Featured Stories
MHA Publishes Annual Workforce Report, Interactive Dashboards
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, June 25 [Category: Health Care] (TNSrpt) -- The Missouri Hospital Association posted the following news:
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MHA Publishes Annual Workforce Report, Interactive Dashboards
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The Missouri Hospital Association published its 2026 Workforce Report and associated statewide and regional workforce data. This year's release includes interactive dashboards for deeper dives in the data by region, profession and year.
The report shows that turnover rates for hospital positions increased slightly last year to 23.7%, compared to 22.2% in 2024. Vacancy rates in these professions
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JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, June 25 [Category: Health Care] (TNSrpt) -- The Missouri Hospital Association posted the following news:
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MHA Publishes Annual Workforce Report, Interactive Dashboards
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The Missouri Hospital Association published its 2026 Workforce Report and associated statewide and regional workforce data. This year's release includes interactive dashboards for deeper dives in the data by region, profession and year.
The report shows that turnover rates for hospital positions increased slightly last year to 23.7%, compared to 22.2% in 2024. Vacancy rates in these professionsin 2025 remained mostly stable at 10.1%, a slight uptick from 9.7% in 2024.
Data for registered nurses showed similar trends, with a turnover rate of 18.8% and a vacancy rate of 10.9% last year. In 2024, the turnover and vacancy rates for R.N.s were 16.1% and 10.1%, respectively.
Information about the resources and programs MHA and partners are engaged in to attract, train and retain the workforce are available on MoHospitals.org.
The report includes vacancy and turnover rates for 35 hospital- and clinic-based positions, submitted by 126 hospitals and reported as of Dec. 31, 2025.
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REPORT: https://mhanet.imgix.net/fs_public/Workforce/26_Workforce_Report_FINAL.pdf?dl
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Original text here: https://www.mohospitals.org/newsroom/mha-publishes-annual-workforce-report-interactive-dashboards
Health & Fitness Association Expands Presence Across Asia With Presentations at Major Industry Events
BOSTON, Massachusetts, June 25 -- The Health and Fitness Association (formerly the International Health Racquet and Sportsclub Association) issued the following news release:
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Health & Fitness Association Expands Presence Across Asia With Presentations at Major Industry Events
Interim President and CEO Greta Wagner and APAC Director Sean Tan to represent HFA at SPORTEC Thailand, SPORTEC Japan, and ChinaFit-HFA Management Forum.
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Washington, DC - The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) will strengthen its engagement across the Asia-Pacific region this summer through participation in three
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BOSTON, Massachusetts, June 25 -- The Health and Fitness Association (formerly the International Health Racquet and Sportsclub Association) issued the following news release:
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Health & Fitness Association Expands Presence Across Asia With Presentations at Major Industry Events
Interim President and CEO Greta Wagner and APAC Director Sean Tan to represent HFA at SPORTEC Thailand, SPORTEC Japan, and ChinaFit-HFA Management Forum.
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Washington, DC - The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) will strengthen its engagement across the Asia-Pacific region this summer through participation in threeleading industry events: SPORTEC Thailandopens in a new tab in Bangkok, SPORTEC Japanopens in a new tab in Tokyo, and the ChinaFit-HFA Management Forumopens in a new tab in Beijing.
The events will bring together fitness industry leaders, operators, suppliers, and innovators from across Asia and around the world to discuss market trends, business growth, consumer engagement, and the future of health and fitness.
At SPORTEC Thailand, held June 25-27 in Bangkok, APAC Director Sean Tan will moderate a featured panel discussion titled, "Is Thailand South-East Asia's Dark Horse for Fitness and Wellness?" The session will examine Thailand's emergence as one of the region's most dynamic fitness markets and feature industry leaders representing two of the country's three largest fitness operators.
Panelists include Mark Buchanan, CEO of Evolution Wellness; Mike Lamb, CEO Thailand of Fitness & Lifestyle Group and Jetts 24 Hour Fitness; and Jack Thomas, founder and CEO of BASE and co-founder of The Fit Guide.
Following SPORTEC Thailand, Tan and Interim President and CEO Greta Wagner will participate as speakers at SPORTEC Japan, the country's leading sports and fitness exhibition, taking place July 8-10 in Tokyo. Wagner will share insights on HFA's vision for the future of the industry. Tan's presentation will offer highlights from two HFA reports: the 2026 HFA Global Report and the white paper, From Weight Loss to Lasting Value: Structured Exercise and the Economics of GLP-1 Therapyopens in a new tab. He will also discuss global trends in the industry and how it relates to the Asian region.
HFA's Asia-Pacific engagement will continue at the ChinaFit-HFA Management Forum on July 12-13 in Beijing. The annual event brings together senior fitness executives and industry leaders from China and throughout Asia to share business strategies, industry insights, and best practices for growth and member engagement.
"The health and fitness industry is experiencing significant growth around the world, creating new opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and impact," Wagner said. "As the industry's only global trade association, HFA is committed to supporting that growth by connecting leaders, sharing best practices, and strengthening the industry's voice across international markets. Our engagement throughout Asia reflects both the strength of these markets and our commitment to helping the global fitness industry thrive."
HFA's participation in these events reflects the association's ongoing commitment to supporting the global health and fitness industry through education, advocacy, research, and international collaboration.
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Original text here: https://www.healthandfitness.org/health-fitness-association-expands-presence-across-asia-with-presentations-at-major-industry-events/
[Category: Health Care]
ELFA Debuts Strategic Research Agenda for Equipment Finance Industry
WASHINGTON, June 25 -- The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association issued the following news release on June 24, 2026:
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ELFA Debuts Strategic Research Agenda for Equipment Finance Industry
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA) today announced the launch of its new, modernized Research Agenda, debuting a permanent strategic framework designed to provide actionable business intelligence for the $1.3 trillion equipment finance industry.
The new framework positions the organization's research strategy on highly practical, proactive and data-driven content designed to directly
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WASHINGTON, June 25 -- The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association issued the following news release on June 24, 2026:
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ELFA Debuts Strategic Research Agenda for Equipment Finance Industry
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA) today announced the launch of its new, modernized Research Agenda, debuting a permanent strategic framework designed to provide actionable business intelligence for the $1.3 trillion equipment finance industry.
The new framework positions the organization's research strategy on highly practical, proactive and data-driven content designed to directlysupport the immediate operational and strategic needs of ELFA members. As announced last fall, production of studies previously led by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation moved to ELFA and moving forward, research and analysis will be delivered through an agile mix of digital tools, podcasts, webinars, and short-form content alongside classic reports.
Built from a comprehensive member survey and macroeconomic environmental scan, and layered with input from members of the unified ELFA and Foundation Research Committees, the agenda's priorities were vetted by industry executives to address immediate operational needs.
"At ELFA, our mission has always been to equip the industry with the insights and tools needed to stay ahead of the curve," said Daryl Muller COO & Corporate Secretary at ELFA. "Today, we are taking a major leap forward. This new Research Agenda fundamentally shifts how we use member feedback to shape our content and ensures we can leverage data in entirely new, impactful ways."
"We'll use these major themes to guide our research, data collection, webinars, and conferences throughout the year," said Kelli Nienaber, ELFA Senior Vice President of Industry Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation. "The model ensures our focus remains completely aligned with changing market trends and immediate, top-of-mind business challenges."
Six core pillars define the industry's strategy moving forward:
* Industry Modernization & AI - Advancing technology investment strategies and fintech trends while scaling real-world AI use cases and governance frameworks.
* Fraud Defense - Elevating fraud risk awareness and mitigation through real-time intelligence sharing and industry-tailored prevention guidance.
* Workforce Evolution - Supporting expanded Foundation workforce initiatives and talent pipelines to attract new talent and promote stable industry careers.
* Regulatory Environment - Shifting to a proactive agenda to address regulatory and legislative threats and opportunities.
* Capital Markets - Exploring the long-term operational impact of sustained private credit, private equity, and foreign investment.
* Economic Navigation - Providing leading indicators and scenario planning tools to help members navigate major economic events.
These six themes will serve as an organizational roadmap, directly supporting legislative and regulatory advocacy priorities, benchmarking metrics in research, session content at events, and professional development in education.
"In 2026, we brought together the ELFA and Foundation Research Committees to leverage key thought leaders in our industry and our collective knowledge and experience to create this inaugural framework," said David Normandin, CLFP, Chair of ELFA's Research Committee and President and CEO of Wintrust Specialty Finance. "Moving forward, I am energized to lead this incredibly talented group as we identify the key topics, frame them accurately for our members, and enhance deliverable formats that will be critical to the ongoing success of equipment finance companies."
Visit ELFA's website (https://www.elfaonline.org/research/research-agenda) to learn more and view the launch video.
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About ELFA
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA) represents financial services companies and manufacturers in the $1.3 trillion U.S. equipment finance sector. ELFA's over 600 member companies provide essential financing that helps businesses acquire the equipment they need to operate and grow. Learn how equipment finance contributes to businesses' success, U.S. economic growth, manufacturing and jobs at www.elfaonline.org.
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Original text here: https://www.elfaonline.org/newsroom/elfa-debuts-strategic-research-agenda-for-equipment-finance-industry
[Category: Facilities Management]
American Securities Association Urges Congress to Pass Rep. Wagner's Bipartisan Financial Exploitation Prevention Act
WASHINGTON, June 25 -- The American Securities Association issued the following news on June 24, 2026:
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ASA Urges Congress to Pass Rep. Wagner's Bipartisan Financial Exploitation Prevention Act
The American Securities Association (ASA) today sent a letter to House leadership calling for immediate passage of the Financial Exploitation Prevention Act of 2025 (H.R. 2478). This bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO), would give financial firms clear legal authority to temporarily delay suspicious transactions when they have reasonable cause to believe seniors or vulnerable
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WASHINGTON, June 25 -- The American Securities Association issued the following news on June 24, 2026:
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ASA Urges Congress to Pass Rep. Wagner's Bipartisan Financial Exploitation Prevention Act
The American Securities Association (ASA) today sent a letter to House leadership calling for immediate passage of the Financial Exploitation Prevention Act of 2025 (H.R. 2478). This bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO), would give financial firms clear legal authority to temporarily delay suspicious transactions when they have reasonable cause to believe seniors or vulnerableadults are victims of financial exploitation. The House is expected to consider the legislation under suspension this week.
"ASA applauds Rep. Wagner for her tireless leadership to protect America's seniors from becoming victims of financial fraud and sophisticated scams," said ASA President and CEO Chris Iacovella. "We look forward to continuing to work with Congress to get this commonsense bipartisan investor protection legislation to the President's desk without delay."
"ASA has long advocated for a regulatory framework that empowers firm to act when they see fraud--without subjecting investors who have done nothing wrong to excessive holds, onerous data collection, or bureaucratic overreach," Iacovella wrote in the letter. "This legislation strikes that balance, earning unanimous, bipartisan support and passing out of the House Financial Services Committee 50-to-0. It enjoys broad support across the financial services industry. It represents Congress at its best: delivering real, practical protection for every American investor who participates in our markets."
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The American Securities Association (ASA) represents the retail and institutional capital markets interests of regional financial services firms who provide Main Street businesses with access to capital and advise hardworking Americans how to create and preserve wealth. ASA's mission is to promote trust and confidence among investors, facilitate capital formation, and support efficient and competitively balanced capital markets. This mission advances financial independence, stimulates job creation, and increases prosperity. The ASA has a geographically diverse membership of almost one hundred members that spans the Heartland, Southwest, Southeast, Atlantic, and Pacific Northwest regions of the United States.
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INFODOC: https://15c72067-2929-4106-8883-14b2d4025a5b.usrfiles.com/ugd/15c720_25e153b862e14289880c98c4ab180b08.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.americansecurities.org/post/asa-urges-congress-to-pass-rep-wagner-s-bipartisan-financial-exploitation-prevention-act
[Category: Financial Services]
American Fintech Council Urges President Trump to Sign 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, Strengthen Community Banking Regulations
WASHINGTON, June 25 -- 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 President Trump to Sign 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, Strengthen Community Banking Regulations
AFC applauds Congress for passing landmark legislation
Letter to the President highlights bipartisan reforms that support credit access, homeownership, and local economic growth
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The American Fintech Council (AFC), the largest industry association representing both
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WASHINGTON, June 25 -- 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 President Trump to Sign 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, Strengthen Community Banking Regulations
AFC applauds Congress for passing landmark legislation
Letter to the President highlights bipartisan reforms that support credit access, homeownership, and local economic growth
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The American Fintech Council (AFC), the largest industry association representing bothresponsible fintech companies and innovative banks, sent a letter to President Trump urging him to sign H.R. 6644, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. AFC supports this bipartisan package of targeted reforms that strengthen community banks, expand access to credit, and help financial institutions better serve consumers and communities across the country.
"Community banks and their fintech partners are critical to expanding access to financial services, supporting local economies, and helping families achieve homeownership," said Phil Goldfeder, CEO of the American Fintech Council. "The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes practical, bipartisan reforms that will allow these institutions to dedicate more resources to serving consumers, financing housing opportunities, and driving economic growth in communities nationwide. We thank leaders in Congress for their tireless efforts to pass this bipartisan legislation, and we urge the President to sign it into law to strengthen the community banking ecosystem nationwide."
In its letter to President Trump, AFC highlighted the important role community banks and innovative banks play in delivering modern financial services, particularly in underserved communities. The legislation's targeted regulatory reforms will help ensure these institutions have the flexibility to better meet the evolving needs of consumers while maintaining strong safety and soundness standards.
AFC specifically supports provisions including the Tailored Regulatory Updates for Supervisory Testing (TRUST) Act, which would update the asset threshold for extended examination cycles for well-managed institutions, and the Advancing the Mentor-Protege Program for Small Financial Institutions Act, which would establish a Treasury-led program to strengthen the capacity of small, rural, and minority depository institutions. AFC has consistently advocated for these measures as part of broader efforts to promote responsible innovation, expand financial inclusion, and ensure community-focused institutions can continue serving consumers effectively.
"Modernizing regulatory requirements to reflect today's banking landscape will help community banks compete, innovate, and better meet the needs of consumers," said Ian P. Moloney, Chief Policy Officer of the American Fintech Council. "The provisions included in this legislation, including updates to examination thresholds and support for small and minority depository institutions, represent commonsense reforms that will strengthen access to credit and support investment in communities across the U.S."
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 over 150 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-president-trump-to-sign-21st-century-road-to-housing-act-strengthen-community-banking-regulations
[Category: Financial Services]
ASA's Monthly Sales Report: May Sales Remain Positive Despite Signs of Economic Moderation
ITASCA, Illinois, June 25 -- The American Supply Association issued the following news release:
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ASA's Monthly Sales Report: May Sales Remain Positive Despite Signs of Economic Moderation
By primary business emphasis the industrial PVF distributors said May sales 22.2% year-over-year (y/y). Year-to-date (YTD) sales +5.7% and trailing twelve months (TTM) sales +11.8%.
All respondents overall reported a Median May sales increased +2.7% year-over-year and -5.9% compared with April 2026. YTD sales +5.1%; TTM sales +7.3%. Inventory: +5.3% versus May 2025. Cash cycle: Median three-month average
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ITASCA, Illinois, June 25 -- The American Supply Association issued the following news release:
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ASA's Monthly Sales Report: May Sales Remain Positive Despite Signs of Economic Moderation
By primary business emphasis the industrial PVF distributors said May sales 22.2% year-over-year (y/y). Year-to-date (YTD) sales +5.7% and trailing twelve months (TTM) sales +11.8%.
All respondents overall reported a Median May sales increased +2.7% year-over-year and -5.9% compared with April 2026. YTD sales +5.1%; TTM sales +7.3%. Inventory: +5.3% versus May 2025. Cash cycle: Median three-month averageDays Sales Outstanding (DSO) remained steady at nearly 42 days.
Economic Indicators:
Recent economic data suggest the U.S. economy remained resilient entering the second quarter, though momentum appears more uneven than earlier estimates suggested. Real GDP expanded at a 1.6% annualized rate in the first quarter, revised down from the initial 2.0% estimate but still improved from the much softer 0.5% increase in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The labor market has remained steady, with unemployment holding near 4.3% and initial unemployment claims continuing to trend at historically moderate levels. At the same time, inflation pressures have reaccelerated as higher energy prices tied to Middle East disruptions flowed through gasoline, freight, and broader input costs. While recent diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz may ease some supply chain concerns, shipping and energy markets remain vulnerable to lingering disruptions.
Manufacturing activity has generally remained constructive, with business investment and capital goods orders showing renewed strength, while wholesale sales continue to grow despite signs that a portion of that growth is being driven by higher prices rather than volume gains. Conversely, housing remains a notable area of weakness, as housing starts declined sharply in May and elevated borrowing costs continue to constrain residential construction activity.
While the yield curve remains in positive territory, rising long-term Treasury yields continue to reflect concerns around persistent inflation and elevated borrowing costs, suggesting that housing and other interest-rate-sensitive sectors are likely to remain under pressure in the months ahead.
What ASA members are saying:
"Booked orders in the last 3 months are at the highest level in our history!!!"
"May was a "solid" month when adjusting for the impact of one less selling day year over year. Growing a bit concerned about the backlog for the 2nd half of the year due to higher rates, prices, etc."
"May was another strong month."
"Sales are still solid, despite what the news media is reporting."
"We saw a significant slow down in May compared to the first 4 months of 2026. We have seen projects put on hold and show lower profits due to higher fuel costs and freight in increases. Quoting and orders are slowly picking up for June but we are concerned this slow down will last longer than originally expected."
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Original text here: https://www.asa.net/News/News/asas-monthly-sales-report-may-sales-remain-positive-despite-signs-of-economic-moderation
[Category: Industrial Materials]
AFBF Commends Bednarski Nomination to Farm Credit Board
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, June 25 -- The American Farm Bureau Federation issued the following news release on June 24, 2026:
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AFBF Commends Bednarski Nomination to Farm Credit Board
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today commended the White House nomination of Michigan Farm Bureau leader and farmer Carl Bednarski to serve on the Farm Credit Administration Board.
"We congratulate Carl on his nomination to the Farm Credit Administration Board. He is well-qualified to serve in this position, having capably led the team at Michigan Farm Bureau for a decade and having also
... Show Full Article
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, June 25 -- The American Farm Bureau Federation issued the following news release on June 24, 2026:
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AFBF Commends Bednarski Nomination to Farm Credit Board
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today commended the White House nomination of Michigan Farm Bureau leader and farmer Carl Bednarski to serve on the Farm Credit Administration Board.
"We congratulate Carl on his nomination to the Farm Credit Administration Board. He is well-qualified to serve in this position, having capably led the team at Michigan Farm Bureau for a decade and having alsoserved on the AFBF board of directors for nearly nine years, including roles on our Executive, Audit and Finance Committees.
"Carl's strong leadership abilities and knowledge of the financial world will serve Farm Credit well. Equally important, as a lifelong farmer, Carl will bring a passion for ensuring farmers continue to be well-served by the Farm Credit Administration.
"Ensuring a strong Farm Credit System is more important than ever as farmers and ranchers continue to face a multiyear downturn in the farm economy. We look forward to Carl's approval by the Senate."
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Original text here: https://www.fb.org/news-release/afbf-commends-bednarski-nomination-to-farm-credit-board
[Category: Agriculture]
