Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
Next-Gen C2 is 'Leading Edge' of Army Transformation
ARLINGTON, Virginia, April 2 [Category: National Defense] -- The Association of the U.S. Army posted the following news:
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Next-Gen C2 is 'Leading Edge' of Army Transformation
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As the Army prototypes its Next-Generation Command and Control, the goal is to help troops see, understand and act faster than any adversary, a panel of senior leaders said during a panel discussion March 26 at the Association of the U.S. Army's Global Force Symposium and Exposition in Huntsville, Alabama.
Soldiers in the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado, and the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield
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ARLINGTON, Virginia, April 2 [Category: National Defense] -- The Association of the U.S. Army posted the following news:
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Next-Gen C2 is 'Leading Edge' of Army Transformation
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As the Army prototypes its Next-Generation Command and Control, the goal is to help troops see, understand and act faster than any adversary, a panel of senior leaders said during a panel discussion March 26 at the Association of the U.S. Army's Global Force Symposium and Exposition in Huntsville, Alabama.
Soldiers in the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado, and the 25th Infantry Division at SchofieldBarracks, Hawaii, have been testing and working alongside industry and developers to hone applications, software and other emerging tools to advance Next-Generation Command and Control.
Known as Next-Gen C2, the program seeks to provide the integrated information framework that commanders need to make rapid decisions across warfighting functions, according to the Army. It also will give Army tactical units lighter, more mobile and survivable network and command and control equipment, according to the service.
Driving this effort is a push to move quickly and seek commercial-first solutions, said Joseph Welch, portfolio acquisition executive for command and control and counter-command and control, and executive director of U.S. Army Transformation and Training Command.
"We're going to figure this out for the Army," said Maj. Gen. Pat Ellis, commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division, the first division to be tasked with prototyping Next-Gen C2.
Last year, the Army conducted a proof of concept for Next-Gen C2, with a battalion outfitted with some of the new technology, Ellis said. Today, in less than a year, the 4th Infantry Division just wrapped up the fifth iteration of its Ivy Sting exercise series with almost an entire division equipped, he said.
Up next, the division is planning Ivy Mass, a major division exercise that will involve two brigade combat teams fighting and training with the new technology. "It's a great opportunity," he said. "We have not put all of this stuff out on the field and see how it's all going to work. I think we'll learn a lot about the Next-Gen C2 infrastructure."
Lessons learned from Ivy Mass will help the division as it prepares to go to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, in July for a Project Convergence capstone event, Ellis said.
In Hawaii, the 25th Infantry Division has been transforming its infantry brigade combat teams into mobile brigades for the past few years, said Maj. Gen. Jay Bartholomees, commanding general of the 25th Infantry Division. The transformation equipped the brigades with new, cutting-edge technology, so "coming on as the second division for Next-Gen C2 was a natural fit for us," Barholomees said.
As the two divisions continue their work, the Army is working to break through bureaucracy and improve its partnerships with industry. "Something we've tended to do in the past is making ourselves a unique customer," Welch said. The Army would "overspecify the detail" and how a piece of technology or equipment should be made, he said.
There also were too many layers to the process, and leaders did not spend any or enough time getting critical feedback from soldiers, he said.
For Ellis and Bartholomees, prototyping new equipment and technology is "a series of 3-foot walls," Ellis said. "We've identified that the best way to do this is to place industry with soldiers and iterate, but with iteration there are small incremental steps to get there," Bartholomees said. "The biggest problem is not recognizing there's a problem, but changing the culture of changing everyone's thought process."
As the Army continues refining Next-Gen C2, the panelists said they look forward to continuing to work closely with industry. Next-Gen C2 is the Army's "leading edge," Welch said. "It's all about moving at speed," he said. "We look forward to continuing to work closely with you to deliver this capability to our soldiers as quickly as we can."
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Original text here: https://www.ausa.org/news/next-gen-c2-leading-edge-army-transformation
Missouri Chamber maintains its opposition to legalizing video lottery machines
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, April 2 [Category: Business] -- The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry posted the following news:
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Missouri Chamber maintains its opposition to legalizing video lottery machines
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The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is once again raising concerns about legislation that would retroactively legalize video lottery terminal (VLT) gaming machines. VLTs are also known as "gray games" because the machines currently operate outside the law.
This week, the Senate Select Committee on Gaming held a public hearing on HB 2989. The bill would legalize VLTs
... Show Full Article
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, April 2 [Category: Business] -- The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry posted the following news:
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Missouri Chamber maintains its opposition to legalizing video lottery machines
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The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is once again raising concerns about legislation that would retroactively legalize video lottery terminal (VLT) gaming machines. VLTs are also known as "gray games" because the machines currently operate outside the law.
This week, the Senate Select Committee on Gaming held a public hearing on HB 2989. The bill would legalize VLTsstatewide and require licenses for VLT manufacturers, retailers and operators.
The Missouri Chamber is opposed to this legislation because it would create an uneven playing field within the gaming industry and penalize law-abiding businesses that have invested significant resources to comply with Missouri's current regulatory framework.
"This bill is a structurally flawed expansion of gaming," said Jared Hankinson, vice president of government affairs for the Missouri Chamber. "It creates unequal regulation within the same industry, expands access to VLT machines in a way that creates risk for both employers and employees, and directly conflicts with ongoing law enforcement efforts to crack down on the illegal machines."
"This is not regulatory clarity," Hankinson continued. "This is retroactive legalization in direct conflict with ongoing law enforcement efforts to crack down on these illegal machines. That sends a dangerous signal to businesses that if you operate outside of the law for long enough, the law may be changed to accommodate you."
Hankinson also referred to the public safety risks associated with convenience-based gambling. Placed in gas stations, bars and neighborhood businesses, VLTs prey on casual gamblers and increase addiction risks.
These concerns align with findings from the Missouri Chamber Foundation's Safer Missouri, Stronger Missouri report, which emphasizes the importance of addressing substance misuse and mental health challenges - both of which affect crime rates, workforce participation and community stability.
For more information, contact Hankinson at jhankinson@mochamber.com or (573) 634-3511.
Topics:
Chamber & Capitol News | Missouri Chamber of Commerce
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Original text here: https://mochamber.com/news-archive/missouri-chamber-maintains-its-opposition-to-legalizing-video-lottery-machines/
Illinois Reaches B20 Milestone, Strengthening Farm Economy and Expanding Biodiesel Use
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, April 2 -- Clean Fuels Alliance America issued the following news release:
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Illinois Reaches B20 Milestone, Strengthening Farm Economy and Expanding Biodiesel Use
Clean Fuels Alliance America applauds Illinois' move to a B20 biodiesel blend requirement, a major milestone in the state's nation-leading efforts to expand the use of cleaner, domestically produced fuels.
Effective April 1, the minimum biodiesel blend required to qualify for Illinois' state sales tax exemption increases from B17 to B20, representing the final phase of landmark bipartisan legislation
... Show Full Article
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, April 2 -- Clean Fuels Alliance America issued the following news release:
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Illinois Reaches B20 Milestone, Strengthening Farm Economy and Expanding Biodiesel Use
Clean Fuels Alliance America applauds Illinois' move to a B20 biodiesel blend requirement, a major milestone in the state's nation-leading efforts to expand the use of cleaner, domestically produced fuels.
Effective April 1, the minimum biodiesel blend required to qualify for Illinois' state sales tax exemption increases from B17 to B20, representing the final phase of landmark bipartisan legislationpassed in 2022. The policy exempts qualifying biodiesel blends from the state's 6.25% sales tax, creating a powerful market incentive to drive adoption.
"This is a clear example of how smart, consistent state policy can accelerate clean fuel use while delivering real economic benefits," said Jeff Earl, Director of State Governmental Affairs at Clean Fuels. "Illinois has created a model that supports farmers, strengthens fuel markets and improves air quality all at the same time."
According to the GlobalData study Economic Impact of Biodiesel on the U.S. Economy 2024, the biodiesel industry generates $3.2 billion in annual economic activity in Illinois and supports 8,100 jobs across the state. Increased adoption of higher biodiesel blends is expected to further strengthen these economic benefits.
The legislation was spearheaded and guided through the legislative process by the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA), with support from Clean Fuels and several of its member companies. The policy underscores the critical role of soybean growers and the broader agricultural sector in advancing low-carbon fuel solutions.
"Illinois' leadership demonstrates what's possible when policymakers, farmers and industry work together," Earl added. "This B20 milestone is not just a win for clean fuels; it's a win for rural communities, the environment and energy security."
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ABOUT CLEAN FUELS ALLIANCE AMERICA
Made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil, and animal fats, the clean fuels industry is a proven, integral part of America's clean energy future. Clean Fuels Alliance America is the U.S. trade association representing the entire biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel supply chain, including producers, feedstock suppliers and fuel distributors. Clean Fuels receives funding from a broad mix of private companies and associations, including the United Soybean Board and state checkoff organizations.
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Original text here: https://cleanfuels.org/illinois-reaches-b20-milestone-strengthening-farm-economy-and-expanding-biodiesel-use/
[Category: Energy]
ICBA Opposes OCC Approval of Coinbase's National Trust Bank Charter Application
WASHINGTON, April 2 [Category: Financial Services] -- The Independent Community Bankers of America posted the following news release:
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ICBA Opposes OCC Approval of Coinbase's National Trust Bank Charter Application
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The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today expressed opposition to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's conditional approval opens in a new tab of Coinbase's application for a national trust bank charter for its subsidiary, Coinbase National Trust Co.
"Today's conditional approval of Coinbase's trust charter application is a grave mistake that
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 2 [Category: Financial Services] -- The Independent Community Bankers of America posted the following news release:
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ICBA Opposes OCC Approval of Coinbase's National Trust Bank Charter Application
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The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today expressed opposition to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's conditional approval opens in a new tab of Coinbase's application for a national trust bank charter for its subsidiary, Coinbase National Trust Co.
"Today's conditional approval of Coinbase's trust charter application is a grave mistake thatwill only serve to put U.S. consumers at risk," ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. "As ICBA detailed in our letter to the OCC opposing Coinbase's effort to procure a national trust charter, its application fails to meet requirements of the National Bank Act and the OCC's own regulations and standards. We also continue to have significant concerns with the OCC's chartering rule for national trust banks, which is inconsistent with its statutory authority laid out in legislative history, judicial interpretations, and the agency's own internal precedent."
In its letter to the OCC opens in a new tab on Coinbase's application, ICBA noted significant deficiencies with the application, including flawed risk and control functions, profitability challenges, and resolution risks.
More broadly, ICBA has repeatedly said in letters to the OCC that the agency lacks statutory authority to expand non-fiduciary trust powers and that the sudden influx of applications demonstrates nonbank entities are seeking the benefits of a U.S. bank charter without satisfying the full scope of U.S. bank regulations -threatening consumers and the financial system.
In a recent comment letter opens in a new tab on the agency's final rule on national trust bank chartering, ICBA said the OCC's plan to charter uninsured national trust banks that engage in non-fiduciary cryptocurrency-related activities without being subject to the Bank Holding Company Act and other prudential requirements that apply to FDIC-insured institutions poses critical public policy concerns for consumers and the stability of the financial services sector. In the letter, ICBA reiterated its call for the OCC to withdraw the rule or reissue an amended proposal consistent with its own statutory authority.
ICBA looks forward to continued engagement with policymakers on these issues to ensure strong, clear, and consistent oversight of the financial services sector.
About ICBA
The Independent Community Bankers of America(r) has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation's community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation.
As local and trusted sources of credit, America's community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers' financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA's website at icba.org.
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Original text here: https://www.icba.org/w/icba-opposes-occ-approval-of-coinbase-s-national-trust-bank-charter-application
HARDI Distributors Report 4.6% Revenue Increase in February
COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 2 -- The Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International issued the following news release:
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HARDI Distributors Report 4.6% Revenue Increase in February
Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) released its monthly TRENDS report, showing sales by HARDI distributors increased by 4.6% during February 2026.
The annual sales growth for the 12 months through February 2026 is an increase of 2.4%.
"4.6% sales growth was a welcome sight after low single digit sales declines during December and January," said Brian
... Show Full Article
COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 2 -- The Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International issued the following news release:
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HARDI Distributors Report 4.6% Revenue Increase in February
Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) released its monthly TRENDS report, showing sales by HARDI distributors increased by 4.6% during February 2026.
The annual sales growth for the 12 months through February 2026 is an increase of 2.4%.
"4.6% sales growth was a welcome sight after low single digit sales declines during December and January," said BrianLoftus, Macroeconomic and Residential Market Analyst at HARDI. "January and February have not been good indicators of the year ahead because they are low volume, seasonally insignificant months of the year."
The monthly sales survey also calculates distributor's Days Sales Outstanding which is a measure of how quickly customers pay their bills. The DSO for February was near 38 days like last February. "The modest annual sales growth may be a concern, but customer's paying their bills without delay indicate the market challenges are contained."
"Distributors had to accumulate extra inventory to accommodate the A2L transition. That was evident last spring when the sales-to-inventory ratio dipped below four-times," said Loftus. "It is tough to work-off inventory in these low volume months, but baseball season has started, so cooling season is almost here. The warmer temps will help trim the remaining excess inventory."
HARDI members do not receive financial compensation in exchange for their monthly sales data and can discontinue their participation without prior notice or penalty. Participation is voluntary, and the depth of market coverage varies from region to region. An independent entity collects and compiles the data that can include products not directly associated with the HVACR industry.
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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/hardi-distributors-report-4-6-revenue-increase-in-february
[Category: Air Conditioning/Refrigeration]
Core ALA Annual Preconference: Latest and Greatest - Merchandise Mart and Fulton Market Tours
CHICAGO, Illinois, April 2 [Category: Libraries] -- The American Library Association posted the following news release:
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Core ALA Annual Preconference: Latest and Greatest - Merchandise Mart and Fulton Market Tours
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Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures will host the full-day tour " Latest and Greatest - Merchandise Mart and Fulton Market Tours " on Friday, June 26, 2026, during the 2026 ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition in Chicago, IL. Whether you're actively planning a project or simply passionate about furniture and design, this tour is designed for you. Join the LIFE Committee
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, April 2 [Category: Libraries] -- The American Library Association posted the following news release:
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Core ALA Annual Preconference: Latest and Greatest - Merchandise Mart and Fulton Market Tours
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Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures will host the full-day tour " Latest and Greatest - Merchandise Mart and Fulton Market Tours " on Friday, June 26, 2026, during the 2026 ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition in Chicago, IL. Whether you're actively planning a project or simply passionate about furniture and design, this tour is designed for you. Join the LIFE Committeefor an immersive exploration of 4-5 showrooms at the Merchandise Mart, followed by visits to three additional showrooms in Chicago's Fulton Market district. The tour will include lunch and guided tours of the Agati and Furniture Lab showrooms.
Latest and Greatest - Merchandise Mart and Fulton Market Tours
Registration
Core Member Discount: Early/Advance: $179 | Standard: $229
ALA Member: Early/Advance: $209 | Standard: $259
Non-Member: Early/Advance: $229 | Standard: $279
View the complete schedule of the 2026 Core Annual preconferences, programs, and events.
For questions or comments related to Core continuing education events, please contact Core CE staff at corece@ala.org.
About Core
Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures is the national association that advances the profession of librarians and information providers in central roles of leadership and management, collections and technical services, and technology. Our mission is to cultivate and amplify the collective expertise of library workers in core functions through community building, advocacy, and learning. Core is a division of the American Library Association. Follow us on our Blog, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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Original text here: https://www.ala.org/news/2026/04/core-ala-annual-preconference-latest-and-greatest-merchandise-mart-and-fulton-market
BSA Welcomes American AI Exports Program
WASHINGTON, April 2 -- The Business Software Alliance issued the following news release on April 1, 2026:
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BSA Welcomes American AI Exports Program
BSA Senior Vice President, US Government Relations, Craig Albright issued the following statement following the inaugural call for proposals for the American AI Exports Program:
"The Business Software Alliance (BSA) welcomes the US Department of Commerce's work to move the worthy ambitions of the American AI Exports Program into action. The program helps further AI adoption around the world and underscores the Administration's focus on expanding
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 2 -- The Business Software Alliance issued the following news release on April 1, 2026:
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BSA Welcomes American AI Exports Program
BSA Senior Vice President, US Government Relations, Craig Albright issued the following statement following the inaugural call for proposals for the American AI Exports Program:
"The Business Software Alliance (BSA) welcomes the US Department of Commerce's work to move the worthy ambitions of the American AI Exports Program into action. The program helps further AI adoption around the world and underscores the Administration's focus on expandingthe global deployment of trusted and secure American AI technologies.
American leadership in AI depends not only on innovation at home, but on the ability to deploy full-stack solutions with partners and allies around the world. BSA member companies play a central role in delivering the end-to-end technology systems that bring AI to life across sectors.
We look forward to working with the Administration to help ensure this program succeeds. That includes enabling broad participation from technology leaders and supporting policies to promote AI adoption at scale and around the world."
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ABOUT BSA
The Business Software Alliance (www.bsa.org) is the global trade association of the enterprise software industry, representing companies that are leaders in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, quantum, and other breakthrough technologies. We work in over 20 markets in the US, Europe, and Asia, advocating for policies that build trust in technology so that every industry sector and the public can benefit from innovation.
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Original text here: https://www.bsa.org/news-events/news/bsa-welcomes-american-ai-exports-program
[Category: Business]
