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U.S. Chamber Welcomes House Passage of Retirement Fairness for Charities and Educational Institutions Act
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce posted the following news release:
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U.S. Chamber Welcomes House Passage of Retirement Fairness for Charities and Educational Institutions Act
November 11, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 1013, the Retirement Fairness for Charities and Educational Institutions Act of 2025. The bill addresses the disparity in investment options between 401(k) and 403(b) plans by allowing 403(b) plans to invest in collective investment trusts
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce posted the following news release:
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U.S. Chamber Welcomes House Passage of Retirement Fairness for Charities and Educational Institutions Act
November 11, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 1013, the Retirement Fairness for Charities and Educational Institutions Act of 2025. The bill addresses the disparity in investment options between 401(k) and 403(b) plans by allowing 403(b) plans to invest in collective investment trusts(CITs) and insurance company separate accounts.
"Teachers, nurses, and nonprofit employees deserve access to the same range of retirement investment options in their 403(b) accounts that are available to other American workers who save for retirement through a 401(k) account," said Mike Flood, senior vice president of the Center for Capital Markets Competitiveness at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "We commend the members of the House for passing this important legislation that expands investment choice for American retirement savers."
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Original text here: https://www.uschamber.com/retirement/u-s-chamber-welcomes-house-passage-of-retirement-fairness-for-charities-and-educational-institutions-act
[Category: Business]
The Alliance Welcomes CMS Step to Narrow Hospice and Home Health Moratoria, Urges Targeted Approach Over Nationwide Extension
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Nov. 12 [Category: Health Care] -- The National Alliance for Care at Home issued the following news release:
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The Alliance Welcomes CMS Step to Narrow Hospice and Home Health Moratoria, Urges Targeted Approach Over Nationwide Extension
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(Alexandria, VA)-- The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) today commends the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for narrowing the nationwide enrollment moratoria imposed on home health agencies and hospices. This allows currently enrolled providers to once again add hospice practice locations and home health
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ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Nov. 12 [Category: Health Care] -- The National Alliance for Care at Home issued the following news release:
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The Alliance Welcomes CMS Step to Narrow Hospice and Home Health Moratoria, Urges Targeted Approach Over Nationwide Extension
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(Alexandria, VA)-- The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) today commends the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for narrowing the nationwide enrollment moratoria imposed on home health agencies and hospices. This allows currently enrolled providers to once again add hospice practice locations and home healthbranches to meet patient needs.
The Alliance fully supports efforts to identify and remove fraudulent entities from the Medicare program. By distinguishing between new entrants and established providers with a track record in Medicare, today's modification reflects the Alliance's previous recommendations that CMS utilize targeted, data-driven program integrity measures, rather than broad enrollment freezes. The original moratoria prevented long-standing and legitimate hospices and home health agencies from opening new entities and expanding services to patients. The Alliance is grateful this decision allows long-standing hospices and home health agencies to expand and better serve unmet patient needs.
In a recent letter to CMS, the Alliance reiterated that data consistently identify fraud hotspots concentrated in specific metropolitan areas and states. National data do not demonstrate that fraud, waste, or abuse in home health or hospice is so pervasive and geographically uniform as to warrant an extension of the enrollment moratoria across all fifty states and territories. The letter also noted that in the months the national moratoria were in effect, there were unintended consequences impacting legitimate providers and beneficiary access. For these reasons, we appreciate today's decision by CMS.
"Home health and hospice services are not optional, they are medically necessary benefits that often allow elderly, recovering, and disabled Americans to avoid institutionalization, receive post-acute care safely at home, and access compassionate end-of-life care in the setting of their choice," said Jennifer Sheets, CEO of the Alliance. "The Alliance has always advocated for targeted approaches to prevent and address fraudulent activities without limiting patient access to care. We appreciate that CMS heard our input and took a meaningful step today by allowing established providers to expand. We urge CMS to use the next six months to transition to targeted, data-driven enforcement and will continue to work with regulators and policymakers to sharpen existing tools to extract fraudulent operators from the system."
The Alliance looks forward to continuing to collaborate with CMS and policymakers to advance targeted approaches that address fraudulent activities, while ensuring patient access to high-quality care in a preferred setting: at home.
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Original text here: https://allianceforcareathome.org/the-alliance-welcomes-cms-step-to-narrow-hospice-and-home-health-moratoria-urges-targeted-approach-over-nationwide-extension/ (TNSmlt)
National Right to Life Congratulates Senate Republican Leadership for the 120th Congress
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 -- National Right to Life, a pro-life organization, issued the following news release:
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National Right to Life Congratulates Senate Republican Leadership for the 120th Congress
Nov 10, 2026
WASHINGTON -- Senate Republicans today reelected Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) as their leader for the 120th Congress. National Right to Life congratulates Senator Thune, who will serve as Senate minority leader, and the incoming Senate Republican leadership team.
"John Thune has used his leadership in the Senate to stand up for unborn children and defend longstanding pro-life protections,"
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 -- National Right to Life, a pro-life organization, issued the following news release:
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National Right to Life Congratulates Senate Republican Leadership for the 120th Congress
Nov 10, 2026
WASHINGTON -- Senate Republicans today reelected Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) as their leader for the 120th Congress. National Right to Life congratulates Senator Thune, who will serve as Senate minority leader, and the incoming Senate Republican leadership team.
"John Thune has used his leadership in the Senate to stand up for unborn children and defend longstanding pro-life protections,"said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. "We look forward to continuing our work with him and this experienced leadership team to defend the Hyde Amendment, oppose efforts to expand taxpayer funding of abortion and protect as many unborn children as we can."
National Right to Life also congratulates Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) as minority whip, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) as Republican Conference chair, Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) as Republican Policy Committee chair and Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) as Republican Conference vice chair.
Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) will become the new chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, leading its efforts in the 2028 election cycle.
"The midterms cost us many dependable pro-life votes in the Senate," Tobias said. "We have confidence in Senator Thune and his leadership team, and we look forward to working with Senator Moreno to elect pro-life senators. We believe this team can help win back the seats we lost and put life back in the Senate majority in 2028."
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Founded in 1968, the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of affiliates in each of the 50 states, is the nation's oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. National Right to Life works through legislation and education to protect innocent human life from abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide, and euthanasia.
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Original text here: https://nrlc.org/communications/national-right-to-life-congratulates-senate-republican-leadership-for-the-120th-congress/
[Category: Sociological]
Joint Statement from Co-Plaintiffs on Retailer Lawsuits Over IFPA Preemption
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 [Category: Financial Services] -- The American Bankers Association posted the following news release:
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Joint Statement from Co-Plaintiffs on Retailer Lawsuits Over IFPA Preemption
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Today, co-plaintiffs the American Bankers Association, Illinois Bankers Association, America's Credit Unions and Illinois Credit Union League issued the following statement after merchant groups sued the OCC and the NCUA over their decision to preempt the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act:
"We're disappointed but not surprised by the merchants' lawsuits, which seek only to undermine
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 [Category: Financial Services] -- The American Bankers Association posted the following news release:
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Joint Statement from Co-Plaintiffs on Retailer Lawsuits Over IFPA Preemption
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Today, co-plaintiffs the American Bankers Association, Illinois Bankers Association, America's Credit Unions and Illinois Credit Union League issued the following statement after merchant groups sued the OCC and the NCUA over their decision to preempt the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act:
"We're disappointed but not surprised by the merchants' lawsuits, which seek only to underminethe nation's trusted and tested payments system. Federal law governs the powers of federally chartered banks and credit unions. As one federal court has already determined, the OCC and NCUA acted to affirm the longstanding supremacy of federal law over intrusive state regulations like the IFPA and prevent a patchwork of conflicting state requirements that would create payment chaos and uncertainty. We appreciate the willingness of these agencies to protect consumers and businesses and defend the national payment system that helps drive the U.S. economy forward everyday. We look forward to the court affirming their actions."
About the American Bankers Association
About the Illinois Bankers Association
The Illinois Bankers Association, the voice of Illinois' banking industry, is a full-service trade association dedicated to creating a positive business climate that benefits the entire banking industry and the communities they serve. Founded in 1891, the IBA brings together state and national banks and savings banks employing over 105,000 people in nearly 4,500 offices.
About America's Credit Unions
America's Credit Unions is the unified voice for not-for-profit credit unions, representing more than 96% of the industry's assets and their more than 146 million members nationwide. America's Credit Unions provides strong advocacy, resources and services to advance, empower, and protect credit unions and the people and communities they serve. For more information about America's Credit Unions, visit AmericasCreditUnions.org.
About the Illinois Credit Union League
The Illinois Credit Union League is the primary trade association for more than 200 state and federal credit unions in Illinois. It focuses on providing legislative and regulatory advocacy, compliance assistance and information, and a wide range of educational and training services to those credit unions, who serve about 4.1 million members. More information can be found at www.icul.com.
About the American Bankers Association
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Original text here: https://www.aba.com/about-us/press-room/press-releases/joint-statement-from-co-plaintiffs-on-retailer-lawsuits-over-ifpa-preemption
HFA Unveils Three-Year Strategic Vision to Strengthen Member Value and Advance the Health and Fitness Industry
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Nov. 12 [Category: Health Care] -- The Health and Fitness Association (formerly the International Health Racquet and Sportsclub Association) issued the following news release:
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HFA Unveils Three-Year Strategic Vision to Strengthen Member Value and Advance the Health and Fitness Industry
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The leading health and fitness industry research, analysis and news.
Stay ahead of the curve with the latest in health and fitness industry trends, research, and expert insights.
Greta Wagner named permanent president and CEO after six months of strategic planning, organizational
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BOSTON, Massachusetts, Nov. 12 [Category: Health Care] -- The Health and Fitness Association (formerly the International Health Racquet and Sportsclub Association) issued the following news release:
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HFA Unveils Three-Year Strategic Vision to Strengthen Member Value and Advance the Health and Fitness Industry
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The leading health and fitness industry research, analysis and news.
Stay ahead of the curve with the latest in health and fitness industry trends, research, and expert insights.
Greta Wagner named permanent president and CEO after six months of strategic planning, organizationalalignment, and renewed focus on the association's future.
WASHINGTON, DC, November 12, 2026 -- The The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) today announced a new strategic plan and vision designed to strengthen the association, deliver greater value to its members, and expand its influence as the leading voice of the global health and fitness industry.
The announcement marks an important milestone after six months of focused work to evaluate the association's priorities, engage industry leaders, align its leadership team, and establish a clear roadmap for the future.
HFA also announced that Greta Wagner has accepted the permanent role of president and CEO, providing continuity of leadership as the association moves decisively from strategy development to execution.
The announcement was made on stage at Beyond Activ Americas in Dallas on November 12, before an audience of 950 industry executives.
Over the past six months, HFA has undertaken a comprehensive review of how the association serves its members, supports their businesses, and represents the broader industry. That work has resulted in a renewed strategic direction centered on strengthening membership value, prioritizing state-level advocacy while maintaining a strong federal presence, modernizing events and education, advancing industry research, and elevating the reputation and influence of health and fitness worldwide.
At the heart of the strategy is a clear commitment: to build a stronger, more relevant, and more influential trade association that protects, promotes, and helps grow its members' businesses and the industry they represent.
"Over the past six months, Greta has worked closely with the Board, leadership team, and industry stakeholders to establish a clear and ambitious path forward for HFA," said Luke Carlson, chair of the HFA Board of Directors. "She has challenged us to think differently about how we serve our members, where we focus our resources, and how we measure success. The result is a strategy grounded in the needs of our industry, supported by an aligned leadership team, and focused on meaningful results. The Board has tremendous confidence in Greta's ability to lead this next phase of growth and impact."
Wagner said: "We have spent several months listening, evaluating, challenging ourselves, and building a strategy that positions HFA for the future. We have established a clear direction, aligned our priorities, and begun putting the people and processes in place to deliver. I'm excited to continue leading this work as we move from planning to action, building a stronger, more influential association centered on our members and committed to protecting, promoting, and growing their businesses and our industry."
A Strategy Built for Action and Measurable Impact
HFA's strategic plan is organized around five priorities, each supported by defined initiatives, leadership accountability, and measurable goals:
* Transforming membership value and engagement. Redesigning the membership experience to better reflect the needs of operators and industry partners, strengthening year-round engagement, improving access to resources, and creating meaningful opportunities for members to connect, contribute, and grow their businesses.
* Modernizing events and education. Reimagining The HFA Show and designing educational programming to deliver more relevant content, stronger business connections, innovative experiences, and increased value for attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and industry partners.
* Strengthening advocacy and industry representation. Expanding HFA's state-level advocacy efforts to address the legislative and regulatory issues that most directly impact members' businesses, while maintaining a strong and influential presence at the federal level. The association will deepen member engagement in shaping policy priorities, strengthen its ability to respond to emerging challenges, and provide practical guidance and resources to help businesses navigate an increasingly complex policy environment.
* Elevating the industry's reputation and global influence. Strengthening HFA's position as a trusted voice with policymakers, healthcare leaders, the media, and the public, while expanding strategic partnerships and international relationships to advance the recognition and influence of the health and fitness industry.
* Advancing research and practical industry intelligence. Expanding credible research, data, and insights that demonstrate the economic, social, and health impact of the industry, inform public policy, and equip members to make better business decisions.
The strategy reflects an important shift toward a more proactive, member-centered association, with greater emphasis on collaboration, accountability, and results. HFA's leadership team is translating these priorities into actionable plans, with initiatives already underway and clear objectives for the coming years.
"An effective trade association must do more than represent its industry. It must anticipate challenges, create opportunities, bring people together, and deliver value that members can see in their businesses," Wagner said. "That's the standard we're setting for HFA. Our success will be measured not simply by what we offer, but by the difference we make for our members and the strength of the industry we collectively represent."
HFA is well underway strengthening its organizational structure, evaluating its membership model, expanding industry relationships, and identifying new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
HFA has engaged its Board and membership leadership in shaping the association's future. It has advanced new strategic partnerships, strengthened international connections, and begun aligning its resources and operations around its long-term objectives.
Wagner's appointment provides continued leadership and momentum as these initiatives move forward. She brings more than 40 years of health and fitness industry experience, including three decades as a senior executive at Chelsea Piers, where she led complex operations, developed high-performing teams, and helped grow businesses centered on the member experience. She also served on HFA's Board of Directors from 2019 to 2024.
"The foundation is in place, our team is aligned, and we have a tremendous opportunity ahead," Wagner said. "There is significant work to be done, and it will take the commitment and engagement of our members, partners, Board, and staff to achieve our goals. But that is exactly what makes a trade association powerful. A strong association needs an engaged membership, and a strong industry needs an association that is prepared to lead. We intend to be that association."
Looking Ahead: The HFA Show 2027
HFA will bring its strategic vision to life at The HFA Show, March 10-12, 2027, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, where members and industry leaders from around the world will have an opportunity to engage with the association's priorities, learn about new initiatives, and help shape the industry's future.
Under the theme United in Purpose, Mobilized for Change, the show will reflect the association's renewed commitment to collaboration, innovation, and action, bringing together the people, ideas, and partnerships that will drive the next phase of industry growth.
The message is clear: HFA's future will be built through collective commitment, active engagement, and a shared determination to strengthen the businesses and communities the industry serves.
The strategy is set. The work is underway. And the industry's greatest opportunities are still ahead.
Learn more about the show and register at healthandfitness.org/showopens in a new tab.
Founded in 1981, the association publishes a monthly magazine, Health & Fitness Businessopens in a new tab, and operates The HFA Showopens in a new tab, the HFA European Congressopens in a new tab, and the Fly-In and Advocacy Summit. The association also partners on events around the world, including Fitness Brasilopens in a new tab, ChinaFitopens in a new tab, and Wellness & Fitness LATAMopens in a new tab. Follow the Health & Fitness Association on Facebookopens in a new tab, Instagramopens in a new tab, LinkedInopens in a new tab, Xopens in a new tab and YouTubeopens in a new tab.
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Original text here: https://www.healthandfitness.org/hfa-unveils-three-year-strategic-vision-to-strengthen-member-value-and-advance-the-health-and-fitness-industry/
GBTA Welcomes EU Tourism Strategy's Vision for Sustainable and Competitive Travel
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Nov. 12 [Category: Travel] -- The Global Business Travel Association posted the following news release:
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GBTA Welcomes EU Tourism Strategy's Vision for Sustainable and Competitive Travel
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(Brussels, Belgium, 11 November 2026) The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) has welcomed the European Union's new Sustainable Tourism Strategy, which focuses on strengthening Europe's competitiveness, sustainability and resilience while enhancing the travel experience across the region.
The Strategy aligns closely with priorities long championed by GBTA, including multimodal
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ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Nov. 12 [Category: Travel] -- The Global Business Travel Association posted the following news release:
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GBTA Welcomes EU Tourism Strategy's Vision for Sustainable and Competitive Travel
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(Brussels, Belgium, 11 November 2026) The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) has welcomed the European Union's new Sustainable Tourism Strategy, which focuses on strengthening Europe's competitiveness, sustainability and resilience while enhancing the travel experience across the region.
The Strategy aligns closely with priorities long championed by GBTA, including multimodalconnectivity, greater digitalisation and data sharing, streamlined travel processes, and the development of scalable lower-carbon travel solutions. As implementation moves forward, GBTA believes managed business travel can play a valuable role in helping transform these objectives into measurable outcomes.
Corporate travel programmes, travel management companies, meetings and events professionals, and travel technology providers are uniquely positioned to aggregate demand, influence procurement decisions, and accelerate the adoption of innovative, more sustainable travel solutions at scale. Their inclusion in the next phase of implementation will be essential to ensuring the Strategy delivers practical, positive results across Europe's travel ecosystem.
"The EU has set a welcome direction by connecting sustainability with competitiveness, resilience and a more seamless travel experience," said Delphine Millot, Senior Vice President, Advocacy and Sustainability, GBTA.
"We are particularly encouraged to see GBTA's Sustainable Procurement Standards referenced in the Strategy's Working Document, demonstrating the role they can play in helping to drive greener practices across the tourism value chain. We now have a unique opportunity to turn this Strategy's ambitions into workable, practical and measurable solutions for organisations and travellers alike.
Managed business travel can aggregate demand, accelerate lower-carbon choices and help scale innovation across the European travel ecosystem. We look forward to working closely with EU institutions and broader stakeholders to ensure the policy framework supports seamless, sustainable business travel, which continues to drive European economic growth and global competitiveness."
To deliver the strategy, the European Commission has announced the establishment of a new EU Tourism Alliance which will bring together national, regional and local authorities, tourism businesses and stakeholders.
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Original text here: https://gbta.org/gbta-welcomes-eu-tourism-strategys-vision-for-sustainable-and-competitive-travel/
AASL Commends ABC Read and Cleveland Kid's Book Bank
CHICAGO, Illinois, Nov. 12 [Category: Libraries] -- The American Library Association posted the following news release:
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AASL Commends ABC Read and Cleveland Kid's Book Bank
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CHICAGO - Acting upon resolutions submitted by the Ohio Educational Library Media Association (OELMA), the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) formally commends ABC Read for positively addressing literacy challenges and Cleveland Kid's Book Bank for distributing over 5 million books to children.
ABC Read
Founded in 2012, ABC Read began by addressing literacy challenges among Black and underserved youth
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CHICAGO, Illinois, Nov. 12 [Category: Libraries] -- The American Library Association posted the following news release:
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AASL Commends ABC Read and Cleveland Kid's Book Bank
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CHICAGO - Acting upon resolutions submitted by the Ohio Educational Library Media Association (OELMA), the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) formally commends ABC Read for positively addressing literacy challenges and Cleveland Kid's Book Bank for distributing over 5 million books to children.
ABC Read
Founded in 2012, ABC Read began by addressing literacy challenges among Black and underserved youthin Cleveland and has grown into a comprehensive family literacy initiative. By prioritizing culturally affirming literature, ABC Read helps readers see themselves reflected in stories while also expanding understanding of diverse experiences and perspectives. AASL President, April Dawkins, said, "School librarians know that access to diverse books can open doors for learners by encouraging curiosity, connection, and a deeper understanding of the world. ABC Read's work strengthens this mission by expanding access to culturally meaningful resources and building partnerships that support learners inside and outside of school."
OELMA's President, Gayle Schmuhl, shared, "Congratulations to ABC Read for showing how literacy and community collaboration can make a real difference. Thanks to their hard work, every learner can find books that inspire, support, and teach. By building community partnerships, offering a wide range of books, and involving families, ABC Read is changing lives and helping people develop a lifelong love of reading. OELMA is proud to honor this organization for creating opportunities and helping everyone feel they belong through literacy."
AASL Chapter Assembly Chair Steve Tetreault said, "The AASL Chapter Assembly is proud to recognize ABC Read for its extraordinary commitment to literacy, representation, and community empowerment. Their work reminds us that access to books is not only about developing reading skills, it is also about helping every person feel seen, valued, and connected through stories."
Cleveland Kid's Book Bank
Established in response to Cleveland's identified need for greater access to books, Cleveland Kids' Book Bank has transformed a grassroots effort into a comprehensive literacy initiative serving children and families throughout the region. Since its founding in 2016, Cleveland Kids' Book Bank has distributed more than 5 million books to more than 100,000 children across Greater Cleveland and continues to distribute more than 50,000 books each month, creating ongoing access to reading materials for students and families. AASL President, April Dawkins, said, "AASL recognizes the importance of leaders who build bridges between schools and communities. Strong literacy communities are built through partnerships, and Cleveland Kids' Book Bank understands the vital role that educators and school librarians play in connecting learners with books. By working alongside schools and libraries, CKBB strengthens the collective effort to ensure every child has access to meaningful reading opportunities."
OELMA's President, Gayle Schmuhl, shared, "The Cleveland Kids' Book Bank shows how communities can ensure every child has books. By sharing millions of books and building partnerships across Northeastern Ohio, CKBB helps kids discover a love for reading and see themselves in stories. OELMA is proud to honor CKBB for promoting literacy through teamwork."
AASL Chapter Assembly Chair Steve Tetreault added, "The AASL Chapter Assembly is proud to recognize Cleveland Kids' Book Bank for its unwavering commitment to literacy, equity, and community partnership. Their sustained efforts demonstrate that access to books is foundational to student success and that collaboration can create lasting change for generations of learners."
All AASL Chapters are eligible to nominate outstanding programs, events, and products for national recognition. To be commended, nominees must align with the principles expressed in the AASL's mission and value statements. The full list of 2026 commendations can be found on the AASL website.
The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.
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Original text here: https://www.ala.org/news/2026/11/aasl-commends-abc-read-and-cleveland-kids-book-bank
