Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
Consumer Confidence Falls for Fifth Straight Month in December
CHICAGO, Illinois, Dec. 24 [Category: Business] -- The National Marine Manufacturers Association posted the following news release:
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Consumer Confidence Falls for Fifth Straight Month in December
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U.S. consumer confidence weakened for a fifth consecutive month in December, reflecting growing unease about business conditions, jobs and household income, according to the latest report from The Conference Board. The Consumer Confidence Index declined 3.8 points in December to 89.1, down from an upwardly revised 92.9 in November.
According to The Conference Board report, consumers' assessment
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CHICAGO, Illinois, Dec. 24 [Category: Business] -- The National Marine Manufacturers Association posted the following news release:
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Consumer Confidence Falls for Fifth Straight Month in December
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U.S. consumer confidence weakened for a fifth consecutive month in December, reflecting growing unease about business conditions, jobs and household income, according to the latest report from The Conference Board. The Consumer Confidence Index declined 3.8 points in December to 89.1, down from an upwardly revised 92.9 in November.
According to The Conference Board report, consumers' assessmentof current conditions deteriorated sharply. The Present Situation Index fell 9.5 points to 116.8, driven by more negative views of business and labor market conditions. Meanwhile, the Expectations Index, which measures consumers' short-term outlook for income, business and employment, held steady at 70.7. The expectations measure has now remained below 80 for 11 consecutive months, a level that historically signals heightened recession risk.
Shawn DuBravac, NMMA's fractional chief economist, said the report points to a consumer that is increasingly cautious but not retreating entirely.
"Confidence remains under pressure as concerns about inflation and job security persist, contributing to a more cautious consumer even as broader spending indicators remain relatively healthy," said DuBravac. "For discretionary categories such as recreational boating, households are continuing to weigh purchasing decisions carefully."
NMMA will continue tracking consumer sentiment and its impact on the industry. Members are encouraged to leverage tools such as the Monthly Industry Data Summary and Marine Leadership Barometer to support planning and navigate evolving market dynamics.
For more economic updates and data-driven insights, visit nmma.org/statistics or contact the NMMA Business Intelligence team at BI@nmma.org.
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Original text here: https://www.nmma.org/press/article/25345
Statement From Ian P. Moloney, Chief Policy Officer at the American Fintech Council on New CFPB Advisory Opinion Regarding EWA
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- The American Fintech Council, an organization that says it promotes a transparent, inclusive, and customer-centric financial system, issued the following statement on Dec. 22, 2025, by Chief Policy Officer Ian P. Moloney on new CFPB advisory opinion regarding earned wage access:
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"The CFPB's new Advisory Opinion on earned wage access (EWA) is a constructive first step, and we appreciate Acting Director Vought and the Bureau's effort to bring greater clarity to a product that millions of workers rely on to manage their finances. By formally rescinding the 2024 proposed
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- The American Fintech Council, an organization that says it promotes a transparent, inclusive, and customer-centric financial system, issued the following statement on Dec. 22, 2025, by Chief Policy Officer Ian P. Moloney on new CFPB advisory opinion regarding earned wage access:
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"The CFPB's new Advisory Opinion on earned wage access (EWA) is a constructive first step, and we appreciate Acting Director Vought and the Bureau's effort to bring greater clarity to a product that millions of workers rely on to manage their finances. By formally rescinding the 2024 proposedinterpretive rule, which never had legal standing, the CFPB is appropriately acknowledging the inaccuracies in that proposal and resetting the conversation around how EWA operates.
"Responsible EWA services provide workers access to the wages they are entitled to when they need it most. This Advisory Opinion properly and explicitly clarifies the core principles of EWA, accurately defining it as a product that allows workers early access to wages they've earned for work they've already performed. Importantly, the CFPB recognizes key features of EWA that distinguish it from credit, including a recognition that optional expedite fees or voluntary tips do not constitute finance charges.
"As this process moves forward, we will continue to work with regulators and policymakers to provide durable, consistent regulatory clarity. AFC will continue to advocate for thoughtful bipartisan federal EWA legislation that protects consumers, preserves access to safe and transparent products, and supports responsible innovation in modern financial services."
The American Fintech Council is a standards-based organization representing the largest and most diverse earned wage access (EWA) companies fostering competition in consumer finance and pioneering products to better serve underserved consumer segments and geographies. AFC's mission is to promote a transparent, inclusive, and customer-centric financial system by supporting responsible innovation in financial services and encouraging sound public policy.
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Original text here: https://www.fintechcouncil.org/press-releases/statement-from-ian-p-moloney-chief-policy-officer-at-the-american-fintech-council-afc-on-new-cfpb-advisory-opinion-regarding-ewa
[Category: Financial Services]
NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health Receives $750,000 From Bronx Borough President Gibson and Deputy Speaker Ayala
NEW YORK, Dec. 23 [Category: Health Care] -- The New York Health and Hospitals posted the following news release:
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NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health Receives $750,000 From Bronx Borough President Gibson and Deputy Speaker Ayala
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NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health today announced that Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and City Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala have secured $750,000 in city funding to support infrastructure improvements at Gotham Health, Belvis. This funding will go towards a comprehensive renovation, including the creation of a new lobby, an expanded waiting area,
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NEW YORK, Dec. 23 [Category: Health Care] -- The New York Health and Hospitals posted the following news release:
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NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health Receives $750,000 From Bronx Borough President Gibson and Deputy Speaker Ayala
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NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health today announced that Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and City Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala have secured $750,000 in city funding to support infrastructure improvements at Gotham Health, Belvis. This funding will go towards a comprehensive renovation, including the creation of a new lobby, an expanded waiting area,a modernized reception desk, a larger main entryway, and an ADA-compliant restroom.
"We are deeply grateful to Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala for securing this vital $750,000 investment in our infrastructure," said Michelle Lewis, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health. "This generous funding will help us continue to provide high-quality, patient-centered care, ensuring our community receives state-of-the-art services in a welcoming environment."
At the heart of this $750,000 initiative is a commitment to providing our community with high-quality, patient-centered care in an environment that is welcoming, accessible, and designed for the future," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "Our public hospitals are essential care facilities in our communities, and these improvements will make a significant difference for the thousands of New Yorkers who rely on Gotham Health, Belvis for their healthcare needs. These renovations will enhance the facility's appearance and improve the patient experience, making it more comfortable, efficient, and accessible for all. I want to thank Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala for her partnership on this project and extend my gratitude to all the leaders and staff at Gotham Health, Belvis, for their commitment and dedication to improving health outcomes in the South Bronx
"Investing in Gotham Health, Belvis is an investment in the Bronx community. This funding will create a space where patients and staff feel welcomed, respected, and supported and one that reflects the care, compassion, and commitment shown here every day. Health equity starts in our neighborhoods, and these renovations are a vital step toward ensuring every member of our community can access care with dignity," said Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala.
The renovations at Gotham Health, Belvis, will not only improve the aesthetic and functional aspects of the facility but also enhance accessibility and comfort for patients. By creating a more spacious, modern, and accessible environment, the project aims to reduce wait times, improve patient flow, and make the healthcare experience more convenient and welcoming. The facility upgrades are also designed to accommodate future growth and evolving patient needs, ensuring Gotham Health can continue to provide vital services to the community for years to come. The project underscores Gotham Health's ongoing commitment to providing high-quality care in a patient-friendly setting.
Roman Ryniewski, Chief of Infrastructure and Support Services at Gotham Health, added, "This funding is crucial to expanding our services and improving the care we provide to the community. Upgrading our infrastructure is key to supporting our mission of delivering exceptional healthcare. These improvements will not only enhance the experience for our patients, but also support our staff in delivering the highest standard of care."
Gotham Health, Belvis, was recently recognized for its clinical achievements, including being named a 2024 Hypertension Control Champion by Million Hearts for controlling blood pressure in over 80% of its adult hypertension patients. The facility also earned 2024 Target: BP Gold +, 2024 Type 2 Diabetes Gold, and 2024 Cholesterol Gold awards, reflecting its excellence in managing chronic conditions. In addition, Gotham Health, Belvis, recently installed a bone density scanner to assess patients' risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Earlier this year, a wellness room was introduced for staff to promote their health and wellbeing.
These infrastructure improvements are expected to have lasting benefits for the local community, enhancing the overall patient experience and allowing Gotham Health to continue its work in improving health outcomes.
MEDIA CONTACT: Nash Dunlap, NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, 212-238-7766
#229-25
About NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health
NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health is a Federally Qualified Healthcare Provider formed in 2015 to enable individuals and families to address their health care needs in their own neighborhoods. Serving more than 100,000 New Yorkers annually in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Staten Island, and Queens, Gotham Health consists of 29 healthcare sites in all five boroughs of New York City. Gotham Health provides easy-to-access, high-quality, affordable health care services with a focus on primary care. It is committed to promoting healthy lifestyles and building healthy communities, with a focus upon providing patients and families convenient access to high-quality preventive care, such as annual check-ups and immunizations. Health care teams are trained to help patients manage ongoing conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease.
About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city's five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system's trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlusHealthall supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 46,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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Original text here: https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/pressrelease/nyc-health-hospitals-gotham-health-receives-750000-from-bronx-borough-president-gibson-and-deputy-speaker-ayala/
Military Officers Association of America: New USPHS Commissioned Corps Leader Seeks Fitter Force, Greater Awareness
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- The Military Officers Association of America issued the following news:
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New USPHS Commissioned Corps Leader Seeks Fitter Force, Greater Awareness
By Tony Lombardo
The new leader of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps launched a new fitness initiative this month aimed at improving the health and readiness of the force while promising to elevate the branch's role and recognition among the uniformed services.
"As public health service officers and servicemembers, it is our job to lead by example. If we're asking the American public to focus on their
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- The Military Officers Association of America issued the following news:
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New USPHS Commissioned Corps Leader Seeks Fitter Force, Greater Awareness
By Tony Lombardo
The new leader of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps launched a new fitness initiative this month aimed at improving the health and readiness of the force while promising to elevate the branch's role and recognition among the uniformed services.
"As public health service officers and servicemembers, it is our job to lead by example. If we're asking the American public to focus on theirhealth, our servicemen and women should be leading the way," said Adm. Brian Christine during his Dec. 12 swearing-in ceremony in Washington, D.C., where he became the Department of Health and Human Services' 18th assistant secretary for health and the chief of the USPHS Commissioned Corps.
The all-officer corps has 5,500 servicemembers with jobs that include doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, clinical and rehabilitation therapists, dietitians, engineers, environmental health officers, scientists, veterinarians, and more. They serve at home, along our borders, and overseas, often alongside armed services personnel.
Christine, a urologist and surgeon, earned his doctor of medicine degree from Emory University and completed his residency in urology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
He announced the new PHS Mission Fit program on Dec. 12. It will include:
* Clear expectations for physical fitness and consistent training. Beginning April 1, officers will complete two physical fitness tests (PFTs) annually.
* Holistic support and resources across physical, mental, nutritional, and sleep health.
* Weekly structured exercise opportunities.
* Motivational challenges to build camaraderie and engagement.
Christine has already promised to share his own PFT score and encourages all members of the Corps to try and beat him.
"I'll be traveling to different duty stations," Christine said. "When I do, we're going to work out together. We're going to do PT together."
During his swearing-in, Christine addressed officers in the room, noting he'd heard feedback that USPHS officers feel like they serve in an "invisible corps" - a branch whose role and service is unknown to the general public. He pledged that he would make sure they are the "visible corps."
"At every opportunity, be seen in your uniform," he told officers. "When someone says 'Thank you for your service,' use that time to explain who you are, what you are, what Public Health Service officers do to make your country healthy."
Christine said he will also seek to better unite the Commissioned Corps with other services.
"We're going to be interfacing with the other branches of service more frequently and more intensely," he said. "We are moving to bring the U.S. Public Health Service Commission Corps into better alignment with the other uniformed services, while always maintaining our unique identity and our unique garrison."
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About the Author
Tony Lombardo
As MOAA's Director of Content & Engagement, Tony Lombardo manages the content team tasked with producing The MOAA Newsletter, editing Military Officer magazine, operating MOAA's social media accounts, and supporting all communications efforts across the association.
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Original text here: https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2025-news-articles/recommended-reads/new-public-health-service-leader-seeks-fitter-force,-greater-awareness/
[Category: National Defense]
HARDI Applauds Quick EPA Action to Deprioritize Federal Enforcement of Installation Prohibitions in Technology Transition Rule
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 23 -- The Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International issued the following news release:
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HARDI Applauds Quick EPA Action to Deprioritize Federal Enforcement of Installation Prohibitions in Technology Transition Rule
Heating, Air-conditioning, & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) applauds the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for releasing a new statement that deprioritizes federal enforcement of the January 1, 2026, installation prohibitions contained in the Technology Transition Rule Reconsideration. This action signals
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COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 23 -- The Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International issued the following news release:
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HARDI Applauds Quick EPA Action to Deprioritize Federal Enforcement of Installation Prohibitions in Technology Transition Rule
Heating, Air-conditioning, & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) applauds the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for releasing a new statement that deprioritizes federal enforcement of the January 1, 2026, installation prohibitions contained in the Technology Transition Rule Reconsideration. This action signalsa significant shift in how the Agency will apply its limited enforcement resources as the law is expected to change.
"This is welcome news for distributors and contractors going into the new year," said HARDI CEO Talbot Gee. "We heard from our members the need for certainty, and HARDI submitted an official request to the Agency earlier this month to provide relief to distributors and contractors before the final rule is released."
The Technology Transition Rule, finalized under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, includes an installation date prohibition that has been widely criticized by contractors, distributors, and manufacturers as unworkable and disconnected from how projects are planned, permitted, and built. Earlier this year, the EPA released a proposed rule to repeal the January 1, 2026, prohibition on installing residential and light-commercial air conditioners and heat pumps using R-410A refrigerant. HARDI submitted comments in support of this change and asked the EPA to expand the repeal of installation dates to include remote condensing units used in commercial refrigeration and equipment in cold storage warehouses, but the regulatory process is expected to take several months before a final rule is released.
"The EPA recognizes that repeal won't help the industry until the rule is finalized," said Alex Ayers, Vice President of Government Affairs for HARDI. "This new statement makes clear that federal enforcement of these installation prohibitions is not a priority while the Agency completes its reconsideration. This provides much-needed certainty for businesses planning projects and managing inventory during the transition."
By deprioritizing enforcement of the Technology Transition Rule's installation prohibitions for residential and light-commercial air conditioners and heat pumps, remote condensing units used in commercial refrigeration, and refrigeration systems used in cold storage warehouses, EPA acknowledges that aggressive federal enforcement in this area would create disruption without advancing long-term policy objectives, particularly given the likelihood of regulatory changes.
This action does not repeal or amend the Technology Transition Rule, and EPA's enforcement discretion applies only to federal enforcement. States and local governments retain authority to enforce applicable requirements under state law, building codes, and permitting programs, and contractors must continue to comply with those obligations. However, the new statement significantly reduces the likelihood of EPA-initiated federal enforcement actions related to installation timing during this transition period.
"EPA's decision confirms what industry stakeholders have long argued: the installation prohibition is flawed, impractical, and poorly suited for enforcement," Ayers added. "While the rule remains on the books, EPA will now focus its enforcement efforts on higher-priority violations that present more significant concerns, like the illegal import of refrigerants and maintaining the R-410A manufacturing prohibition on non-repair components."
HARDI will continue to urge Congress to provide a permanent legislative fix that eliminates all future installation dates set by any agency, providing clarity and certainty for contractors, distributors, and manufacturers.
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Original text here: https://hardinet.org/posts/press-release/hardi-applauds-quick-epa-action-to-deprioritize-federal-enforcement-of-installation-prohibitions
[Category: Air Conditioning/Refrigeration]
CMS Innovation Center Announces Medicare Part A, Part B Drug Models
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Dec. 23 -- The Missouri Hospital Association posted the following news:
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CMS Innovation Center Announces Medicare Part A, Part B Drug Models
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Innovation Center announced two new mandatory programs to mitigate the increasing cost of drugs.
The Guarding U.S. Medicare Against Rising Drug Costs or GUARD Model is designed to test drugs using international drug pricing information to identify a benchmark that reflects prices paid in a set of economically comparable countries. The GUARD Model would begin Jan. 1, 2027.
The
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JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Dec. 23 -- The Missouri Hospital Association posted the following news:
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CMS Innovation Center Announces Medicare Part A, Part B Drug Models
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Innovation Center announced two new mandatory programs to mitigate the increasing cost of drugs.
The Guarding U.S. Medicare Against Rising Drug Costs or GUARD Model is designed to test drugs using international drug pricing information to identify a benchmark that reflects prices paid in a set of economically comparable countries. The GUARD Model would begin Jan. 1, 2027.
TheGlobal Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing or GLOBE Model is designed to test whether a payment model that uses an alternative method for calculating Part B inflation rebate amounts for certain payable Medicare Part B drugs and biologicals would reduce costs for Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries. The GLOBE Model would begin Oct. 1, 2026.
Comments on both rules will be due 60 days following publication within the Federal Register. The Missouri Hospital Association published issue briefs for both models.
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About Missouri Hospital Association
The Missouri Hospital Association is a nonprofit association in Jefferson City that represents 136 Missouri hospitals. In addition to representation and advocacy on behalf of its membership, the association offers continuing education programs on current health care topics and seeks to educate the public about health care issues.
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Original text here: https://www.mohospitals.org/newsroom/cms-innovation-center-announces-medicare-part-a-part-b-drug-models
[Category: Health Care]
AISC Updates Two Certification Standards for 2026
CHICAGO, Illinois, Dec. 23 -- The American Institute of Steel Construction issued the following news release:
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AISC Updates Two Certification Standards for 2026
CHICAGO - The American Institute of Steel Construction has published new editions of two of the standards that govern its certification program for steel fabricators and erectors.
The 2025 editions of AISC's Standard for Certification Programs (AISC 207-25) and Certification Standard for Shop Application of Complex Protective Coating Systems (AISC 420-25/SSPC-QP3) are now both available as free downloads on AISC's website.
The
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CHICAGO, Illinois, Dec. 23 -- The American Institute of Steel Construction issued the following news release:
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AISC Updates Two Certification Standards for 2026
CHICAGO - The American Institute of Steel Construction has published new editions of two of the standards that govern its certification program for steel fabricators and erectors.
The 2025 editions of AISC's Standard for Certification Programs (AISC 207-25) and Certification Standard for Shop Application of Complex Protective Coating Systems (AISC 420-25/SSPC-QP3) are now both available as free downloads on AISC's website.
The2025 edition of AISC 207 will continue as the primary reference for the AISC Certification program. It supersedes the 2023 edition and will take effect for current program participants and applicants for audits on or after February 1, 2026.
The 2025 edition of AISC 420/SSPC-QP3 is published as a joint effort with the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). It is approved by the Certification Standards Committee (AISC) and the Standards Committee on Accreditation Standards (AMPP). This refreshes a standard that was last published in 2010. It will be used for the certification program at AISC starting with audits on or after February 1, 2026.
The new documents are available for download at go.aisc.org/standards.
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American Institute of Steel Construction
The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), a not-for-profit technical institute supported by the steel industry, partners with the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) community to develop safe and efficient steel specifications and codes while driving innovation to make steel the most sustainable, economic, and resilient structural material. For more than a century, AISC has been a reliable resource for information and advice on the design and construction of domestically fabricated structural steel buildings and bridges.
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Original text here: https://www.aisc.org/pressreleases/press-releases/aisc-updates-two-certification-standards-for-2026/
[Category: Steel]
