Featured Stories
Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Hits a Home Run With Class of 2027's Two Honorees
MOUNT PROSPECT, Illinois, Sept. 9 -- The National Sporting Goods Association posted the following news:
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Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Hits a Home Run with Class of 2027's Two Honorees
DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS - The Class of 2027 of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame features a pair of inductees whose impact on baseball has continued well after their highly competitive playing days ended.
Kurt Ainsworth (Marucci Sports) and Kelly Richardson (Richardson) will join 192 retailers, team dealers, manufacturers and industry influencers who have been honored with induction into the
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MOUNT PROSPECT, Illinois, Sept. 9 -- The National Sporting Goods Association posted the following news:
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Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Hits a Home Run with Class of 2027's Two Honorees
DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS - The Class of 2027 of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame features a pair of inductees whose impact on baseball has continued well after their highly competitive playing days ended.
Kurt Ainsworth (Marucci Sports) and Kelly Richardson (Richardson) will join 192 retailers, team dealers, manufacturers and industry influencers who have been honored with induction into theSporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame since it was established by the National Sporting Goods Association in 1955. The selections of Ainsworth and Richardson for the Class of 2027 were made by the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Committee at its annual meeting in May.
"The Class of 2027 has made a significant impact on our industry and the world of sports and they are very deserving of this highest honor," said Gordon Geiger, Chairman of the NSGA Board of Directors. "Welcoming Kurt and Kelly to the Hall of Fame is a big thrill and it's fantastic to see them recognized for their career achievements."
The Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony will be held May 25, 2027 at The Wigwam in Litchfield Park, Arizona, the site of NSGA 2027 Leadership Conference. Details on attending the event will be announced soon.
Kurt Ainsworth
Kurt Ainsworth's goal was missing bats on the road to reaching the major leagues as a pitcher.
Making a better bat was Ainsworth's objective when he started his transition from a playing career in 2004. Ainsworth began handcrafting bats in the backyard shed of his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Ainsworth ended up hitting a home run with Marucci Sports and the company has evolved into one of the most recognizable names in baseball and softball equipment. In 2025, Marucci and one of the brands under its umbrella, Victus Sports, became the Official Bats of Major League Baseball.
Ainsworth was a first-team All-American and NCAA champion at powerhouse Louisiana State University and a first-round pick in the 1999 Major League Baseball draft. He won a gold medal with the 2000 Olympic team and compiled a 6-8 record in 29 big-league games with the San Francisco Giants and Baltimore Orioles from 2001-04.
He co-founded Marucci Bat Company and that led to the co-founding of Marucci Sports in 2009. Marucci expanded its line to fielding and batting gloves, on- and off-the-field apparel, footwear and other accessories.
Giving back is also a key component of Marucci Sports with the Marucci Cares program, which is designed to help those in need and increase youth sports participation. Marucci Cares has worked with the foundations of several MLB athletes and continues to create partnerships and support the work of athletes and partners aiming to provide access to diamond sports.
Kelly Richardson
Kelly Richardson had a plan in the late 1970s of using the University of Oregon as a stepping-stone to a professional baseball career as a pitcher.
Richardson realized that dream wasn't going to happen so he changed his game plan. He joined the burgeoning family business of Richardson Sports that was owned by his father Neil, who had a brief minor league pitching stint, and included Kelly's mom and older brother on a staff of six.
Richardson has grown to more than 450 employees, and evolved under Kelly Richardson's leadership since he took over as President and CEO in 1995, to become one of the top cap companies in the sporting goods industry.
Athletic equipment was the core business for Richardson from 1970 until 1999, when Kelly and the company decided to focus exclusively on its new headwear line. That decision helped establish Richardson as a trusted and authentic on-field brand.
Richardson focused on improving the quality, fit and shape of its baseball caps and introduced the Performance Team Series line specifically for players. But Richardson also saw the baseball-style cap's popularity making it something for everyone and not just players. It aligned perfectly with Kelly Richardson's objective to become a premium headwear brand that would be a special product for anyone passionate about headwear.
Richardson also has a commitment to giving back to the community and supporting organizations that are helping underserved and at-risk kids. He is also a half-owner of the Springfield Drifters summer collegiate wood-bat baseball team in Springfield, Oregon.
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About the National Sporting Goods Association
Since 1929, the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) has been the leading voice and go-to resource for the sporting goods industry. NSGA helps the industry grow its businesses through research, advocacy and networking. For more information about membership or NSGA's products and services, please visit nsga.org.
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About the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame
NSGA created the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame in 1955 to honor sporting goods pioneers, innovators and leaders, while recognizing and encouraging continued excellence in the industry. Since the first induction in 1956, 192 men and women have been inducted. Nominations are now being accepted for the 2028 induction class.
The deadline for nominations is March 31, 2027.
Nomination forms and information can be found at www.nsga.org/hall-of-fame.
Questions can be directed to Julie Pitts, Hall of Fame Committee secretary, at hof@nsga.org.
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Original text here: https://nsga.org/news/sporting-goods-industry-hall-of-fame-hits-a-home-run-with-class-of-2027s-two-honorees/
[Category: Business]
SAE International's A World In Motion Named Among 2026 Educators Pick Best of STEM Award Winners
WARRENDALE, Pennsylvania, Sept. 9 -- SAE International issued the following news release:
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SAE International's A World In Motion Named Among 2026 Educators Pick Best of STEM Award Winners
WARRENDALE, Pa. - SAE International's A World In Motion(R) (AWIM(R)) program has been recognized among the winners of the Educators Pick Best of STEM(R) 2026 Awards, earning honors in two categories for its innovative approach to STEM and career and technical education (CTE).
AWIM was named a CTE Champion: STEM winner, while the A World In Motion Computer Science Series was recognized as a Trailblazer:
... Show Full Article
WARRENDALE, Pennsylvania, Sept. 9 -- SAE International issued the following news release:
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SAE International's A World In Motion Named Among 2026 Educators Pick Best of STEM Award Winners
WARRENDALE, Pa. - SAE International's A World In Motion(R) (AWIM(R)) program has been recognized among the winners of the Educators Pick Best of STEM(R) 2026 Awards, earning honors in two categories for its innovative approach to STEM and career and technical education (CTE).
AWIM was named a CTE Champion: STEM winner, while the A World In Motion Computer Science Series was recognized as a Trailblazer:Inspiring Computational Thinking winner.
The Educators Pick Best of STEM Awards, presented by The Teich Group and Catapult X in partnership with MCH Strategic Data, the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), and the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT), recognize innovative STEM education products, technologies, and services. Winners are selected by certified classroom teachers, STEM specialists, and district leaders who evaluate entries based on their suitability and impact in educational settings. The recognition comes as schools and educators continue to seek effective ways to engage students in STEM and prepare them for a rapidly evolving workforce.
"These recognitions reflect the value of giving educators and students opportunities to engage with STEM through hands-on, real-world learning," said Chris Ciuca, Vice President of Professional Engagement & Programs, SAE International. "A World In Motion has been helping students connect science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to the world around them for decades, and these awards underscore the importance of preparing students with the career-ready skills and curiosity they need for the future."
Through AWIM, SAE International brings STEM concepts to life through hands-on, inquiry-based experiences that encourage students to explore engineering and problem-solving. The program provides equitable access to hands-on STEM experiences for diverse learners, making it an effective, scalable solution for building the future workforce.
The AWIM Computer Science Series extends that approach into computer science education, embedding computational thinking into interdisciplinary, problem-based STEM challenges in a way that is hands-on, integrated, and accessible for all learners. The series empowers educators to confidently bring computational thinking into any classroom, sparking curiosity, broadening participation, and preparing students for a technology-driven future.
To learn more about SAE's AWIM programs, visit: https://www.sae.org/stem-education.
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About SAE A World In Motion(R)
SAE's award-winning A World In Motion(R) (AWIM(R)) program is an inquiry-based, hands-on learning experience that brings STEM concepts to life, providing students with knowledge and skills to help them succeed in future education, careers, and life. Starting with the youngest learners, from preschool through 12th grade, AWIM combines practical, experiential learning with mentorship from industry volunteers and ongoing training and support for educators to advance equitable access to STEM. Learn more at: https://www.sae.org/stem-education.
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About SAE International(R)
SAE International(R) is a global organization committed to advancing mobility knowledge and solutions for the benefit of humanity. By engaging nearly 200,000 engineers, technical experts and volunteers, we connect and educate mobility professionals to enable safe, clean, and accessible mobility solutions. We act on two priorities: encouraging a lifetime of learning for mobility engineering professionals and setting the standards for industry engineering. We strive for a better world through the work of our philanthropic SAE Foundation, including award-winning programs like A World In Motion(R) and the Collegiate Design Series(TM). Learn more at http://www.sae.org.
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Original text here: https://www.sae.org/articles/press-releases/2026/08/sae-2026-best-stem
[Category: Engineering]
NRF Names Former Federal Prosecutor as SVP and General Counsel
WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 -- The National Retail Federation posted the following news release on Sept. 8, 2026:
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NRF Names Former Federal Prosecutor as SVP and General Counsel
WASHINGTON - The National Retail Federation today announced it has hired former federal prosecutor and veteran attorney Marissa Bostick as senior vice president and general counsel.
"Marissa's diverse experience as a prosecutor and litigator in the public, private and nonprofit sectors, combined with her work representing a global retail and technology company, makes her an ideal choice for this role," NRF President and
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 -- The National Retail Federation posted the following news release on Sept. 8, 2026:
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NRF Names Former Federal Prosecutor as SVP and General Counsel
WASHINGTON - The National Retail Federation today announced it has hired former federal prosecutor and veteran attorney Marissa Bostick as senior vice president and general counsel.
"Marissa's diverse experience as a prosecutor and litigator in the public, private and nonprofit sectors, combined with her work representing a global retail and technology company, makes her an ideal choice for this role," NRF President andCEO Matthew Shay said. "Her insights and perspective will be indispensable as we work to achieve NRF's policy and legal goals on behalf of our members."
"NRF has long been the leading voice for retail on Capitol Hill and in courts across the country," Bostick said. "Retail touches every community large and small, and I look forward to bringing my experience in litigation, brand protection and policy to help NRF's members navigate an increasingly complex legal and regulatory landscape."
Bostick will advise the NRF president and CEO and NRF Board of Directors on legal, regulatory and reputational risk while leading litigation, governance, antitrust compliance, tax-exempt and political-law matters, IP, contracting, privacy and cybersecurity, and the NRF legal team.
Previously, Bostick was the inaugural partner and leader at the Washington, D.C., office for the firm Sideman & Bancroft, focusing on a variety of legal issues facing businesses and organizations. Before that, she held positions as Global Head of Litigation at the Motion Picture Association of America and was a founding member of Amazon's Counterfeit Crimes Unit. She is also a Fulbright Scholar and former federal prosecutor for the Southern District of New York.
She began her career at the New York office of the global law firm O'Melveny & Myers after earning her J.D. from Columbia Law School.
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About NRF
The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation's largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs -- 55 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies. nrf.com
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Original text here: https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/nrf-names-former-federal-prosecutor-as-svp-and-general-counsel
[Category: Business]
ERIC Files Amicus Brief Urging Eighth Circuit to Affirm Dismissal of ERISA Suit Against Wells Fargo Health Plan
WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 -- The ERISA Industry Committee issued the following news release:
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ERIC Files Amicus Brief Urging Eighth Circuit to Affirm Dismissal of ERISA Suit Against Wells Fargo Health Plan
The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) joined coalition allies in filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in Navarro v. Wells Fargo & Company. The brief urges the court to affirm a district court ruling that dismissed a proposed class action challenging how Wells Fargo manages prescription drug benefits under its self-funded health plan.
The plaintiffs, former
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 -- The ERISA Industry Committee issued the following news release:
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ERIC Files Amicus Brief Urging Eighth Circuit to Affirm Dismissal of ERISA Suit Against Wells Fargo Health Plan
The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) joined coalition allies in filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in Navarro v. Wells Fargo & Company. The brief urges the court to affirm a district court ruling that dismissed a proposed class action challenging how Wells Fargo manages prescription drug benefits under its self-funded health plan.
The plaintiffs, formerparticipants in the Wells Fargo & Company Health Plan, do not claim they were denied any promised benefit. Instead, they argue Wells Fargo should have negotiated a better deal with its pharmacy benefit manager, which might have lowered premiums and drug costs. The U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota dismissed the case twice, finding the plaintiffs lack standing because their claimed harm is speculative and cannot be traced to Wells Fargo's conduct. The plaintiffs have now appealed to the Eighth Circuit.
"Getting every benefit your health plan promised, and then suing because you think a particular drug should have cost less, is not an injury caused by the employer that provided you the health insurance at issue," said Doug Hinson, Executive Director of the ERIC Legal Center. "If that theory succeeds, every employer that sponsors a health plan becomes an easy target any time a plaintiff's lawyer claims some price was too high. That kind of litigation does not help workers. It just adds cost and punishes employers who are offering health benefits in the first place."
This case presents a novel, flawed theory similar to suits against a couple of other large employers (e.g., J.P. Morgan and Johnson & Johnson). The brief argues that allowing these claims to proceed would turn decisions on what benefits to offer, and how much they will cost, into a constant source of litigation and could push employers to scale back drug benefits offered to their employees. This is particularly likely if plan sponsors end up getting punished for not having information about their pharmacy benefit manager that they have been unable to get until recent changes in the law that will require more PBM transparency. Those types of legislative and regulatory changes are the answer to the plaintiffs' complaint here, not litigation against their employers.
Read the full brief here (https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.eric.org_wp-2Dcontent_uploads_2026_09_Brief-2Dof-2DAmici-2DCuriae-2Dsubmitted.pdf&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=5Czl6fhiSkaKR5eINvFb5tvanuo5_WLx5qqEyqDS310&m=T7Fmj9sgcBKTi-OhYsVvACgx0nq14B9RSG86wMVepsAOQ4egcRrv9Y2M04Tjtc4A&s=1MK3ZLoD38ysbpMcZ6dT3xqk3GGtP2avBL5rZlYi__E&e=)
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About The ERISA Industry Committee
ERIC is a national advocacy organization that exclusively represents large employers that provide health, retirement, paid leave, and other benefits to their nationwide workforces. With member companies that are leaders in every sector of the economy, ERIC advocates on the federal, state, and local levels for policies that promote flexibility and uniformity in the administration of their employee benefit plans.
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Original text here: https://www.eric.org/press_release/eric-files-amicus-brief-urging-eighth-circuit-to-affirm-dismissal-of-erisa-suit-against-wells-fargo-health-plan/
[Category: Human Resources/Personnel]
Consumer Technology Association: CES 2027 Welcomes Chilean Global Pavilion Presence for the First Time
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Sept. 9 -- The Consumer Technology Association issued the following news release:
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CES 2027 Welcomes Chilean Global Pavilion Presence for the First Time
CES 2027 is Jan. 6-9 in Las Vegas, where global business leaders, policymakers and innovators come together to shape the future of technology
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The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)(R), owner and producer of CES(R), the world's most powerful tech event, announces that the Republic of Chile will establish a Global Pavilion at CES 2027 for the first time. The Chilean area will be the largest South American Global
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Sept. 9 -- The Consumer Technology Association issued the following news release:
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CES 2027 Welcomes Chilean Global Pavilion Presence for the First Time
CES 2027 is Jan. 6-9 in Las Vegas, where global business leaders, policymakers and innovators come together to shape the future of technology
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The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)(R), owner and producer of CES(R), the world's most powerful tech event, announces that the Republic of Chile will establish a Global Pavilion at CES 2027 for the first time. The Chilean area will be the largest South American GlobalPavilion ever at CES.
During an event in Santiago, Kinsey Fabrizio, President and CEO, CTA, and Dr. Ximena Lincolao, Chile's Minister for Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation, announced the country's participation at CES 2027 and, together with Ximena Rincon, Chile's Minister of Energy, and Jocelyn Olivari, CORFO General Manager, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that formalizes a shared commitment to strengthening innovation ties between the United States and Chile while expanding opportunities for Chilean startups and technology companies at CES.
"Chile is home to a dynamic and rapidly evolving technology ecosystem with strengths spanning robotics, energy, space technology and beyond," said Fabrizio. "Through CES, we look forward to working alongside Chile's leaders to help showcase these innovations, foster international collaboration and accelerate growth opportunities for Chilean companies."
Chile's participation marks an important milestone in expanding South American representation at CES and deepening cross-border collaboration that drives global innovation. The country's coordinated presence at CES 2027 will highlight its growing technology sector, strengthen connections with international industry leaders and reinforce Chile's position as a regional tech hub.
"Chile is entering a new chapter, with innovation, science and technology as pillars of our national strategy," said Dr. Lincolao. "CES is a strategic platform for Chilean companies to enter new markets, attract investment and build meaningful partnerships. Bringing Chile's technology ecosystem to the world's most influential tech event is part of a national decision: putting our innovators in front of global decision-makers this January."
Chile will bring together a delegation that reflects the diversity of its innovation ecosystem, featuring companies working in robotics, cutting-edge technology and emerging industries. CES serves as a launchpad for early-stage and growth-stage companies to showcase breakthrough technologies.
CES 2027 is Jan. 6-9 in Las Vegas, where global business leaders, policymakers and innovators come together to shape the future of technology. Learn more at CES.tech.
The announcement builds on growing collaboration between CTA and Chile. Earlier this year, CTA Executive Chair Gary Shapiro traveled to Chile as part of a delegation attending the country's presidential inauguration and met with government and industry leaders to advance discussions around innovation policy, entrepreneurship, startup growth and global market access through CES.
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Original text here: https://www.ces.tech/press-releases/ces-2027-welcomes-chilean-global-pavilion-presence-for-the-first-time
[Category: Electronic Products]
CREFC Announces 10th Annual Finance Forward Symposium in New York
NEW YORK, Sept. 9 -- The CRE Finance Council, an association for the commercial real estate finance industry, issued the following news release:
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CREFC Announces 10th Annual Finance Forward Symposium in New York
CREFC's Women's Network celebrates milestone year with full-day program focused on leadership, professional development, and the future of CRE finance
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NEW YORK, NY - The CRE Finance Council (CREFC), the trade association representing the over $6 trillion commercial real estate finance industry, will host its 10th Annual Finance Forward Symposium on October 1, 2026, in New York
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Sept. 9 -- The CRE Finance Council, an association for the commercial real estate finance industry, issued the following news release:
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CREFC Announces 10th Annual Finance Forward Symposium in New York
CREFC's Women's Network celebrates milestone year with full-day program focused on leadership, professional development, and the future of CRE finance
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NEW YORK, NY - The CRE Finance Council (CREFC), the trade association representing the over $6 trillion commercial real estate finance industry, will host its 10th Annual Finance Forward Symposium on October 1, 2026, in New YorkCity. The full-day event will bring together commercial real estate finance professionals for insights into industry trends, professional development, networking, and mentoring.
Hosted by CREFC's Women's Network, the Finance Forward Symposium is designed to provide a platform for professionals at all stages of their careers to connect with peers and mentors, enhance their skills and stay ahead of the changes shaping the commercial real estate finance industry.
"Reaching the 10th year of the Women's Network Symposium is an exciting milestone and a testament to the value of bringing our industry together to learn, connect and grow," said Jeehae Lee, Senior Managing Director and Deputy Chief Investment Officer at Bridge Investment Group and 2026-2027 CREFC Women's Network Chair. "This year's program offers a great mix of timely market insights, practical professional development, and opportunities to build meaningful connections with colleagues and mentors. I look forward to welcoming industry professionals from across the industry for a day focused on navigating what's next in commercial real estate finance."
The day will feature a diverse program addressing both the business of commercial real estate finance and the skills needed to navigate an evolving industry. Featured sessions include:
* The Art of Human Intelligence: From Reading Signals to Resolving Conflict: A keynote presentation by Evy Poumpouras, former U.S. Secret Service Special Agent, interrogator and NBC News law enforcement and national security analyst. Drawing on more than 12 years with the Secret Service, including assignments protecting U.S. presidents and service in the agency's elite polygraph unit, Poumpouras will share insights on communication, leadership, psychology, resilience and navigating high-stakes situations.
* Table Talks: Elevating Your CRE Career: A fast-paced, moderator-led rotation of roundtables designed for professionals at every level to exchange ideas, build connections and gain practical insights.
* Market Crossroads: The Evolution of CRE Finance: A discussion examining how a rapidly evolving CRE lending environment - shaped by higher rates, liquidity and regulatory shifts, and new competitors - is driving the rise of creative capital and deal structures, and how market participants are navigating cash flow stress and distress to get transactions done.
* A Mosaic of Stories: Reimagining Space: A conversation exploring adaptive reuse and redevelopment - from uncovering hidden value in underutilized assets and navigating regulatory complexity, to structuring deals, solving design constraints, and applying real-world lessons to bring challenging projects successfully to life.
Event Details:
* When: Thursday, October 1, 2026
* Where: Citi | 45 Hubert Street | New York, NY 10013
* Program
* Registration (https://www.crefc.org/cre/content/events/Womens_Network_Symposium/2026/WN_Symposium_2026.aspx?37617dc31a28=3&_zs=m5dVQ1&_zl=pAe98#37617dc31a28)
Guest Bartending Fundraiser Benefiting Living Beyond Breast Cancer
Following the Finance Forward Symposium, CREFC members are invited to a guest bartending fundraiser benefiting Living Beyond Breast Cancer from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Printers Alley in New York City. Some of the industry's leaders will be serving as guest bartenders for the evening in shifts, each representing a competing team. The highest fundraising team will determine which group of industry leaders takes home bragging rights.
Registration for the fundraiser is separate from the Symposium. The registration fee covers food and beverage costs, and a donation to the Living Beyond Breast Cancer fundraiser is also required to attend.
Register for the Guest Bartending Fundraiser (https://www.crefc.org/cre/rise/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=NY_A100126&_zs=m5dVQ1&_zl=xAe98)
To learn more about CREFC's upcoming conferences and events, please visit this page.
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CREFC Women's Network
The CREFC Women's Network is dedicated to enhancing the visibility, profile, and advancement opportunities of women in the commercial real estate finance industry. The network provides a structured platform for women's initiatives within CREFC, as well as opportunities for networking, mentoring, and professional development.
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Original text here: https://www.crefc.org/cre/content/News/Items/advocacy-items/2026/CREFC_Announces_10th_Annual_Finance_Forward_Symposium_in_New_York.aspx
[Category: Real Estate]
ASTM Launches Online Written Beta Exams for Facial Identification Certification Programs
WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pennsylvania, Sept. 9 -- ASTM International, formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials, which develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for materials, products, systems and services, posted the following news release:
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ASTM Launches Online Written Beta Exams for Facial Identification Certification Programs
New beta exams support the ASTM Certified Facial Examiner (CFE) and ASTM Certified Facial Reviewer (CFR) personnel certification programs.
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ASTM International has launched online written beta examinations for its ASTM Certified
... Show Full Article
WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pennsylvania, Sept. 9 -- ASTM International, formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials, which develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for materials, products, systems and services, posted the following news release:
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ASTM Launches Online Written Beta Exams for Facial Identification Certification Programs
New beta exams support the ASTM Certified Facial Examiner (CFE) and ASTM Certified Facial Reviewer (CFR) personnel certification programs.
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ASTM International has launched online written beta examinations for its ASTM CertifiedFacial Examiner (CFE) and ASTM Certified Facial Reviewer (CFR) personnel certification programs.
The ASTM Certified Facial Examiner program is designed for professionals who perform a comparison of image(s)-to-image(s) using morphological analysis, comparison, and evaluation for the purpose of effecting an opinion, often used in a forensic application. The ASTM Certified Facial Reviewer program is intended for professionals who perform a comparison of image(s)-to-image(s) using morphological analysis, generally from a facial recognition system (FRS) generated candidate list.
ASTM's certification programs support professionals in these fields, establishing a standardized benchmark for knowledge and competency in a growing field that serves law enforcement, government agencies, forensic laboratories, and other organizations engaged in identity-related investigations.
The online written beta examinations represent a significant milestone in the development of both programs. Through participation in the beta process, qualified candidates will help validate examination content while demonstrating their knowledge of core principles, methodologies, and standards related to facial identification.
"As the demand for qualified facial identification professionals continues to grow, there is a clear need for certifications that provide an independent and objective assessment of competency," says Brittney Gibson, certification manager at ASTM International. "The launch of these beta examinations is an important step in establishing credible, industry-driven credentials that support professional development and help strengthen confidence in the field."
These certification programs were developed with guidance from industry subject matter experts and designed to promote consistency, professionalism, and adherence to recognized best practices for facial identification.
For more information about eligibility requirements and participation in the beta examinations, please reach out to credentialing@astm.org regarding your interest. For more information on certification offerings, visit the ASTM Certification Programs website here.
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Original text here: https://www.astm.org/news/press-releases/astm-beta-exams-facial-identification-certification-programs
[Category: Materials Management]
