Trade Associations
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from national and international trade associations influencing the debate on federal policies.
Featured Stories
Small Business Endorses Jay Webber for Congress
WASHINGTON, Aug. 16 -- The National Federation of Independent Business issued the following news release:
[Category: Business]
NFIB, the nation's leading small business advocacy association, is endorsing Jay Webber for New Jersey's Congressional District 11. NFIB announced the endorsement today at Shade Tree Garage in Morristown, New Jersey. Webber has proven his commitment to pro-small business issues throughout his career in the New Jersey State Legislature.
"Jay Webber has a proven record of standing up for New Jersey small businesses," said NFIB's New Jersey State Director Laurie Ehlbeck.
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 16 -- The National Federation of Independent Business issued the following news release:
[Category: Business]
NFIB, the nation's leading small business advocacy association, is endorsing Jay Webber for New Jersey's Congressional District 11. NFIB announced the endorsement today at Shade Tree Garage in Morristown, New Jersey. Webber has proven his commitment to pro-small business issues throughout his career in the New Jersey State Legislature.
"Jay Webber has a proven record of standing up for New Jersey small businesses," said NFIB's New Jersey State Director Laurie Ehlbeck."We are confident that he will continue to be a champion for small businesses and stand up for issues they care about, like protecting small business tax cuts and reducing burdensome regulations. On behalf of our members in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, we are proud to endorse Jay Webber for election to the United States House of Representatives."
Webber has a demonstrated record of supporting the small business community consistently throughout his time in the New Jersey State Legislature.
"NFIB is the voice of small business owners and I'm proud to have it in my corner," said Webber. "Small businesses like the Shade Tree Garage and their owners like John O'Connor are the engines that drive growth in our economy. I've led the pro-growth movement in New Jersey fighting to relax regulations that weigh small businesses down and reduce their tax burden to allow them to thrive. Folks like John can count on me to do the same for them in Washington."
"As a state legislator with a solid voting record, Jay Webber understands the challenges small businesses face," said NFIB National Political Director Sharon Sussin. "We are proud to endorse him for election to the U.S. House and look forward to working with him on issues that affect small business in New Jersey and across the country."
NFIB is the nation's leading small business advocacy organization. Jay Webber's endorsement today comes from the NFIB FedPAC, the organization's political action committee. Small business owners vote in high percentages and they are influential in their communities. NFIB members in New Jersey will work hard to send Jay Webber to the United States House of Representatives.
Online Sales Tax Revenue Must Benefit Communities
ANN ARBOR, Michigan, Aug. 16 -- The Michigan Municipal League issued the following news release:
We're excited that a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision has leveled the playing field for Michigan's business community by taking away the unfair advantage online businesses had over brick and mortar businesses that had invested in our local communities. The ruling requires online businesses to collect sales tax consistent with existing law.
This decision affirms what the Michigan Municipal League and its national partners, including the State and Local Legal Center (SLLC), have advocated for some
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ANN ARBOR, Michigan, Aug. 16 -- The Michigan Municipal League issued the following news release:
We're excited that a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision has leveled the playing field for Michigan's business community by taking away the unfair advantage online businesses had over brick and mortar businesses that had invested in our local communities. The ruling requires online businesses to collect sales tax consistent with existing law.
This decision affirms what the Michigan Municipal League and its national partners, including the State and Local Legal Center (SLLC), have advocated for sometime. The exclusion of that revenue has worsened the disinvestment by the state in local services. For background on the U.S. Supreme Court decision, go to this previous blog post by SaveMICity here: http://www.savemicity.org/u-s-supreme-court-hands-down-major-victory-for-local-government/.
The Michigan Department of Treasury announced this week they will begin enforcing the collection of sales tax for online sales and anticipate it is expected to restore $200 million in sales tax revenue for our state.
"We here at SaveMICity and the Michigan Municipal League believe this funding represents a real opportunity to begin making important strategic investments in our communities," said Dan Gilmartin, League CEO and executive director. "For too long we have neglected and deferred investment in critical services like police and fire protection, parks and other local services in which residents rely. Sales tax revenue represents the second largest source of revenue for Michigan's communities, and the continued deferment from local programs and services to the state's budget now tops $8.6 billion."
While investment in roads is important, even more so is investments in our communities. The state of Michigan ranks dead last--that's DEAD LAST--in the nation when it comes to supporting our communities. This disinvestment in our communities has resulted in our local officials limping along trying to do more with less. It's now to the point that many communities struggle to provide basic services like adequate police, EMS and fire protection, senior programs, trash removal, and snow plowing--all because the state doesn't properly invest in our communities. This is hurting our ability to attract and retain talent because we can't create the kinds of places we all deserve.
A recent EPIC-MRA poll showed overwhelmingly that residents want their tax dollars spent locally. The poll showed 86 percent of residents prefer their taxes be used to provide local services, with only 9 percent saying their taxes should go to Lansing to fund state departments and agencies.
"The demand to fund communities is clear," said League Board President Catherine Bostick-Tullius, Lapeer city commissioner. "Our communities deserve better and this represents a real opportunity for lawmakers to send a message that they understand that without strong communities nothing else, including roads, really matters."
[Category: Government/Public Administration]
NASSP Emphasizes Impact of Teachers on Student Achievement
RESTON, Virginia, Aug. 16 -- The National Association of Secondary School Principals issued the following news release:
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) has just released a new position statement highlighting the vital role teacher quality plays in student success and outlines recommendations for federal, state, and district policymakers to improve teacher recruitment, preparation, evaluation, and professional development.
NASSP's recommendations include:
* Fully funding Title II, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act, which provides resources for states and
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RESTON, Virginia, Aug. 16 -- The National Association of Secondary School Principals issued the following news release:
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) has just released a new position statement highlighting the vital role teacher quality plays in student success and outlines recommendations for federal, state, and district policymakers to improve teacher recruitment, preparation, evaluation, and professional development.
NASSP's recommendations include:
* Fully funding Title II, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act, which provides resources for states anddistricts to strengthen teacher and principal prep programs
* Incentive teacher preparation programs to partner with district and schools to develop a pipeline of profession-ready teachers
* Ensure flexible scheduling and additional compensation for teacher leaders to serve as mentors who work side by side with new teachers
"Research shows that teacher effectiveness is the most important school-related factor in student learning--with school leaders following as a close second," stated NASSP Executive Director JoAnn Bartoletti. "Committing to quality teachers in every classroom is also a commitment to student achievement."
[Category: Education]
LIMRA Announces 2018 Rising Stars of Marketing and Communications Under 40
WINDSOR, Connecticut, Aug. 16 -- LIMRA issued the following news release:
LIMRA today announced the winners of its contest to recognize 10 Rising Stars of Marketing and Communications under 40 in the financial services industry. The contest searched for passionate industry professionals who are raising the bar for marketing and communications within their companies.
"Changes in the customer experience, technology alongside new innovation have brought challenges into the marketing and communications world and these winners have met them head on. As young leaders, they have shown creative ways
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WINDSOR, Connecticut, Aug. 16 -- LIMRA issued the following news release:
LIMRA today announced the winners of its contest to recognize 10 Rising Stars of Marketing and Communications under 40 in the financial services industry. The contest searched for passionate industry professionals who are raising the bar for marketing and communications within their companies.
"Changes in the customer experience, technology alongside new innovation have brought challenges into the marketing and communications world and these winners have met them head on. As young leaders, they have shown creative waysto reach and engage their audiences," said Lisa Tanen-La Fontaine, chief marketing officer, LIMRA.
"We are excited to recognize these creative and strategic professionals and can't wait to see how they will continue to inspire others in our industry and move us forward."
[Category: Financial Services]
Cable Center Panel to Zero in on Customer Experience at SCTE-ISBE Cable-Tec Expo(R)'s Innovation Theater
EXTON, Pennsylvania, Aug. 16 -- The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers issued the following news release:
An international effort that is harnessing advanced research methodologies to optimize customer experiences will be discussed during a first-of-its-kind panel presentation by The Cable Center at SCTE-ISBE Cable-Tec Expo(R) 2018, the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) and its global arm, the International Society of Broadband Experts (ISBE), announced today.
"Cable Center Customer Centric Consortium (C5) and Cable Solutions through Design Thinking" will bring together
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EXTON, Pennsylvania, Aug. 16 -- The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers issued the following news release:
An international effort that is harnessing advanced research methodologies to optimize customer experiences will be discussed during a first-of-its-kind panel presentation by The Cable Center at SCTE-ISBE Cable-Tec Expo(R) 2018, the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) and its global arm, the International Society of Broadband Experts (ISBE), announced today.
"Cable Center Customer Centric Consortium (C5) and Cable Solutions through Design Thinking" will bring togetherDr. Charles H. Patti, the Cox Endowed Professor of CX and Senior Fellow at The Cable Center, and two other industry experts who will share their experiences with the C5 effort. Panelists will include Kimberly Gibson, senior director, customer operations for Cable ONE, and Scott Wise, vice president, customer operations for Cox Communications. The panel will be conducted on Thursday, Oct. 25 at 11:45 a.m. in Innovation Theater in the Expo Exhibit Hall.
An integral part of The Cable Center's CX insights and solutions for operators in the Americas and Europe, C5 member MSOs and associations share customer experience strategies, operations, and leadership to help operators build and deliver the best possible subscriber experiences.
C5 provides educational, research, and collaborative opportunities such as a five-year, longitudinal study on call center metrics, a study of CX strategies within the subscription economy, and the application of design thinking methodology to a study that recommended incorporating machine learning, artificial intelligence, and other innovations into the onboarding process for new subscribers and for service level changes.
"The avalanche of new technologies is changing the relationship between content and service providers and the consumer," said Dr. Patti. "Through a multi-stage process that includes customer interviews and behavioral research, as well as ideation, prototyping, and testing, C5 is creating groundbreaking solutions that can increase customer satisfaction and retention rates."
Under the leadership of Program Chair Kevin Hart, Executive Vice President and Chief Product and Technology Officer for Cox Communications, SCTE-ISBE Cable-Tec Expo 2018 has attracted a banner list of speakers. Following opening remarks by Hart, the Opening General Session on Tuesday, Oct. 23 will feature a keynote by Pat Esser, president of Cox Communications, and a landmark panel comprised of: Michael Powell, president and CEO of NCTA-The Internet & Television Association; Phil McKinney, president and CEO of CableLabs(R); Mark Dzuban, president and CEO of SCTE-ISBE; and moderator Tony Werner, president, Technology and Product, Comcast Cable.
Further CEO insights will be provided by two all-CEO panels in Innovation Theater: an opening panel during which NTCA's Shirley Bloomfield, NCTC's Rich Fickle, and ACA's Matt Polka will discuss success strategies for small, midsize, and rural markets (moderated by Cablefax publisher Mike Grebb); and a panel featuring Cable ONE's Julie Laulis and AlcaCruz's Emily Ward, moderated by The Cable Center's Jana Henthorn. Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour, America's first African American female combat pilot, will bring her message of "going gutsy" to achieve breakthrough results to the Annual Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 24.
SCTE-ISBE Cable-Tec Expo(R) is renowned as the pre-eminent venue that combines the thought leadership, engineering innovation, and deal-making that power the technological future of broadband telecommunications. As a nexus for content and service providers, technology partners, and industry experts, Expo provides rich insights into technologies, products, and services that can generate revenue, streamline operations, and increase customer satisfaction.
This year's event will include a Distributed Access Architecture (DAA) pre-conference session on Monday, Oct. 22, that will feature insights from international operators and vendors and is free to all full-conference attendees. The Fall Technical Forum at Expo 2018 is setting records for number of technical sessions (104) and workshops (48). In addition, the Cable TV Pioneers will conduct their annual banquet in conjunction with Expo, on Monday, Oct. 22.
Registration for SCTE-ISBE Cable-Tec Expo(R) 2018 is available at expo.scte.org/attendee-registration. Attendance, exhibit, and sponsorship/advertisement information about Expo is at http://expo.scte.org.
[Category: Telecommunications]
ACC Files Comments on First 10 Problem Formulations for Risk Evaluation Under TSCA and on Systematic Review
WASHINGTON, Aug. 16 -- The American Chemistry Council issued the following news release:
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) today filed comments with EPA on the first 10 problem formulation documents under the amended Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and on EPA's systematic review approach document.
"ACC commends EPA's dedicated staff for their continued efforts to meet the requirements of the law," said ACC Vice President of Regulatory and Technical Affairs Michael Walls. "After fully reviewing and analyzing the problem formulation documents, it is clear that EPA is focused on the conditions
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 16 -- The American Chemistry Council issued the following news release:
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) today filed comments with EPA on the first 10 problem formulation documents under the amended Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and on EPA's systematic review approach document.
"ACC commends EPA's dedicated staff for their continued efforts to meet the requirements of the law," said ACC Vice President of Regulatory and Technical Affairs Michael Walls. "After fully reviewing and analyzing the problem formulation documents, it is clear that EPA is focused on the conditionsof use that represent the greatest potential for risk and gathering the best available information to use in the risk evaluations."
In its comments on the problem formulations for the first 10 chemicals, ACC makes several recommendations to the agency for its consideration in these and future scoping documents for TSCA risk evaluations. Among others, those include:
* Systematic review: EPA's development of a structured process to identify, evaluate and integrate evidence from both the hazard and exposure assessments developed during the TSCA risk evaluations is appropriate and will provide increased transparency into the TSCA risk evaluation process.
* Conditions of use: EPA should develop a framework for its scoping approach that articulates its process for deciding when conditions of use will be in or out of scope of the risk evaluation. This would help streamline the agency's future efforts, increase transparency and help industry anticipate EPA's information needs in the risk evaluations.
* Coordination with other appropriate federal executive departments or agencies: EPA should develop new or update existing memoranda of understanding with other federal agencies, in particular OSHA, to clarify how it will undertake its TSCA Section 9(d) consultation obligations. This coordination is essential to avoid duplicative and unnecessary regulation.
* Tiered approaches to assessment: EPA should apply tiered approaches to hazard and exposure assessments throughout the risk evaluation process. This will enable EPA to meet TSCA's deadlines, adhere to TSCA's science standards and enable EPA and the regulated community to apply resources efficiently. For example, a roadmap showing EPA's approach to tiered exposure assessments and guidance on the same would be useful.
"We believe the systematic review proposal has many positive attributes and that several areas of guidance are well developed. It focuses on fit-for-purpose evaluations and an iterative evaluation process, which allow for flexibility that is necessary given the wide array of chemical substances that will be reviewed under TSCA," Walls continued. "However, the approach would benefit from additional explicit guidance, particularly related to evidence integration, which will help ensure objective, comprehensive, scientifically supported risk evaluations for TSCA chemicals."
[Category: Chemicals]
AASCU Honors Work of State Colleges and Universities With 2018 Excellence and Innovation Awards
WASHINGTON, Aug. 16 -- The American Association of State Colleges and Universities issued the following news release:
The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) today announced this year's Excellence and Innovation Award winners. This awards program, now in its fifth year, honors AASCU member institutions for excellence and innovation in several major areas of campus life and leadership: regional and economic development, student success and college completion, sustainability and sustainable development, teacher education, international education, and leadership development
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 16 -- The American Association of State Colleges and Universities issued the following news release:
The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) today announced this year's Excellence and Innovation Award winners. This awards program, now in its fifth year, honors AASCU member institutions for excellence and innovation in several major areas of campus life and leadership: regional and economic development, student success and college completion, sustainability and sustainable development, teacher education, international education, and leadership developmentand diversity.
"These institutions demonstrate the commitment of America's state colleges and universities to Deliver America's Promise by championing innovation, prioritizing student success, and providing critical contributions to the economic and civic progress of their communities," said AASCU President Dr. Mildred Garcia. "We are privileged to honor programs that can serve as an inspiration to all of higher education."
Winning entries needed to show evidence that the initiative had top-level administrative support, connected with an institution's mission and strategic agenda, contributed to significant institutional improvements or programming, was grounded in research, and incorporated best practices. Multiple awards were given in certain categories. The awards will be presented October 28 at the opening session of AASCU's Annual Meeting (October 28-30) in Washington, D.C. The award recipients are as follows:
Christa McAuliffe Excellence in Teacher Education Award:
Northwest Missouri State University
With support and resources from university leadership and PK-12 partners, Northwest Missouri State University faculty completely overhauled its Northwest School of Education. The Education Redesign increased students' access to diverse clinical practice (now more than 600 total hours) in urban, rural and suburban settings and with all learner ability levels, and has students engage in this practice earlier--by the third week of their freshman year. Additionally, students participate in a Professional Learning Community to learn from their experiences, and the curriculum focuses on improving students' instructional practice, lesson plans and classroom management strategies.
Civic Learning and Community Engagement Award:
Western Carolina University (N.C.)
The Student Democracy Coalition (SDC) demonstrates Western Carolina University's (WCU) sustained record of promoting and prioritizing civic activity. Led by students, SDC engages faculty, staff and organizations across campus interested in increasing student civic engagement in a non-partisan capacity. Supported by local government, university leadership (including in WCU's strategic plan), campus groups and external grants, SDC has registered 3,127 students to vote, organized 60 educational programs and 25 marketing campaigns, established a campus early voting poll that raised WCU's voter turnout rate by 16 percent, and held an election watch program with nearly 500 attendees.
International Education Award:
Savannah State University (Ga.)
Savannah State University's (SSU) Making of Global Citizens project advanced curriculum development, fostered international opportunities and creatively integrated international students into the university community. The project added international dimensions into SSU courses and the Chatham County Public School System; revitalized study abroad and exchange programs; diversified the campus community by recruiting international students; developed a Peace Corps Prep program; promoted the Model United Nations and Model African Union programs; and established programs such as the English Language Institute, the Confucius Institute, and the Center for the Study of African Diaspora to enhance the global awareness and knowledge of SSU students.
Leadership Development and Diversity Award:
Buffalo State College, State University of New York (SUNY)
Through its Emerging College Leaders (ECL) program, SUNY Buffalo State College enhances the leadership capacities of high-potential staff and faculty at all levels of the institution. Each cohort is purposefully created to ensure diversity in age, race, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation, as a means of improving equity, inclusion and innovation across campus. Alumni overwhelmingly cite the most significant impact of the program as an increase in their self-awareness, which helped them define the skills they needed to develop to be more effective leaders. From the 2011, 2013 and 2015 cohorts, 52 percent of program alumni have advanced in rank or position after graduating from the program.
Regional and Economic Development Award:
University of Memphis
The University of Memphis (UofM) is based in one of the poorest metropolitan areas in the nation. Many students are financially challenged, which has impacted UofM's graduation rates. To combat these challenges, UofM founded UMRF (University of Memphis Research Foundation) Ventures, Inc. to provide third-party IT service and support to corporations by hiring full-time undergraduate and graduate students. These student employees earn $15 per hour, which helps them with tuition and living expenses. UofM hopes the program will not only improve its graduation rate, but will also create a talent pool to address employment gaps within Memphis. In 2017, the first year of the program, 40 students were employed. By the end of 2018, over 300 will be employed.
Student Success and College Completion Award:
California State University, Sacramento
Finish in Four, Sacramento State's plan for student success, is a university-wide strategy to increase graduation rates and eliminate the achievement gap. It prioritizes budgets to allow for more course sections and faculty; integrates students' cultural, motivational and psychosocial development into advising; enhances support services for low-income or single/multiple ethnic student groups; and encourages collaboration with K-12 schools and community colleges to prepare future students. The program focuses on 2025 graduation outcomes but has already shown results. For the Fall 2009 to 2013 cohorts, the four-year graduation rate for native freshmen rose over 5 percent, and from Fall 2009 to 2011, the achievement gap dropped over 8 percent for African-American students and nearly 7 percent for Hispanic students.
University of Central Oklahoma
The Student Transformative Learning Record (STLR) provides transformative learning experiences for students, including developing students' workplace readiness and their relationships with themselves, others, the community and the environment. University of Central Oklahoma has implemented STLR in over 567 courses across academic disciplines; funded 393 student/faculty-proposed paid projects and internships; supported 47 student groups; hosted 465 co-curricular campus events aimed at increasing student engagement outside the classroom; and trained 316 full-time faculty, 188 staff and 117 adjuncts. For a target cohort of first-time, first-year students who were low-income, first-generation and/or underrepresented starting in Fall 2015, retention increased 13 percent, and academic achievement (grade point average) increased on average by 0.56 points.
Sustainability and Sustainable Development Award:
Comprehensive Award: SUNY Oneonta
To integrate sustainability within and across its curriculum, SUNY Oneonta designated sustainability-focused courses and sections; began hosting an annual workshop to help instructors infuse sustainability into syllabi; created an interdisciplinary major in Environmental Sustainability to prepare students to develop solutions to pressing environmental challenges; and promoted and encouraged faculty and student participation in sustainability research through the annual Life of the Mind and Student Research & Creative Activity Day. The program fosters environmental sustainability that is useful to graduates regardless of their chosen career path.
Innovative Project Award:
Grand Valley State University (Mich.)
Founded in 2008, the Sustainable Agriculture Project (SAP) is an interdisciplinary, campus-wide living laboratory where students learn academic content, develop intellectual and practical skills and practice community engagement. At its core is a five-acre, student-operated farm site that prioritizes biological soil building, biodiversity, companion and successional plantings, and food safety. Students gain experience with sustainable business practices, and the campus community benefits from SAP, as produce is sold, in part to campus dining, at the on-campus farmers' market and in farm shares.
[Category: Education]
