Charles & Colvard named a new CEO on Monday, the fifth executive to take the top spot during the past 18 months at the maker of moissanite gemstones.

Randy N. McCullough, 56, has spent 36 years in the jewelry business, most recently as CEO of Samuels Jewelers, a chain with 150 stores.

He takes the helm as the recession dampens interest in fine jewelry using the Morrisville company's manmade gems.

Sales boost Tekelec earnings

MORRISVILLE Tekelec posted another strong quarter, largely driven by a recovery in sales in North America.

"We had a very strong quarter in very challenging circumstances," said Bill Everett, Tekelec's chief financial officer.

The company said that third-quarter revenue from continuing operations rose to $114.9 million, up 8 percent from the previous year.

Net income from continuing operations for July, August and September was $18.2 million, or 27 cents a share, a 42 percent increase over the same three-month period last year on a per share basis.

In the United States and Canada, third-quarter sales jumped to nearly $50 million from about $34 million last year, as phone companies and Internet carriers are filling product orders.

Tekelec has been virtually recession-proof because the company sells essential software that forms the guts of the telecom system.

Midwest adds Milwaukee flight

MORRISVILLE Midwest Airlines is returning to Raleigh-Durham International Airport, again.

Starting April 1, Midwest Airlines will resume two daily nonstop flights between RDU and Milwaukee.

The carrier cut the service in September 2008 as the economy slumped and fuel prices surged.

The Milwaukee-based carrier, which was bought by Republic Airways Holdings this year, also stopped service at RDU after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and then restarted it in 2007.

Republic also announced plans Tuesday to expand in Milwaukee and add 800 jobs.

About 50,000 people a year travel between RDU and Milwaukee, making it a popular destination without nonstop service, RDU spokeswoman Mindy Hamlin said.

Apex gets crafts store

APEX A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts is expanding in western Wake County.

The Berlin, N.J., company opened a store at the Beaver Creek Commons shopping center in Apex.

It's only the third store the national crafts-supplies chain has opened this year.

The store is at 1041 Beaver Creek Commons Rd.

From Cary News and News & Observer staff reports