Galactic, a leading “green” chemical company in Belgium, has announced that its new natural-based solvent Galasolv NF has been proven effective in dissolving phenoxy, a versatile resin manufactured exclusively by InChem Corp. of Rock Hill, S.C. “We are very pleased that for the first time there is a natural-based non-toxic solvent for phenoxy,” said Steve Crownshaw, President of InChem. “Until now only strong petroleum-based chemicals could serve as effective solvents. This new solution opens the door to many applications such as safer forms of paints, coatings, inks and varnishes that will be environmentally friendly.” “Galasolv NF is a new biosolvent

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Ann Caulkins, president and publisher of the Charlotte Observer and Gerald Johnson, CEO and publisher of The Charlotte Post, will discuss how the media influence elections and campaigns during a free public lecture at 7 p.m. on April 18 at Biddle Hall on the Johnson C. Smith University campus. The event is part of the university’s Lyceum Series “Democracy 2012: The Road to Charlotte.” Caulkins has worked at the Charlotte Observer since 2006. She was the first woman president of The State newspaper in Columbia, S.C. and publisher for three years. Johnson is CEO and Publisher of The Charlotte Post

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Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx has proclaimed April 27-29, 2012 to be “The Great Charlotte Clean-Up” weekend. Each year, Keep Charlotte Beautiful (KCB), one of the nation’s first Keep America Beautiful affiliates, participates in the Keep America Beautiful, Great American Clean-Up by hosting a local clean-up. This clean-up effort is the nation’s largest community improvement program, built on a foundation of individual responsibility and civic pride. This year’s Great Charlotte Clean-Up will take place April 27th-29th. All neighborhoods, businesses and individuals are encouraged to take part in a clean-up during the weekend or can get involved by signing up to volunteer

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The Charlotte Regional Realtor® Association reports on the residential real estate market in this region based on Carolina Multiple Listing Services, Inc. (CMLS) data. The number of closings for March 2012 (2,098) increased 10.4 percent compared to March 2011, when closings totaled 1,900. Both the average and median sales price showed positive increases. The average sales price in March 2012 ($196,182) was up by 0.4 percent compared to the same period last year ($195,336), and the median sales price ($154,000), the best measure of trends over a period of time, showed prices up by 3.5 percent compared to March 2011

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Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, one of the Southeast’s most iconic and popular outdoor travel destinations, is scheduled to reopen the Outcroppings trail on Saturday, April 14. The rebuilt trail offers new stunning views of the Park, increased capacity and improved comfort with more places to rest. The reopening of the Outcroppings trail, which leads from the upper parking lot to the Chimney stairs, permanently restores hiking access to the Chimney, the Opera Box, Devil’s Head and Skyline trail to Exclamation Point, the highest point in the Park. The modernized elevator and Sky Lounge Gift Shop & Deli

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Jeff Gates, service manager at FedEx Ground in Charlotte, N.C., was recently honored by the company as a Purple Promise Award winner. Of the more than 59,000 employees in the FedEx Ground and FedEx SmartPost network, Jeff was among 21 recognized for far exceeding the expectations of their job responsibilities to ensure an outstanding customer experience. “With admiration and respect, we’re proud to recognize the outstanding efforts and compassionate acts of our employees,” said Dave Rebholz, president & CEO, FedEx Ground. “Employees who understand the importance of each and every customer experience not only ensure our company’s continued success but

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The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education has announced the three finalists for the superintendency. They are: • Kriner Cash, currently serving as superintendent of Memphis City Schools. • Ann Clark, currently serving as chief academic officer of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. • Heath Morrison, currently superintendent in Washoe County School District in Reno, Nevada. The candidates will participate in public forums and school visits on April 11-12.

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The Charlotte Rescue Mission opens its doors, every year, on Easter to all those seeking food, comfort and hope. In addition to a great holiday meal, the Rescue Mission is collecting cakes, pies, cookies and other sweet treats for its annual Easter dessert drive. “We want everyone who comes to the Rescue Mission on Easter to receive a real taste of home,” says Rev. Tony Marciano, Executive Director of the Charlotte Rescue Mission. “There is just something special about a homemade dessert that makes you feel welcomed and loved.” The Charlotte Rescue Mission served over 1,000 meals last Easter and

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Mooresville Ice Cream Company announces its new Southern style ice cream, Front Porch, is now available at Lowe’s Foods, Food Lion, Ingles Markets and BI-LOs throughout North and South Carolina. “The demand for Front Porch has been amazing, and we’re only months into the launch,” said Robert Acree, Mooresville Ice Cream Co.’s general manager. “I can’t tell you how happy we are that our down-home styled flavors are now even more readily available to our rapidly growing customer base.” Front Porch is a new line of ice cream from the Mooresville Ice Cream Company that has been producing high quality,

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“Can We Talk About Trayvon Martin? Why Is What Happened So Disturbing?” Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations, the Community Building Initiative and Mecklenburg Ministries will co-host a community conversation on the February 26 shooting in Florida of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman. WHERE: Little Rock AME Zion Church, 401 North McDowell Street WHEN: Wednesday, April 11 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. WHY: The Martin shooting has generated important questions about race, gun rights and the criminal justice system. “We believe it is important for our community to make time for a fair and safe conversation about this incident,”

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