Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
National Right to Life: Ohio Senate Health Committee Hears Testimony on SB 309, the Abortion Pill Provider Liability Education Act
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 -- National Right to Life, a pro-life organization, issued the following news release on Feb. 11, 2026:
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Ohio Senate Health Committee Hears Testimony on SB 309, the Abortion Pill Provider Liability Education Act
The Ohio Senate Health Committee today heard testimony on Senate Bill 309, the Abortion Pill Provider Liability Education (APPLE) Act, legislation designed to ensure women receive truthful information and clear notice of their legal rights before being prescribed abortion-inducing drugs.
SB 309 is Ohio's version of National Right to Life's model law, the Abortion
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 -- National Right to Life, a pro-life organization, issued the following news release on Feb. 11, 2026:
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Ohio Senate Health Committee Hears Testimony on SB 309, the Abortion Pill Provider Liability Education Act
The Ohio Senate Health Committee today heard testimony on Senate Bill 309, the Abortion Pill Provider Liability Education (APPLE) Act, legislation designed to ensure women receive truthful information and clear notice of their legal rights before being prescribed abortion-inducing drugs.
SB 309 is Ohio's version of National Right to Life's model law, the AbortionPill Provider Liability and Education Act, and focuses on informed consent, transparency, and accountability in the growing chemical abortion marketplace.
In written testimony submitted to the committee, Ingrid Duran, director of the Department of State Legislation for National Right to Life (NRLC), explained that the APPLE Act responds to the "rapid rise of mail-order and telemedicine abortion pills" that increasingly bypass traditional medical safeguards.
She noted that the bill simply requires abortion providers to inform women that, should they suffer injury or death, they or their families may hold the manufacturer, distributor, health care provider, or facility accountable.
"The APPLE Act places no burdens on women seeking abortion," Duran wrote. "It doesn't ban abortion-inducing drugs or make them harder to obtain. Instead, it empowers women with truthful information and ensures they know their rights if something goes wrong."
Randall K. O'Bannon, Ph.D., director of Education and Research for the National Right to Life Educational Trust Fund, also submitted written testimony detailing documented complications associated with mifepristone, the abortion pill.
Citing FDA reports and independent studies, Dr. O'Bannon testified that complications can occur in more than 10% of women who take the drugs, noting that women have experienced hemorrhage, infection, ruptured ectopic pregnancies, emergency room visits, and other serious complications.
"The APPLE Act doesn't stop anyone from getting an abortion," Dr. O'Bannon wrote. "But it does require that abortionists give them a complete and honest representation of the risks."
Dr. O'Bannon also noted that the bill, "simply asks whether you care more about the lives and health and safety of women and their unborn children or are more concerned with seeking the favor and fortune of the abortion industry."
In-person testimony underscored the real-life impact of chemical abortion complications.
Katie DeLand of Ohio Right to Life testified that deregulation of chemical abortion has coincided with increased use and documented adverse events, including severe bleeding, infection, undiagnosed ectopic pregnancies, and incomplete abortions requiring emergency care.
She emphasized that "women deserve full transparency about medical risks, particularly when those risks can be severe, permanent, or life-threatening."
Savannah Martin, testifying on behalf of Bella Vita Network and the Ohio Coalition of Pregnancy Centers, shared the story of a woman identified as "Rebecca," who suffered life-threatening complications after being prescribed abortion pills beyond the legal gestational limit.
According to the testimony, Rebecca lost consciousness, required CPR, and was transported to a hospital where she underwent an emergency dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure.
Martin urged lawmakers to ensure women understand potential risks and know how to hold providers accountable if harm occurs.
Supporters of SB 309 argue that, regardless of one's position on abortion, informed consent and consumer protection are principles that should apply to abortion-inducing drugs just as they do to any other medical product.
The Senate Health Committee took testimony but has not yet voted on the measure.
For copies of testimony or more information about National Right to Life's model law, the Abortion Pill Provider Liability and Education Act, visit NRLC.org or contact the NRLC Communications Department at mediarelations@nrlc.org.
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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/oh-senate-health-committee-hears-testimony-on-sb-309-the-apple-act/
[Category: Sociological]
Lawsuit Alleges Deceptive Home Equity 'Investments' Strip Homeowners of Hard-Earned Equity
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 -- The AARP Foundation issued the following news release:
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New Lawsuit Alleges Deceptive Home Equity "Investments" Strip Homeowners of Hard-Earned Equity
The National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA), represented by attorneys from its staff, AARP Foundation, and Singleton Schreiber, has filed a lawsuit against Unison and its affiliates, alleging the company deceptively markets its product as a "no-debt" home equity alternative. The company actually offers unlicensed mortgage loans that can leave homeowners owing hundreds of thousands of dollars and forced to
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 -- The AARP Foundation issued the following news release:
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New Lawsuit Alleges Deceptive Home Equity "Investments" Strip Homeowners of Hard-Earned Equity
The National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA), represented by attorneys from its staff, AARP Foundation, and Singleton Schreiber, has filed a lawsuit against Unison and its affiliates, alleging the company deceptively markets its product as a "no-debt" home equity alternative. The company actually offers unlicensed mortgage loans that can leave homeowners owing hundreds of thousands of dollars and forced tosell their homes. The suit was filed in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia today on behalf of the public interest to protect District residents from unfair and deceptive practices.
According to the complaint, Unison promotes its product as an "equity sharing agreement" or "home equity investment," repeatedly telling homeowners it is not a loan, involves no debt, carries no interest, and requires no monthly payments. The lawsuit alleges these claims are misleading and designed to make homeowners believe they are entering into a simple partnership rather than a high-cost mortgage transaction.
The complaint alleges that, in reality, the product operates like a mortgage loan. Homeowners receive an upfront cash advance, Unison records a lien on the home, and the homeowner must later repay a much larger lump sum, often leaving selling the home as the only way to pay Unison back, or face foreclosure. As alleged in the complaint, Unison's affiliates package the liens it obtains into investment funds, allowing its clients--high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors--to profit handsomely off the backs of homeowners
"These agreements lead homeowners to believe they're accessing their equity safely, yet they are being locked into complicated, one-sided contracts that can wipe out a lifetime of earned savings," said William Alvarado Rivera, Senior Vice President of Litigation at AARP Foundation. "Misleading products like Unison's can undermine the security people need as they age."
The lawsuit further alleges that Unison is operating as an unlicensed mortgage lender in the District of Columbia and failing to comply with federal and local consumer protection laws that regulate mortgage products. By labeling its product as an "equity sharing agreement" or "investment," and falsely claiming it involves no debt or interest, Unison evades the licensing, disclosure, and consumer protections required for mortgage loans, leaving homeowners without clear information about the true cost and risks of the transaction.
"We've seen the devastation that follows when complex mortgage products are pushed into the market without meaningful oversight, and the 2008 financial crisis made clear just how devastating that can be for families and communities," said Elizabeth Aniskevich, Senior Counsel at Singleton Schreiber, and lead attorney for the lawsuit. "The market for these products is growing rapidly, and it is critical that the companies behind them are held to the same lending laws and consumer protection standards designed to prevent exactly this kind of harm."
Unison operates nationwide, with agreements covering thousands of homes and billions of dollars in residential real estate value, including properties in the District of Columbia.
NACA brings the case under the District of Columbia Consumer Protection Procedures Act, seeking to halt Unison's practices in the District, void existing agreements, and prevent further harm to homeowners.
"Unison has simply put a new 'tech-friendly' name on a decades old unfair and deceptive scheme to steal wealth from long-time D.C. homeowners," said Ira Rheingold, Executive Director of NACA. "Like those abusive actors before it, Unison's unlawful behavior must be stopped, and it must be held accountable for the harm it has caused."
This is not the only case raising allegations that Unison is using deceptive and illegal marketing tactics to take advantage of vulnerable homeowners. Separately, an individual lawsuit was also recently filed in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia by Lilly Evans, a 77-year-old District resident who was duped into one of Unison's mortgage products, against Unison and related entities. That case, brought by Legal Counsel for the Elderly and AARP Foundation, raises similar allegations that Unison misrepresented the nature and risks of its so-called "equity sharing" product, resulting in significant loss of home equity.
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About AARP Foundation
AARP Foundation is the nation's leading organization serving the 39 million older adults living in poverty or one life event away from slipping into it. Our mission is to strengthen financial resilience for and with older adults by empowering individuals and improving systems. We do this by creating pathways to quality employment, removing barriers to benefits, and promoting equitable access to essential goods and services. To learn more, visit aarpfoundation.org or follow @AARPFoundation on social media.
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About Singleton Schreiber
Singleton Schreiber is a client-centered law firm, focusing on mass torts/multi-district litigation, fire litigation, personal injury/wrongful death, civil rights, environmental law, insurance bad faith, consumer protection law, tribal law, and sex abuse/trafficking. Home to the nation's largest fire litigation practice, the firm has represented over 30,000 wildfire and explosion victims caused by utilities, government negligence, railroads, and corporate misconduct. The firm is also pursuing groundbreaking litigation against Tesla for misrepresenting their autopilot system, which recently resulted in a historic verdict. With deep experience in complex claims, the firm is committed to helping individuals, families, and communities recover and rebuild.
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About Legal Counsel for the Elderly
Since 1975, Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE) has championed the dignity and rights of Washington, D.C. older adults by providing free legal and social work services to those in need. Our work addresses the most important aspects of an older adult's life, including housing, economic security, self-determination, and health and safety. We impact the lives of nearly 10,000 people annually, while advocating for city-wide reforms in laws, regulations, and long-term care facilities. LCE is an affiliate of AARP.
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About National of Consumer Advocates
The National Association of Consumer Advocates is a nonprofit association of consumer attorneys and advocates whose primary focus is the protection and representation of consumers.
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Original text here: https://www.aarp.org/press/releases/2026-02-11-lawsuit-alleges-deceptive-home-equity-investments-strip-homeowners-of-equity/
[Category: Sociological]
Job Postings for Future Hiring a Positive in the Latest Tech Employment Data, CompTIA Analysis Finds
DOWNERS GROVE, Illinois, Feb. 12 (TNSrpt) -- CompTIA posted the following news release:
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Job postings for future hiring a positive in the latest tech employment data, CompTIA analysis finds
Technology companies reduced staffing and tech occupations throughout the economy showed little change in January, according to analysis by CompTIA, the leading global provider of vendor-neutral information technology (IT) training and certifications.
At the same time, employer job posting for tech positions increased 13% from December 2025 to January 2026.
Tech industry employment declined by an estimated
... Show Full Article
DOWNERS GROVE, Illinois, Feb. 12 (TNSrpt) -- CompTIA posted the following news release:
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Job postings for future hiring a positive in the latest tech employment data, CompTIA analysis finds
Technology companies reduced staffing and tech occupations throughout the economy showed little change in January, according to analysis by CompTIA, the leading global provider of vendor-neutral information technology (IT) training and certifications.
At the same time, employer job posting for tech positions increased 13% from December 2025 to January 2026.
Tech industry employment declined by an estimated20,155 jobs in January, affecting workers in both technical and non-technical occupations, CompTIA's analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) #JobsReport data shows.[1] Telecommunications companies accounted for the bulk of the job losses, estimated at 15,000, and likely a combination of reductions in holiday seasonal workers in retail stores and broader telecom layoffs announced late in 2025.
Employment increased modestly in the IT and custom software services and systems design category, which accounts for nearly 2.4 million jobs in the total tech sector workforce of 5.25 million workers.
"The turnaround in services employment may indicate a shift toward capitalizing on investments in software and hardware," said Seth Robinson, vice president, industry research, CompTIA.
Tech occupation employment, which encompasses technology professionals working in all industry sectors, declined by an estimated 2,000 workers.[2] The unemployment rate for tech occupations rose to 3.6% in January, compared to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. More than 6.6 million workers are employed in tech occupations in the U.S.
New job postings for technology positions totaled 220,420 in January. In all there were more than 465,000 active job postings for tech occupations last month, nearly 4% higher than the previous month.[3] This follows a pattern seen in previous years where employers slow their hiring searches at the end of one calendar year and accelerate hiring activity to start the new year. The increase in new tech job postings was evident in several industry sectors.
Manufacturing
+ 46.6%
Finance and Insurance
+ 37.3%
Information
+ 17.1%
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
+ 16.3%
Tech job postings were also widely distributed geographically. Baltimore, Charlotte, Kansas City, Pittsburgh and San Francisco were among the major metropolitan markets that saw a 25% or higher increase in tech job postings last month.
[1] Labor market data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and employer job postings from Lightcast may be subject to backward revisions.
[2] Monthly occupation level data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tends to experience higher levels of variance and volatility.
[3] Active job postings include new postings added by employers in the latest month and open postings carried over from previous months.
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About CompTIA
CompTIA, Inc. is dedicated to unlocking potential for students, career changers, and professionals pursuing technology careers. Through education, training, certifications, and research, it promotes industry growth, builds a skilled workforce, and ensures technology's benefits are accessible to everyone.
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REPORT: https://lecbyo.files.cmp.optimizely.com/download/6b6fc8e4ff4a11efbebeaeb5c39a94d9?sfvrsn=725f3c8d_0
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Original text here: https://www.comptia.org/en-us/about-us/news/press-releases/Job-postings-for-future-hiring-a-positive-in-the-latest-tech-employment-data-CompTIA-analysis-finds/
[Category: Computer Technology]
IFT Webinar to Examine the Wide-Ranging Impact of GLP-1s on Product Design and Development
CHICAGO, Illinois, Feb. 12 [Category: Food/Beverage] -- The Institute of Food Technologists posted the following news release on Feb. 11, 2026:
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IFT Webinar to Examine the Wide-Ranging Impact of GLP-1s on Product Design and Development
The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific association committed to advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system, is hosting a free webinar on the impact of GLP-1s on food product development on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CT. "Smaller Plates: Bigger Opportunities: Designing
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Feb. 12 [Category: Food/Beverage] -- The Institute of Food Technologists posted the following news release on Feb. 11, 2026:
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IFT Webinar to Examine the Wide-Ranging Impact of GLP-1s on Product Design and Development
The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific association committed to advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system, is hosting a free webinar on the impact of GLP-1s on food product development on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CT. "Smaller Plates: Bigger Opportunities: DesigningFood for Post-GLP-1 Appetites" will unpack what the GLP-1 revolution means for food and beverage product design and development, analyze the impact it has had on the food system, and predict future weight management trends.
Attendees will understand how post-GLP-1 eating habits are influencing consumer expectations, portion sizes, and nutrient priorities; learn science-based approaches for developing nutrient-dense products that align with evolving eating patterns; as well as gain practical strategies to anticipate market changes, enhance product appeal, and maintain regulatory compliance in a dynamic nutrition environment.
"GLP-1 isn't just shifting consumer habits; it's rewriting the rules of food product development and collapsing our innovation timelines. In this webinar, we'll take a look beyond higher protein, tighter portions, and cleaner labels to explore the role science-based product design is currently playing in meeting this important moment in food history while providing a glimpse at future weight trends food companies need to start preparing for today," said IFT Chief Science and Technology Officer Brendan Niemira, PhD.
Featured speakers:
* Whitney Evans, PhD, RD, Director of Nutrition and Scientific Affairs, Danone U.S.
* David Lundahl, PhD, Founder and CEO, InsightsNow
With a career spanning industry and academia, Lundahl is a longtime leader in sensory and consumer science, previously serving as the chair of IFT's Sensory and Consumer Sciences Division. He has pioneered behavioral research methods and clean label design approaches that continue to shape product and innovation strategies. Lundahl will tap into his expertise in sensory science and consumer behavior as he explores the concept of hyperpalatability while suggesting an approach to creating products that respond to consumers' evolving needs--specifically their concerns around ultra-processed foods.
Evans will then provide an overview of Danone's connection with consumers on a GLP-1 weight loss journey and share an in-depth look at its high-protein yogurt brand OIKOS Fusion, the first cultured dairy drink designed to support the nutritional needs of GLP-1 users. A registered dietitian with a PhD in nutritional epidemiology, Evans joined Danone U.S. in 2023 after working in academia for 10 years where her research focused on the role of diet in obesity prevention and treatment.
Register for the GLP-1 webinar (https://www6.ift.org/Ecommerce/Meetings/MeetingDetail?productId=70108240).
IFT has created a series of exclusive GLP-1 content, including:
* GLP-1 Trend Gets Hotter (Omnivore Podcast)
* Formulating for the Evolving GLP-1 Consumer (Food Technology Magazine)
* How GLP-1 Drugs Drive Innovation (Brain Food Blog)
Additional content is accessible to IFT members only.
IFT members have access to an extensive library of exclusive content and resources, as well as a series of virtual and in-person networking opportunities - plus members receive a healthy discount to the world's most popular food science, research, and technology event, IFT FIRST. Members can also participate in topical special-interest groups. Learn more about joining this growing community at ift.org/membership.
To learn more about IFT, go to ift.org.
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About Institute of Food Technologists
Since 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has served as the voice of the global food science community. IFT advocates for science, technology, and research to address the world's greatest food challenges, guiding our community of more than 200,000. IFT convenes professionals from around the world - from producers and product developers to innovators and researchers across food, nutrition, and public health - with a shared mission to help create a global food supply that is sustainable, safe, nutritious, and accessible to all. IFT provides its growing community spanning academia, industry, and government with the resources, connections, and opportunities necessary to stay ahead of a rapidly evolving food system as IFT helps feed the minds that feed the world. For more information, please visit ift.org.
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Original text here: https://www.ift.org/press/press-releases/2026/february/11/ift-glp-1-webinar
Healthy Versions of Low-Carb and Low-Fat Diets Linked to Better Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 -- The American College of Cardiology posted the following news release:
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Healthy Versions of Low-Carb and Low-Fat Diets Linked to Better Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health
Study shows diet quality outweighs macronutrient composition for improving coronary heart disease risk
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The quality of a low-carbohydrate or low-fat diet may matter more than the amount of carbohydrates or fat consumed when it comes to reducing heart disease risk, according to a new study published in JACC, the flagship journal of the American College of Cardiology. Researchers found that versions
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 -- The American College of Cardiology posted the following news release:
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Healthy Versions of Low-Carb and Low-Fat Diets Linked to Better Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health
Study shows diet quality outweighs macronutrient composition for improving coronary heart disease risk
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The quality of a low-carbohydrate or low-fat diet may matter more than the amount of carbohydrates or fat consumed when it comes to reducing heart disease risk, according to a new study published in JACC, the flagship journal of the American College of Cardiology. Researchers found that versionsof both diet patterns emphasizing macronutrients from healthy foods were associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), while versions high in refined carbohydrates and animal products were linked to higher risk and adverse metabolic profiles.
Low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets are widely practiced in the U.S., yet their long-term cardiovascular effects and the role of diet quality within these diet patterns have remained unclear. This study is among the most comprehensive to date to analyze diet quality, metabolomic profiles and CHD risk in nearly 200,000 U.S. adults with more than 30 years of follow-up.
"Our findings highlighted that it's not simply about cutting carbs or fat, but it's about the quality of foods people choose to construct those diets," said Zhiyuan Wu, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and lead author of the study. "The efficacy of low-carb and low-fat diets in reducing CHD risk is a topic of ongoing debate, and past studies showed mixed findings."
Wu added that one reason for these conflicting findings may be that people can follow the same type of low-carb or low-fat diet using either healthy or unhealthy foods.
"Focusing only on nutrient compositions but not food quality may not lead to health benefits," he said.
To address these knowledge gaps, researchers analyzed data from 198,473 participants across three large-scale cohort studies: the Nurses' Health Study (NHS), NHSII and Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Participants were followed for a combined total of more than 5.2 million person-years, during which 20,033 cases of CHD were documented. Diet patterns were assessed using food frequency questionnaires, and indices were created to distinguish healthy and unhealthy low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets based on food sources and macronutrient quality.
Key findings include:
* Healthy versions of both low-carb and low-fat diets, emphasizing plant-based foods, whole grains and unsaturated fats, were associated with a significantly lower risk of CHD.
* Unhealthy versions of both diets, high in refined carbohydrates and animal-based fats and proteins, were linked to higher risk of CHD.
* Healthy diet patterns were linked to lower triglycerides, higher HDL cholesterol and lower levels of inflammation.
* Metabolomic analyses supported these findings, showing favorable biomarker profiles associated with healthy dietary patterns.
"These results suggest that healthy low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets may share common biological pathways that improve cardiovascular health," Wu said. "Focusing on overall diet quality may offer flexibility for individuals to choose eating patterns that align with their preferences while still supporting heart health."
Study limitations include that findings may not be generalizable to more extreme dietary patterns with very low carbohydrate or fat intake, such as ketogenic diets, and should be interpreted within the observed ranges of macronutrient consumption. Also, dietary intake was self reported and therefore subject to measurement error. Lastly, study findings may have limited generalizability since participants consisted of health professionals with higher health awareness and better access to care, however, underlying biological mechanisms are unlikely to differ drastically across populations.
"This study helps move the conversation beyond the long-standing debate over low-carbohydrate versus low-fat diets," said Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, Editor-in-Chief of JACC. "The findings show that what matters most for heart health is the quality of the foods people eat. Whether a diet is lower in carbohydrates or fat, emphasizing plant-based foods, whole grains, and healthy fats is associated with better cardiovascular outcomes."
For an embargoed copy of the study "Effect of Low-Carbohydrate and Low-Fat Diets on Metabolomic Indices and Coronary Heart Disease in US Individuals," contact JACC Media Relations Manager Olivia Walther at owalther@acc.org.
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The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is a global leader dedicated to transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. For more than 75 years, the ACC has empowered a community of over 60,000 cardiovascular professionals across more than 140 countries with cutting-edge education and advocacy, rigorous professional credentials, and trusted clinical guidance. From its world-class JACC Journals and NCDR registries to its Accreditation Services, global network of Chapters and Sections, and CardioSmart patient initiatives, the College is committed to creating a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at www.ACC.org or connect on social media at @ACCinTouch.
The ACC's JACC Journals rank among the top cardiovascular journals in the world for scientific impact. The flagship journal, the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) -- and specialty journals consisting of JACC: Advances, JACC: Asia, JACC: Basic to Translational Science, JACC: CardioOncology, JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging, JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions, JACC: Case Reports, JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology and JACC: Heart Failure -- pride themselves on publishing the top peer-reviewed research on all aspects of cardiovascular disease. Learn more at JACC.org.
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Original text here: https://www.acc.org/About-ACC/Press-Releases/2026/02/11/18/16/Healthy-Versions-of-Low-Carb-and-Low-Fat-Diets-Linked-to-Better-Cardiovascular-and-Metabolic-Health
[Category: Medical]
HARDI LATAM and AHRI Form Partnership to Expand Value of Certified HVACR Products in Latin American Markets
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 12 -- The Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International issued the following news release:
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HARDI LATAM and AHRI Form Partnership to Expand Value of Certified HVACR Products in Latin American Markets
HARDI LATAM, a regional initiative of Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI), announced a new partnership with the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) to promote the differentiating value of AHRI certification across Latin American HVACR markets.
The partnership will help HARDI LATAM
... Show Full Article
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 12 -- The Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International issued the following news release:
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HARDI LATAM and AHRI Form Partnership to Expand Value of Certified HVACR Products in Latin American Markets
HARDI LATAM, a regional initiative of Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI), announced a new partnership with the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) to promote the differentiating value of AHRI certification across Latin American HVACR markets.
The partnership will help HARDI LATAMmembers better understand and communicate the competitive advantage of AHRI certification in Latin American markets, where product differentiation is critical in highly price-competitive environments.
"This partnership supports HARDI LATAM distributors, especially those who own their own brands, by helping them stand out with verified product performance and trusted certification," said Guitze Messina, Executive Director of HARDI LATAM. "At the same time, it helps AHRI expand the reach and recognition of its certification program throughout the region."
The partnership is designed to benefit both organizations by strengthening the value proposition of certified HVACR products while supporting broader awareness and adoption of the certification in the LATAM marketplace. "AHRI Certified products also enjoy a growing recognition by regional government regulators, such as in Central America, for compliance with energy efficiency regulations. This is another important benefit for AHRI Certified manufacturers", said Michael LaGiglia, AHRI Senior Director of Global Services.
Looking ahead, HARDI LATAM and AHRI will collaborate on educational initiatives and market outreach to support distributors and manufacturers as demand for energy-efficient, high-performance HVACR products continues to grow across the region. By aligning certification, education, and industry advocacy, the partnership reinforces a shared commitment to elevating product standards and strengthening confidence in HVACR solutions throughout Latin America.
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About HARDI & HARDI LATAM
HARDI (Heating, Air-conditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International) is the single voice of wholesale distribution within the North American and Latin American HVACR markets. A non-profit association, HARDI serves its members through government affairs and advocacy efforts, market intelligence and benchmarking, training programs, and world-class events. HARDI proudly represents more than 550 distributor members and their 5,000+ branch locations, along with nearly 500 suppliers, manufacturer representatives, and service vendors. Learn more at hardinet.org.
HARDI LATAM is HARDI's regional division dedicated to advancing the HVACR distribution industry across Mexico and Latin America. Through networking, benchmarking, education and talent development, and government relations, HARDI LATAM connects distributors, manufacturers, and industry partners with the insights and relationships needed to strengthen performance, elevate industry standards, and support long-term growth throughout the region. Learn more at hardilatam.org.
About AHRI
The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) is the trade association representing manufacturers of air conditioning, heating, commercial refrigeration, and water heating equipment. An internationally recognized advocate for the industry, AHRI develops standards for and certifies the performance of many of these products. AHRI's 300+ member companies manufacture quality, efficient, and innovative residential and commercial air conditioning, space heating, water heating, and commercial refrigeration equipment and components for sale in North America and around the world. Learn more at https://www.ahrinet.org/.
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Original text here: https://hardinet.org/posts/press-release/hardi-latam-and-ahri-form-partnership-to-expand-value-of-certified-hvacr-products-in-latin-american-markets
[Category: Air Conditioning/Refrigeration]
ASA Next-Gen Strategic Action Team Looks Into the Future During Annual LEAD Strategic Leadership Summit
ITASCA, Illinois, Feb. 12 -- The American Supply Association issued the following news release on Feb. 11, 2026:
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ASA Next-Gen Strategic Action Team Looks into the Future During Annual LEAD Strategic Leadership Summit
For the past 18 years, ASA volunteer leaders have gathered at the association's LEAD Strategic Leadership Summit to review the association's Long Range Strategic Plan, its continued relevance and to look into the future to anticipate what new disruptors are emerging and what the association should be doing to support members' success in the future.
This year, 85 volunteers
... Show Full Article
ITASCA, Illinois, Feb. 12 -- The American Supply Association issued the following news release on Feb. 11, 2026:
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ASA Next-Gen Strategic Action Team Looks into the Future During Annual LEAD Strategic Leadership Summit
For the past 18 years, ASA volunteer leaders have gathered at the association's LEAD Strategic Leadership Summit to review the association's Long Range Strategic Plan, its continued relevance and to look into the future to anticipate what new disruptors are emerging and what the association should be doing to support members' success in the future.
This year, 85 volunteersrepresenting senior leadership, the four ASA strategic councils (Workforce Development, Advocacy, Operational Excellence and Embracing the Future) and special interest division representatives (Women in Industry, Emerging Leaders, Industrial Piping Division, Plumbing Division and Vendor Member Division) gathered in St. Petersburg, Florida to hear from a Next Generation Issue Strategic Action Team that has been meeting for the past five months
That next-gen ISAT team has been looking a decade into the future to identify those forces of change that will impact their firms' ability to successful compete and to set the foundation of the association's strategic discussions that took place recently in St. Petersburg.
The ISAT team focused its work on the following challenge: How can the PHCP / PVF distribution industry remain relevant, sustainable, and profitable over the next decade --amid accelerating technology, consolidation, and workforce disruption?
During its work sessions over the past five months, a clear strategic thesis emerged: Winners will be those who harness inevitable change while keeping distribution deeply human.
Based on the next-gen ISAT presentation in St. Petersburgh, LEAD attendees focused much of their work on a foundational belief for the industry that a shift from a contrasting view of defining people as "our greatest asset" to one of "our employees are our greatest strength" is necessary.
Viewing team members as assets is the more traditional mindset of seeing people as expendable, transactional, short-term contributors -- something no longer viable in a labor-constrained, trust-dependent industry.
Instead, viewing employees as more of a STRENGTH mindset elevates: * self-realization (helping people pursue their potential) * the ability to thrive (creating conditions where they flourish) * respect * empathy * nurturing * growth * a sense of togetherness -- coming together for a common cause * and a human-centric purpose and impact.
This conversation helped the group articulate the philosophical shift required: people cannot be treated as or even called assets, but instead are strengths that can be developed--providing a more wholistic approach of humanity.
This shift to a more STRENGTH focus can be transformational for members in developing their teams, keeping their teams together, and especially in attracting the new teams required for growth and success.
Based on the work from the strategic sessions and the work at LEAD in St. Petersburg, the association's four strategic councils will determine how their focus can help advance this new strategic goal and create new tools to support members.
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Original text here: https://www.asa.net/News/ASA-News/asa-next-gen-strategic-action-team-looks-into-the-future-during-annual-lead-strategic-leadership-summit
[Category: Industrial Materials]
