Austin and Baytown, TX (21 April 2008) - Cherie Laughlin, C.P.M., has been named Chair of the Board of Association of Chemical Industry of Texas (ACIT), a trade organization representing more than 350 suppliers to the state's chemical industry.

Laughlin, Manager of Communications & Public Affairs for the Bayer Industrial Park in Baytown, has been a member of ACIT's Board of Directors since 2001 and served as treasurer in 2007. She joined Bayer MaterialScience, LLC in 1977 with responsibilities in chemical procurement before assuming her current position.

"Cherie's extensive background in the Texas Chemical Industry adds tremendous depth to our management team," said Hector Rivero, President & CEO of ACIT. "We look forward to her guidance during this time of consolidation and change for our member companies and the industry."

Laughlin is past president of Rotary Club of Baytown (2005-06) and was Rotarian of the Year for 2002-03. She is also a committee chair for the East Harris County Manufacturers Association (EHCMA), an active member of the Baytown and West Chambers County Chambers of Commerce, and is a board member of the Baytown Nature Center.

She holds a bachelor's degree in business management from LeTourneau University in Longview, is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame's Senior Business Management Program, and is a Certified Procurement Manager (C.P.M.). A native Texan, Laughlin currently resides in her home town of Baytown with husband, Joel Melendez, while their son, Adrian Joel, attends the University of Houston.

"I am honored to be affiliated with ACIT, an association that does so much to benefit the chemical industry and the Texas economy," added Laughlin. "I will dedicate my energies to continue building a strong momentum and close alliance among our members."