Featured Stories
Three States Drive Over 20% of Remodeling Activity, NAHB Research Finds
WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 -- The National Association of Home Builders issued the following news release:
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Three States Drive Over 20% of Remodeling Activity, NAHB Research Finds
California, Texas and Florida continue to account for the largest shares of remodeling activity nationwide, according to first quarter results from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) State Projections of Remodeling (SPR). The SPR offers a quarterly state-by-state analysis of remodeling activity based on total dollar volume, market share and changes in remodeling spending.
"The latest SPR results reflect
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 -- The National Association of Home Builders issued the following news release:
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Three States Drive Over 20% of Remodeling Activity, NAHB Research Finds
California, Texas and Florida continue to account for the largest shares of remodeling activity nationwide, according to first quarter results from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) State Projections of Remodeling (SPR). The SPR offers a quarterly state-by-state analysis of remodeling activity based on total dollar volume, market share and changes in remodeling spending.
"The latest SPR results reflectthe most recent GDP report, which showed cyclical weakness in remodeling spending," said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. "According to the SPR, the number of states with negative growth rates on a four-quarter moving average rose from five in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 10 in the first quarter of 2026. Still, inflation-adjusted remodeling spending increased more than 10% from 2023 to 2025, supported by an aging housing stock and record-high home equity gains for existing home owners."
In another sign of steady remodeling activity, NAHB's Remodeling Market Index (RMI), which measures confidence in the remodeling sector, has remained above 60 for the past year.
Developed from a proprietary NAHB model, the SPR provides quarterly state-level estimates of remodeling market share and total spending. The statistical model uses national quarterly improvement spending data and estimates remodeling market share by state using multiple indicators and NAHB's annual state remodeling forecast.
"The SPR is a valuable analytical resource for the home improvement sector, offering state-level insights as the market works through rising costs, elevated interest rates and economic uncertainty, while still showing strong long-term growth potential," said NAHB Remodelers Chairman Elliott Pike, a remodeler from Homewood, Ala. "Many of the leading states for remodeling growth are in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, where aging housing stocks and rising home equity are supporting growth."
The SPR shows California led the nation in remodeling activity in the first quarter of 2026, with 8% of the market. The top five states by market share and dollar volume were:
1. California: 8.0%, or $22.2 billion
2. Texas: 7.3%, or $20.2 billion
3. Florida: 5.5%, or $15.4 billion
4. New York: 4.0%, or $11.2 billion
5. North Carolina: 3.0%, or $8.4 billion
For market growth, the SPR identified these five states as having the largest increases in remodeling spending in the first quarter:
1. Michigan: up $637.6 million (+10.1%)
2. Virginia: up $421.9 million (+6.2%)
3. North Carolina: up $323.6 million (+4.0%)
4. Alabama: up $311.9 million (+8.2%)
5. Washington: up $269.1 million (+3.5%)
NAHB projects remodeling growth in the years ahead as rising home equity enables more home owners to fund projects that meet their needs, including aging-in-place upgrades. The remodeling sector also continues to claim a larger share of the residential construction market, particularly by number of firms and total construction spending. At the start of 2025, there were 128,000 remodeling firms, up from 69,000 in 2000.
View each state's total remodeling dollar volume, market share and spending change at nahb.org/SPR.
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Original text here: https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/press-releases/2026/08/three-states-drive-over-20-percent-of-remodeling-activity-NAHB-research-finds
[Category: Real Estate]
Rep. Greg Landsman Visits Johnstone Supply's Cincinnati Training Facility
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 11 -- The Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International issued the following news release:
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Rep. Greg Landsman Visits Johnstone Supply's Cincinnati Training Facility
Cincinnati, OH -- Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) member Johnstone Supply - Grimme Group recently welcomed U.S. Representative Greg Landsman (D-OH-01) to its Cincinnati training facility on July 29 for a discussion focused on workforce development and the skilled professionals who keep homes and businesses comfortable.
The visit grew
... Show Full Article
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 11 -- The Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International issued the following news release:
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Rep. Greg Landsman Visits Johnstone Supply's Cincinnati Training Facility
Cincinnati, OH -- Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) member Johnstone Supply - Grimme Group recently welcomed U.S. Representative Greg Landsman (D-OH-01) to its Cincinnati training facility on July 29 for a discussion focused on workforce development and the skilled professionals who keep homes and businesses comfortable.
The visit grewout of conversations during HARDI's Congressional Fly-In earlier this year, when HVACR distributors met with federal lawmakers and their staff in Washington, D.C. to discuss the issues affecting their businesses, employees, and customers. The visit gave Rep. Landsman an opportunity to see firsthand how a local HARDI member invests in technical education and prepares people for careers in the HVACR industry.
During the tour, Rep. Landsman met with Johnstone Supply team members and visited the company's hands-on training space. The facility helps technicians build practical skills, keep pace with changing equipment and technology, and strengthen the knowledge needed to serve customers safely and effectively.
The group also discussed the importance of expanding awareness of HVACR careers and supporting training pathways that connect more people with stable, skilled work. As demand for heating and cooling services continues, distributor-led training facilities play an important role in helping contractors develop talent and maintain a well-prepared workforce.
"Building a strong HVACR workforce starts with giving people the opportunity to develop their skills and learn on the equipment they will use in the field," said Mike Griffith, Executive Vice President of Johnstone Supply - Grimme Group. "We appreciated the opportunity to show Rep. Landsman how our training facility supports technicians, contractors, and the next generation of professionals serving the Cincinnati community."
HARDI's Congressional Fly-In brings member companies to Washington to build relationships with policymakers and explain how federal decisions affect HVACR distribution. Follow-up visits like this one allow those conversations to continue at member facilities, where lawmakers can see the industry's workforce investments and day-to-day operations firsthand.
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About HARDI
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 570 distributor members and their 5,000+ branch locations, and close to 600 suppliers, manufacturer representatives, and service vendors. HARDI Distributor members serve installation and service/replacement contractors in residential and commercial markets, as well as commercial/industrial and institutional maintenance staff. HARDI Affiliate members market, distribute, and support heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration equipment, parts, and supplies.
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Original text here: https://hardinet.org/posts/press-release/rep-greg-landsman-visits-johnstone-supplys-cincinnati-training-facility
[Category: Air Conditioning/Refrigeration]
NLN Announces 20th Class of Fellows, Largest in Academy of Nursing Education History
WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 -- The National League for Nursing issued the following news release:
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NLN Announces 20th Class of Fellows, Largest in Academy of Nursing Education History
Forty-four distinguished nurse educators -- the largest number ever -- have been selected as the 20th class of Fellows for induction into the prestigious National League for Nursing Academy of Nursing Education.
With the addition of the 2026 class, Academy membership now totals 473. These Fellows join a growing community of leaders in nursing education who teach in a range of programs across the spectrum of higher
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 -- The National League for Nursing issued the following news release:
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NLN Announces 20th Class of Fellows, Largest in Academy of Nursing Education History
Forty-four distinguished nurse educators -- the largest number ever -- have been selected as the 20th class of Fellows for induction into the prestigious National League for Nursing Academy of Nursing Education.
With the addition of the 2026 class, Academy membership now totals 473. These Fellows join a growing community of leaders in nursing education who teach in a range of programs across the spectrum of highereducation. They are affiliated with top-ranked teaching hospitals and health care systems, academic institutions and other organizations committed to advancing the quality and safety of health care in the US and globally.
Following tradition, the induction ceremony will take place at the Honors Convocation, prior to the closing Gala of the 2026 NLN Education Summit on Friday, September 25. This year's gathering in Washington, DC, will include a festive celebration of the Academy Fellows, along with a spotlight on the milestone anniversary of the Academy, created in 2016, making the evening a truly special event.
A record number of applicants for Academy Fellowship made the 2026 selection especially competitive and resulted in the largest Class of Fellows in the Academy's 20-year history. Nominees to the Academy of Nursing Education Review Panel undergo a rigorous review that evaluates their contributions to innovative teaching and/or learning strategies; nursing education research; faculty development activities; academic leadership; promotion of public policy initiatives that advance nursing education; and/or collaborative educational, practice, or community partnerships. Those who meet the high standard for fellowship are then recommended for induction to the NLN Board of Governors, which oversees the Academy.
"Congratulations to our distinguished class of 2026 Academy of Nursing Education Fellows. We take special pride during this anniversary year in recognizing your extraordinary leadership, fortitude, creativity and compassion that has inspired and motivated students and colleagues alike. Thanks for your dedication to teaching excellence and for helping to launch generations of nursing students into a seamless transition to practice," said NLN Chair Yolanda VanRiel, PhD, RN, MEDSURG-BC, OCN, CNE, ANEF, FAAN, chair of the Department of Nursing, North Carolina Central University and patient placement coordinator at First Health of the Carolinas-Moore Regional Hospital.
NLN President and CEO Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN, said, "As this year's application cycle proves, the word is out: ANEF is a credential nurse educators wear with pride. Fellows are unmatched role models, mentors and resources for students, new educators, and those in clinical practice who aspire to join the ranks of nurse faculty. We are delighted to honor the wisdom, experience and enthusiasm of the Academy Class of 2026. Congratulations, colleagues."
2026 Academy of Nursing Education Fellows
* Jennifer Alderman, PhD, MSN, RN, CNL, CNE, CHSE, NEA-BC
* Megan Arbour, PhD, CNM, CNE, FACNM
* Gail Armstrong, PhD, DNP, ACNS-BC, CNE, FAAN
* Kelley Borella, DNP, CRNP, WHNP-BC, FAANP
* Fara Bowler, DNP, APRN, CHSE-A
* Ashley Bryant, PhD, RN, OCN, FAAN, FGSA
* Michelle Bussard, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, CNE
* Sally Carlisle, DNP, MSN-Ed, RN, CNE
* Benita Chatmon, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, FAAN, FADLN
* Michelle Cheshire, EdD, MSN, BSN
* Tiffani Chidume, DNP, RN, CHSE-A, CHSOS, FSSH
* Debora Dole, PhD, CNM, FACNM
* Kelly Foltz-Ramos, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, CHSE-A, FAAN
* Derrick Glymph, PhD, DNAP, CRNA, CNE, CHSE, FIAAN, FAANA, FAAN
* Jennifer Graber, EdD, APRN, PMHCNS-BC
* Frank Guido-Sanz, PhD, APRN, ANP-BC, AGACNP-BC, CHSE, FAANP
* Candace Harrington, PhD, DNP, CNP, AGPCNP-BC, DEGN, CNE, FAAN
* Kechinyere (Kechi) Iheduru-Anderson, EdD, DNP, RN, CNE, FAAN, FADLN
* Krista Jones,DNP, RN, PHNA-BC, FNAP, FAAN
* Bonny Kehm, PhD, RN, CNE
* Danilo Lovinaria, DNP, MBA, APRN, CRNA, CHSE, FNAP, FAANA, FAAN
* Rudolf Cymorr Kirby Martinez, PhD, MA, RN, CGNC, CNE, HWNC-BC, AHN-BC, SGAHN, FFNMRCSI
* April Matthias, PhD, RN,CNE
* Claire McKinley Yoder, PhD, RN, CNE
* Jacquelyn McMillian-Bohler, PhD, CNM. CNE
* Audrey Miller, PhD, MSN Ed, APRN, PPCNP-BC, CPN, CNE, FADLN
* Amy Nagle, PhD, RN, CNE, CHSE
* Rana Najjar, PhD, RN, CPNP
* Jonas Nguh, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
* Caitlin Nye, PhD, RN, NPD-BC, CHSE, CNE
* Alison Pittman, Ph.D., RN, CNE, CHSE, CPN
* Christine Repsha, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, CHSE
* Beth Rogers, PhD, RN, CNE, CHSE-A
* Jennifer Roye, EdD, MSN, RN, CHSE-A, CNE, PNAP
* Jennifer Saylor, PhD, APRN, ANS-BC
* Ginger Schroers, PhD, RN, CNE
* Margie Sipe, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FNAP, FAONL, FAAN
* Tammy Spencer, RN,DNP, CNE, ACNS-BC, CCNS
* Mary Jo Stanley, Ph.D, RN, CNE
* Catherine Stubin, PhD, RN, CNE, CCRN
* Danica Sumpter, PhD, RN, CNE, FADLN
* Lisa Thomas, PhD, RN, CNE
* Elizabeth Wells-Beede,PhD, RN, C-EFM, CNE, CHSE-A, ACUE, FSSH, FAAN
* Amy Wonder, PhD, RN
Application for admission to the Academy in 2027 opens in November. Eligibility criteria and other details may be found at NLN.org. For more information about the 2026 NLN Education Summit, visit Summit.NLN.org.
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About the National League for Nursing
Dedicated to excellence in nursing, the National League for Nursing is the premier organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education. The NLN offers professional development, networking opportunities, testing services, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to its nearly 45,000 individual and 1,000 institutional members, comprising nursing education programs across the spectrum of higher education and health care organizations. Learn more at NLN.org.
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Original text here: https://www.nln.org/detail-pages/news/2026/08/10/nln-announces-20th-class-of-fellows--largest-in-academy-of-nursing-education-history
[Category: Nursing]
Frost & Sullivan Marks 20th GIL Summit in China With Landmark Shanghai Gathering
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Aug. 11 -- Frost and Sullivan, a provider of market research and analysis, growth strategy consulting and corporate training services, posted the following news release:
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Frost & Sullivan Marks 20th GIL Summit in China with Landmark Shanghai Gathering
Business leaders, policymakers and innovators explore AI, industrial transformation and global growth as Frost & Sullivan celebrates its 65th anniversary
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SHANGHAI, China -- Frost & Sullivan welcomed more than 2,000 business leaders, policymakers, investors, academics and innovators to the 20th Growth, Innovation and
... Show Full Article
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Aug. 11 -- Frost and Sullivan, a provider of market research and analysis, growth strategy consulting and corporate training services, posted the following news release:
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Frost & Sullivan Marks 20th GIL Summit in China with Landmark Shanghai Gathering
Business leaders, policymakers and innovators explore AI, industrial transformation and global growth as Frost & Sullivan celebrates its 65th anniversary
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SHANGHAI, China -- Frost & Sullivan welcomed more than 2,000 business leaders, policymakers, investors, academics and innovators to the 20th Growth, Innovation andLeadership (GIL) Summit in China, held August 4-5 at the Jing An Shangri-La in Shanghai.
Coinciding with Frost & Sullivan's 65th anniversary, the summit featured more than 300 speakers and 150 keynote presentations and panel discussions. Topics included artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, life sciences, consumer markets and investment - highlighting the forces reshaping global competitiveness and transformational growth.
The event combined a flagship plenary programme with 10 parallel forums and the fifth edition of Frost & Sullivan's New Investment Event, fostering collaboration across business, finance, government, academia and research.
Leadership Perspectives on Transformational Growth
David Frigstad, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Frost & Sullivan, highlighted the opportunity for Chinese companies to build global brands, teams and market presence.
"The next great chapter of China's economy will belong to world-class enterprises with global brands, global footprints and compelling narratives," Frigstad said. "Through Frost & Sullivan's Transformational Growth Platform, we are helping ambitious companies turn local expertise into sustainable global leadership."
Aroop Zutshi, Global Managing Partner and Executive Board Member, examined how organisations can embed AI across strategy, brand development and operations to create lasting business capabilities.
Dr Neil Wang, Global Senior Vice President, Co-Chairman of Asia Pacific and Chairman of China, introduced the Resilience Triangle - Mission, Innovation and Trust - and the principle "AI + HI = CI," combining artificial and human intelligence to create collaborative intelligence.
"Frost & Sullivan's mission is to communicate China's growth, innovation and leadership to the world while helping Chinese companies embrace global opportunities," Wang said.
More than 20 industry reports, three professional publications and several research initiatives were unveiled. Flagship releases included "White Paper on China's Industrial Development Trends for the Next 50 Years (5th Edition)", covering opportunities in AI, intelligent manufacturing, consumer markets, healthcare and semiconductors.
Other releases addressed biotechnology, consumer intelligent technology, brand building and the application of AI in research and investment management - reflecting the summit's focus on turning technological progress into resilient, commercially viable growth.
Strengthening the Growth Ecosystem
Frost & Sullivan announced collaborations with organisations spanning industry, academia and research, while launching a Professional Institution Expert Committee to deepen cooperation across capital markets, auditing, legal services and consulting.
The summit concluded with a gala celebrating Frost & Sullivan's 65th anniversary and two decades of GIL programming in China. The 2026 Frost & Sullivan GIL Awards recognised organisations demonstrating innovation, customer impact and leadership.
Since launching in China in 2008, the GIL Summit has become an influential platform for identifying growth opportunities and connecting China's innovation ecosystem with international markets.
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About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Pipeline Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation, and leadership. The company's Growth Pipeline as a Service provides the CEO's Growth Team with transformational strategies and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth opportunities. For over 60 years, Frost & Sullivan has partnered with investors, corporate leaders, and governments to identify, prioritize, and execute transformational growth strategies.
Your Transformational Growth Journey Starts Here: Schedule Your Growth Pipeline Dialog(TM) with the Frost & Sullivan team (https://go.frost.com/gpdialog).
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Original text here: https://www.frost.com/news/press-releases/frost-sullivan-marks-20th-gil-summit-in-china-with-landmark-shanghai-gathering/
[Category: BizConsulting]
Black Audiences Seek More Authentic Portrayals of Black Women 50+, AARP Research Finds
WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 (TNSrep) -- AARP issued the following news release on Aug. 10, 2026:
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Black Audiences Seek More Authentic Portrayals of Black Women 50+, AARP Research Finds
Newly released AARP Movies for Grownups Spotlight research points to a major opportunity for Hollywood to better reflect an influential audience with $2 trillion in buying power.
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Black adults are among the entertainment industry's most engaged audiences, attending movies, consuming TV and streaming at higher rates than the general population, according to new research from AARP.
In the study (http://www.aarp.org/blacklegacy)
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 (TNSrep) -- AARP issued the following news release on Aug. 10, 2026:
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Black Audiences Seek More Authentic Portrayals of Black Women 50+, AARP Research Finds
Newly released AARP Movies for Grownups Spotlight research points to a major opportunity for Hollywood to better reflect an influential audience with $2 trillion in buying power.
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Black adults are among the entertainment industry's most engaged audiences, attending movies, consuming TV and streaming at higher rates than the general population, according to new research from AARP.
In the study (http://www.aarp.org/blacklegacy)released today, "Bridging the Gap: The Path to More Authentic Portrayals of Black Adults in Movies and TV," nearly all respondents said seeing Black women 50+ represented on screen was important to them, yet only a quarter believe today's portrayals of Black women are accurate.
AARP is releasing the study at the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival, one of the nation's premier gatherings celebrating Black storytelling and creative voices. The findings highlight an opportunity for the entertainment industry to better reflect the experiences, aspirations and contributions of Black audiences, a consumer group with an estimated $2 trillion in buying power, according to Nielsen.
"Black audiences are telling us clearly what they want to see, and there's a real opportunity for studios and creators to meet this moment," said AARP CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan. "Our research findings point to an audience that is deeply engaged and ready for stories that reflect the full range of their lived experiences. Expanding the range of stories depicted on screen can create stronger connections with viewers while helping the industry reach a broader spectrum of moviegoers."
The research shows Black audiences want to see more authentic portrayals of Black women on screen. The vast majority of Black adults (95%) said it is important to see Black women 50+ represented and more than half (54%) said seeing Black women 50+ portrayed on screen made them feel more positive about their own aging.
Additional findings from the study include:
* 96% say it's important to show multiple generations together on screen, a sentiment shared broadly across age groups. Among them, about three in five say it's because it reflects real-life relationships and family dynamics (63%) and it helps break down stereotypes about age (57%).
* However, about three in five (57%) Black adults feel underrepresented in storylines involving family dynamics and friendship and social connection.
* 68% of Black women said they want to see more stories focused on love and romance.
* 46% believe Black women 50+ have significant influence in shaping how aging itself is portrayed in movies and TV.
AARP's study is based on a national survey of 1,801 Black adults age 18 and over, and was conducted June 1-15, 2026. Learn more at AARP.org/blacklegacy.
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About AARP:
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the 125 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest-circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit aarp.org, aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPLatino and @AARPadvocates on social media.
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Original text here: https://www.aarp.org/press/releases/2026-08-10-black-portrayals-in-tv-and-film-research/
[Category: Sociological]
AFIA Responds to Proposed Changes to the GRAS Framework
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Aug. 11 -- The American Feed Industry Association issued the following news release on Aug. 10, 2026:
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AFIA Responds to Proposed Changes to the GRAS Framework
The American Feed Industry Association's President and Chief Executive Officer Constance Cullman issued a statement today on the Food and Drug Administration's proposed changes to its Generally Recognized as Safe ingredient review framework. The AFIA is reviewing the proposal and evaluating its potential impact on animal food ingredient approvals, innovation and the safety of the animal food supply.
Cullman
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Aug. 11 -- The American Feed Industry Association issued the following news release on Aug. 10, 2026:
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AFIA Responds to Proposed Changes to the GRAS Framework
The American Feed Industry Association's President and Chief Executive Officer Constance Cullman issued a statement today on the Food and Drug Administration's proposed changes to its Generally Recognized as Safe ingredient review framework. The AFIA is reviewing the proposal and evaluating its potential impact on animal food ingredient approvals, innovation and the safety of the animal food supply.
Cullmanissued the following statement:
"The American Feed Industry Association understands the Trump administration's efforts to strengthen the safety and transparency of ingredient oversight. For years, the animal food industry has worked closely with the Food and Drug Administration to strengthen the animal food ingredient review pathways, including the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) notification process, with the goals of ensuring a safe animal food supply, building consumer trust and supporting innovation. As the FDA considers potential changes, it is critical that the agency has the resources, capacity and tools needed to administer ingredient reviews in a timely manner. The AFIA is reviewing the proposal and will provide comments to the agency to ensure that any codified changes to the GRAS framework include the necessary resources and process improvements to make the system work effectively for animal food manufacturers, consumers and the broader food supply chain."
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Original text here: https://www.afia.org/news/news-release-items/afia-responds-to-proposed-changes-to-the-gras-framework/
[Category: Agriculture]
AAFA Applauds Senate Passage of Two-Year Extension of AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP Programs
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Aug. 11 -- The American Apparel and Footwear Association issued the following news release:
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AAFA Applauds Senate Passage of Two-Year Extension of AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP Programs
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) celebrates the passage of a two-year extension of the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act and the AGOA Extension Act by the Senate with bipartisan support. The vote provides for a crucial extension of each program, continuing critical trade preference programs that lapsed on September 30, 2025 and that were restored retroactively for
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Aug. 11 -- The American Apparel and Footwear Association issued the following news release:
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AAFA Applauds Senate Passage of Two-Year Extension of AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP Programs
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) celebrates the passage of a two-year extension of the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act and the AGOA Extension Act by the Senate with bipartisan support. The vote provides for a crucial extension of each program, continuing critical trade preference programs that lapsed on September 30, 2025 and that were restored retroactively foronly 15 months on February 3, 2026. Passed as part of the Continuing Resolution, the programs are now set to expire December 31, 2028.
For 25 years, AGOA has provided eligible Sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access, strengthening American exports in textiles and agriculture and fostering a wide array of U.S.-Africa commercial partnerships. Likewise, for more than 15 years, the Haiti HOPE/HELP programs have supported both U.S. and Haitian textile industries by granting Haiti duty-free access for apparel and textile products, building strong business ties between the two neighboring nations.
"The industry welcomes the continued renewal of these critical trade preference programs before expiration. This two-year extension will help stabilize these partnerships, providing time to build toward a predictable, long-term continuation of these programs," said Beth Hughes, AAFA's Vice President of Trade and Customs Policy. "We now encourage swift passage of this extension in the House and for the president to sign it expeditiously into law."
AAFA has consistently urged Congress and the Administration to renew both AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP, offering testimony before the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on AGOA's renewal in July.
Both AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP have been supported for decades by overwhelming bipartisan majorities. Long-term renewal of these programs will provide much-needed certainty for U.S. companies and provide stability for the workforces in sub-Saharan Africa and Haiti.
For regular updates on key trade and customs dates and deadlines, visit AAFA's Fashion Tariffs 101 page.
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Original text here: https://www.aafaglobal.org/AAFA/AAFA_News/2026_Press_Releases/AAFA_Applauds_Two_Year_Extension_AGOA_Haiti_HOPE_HELP.aspx
[Category: Business]
