Featured Stories
We're Hiring - Membership engagement manager
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Oct. 16 [Category: Business] -- The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry posted the following news:
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We're Hiring - Membership engagement manager
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Location: Jefferson City, Mo.
Position type: Full time
To apply: Submit your resume to Brian Crouse at bcrouse@mochamber.com.
About the job:
The membership engagement manager is responsible for strengthening member relationships, increasing engagement, improving retention and growing the value of membership investments in the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
This position serves as a primary relationship
... Show Full Article
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Oct. 16 [Category: Business] -- The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry posted the following news:
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We're Hiring - Membership engagement manager
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Location: Jefferson City, Mo.
Position type: Full time
To apply: Submit your resume to Brian Crouse at bcrouse@mochamber.com.
About the job:
The membership engagement manager is responsible for strengthening member relationships, increasing engagement, improving retention and growing the value of membership investments in the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
This position serves as a primary relationshipmanager for existing members and ensures members understand, utilize and recognize the value of their Missouri Chamber investment. The manager develops and executes a comprehensive annual retention and engagement strategy, proactively identifies members at risk of cancellation, increases participation in Missouri Chamber programs and events and identifies opportunities for membership upgrades.
Responsibilities:
* Develop and execute an annual member retention strategy designed to achieve a 90% or greater annual retention rate.
* Proactively engage members throughout the year utilizing the various means, resources and processes developed to achieve results.
* Serve as liaison for members during their visits to the newly remodeled Missouri Chamber headquarters beginning in the fall of 2027.
* Identify at-risk members based on investment level, engagement, industry, geography, payment history and other relevant indicators.
* Maintain consistent relationships with members through phone calls, emails and virtual meetings.
* Conduct exit interviews with non-renewing members to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
* Review accounts receivable reports monthly and document appropriate retention and collection follow-up.
* Execute engagement strategies for small, mid-size, large, high-investment and long-term members.
* Develop quarterly engagement themes aligned with Missouri Chamber priorities, including workforce, public policy, leadership and economic competitiveness.
* Develop and execute strategies to increase the value of existing membership investments, including foundation donations, sponsorship and other opportunities.
* Help increase participation in key Missouri Chamber events, including Capitol Insight, Chamber Day at the Capitol and the Missouri Chamber Annual Awards Gala.
* Develop personalized engagement strategies for high-investment and long-term members.
* Make recommendations for early renewal, automatic payment or other strategies to improve retention.
* Coordinate onboarding for new members to ensure they feel welcomed and engaged in the mission of driving the state's business community forward.
What does success look like in this role?
Success in this position will be measured through member retention, consistent outreach and stewardship, event engagement, timely follow-up, accurate CRM documentation and growth in membership investment. The membership engagement manager will help execute a retention strategy designed to achieve a 90% or greater annual retention rate with an average per member investment increase of 4% annually.
Who are we looking for?
* A natural relationship-builder with strong interpersonal and communication skills
* A self-starter who can proactively perform member outreach and follow-through
* Someone with proven success in sales, business development or membership recruitment
* A polished presenter with strong negotiation and closing abilities
* A professional who thrives in a business environment with clear performance goals and measurable outcomes
* Someone with experience using CRM systems, Microsoft Office and AI tools
* An individual with a strong willingness to collaborate across teams
* Someone who understands the value of a statewide business advocacy organization
Why join the Missouri Chamber team?
* Work in a mission-focused, collaborative and high-energy environment
* Enjoy opportunities for professional growth and development
* Build relationships with business leaders and professionals who drive economic progress statewide
* Have a direct hand in strengthening Missouri's business climate
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Original text here: https://mochamber.com/news-archive/were-hiring-membership-engagement-manager/
U.S. Chamber Congratulates Next American Trucking Association President and CEO
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 [Category: Business] -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce posted the following news release:
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U.S. Chamber Congratulates Next American Trucking Association President and CEO
October 15, 2026
WASHINGTON - Suzanne P. Clark, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, today issued the following statement on the appointment of Mark Colson as President and CEO of the American Trucking Association.
"The U.S. Chamber congratulates Mark Colson on his appointment as the next leader of the American Trucking Association, which plays a vital role in representing an industry
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 [Category: Business] -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce posted the following news release:
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U.S. Chamber Congratulates Next American Trucking Association President and CEO
October 15, 2026
WASHINGTON - Suzanne P. Clark, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, today issued the following statement on the appointment of Mark Colson as President and CEO of the American Trucking Association.
"The U.S. Chamber congratulates Mark Colson on his appointment as the next leader of the American Trucking Association, which plays a vital role in representing an industrycritical to the American economy. Mark is an experienced business and trucking association leader who will be taking the reins at a critical time for the industry. We look forward to working with him on our many shared priorities."
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Original text here: https://www.uschamber.com/infrastructure/u-s-chamber-congratulates-next-american-trucking-association-president-and-ceo
Tips for Consumers to Get Fair Treatment from Insurance Companies After Hurricane Isaias
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 [Category: Consumer Services] -- The Consumer Federation of America posted the following news release:
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Tips for Consumers to Get Fair Treatment from Insurance Companies After Hurricane Isaias
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and United Policyholders (UP) shared tips and resources to help consumers get their wind and flood insurance claims paid quickly, fully, and fairly in the wake of Hurricane Isaias. Initial estimates indicate that the storm resulted in about $1 to 2 billion in insured losses, primarily related to wind damage.
Insurance
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 [Category: Consumer Services] -- The Consumer Federation of America posted the following news release:
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Tips for Consumers to Get Fair Treatment from Insurance Companies After Hurricane Isaias
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and United Policyholders (UP) shared tips and resources to help consumers get their wind and flood insurance claims paid quickly, fully, and fairly in the wake of Hurricane Isaias. Initial estimates indicate that the storm resulted in about $1 to 2 billion in insured losses, primarily related to wind damage.
Insurancecompanies are legally obligated to fairly investigate and value damage and pay claims promptly and in full. Policy fine print, limits and deductibles are confusing to the average consumer, but the law requires insurance companies to meet the reasonable expectations of the policyholders who have paid premiums in return for protection.
According to hurricane claim reporting data and documents that are surfacing in lawsuits across the country, insurers are increasingly closing claims without making any payments and using biased experts to justify those denials. Consumer advocates are urging state insurance commissioners to carefully scrutinize insurance companies' hurricane claim handling and take necessary actions to reverse these trends. Hurricanes bring damaging winds, not just flooding, so when insurers deny claims on the basis that excluded flooding was the cause, it's critical that regulators examine those files to make sure there was a balanced investigation into the cause.
"In the aftermath of Hurricane Isaias, it is essential that insurance companies make timely and full claim payments and that regulators are there to make sure companies don't make policyholders fight for their fair claim," said Douglas Heller, CFA's Director of Insurance. "People pay thousands of dollars a year for coverage they hope never to need, but when disaster strikes, they count on these companies to come through. Too often, though, they come up short."
"If your home or business has been damaged or destroyed, take photos of the damage, get complete copies of your home, auto, and flood policies, keep a record of all conservations with insurance company representatives and repair professionals and be pro-active in getting independent assessments of damage and what it's going to cost to restore their properties," said Amy Bach, Executive Director of United Policyholders. "If you are being treated unfairly, speak up! You have rights and help is available."
United Policyholders offers free guidance, tools and resources for hurricane-impacted insurance consumers at www.uphelp.org.
Insured consumers with damaged homes or businesses should take the following steps:
* * Contact your insurance company and report your claim as quickly as possible. Depending on what caused the damage to your home, your claim may be covered by homeowners insurance, flood insurance, or both.
* Document the damage in photos and videos as thoroughly as possible, but only to the extent it is safe to do so. Try to keep damaged items or possessions from being removed before they have been photo documented.
* Keep a daily journal and note every time you talk or interact with insurance company adjusters, repair professionals, and anyone else you are considering hiring. Note the name, date, and time of the contact.
* Keep receipts for every cost you incur. This includes hotel and food costs if you have to evacuate, any alternative living arrangements if you cannot return to your home, and any costs for making initial reports to your home to prevent further damage. This may be covered under your homeowners insurance policy or your private flood insurance policy. Temporary living expenses are not covered under National Flood Insurance Program policies.
* Check a professional's references and license status before you agree to hire or assign of your insurance benefits to them. Unfortunately, post-disaster scams are quite common. Local help is preferable but if it is not available, be careful and vet out-of-the-area profs before you sign anything.
* If you run into problems, contact your State Insurance Department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA, for flood insurance).
Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
850-413-3140
Consumer.Services@Myfloridacfo.com
File a complaint: https://assistcon.myfloridacfo.gov/en-US/
Alabama Department of Insurance
334-269-3550
ConsumerServices@insurance.alabama.gov
File a complaint: https://aldoi.gov/consumers/filecomplaint.aspx
Mississippi Department of Insurance
601-359-3569
consumer@mid.ms.gov
File a complaint: https://www.mid.ms.gov/mississippi-insurance-department/consumers/file-a-complaint/
For more information, contact:
Michael DeLong
Research and Advocacy Associate at the Consumer Federation of America
mdelong@consumerfed.org
925-708-1135
Amy Bach
Executive Director of United Policyholders
Amy.bach@uphelp.org
415-713-3048
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Original text here: https://consumerfed.org/news/press-releases/tips-for-consumers-to-get-fair-treatment-from-insurance-companies-after-hurricane-isaias/
Nuclear Energy Institute: Meeting Big Energy Demand on a Small Island
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 -- The Nuclear Energy Institute issued the following news:
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Meeting Big Energy Demand on a Small Island
Lucas Johnson
October 15, 2026
More and more countries across the globe are committed to achieving net zero emissions in the coming decades. However, some of those countries face geographic issues that prevent things like solar or wind power from working out. That's where nuclear comes in. Singapore imports nearly all of its natural gas. It has no wind, and its rooftops only generate enough solar power to meet less than 10% of national demand. For a country that
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 -- The Nuclear Energy Institute issued the following news:
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Meeting Big Energy Demand on a Small Island
Lucas Johnson
October 15, 2026
More and more countries across the globe are committed to achieving net zero emissions in the coming decades. However, some of those countries face geographic issues that prevent things like solar or wind power from working out. That's where nuclear comes in. Singapore imports nearly all of its natural gas. It has no wind, and its rooftops only generate enough solar power to meet less than 10% of national demand. For a country thathas committed to net zero by 2050, that math falls dangerously short.
In this episode, Jordan sits down with Low Xin Wei, CEO of Singapore's Nuclear Research and Safety Institute, to trace the full arc of that shift: why the country ruled nuclear out in 2012, what has changed in the years since, and what it genuinely takes to build a clean energy grid in one of the most land-scarce nations on Earth.
"For us, the important thing was that the global outlook on nuclear energy has also shifted. 2012 was just one year after Fukushima, and some refer to the current global renaissance. Countries with nuclear are scaling up, renewing their fleets. Non-nuclear countries like Singapore are seriously considering options."
Nuclear was never the obvious answer. But the emergence of energy security concerns alongside the advent of small modular reactors has moved it from fringe consideration to serious policy conversation. This is especially true because of their desire to decarbonize. Yet, some safety concerns still exist.
"Many of the SMRs were designed and contemplated precisely for Fukushima to address safety concerns such as passive safety features. And it did help many societies, including Japan itself, have the confidence to resume its own nuclear energy program. And this shows us how we should perhaps go about explaining the facts behind nuclear technology to the public."
Low Xin Wei also explained a little bit of the process for how Singapore and the IAEA will decide if and when the country will start to build a civilian nuclear program. In the next five to seven years, they're going to be participating in the IAEA's Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review to ensure that nuclear is a good option for Singapore.
"This IAEA Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review, we call it INIR for short, assesses whether a country's regulatory, safety, and technical foundations are ready for serious consideration of nuclear energy. I typically call it pre-marriage counseling! So, it really asks us whether we have really seriously and soberly considered all aspects of whether--of what adopting a nuclear power program entails for us."
To learn more about how Singapore is working to develop a civilian nuclear program, be sure to listen!
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Original text here: https://www.nei.org/news/fissionary-s6e8-low-xin-wei
[Category: Energy]
National Federation of Independent Business: Wyoming Small Businesses Endorse Rep. Harriet Hageman for Election to the U.S. Senate
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 [Category: Business] -- The National Federation of Independent Business issued the following news release:
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Wyoming Small Businesses Endorse Rep. Harriet Hageman for Election to the U.S. Senate
Hageman has a 100% NFIB voting record
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CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Oct. 15, 2026) - The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation's leading small business advocacy organization, endorsed Rep. Harriet Hageman for election to the U.S. Senate to represent Wyoming.
"On behalf of Wyoming small businesses, we are proud to endorse Congresswoman Hageman for the U.S. Senate,"
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 [Category: Business] -- The National Federation of Independent Business issued the following news release:
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Wyoming Small Businesses Endorse Rep. Harriet Hageman for Election to the U.S. Senate
Hageman has a 100% NFIB voting record
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CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Oct. 15, 2026) - The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation's leading small business advocacy organization, endorsed Rep. Harriet Hageman for election to the U.S. Senate to represent Wyoming.
"On behalf of Wyoming small businesses, we are proud to endorse Congresswoman Hageman for the U.S. Senate,"said Michael Smith, NFIB Wyoming State Director. "She has a deep understanding of the issues that matter most to Main Street and has pledged to continue voting for policies that advance small business interests. We are eager to continue working with Congresswoman Hageman to ensure that Wyoming independent businesses can continue to thrive."
"Wyoming small businesses are the foundation of the state's economy," said Louis Bertolotti, NFIB Political Director. "During her time in Washington, Congresswoman Hageman has consistently advocated for Main Street, maintaining a 100% NFIB voting record. We are pleased to endorse her for election to the U.S. Senate."
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The endorsement is issued from NFIB FedPAC, NFIB's political action committee. NFIB FedPAC is funded by voluntary contributions by NFIB members over and above their membership dues. Decisions made by the NFIB FedPAC are managed by a member-driven grassroots evaluation.
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Original text here: https://www.nfib.com/news/press-release/wyoming-small-businesses-endorse-rep-harriet-hageman-for-election-to-the-u-s-senate/
NRF Forecasts 2026 Holiday Sales Growth as Consumers Remain Resilient
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 -- The National Retail Federation posted the following news release:
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NRF Forecasts 2026 Holiday Sales Growth as Consumers Remain Resilient
October 15, 2026
WASHINGTON - The National Retail Federation today released its annual holiday forecast, predicting retail sales in November and December will grow 4.2% over 2025. That translates to total spending of $1.013 trillion. By comparison, last year's holiday sales rose 3.1% over 2024 totaling $972 billion.
"This year's forecast reflects our confidence that consumers will prioritize the holiday season even as they remain
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 -- The National Retail Federation posted the following news release:
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NRF Forecasts 2026 Holiday Sales Growth as Consumers Remain Resilient
October 15, 2026
WASHINGTON - The National Retail Federation today released its annual holiday forecast, predicting retail sales in November and December will grow 4.2% over 2025. That translates to total spending of $1.013 trillion. By comparison, last year's holiday sales rose 3.1% over 2024 totaling $972 billion.
"This year's forecast reflects our confidence that consumers will prioritize the holiday season even as they remainmindful of their budgets," NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. "Retailers are prepared to meet that demand with competitive prices, value and choices for every budget."
"We head into the holiday season with strong spending momentum, as consumers remain the bright spot in the economy," NRF Chief Economist and Executive Director of Research Mark Mathews said. "At the same time, inflation, rising gas prices and pressure on household spending will affect consumers differently across income groups."
Retailers are hiring seasonal workers to meet consumer demand this holiday season. NRF expects retailers to hire between 325,000 and 375,000 seasonal workers, in line with last year's estimated 356,000 seasonal jobs. Similar to last year, retailers remain cautious amid higher gas prices, persistent inflation, higher interest rates and elevated consumer debt, resulting in a measured approach to seasonal hiring.
NRF's holiday forecast is based on economic modeling using various key economic indicators including consumer spending, disposable personal income, employment, wages, inflation and previous monthly retail sales releases. NRF's calculation excludes automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants to focus on core retail. NRF defines the holiday season as Nov. 1 through Dec. 31.
For more information, visit NRF's Winter Holiday FAQ (https://nrf.com/research-insights/holiday-data-and-trends/winter-holidays/winter-holiday-faqs) and Winter Holiday Headquarters (https://nrf.com/research-insights/holiday-data-and-trends/winter-holidays).
As the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, NRF provides data on retail sales each month and also forecasts annual retail sales and spending for key periods such as the holiday season each year.
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About NRF
The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation's largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs -- 55 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies. nrf.com
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Original text here: https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/nrf-forecasts-2026-holiday-sales-growth-as-consumers-remain-resilient
[Category: Business]
NFIB Supports Bipartisan Legislation to Ease Diesel Engine Regulations
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 [Category: Business] -- The National Federation of Independent Business issued the following news release:
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NFIB Supports Bipartisan Legislation to Ease Diesel Engine Regulations
House bill addresses burdensome diesel regulations and preventable equipment damage
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 15, 2026) - The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation's leading small business advocacy organization, sent a letter to Rep. Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL) in support of H.R. 9618, the Diesel Engine Flexibility (DEF) Act. This bipartisan legislation would create a 10-year
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 [Category: Business] -- The National Federation of Independent Business issued the following news release:
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NFIB Supports Bipartisan Legislation to Ease Diesel Engine Regulations
House bill addresses burdensome diesel regulations and preventable equipment damage
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 15, 2026) - The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation's leading small business advocacy organization, sent a letter to Rep. Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL) in support of H.R. 9618, the Diesel Engine Flexibility (DEF) Act. This bipartisan legislation would create a 10-yearsafe harbor for regulations issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2025 and 2026. The bill would help to safely reduce unnecessary engine shutdowns caused by faulty DEF sensors, helping to lower energy and repairs costs and increase productivity for small businesses across the country.
"The bipartisan DEF Act would provide relief for farmers, truck drivers and many small businesses," said Louis Bertolotti, NFIB Principal of Federal Government Relations. "This bill would improve monitoring capabilities, limit engine performance reductions, and give independent technicians the ability to service equipment, and protect the health and safety of small business owners and their employees. NFIB encourages Congress to pass the DEF Act, common-sense legislation that will give small businesses the flexibility to operate and grow."
In 2010, the EPA mandated that engines automatically shut down when DEF sensors determined that emissions standards were not being met. This has led to increased costs for businesses and some danger for their employees. Since DEF freezes at 12 degrees Fahrenheit, cold-weather states have seen tractor operators and truck drivers stalled and stuck in remote areas without phone service. This has led to drivers becoming stranded while operating heavy-duty machinery. Faulty sensors can also cause issues for DEF-dependent vehicles in warmer areas. DEF repairs are often costly and not readily available, effectively making equipment and heavy-duty machinery unusable.
Read the full letter here (https://www.nfib.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/NFIB-LOS-H.R.9618-DEF.pdf).
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Original text here: https://www.nfib.com/news/press-release/nfib-supports-bipartisan-legislation-to-ease-diesel-engine-regulations/
