Featured Stories
Venue Selection, Emerging Trends in DIP Financing, Using AI in Bankruptcy Practice and More to Be Discussed at ABI's 2026 Winter Leadership Conference Dec. 3-5
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Oct. 27 -- The American Bankruptcy Institute issued the following news release:
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Venue Selection, Emerging Trends in DIP Financing, Using AI in Bankruptcy Practice and More to Be Discussed at ABI's 2026 Winter Leadership Conference Dec. 3-5
Alexandria, Va. -- Insights from some of the country's top insolvency and restructuring experts on issues confronting the profession in 2027 will be addressed at the American Bankruptcy Institute's (ABI's) 2026 Winter Leadership Conference, taking place Dec. 3-5 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, Calif.
... Show Full Article
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Oct. 27 -- The American Bankruptcy Institute issued the following news release:
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Venue Selection, Emerging Trends in DIP Financing, Using AI in Bankruptcy Practice and More to Be Discussed at ABI's 2026 Winter Leadership Conference Dec. 3-5
Alexandria, Va. -- Insights from some of the country's top insolvency and restructuring experts on issues confronting the profession in 2027 will be addressed at the American Bankruptcy Institute's (ABI's) 2026 Winter Leadership Conference, taking place Dec. 3-5 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, Calif.This year's conference will feature more than 20 concurrent sessions and workshops addressing a diverse spectrum of key insolvency topics for both business and consumer practitioners. Additionally, the Winter Leadership Conference will host a luncheon to celebrate the tenth class of ABI's "40 Under 40," a program that identifies top industry professionals under age 40. This year's "40 Under 40" keynote speaker, Chad Foster, is a billion-dollar revenue-generator, job-creator and tech innovator. He's also blind -- and when he speaks to audiences, he shares a powerful message: His loss of eyesight as a young adult didn't hold him back. His inspirational talk will demonstrate how he ultimately embraced obstacles as opportunities.
Sessions at the Winter Leadership Conference include:
ABI Talks
Plan Injunctions: Comparison Sub V and Chapter 11
Role and Use of Examiners
Deconstructing the Code: 363 Complex Sales
Follow the Money: Private Credit's Pivot to Healthcare
Chapter 7 Debtors and Trustees: Roles, Obligations, and Working Through the Process
How to Avoid Wasting Time in Your Avoidance Action Mediation
The Art of Valuation
Hot Topics: 60 Cases in 60 Minutes
Loan Origination and Secured Transactions
Chilling Effects: Consumer Debt Issues and Vulnerable Immigrant Populations
Workshop: Corporate Tax Structures in Bankruptcy (Accounting Part II)
Venue Selection: Current Trends, Disputes, Interpretations and Considerations
Running the Business of Law in the World of AI
Supreme Court Decisions over the Years (Need-to-Know Cases!)
Creditor Protections at Risk: The Convergence of LMEs and 363 Sales
Fraudulent Transfer Law in Ponzi Scheme Cases: A Remedy in Search of a Doctrine
Using AI in Bankruptcy Practice
Real Estate Valuation Battles: Issues and Inflection Points from Engagement to App
Recent Trends in Cross-Border Fraud
Emerging Trends in DIP Financing
9011: What's Your Emergency?
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To review a comprehensive schedule of speakers and optional events, please click here. If you are a member of the press and you would like to attend the conference, please contact John Hartgen at 703-894-5935 or jhartgen@abi.org.
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ABI is the largest multi-disciplinary, nonpartisan organization dedicated to research and education on matters related to insolvency. ABI was founded in 1982 to provide Congress and the public with unbiased analysis of bankruptcy issues. The ABI membership includes nearly 10,000 attorneys, accountants, bankers, judges, professors, lenders, turnaround specialists and other bankruptcy professionals, providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and information. For additional information on ABI, visit www.abiworld.org. For additional conference information, visit http://www.abiworld.org/conferences.html.
October 27, 2026
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Original text here: https://www.abi.org/node/1004332
[Category: Financial Services]
SEMICON Japan 2026 Marks 50th Edition With Launch of New TechLeadersARENA
MILPITAS, California, Oct. 27 -- SEMI, an association serving the manufacturing supply chain for the electronics industry, issued the following news release:
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SEMICON Japan 2026 Marks 50th Edition with Launch of New TechLeadersARENA
TOKYO -- October 26, 2026 -- SEMI today announced the 50th edition of SEMICON Japan will take place from December 9-11 at Tokyo Big Sight. Under the theme "Semiconductors: The Past 50 Years and the Next 50," SEMICON Japan 2026 will feature more than 70 sessions and 300 speakers who will reflect on the industry's evolution while introducing new initiatives to
... Show Full Article
MILPITAS, California, Oct. 27 -- SEMI, an association serving the manufacturing supply chain for the electronics industry, issued the following news release:
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SEMICON Japan 2026 Marks 50th Edition with Launch of New TechLeadersARENA
TOKYO -- October 26, 2026 -- SEMI today announced the 50th edition of SEMICON Japan will take place from December 9-11 at Tokyo Big Sight. Under the theme "Semiconductors: The Past 50 Years and the Next 50," SEMICON Japan 2026 will feature more than 70 sessions and 300 speakers who will reflect on the industry's evolution while introducing new initiatives toguide the next 50 years. Registration is open.
"We've reached a critical point in the semiconductor industry where design, fab, advanced packaging, assembly, test, and inspection solutions are forced to keep up with skyrocketing demand for AI and other cutting-edge technologies," said Jim Hamajima, President, SEMI Japan. "As SEMICON Japan marks its 50th edition and kicks off the celebration of five decades of contribution to the semiconductor industry, this event will offer a forum for evaluating the opportunities and challenges that come with such demand, while also assessing the most successful business strategies of the last 50 years. We look forward to convening the industry to celebrate this milestone together."
New at SEMICON Japan: TechLeadersARENA
The inaugural TechLeadersARENA will bring global semiconductor experts face-to-face with next-gen technologies that are rarely seen in person, including an operational semiconductor quantum computer, teardown displays of automotive electronics and smartphones, and various advanced lithography and materials technologies. The TechLeadersARENA will also host the WORLD OF PHYSICAL AI, a live demonstration of the most advanced AI that can perceive the world around it.
Finally, the corresponding TechLeadersSUMMIT will include presentations from technology leaders, while the Networking SUITE will facilitate connections with industry leaders.
SuperTHEATER
The SuperTHEATER keynote series will provide insights on the future of the global semiconductor industry from leading executives. This year's SuperTHEATER will feature the following presenters, with more to be announced:
* Tony Kawai, President and CEO, Tokyo Electron
* Mukesh Khare, General Manager and Vice President, IBM Semiconductors
* Hironobu Tamba, Senior Vice President, SoftBank
* Masato Goto, Representative Director, President, and CEO, SCREEN
* David Bloss, General Manager and Corporate Vice President, Intel
* Daishiro Yamagiwa, Member of the House of Representatives of Japan
* Atsuyoshi Koike, CEO, Rapidus
* Tim Costa, Vice President and General Manager, NVIDIA
SEMICON Japan 2026 Summits
As the industry plans for the next 50 years, SEMICON Japan will host dedicated summits for the following innovation areas. Summits will feature exhibition areas showcasing cutting-edge technologies, along with networking opportunities and educational seminars.
* Advanced Design Innovation Summit (ADIS): Aligning EDA developments with strategic business objectives.
* Advanced Packaging and Chiplet Summit (APCS): Meeting the evolving needs for low power, high reliability, and cost efficiency in advanced packaging.
* AI x Sustainability x Semiconductor Summit (AIS): Creating a sustainable future through advancements in AI.
* Metrology and Inspection Summit (MIS): Advancing inspection and metrology solutions to support AI innovation.
Other Program Highlights
* SEMI Technology Symposium (STS): As the largest and most established technical symposium at SEMICON Japan, STS will identify the key trends and challenges across the semiconductor industry while offering direct discussions with program speakers.
* SEMI Tech: SEMI Tech sessions will explore the entire semiconductor supply chain, including manufacturing technologies, assembly and packaging, design, and emerging solutions. Each session will address the innovations that are influencing the trajectory of the industry.
* Policy and Market: SEMICON Japan will host its recurring market sessions, including SEMI Market Forum, Semiconductor Materials Forum, and Bulls & Bears featuring leading Japanese securities analysts.
* Workforce Development: For students and young professionals, SEMICON Japan's THURSDAY WAKAMONO NIGHT will feature targeted presentations from industry experts in addition to its corresponding WAKAMONO CONNECT networking workshop.
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About SEMICON Japan 2026
SEMICON Japan provides insights into innovative technologies and the latest developments in sustainability, supply chain management, workforce development, and other critical industry issues. The event convenes thought leaders from the electronics design and manufacturing ecosystem, academia and government for keynotes and business seminars. In 2026, SEMICON Japan celebrates its 50th edition. Since the inaugural event in 1977, SEMICON Japan has introduced audiences in Japan to leading semiconductor technologies and industry trends. Today, the event spans semiconductor manufacturing technologies, equipment and materials, as well as applications including automotive, IoT, and medical devices.
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About SEMI
SEMI(R) is the global industry association connecting over 4,000 companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. We accelerate member collaboration on solutions to top industry challenges through Advocacy, Workforce Development, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management and other programs. Our SEMICON(R) expositions and events, technology communities, standards and market intelligence help advance our members' business growth and innovations in design, devices, equipment, materials, services and software, enabling smarter, faster, more secure electronics. Visit www.semi.org or contact a regional office to learn more.
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Original text here: https://www.semi.org/en/semi-press-release/semicon-japan-2026-marks-50th-edition-with-launch-of-new-techleadersarena
[Category: Electronic Products]
NLN Press Releases Full Report From Global Nursing Education Leadership's Inaugural Gathering in Helsinki
WASHINGTON, Oct. 27 -- The National League for Nursing issued the following news release:
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NLN Press Releases Full Report from Global Nursing Education Leadership's Inaugural Gathering in Helsinki
October 26, 2026
Order Now the Future of Nursing Education: An International Utstein Report
* New publication highlights five priorities to secure the future of nursing education worldwide: competency-based education; artificial intelligence; planetary health; nurse and nurse faculty well-being; and faculty workforce.
* Utstein Global Conference for Nursing Education created a dialogue with
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 27 -- The National League for Nursing issued the following news release:
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NLN Press Releases Full Report from Global Nursing Education Leadership's Inaugural Gathering in Helsinki
October 26, 2026
Order Now the Future of Nursing Education: An International Utstein Report
* New publication highlights five priorities to secure the future of nursing education worldwide: competency-based education; artificial intelligence; planetary health; nurse and nurse faculty well-being; and faculty workforce.
* Utstein Global Conference for Nursing Education created a dialogue withnursing faculty, clinical leaders, and regulators about a range of issues vital to advancing excellence in nursing education across international borders.
* The book substantially addresses the ongoing challenges of and strategies to address the worldwide shortage of nurse educators.
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Washington, DC -- The National League for Nursing announces the release of The Future of Nursing Education: An International Utstein Report, a comprehensive publication outlining the findings to emerge from the inaugural Utstein Global Conference for Nursing Education, which convened June 7-8, 2025, in Helsinki, Finland. The National League for Nursing organized and hosted the event, with support from Laerdal Medical and the Health Carousel Foundation, two longstanding League partners in promoting excellence and innovation in nursing education.
NLN President and CEO Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN, collaborated with two League colleagues, Chief Program Officer Gordon Gillespie, PhD, DNP, RN, FAAN, and Deputy Chief Director Sandra Davis, PhD, DPM, ACNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, to co-author the report.
The purpose of the Utstein meeting was to identify the future priorities of nursing education as well as create a dialogue about a range of issues viewed as vital to advancing excellence in nursing education in the preparation of a diverse, highly competent nursing workforce across international borders. During their packed two-day gathering, attendees from around the world met for panel discussions, expert-led presentations, and in small working groups to explore current and potential barriers and strategies to incorporate new curricular constructs in four distinct areas of nursing education and faculty workforce recommendations from a global perspective.
* Competency-based education
* Artificial intelligence
* Planetary health
* Nurse well-being
* Faculty shortage
In addition to chapters on curricula, an entire section of the book is devoted to the international faculty shortage, viewed as a monumental impediment to implementing positive transformation of nursing education worldwide. The section begins with a chapter giving a detailed overview of the current situation, including its manifestations in different nations, particularly focused on those parts of the world where the nursing faculty shortage is most severe. The next chapter is a thorough discussion of the barriers and strategies to address the pressing shortage of nurse educators.
As faculty endeavor to address these issues within their unique academic communities, the book provides a synthesis of practical guidance applicable to varied cultural contexts. The book aims to identify the common denominators that can bring about excellence in nursing education today and for future generations through a unified, strategic approach that may be implemented across diverse geographic, economic and cultural environments.
"No other single resource addresses these priority topics in a single book, and no other resource focuses on nurse educators and nursing education. This book provides not only the report of this historic, international Utstein meeting, but includes specific strategies that can be translated to the practice of nursing education, in the US as well as globally," said Dr. Malone.
"We are excited to share the data and consensus to emerge from the Utstein Conference, which had been in the planning for nearly two years before the meeting took place. We have every expectation that the vital information detailed in The Future of Nursing Education will provide a platform for the development in a variety of academic settings and social/cultural contexts of data-driven curricular innovation and initiate collaboration among schools of nursing, clinical partners; and policymakers throughout the global healthcare community," said NLN Chair Dr. Yolanda VanRiel, chair of the Department of Nursing, North Carolina Central University and patient placement coordinator at First Health of the Carolinas-Moore Regional Hospital.
The Future of Nursing Education (https://nln.lww.com/The-Future-of-Nursing-Education/p/9781975282134) is available for purchase at the NLN Bookstore. For more information, visit 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/2026/10/26/nln-press-releases-full-report-from-global-nursing-education-leadership-s-inaugural-gathering-in-helsinki
[Category: Nursing]
Marine Retailers Association of the Americas: Dealers Turn Out in Droves for Discussion on the Future of Marine Retail
BROOKLYN PARK, Minnesota, Oct. 27 -- The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas issued the following news:
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Dealers Turn Out in Droves for Discussion on the Future of Marine Retail
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas attracted nearly 600 registrations for its Future of Marine Retail webinar, where industry leaders explored the forces, challenges and opportunities shaping marine dealerships, changing customer expectations and long-term business success.
Nearly 600 Registrants Joined Industry Webinar Exploring Forces, Challenges and Opportunities Currently Shaping Marine
... Show Full Article
BROOKLYN PARK, Minnesota, Oct. 27 -- The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas issued the following news:
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Dealers Turn Out in Droves for Discussion on the Future of Marine Retail
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas attracted nearly 600 registrations for its Future of Marine Retail webinar, where industry leaders explored the forces, challenges and opportunities shaping marine dealerships, changing customer expectations and long-term business success.
Nearly 600 Registrants Joined Industry Webinar Exploring Forces, Challenges and Opportunities Currently Shaping MarineDealerships
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MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 27, 2026 -- The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) attracted 590 registrations and more than 400 live attendees for its recent webinar, The Future of Marine Retail, demonstrating strong industry interest in understanding and responding to the forces reshaping marine retail.
Exploring Necessary Adjustments
Led by Matt Gruhn, MRAA President, the webinar explored the evolving recreational boating marketplace and the adjustments dealerships may need to make to remain competitive. Webinar participants also engaged in a live question-and-answer session focused on the real-world obstacles facing marine retailers.
"Marine retail has reached an inflection point, a time when incremental adjustments are no longer enough," said Gruhn. "Dealership leaders must look beyond the demands of day-to-day operations and begin thinking like architects of their businesses. That requires a shift in mindset and approach, a clear focus on the needs of the next generation of boaters and the willingness to make transformational changes that protect the business today while building a stronger foundation for its future."
The webinar discussion reflected many of the themes currently influencing dealership decision-making, including how dealers can strengthen customer relationships, improve sales processes, leverage technology more effectively and identify new opportunities for growth. Dealers' opportunities to capture a larger share of the pre-owned boat market and provide buyers with a higher-quality purchase experience than traditional private-party transactions were two additional discussion points.
"The registration and attendance figures make this one of MRAA's most successful webinars in recent years, but the bigger takeaway is what that level of engagement says about our industry," said Gunnar Davies, MRAA Marketing Manager. "Retailers and other recreational boating stakeholders are actively seeking answers, guidance and meaningful conversations around the challenges and opportunities currently reshaping marine retail. The response to this webinar demonstrates a strong desire among retailers to better understand what is changing and how they can successfully adapt to it."
The New Fundamentals at Dealer Week 2026
Many themes discussed in the webinar relate to the educational content focused on The New Fundamentals at Dealer Week 2026. MRAA has built the educational curriculum at its annual conference to help marine retailers move beyond identifying their pain points and toward implementing practical solutions and tactics within their businesses today. Four educational pathways will provide attendees with fresh strategies for developing a modern marine retail playbook, improving customer acquisition and retention, strengthening operational performance, leveraging artificial intelligence and adapting to changing consumer buying behaviors.
A webinar recording and PDF presentation are now available on MRAA.com.
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About Dealer Week
For more than 50 years, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas has delivered world-class education to marine dealers, retailers and service operations that power the boating industry. Dealer Week exists to engage, energize and empower the dealer community. MRAA envisions a brighter future for marine retail, and Dealer Week is a key part of bringing that vision to life. Learn more at dealerweek.com.
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About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA)
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is the trusted catalyst for success in the marine retail industry. Dedicated to fueling dealer growth and strengthening the boating experience, MRAA delivers industry-leading insights, expert guidance and proven solutions that assist marine retailers in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities. Through education, advocacy and innovative resources, MRAA empowers dealers to thrive and help drive a stronger, more sustainable marine industry. Learn more at MRAA.com.
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Original text here: https://mraa.com/dealers-turn-out-in-droves-for-discussion-the-future-of-marine-retail/
[Category: Business]
American Fintech Council Urges Reasonable Framework for Colorado Automated Decision-Making Technology Act That Will Meaningfully Protect Consumers
WASHINGTON, Oct. 27 -- The American Fintech Council, an organization that says it promotes a transparent, inclusive and customer-centric financial system, issued the following news release:
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American Fintech Council (AFC) Urges Reasonable Framework for Colorado Automated Decision-Making Technology Act That Will Meaningfully Protect Consumers
AFC advocates for the Colorado Department of Law to refine human review requirements, prevent duplicative disclosure obligations, and align state rules with existing federal financial services protections
Current proposal could limit access to responsible
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 27 -- The American Fintech Council, an organization that says it promotes a transparent, inclusive and customer-centric financial system, issued the following news release:
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American Fintech Council (AFC) Urges Reasonable Framework for Colorado Automated Decision-Making Technology Act That Will Meaningfully Protect Consumers
AFC advocates for the Colorado Department of Law to refine human review requirements, prevent duplicative disclosure obligations, and align state rules with existing federal financial services protections
Current proposal could limit access to responsibleand affordable credit options for Colorado families and small businesses
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Denver, CO (October 26, 2026) - The American Fintech Council (AFC), the largest industry association representing both responsible fintech companies and innovative banks, submitted supplemental comments to the Colorado Department of Law regarding the interim draft regulations implementing Senate Bill 26-189, the Colorado Automated Decision-Making Technology (ADMT) Act. In testimony to the Department, AFC Director of State Government Affairs Ashley Urisman highlights AFC's recommendations for strengthening consumer protections without imposing unnecessary or duplicative compliance burdens.
"We appreciate the Colorado Department of Law's continued engagement with stakeholders to establish a thoughtful regulatory framework for automated decision-making technologies," said Phil Goldfeder, CEO of the American Fintech Council. "While the revised proposal reflects certain improvements, it is essential that the final regulations avoid duplicative requirements that will limit access to safe and affordable credit for Colorado families."
AFC emphasizes the need for a human review framework that preserves consistent credit decisioning. Testimony cautions that requiring financial institutions to independently reconsider every properly executed underwriting determination could introduce disparate treatment concerns and undermine the consistency that existing fair lending programs are designed to preserve. AFC urges the Department to allow institutions to employ a streamlined review process when a consumer does not identify materially inaccurate information, a technological error, or additional evidence reasonably capable of changing the outcome.
"Financial institutions are already subject to comprehensive federal requirements governing credit decisions, disclosures, data accuracy, privacy, and fair lending," said Ashley Urisman, Director of State Government Affairs at the American Fintech Council. "By harmonizing state regulations with established protections under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Colorado can promote consistent consumer protections and avoid operational burdens that offer limited value."
AFC also advocates for objective, risk-based standards that focus regulatory oversight on truly consequential determinations rather than routine administrative functions. Automated systems executing predetermined, consistently enforced eligibility criteria should not be treated as exercising independent judgment because they operate without manual intervention. Failing to distinguish routine processes from complex decision-making models risks diverting critical compliance resources toward low-risk activities, without delivering meaningful protections to consumers.
A standards-based organization, the American Fintech Council (AFC) is the largest and most diverse trade association representing financial technology (fintech) companies and innovative banks. On behalf of nearly 175 member companies and partners, AFC promotes a transparent, inclusive, and customer-centric financial system by supporting responsible innovation in financial services and encouraging sound public policy. AFC members foster competition in consumer finance and pioneer products to better serve underserved consumer segments and geographies.
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Original text here: https://www.fintechcouncil.org/press-releases/american-fintech-council-afc-urges-reasonable-framework-for-colorado-automated-decision-making-technology-act-that-will-meaningfully-protect-consumers
[Category: Financial Services]
AHPA, CRN, CHPA and UNPA Urge NIH to Preserve Independence of Office of Dietary Supplements
WASHINGTON, Oct. 27 -- The Consumer Healthcare Products Association issued the following news release:
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AHPA, CRN, CHPA and UNPA Urge NIH to Preserve Independence of Office of Dietary Supplements
Oct 26, 2026
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) -- Four leading dietary supplement trade organizations are collectively urging the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to reconsider a proposed reorganization that would place the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) under the Office of Nutrition Research (ONR), warning that the change could undermine ODS's distinct congressional mandate, diminish its scientific
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 27 -- The Consumer Healthcare Products Association issued the following news release:
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AHPA, CRN, CHPA and UNPA Urge NIH to Preserve Independence of Office of Dietary Supplements
Oct 26, 2026
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) -- Four leading dietary supplement trade organizations are collectively urging the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to reconsider a proposed reorganization that would place the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) under the Office of Nutrition Research (ONR), warning that the change could undermine ODS's distinct congressional mandate, diminish its scientificreach, and create unnecessary bureaucratic barriers to advancing the science for dietary supplements.
In joint comments submitted to NIH, the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), and United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA) called for retaining ODS as a stand-alone office within NIH's Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives (DPCPSI), while pursuing stronger collaboration with ONR.
The organizations emphasized that cooperation between the two offices is both desirable and achievable without reducing ODS's organizational standing or independence. The joint comments also connect the importance of sustained supplement research to the Administration's Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) priorities, which recognize the health benefits of select high-quality supplements as an area warranting scientific investigation.
Congress established ODS under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA) to advance scientific understanding of dietary supplements and their contributions to health. Its responsibilities also include serving as a principal advisor to senior federal health officials on dietary supplement issues.
The associations expressed concern that placing ODS within ONR could narrow attention to the full range of scientific questions involving dietary supplements, particularly research involving botanicals, probiotics and other bioactive substances whose effects extend beyond conventional nutrient functions.
They also emphasized the importance of protecting ODS's specialized scientific infrastructure, funding, and staffing to effectively fulfill its statutory mandate.
The associations identified three central concerns with the proposed reorganization:
* Preserving ODS's congressional mandate. ODS was established to provide dedicated scientific leadership and advice on dietary supplements across the federal government. Adding another organizational layer could complicate those responsibilities and diminish its direct access to NIH leadership.
* Protecting the full breadth of supplement science. Research involving dietary supplements encompasses far more than nutritional deficiencies, including the biological effects of botanical ingredients and other substances, product quality, safety, efficacy and interactions with medications.
* Maintaining resources, accountability and scientific independence. The proposed restructuring raises unanswered questions about ODS's leadership authority, staffing, funding, research priorities and ability to coordinate scientific initiatives across NIH.
Should NIH proceed with the proposed reorganization, the organizations urged the agency to first publish a detailed implementation plan for public comment that establishes clear safeguards for ODS's statutory mission, leadership authority, scientific priorities, funding, staffing, advisory responsibilities and public-facing resources. They also recommended a formal evaluation of the restructuring's effects within two years.
The four associations concluded that strengthening collaboration--not diminishing ODS's standing--offers the most effective path forward.
The full joint comments are available here (https://www.crnusa.org/sites/default/files/Joint%20Comments_Proposed%20Reorganization%20of%20ODS%20Under%20ONR_23Oct2026.pdf).
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The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), founded in 1881, is the national trade association representing the leading manufacturers and marketers of consumer healthcare products, including over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, dietary supplements, and OTC medical devices. CHPA is committed to empowering self-care by ensuring that Americans have access to products they can count on to be reliable, affordable, and convenient, while also delivering new and better ways to get and stay healthy. Visit www.chpa.org.
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Original text here: https://www.chpa.org/news/2026/10/ahpa-crn-chpa-and-unpa-urge-nih-preserve-independence-office-dietary-supplements
[Category: Health Care]
24 Hour Fitness Founder Mark Mastrov to Be Inducted Into the 2027 HFA Hall of Fame
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Oct. 27 -- The Health and Fitness Association (formerly the International Health Racquet and Sportsclub Association) issued the following news release:
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24 Hour Fitness Founder Mark Mastrov to Be Inducted Into the 2027 HFA Hall of Fame
Fitness industry pioneer to be honored for more than four decades of entrepreneurship, innovation, mentorship, philanthropy, and global impact.
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Washington, DC-October 26, 2026-For more than four decades, Mark Mastrov has helped shape the modern health and fitness industry, building 24 Hour Fitness into one of the world's most recognized
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Oct. 27 -- The Health and Fitness Association (formerly the International Health Racquet and Sportsclub Association) issued the following news release:
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24 Hour Fitness Founder Mark Mastrov to Be Inducted Into the 2027 HFA Hall of Fame
Fitness industry pioneer to be honored for more than four decades of entrepreneurship, innovation, mentorship, philanthropy, and global impact.
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Washington, DC-October 26, 2026-For more than four decades, Mark Mastrov has helped shape the modern health and fitness industry, building 24 Hour Fitness into one of the world's most recognizedfitness brands, developing new concepts around the globe, and mentoring generations of industry leaders. More than 40 years after founding the company, Mastrov recently returned as an owner of 24 Hour Fitness, beginning a new chapter with the brand that helped define his career.
On March 10, 2027, the Health & Fitness Association (HFA) will honor his extraordinary contributions and continuing influence by inducting him into the Health & Fitness Hall of Fame during the opening night of The HFA Show 2027 in Las Vegas.
The HFA Hall of Fame recognizes visionaries whose leadership, innovation, and lifelong contributions have transformed the health and fitness industry. Mastrov's induction recognizes not only the scale of the businesses he has built and supported but also a career devoted to expanding access to fitness, developing people, and strengthening the industry.
"Mark is one of those rare leaders whose influence can be seen across nearly every part of our industry," said HFA Interim President and CEO Greta Wagner. "He helped redefine what a modern fitness business could be, but his impact reaches far beyond the companies he has built. For decades, Mark has invested in people, created opportunities for others to lead, challenged our industry to think bigger, and used his experience to help others succeed. His induction recognizes a lifetime of innovation and leadership that continues to shape our industry today."
Mastrov entered the fitness business in 1983 after borrowing $15,000 from his grandmother to become an equity partner in a California gym. From that beginning, he helped build what became 24 Hour Fitness, expanding through new clubs and acquisitions while developing a consumer-focused model centered on round-the-clock access, monthly dues, service, and community.
By 2005, 24 Hour Fitness had grown to 420 clubs in 16 states, 26 clubs in Asia, and more than 4.5 million members. That year, Mastrov and his partners sold the company for $1.68 billion, marking a defining moment for a fitness industry. In 2008 he left 24 Hour and led the purchase of Crunch Gyms and launched what is now one of the industry's leading HVLP brands.
His influence has extended well beyond 24 Hour Fitness and Crunch. He co-founded New Evolution Ventures and helped launch, develop, invest in, and support fitness businesses and partnerships including UFC Gym, US Fitness, and Energy Fitness. His personal ventures have introduced new brands and approaches to fitness in markets around the world as he has developed and operated in over 50 countries worldwide.
Equally significant is his commitment to developing future leaders. Mastrov describes his leadership philosophy as an "upside-down pyramid," with the leader at the bottom supporting the team. Throughout his career, he has identified and nurtured talent, creating opportunities for people to build businesses of their own.
His commitment to changing lives also extends to philanthropy. After his longtime friend and industry colleague Augie Nieto was diagnosed with ALS, Mastrov helped create the BASH fundraiser at the association's annual convention in 2006. The event rallied the fitness industry behind Augie's Quest to Cure ALS, which has since raised more than $220 million for ALS research.
In 2026, Mastrov's career came full circle when he returned as an owner of 24 Hour Fitness, reacquiring the company in partnership with LongRange Capital. He is now focused on reinvesting in the brand, strengthening its clubs and teams, expanding amenities, and positioning the company for its next chapter.
Mastrov will be inducted into the HFA Hall of Fame on March 10, 2027, during the opening night of The HFA Show 2027. For the first time, the induction ceremony and dinner will immediately follow the show's Kick-Off Party, bringing the global health and fitness community together to celebrate the trailblazers whose contributions have shaped the industry. The inductees and their influence will also be celebrated throughout the Show.
The HFA Show 2027 will take place March 10-12, 2027, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
Tickets to the HFA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner are available as add-ons to registration for The HFA Show 2027. Proceeds benefit the HFA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity supporting industry research and grants that help HFA member clubs and studios advance community health.
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About the Health & Fitness Association
The Health & Fitness Associationopens in a new tab (formerly IHRSA), a global community of industry leaders, is the only worldwide trade association providing a unified voice for the community of leaders who operate health and fitness facilities, offer professional guidance on physical activity, and provide the tools and equipment to do so to the millions of fitness facility members who understand that exercise improves their physical and mental health. Through advocacy, education, and research, the association speaks to opportunities, challenges, and changes that are moving the industry into a new era.
Founded in 1981, the association publishes a monthly magazine, Health & Fitness Businessopens in a new tab, and operates The HFA Showopens in a new tab, the HFA European Congressopens in a new tab, and the Fly-In and Advocacy Summit. The association also partners on events around the world, including Fitness Brasilopens in a new tab, ChinaFitopens in a new tab, Wellness & Fitness LATAM, opens in a new tabSPORTEC Japanopens in a new tab, and SPORTEC Thailandopens in a new tab, Follow the Health & Fitness Association on Facebookopens in a new tab, Instagramopens in a new tab, LinkedInopens in a new tab, Xopens in a new tab and YouTubeopens in a new tab.
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Original text here: https://www.healthandfitness.org/24-hour-fitness-founder-mark-mastrov-to-be-inducted-into-the-2027-hfa-hall-of-fame/
[Category: Health Care]
