At its annual membership meeting, the Michigan Chemistry Council (MCC) recently elected nine members to its board of directors, including two members who are joining the MCC board for the first time.

The new members include:

• Dr. Priya Tabaddor - Director of Industrial Silicones for the Americas, Wacker Chemical Corporation.
  • Wacker Chemical Corporation, headquartered in Adrian, is WACKER’s North American subsidiary that supplies customers with innovative solutions in the silicones, polysilicon, polymers, and biosolutions markets.
• Ben Gaeth - Vice President of Enterprise Services, Haviland Enterprises
  • Haviland Enterprises Inc., headquartered in Grand Rapids, is a producer and supplier of commodity chemistries, including surface finishing products, and pool and spa products throughout the United States.

“We are excited to announce new leaders for the Michigan Chemistry Council as we continue our work on behalf of the business of chemistry in our state,” said MCC Executive Director John Dulmes. “Priya and Ben will add tremendous experience and expertise to our board.”

LANSING, MI, March 23, 2020 – Michigan’s chemistry companies will continue essential critical operations while the state moves to a “stay at home” mode during the COVID-19 outbreak, the Michigan Chemistry Council (MCC) confirmed today.

“We thank Governor Whitmer for her leadership during this time of great challenge and uncertainty,” said MCC Executive Director John Dulmes. “Public health is of the utmost concern, and the chemical industry plays a key role in helping the COVID-19 response by producing vital goods like materials for personal protective equipment and medical supplies, disinfectants and water treatment chemicals, agricultural inputs, and fuels.”

This key role is confirmed by the federal Department of Homeland Security’s “Guidance on Identifying Critical Infrastructure During COVID-19” which specifically recognizes the chemical manufacturing and distribution sector as one of 16 that should continue operations, while following CDC workforce and customer protection guidance. The DHS guidance was the basis for Governor Whitmer’s order that allows essential businesses to continue.