Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
International Game Fish Association: Support the Future of Fishing
DANIA BEACH, Florida, Dec. 19 -- The International Game Fish Association issued the following news:
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Support the Future of Fishing!
Help the IGFA Cast a Future of Conservation and Angling Inspiration
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Since 1939, anglers like you have stood shoulder to shoulder through a shared love of sportfishing and a common purpose: to protect game fish, advance the science that drives their conservation, and preserve the traditions that bring us together.
For more than eight decades, the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) has built the foundation that makes that mission possible by advancing
... Show Full Article
DANIA BEACH, Florida, Dec. 19 -- The International Game Fish Association issued the following news:
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Support the Future of Fishing!
Help the IGFA Cast a Future of Conservation and Angling Inspiration
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Since 1939, anglers like you have stood shoulder to shoulder through a shared love of sportfishing and a common purpose: to protect game fish, advance the science that drives their conservation, and preserve the traditions that bring us together.
For more than eight decades, the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) has built the foundation that makes that mission possible by advancingscientific research, teaching the next generation of anglers, and preserving the integrity of our sport. These efforts endure thanks to individual anglers like you who choose to take action for the future of fishing.
Every breakthrough in conservation, every young angler inspired, and every record-setting catch released begins with a single decision: to care deeply enough to make a difference. When anglers like you unite behind that belief, we move the sport and its legacy forward together.
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Original text here: https://igfa.org/2025/12/17/support-the-future-of-fishing-2/
[Category: Environment]
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, named Optica's 2025 Advocate of Optics
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 [Category: Medical] -- Optica, formerly the Optical Society, posted the following news release:
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Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, named Optica's 2025 Advocate of Optics
Virkkunen is recognized for her distinguished leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing science, technology and photonics innovation in Europe.
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On 4 December, Optica CTO Jose Pozo presented Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, with
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 [Category: Medical] -- Optica, formerly the Optical Society, posted the following news release:
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Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, named Optica's 2025 Advocate of Optics
Virkkunen is recognized for her distinguished leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing science, technology and photonics innovation in Europe.
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On 4 December, Optica CTO Jose Pozo presented Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, withthe 2025 Advocate of Optics recognition. This prestigious honor celebrates public officials who demonstrate outstanding leadership and support for the advancement of light science and its applications.
Optica selected Virkkunen for her sustained commitment to building a strong European ecosystem for optics, photonics and critical frontier technologies. Her work has been central to championing policies and investments that reinforce Europe's technological leadership while addressing global challenges.
During the presentation, Dr. Pozo emphasized the significance of her leadership, "You have consistently elevated frontier technologiesintegrated photonics, quantum, semiconductor and advanced computing. We see your impact clearly. Europe, and especially Finland, is shaping photonics not only for AI and data infrastructure, but for improving lives. In all of your roles, you have embedded optics and photonics at the core of Europe's digital, industrial and security strategy."
"Thank you so much to Optica for this recognition. It's a great honor for me, and it really encourages us to continue our work," said Virkkunen. She added, "We have a very strong base in Europe and everything we need to be competitive: great researchers, great scientists and so many startups working in technologies like photonics, and we can be very proud of that. Now we have to make sure that these companies can scale up their businesses in Europe and enter into markets. So, it's important to invest in infrastructure, research and science and boost innovation."
The ceremony, held at the Executive Vice President's offices in Brussels, concluded with her expression of partnership, "I want to thank Optica for all the work you have been doing in this area. I'm very much looking forward to continue close cooperation with you, because your expertise is needed for Europe's future."
Virkkunen has long been a leading advocate for European science and technology policy. Appointed in late 2024 as Executive Vice President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, she oversees a broad portfolio that includes digital and frontier technologies such as AI, quantum computing, semiconductors and cloud computing.
Prior to her current role, Virkkunen served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from 2014. As an influential member of the Industry, Research and Energy Committee (ITRE), she consistently championed greater EU investment in photonics and quantum technologies to bolster Europe's strategic autonomy and competitiveness. Her efforts also significantly influenced Horizon Europe funding priorities, ensuring robust support for innovation in optics and photonics. Earlier in her career, Virkkunen held several ministerial posts in Finland, including Minister of Education, Minister of Public Administration and Local Government and Minister of Transport, where she actively promoted STEM education and scientific research as fundamental pillars of national innovation and progress.
"Henna Virkkunen's unwavering dedication to advancing the frontiers of science and technology, particularly in the fields of optics and photonics, is truly exemplary," said Optica CEO Elizabeth Nolan. "Her strategic vision for Europe's technological future, and her tireless efforts to create supportive policy frameworks are vital for the continued growth and impact on the global optics and photonics community. Optica is delighted to honor her and her significant achievements with the 2025 Advocate of Optics recognition."
About the Advocate of Optics Recognition
The Optica Advocate of Optics is an annual recognition conferred by the Optica Public Affairs Council. Each calendar year, the Council evaluates and selects an outstanding public official from around the globe who demonstrates exceptional leadership and support for the advancement of optics and photonics. Recipients are evaluated on criteria such as their enthusiasm for science and science policy, level of familiarity with optics and photonics, level of interaction with Optica and its members and a consistent record of supporting science, optics and photonics. One or more recipients may be chosen in any given year.
About Optica
Optica, Advancing Optics and Photonics Worldwide, is the Society dedicated to promoting the generation, application, archiving and dissemination of knowledge in the field. Founded in 1916, it is the leading organization for scientists, engineers, business professionals, students and others interested in the science of light. Optica's renowned publications, meetings, online resources and in-person activities fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate scientific, technical and educational achievement. Discover more at: Optica.org
Media Contact
mediarelations@optica.org
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Original text here: https://www.optica.org/about/newsroom/news_releases/2025/henna_virkkunen_executive_vice_president_of_the_european_commission_for_tech_sovereignty_security/
CMA Calls on Congress to Address the Fallout of ACA Tax Credits Expiring
SACRAMENTO, California, Dec. 19 -- The California Medical Association issued the following statement on Dec. 18, 2025:
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CMA calls on Congress to address the fallout of ACA tax credits expiring
California Medical Association (CMA) President Rene Bravo issued the following statement after Congress failed to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits:
"Congress' decision to let the Affordable Care Act's enhanced premium tax credits expire represents a significant missed opportunity to protect patients. At a time when families are struggling with rising costs, Congress
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Dec. 19 -- The California Medical Association issued the following statement on Dec. 18, 2025:
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CMA calls on Congress to address the fallout of ACA tax credits expiring
California Medical Association (CMA) President Rene Bravo issued the following statement after Congress failed to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits:
"Congress' decision to let the Affordable Care Act's enhanced premium tax credits expire represents a significant missed opportunity to protect patients. At a time when families are struggling with rising costs, Congresschose inaction, jeopardizing access to health care for millions and undermining the stability of our health care system. This failure will harm patients and physicians, and reverses years of progress.
In California, the consequences will be immediate and severe. Nearly 1.7 million Californians who rely on Covered California will see sharp premium increases, forcing impossible choices between health care or basic needs like housing or food. An estimated 400,000 people are expected to be priced out of coverage altogether -- a devastating and unacceptable rollback in access to care.
When patients lose coverage, they delay screenings, abandon preventive care, and go without treatment for chronic and life-threatening illnesses. Our already strained clinics and hospitals will face a surge in uncompensated care, further destabilizing the health care system.
Extending the ACA enhanced premium tax credits is one of the most immediate and impactful actions Congress can take to protect patients and the physicians who care for them. Federal leaders must act to immediately restore the tax credits. Every day of delay pushes more patients out of coverage and deepens a crisis that is entirely of Congress' making."
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Original text here: https://www.cmadocs.org/newsroom/news/view/ArticleId/51090/CMA-calls-on-Congress-to-address-the-fallout-of-ACA-tax-credits-expiring
[Category: Medical]
American Securities Association Calls on Congress to Pass the TIER Act
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- The American Securities Association issued the following news on Dec. 17, 2025:
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ASA Calls on Congress to Pass the TIER Act
The American Securities Association (ASA) today called on Congress to pass the Tailoring and Indexing Regulations (TIER) Act, a bill sponsored by Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY), which would modernize regulation by indexing bank asset tailoring thresholds to reflect economic growth.
"ASA applauds Rep. Barr for championing the TIER Act, a pragmatic bill that helps end Washington's arbitrary and outdated one-size-fits-all regulatory approach to bank supervision.
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- The American Securities Association issued the following news on Dec. 17, 2025:
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ASA Calls on Congress to Pass the TIER Act
The American Securities Association (ASA) today called on Congress to pass the Tailoring and Indexing Regulations (TIER) Act, a bill sponsored by Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY), which would modernize regulation by indexing bank asset tailoring thresholds to reflect economic growth.
"ASA applauds Rep. Barr for championing the TIER Act, a pragmatic bill that helps end Washington's arbitrary and outdated one-size-fits-all regulatory approach to bank supervision.The TIER Act is focused on helping America's Main Street banks compete, drive economic growth, and expand opportunities in their communities," said ASA President and CEO Chris Iacovella. "We look forward to working with Congressional leadership to get this bill to the President's desk."
The TIER Act passed the House Financial Services Committee on a 33-19 vote.
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The American Securities Association (ASA) represents the retail and institutional capital markets interests of regional financial services firms who provide Main Street businesses with access to capital and advise hardworking Americans how to create and preserve wealth. ASA's mission is to promote trust and confidence among investors, facilitate capital formation, and support efficient and competitively balanced capital markets. This mission advances financial independence, stimulates job creation, and increases prosperity. The ASA has a geographically diverse membership of almost one hundred members that spans the Heartland, Southwest, Southeast, Atlantic, and Pacific Northwest regions of the United States.
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Original text here: https://www.americansecurities.org/post/asa-calls-on-congress-to-pass-the-tier-act
[Category: Financial Services]
APHA Joins Dozens of Public Health and Policy Experts to Urge DHS to Withdraw Proposed Public Charge Rule
SAN DIEGO, California, Dec. 19 [Category: Health Care] -- The American Public Health Association posted the following news release:
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APHA Joins Dozens of Public Health and Policy Experts to Urge DHS to Withdraw Proposed Public Charge Rule
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Dozens of Public Health and Policy Experts, Along with the American Public Health Association and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Urge DHS to Withdraw Proposed Public Charge Rule
A public comment filed by 65 public health deans and scholars, along with the American Public Health Association (APHA) and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), strongly
... Show Full Article
SAN DIEGO, California, Dec. 19 [Category: Health Care] -- The American Public Health Association posted the following news release:
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APHA Joins Dozens of Public Health and Policy Experts to Urge DHS to Withdraw Proposed Public Charge Rule
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Dozens of Public Health and Policy Experts, Along with the American Public Health Association and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Urge DHS to Withdraw Proposed Public Charge Rule
A public comment filed by 65 public health deans and scholars, along with the American Public Health Association (APHA) and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), stronglyopposes the Department of Homeland Security Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on the "Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility."
The public comment calls on DHS to withdraw the proposal, which rescinds the 2022 Public Charge Final Rule without replacing it with any substantive guidancegranting immigration officers broad discretion to consider virtually any public benefit or factor when determining whether an individual is likely to become a "public charge."
They warn the proposed rule would lead to a severe chilling effect on the use of essential health and social services by lawfully present immigrants, mixed-status families, and U.S. citizen children.
"We encourage careful consideration of the potential impacts of this proposal on families and communities," said Kelly Gebo, Dean of the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. "For decades, clear public charge rules have provided stability and clarity for both agencies and the public. As DHS makes changes to these rules, it will be important to ensure that families, including U.S. citizen children, continue to feel confident accessing the health care, nutrition, and public health services for which they are eligible and that contribute to overall public well-being."
For nearly all of the last 25 years, federal policystarting with the 1999 Field Guidance and continued in the 2022 Final Rulesaid that only cash welfare benefits or long-term institutional care at government expense could be counted in public charge decisions. Non-cash programs like Medicaid, SNAP, CHIP, and housing assistance were clearly excluded. These long-standing rules were meant to keep decisions consistent and avoid confusing or scaring the public.
The new DHS proposal would eliminate these protections entirely.
APHA Executive Director Georges C. Benjamin, MD adds, "Safe shelter, food on the table and access to health care services are key to improving the health of all people in our nation. Families should have equal access to life's necessities. The chance to live a healthy life as long as you can is a fundamental human right, regardless of your status in our country. Denying access to programs that connect millions of families to safe shelter, keep children fed and provide important health care services not only leads to poorer health outcomes in those populations, but also affects us all indirectly."
Researchers from George Washington University estimated a range of potential impacts from the proposed public charge rule. Their midpoint estimates were:
* 3.7 million members of immigrant households could lose Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, SSI, or housing benefits.
* Federal benefit losses could reach $21.3 billion in 2026, with ripple effects shrinking state economies by $27.4 billion as health care providers, grocery stores and other businesses lose revenue due to public charge rule..
* As many as 212,000 jobs could be lost, including 73,000 jobs in health care.
"RWJF strongly opposes this proposed rule, which is one part of a broad assault on immigrant families and the communities where immigrants live," said Richard Besser, president and CEO of RWJF. "Community health depends on everyone having access to the support and services they need to thrive. This proposed rule would harm families and communities across the nation and take us farther away from a future where health is no longer a privilege for some, but a right for all."
The economic and employment losses would not be confined to immigrant households. As business losses ripple out through the state economies, the employment and incomes of all types of households would also be harmed.
The scholars, APHA, and RWJF are calling on DHS to withdraw the NPRM and preserve clear, evidence-based standards that protect families and promote community well-being.
The American Public Health Association champions optimal, equitable health and well-being for all. With our broad-based member community and 150-year perspective, we influence federal policy to improve the public's health. Learn more at www.apha.org.
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Original text here: https://www.apha.org/news-and-media/news-releases/apha-news-releases/dozens-of-public-health-and-policy-experts-urge-dhs-to-withdraw-proposed-public-charge-rule
AICPA Urges Treasury, IRS to Establish Lower User Fee Category for Private Letter Ruling Requests
NEW YORK, Dec. 19 -- The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants issued the following news release:
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AICPA Urges Treasury, IRS to Establish Lower User Fee Category for Private Letter Ruling Requests
Washington, D.C. - In a letter to the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) urged the establishment of a separate, lower user fee category for private letter ruling requests related to S corporations under section 1362(b)(5) and section 1362(f) that involve straightforward, low-complexity cases. These
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Dec. 19 -- The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants issued the following news release:
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AICPA Urges Treasury, IRS to Establish Lower User Fee Category for Private Letter Ruling Requests
Washington, D.C. - In a letter to the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) urged the establishment of a separate, lower user fee category for private letter ruling requests related to S corporations under section 1362(b)(5) and section 1362(f) that involve straightforward, low-complexity cases. Theserulings are commonly requested to obtain relief from inadvertent S corporation election or compliance failures, including late or incomplete filings.
The AICPA's letter proposes that Treasury and the IRS establish a separate user fee category for private letter rulings under section 1362(b)(5) and section 1362(f). Specifically, a separate category should be created for requests under section 1362(f) where the taxpayer cannot rely on Rev. Proc. 2013-30 solely because the three-year and seventy-five-day deadline has expired. The AICPA's letter echoes concerns also raised in a 2016 AICPA comment letter recommending reduced user fees for these types of requests.
The AICPA believes establishing a separate user fee category is warranted for the following reasons:
* Section 1362(f) remains as the only source of relief for cases in which the sole failure to make an effective S corporation election or the sole reason for an inadvertent termination is the failure to timely make an electing small business trust electionor an election for a qualified subchapter S trust. Revenue Proc. 2013-30 is available only where relief is sought within three years and 75 days of the intended effective date of the election.
* Requests for relief under section 1362(f) are not "comfort" rulings. They are required to establish or preserve the S corporation status of the entity and are essential to taxpayers who must maintain their tax-favored status in response to an inadvertent trust-related election failure.
* While there was a recent increase in the small taxpayer gross income thresholds from $250,000 and $1 million to $400,000 and $10 million, it is expected that these new thresholds will subject small and closely held business taxpayers to the highest level of user fees.
"Creating a distinct category for these narrowly defined cases would better reflect the actual time and resources needed to process them," said Michelle Zou, Senior Manager for Tax Policy & Advocacy with the AICPA. "Our letter's recommendations would also align with the IRS' guiding principles for determining user fees."
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About the American Institute of CPAs
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is the world's largest member association representing the CPA profession, with 397,000 members and a history of serving the public interest since 1887. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education, and consulting. A founding member of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession, attestation standards, and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and federal, state, and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination, offers specialized credentials, partners across the profession to build future talent, and drives continuing education to advance the vitality, relevance, and quality of the profession.
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Background May 19, 2016 - Proposal to Reduce the User Fees Charged for S Corporation Private Letter Ruling Requests Under Sections 1362(b)(5) and 1362(f)
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View letter here: https://www.aicpa-cima.com/resources/download/aicpa-comment-letter-on-sections-1362-b-5-and-1362-f
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Original text here: https://www.aicpa-cima.com/news/article/aicpa-urges-treasury-irs-to-establish-lower-user-fee-category-for-private
[Category: Accounting]
AICPA Applauds Passage of Disaster Legislation to Extend Lookback Period
NEW YORK, Dec. 19 -- The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants issued the following news release:
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AICPA Applauds Passage of Disaster Legislation to Extend Lookback Period
Washington, D.C. - The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) applauds the passage of H.R. 1491, the Disaster Related Extension of Deadlines Act (DREDA), sponsored by Representatives Gregory Murphy (R-NC) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), which extends the time for filing a claim for credit or refund (i.e., the lookback period) by the disaster relief postponement period afforded to taxpayers affected by
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Dec. 19 -- The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants issued the following news release:
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AICPA Applauds Passage of Disaster Legislation to Extend Lookback Period
Washington, D.C. - The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) applauds the passage of H.R. 1491, the Disaster Related Extension of Deadlines Act (DREDA), sponsored by Representatives Gregory Murphy (R-NC) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), which extends the time for filing a claim for credit or refund (i.e., the lookback period) by the disaster relief postponement period afforded to taxpayers affected bymajor disasters.
Previously, taxpayers impacted by disasters effectively have less time to make a refund or credit claim than those who are not affected because the deadline for refund or credit claims was based on the original filing deadline and was not extended by the filing and payment disaster relief postponement. The Disaster Related Extension of Deadlines Act solves this problem, offering taxpayers impacted by disasters more opportunities to meet their tax obligations without additional confusion, stress, and anxiety.
The AICPA expressed strong support for this and other disaster-related legislation in a February 2025 letter to House leadership for the Committee on Ways & Means. "We applaud Congress for recognizing the importance of this bill for many Americans by passing this legislation that will now be signed by the President," said Daniel Hauffe, Senior Manager for Tax Policy & Advocacy with the AICPA. "Taxpayers affected by disasters are afforded additional time to comply with tax obligations because of the devastating real-life consequences of natural disasters, and now they will receive the same period of time to make claims for credit or refund as all other taxpayers."
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About the American Institute of CPAs
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is the world's largest member association representing the CPA profession, with 397,000 members and a history of serving the public interest since 1887. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education, and consulting. A founding member of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession, attestation standards, and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and federal, state, and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination, offers specialized credentials, partners across the profession to build future talent, and drives continuing education to advance the vitality, relevance, and quality of the profession.
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Original text here: https://www.aicpa-cima.com/news/article/aicpa-applauds-passage-of-disaster-legislation-to-extend-lookback-period
[Category: Accounting]
