTS NEW COMMERCIAL MANAGER

Robert Kahle has been named commercial manager for Alco Chemical, Bridgewater, NJ. Prior to this appointment, Kahle served as divisional controller for National Starch and Chemical Co.'s Natural Polymers Group in Indianapolis. He also held a number of financial positions in National Starch's Specialty Synthetic Polymers, Adhesives and Natural Polymers Group Divisions. Kahle received a B.S. in finance from Pennsylvania State University and is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant.

For more information, visit http://www.alcochemical.com .

FLOWSERVE CORP. V.P. ELECTED PRESIDENT OF HYDRAULIC INSTITUTE

Thomas E. Ferguson has been elected president of the Hydraulic Institute for 2006-2007. An industry veteran, Ferguson is a vice president of Flowserve Corp. and president of Flowserve Pumps. He has more than 24 years of experience in the flow control industry, including more than 15 years with Flowserve and one of its predecessor companies, BW/IP International. The Hydraulic Institute is the largest association of pump producers and suppliers in North America. The Institute serves member companies and end-users by developing comprehensive industry standards, providing education and tools, and operating as a forum for information on pumps and pumping systems. It also works to promote the profitability and cost-effectiveness of the pump industry. The president of the Hydraulic Institute works with the Institute's staff and board to support its mission of serving the interests of member companies and pump users worldwide.

For more information, call (800) 728-PUMP or e-mail fpdinformation@flowserve.com .

HENKEL CHEMIST ATTENDS CONGRESSIONAL VISITS DAY

Henkel Research Chemist Gina Ludwig was invited by the National American Chemical Society (ACS) to be one of three members representing 159,000 chemists and chemical engineers from across the United States at Congressional Visits Day. Ludwig's visit to Washington D.C. came in support of President Bush's American Competitiveness Initiative. The initiative, based on the need for federal investment in research and development, is critical to keeping the nation's economy strong by generating knowledge and tools upon which new technologies are developed. While at Congressional Visits Day on March 29, Ludwig attended seven meetings with senators and members of congress from Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. With a primary focus on explaining Michigan's benefit from increased research and development funding, Ludwig conducted meetings at the offices of Senators Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., Car Levin, D-Mich., and Rep. Joe Knollenberg, R-Mich. The meetings resulted in full support of increased funding for the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy Office of Science, which represents the core of basic research in the U.S. "I am proud to have played a part in helping our nation's future in science, defense and our overall national and economic security protection," said Ludwig.

MICHELMAN ACQUIRES WAGERS CORP.

Michelman, Cincinnati, has announced its acquisition of the Wagers Corp. The transaction includes Wagers' industry-renowned color coating products, inks, intellectual property and sales, and bolsters Michelman's already-strong portfolio of water-based barrier, functional, and white coatings. "We see our agreement with Wagers as an excellent opportunity to strengthen and improve the company's position in decorative coatings and better serve our combined customer base," said Dr. Richard Michelman, vice president of New Business Development at Michelman. "Wagers has an excellent reputation. Its customers can rest assured that we will continue to offer the same world-class service they've grown accustomed to, as well as innovative product solutions."

For more information, visit http://www.michem.com or call (513) 793-7766.

TRFA LAUNCHES VOC TASK FORCE

The Thermoset Resin Formulators Association (TRFA) has formed a task force to address industry concerns over VOC requirements in California, Virginia and several northeast states and how they affect the use and distribution of the industry's products and the necessity for an EPA test more appropriate to this industry. The task force is working under the guidance of Charlie Bartish of Air Products & Chemicals, TRFA's regulatory affairs representative. Task force members include Derek Kincaid of Huntsman, Charlie Zarnitz of CVC Specialty Chemicals and Tom Geriak of Garland Flooring. TRFA has established a roster of active, market-focused committees designed to meet the needs of a broad range of thermoset technologies, including non-epoxies.

For more information, visit http://www.trfa.org or call (630) 942-6596.