Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
Tariff Refunds: Members Urged to Update ACH Information in ACE Portal
NEW YORK, March 31 -- The Toy Association issued the following news:
* * *
Tariff Refunds: Members Urged to Update ACH Information in ACE Portal
As previously shared with members, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is now issuing all refunds electronically, following a federal rule published January 2, 2026. The change, which took effect February 6, 2026, eliminates paper checks and applies to all refund recipients.
CBP has already rejected more than 12,300 refund transactions due to missing or invalid banking information, so all companies are urged to make sure their account details
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, March 31 -- The Toy Association issued the following news:
* * *
Tariff Refunds: Members Urged to Update ACH Information in ACE Portal
As previously shared with members, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is now issuing all refunds electronically, following a federal rule published January 2, 2026. The change, which took effect February 6, 2026, eliminates paper checks and applies to all refund recipients.
CBP has already rejected more than 12,300 refund transactions due to missing or invalid banking information, so all companies are urged to make sure their account detailsare properly entered in the ACE Portal (Automated Commercial Environment Secure Data Portal). Without valid U.S. banking information on file, refunds cannot be processed.
Who needs to take action:
* Importers or other parties with entries liquidated on or after February 6, 2026
* Companies that have not yet enrolled for Automated Clearing House (ACH) refunds in the ACE Portal
What you need to do:
1. Confirm access to the ACE Portal
2. Complete ACH refund enrollment with valid U.S. banking information
3. Review CBP guidance and training materials to ensure proper setup
CBP has made a range of resources available to support enrollment and troubleshooting, including step-by-step training guides, FAQs, and instructional videos covering ACE Portal access, ACH refund enrollment, and refund reporting. Members whose refunds have been rejected can also reference CBP's replacement refund instructions for next steps.
For additional support, members may contact CBP directly at ace.support@cbp.dhs.gov for technical assistance or traderelations@cbp.dhs.gov for general inquiries.
* * *
The Toy Association will share additional information as it becomes available. Members are strongly encouraged to review all available resources and ensure their information is up to date to avoid delays in receiving refunds.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.toyassociation.org/PressRoom2/News/2026-News/tariff-refunds-members-urged-to-update-ach-information-in-ace-portal.aspx
[Category: Business]
Micro Markets Lone Bright Spot for Single-Family Home Building in Fourth Quarter
WASHINGTON, March 31 (TNSrep) -- The National Association of Home Builders issued the following news release:
* * *
Micro Markets Lone Bright Spot for Single-Family Home Building in Fourth Quarter
In a sign of ongoing affordability challenges and a tepid housing market, single-family construction fell across all geographic regions in the second half of 2025, with the exception of low-density, low-populated micro counties. Conversely, multifamily construction posted gains across all geographic regions.
These are the major findings of the latest National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Home
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 31 (TNSrep) -- The National Association of Home Builders issued the following news release:
* * *
Micro Markets Lone Bright Spot for Single-Family Home Building in Fourth Quarter
In a sign of ongoing affordability challenges and a tepid housing market, single-family construction fell across all geographic regions in the second half of 2025, with the exception of low-density, low-populated micro counties. Conversely, multifamily construction posted gains across all geographic regions.
These are the major findings of the latest National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) HomeBuilding Geography Index (HGBI) (https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/housing-economics/indices/home-building-geography-index) for the final two quarters of 2025 released today. This HGBI report was delayed because of last fall's government shutdown and contains data for the third and fourth quarters of last year.
"The HBGI data highlight how affordability and space needs are driving home construction toward lower-density markets," said NAHB Chairman Bill Owens, a home builder and remodeler from Worthington, Ohio. "Large metro core counties saw the steepest single-family decline while smaller and micropolitan areas with lower land and construction costs gained momentum.
"While single-family home building continues to face challenges across most of the nation, multifamily construction strengthened across every region in the fourth quarter following two years of uneven performance," said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. "Growth returning to large metro core counties coupled with sustained construction in smaller markets signals a more balanced and geographically diverse multifamily sector heading into 2026 than in years prior."
The HBGI is a quarterly measurement of building conditions across the country and uses county-level information about single- and multifamily permits to gauge housing construction growth in various urban and rural geographies.
The index registered declines for different-sized single-family markets in the fourth quarter, with the exception of micro counties, which posted a 1.6% gain, marking the seventh straight quarter of construction growth in these counties. Of particular note, large metro core counties, those with the highest population densities, reported declines of 12.8% in the final quarter of last year. This was the largest year-over-year four quarter moving average since 2023.
The HGBI geographic trends mirror the national trend in 2025, as single-family permits were down 7.4% from 2024.
The geographic composition of single-family construction continued to evolve over 2025, as large metro core counties lost 1.0 percentage point of market share between the fourth quarter of 2024 and final quarter of 2025. Small metro core counties, those with the highest population density in metro areas under 1 million in population, remained the largest market, adding 0.3 percentage points in market share from last year. The largest market share gain during 2025 was in micro counties, which were up 0.6 percentage points from 2024. This was driven by the growth in construction in these counties.
The fourth quarter HBGI shows the following market shares in single-family home building:
* 15.1% in large metro core counties
* 24.2% in large metro suburban counties
* 9.3% in large metro outlying counties
* 29.4% in small metro core counties
* 10.5% in small metro outlying areas
* 6.9% in micro counties
* 4.5% in non-metro/micro counties
Multifamily Construction Up Across the Board
Multifamily construction posted gains across all geographies in the fourth quarter, marking the first time all geographic sectors have shown quarterly growth since 2023. The highest levels of growth in the fourth quarter were in micro counties, up 14.0% on a year-over-year four quarter moving average. The lowest growth in the fourth quarter was found in the outlying counties of large metro areas, posting a gain of 1.9%.
Market share of multifamily construction shifted in the fourth quarter of 2025. The new status quo of higher levels of multifamily construction in smaller, less-densely populated areas remains. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, the largest increase in market share was in small metro core counties, with a gain of 0.6 percentage points over the year. Large metro outlying counties lost 0.5 percentage points during 2025, registering the largest decline in market share. All other geographies saw little change from last year.
The fourth quarter HBGI shows the following market shares in multifamily home building:
* 35.1% in large metro core counties
* 26.4% in large metro suburban counties
* 3.7% in large metro outlying counties
* 25.1% in small metro core counties
* 4.9% in small metro outlying areas
* 3.5% in micro counties
* 1.2% in non-metro/micro counties
* * *
Original text here: https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/press-releases/2026/03/micro-markets-lone-bright-spot-for-single-family-home-building-in-fourth-quarter
[Category: Real Estate]
Generac Foundation Makes Donation to Support Youth STEM Programs at EAA
OSHKOSH, Wisconsin, March 31 -- The Experimental Aircraft Association issued the following news release:
* * *
Generac Foundation Makes Donation to Support Youth STEM Programs at EAA
The Generac Foundation has awarded a $9,400 grant to the EAA Aviation Foundation to directly enhance youth STEM programming at the EAA Youth Education Center. Each year, more than 1,000 young people participate in on site EAA educational programs and outreach events.
"This support from the Generac Foundation will have a tremendous impact on our ability to provide high quality, aviation based STEM education to students
... Show Full Article
OSHKOSH, Wisconsin, March 31 -- The Experimental Aircraft Association issued the following news release:
* * *
Generac Foundation Makes Donation to Support Youth STEM Programs at EAA
The Generac Foundation has awarded a $9,400 grant to the EAA Aviation Foundation to directly enhance youth STEM programming at the EAA Youth Education Center. Each year, more than 1,000 young people participate in on site EAA educational programs and outreach events.
"This support from the Generac Foundation will have a tremendous impact on our ability to provide high quality, aviation based STEM education to studentsacross the region," said Alyssa Clancy, EAA Youth Education Center Manager. "This investment from Generac helps us expand our capacity and strengthen the learning experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence, and future STEM pathways."
The Generac Foundation's grant will fund the procurement of critical equipment and workspace enhancements, including a Sphero Indi Class Pack to introduce early elementary students to coding, problem-solving, and basic airport operations through interactive play; Pitsco Wing Testers to provide hands on learning in aerodynamics, engineering design, and the physics of flights; a Sphero Bolt Power Pack to expand a high-demand robotics program and extend outreach into schools, libraries; and youth-serving organizations and adjustable-height workbench tables to increase the collaborative lab space for engineering and robotics challenges.
Collectively, these additions will allow the EAA to serve more students, increase programming capacity, and introduce a broader and more diverse audience to STEM and aviation concepts. By strengthening learning experiences, the programs are expected to boost engagement and proficiency in STEM subjects, deepen understanding of aerodynamics and engineering, and expand students' exposure to potential careers in STEM.
"At Generac, we believe that education--and especially hands on STEM learning--is vital to building strong, resilient communities," said Kelly Skindzelewski, Community Programs Manager at Generac, which has a manufacturing plant located in Oshkosh. "We are proud to support the EAA's efforts to inspire the next generation of innovators. Helping young people develop skills in engineering, coding, and critical thinking aligns with our desire to inspire future problem solvers and expand access to STEM learning for all."
The partnership between the Generac Foundation and the EAA Aviation Foundation underscores a shared commitment to fostering curiosity, expanding educational access, and preparing students for the opportunities of tomorrow. Through these investments, more young learners will experience the excitement of aviation while developing the foundational STEM skills essential for future success.
The EAA Aviation Foundation preserves aviation heritage through the EAA museum, educational initiatives, aircraft restoration efforts, youth engagement programs, and scholarships. Its growing STEM programs provide students with hands on learning in coding, engineering, physics, math, and problem-solving, all rooted in aviation.
* * *
About EAA
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and embodies The Spirit of Aviation through the world's most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA's 300,000 members and 900 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/about-eaa/eaa-media-room/eaa-news-releases/generac-foundation-donation
[Category: Aerospace]
ERIC on Proposed Investment Rule: "A Meaningful and Important Step"
WASHINGTON, March 31 -- The ERISA Industry Committee issued the following statement on March 30, 2026:
* * *
ERIC on Proposed Investment Rule: "A Meaningful and Important Step"
The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) issued the following statement today regarding a new proposed rule from the Department of Labor (DOL) to clarify a fiduciary's duty of prudence in selecting investment alternatives for retirement plans. The statement can be attributed to ERIC Senior Vice President of Retirement and Compensation Policy, Andy Banducci.
"Today's proposed rule is a meaningful and important step by the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 31 -- The ERISA Industry Committee issued the following statement on March 30, 2026:
* * *
ERIC on Proposed Investment Rule: "A Meaningful and Important Step"
The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) issued the following statement today regarding a new proposed rule from the Department of Labor (DOL) to clarify a fiduciary's duty of prudence in selecting investment alternatives for retirement plans. The statement can be attributed to ERIC Senior Vice President of Retirement and Compensation Policy, Andy Banducci.
"Today's proposed rule is a meaningful and important step by theDepartment of Labor to bring needed clarity and certainty for retirement plan managers selecting the options to be made available to plan participants. Too often, fear of meritless litigation reduces innovation in 401(k) investment offerings - and we applaud the Department's work to ensure that plan managers will have a framework on which they can rely to evaluate traditional and emerging investment options, including private market alternatives and lifetime income strategies. We are carefully reviewing the details and expect to offer comments to the Department."
* * *
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.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.eric.org/press_release/eric-on-proposed-investment-rule-a-meaningful-and-important-step/
[Category: Human Resources/Personnel]
Toy Association Promotes Easter Toys as NRF Predicts Record Spending for Holiday
NEW YORK, March 31 -- The Toy Association issued the following news:
* * *
Toy Association Promotes Easter Toys as NRF Predicts Record Spending for Holiday
With the National Retail Federation (NRF) projecting consumers will spend an average of $195.59 this Easter -- the highest figure on record -- The Toy Association's trends team has been promoting members' toys as must-have items to fill kids' Easter baskets.
Jennifer Lynch, trends specialist at The Toy Association, was recently featured on WGN-TV's Spotlight Chicago and Tampa Bay's Morning Blend to share Easter gift ideas from Exploding
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, March 31 -- The Toy Association issued the following news:
* * *
Toy Association Promotes Easter Toys as NRF Predicts Record Spending for Holiday
With the National Retail Federation (NRF) projecting consumers will spend an average of $195.59 this Easter -- the highest figure on record -- The Toy Association's trends team has been promoting members' toys as must-have items to fill kids' Easter baskets.
Jennifer Lynch, trends specialist at The Toy Association, was recently featured on WGN-TV's Spotlight Chicago and Tampa Bay's Morning Blend to share Easter gift ideas from ExplodingKittens, Sunny Days Entertainment, LEGO, Basic Fun!, Jazwares, and more. Additional Toy Association segments with KTLA, CBS Los Angeles, and News 12 New York will air this week.
"Easter baskets offer an opportunity to spark creativity, connection, and joy through play, and toys are a natural fit for the occasion," said Kristin Morency Goldman, senior director of strategic communications at The Toy Association. "From collectibles and games to toys that encourage active play, these Easter surprises can deliver big benefits for kids' social, emotional, and developmental growth."
According to the NRF, consumers will plan to spend a collective $24.9 billion on Easter this year, up from $23.6 billion in 2025 and the previous record high of $24 billion in 2023. Easter gifts, including toys, are estimated to total $3.9 billion. Of those purchasing Easter-related items, 55 percent will shop at discount stores, 42 percent will visit department stores, and 34 percent will shop online.
"With consumers expected to spend a record amount this Easter, it's clear families are embracing new ways to celebrate, and toys are playing a bigger role than ever," Morency Goldman continued. "We're excited to help spotlight a wide range of innovative products from our members and connect them with families looking to fill baskets with fun, engaging, and memorable play experiences."
To view additional TV segments and trend videos featuring Toy Association members' products, visit TheToyAssociation.org/trends and YouTube. Contact Jennifer Lynch to submit your products to be considered for upcoming media opportunities.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.toyassociation.org/PressRoom2/News/2026-News/toy-association-promotes-easter-toys-as-nrf-predicts-record-spending-for-holiday.aspx
[Category: Business]
American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries Posts Commentary: Expand Availability of Lifetime Income and Boost Financial Education, Says Colorado Senate
ARLINGTON, Virginia, March 31 -- The American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries posted the following commentary by John Iekel:
* * *
Expand Availability of Lifetime Income and Boost Financial Education, Says Colorado Senate
Retirement income should be more widely available to the state's public employees, and they should avail themselves of financial education as well, says the Colorado Senate.
*
Retirement income "serves as a reliable economic driver" and should be more widely available to the state's public employees, says the Colorado Senate.
The chamber has adopted Senate
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, March 31 -- The American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries posted the following commentary by John Iekel:
* * *
Expand Availability of Lifetime Income and Boost Financial Education, Says Colorado Senate
Retirement income should be more widely available to the state's public employees, and they should avail themselves of financial education as well, says the Colorado Senate.
*
Retirement income "serves as a reliable economic driver" and should be more widely available to the state's public employees, says the Colorado Senate.
The chamber has adopted SenateJoint Resolution (SJR) 26-016, a measure that expresses the Colorado General Assembly's recognition of how important retirement security is not only for individuals, but also for the economic viability of Colorado in general.
The resolution that calls for the guaranteed lifetime income to be available through more savings vehicles offered by the Colorado Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA). It also stresses the importance of financial education. The Senate voted unanimously in favor of the measure on March 18. Sen. William Lindstedt (D-Adams) introduced SJR26-016 on March 9.
Lifetime Income
"Retirement income serves as a reliable economic driver, generating multiplier effects as beneficiaries' expenditures circulate through local markets. This consistent spending pattern supports employment, sustains local businesses, and enhances statewide economic resilience and diversification," says the resolution in its argument in favor of expanding the availability of guaranteed lifetime income for those served by PERA. The system provides retirement and other benefits to approximately 226,000 active public employees in more than 400 government agencies and public entities in Colorado.
PERA provides a defined benefit plan and a defined contribution plan, as well as offers voluntary savings plans -- the PERAPlus 401(k) and 457 plans -- to eligible public employees who want to supplement their DB or DC plan.
The resolution notes that the Colorado state auditor recently reported that public employees who chose the PERA DB plan overwhelmingly said that the primary reason they did so was the guaranteed lifetime income it offers. It also observes that institutions of higher education in Colorado have offered DC plans with guaranteed lifetime income investment options for their participants for a long time.
ad space
The resolution calls on the Colorado General Assembly to consider adding lifetime income options to the PERA DC plan and the voluntary savings plans "to ensure public employees have access to guaranteed income in retirement similar to the PERA DB plan design."
Financial Education
The resolution notes that there is evidence indicating that "well-designed financial education in schools and workplaces can increase knowledge and change key behaviors to improve retirement security, especially when combined with features such as automatic enrollment, employer match incentives, access to lifetime income options in default investments within retirement plans, and access to one-on-one counseling."
It expresses the General Assembly's encouragement to workers to seek financial education in order to heighten retirement readiness and confidence "so that they may retire with dignity."
Status
Now it's the turn of the Colorado House of Representatives to consider the measure. The resolution's sponsor in the House is Rep. Rebekah Stewart (D-Jackson).
Finding out More
Information about SJR26-016 is available here (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SJR26-016).
* * *
Original text here: https://www.asppa-net.org/news/2026/3/new-paexpand-availability-of-lifetime-income-and-boost-financial-education-says-colorado-senatege/
[Category: Human Resources/Personnel]
APA Publishing Names John Lauriello, M.D., New Editor of APA's Quarterly Clinical Review Journal, Focus
ARLINGTON, Virginia, March 31 -- The American Psychiatric Association issued the following news release:
* * *
APA Publishing Names John Lauriello, M.D., New Editor of APA's Quarterly Clinical Review Journal, Focus
American Psychiatric Association (APA) Publishing has selected John Lauriello, M.D., to serve as editor of Focus, its clinical review journal.
Dr. Lauriello currently holds the Daniel Lieberman Professorship and Chair of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Thomas Jefferson University. He attained his undergraduate degree from Yale College before completing medical school at Temple University
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, March 31 -- The American Psychiatric Association issued the following news release:
* * *
APA Publishing Names John Lauriello, M.D., New Editor of APA's Quarterly Clinical Review Journal, Focus
American Psychiatric Association (APA) Publishing has selected John Lauriello, M.D., to serve as editor of Focus, its clinical review journal.
Dr. Lauriello currently holds the Daniel Lieberman Professorship and Chair of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Thomas Jefferson University. He attained his undergraduate degree from Yale College before completing medical school at Temple Universityand residency at New York Hospital-Cornell-Whitney Clinic. Dr. Lauriello's research interests include schizophrenia and first-episode psychosis. He has authored over 100 papers and served as editor of textbooks on schizophrenia and administrative psychiatry. He is the former president of the Missouri Psychiatric Physicians Association and is an APA Distinguished Life Fellow.
"We are delighted that Dr. Lauriello will be stewarding the development of Focus," said Simone Taylor, Ph.D., vice president of publishing at the APA. "Across clinical practice, research, and teaching, Dr. Lauriello has distinguished himself as an exceptionally skilled psychiatric educator, and we look forward to working closely with him to shape the field's approach to professional development through Focus."
As part of APA's "Lifelong Learning in Psychiatry" series, Focus disseminates clinical updates while facilitating the maintenance of study skills and administering self-assessments for improving patient care. Published quarterly, Focus keeps practicing psychiatrists informed about updates in clinical knowledge and allows them to earn up to 44 hours of CME credit per year. The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology has approved Focus as an element of a comprehensive lifelong learning and self-assessment program. Dr. Lauriello succeeds longtime editor Mark Rapaport, M.D., who is set to become the next president of the APA in May of this year.
"Focus has a well-established reputation as an important source for psychiatric education and professional development," said Lauriello. "I look forward to working with its editorial board to keep its readership on the leading edge of advances in the field." To learn more and subscribe to Focus, visit psychiatryonline.org/journal/foc.
* * *
American Psychiatric Association
The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world with more than 40,400 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and research of mental illnesses. APA's vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information, please visit www.psychiatry.org.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.psychiatry.org/News-room/News-Releases/APA-Publishing-Names-John-Lauriello-M-D-New-Editor
[Category: Psychiatry/Psychology]
