Henkel Chemist Invited to Attend Congressional Visits Day

One of Three Selected Chemists to Represent 159,000 ACS Members Nationwide

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich., April 26 -- Henkel Research Chemist, Gina Ludwig, was invited by the National American Chemical Society (ACS) to be one of three members to represent 159,000 chemists and chemical engineers from across the United States to attend Congressional Visits Day. Ludwig's visit to Washington D.C. was 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, 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., Carl 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.

Additionally, Ludwig's efforts on Capitol Hill included time spent to further develop the nation's future science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education at K-12, undergraduate and graduate levels. This education will help support the development of future scientists and engineers needed for the new technologies that will keep the nation's economy strong.

Ludwig has been an active member of the ACS for 9 years. She currently serves on the Executive Committee of the local Detroit section as the co-chair of Kids and Chemistry, a successful outreach program that teaches children about chemistry through hands on experiments, that she helped to launch. Ludwig is also the section's P.R. chair.

Henkel is the market leader in adhesives, sealants and surface treatments to the transportation industry. Backed by extensive design capabilities, a broad product range, specific application knowledge and technical expertise, the company delivers solutions to all segments of automotive development - automotive body, interior, chassis, electronics and powertrain production. Through powerful brands like Autophoretic(R), Bonderite(R), Frekote(R), Loctite(R) and Multan(TM), Henkel provides significant economic and environmental advantages for today's vehicles, making them safer, more comfortable and extending vehicle value.

Henkel operates in three strategic business areas: Home Care; Personal Care; and Adhesives, Sealants and Surface Treatments. The automotive group is an integral part of the Adhesives, Sealants and Surface Treatments business sector, which also serves the transportation, electronics, aerospace, metal, durable goods, consumer goods, maintenance and repair and packaging industries, and offers a broad range of products for the craftsman and consumer. With brands and advanced technologies, Henkel makes people's lives easier, better, and more beautiful. 50,000 employees work for the Henkel Group worldwide. People in 125 countries around the world trust in brands and technologies from Henkel - "A Brand like a Friend."