Featured Stories
SEMI Joins the EU STEAM Executive Panel to Advance Semiconductor Workforce Priorities
MILPITAS, California, Oct. 7 -- SEMI, an association serving the manufacturing supply chain for the electronics industry, issued the following news release:
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SEMI Joins the EU STEAM Executive Panel to Advance Semiconductor Workforce Priorities
BRUSSELS - October 6, 2026 - SEMI, the industry association advancing the global semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, today announced that SEMI Europe has joined the European Commission's newly established STEAM Executive Panel bringing the semiconductor industry's perspective to discussions on skills, education, and
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MILPITAS, California, Oct. 7 -- SEMI, an association serving the manufacturing supply chain for the electronics industry, issued the following news release:
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SEMI Joins the EU STEAM Executive Panel to Advance Semiconductor Workforce Priorities
BRUSSELS - October 6, 2026 - SEMI, the industry association advancing the global semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, today announced that SEMI Europe has joined the European Commission's newly established STEAM Executive Panel bringing the semiconductor industry's perspective to discussions on skills, education, andworkforce development.
The panel brings together leaders from industry, education, training, and related disciplines to provide strategic guidance on STEM sectors and innovative STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) approaches that integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with the arts and humanities. SEMI Europe joins a distinguished group of industry representatives on the panel, including SAP, LEGO Education, WindEurope, and DIGITALEUROPE.
The STEAM Executive Panel will address the talent shortage in the semiconductor industry, with the main purpose of inspiring and educating the next generation of STEM students, from vocational education and training to higher education.
"Europe must continue to strengthen its talent pipeline and invest in reskilling and upskilling at all levels," said Laith Altimime, President of SEMI Europe. "STEAM is critical to building the workforce of the future to achieve Europe's semiconductor ambitions. Close collaboration between industry, academia, and policymakers will be essential to developing the skilled talent needed to turn these ambitions into reality."
Over its mandate, the panel will advise on closer cooperation between education providers and businesses, strategies to raise participation in STEM and STEAM at all levels, and the development of adaptable graduates for a fast-changing world. It will also contribute to the annual STEAM Education Outlook, turning the goals of the STEM Education Strategic Plan into practical recommendations, and feed into the European Skills High-Level Board. The inaugural in-person meeting of the panel took place in Brussels on 6 October 2026. Its work can be followed through the Register of Commission expert groups.
SEMI Europe's appointment reflects its longstanding commitment to strengthening Europe's microelectronics talent pipeline. SEMI Europe will help connect education, skills development, and industry needs to ensure the next generation is equipped for careers in the semiconductor sector.
Through the Pact for Skills for Microelectronics, coordinated by SEMI Europe, industry, research hubs, education providers and NGOs have joined forces to support upskilling and reskilling, attract new talent and unlock EU and national funding. This collaboration laid the groundwork for the European Chips Skills Academy (ECSA), which now connects industry, universities and training providers across Europe, and the European Chips Diversity Alliance (ECDA), opening pathways for underrepresented talent across the semiconductor sector.
SEMI is honored to have Victoria Cummings, Senior Manager, Workforce Development & EU projects, SEMI Europe, invited to be on the STEAM Executive Panel. For more information or to get involved, contact her at vcummings@semi.org.
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About SEMI
SEMI(R) is the global industry association connecting over 4,000 companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. We accelerate member collaboration on solutions to top industry challenges through Advocacy, Workforce Development, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management, and other programs. Our SEMICON(R) expositions and events, technology communities, standards, and market intelligence help advance our members' business growth and innovations in design, devices, equipment, materials, services, and software, enabling smarter, faster, more secure electronics. Visit www.semi.org, contact a regional office, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and X to learn more.
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Original text here: https://www.semi.org/en/semi-press-release/semi-joins-the-eu-steam-executive-panel-to-advance-semiconductor-workforce-priorities
[Category: Electronic Products]
NACDS Names Michael R. Wysong Next President and CEO
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Oct. 7 -- The National Association of Chain Drug Stores posted the following news release:
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NACDS Names Michael R. Wysong Next President and CEO
Elected by the NACDS Board of Directors to succeed Steven C. Anderson, Wysong will build on the Association's success and momentum, and execute its new member-driven strategic framework for the future of pharmacy and retail, and for delivering membership value.
CARE Pharmacies CEO and past NACDS chair brings broad industry knowledge, strong relationships, and energetic advocacy to the crucial work of meeting Americans' needs
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Oct. 7 -- The National Association of Chain Drug Stores posted the following news release:
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NACDS Names Michael R. Wysong Next President and CEO
Elected by the NACDS Board of Directors to succeed Steven C. Anderson, Wysong will build on the Association's success and momentum, and execute its new member-driven strategic framework for the future of pharmacy and retail, and for delivering membership value.
CARE Pharmacies CEO and past NACDS chair brings broad industry knowledge, strong relationships, and energetic advocacy to the crucial work of meeting Americans' needsthrough accessible and trusted health and wellness destinations and their supplier partners.
October 6, 2026
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) today announced that its Board of Directors has elected Michael R. Wysong, currently chief executive officer of CARE Pharmacies, as the Association's next president and chief executive officer, effective December 1, 2026. Wysong will succeed Steven C. Anderson, FASAE, CAE, IOM, who is retiring after 20 years of transformational leadership, as of December 31, 2026.
The Board elected Wysong following a competitive national search, led by a Board-level committee and by the executive search firm Spencer Stuart.
Wysong has spent more than three decades in healthcare and retail pharmacy and has served as CEO of CARE Pharmacies -- a member-owned network now ranked among the 20 largest pharmacy chains in the United States -- since 2010. Wysong is well known across NACDS, having served as Chair of the Association from April 2023 to April 2024, and he continues to serve on the NACDS Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
NACDS enters this next chapter from a position of strength. The Association is guided by a new member-built strategic framework and its two imperatives: Shape the Future of Pharmacy and Strengthen Member ROI. Developed through the insights and engagement of retailer and supplier members, that direction points toward innovation in care delivery, in health and wellness, and in sustainable economics, and it will drive NACDS' work under Wysong's leadership.
"People want their pharmacies to thrive and to achieve their full potential as care destinations, so health and wellness needs can be met close to home by trusted healthcare professionals. This is a defining moment for pharmacy, NACDS is ready to lead it, and Mike will hit the ground running," said NACDS Chair David B. Warner, president and CEO of KPH Healthcare Services. "In electing Mike Wysong, the Board chose a leader who understands this industry and this moment from every angle--retailer and supplier, regional and national, public policy and practice. He knows this membership deeply, and he has built strong bridges throughout pharmacy and across every segment of the supply chain and far beyond. He brings proven engagement in federal and state advocacy at a time when both matter enormously. Just as important, Mike leads the way NACDS operates: member-driven and grassroots, always listening first. He has the vision to move pharmacy, retail, and the supplier community forward, and the relationships to bring people with him. The Board is united and enthusiastic in its support."
Warner also credited Anderson with building the foundation for that future. "Over two decades, Steve Anderson created a sustainable infrastructure of progress at NACDS--advocacy strength, trusted partnerships, financial stability, and a world-class team," Warner said. "That foundation is exactly why NACDS is so well positioned today. Mike will build on Steve's legacy and carry it forward."
Wysong said he is honored to take on the role and committed to keeping members and the NACDS staff team, and ultimately people and communities, at the center of the Association's work. "It is an honor to be entrusted with the leadership at NACDS, and I receive it with a deep sense of responsibility to our profession," Wysong said. "We are at a pivotal moment in our industry. NACDS has led through every challenge our profession has faced since 1933, and that history of perseverance is what gives us the strength to navigate today's uncertainty. We're building on that legacy to advance our profession and improve the lives of the people we serve. Throughout my career, I have worked to build relationships across pharmacies, suppliers, and the many partners and coalitions in healthcare, wellness, retailing, and beyond. I have seen what we can accomplish when we move in a unified direction. This new role gives me a broader platform to strengthen the economics of pharmacy, expand pharmacy's role in patient care, and address the unsustainable cost of healthcare in our country. I'm ready to work with the dedicated NACDS staff team, whose talent, commitment, and mission-driven work make everything this Association achieves possible. Together with our members, our partners, and that exceptional team, I am confident about the road ahead. There is no more important work in healthcare today."
Anderson expressed strong support for his successor. "Mike Wysong is an exceptional choice, and he will do a great job leading NACDS," Anderson said. "He brings energy, experience, and a genuine passion for this industry and the people it serves--and he has earned the trust of members and partners across the entire sector and beyond. It has been the honor of my career to serve as president and CEO of NACDS. Together with our Board of Directors, our members, and our extraordinarily talented staff, we helped position pharmacy as an essential, frontline part of American healthcare--in fact, the face of neighborhood healthcare. I could not be more enthusiastic about the future. NACDS is strong, focused, and well positioned--and in Mike, it has a leader who will carry that momentum forward on behalf of members and the American people."
Since becoming CEO of CARE Pharmacies in 2010, Wysong has helped guide CARE through a period of steady growth, expanding the network to more than 200 locations across 27 states and Washington, D.C., while growing annual sales to nearly $2 billion. Today, CARE ranks among the Top 20 largest pharmacy chains in the United States, while still maintaining its focus on supporting locally owned pharmacies. During Wysong's leadership, CARE has been recognized several times as a "Hot 100" retailer by the National Retail Federation and was named by Chain Drug Review as Regional Drug Chain of the Year in 2021, and by Drug Store News as the Pharmacy Innovator of the Year for 2026. In 2024, Drug Store News included Wysong among the 50 most influential people in retail health, highlighting his role in advancing specialty pharmacy and helping pharmacies stay competitive in a rapidly changing industry. Before joining CARE, Wysong held leadership roles with Baxter Healthcare, Allegiance Healthcare, Cardinal Health, and AmerisourceBergen, where he served as Lead Vice President of Retail Sales. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the Virginia Military Institute and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Mount St. Mary's University.
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About NACDS
NACDS represents stand-alone drug stores, supermarkets and mass merchants with pharmacies. Chains operate approximately 32,000 pharmacies, and NACDS' member companies include regional chains, with a minimum of four stores, and national companies. As the most accessible healthcare destinations, and among the most trusted, pharmacies help patients use medicines correctly and safely, while offering innovative services that improve patient health and healthcare affordability. NACDS members also include supplier partners that help to meet Americans' expectations by leveraging the total store for the total person.
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Original text here: https://www.nacds.org/nacds-names-michael-r-wysong-next-president-and-ceo/
[Category: Business]
Marine Retailers Association of the Americas: 2026 F&I Summit for Marine Dealership Professionals
BROOKLYN PARK, Minnesota, Oct. 7 -- The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas issued the following news:
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2026 F&I Summit for Marine Dealership Professionals
October 6, 2026
Two-Day Marine Industry F&I Educational Event Slated for Mid-November in Orlando
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EH2O Marine Business Solutions and Parker Business Planning will host its 5th annual 2026 F&I Summit on November 19-20, 2026, in Orlando, Fla., bringing together marine dealership professionals for two days of F&I education, collaboration and practical training focused specifically on the boating industry.
Founded and hosted
... Show Full Article
BROOKLYN PARK, Minnesota, Oct. 7 -- The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas issued the following news:
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2026 F&I Summit for Marine Dealership Professionals
October 6, 2026
Two-Day Marine Industry F&I Educational Event Slated for Mid-November in Orlando
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EH2O Marine Business Solutions and Parker Business Planning will host its 5th annual 2026 F&I Summit on November 19-20, 2026, in Orlando, Fla., bringing together marine dealership professionals for two days of F&I education, collaboration and practical training focused specifically on the boating industry.
Founded and hostedby Capt. Estephanie, founder of EH2O Marine Business Solutions, the annual Summit is designed for Marine Business Managers and also welcomes sales managers, dealer principals and other dealership leaders who want to better understand the operations, processes and opportunities within a successful F&I department.
"The Business Office touches so many areas of the customer and dealership experience," said Estephanie. "My goal with the Summit is to create an environment where we can have the conversations that Marine Business Managers and dealership leaders are dealing with every day; from financing and lender strategy to compliance, customer communication, profitability and what happens after the customer says yes."
2026 Program
This year's program will be structured around "The Life of a Deal," following a marine transaction from the initial sales-to-F&I turnover through the final stages of the Business Office process.
Topics will include customer introductions and financing conversations, credit applications and underwriting, proof-of-income review, lender selection, buy versus sell rate, presenting terms, F&I product presentations, menu presentation, overcoming objections, compliance, closing, funding, title and registration, warranty registration and post-sale responsibilities.
The program will combine educational sessions with real-world deal scenarios, interactive discussions, lender insight, scripts, processes and practical resources attendees can take back to their dealerships.
The Summit is intentionally kept small to encourage participation, questions, networking and meaningful conversations among attendees and presenters.
Estephanie created the annual F&I Summit as an extension of her work coaching and developing Marine Business Managers and dealership F&I departments across the country.
Rather than focusing solely on individual F&I products or sales techniques, the Summit takes a broader look at the Business Office and the role it plays in dealership profitability, compliance, operational consistency, lender relationships and the customer experience.
Attendees will also have opportunities to connect with fellow marine professionals, lenders and industry partners while sharing ideas and best practices with others working through similar dealership challenges. The event will conclude with recognition of Business Manager achievements through the annual EH2O F&I Awards.
Registration Information
* The 2026 F&I Summit will take place November 19-20, 2026, in Orlando, Florida.
* Attendance is limited to maintain the interactive format of the event. Only 11 seats remain, and registration closes October 28, 2026 or when the event reaches capacity.
* Who Should Attend: Marine Business Managers, Sales Managers, Dealer Principals and dealership professionals interested in strengthening F&I operations
* For additional information or to register, visit www.eh2osolutions.com/.
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About EH2O Marine Business Solutions
EH2O Marine Business Solutions specializes in the development, training, and coaching of marine dealership Business Offices and F&I professionals. Founded by Capt. Estephanie Herrera, MBA, EH2O works with dealerships and Business Managers on F&I department development, deal flow, lender strategy, compliance processes, customer communication, workflow optimization, performance, and professional development.
Registration Contact:
Capt. Estephanie H Dickinson, MBA
Founder, EH2O Marine Business Solutions
Estephanie@EH2oSolutions.com;
813-919-9605
www.eh2osolutions.com/
EH20 Marine Business Solutions and Parker Business Planning are MRAA Standard Partners.
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Original text here: https://mraa.com/f-and-i-summit-november-2026-mraa-partners/
[Category: Business]
HFTP CEO to Speak on AI's Impact at BLLA Boutique Hotel Owners Conference
AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 7 -- Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals issued the following news:
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October 6, 2026
HFTP CEO to Speak on AI's Impact at BLLA Boutique Hotel Owners Conference
HFTP's AI Collective continues its commitment to educating the hospitality industry.
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Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP(R)) announced that CEO Frank Wolfe will speak at the upcoming 17th Annual Boutique Hotel Owners Conference later this month. Wolfe will host small group discussions on the power of AI and its transformative impact on the hospitality industry. His appearance
... Show Full Article
AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 7 -- Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals issued the following news:
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October 6, 2026
HFTP CEO to Speak on AI's Impact at BLLA Boutique Hotel Owners Conference
HFTP's AI Collective continues its commitment to educating the hospitality industry.
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Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP(R)) announced that CEO Frank Wolfe will speak at the upcoming 17th Annual Boutique Hotel Owners Conference later this month. Wolfe will host small group discussions on the power of AI and its transformative impact on the hospitality industry. His appearanceunderscores HFTP's continued support for its allied association, the Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association (BLLA), and comes as the HFTP AI Collective welcomes its 13th association member, the IHG Owners Association (IHGOA).
Wolfe's sessions will dive into how AI is reshaping operations, guest experiences, and decision-making across hospitality businesses. Attendees can expect candid, interactive discussions designed to help boutique and luxury lodging owners stay ahead of the curve.
The timing couldn't be better. The HFTP AI Collective, a coalition of hospitality associations committed to advancing AI knowledge and adoption, just added IHGOA as its newest member. This milestone further cements HFTP's role as the group championing hospitality technology and finance, bringing together more voices to shape the industry's AI-driven future.
"We're so grateful for HFTP's continued support of BLLA," said Fran Kiradjian of BLLA. "Having Frank join us at our Owners Conference means a great deal to our members, and we're excited for the insights he'll bring on AI and its role in our industry."
Wolfe echoed the sentiment. "The boutique and luxury lodging segment plays a vital role in hospitality. Supporting BLLA and growing the HFTP AI Collective are both key priorities for us as we work to equip the entire industry, from boutique properties to global brands, with the knowledge and tools to navigate AI's impact."
With the HFTP AI Collective's growing association membership, HFTP continues to expand its reach and reinforce its commitment to driving meaningful conversations around technology's role in hospitality. The BLLA Owners Conference offers the perfect stage for that mission, bringing together boutique lodging owners eager to learn, connect, and prepare for what's next.
The Annual Boutique Hotel Owners Conference is October 19-20, 2026 in Westlake Village, Calif. Visit the event's website for details and to register (https://web.cvent.com/event/4b47234d-6f3d-4fb5-ba71-1f96a02002c2/register).
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Original text here: https://www.hftp.org/news/hftp-ceo-to-speak-on-ais-impact-at-blla-boutique-hotel-owners-conference
[Category: Travel]
ERIC Urges IRS to Keep Saver's Match Simple for Employer Retirement Plans
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 -- The ERISA Industry Committee issued the following news release:
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ERIC Urges IRS to Keep Saver's Match Simple for Employer Retirement Plans
October 5, 2026
Washington - The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) submitted comments to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on how the new federal Saver's Match program should work with employer-sponsored retirement plans. ERIC asked the IRS to choose the simplest way to move the government's contributions into workers' 401(k) plans and avoid placing new data-reporting demands on employers.
Created by the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 -- The ERISA Industry Committee issued the following news release:
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ERIC Urges IRS to Keep Saver's Match Simple for Employer Retirement Plans
October 5, 2026
Washington - The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) submitted comments to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on how the new federal Saver's Match program should work with employer-sponsored retirement plans. ERIC asked the IRS to choose the simplest way to move the government's contributions into workers' 401(k) plans and avoid placing new data-reporting demands on employers.
Created by the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022,the Saver's Match starts in 2027. It allows the U.S. Treasury to deposit up to $1,000 into the retirement account of an eligible worker who is saving for retirement. The payment is made after the worker files a tax return.
"Large employers want the Saver's Match to work for their employees, and the easiest way to get there is to use the systems plans already have," said Andy Banducci, Senior Vice President, Retirement and Compensation Policy at ERIC. "Moving these dollars through a standard rollover lets workers benefit without forcing plans to build new tracking systems or send sensitive employee data to the government. The IRS has already confirmed that plans won't be required to accept these contributions, and we appreciate that flexibility."
ERIC supported the IRS's proposed "Registration Path," which would deliver the money to a worker's plan as an ordinary rollover, so plans would not need to track it separately. ERIC also cautioned against options that would require plans to send employee data to the government or add extra steps for workers and plans.
If plans are allowed to accept payments directly from Treasury, ERIC asked the IRS to provide the totals plans must report on their annual Form 5500 and to offer model plan language.
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About The ERISA Industry Committee
ERIC is a national advocacy organization that exclusively represents large employers that provide health, retirement, paid leave, and other benefits to their nationwide workforces. With member companies that are leaders in every sector of the economy, ERIC advocates on the federal, state, and local levels for policies that promote flexibility and uniformity in the administration of their employee benefit plans.
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INFODOC: https://www.eric.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ERIC-Comments-Savers-Match-FINAL.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.eric.org/press_release/eric-urges-irs-to-keep-savers-match-simple-for-employer-retirement-plans/
[Category: Human Resources/Personnel]
CENTER FOR DAIRY EXCELLENCE: SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES IN DAIRY LEADERS OF TOMORROW PROGRAM
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 7 -- The Center for Dairy Excellence issued the following news release:
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October 6, 2026
SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES IN DAIRY LEADERS OF TOMORROW PROGRAM
The Scholarships Recognize Students Who Are Advancing Their Education in Dairy-Related Fields
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Harrisburg, Pa. - Three students from Pennsylvania and Massachusetts were recently awarded scholarships through the Dairy Excellence Foundation's Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow (DLT) Program. Norah Bechtel of Blair County, Pennsylvania, Mattie Casner of Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, and Erin
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 7 -- The Center for Dairy Excellence issued the following news release:
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October 6, 2026
SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES IN DAIRY LEADERS OF TOMORROW PROGRAM
The Scholarships Recognize Students Who Are Advancing Their Education in Dairy-Related Fields
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Harrisburg, Pa. - Three students from Pennsylvania and Massachusetts were recently awarded scholarships through the Dairy Excellence Foundation's Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow (DLT) Program. Norah Bechtel of Blair County, Pennsylvania, Mattie Casner of Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, and ErinJudd of Goshen, Massachusetts were recognized with the scholarships after completing and passing at least one of the Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow certification exams and associated coursework during their high school careers. As college freshmen for the 202627 school year, all three students received a $3,000 scholarship to support their academic studies in dairy-related fields.
"These students all have unique experiences in the dairy industry, and they are extremely passionate about making dairy a part of their future careers. From the time they have spent working on dairy farms within their community to the leadership roles they have embraced throughout high school, these students already have an active role in the dairy industry," said Michelle Shearer, Workforce Development Manager at the Dairy Excellence Foundation. "Now college freshmen, they are expanding on the knowledge they gained throughout their high school Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow courses and applying it to their career goals. We enjoy being able to recognize students' hard work and dedication with these scholarships each year."
Congratulations to these students:
Norah Bechtel is a freshman studying animal science at The Pennsylvania State University. She is the daughter of Jason and Sarah Bechtel of Curryville, Blair County, Pennsylvania. Norah served as the President of her school's FFA Chapter and was a member of Pennsylvania's 4-H Dairy Judging Team. Throughout high school, the DLT program helped Norah think deeper about which career path interested her within the dairy industry. She hopes to one day pursue a career in animal nutrition, helping dairy farmers feed their herds efficiently to meet their production needs.
"Being part of the dairy community, I've grown up knowing about the Dairy Excellence Foundation and all the amazing things they do for youth and the dairy industry. Knowing that I am continuing to grow my passion and career in the dairy industry, I am honored and grateful to be chosen for the Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow Student Scholarship! I feel so lucky to be a part of an industry that has so many supporters and organizations like the Dairy Excellence Foundation that help youth grow and support their endeavors," Norah shared.
Mattie Casner is a freshman studying animal science at The Pennsylvania State University. She is the daughter of John and Sara Casner of Petersburg, Huntingdon County. Mattie served on her FFA Chapter's officer team and also created and grew her own string of show cattle. She did not grow up on a dairy farm, so the Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow coursework had a large impact on Mattie's view of the dairy industry, influencing her to want to learn more and pursue a career in dairy. She hopes to find a future career in dairy genetics to help farmers improve their herds through informed genetic decisions.
"Receiving this scholarship that recognizes my passion for the dairy industry has been a huge opportunity for me. I will use this money as an investment towards my agricultural education to pursue my career within the industry. I am truly blessed for the generous support and the honor from the Dairy Excellence Foundation. It does not go unnoticed as I hope to one day give back to this organization and the dairy industry," Mattie said.
Erin Judd is a freshman studying animal science at SUNY Cobleskill. She is the daughter of April and Albert Judd of Goshen, Massachusetts. Erin served as the Reporter for her FFA Chapter and helped lead several fundraisers and open houses. She was also a member of the New England Junior Holstein Association for five years. Erin credits the Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow courses for teaching her real-world skills that she applies on the farm, including herd health and reproduction lessons. In the future, Erin hopes to work as a genetics consultant in the dairy industry.
"Receiving the Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow Student Scholarship is a great honor I have been working on since my junior year. This scholarship reflects the years of work I have put toward the dairy industry and will help me further my education," Erin said.
The Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow program is managed by the Dairy Excellence Foundation and impacts more than 41,300 high school students each school year. The goal of the program is to prepare high school students to work in the dairy industry through classroom instruction, independent studies and virtual learning, on-farm experiences, and scholarship opportunities.
To qualify for the scholarship, students must be enrolled in a college or university beginning in the fall following their graduation from high school. This year's recipients were selected based on their academic performance, evidence of leadership, character and integrity, and their commitment to pursuing a future career in dairy.
To learn more about the Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow scholarship program, visit www.dairyleadersoftomorrow.com or contact Michelle Shearer at mshearer@centerfordairyexcellence.org or 570-768-8316. The 2027 scholarship application will be available on March 1, 2027.
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The Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation of Pennsylvania is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax deductible organization that is Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) approved. Established in 2010, the foundation's mission is to build and invest in programs that cultivate and empower the next generation of producers, consumers, and advocates for the Pennsylvania dairy industry. Learn more at centerfordairyexcellence.org/our-foundation/.
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Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow (DLT) is a program designed specifically to prepare high school students to work in the dairy industry. A three-part model program, Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow offers classroom instruction, on-farm experiences and scholarship opportunities. The DLT curriculum includes four main courses: Introduction to Dairy, Introduction to Dairy Herd Management, Introduction to Dairy Business Management, and Introduction to Dairy Technologies. The program is managed by the Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation of Pennsylvania, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax deductible organization that is Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) approved. Learn more about the program at www.dairyleadersoftomorrow.com.
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Original text here: https://www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/wp-content/uploads/10-6_DLT-Recipients.pdf
[Category: Agriculture]
American Farm Bureau Federation President Duvall Issues Letter to President Trump on Federal Action on Diesel Prices
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Oct. 7 (TNSletter) -- American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall issued the following letter to President Trump on federal action on diesel prices:
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Here is the text of the letter:
October 1, 2026
The Honorable Donald J. Trump
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President,
We appreciate your continued attention to the challenges facing America's farmers and ranchers and thank you for your administration's efforts to lower costs and reduce regulatory burdens across the farm economy.
... Show Full Article
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Oct. 7 (TNSletter) -- American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall issued the following letter to President Trump on federal action on diesel prices:
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Here is the text of the letter:
October 1, 2026
The Honorable Donald J. Trump
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President,
We appreciate your continued attention to the challenges facing America's farmers and ranchers and thank you for your administration's efforts to lower costs and reduce regulatory burdens across the farm economy.Farm program and tax improvements included in the One Big Beautiful Bill, along with economic assistance provided by USDA, will provide some relief to farmers across the country in combating higher fuel and fertilizer expenses due to the disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Higher diesel expenses are hitting farmers at one of the most fuel-intensive times of the year - harvest. The national average on-highway diesel price has reached $6.38 per gallon, while farm diesel in the heart of the Corn Belt climbed to nearly $6.00 per gallon. Diesel is essential for the American economy and for farmers. Everything on the farm, from running tractors, combines and irrigation equipment to transporting crops, livestock and inputs requires diesel. Farmers and ranchers cannot postpone harvest or simply stop using diesel when prices rise.
On behalf of the millions of farm families across the country, the American Farm Bureau Federation urges the administration to consider immediate actions to lower diesel costs. We ask the Administration to temporarily suspend the federal highway diesel tax for agricultural transportation and quickly waive federal penalties for emergency use of dyed diesel on highways. Several states have already acted.
* Alabama has halted state enforcement of dyed-diesel restrictions and requested federal penalty relief from the Internal Revenue Service.
* Arkansas has temporarily suspended certain state taxes and penalties for qualifying agricultural and forestry operators using dyed diesel in highway vehicles through Oct. 30 and has directed the state to request federal penalty relief from the IRS.
* Georgia has temporarily suspended the state motor fuel excise tax, including the tax on diesel, and suspended state weight limits on commercial vehicles.
* Indiana has temporarily suspended special fuel restrictions to allow farmers and timber harvesters to use dyed diesel for qualifying agricultural transportation through Nov. 4.
* Louisiana has temporarily suspended state penalties for qualifying agricultural and forestry vehicles using dyed diesel on highways.
* Missouri temporarily authorized farmers to use dyed diesel on state highways for agricultural purposes and adjusted commercial vehicle weight limitations to increase transportation capacity.
* Nebraska is allowing highway-registered vehicles to use untaxed dyed diesel without state penalties, providing certain agricultural fuel-tax refunds and allowing higher agricultural and livestock hauling weights.
* Oklahoma has temporarily paused state enforcement of taxes, regulations and fines related to the use of dyed diesel in farm and highway vehicles and directed the state to seek federal penalty relief from the Internal Revenue Service.
* South Dakota is allowing agricultural haulers to operate up to 10% above normal weight restrictions, suspending the overweight trip permit and directing the state to monitor whether tax refunds may be warranted if regular diesel must be substituted for dyed diesel.
* Texas has also suspended state dyed-diesel restrictions and increased allowable weights for certain agricultural loads.
These states are acting quickly to ease the burden of high diesel prices, but remaining federal penalties can limit the relief they can provide on their own. We are optimistic that your Administration is diligently working with states to temporarily waive federal penalties, fines and enforcement on dyed diesel use so farmers and ranchers can get meaningful relief during this critical harvest season. Additionally, the temporary removal of the federal excise tax on diesel would provide immediate cost relief for farmers, ranchers and agricultural haulers that continue to rely on taxable clear diesel.
We appreciate your attention to this urgent issue. Farm Bureau stands ready to support the Administration on practical solutions to reduce fuel costs for America's farmers and ranchers.
Sincerely,
Zippy Duvall, President
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Original text and footnotes here: https://www.fb.org/files/Diesel-Letter_WH_10.1.26.pdf
News Release here: https://www.fb.org/news-release/farmers-grateful-for-diesel-tax-relief
[Category: Agriculture]
