HOUSTON – September 26, 2011 — The Ascend Performance Materials operation in Pensacola, FL was recently awarded Voluntary Protective Programs (VPP) Star status by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). VPP promotes effective worksite-based safety and health. OSHA awards Star status in recognition of employers and workers who demonstrate exemplary achievement in the prevention and control of occupational safety and health hazards, and the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of safety and health management systems.

HOUSTON – August 15, 2011 — Mr. Andrew Ralston, Ascend’s Vice President and General Counsel, has been selected by the Houston Business Journal as one of five finalists for the 2011 Best Solo Corporate Counsel Award.

Finalists were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of judges that included John Allen, former executive vice president and general counsel of Paradigm BV; Phillip Choyce, vice president and general counsel of NOV Grant Prideco; J. Bradley Green, executive vice president, general counsel and secretary of Carriage Services Inc.;