Trade Associations
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from national and international trade associations influencing the debate on federal policies.
Featured Stories
United Fresh Start Foundation Hosts 2020 FreshStart Conference
WASHINGTON, Aug. 23 -- The United Fresh Start Foundation issued the following news release:
The FreshStart Conference, the United Fresh Start Foundation's annual conference, golf tournament and gala dinner bringing the industry together to increase fresh produce access for kids and families, will once again feature a silent and live auction benefitting the foundation, as well as a General Session and Workshops focused on how the fresh produce industry can increase children's access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and find new business opportunities to serve kids and families.
The conference also
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 23 -- The United Fresh Start Foundation issued the following news release:
The FreshStart Conference, the United Fresh Start Foundation's annual conference, golf tournament and gala dinner bringing the industry together to increase fresh produce access for kids and families, will once again feature a silent and live auction benefitting the foundation, as well as a General Session and Workshops focused on how the fresh produce industry can increase children's access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and find new business opportunities to serve kids and families.
The conference alsowill include United Fresh's traditional volunteer leader meetings, and the annual Gala Dinner will recognize the recipient of United Fresh's 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award. The FreshStart Conference will take place January 14-16, 2020, at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, AZ.
"The FreshStart Conference is an opportunity to empower our industry, and focus attention on new and creative ways of cultivating the next generation of produce consumers," said Phil Muir, President & CEO, Muir Copper Canyon Farms, and Chairman of the United Fresh Start Foundation Board of Trustees. "This year, I'm excited for attendees to experience a packed lineup of engaging events, networking with colleagues, and the opportunity to come together for a worthwhile cause."
In past years, the auction and golf tournament have raised over $100,000 each year to support the United Fresh Start Foundation's mission of increasing children's access to fresh fruits and vegetables. The foundation continues to lead a national movement that's providing salad bars to schools, supporting school nutrition leaders as they provide a variety of fruit and vegetable choices for students, and partnering with like-minded stakeholders to provide children with fresh produce after school, on weekends and during the summertime.
"I'm looking forward to this year's FreshStart Conference as a way to get the industry thinking about what we can all do, both personally and professionally, to grow opportunities for kids to enjoy the healthiest foods on the planet, fresh fruits and vegetables," said Greg Corrigan, CEO, United Vegetable Growers Cooperative, and United Fresh Chairman of the Board. "This year's event will be at a beautiful, sunny location, and we invite the industry and our volunteer leaders to join us in supporting a great cause while we kick off the new year together!"
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About United Fresh Start Foundation
The United Fresh Start Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization focused exclusively on increasing children's access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Affiliated with the United Fresh Produce Association, the Foundation is committed to helping today's kids achieve the public health goal to make half their plate fruits and vegetables to live longer, healthier lives. The Foundation works to create an environment in which kids have easy access to high-quality, great-tasting and affordable fresh fruits and vegetables, whenever and wherever they are choosing snacks or a meal. More information at: http://www.unitedfreshstart.org.
[Category: Agriculture]
Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention Commits to Support Dental Infection Control Awareness Month in September 2019
ATLANTA, Georgia, Aug. 23 -- The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention issued the following news release:
The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) is ramping up its efforts to support Dental Infection Control Awareness Month (DICAM) in September. DICAM is an annual observance of The Safest Dental Visit(TM) to help clinicians and infection control coordinators promote a safe and professional environment, encourage patient dialogue, attract new patients, and enhance the overall image of their practice.
"The goal of DICAM is to truly Take Safety Viral," states Michelle
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ATLANTA, Georgia, Aug. 23 -- The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention issued the following news release:
The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) is ramping up its efforts to support Dental Infection Control Awareness Month (DICAM) in September. DICAM is an annual observance of The Safest Dental Visit(TM) to help clinicians and infection control coordinators promote a safe and professional environment, encourage patient dialogue, attract new patients, and enhance the overall image of their practice.
"The goal of DICAM is to truly Take Safety Viral," states MichelleLee, CPC, Executive Director of OSAP. "During DICAM 2019, we are giving participants access to free resources, most of which are usually reserved as a member-only benefit. These resources range from checklists, frequently asked questions and answers, scripts, to whitepapers. While the materials are available throughout the month of September, the information OSAP is providing can be used year-round to ensure that every dental visit is a safe one."
Support materials and resources for DICAM will be available on the OSAP website at OSAP.org/DICAM starting September 1 for members and nonmembers. Each week will have a different infection control focus:
* Week One: Hand Hygiene
* Week Two: Dental Unit Waterlines
* Week Three: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
* Week Four: Instrument Sterilization
"We are encouraging everyone in the dental industry to participate," Lee continued. "Our hope is to see dental practices, educators, consultants, and those in the dental trade posting infection control best practices, success stories, or selfies on social media and joining the conversation using the hashtag #DICAM19. There are so many in the industry that are doing great things and keeping their patients safe. We want to hear about them all so we can come together, as a community, and continue to build up the importance of dental infection control."
To encourage social media posts, OSAP will provide suggested messaging and images that can be used throughout the month.
Dental practitioners, including infection control coordinators, the dental trade, educators, consultants and other interested parties are encouraged to visit http://www.osap.org to join OSAP and to stay up-to-date on the latest resources and educational opportunities to help ensure The Safest Dental Visit(TM)all year long.
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About OSAP
The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) is a growing community of clinicians, educators, consultants, researchers, and industry representatives who advocate for safe and infection-free delivery of oral healthcare. OSAP focuses on strategies to improve compliance with safe practices and on building a strong network of recognized infection control experts. OSAP offers an extensive online collection of resources, publications, FAQs, checklists, and toolkits that help dental professionals deliver the Safest Dental Visit(TM) for their patients. Plus, online and live courses help advance the level of knowledge and skill for every member of the dental team. For additional information, visit osap.org.
[Category: Health Care]
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials Supports Pioneering Sustainability Initiative at WorldSkills Kazan 2019
KAZAN, Russia, Aug. 23 -- The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials issued the following news release:
IAPMO, a WorldSkills Global Industry Partner, is excited to support a new social sustainability initiative at WorldSkills Kazan 2019. For the first time in the history of the WorldSkills Plumbing and Heating competition, this year's event will result in the delivery and installation of three new toilet and washroom facilities for the children of the Derbyshkinskiy Orphanage in Kazan.
Traditionally a four-day showcase, the Plumbing and Heating competition this year will
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KAZAN, Russia, Aug. 23 -- The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials issued the following news release:
IAPMO, a WorldSkills Global Industry Partner, is excited to support a new social sustainability initiative at WorldSkills Kazan 2019. For the first time in the history of the WorldSkills Plumbing and Heating competition, this year's event will result in the delivery and installation of three new toilet and washroom facilities for the children of the Derbyshkinskiy Orphanage in Kazan.
Traditionally a four-day showcase, the Plumbing and Heating competition this year willinstead run for three days, from Friday to Sunday. On Monday, IAPMO will direct a special collaborative Team Project, which will not be assessed.
In this team project, all international competitors and experts will work together to assemble a series of prefabricated TECEsystem sanitary wall plumbing systems. These assemblies will reuse and repurpose the equipment and materials used in the main, assessed competition Test Project of the three previous days.
These assemblies will be transported from Kazan Expo to Derbyshkinskiy Orphanage, where they will serve as new toilet and washroom facilities for the young residents.
The Ministry of Construction, Architecture, Housing and Communal Services of the Republic of Tatarstan nominated and selected the orphanage for this project. Built in 1976, today it is home to 176 special-needs children, who are supported by 171 staff and caregivers.
Speaking at the opening session of the WorldSkills General Assembly, IAPMO International Program Director Sean Kearney said the Plumbing and Heating competition at WorldSkills Kazan 2019 "is going to be very different from anything we have done before!"
"Planning for this initiative started over two years ago," he said. "Several months before WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 a group connected to the WorldSkills Plumbing and Heating competition began talking about how we could create a truly sustainable Plumbing and Heating Test Project for WorldSkills Kazan. We wanted a project that could be designed together with a local community partner before the event, built together as a team during the event, and handed over to the same local community partner after the event. We wanted the project to raise awareness of public health and hygiene, by improving water supply and sanitary conditions. And we wanted the project to demonstrate that plumbing and heating skills can change lives."
[Category: Facilities Management]
Chicago Zoological Society: Register for Brookfield Zoo's Annual ZooRunRun
BROOKFIELD, Illinois, Aug. 23 -- The Chicago Zoological Society issued the following news release:
Whether you're fast like a falcon or steady like a sea lion, on Sunday, September 8, you can help wildlife around the world by participating in Brookfield Zoo's annual ZooRunRun that benefits the Chicago Zoological Society's Animal Care and Conservation Fund.
Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to participate in the 5K race presented by Aquafina and Gatorade and sponsored by DuPage Medical Group. Family and friends of participants will receive free zoo admission to cheer on their favorite
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BROOKFIELD, Illinois, Aug. 23 -- The Chicago Zoological Society issued the following news release:
Whether you're fast like a falcon or steady like a sea lion, on Sunday, September 8, you can help wildlife around the world by participating in Brookfield Zoo's annual ZooRunRun that benefits the Chicago Zoological Society's Animal Care and Conservation Fund.
Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to participate in the 5K race presented by Aquafina and Gatorade and sponsored by DuPage Medical Group. Family and friends of participants will receive free zoo admission to cheer on their favoriterunner and then can stay to enjoy the zoo after the race.
The 5K chip-timed race begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. Youngsters, who are four to 13 years old, are invited to participate in the 1-mile Kids' Dash that starts at 9:30 a.m. Both races commence in the Discovery Center parking lot and take participants though the zoo and past a number of animal habitats on a wildlife-inspired course.
DuPage Medical Group Physical Therapists will be onsite the day of the race, offering post-race stretching and recovery tips for 5k participants.
Registration for the 5k is $35.00 (price increases to $45.00 on September 6) plus a minimal sign-up fee and includes a moisture- wicking t-shirt featuring the 2019 ZooRunRun logo and a timed-bib. The fee for the 1-mile Kids' Dash is $20 plus a minimal sign-up fee. Kids receive a t-shirt featuring the 2019 ZooRunRun logo and a timed-bib. To register, go to CZS.org/ZooRunRun.
Awards will be presented at 10:00 a.m. to the first-, second-, and third-place male and female runners in the 5k as well as the top three participants in the 1-mile Kids' Dash.
Early packet pickup will be available in Brookfield Zoo's north parking lot, located at 8400 31st Street in Brookfield, on Friday, September 6, between noon and 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, September 7, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Sunday, September 8, between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. prior to the start of the race.
On race day, participants must enter the zoo via the North Gate any time after 6:30 a.m., and proceed to the Discovery Center parking lot to line up for the start of the race. Please note, participants will not be able to access the Discovery Center parking lot by vehicle.
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About the Chicago Zoological Society
The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society is to inspire conservation leadership by engaging people and communities with wildlife and nature. The Chicago Zoological Society is a private nonprofit organization that operates Brookfield Zoo on land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County. The Society is known throughout the world for its international role in animal population management and wildlife conservation. Its Center for the Science of Animal Care and Welfare is at the forefront of animal care that strives to discover and implement innovative approaches to zoo animal management. Brookfield Zoo is the first zoo in the world to be awarded the Humane Certified(TM) certification mark for the care and welfare of its animals, meeting American Humane Association's rigorous certification standards. Open every day of the year, the zoo is located at 8400 31st Street in Brookfield, Illinois, between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and also is accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA and PACE bus service. For further information, visit CZS.org.
[Category: Science]
American Occupational Therapy Association Launches Interstate Licensure Compact Initiative
BETHESDA, Maryland, Aug. 23 -- The American Occupational Therapy Association issued the following news release:
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) has signed a multi-year contract with the Council of State Governments (CSG) National Center for Interstate Compacts to create an interstate professional licensing compact for occupational therapy. The initiative will improve consumer access to occupational therapy and enhance the exchange of licensure, investigatory, and disciplinary information among states. The goal is to begin state participation by 2024.
"An interstate licensure
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BETHESDA, Maryland, Aug. 23 -- The American Occupational Therapy Association issued the following news release:
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) has signed a multi-year contract with the Council of State Governments (CSG) National Center for Interstate Compacts to create an interstate professional licensing compact for occupational therapy. The initiative will improve consumer access to occupational therapy and enhance the exchange of licensure, investigatory, and disciplinary information among states. The goal is to begin state participation by 2024.
"An interstate licensurecompact will benefit consumers, states, and the profession of occupational therapy," said Chuck Willmarth, AOTA Associate Chief Officer, Health Policy and State Affairs. "For example, it will improve job mobility for spouses of relocating military families or practitioners working for travel therapy companies. It will also improve continuity of care for consumers. AOTA is pleased to be spearheading this important initiative."
Under the current system, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants must be licensed separately in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam. This creates an arduous process that limits opportunities, such as offering telehealth services to those in underserved communities in a different state. Similar to a driver's license, the interstate compact would allow occupational therapy practitioners to maintain licensure in their home state or territory while practicing in others. The Occupational Therapy Interstate Compact must be passed into law in each state where it will apply.
Founded in 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) represents the professional interests and concerns of more than 213,000 occupational therapists, assistants, and students nationwide. The Association educates the public and advances the profession of occupational therapy by providing resources, setting standards including accreditations, and serving as an advocate to improve health care. Based in Bethesda, Md., AOTA's major programs and activities are directed toward promoting the professional development of its members and assuring consumer access to quality services so patients can maximize their individual potential.
[Category: Medical]
American Iron and Steel Institute: Steel Imports Down 11 Percent Year-to-Date Through July
WASHINGTON, Aug. 23 -- The American Iron and Steel Institute issued the following news:
Based on preliminary Census Bureau data, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported today that the U.S. imported a total of 3,028,000 net tons (NT) of steel in July 2019, including 1,843,000 net tons (NT) of finished steel (up 48.3% and 6.6%, respectively, vs. June final data). Through the first seven months of 2019, total and finished steel imports are 18,666,000 and 13,536,000 net tons (NT), down 10.6% and 16.4%, respectively, vs. the same period in 2018. Annualized total and finished steel imports
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 23 -- The American Iron and Steel Institute issued the following news:
Based on preliminary Census Bureau data, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported today that the U.S. imported a total of 3,028,000 net tons (NT) of steel in July 2019, including 1,843,000 net tons (NT) of finished steel (up 48.3% and 6.6%, respectively, vs. June final data). Through the first seven months of 2019, total and finished steel imports are 18,666,000 and 13,536,000 net tons (NT), down 10.6% and 16.4%, respectively, vs. the same period in 2018. Annualized total and finished steel importsin 2019 would be 32.0 and 23.2 million NT, down 5.1% and 9.7%, respectively, vs. 2018.
Finished steel import market share was an estimated 19% in July and is estimated at 21% over the first seven months of 2019.
Key finished steel products with a significant import increase in July compared to June were cut lengths plates (up 55%), line pipe (up 29%), hot rolled bars (up 24%), plates in coils (up 23%), standard pipe (up 21%), hot rolled sheets (up 19%), sheets and strip hot dipped galvanized (18%), wire rods (up 16%), mechanical tubing (up 16%), sheets and strip all other metallic coatings (up 11%), and heavy structural shapes (up 10%).
View the full statistical report here (https://www.steel.org/-/media/doc/steel/news/imp1907.ashx?la=en&hash=FE782BA3C15EEF9CD58820BF4044BB3C7382A973)
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AISI serves as the voice of the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI also plays a lead role in the development and application of new steels and steelmaking technology. AISI is comprised of 18 member companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and approximately 120 associate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry. For more news about steel and its applications, view AISI's website at http://www.steel.org. Follow AISI on Facebook or Twitter (@AISISteel).
[Category: Steel]
American Bankruptcy Institute: President Signs Small Business Reorganization Act Into Law
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Aug. 23 -- The American Bankruptcy Institute issued the following news release:
President Donald J. Trump today signed the "Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019" (SBRA; H.R. 3311) into law. The bipartisan legislation, which ABI testified in support of in June, passed the House in late July and the Senate on August 1. The law will take effect in February 2020.
"SBRA ensures that small businesses will be able to reorganize and rehabilitate their financial affairs effectively under the Bankruptcy Code," said ABI Executive Director Samuel J. Gerdano. "ABI commends the Congress
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ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Aug. 23 -- The American Bankruptcy Institute issued the following news release:
President Donald J. Trump today signed the "Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019" (SBRA; H.R. 3311) into law. The bipartisan legislation, which ABI testified in support of in June, passed the House in late July and the Senate on August 1. The law will take effect in February 2020.
"SBRA ensures that small businesses will be able to reorganize and rehabilitate their financial affairs effectively under the Bankruptcy Code," said ABI Executive Director Samuel J. Gerdano. "ABI commends the Congressfor developing this important and bipartisan bill."
SBRA would add a new subchapter V to chapter 11, providing a better path for small businesses to successfully restructure, reduce liquidations, save jobs and increase recoveries to creditors while recognizing the value provided by the entrepreneur. It adopts the current definition of a "small business debtor" as a person in commercial or business activity with aggregate or noncontingent liquidated secured and unsecured debts as of its bankruptcy filing date of not more than $2,725,625. It is estimated that about half the chapter 11 cases filed today could qualify for subchapter V treatment. Introduced on June 18 by Reps. Ben Cline (R-Va.), David Cicilline (D-R.I.), Doug Collins (R-Ga.) and Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), the SBRA is inspired by the work of the National Bankruptcy Conference and ABI's Commission to Study the Reform of Chapter 11. A bipartisan companion bill (S. 1091) was introduced on April 9 in the Senate by Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa).
"With proper planning and execution, the Small Business Reorganization Act enables financially troubled small businesses to emerge from bankruptcy within months following a court-approved plan of reorganization," Gerdano said.
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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 11,000 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 http://www.abiworld.org. For additional conference information, visit http://www.abi.org/calendar-of-events.
[Category: Financial Services]
