Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
ORBA PLANS ROBUST OVERLAND EXPO WEST 2026 PRESENCE, SPONSORSHIP
DIAMOND BAR, California, April 17 -- The Specialty Equipment Market Association issued the following news release:
* * *
ORBA PLANS ROBUST OVERLAND EXPO WEST 2026 PRESENCE, SPONSORSHIP
Relaunched off-road advocacy organization to reach new audience of enthusiasts and businesses at premier gathering of overlanding community
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Off-Road Business Association, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), is pleased to announce its sponsorship and participation as an exhibitor at Overland Expo West 2026, bringing its renewed advocacy focus
... Show Full Article
DIAMOND BAR, California, April 17 -- The Specialty Equipment Market Association issued the following news release:
* * *
ORBA PLANS ROBUST OVERLAND EXPO WEST 2026 PRESENCE, SPONSORSHIP
Relaunched off-road advocacy organization to reach new audience of enthusiasts and businesses at premier gathering of overlanding community
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Off-Road Business Association, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), is pleased to announce its sponsorship and participation as an exhibitor at Overland Expo West 2026, bringing its renewed advocacy focusto an expanded audience of the off-road community's most passionate, innovative, and committed enthusiasts and businesses. Additionally, ORBA is excited to announce that Overland Expo has joined the organization as a Platinum-level member.
* Stop by ORBA's exhibitor lounge at Overland Expo West 2026, May 15-17 in Flagstaff, Ariz., where the organization's leadership will host scheduled sessions on land-use issues and the benefits of ORBA membership and preview the 2026 Overland Expo Industry Report.
"ORBA is thrilled to be a sponsor and participant of Overland Expo West 2026, one of our community's premier events for off-road and overland companies, as well as enthusiasts," said Sean P. Holman, ORBA Interim Executive Director. "Attending Overland Expo West 2026 will be a unique opportunity to help further develop the relationships that will help to make our federal and state advocacy a success. We are equally excited to have Overland Expo join our growing membership roster, adding a significant consumer-facing organization to our ranks of advocates. At Overland Expo West 2026, our new leadership team will be meeting with our fellow enthusiasts, talking about the issues that impact our lifestyle, and growing our ability to be a voice for all off-roaders. We are looking forward to getting to know many of the faces that make up our much-loved off-road community."
"Overland Expo has long served as a gathering place for the overland industry and enthusiast community, and partnering with ORBA and SEMA is a natural extension of that role," said Emily Boden, Show Director at Overland Expo. "ORBA's work ensures that businesses and enthusiasts alike have a voice in protecting access and opportunity, and we're excited to support their expanded advocacy efforts at Overland Expo West 2026."
Additionally, Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA Senior Vice President for Public and Government Affairs, will be a panelist during the popular Women Who Wander networking brunch, providing insights into efforts to advocate at the state and federal levels for motorized access to public off-road spaces.
BACKGROUND
ORBA, a membership-based organization, recently announced a robust relaunch with a broadened advocacy strategy, enhanced research capabilities, and a renewed commitment to coalition-based action to protect the future of the off-road industry and enthusiast community.
As part of its relaunch, ORBA outlined several priority initiatives already underway:
* Protecting access to public lands
* Supporting federal legislation that preserves motorized access to outdoor spaces
* Continuing the ecologic partners collaboration
* Launching regional economic impact reports
* Expanding coalitions and partnerships
* Stewardship and education
With new tools, deeper partnerships, and a renewed focus on collaboration, ORBA is positioning itself to be a more effective advocate for businesses, enthusiasts, and the lands that make off-road recreation possible. ORBA has also upgraded the membership benefits to include regular communications, sponsored brand content across ORBA and SEMA Action Network digital channels and access to consumer research tools, and more.
* * *
ABOUT ORBA
The Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) proactively protects recreation access and opportunities by ensuring that America's families are not arbitrarily denied the right to responsibly recreate. ORBA provides leadership in addressing land-use issues by advancing policies that conserve the environment while at the same time providing off-road recreation opportunities. ORBA is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). Join ORBA and support off-road recreation today at www.offroadbusiness.org.
ABOUT SEMA
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) serves as a leading voice for the worldwide car culture, representing over 7,000 member companies that create, buy, sell, and use specialty-automotive parts that make vehicles more unique, attractive, convenient, safer, fun, and even like new again. Business member benefits include product development resources, market research, networking, education, legislative advocacy, and more. The Association organizes the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev., and actively supports the career and business opportunities that the aftermarket generates. The industry contributes nearly $337 billion in economic impact to the U.S. economy, supports 1.3 million jobs nationally, and generates nearly $53 billion in parts sales annually. For more information, visit www.sema.org.
ABOUT OVERLAND EXPO
Founded in 2009, Overland Expo is the world's premier event series for do-it-yourself adventure travel enthusiasts. Hundreds of exhibitors of adventure travel equipment, camping gear, bikes, vehicles, and services convene at every Overland Expo event. Each Expo hosts hundreds of session hours of classes, including off-road driving techniques, adventure motorcycling, inspirational programs, roundtable discussions, demonstrations, and the Overland Film Festival. Overland Expo is owned and produced by Emerald.
ABOUT EMERALD
Emerald's talented and experienced team grows our customers' businesses 365 days a year through connections, content, and commerce. We expand connections that drive new business opportunities, product discovery, and relationships with over 140 annual events, matchmaking, and lead-gen services. We create content to ensure that our customers are on the cutting edge of their industries and are continually developing their skills. And we power commerce through efficient year-round buying and selling. We do all this by seamlessly integrating in-person and digital platforms and channels. Emerald is immersed in the industries we serve and committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. As true partners, we create experiences that inspire, amaze, and deliver breakthrough results. For more information, please visit www.emeraldx.com.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.sema.org/news-media/press-release/orba-plans-robust-overland-expo-west-2026-presence-sponsorship
[Category: Industrial Materials]
NACDS Foundation Announces 2026-2027 Faculty Scholars
ARLINGTON, Virginia, April 17 -- The National Association of Chain Drug Stores posted the following news release:
* * *
NACDS Foundation Announces 2026-2027 Faculty Scholars
Prestigious mentorship program welcomes cohort of six new pharmacy professors.
*
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation (NACDS Foundation) has selected the participants for the 2026-2027 Faculty Scholars Program. Six faculty members from U.S. schools and colleges of pharmacy nationwide will engage in an 18-month research mentorship program with seasoned research experts, transforming research ideas into
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, April 17 -- The National Association of Chain Drug Stores posted the following news release:
* * *
NACDS Foundation Announces 2026-2027 Faculty Scholars
Prestigious mentorship program welcomes cohort of six new pharmacy professors.
*
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation (NACDS Foundation) has selected the participants for the 2026-2027 Faculty Scholars Program. Six faculty members from U.S. schools and colleges of pharmacy nationwide will engage in an 18-month research mentorship program with seasoned research experts, transforming research ideas intopublished manuscripts through NACDS Foundation starter grants.
The 2026-2027 Faculty Scholars are:
* Dr. Courtney Watts Alexander, Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy
* Dr. Kylie Futrell, University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy
* Dr. Brooke Hudspeth, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
* Dr. Lara Rains, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy
* Dr. Brandy Seignemartin, University of Alaska Anchorage/Idaho State University Doctor of Pharmacy Program
* Dr. Amanda Stallings, The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy
The 2026-2027 scholars will each develop and complete an original research pilot project focused on improving health outcomes through community pharmacy practice. Their findings will be disseminated via publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations as part of the program's commitment to advancing the evidence-based pharmacist-led care.
NACDS Foundation Interim President Christie Boutte said, "Developing the next generation of leaders is essential to driving future innovations in community health. We are thrilled to welcome another exceptional cohort of Faculty Scholars from across the nation. To date, more than 50 scholars have taken part in this program, and each has made a lasting impact on health outcomes and population health."
The 2026-2027 Faculty Scholars will participate in frequent mentor meetings, small cohort working groups, and an online lecture series. Experienced community-based pharmacy researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Washington will serve as this year's program facilitators.
The Faculty Scholars will have the opportunity to present their research projects during the 2027 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Annual Meeting, July 10-13, 2027, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.nacds.org/nacds-foundation-announces-2026-2027-faculty-scholars/
[Category: Business]
IGFA Advocacy Update for April 2026: Key Policy Wins for Recreational Fishing and Conservation
DANIA BEACH, Florida, April 17 -- The International Game Fish Association issued the following news:
* * *
IGFA Advocacy Update for April 2026: Key Policy Wins for Recreational Fishing and Conservation
The IGFA is dedicated to safeguarding the health of the world's marine and freshwater systems and championing the interests of the recreational angling community. With partners in conservation and recreational fishing, policymakers, and conservation organizations worldwide, the IGFA has made important progress on several key conservation topics including whale-vessel interactions, improving data
... Show Full Article
DANIA BEACH, Florida, April 17 -- The International Game Fish Association issued the following news:
* * *
IGFA Advocacy Update for April 2026: Key Policy Wins for Recreational Fishing and Conservation
The IGFA is dedicated to safeguarding the health of the world's marine and freshwater systems and championing the interests of the recreational angling community. With partners in conservation and recreational fishing, policymakers, and conservation organizations worldwide, the IGFA has made important progress on several key conservation topics including whale-vessel interactions, improving datacollection and management of South Atlantic red snapper, and reducing chum salmon bycatch in the Bering Sea. See below for an advocacy update from our Conservation Department:
Supporting Technology and Data Advancements for Reduced Whale-Vessel Interactions
The IGFA joined a broad coalition of recreational fishing and boating organizations in thanking U.S. Representatives Matsui, Malliotakis, Dexter, Buchanan, Elfreth, and Carter for introducing the Whale CHARTS (Conservation Habitat Analysis, Research, and Technical Strategies) Act. This Act seeks to mitigate the risk of vessel strikes on whales by investing in improved data and supporting the development and deployment of whale detection and awareness technologies, thereby strengthening the scientific foundation for decision-making and providing tools that can be applied on the water. This bill has been introduced in the House and has been referred to the Committee on Natural Resources as well as the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Advocating Against Reduced Regulations for Industrial Fishing for Menhaden in Louisiana
The IGFA joined a broad coalition of recreational fishing, boating, and conservation organizations in a letter to the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission urging a "no" vote on the Notice of Intent that would reduce Louisiana's current industrial menhaden fishing buffer zones. The Commission voted to reduce the 1/2-mile buffer zone to 1/4-mile under intense industry pressure and support from the Louisiana Governor, and our Gulf coalition is supporting the passage of six bills in the current Louisiana legislative session that seek industry accountability, reporting, and data transparency measures.
Advancing the American Water Stewardship Act
The IGFA joined the nation's leading recreational fishing and boating organizations in a letter of support to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and U.S. Representative Jeffries for the passage of H.R. 6422, the American Water Stewardship Act. This Act reauthorizes and strengthens Environmental Protection Agency programs, including the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act, and the National Estuary Program which focuses on non-regulatory, collaborative, and science-based solutions to improve water quality and habitat conditions. This bill has passed the House and was received in the Senate, where it has been referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Supporting Exempted Fishing Permits for State Data Collection and Management of South Atlantic Red Snapper
The IGFA joined the nation's leading recreational fishing and boating organizations in submitting comments to Secretary of Commerce Lutnick on Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) applications submitted by Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina for Atlantic Red Snapper. These EFP applications seek opportunities to test state data systems designed specifically for South Atlantic Red Snapper fisheries and evaluate whether they can produce timely and accurate information in partnership with NOAA Fisheries.
Reducing Chum Salmon Bycatch in the Bering Sea Pollock Trawl Fishery
The IGFA joined recreational and sportfishing businesses, interest groups, and guides in a comment letter on the North Pacific Fishery Management Council's Draft Environmental Impact Statement for chum salmon bycatch in the Bering Sea pollock trawl fishery. These comments included requests for the Council and NOAA Fisheries to reduce chum salmon bycatch and maintain thriving salmon runs for the preservation of Alaska's seafood and tourism industries, as well as subsistence, sport, recreation, and commercial activities. Briefly, the Council established a Western Alaska chum bycatch limit of 45,000 fish and a corridor closure once the bycatch cap is met.
Conservation Program Update
Lastly, the IGFA is leading crucial research into recreationally important fish species and the broader forage base they rely on, through the Forage Fish Research Program (FFRP). Currently in its 10th year, planning is underway for the 10th Annual FFRP Data Workshop, to be held on June 4th, 2026, at Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) Headquarters. There, current FFRP Fellows Alex Walus, from the University of Florida, and Meredith Pratt, from the University of Central Florida, will present the results of their Fellowship projects, and FFRP Data Partners will provide an update on their project and data availability for incoming Fellows in 2026-2027. To learn more about the FFRP, check out our website (https://floridaforagefish.org/) and newsletter here (https://floridaforagefish.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/FFRP-Newsletter-2026_Final.pdf).
* * *
Original text here: https://igfa.org/2026/04/16/igfa-advocacy-update-for-april-2026-key-policy-wins-for-recreational-fishing-and-conservation/
[Category: Environment]
Excellence in Marketing Awards Announced at CCA's Mobility & Connectivity Show
WASHINGTON, April 17 -- The Competitive Carriers Association issued the following news release:
* * *
Excellence in Marketing Awards Announced at CCA's Mobility & Connectivity Show
Louisville, Kentucky - Competitive Carriers Association announced the winners of the 2026 Excellence in Marketing Awards today at its Mobility & Connectivity Show (MCS 2026). The awards recognize CCA members' most effective and innovative marketing campaigns from last year across various platforms such as digital, print, TV, and radio. MCS 2026 takes place April 14-16 at the Louisville Marriott Downtown in Louisville,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 17 -- The Competitive Carriers Association issued the following news release:
* * *
Excellence in Marketing Awards Announced at CCA's Mobility & Connectivity Show
Louisville, Kentucky - Competitive Carriers Association announced the winners of the 2026 Excellence in Marketing Awards today at its Mobility & Connectivity Show (MCS 2026). The awards recognize CCA members' most effective and innovative marketing campaigns from last year across various platforms such as digital, print, TV, and radio. MCS 2026 takes place April 14-16 at the Louisville Marriott Downtown in Louisville,Kentucky.
The Excellence in Marketing Awards highlight achievements of companies across the communications service provider industry and serve as a platform to recognize and celebrate the advancing campaigns, strategic initiatives, and innovative approaches that drive telecommunications forward.
"CCA's Excellence in Marketing Awards recognize the most creative and captivating marketing campaigns among our members," said Tim Donovan, President and CEO of CCA. "Congratulations to this year's winners for their innovative and visionary approach to engaging audiences and advancing brands within the communications service provider community."
This year's CCA Excellence in Marketing Awards winners include:
Animated Online Videos: Carrier Member
Nex-Tech Wireless: "NTW Childcare Appreciation Animated Video"
Animated Online Videos: Associate Member
IDI Billing Solutions: "The Power of IDI's Web-Based Sales Solutions"
Online Ads: Carrier Member
Cellular One of NE AZ: "Wicked Tough"
Print Ads: Carrier Member
GCI "Business"
Print Ads: Associate Member
Telsasoft: "Your Network's Eyes & Ears"
Radio Spot: Carrier Member
Bark Mobile: "What the Elf Holiday Radio"
TV Commercials & YouTube Videos: Carrier Member
Union Wireless: "Better Connections Better Communities"
People's Choice
Viaero Wireless (TV Commercials & YouTube Videos: Carrier Members): "Answering the Call: Community Outreach"
* * *
About Competitive Carriers Association
Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) is the leading association for competitive communications service providers and stakeholders across the United States. Members range from small, rural carriers serving fewer than 5,000 customers to regional and nationwide providers serving millions, as well as vendors and suppliers delivering products and services throughout the communications ecosystem. CCA's 2026 Mobility & Connectivity Show takes place April 14-16 in Louisville, Kentucky. CCA's 2026 Annual Convention will take place September 14-16 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Visit ccamobile.org and on X, @CCAMobile and #MCS2026.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.ccamobile.org/excellence-in-marketing-awards-announced-at-ccas-mobility-connectivity-show
[Category: Telecommunications]
Equipment Leasing & Finance Association: Equipment Finance Industry Confidence Dips Again Amid Iran War Concerns
WASHINGTON, April 17 (TNSrep) -- The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association issued the following news release on April 16, 2026:
* * *
Equipment Finance Industry Confidence Dips Again Amid Iran War Concerns
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA) today released its April 2026 Monthly Confidence Index for the Equipment Finance Industry (MCI) (https://www.elfaonline.org/research/monthly-confidence-index-(mci)), revealing confidence in the equipment finance market is 54.6, a decrease from 61.0 in March, and the lowest level since May 2025 in the wake of the Trump administration's
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 17 (TNSrep) -- The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association issued the following news release on April 16, 2026:
* * *
Equipment Finance Industry Confidence Dips Again Amid Iran War Concerns
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA) today released its April 2026 Monthly Confidence Index for the Equipment Finance Industry (MCI) (https://www.elfaonline.org/research/monthly-confidence-index-(mci)), revealing confidence in the equipment finance market is 54.6, a decrease from 61.0 in March, and the lowest level since May 2025 in the wake of the Trump administration'sannouncement of universal tariffs. Comments from some MCI survey respondents indicate the impact of the war in Iran on their outlook. The index provides a qualitative assessment from key executives in the $1.3 trillion equipment finance industry.
April 2026 Survey Results:
* Business Conditions - When assessing the next four months, 11.8%% of responding executives believe business conditions will improve, down from 29.2% in March. Those who believe business conditions will remain the same increased to 58.8% from 54.2% the previous month. The percentage of executives who believe business conditions will worsen increased to 29.4% from 16.7% in March.
* Capex Demand - For the next four months, 10.5% of the survey respondents believe demand for leases and loans to fund capital expenditures (capex) will increase (down from 37.5% in March). Additionally, 68.4% expect demand to remain the same (up from 50% last month), and 21.1% believe demand will decline (up from 12.5% in March).
* Access to Capital - Over the next four months, 31.6% of respondents expect greater access to capital to fund equipment acquisitions, an increase from 25% in March. The majority (63.2%) anticipate the "same" access to capital to fund business, a decrease from 70.8% the previous month. Those expecting "less" access to capital increased to 5.3%, up from 4.2% in March.
* Employment - Regarding employment over the next four months, 42.1% of executives expect to hire more employees, an increase from 37.5% in March. Also, 52.6% foresee no change in headcount (down from 58.3% last month), and 5.3% expect to hire fewer employees, up from 4.2% in March.
* U.S. Economy - Of the respondents, none evaluate the current U.S. economy as "excellent," unchanged from March; 94.4% assess it as "fair," down from 100% last month; and 5.6% evaluate it as "poor," up from none in March.
* Economic Outlook - Over the next six months, 15.8% of respondents believe that U.S. economic conditions will "get better," a decrease from 20.8% in March. Another 47.4% expect the U.S. economy to "stay the same," down from 54.2% last month; and 36.8% believe economic conditions will worsen, an increase from 25% in March.
* Business Development Spending - Over the next six months, 47.4% of respondents believe their company will increase spending on business development activities, a decrease from 50% in March. Those who believe there will be "no change" in business development spending increased to 52.6% (from 50% in March), and none believe there will be a decrease in spending, unchanged from last month.
April 2026 MCI-EFI Survey Comments from Industry Executive Leadership:
* * *
Bank, Small Ticket
"The year has started off with a strong first quarter of originations and growth of the portfolio. We are optimistic of the opportunities that we will find strategy to execute on, but we are paying strong attention to portfolio performance and increasing bankruptcies to date in 2026."
David Normandin, CLFP, President and Chief Executive Officer, Wintrust Specialty Finance
* * *
Captive, Small Ticket
"I remain optimistic about the near-term outlook for the equipment finance industry and the broader economy. Continued investment in productivity and modernization is creating favorable conditions for growth."
Jim DeFrank, EVP and Chief Operating Officer, Isuzu Finance of America, Inc.
* * *
Independent, Middle Ticket
"War in Iran has begun a global economic recessionary movement as many eastern nations lack access to oil and natural gas, which are major components to many sectors in their economies and cannot be readily replaced. Expect international markets to slide first, then contagion to U.S. markets."
Jeffry Elliott, CLFP, CEO, Elevex Capital
* * *
Independent, Small Ticket
"The war in Iran is causing economic challenges for some people and businesses. The sooner it is over, the better."
- James D. Jenks, CEO, Global Finance and Leasing Services, LLC
* * *
About ELFA
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA) represents financial services companies and manufacturers in the $1.3 trillion U.S. equipment finance sector. ELFA's over 600 member companies provide essential financing that helps businesses acquire the equipment they need to operate and grow. Learn how equipment finance contributes to businesses' success, U.S. economic growth, manufacturing and jobs at www.elfaonline.org.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.elfaonline.org/newsroom/equipment-finance-industry-confidence-dips-again-amid-iran-war-concern
[Category: Facilities Management]
Buy American Seafood Act Could Help U.S. Fishermen
NEW PORT RICHEY, Florida, April 17 -- The Southern Shrimp Alliance issued the following news release on April 16, 2026:
* * *
Buy American Seafood Act Could Help U.S. Fishermen
Today, the Southern Shrimp Alliance welcomed Representative Julia Letlow's (R-LA) introduction of the Buy American Seafood Act, which would prohibit Federal agencies from procuring seafood for covered food programs unless the seafood is domestically sourced. The bill would also incorporate domestic seafood requirements into child nutrition programs.
"American children deserve nutritious seafood proudly produced right
... Show Full Article
NEW PORT RICHEY, Florida, April 17 -- The Southern Shrimp Alliance issued the following news release on April 16, 2026:
* * *
Buy American Seafood Act Could Help U.S. Fishermen
Today, the Southern Shrimp Alliance welcomed Representative Julia Letlow's (R-LA) introduction of the Buy American Seafood Act, which would prohibit Federal agencies from procuring seafood for covered food programs unless the seafood is domestically sourced. The bill would also incorporate domestic seafood requirements into child nutrition programs.
"American children deserve nutritious seafood proudly produced righthere under stringent U.S. food safety standards and enforcement. Congresswoman Letlow's bill delivers exactly that -- and in doing so, it supports America's coastal economies and fishing families," said Blake Price, director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance.
Currently, U.S. taxpayer-funded food programs have been a missed opportunity for America's commercial fishing industry. U.S. fishermen operate under some of the world's most rigorous environmental, food safety, and labor standards, yet federal procurement dollars flow overseas to foreign producers who lack similar standards. This legislation addresses that imbalance, thwarting the race to the bottom that has led imports to supply 90% of all seafood consumed in the United States. In doing so, it brings more ethically produced seafood to Americans.
By directing domestic seafood to school cafeterias and federal nutrition programs, this bill creates a reliable, meaningful market for American-caught seafood. That translates directly into steadier income and greater economic security for shrimpers, crabbers, and fishermen from Alaska to Florida -- people whose livelihoods and communities depend on a fair marketplace.
State of the U.S. Shrimp Industry
While consumer trends, such as the desire for local, natural, sustainable, and socially responsible protein sources, favor U.S. shrimp producers, the domestic industry is shrinking. Instead, growing volumes of shrimp are imported, mostly farmed in countries known for widespread use of banned antibiotics, forced labor, and environmental shortcuts to reduce costs.
In March, NOAA released a study underscoring the urgent need to support the U.S. shrimp industry, the world's most sustainable shrimp trawl fishery. Following decades of unfair trade, it found the revenue of the Gulf shrimp revenue fell more than 50% in just two years, from $489 million in 2021 to $221 million in 2023. The federal fleet posted a 6.1% loss in 2023, leaving producers unable to reinvest in aging vessels and infrastructure. An estimated 1,200 jobs were lost on federal shrimp vessels between 2021 and 2023 as the number of active vessels dropped 19%.
"The FDA is encouraging Americans to eat more seafood, and we catch and process the best right here at home. Ensuring U.S. funds deliver more premium U.S. seafood through nutritional programs is a win on every front. We commend Representative Letlow for her leadership on this issue and urge the swift passage of this commonsense bill," said Price.
Read Rep. Letlow's release: https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-letlow-files-bill-protect-american-seafood
* * *
Original text here: https://shrimpalliance.com/buy-american-seafood-act-could-help-u-s-fishermen/
[Category: Food/Beverage]
American Securities Association Urges Secretary Bessent to End CAT's Use of American Investor Personal Information in Wake of Anthropic's Claude Mythos Revelations
WASHINGTON, April 17 -- The American Securities Association issued the following news on April 16, 2026:
* * *
ASA Urges Secretary Bessent to End CAT's Use of American Investor Personal Information in Wake of Anthropic's Claude Mythos Revelations
The American Securities Association (ASA) today sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in his capacity as Chairman of the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC), calling for action to protect American investors from the cybersecurity risk posed by the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT) in the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 17 -- The American Securities Association issued the following news on April 16, 2026:
* * *
ASA Urges Secretary Bessent to End CAT's Use of American Investor Personal Information in Wake of Anthropic's Claude Mythos Revelations
The American Securities Association (ASA) today sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in his capacity as Chairman of the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC), calling for action to protect American investors from the cybersecurity risk posed by the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT) in thewake of Anthropic's Claude Mythos AI model.
"ASA commends Secretary Bessent and Federal Reserve Chair Powell for convening the nation's largest bank CEOs to address the existential cybersecurity threat exposed by Anthropic's Claude Mythos Preview," said ASA President and CEO Christopher Iacovella. "The subject matter of that emergency meeting confirms what ASA has warned about for years: the SEC's Consolidated Audit Trail is a significant cybersecurity vulnerability waiting to be exploited."
"The Consolidated Audit Trail, as it is currently designed, is the single greatest concentration of investor data in American history. It sits at the intersection of every risk that Mythos has now made operational, and it must be reformed," Iacovella wrote in the letter.
The CAT's Customer and Account Information System (CAIS) is the world's largest database of retail and institutional trading data ever assembled, containing the name, address, year of birth, account type, account number, and complete transaction history of every retail brokerage customer in America. The government is using this data to create an investor specific identifier, called the CCID, that will link every American investors' intimate personal information to their brokerage accounts and be used to track them around the financial markets without any evidence of wrongdoing (think of the CCID as a government mandated ankle bracelet that every investor must wear just in case they commit a crime).
ASA's call for action includes:
1. Require the immediate suspension of all collection and retention of retail investor PII in the CAT's Customer and Account Information System and destroy all the data it has collected.
2. Immediately end the use of any investor PII to create individual customer identifiers that the CAT uses to surveil American investors and that Mythos-class threat models can exploit.
3. Order an immediate, independent cybersecurity audit of the CAT's full technology stack conducted against a Mythos-class threat model.
4. Direct the SEC to formally adopt its long-pending August 2020 CAT data security proposal eliminating bulk downloading and ending the collection and use of retail investor personal and financial information.
5. Work with Congress to enact the Protecting Investors' Personally Identifiable Information Act, which would replace the CAT's bulk-collection model with a request/response-based framework that preserves full regulatory authority while eliminating the single-point-of-failure risk that the CAT currently represents.
To read ASA's full letter, click here (https://15c72067-2929-4106-8883-14b2d4025a5b.usrfiles.com/ugd/15c720_a3d8b0adb4134b7bbb7df58822d2ce11.pdf).
* * *
The American Securities Association (ASA) represents the retail and institutional capital markets interests of regional financial services firms who provide Main Street businesses with access to capital and advise hardworking Americans how to create and preserve wealth. ASA's mission is to promote trust and confidence among investors, facilitate capital formation, and support efficient and competitively balanced capital markets. This mission advances financial independence, stimulates job creation, and increases prosperity. The ASA has a geographically diverse membership of almost one hundred members that spans the Heartland, Southwest, Southeast, Atlantic, and Pacific Northwest regions of the United States.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.americansecurities.org/post/asa-urges-secretary-bessent-to-end-cat-s-use-of-american-investor-personal-information-in-wake-of-an
[Category: Financial Services]
