Featured Stories
Want backing for your healthcare venture? You'll need this
CHICAGO, Illinois, Oct. 28 [Category: Medical] -- The American Medical Association posted the following news release:
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Want backing for your healthcare venture? You'll need this
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To succeed as a physician entrepreneur, bringing a good clinical idea is not enough. Understanding the problem your venture will help to solve is a must, as is building a sustainable business model and working with people whose skills complement your own.
"There are a lot of brilliant people on similar journeys, but how do you learn from them to solve your own systemic issues?" said Jack Stockert, MD, managing
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CHICAGO, Illinois, Oct. 28 [Category: Medical] -- The American Medical Association posted the following news release:
* * *
Want backing for your healthcare venture? You'll need this
*
To succeed as a physician entrepreneur, bringing a good clinical idea is not enough. Understanding the problem your venture will help to solve is a must, as is building a sustainable business model and working with people whose skills complement your own.
"There are a lot of brilliant people on similar journeys, but how do you learn from them to solve your own systemic issues?" said Jack Stockert, MD, managingdirector of Health2047, the AMA's wholly owned venture studio that develops and invests in healthcare companies.
He took part in a discussion at the inaugural AMA Physician Entrepreneur Forum that was structured around the participants' own transitions from medicine into entrepreneurship, commonalities in the companies, ideas and individuals that attract investment, and the realities and tradeoffs of venture capital for physician entrepreneurs.
The AMA Physician Entrepreneur Forum is part of the AMA Career Advancement Collective, a powerful new suite of educational programs and training that helps physicians develop and advance at every stage of their career.
From medicine to entrepreneurship
Sharif Vakili, MD, is a co-founder and the CEO of UpDoc, a clinical augmented intelligence (AI) company that builds physician-supervised, autonomous AI agents.
As he transitioned into entrepreneurship, Dr. Vakili learned that while investors work closely with companies and may be deeply involved in their challenges, the CEO ultimately owns the consequences of decisions. That became even clearer as he moved from evaluating and advising companies to actually running one.
"Being an entrepreneur is way harder than being an investor," he said. "But if you have the privilege of working in early-stage investing it can help determine if entrepreneurship is right for you because you've seen everything from the other side."
Dr. Stockert's interest outside clinical medicine was sparked by caring for a young patient with end-stage AIDS. It pushed him toward thinking about larger healthcare problems and how they might be addressed at a systems level.
"There's a lot of people trying to make a difference in this world," he said. "But how do you learn from other challenges, other problems in other industries, and pour those into some of the issues facing healthcare?"
What makes a business venture-backable?
What makes companies attractive to investors? According to Dan Gebremedhin, MD, it is primarily the promise to expand and create value quickly within a relatively short time.
Dr. Gebremedhin is a partner at Flare Capital Partners, which works with founders to improve outcomes, lower costs and reshape healthcare's operating systems with software, data and AI,
"Venture investors need to have liquidity and be able to sell their shares," he said. "Firms essentially have a 10-year window to be out of those investments, so the company has to grow rapidly and show value so investors can exit."
That requires founders to accept outside participation and governance. Disagreements may arise, but founders seeking capital need to be comfortable sharing decision-making and considering different perspectives.
"Founders get very protective," Dr. Gebremedhin said. "But investors want the same thing they do: for the company to be successful."
The independent streak that sparks entrepreneurship in the first place can make founders reluctant to seek outside investment, Dr. Vakili said, but sometimes foregoing outside resources is not realistic.
"A good VC [venture capital] fund is not looking to control the founder or the company," he reminded the audience. "They're just looking to make sure when things go sideways, which invariably happens, they are put to right."
Investors can also give startups access to networks, experience and connections that would otherwise be inaccessible. Those relationships continue after the deal is made, so founders should evaluate investors in terms of trust and compatibility.
"There are different talents and needs for different situations, and it's rare for one person to be a good founder and CEO," Dr. Vakili cautioned. "That's why having that humility can be very important in building those relationships."
The purpose of any business is growth and profitability. An entrepreneur may identify a genuine healthcare need and develop a promising solution, but the next challenge is determining how that solution can become a sustainable business. Only after establishing how the company will make money does it make sense to ask how rapidly it can grow and whether venture capital is needed.
"Healthcare is a mature market with strong incumbents and many complex business models," Dr. Stockert added. "An entrepreneur is tackling a problem with an idea for a solution and must figure out how to build a sustainable business model and bring that solution to market."
Think like a physician, act like an entrepreneur
For physician entrepreneurs or doctors aspiring to join the world of entrepreneurship, the panelists offered some revealing insights.
"Diagnosis and problem-solving in patient care is far harder than what you have to do as an entrepreneur," Dr. Stockert noted. "You're dealing with critical questions, data input, information gathering, clarifying and summarizing information, testing, iterating, narrowing, widening and treating. But those are skill sets that you learn in medical school and those skill sets will serve you well in business."
Dr. Gebremedhin focused on the difference between clinical and entrepreneurial thinking.
"In medicine, there are right and wrong answers and physicians--as scientists--want to be right," he said. "However, in business there are assumptions and decisions made on limited and imperfect information, and sometimes physicians can be uncomfortable in that gray space. Smart investors are not necessarily looking for someone who's right, but for the momentum that shows that a business can grow and succeed."
It is important to approach potential supporters as sources of knowledge and relationships first, rather than capital, said Dr. Vakili.
"Develop relationships, refine storytelling abilities, beat things to death and let go of your strongly held beliefs. Whatever is left standing will be the right way to move forward," he advised. "Ask for money and you'll get advice, but ask for advice and you'll get money."
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Original text here: https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/career-development/want-backing-your-healthcare-venture-you-ll-need
Sijan Chapter Supports Homeless Veterans in Colorado
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Oct. 27 [Category: National Defense] -- The Air and Space Forces Association posted the following news release:
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Sijan Chapter Supports Homeless Veterans in Colorado
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AFA's Lance P. Sijan Chapter was honored to support the 28th Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down organized by the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs, Colo., on October 20, 2026. About 70 community partners came together to provide services and resources to veterans in need.
Along with Airmen, Guardians, and Soldiers from local military installations, Sijan Chapter
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ARLINGTON, Virginia, Oct. 27 [Category: National Defense] -- The Air and Space Forces Association posted the following news release:
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Sijan Chapter Supports Homeless Veterans in Colorado
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AFA's Lance P. Sijan Chapter was honored to support the 28th Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down organized by the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs, Colo., on October 20, 2026. About 70 community partners came together to provide services and resources to veterans in need.
Along with Airmen, Guardians, and Soldiers from local military installations, Sijan Chaptermembers worked one-on-one with veterans in need by serving as escorts and guiding them through the various stations. Veterans Support Organizations, local businesses, and the Department of Veterans Affairs provided services, hygiene kits, clothing, medical and dental care, food, and housing support.
"Our Chapter has three pillars--past, present, and future--that we focus our community support on," said Sijan Chapter President Dave Geuting. "Helping our homeless veterans fits right into supporting our past, those who served before and with us."
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Original text here: https://www.afa.org/sijan-chapter-supports-homeless-veterans-stand-down/
Marine Retailers Association of the Americas: Dealers Turn Out in Droves for Discussion on the Future of Marine Retail
BROOKLYN PARK, Minnesota, Oct. 27 -- The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas issued the following news:
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Dealers Turn Out in Droves for Discussion on the Future of Marine Retail
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas attracted nearly 600 registrations for its Future of Marine Retail webinar, where industry leaders explored the forces, challenges and opportunities shaping marine dealerships, changing customer expectations and long-term business success.
Nearly 600 Registrants Joined Industry Webinar Exploring Forces, Challenges and Opportunities Currently Shaping Marine
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BROOKLYN PARK, Minnesota, Oct. 27 -- The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas issued the following news:
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Dealers Turn Out in Droves for Discussion on the Future of Marine Retail
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas attracted nearly 600 registrations for its Future of Marine Retail webinar, where industry leaders explored the forces, challenges and opportunities shaping marine dealerships, changing customer expectations and long-term business success.
Nearly 600 Registrants Joined Industry Webinar Exploring Forces, Challenges and Opportunities Currently Shaping MarineDealerships
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MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 27, 2026 -- The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) attracted 590 registrations and more than 400 live attendees for its recent webinar, The Future of Marine Retail, demonstrating strong industry interest in understanding and responding to the forces reshaping marine retail.
Exploring Necessary Adjustments
Led by Matt Gruhn, MRAA President, the webinar explored the evolving recreational boating marketplace and the adjustments dealerships may need to make to remain competitive. Webinar participants also engaged in a live question-and-answer session focused on the real-world obstacles facing marine retailers.
"Marine retail has reached an inflection point, a time when incremental adjustments are no longer enough," said Gruhn. "Dealership leaders must look beyond the demands of day-to-day operations and begin thinking like architects of their businesses. That requires a shift in mindset and approach, a clear focus on the needs of the next generation of boaters and the willingness to make transformational changes that protect the business today while building a stronger foundation for its future."
The webinar discussion reflected many of the themes currently influencing dealership decision-making, including how dealers can strengthen customer relationships, improve sales processes, leverage technology more effectively and identify new opportunities for growth. Dealers' opportunities to capture a larger share of the pre-owned boat market and provide buyers with a higher-quality purchase experience than traditional private-party transactions were two additional discussion points.
"The registration and attendance figures make this one of MRAA's most successful webinars in recent years, but the bigger takeaway is what that level of engagement says about our industry," said Gunnar Davies, MRAA Marketing Manager. "Retailers and other recreational boating stakeholders are actively seeking answers, guidance and meaningful conversations around the challenges and opportunities currently reshaping marine retail. The response to this webinar demonstrates a strong desire among retailers to better understand what is changing and how they can successfully adapt to it."
The New Fundamentals at Dealer Week 2026
Many themes discussed in the webinar relate to the educational content focused on The New Fundamentals at Dealer Week 2026. MRAA has built the educational curriculum at its annual conference to help marine retailers move beyond identifying their pain points and toward implementing practical solutions and tactics within their businesses today. Four educational pathways will provide attendees with fresh strategies for developing a modern marine retail playbook, improving customer acquisition and retention, strengthening operational performance, leveraging artificial intelligence and adapting to changing consumer buying behaviors.
A webinar recording and PDF presentation are now available on MRAA.com.
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About Dealer Week
For more than 50 years, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas has delivered world-class education to marine dealers, retailers and service operations that power the boating industry. Dealer Week exists to engage, energize and empower the dealer community. MRAA envisions a brighter future for marine retail, and Dealer Week is a key part of bringing that vision to life. Learn more at dealerweek.com.
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About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA)
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is the trusted catalyst for success in the marine retail industry. Dedicated to fueling dealer growth and strengthening the boating experience, MRAA delivers industry-leading insights, expert guidance and proven solutions that assist marine retailers in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities. Through education, advocacy and innovative resources, MRAA empowers dealers to thrive and help drive a stronger, more sustainable marine industry. Learn more at MRAA.com.
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Original text here: https://mraa.com/dealers-turn-out-in-droves-for-discussion-the-future-of-marine-retail/
[Category: Business]
IP Crop Network: October 27 report
MANKATO, Minnesota, Oct. 27 [Category: Agriculture] -- The U.S. Identity Preserved Alliance posted the following news release:
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IP Crop Network: October 27 report
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The 2026 harvest is rapidly progressing across the Upper Midwest, with many growers nearing completion or already finished with their soybean harvest. Favorable weather conditions throughout October have allowed farmers to make excellent harvest progress. Recent weather has been generally dry with seasonal temperatures, providing ideal conditions for harvest activity. Yield reports continue to be variable across the region
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MANKATO, Minnesota, Oct. 27 [Category: Agriculture] -- The U.S. Identity Preserved Alliance posted the following news release:
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IP Crop Network: October 27 report
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The 2026 harvest is rapidly progressing across the Upper Midwest, with many growers nearing completion or already finished with their soybean harvest. Favorable weather conditions throughout October have allowed farmers to make excellent harvest progress. Recent weather has been generally dry with seasonal temperatures, providing ideal conditions for harvest activity. Yield reports continue to be variable across the regiondepending on rainfall patterns during the growing season, but soybean quality has generally been good, with good seed size and satisfactory protein levels reported in many areas.
Soybean harvest is nearing completion in northwest Wisconsin with very few acres remaining unharvested. Statewide, the USDA reports that 87% of the crop is harvested in the state, well above the five-year average of 76%. Yields are in the average to above average range, with top quality acreage performing well above expectations. Corn yields are impressive given the extreme weather over the past 90 days. The corn falls mostly within the good quality range. Grain quality is superb in all grain crops.
In Illinois, soybeans are 81% harvested across the state, again well above the five-year average of 77%, and looking to be an average yield. Corn is sitting at 74% harvested, right in line with the average, and falling into the good quality range. Yields for corn are also expected to be average. Some post-harvest field work is going on now, but with current fuel prices, some people are reconsidering.
Michigan is also close to being done with soybeans, and they turned out slightly below average, which is not bad for the weather this year. The state sits at 69% of soybeans harvested and 28% of corn. This is significantly behind the five-year average of 43%, most likely due to heat during pollination and dry weather, which have also led to below average yields.
Minnesota's soybeans are 93% harvested and corn sits at 65%, both of which are slightly below the five-year average. However, yields across the state look to end up above average. Some soybean quality concerns have emerged, including purple seed stain caused by the fungus Cercospora and reports of Soybeans of Other Colors (SBOC). Research shows these problems usually do not lower soybean protein or oil quality, though purple seed stain can affect seed growth if used for planting. So far, these issues have not led to grain discounts, and field visits and farmer feedback suggest their overall impact is limited right now.
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Original text here: https://soyagrainsalliance.org/2026/10/27/ip-crop-network-october-27-report/
From Bold Ideas to Breakthrough Research
RESTON, Virginia, Oct. 27 [Category: Medical] -- The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging posted the following news release:
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From Bold Ideas to Breakthrough Research
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Since then, the Mars Shot has backed phase 0 research aimed at PSMA-targeted prostate cancer therapy, breast cancer imaging techniques, and inflammation-detection tools, to name a few. Each project began the same way: with an innovative idea, a gap in funding, and a community that decided to close it. The result is a growing portfolio spanning imaging, therapy, and detection, with the potential to shape the
... Show Full Article
RESTON, Virginia, Oct. 27 [Category: Medical] -- The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging posted the following news release:
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From Bold Ideas to Breakthrough Research
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Since then, the Mars Shot has backed phase 0 research aimed at PSMA-targeted prostate cancer therapy, breast cancer imaging techniques, and inflammation-detection tools, to name a few. Each project began the same way: with an innovative idea, a gap in funding, and a community that decided to close it. The result is a growing portfolio spanning imaging, therapy, and detection, with the potential to shape thefuture of patient care.
What this adds up to:
* $7 million and counting awarded through the Mars Shot Research Fund since 2023;
* 30+ research projects advancing new approaches to imaging, therapy, and disease detection;
* 22+ principal researchers, and the dozens more who support them --many in their early careers--given the resources to pursue ideas that might not otherwise exist beyond a hypothesis.
Together, these projects show what the Fund has helped make possible: giving important ideas room to develop, helping researchers build the evidence needed to advance their work, and expanding the field's potential to improve patient care. Meet the researchers and discover the projects supported by the Mars Shot Research Fund.
The Mars Shot story is still being written, one bold idea at a time. What will your chapter say?
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Original text here: https://snmmi.org/Web/News/Articles/From-Bold-Ideas-to-Breakthrough-Research
ELFA Names Nathan Gibbons, CLFP, 2027 Board Chair -- Confirms New Slate of Officers and Directors
WASHINGTON, Oct. 27 [Category: Facilities Management] -- The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association posted the following news release:
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ELFA Names Nathan Gibbons, CLFP, 2027 Board Chair -- Confirms New Slate of Officers and Directors
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Palm Desert, CA, Oct. 27, 2026 - The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA) today announced its new 2027 Board of Directors and Officers. Nathan Gibbons, CLFP, Chief Experience Officer, QuickFi, is the new ELFA Board Chair and Kirk Phillips, President & CEO, Wintrust Asset Finance, Inc., is now Chair-Elect. The Chair-Elect and new Board members
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 27 [Category: Facilities Management] -- The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association posted the following news release:
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ELFA Names Nathan Gibbons, CLFP, 2027 Board Chair -- Confirms New Slate of Officers and Directors
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Palm Desert, CA, Oct. 27, 2026 - The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA) today announced its new 2027 Board of Directors and Officers. Nathan Gibbons, CLFP, Chief Experience Officer, QuickFi, is the new ELFA Board Chair and Kirk Phillips, President & CEO, Wintrust Asset Finance, Inc., is now Chair-Elect. The Chair-Elect and new Board memberswere recommended by ELFA's Nominating Committee and approved by a vote of the general membership.
"We're entering a new era of secured lending facilitated by rapidly advancing technology and evolving customer expectations," said Gibbons. "This presents exciting opportunities to seize new market growth and enhance customer offerings. My goal as Chair is to empower our members with the tools, insights, and advocacy they need to excel during this historic time. I am truly honored to help advance ELFA's strategic priorities alongside our exceptional Board and leadership team."
"Nate's collaborative spirit, deep consideration for our members' needs, and active engagement across the equipment finance community reflect his enduring commitment to our shared progress," said Acting ELFA President & CEO James Cress. "I look forward to partnering closely with Nate and our Board of Directors to continue providing strong advocacy, essential programs, and steady support for our member companies."
Nate is the Chief Experience Officer and one of the founders of QuickFi by Innovation Finance. He oversees the strategy for enabling dramatic improvement to the customer experience. Prior to QuickFi, he served as VP, Operations, and Head of Learning and Professional Development at First American Equipment Finance. Nate is a strong industry advocate. He has served on the ELFA Board of Directors, Bank Business Council Steering Committee, Small Ticket Business Council Steering Committee, Emerging Talent Advisory Council (Chair), and LeasePAC Committee (Chair), as well as the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation's Academic Outreach Committee. He also served as President of the Certified Lease and Finance Professional (CLFP) Foundation.
Gibbons holds a BA in Spanish from the University of Rochester, and an MBA from the University of Rochester-Simon Business School.
2027 ELFA Board of Directors
The newly elected members of the ELFA Board of Directors include:
* Peter Bullen, Executive Vice President and Group Head, Key Equipment Finance
* Quentin Cote, CLFP, Managing Director, Commercial, Concord
* Kristian Dolan, CLFP, CEO, Northteq
* Tina Eickhoff, CLFP, Senior Vice President and Head of Equipment Finance, U.S. Bank
* Matt LeSage, Head of Vendor Finance, Wells Fargo Commercial Banking
* Eric Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ansley Park Capital
* Wayne I. Super, Vice President, Finance, Cisco Capital
The following individuals were elected by the membership to serve as ELFA Vice Chairs: First Vice Chair, Neal Garnett, and Second Vice Chair, Jeffry Elliott, CLFP, Peter Bullen, Executive Vice President and Group Head, Key Equipment Finance will serve as Treasurer, and Daryl Muller, ELFA's Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary, will serve as Secretary.
Deb Baker, VP, Global Payment Solutions, HP Inc., is Immediate Past Chair. Other members of the Board are:
* Hollis Bufferd, CEO, Star Hill Financial, LLC
* Eric Bunnell, CLFP, Equipment Finance Sales and Syndication Manager, Falcon National Bank
* Theresa Dixon, Managing Director, Syndication Manager, Bank of America Global Leasing
* Jon Gerson, President, Executive Solutions for Leasing and Finance, LLC
* John Grosso, Senior Vice President, Region 4 (US/CA/ANZ) and Chief Marketing Officer, John Deere Financial
* Dominic Janney, President, Canon Financial Services, Inc.
* Kyin Lok, CEO, Dext Capital
* Richard Matte, President and Chief Executive Officer, Post Road Equipment Finance
* Robert Moskovitz, Chief Financial Officer, Channel
* William Perry, President, Asset Finance, Forbright Bank
* Moorari Shah, Partner, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLC
* Pasqual Slaughter, Vice President North America, Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation
* Donna Yanuzzi, Executive Vice President, 1st Equipment Finance, Inc.
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA) represents financial services companies and manufacturers in the $1.5 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-names-nathan-gibbons,-clfp,-2027-board-chair----confirms-new-slate-of-officers-and-directors
CCIA Urges Australia to Protect Encryption and Ensure Online Safety Rules Are Clear and Effective
WASHINGTON, Oct. 27 [Category: Computer Technology] -- The Computer and Communications Industry Association issued the following news release:
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CCIA Urges Australia to Protect Encryption and Ensure Online Safety Rules Are Clear and Effective
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Washington -- The Computer & Communications Industry Association urged Australian lawmakers to protect strong encryption and ensure that proposed online safety regulations are clear, proportionate, and effective. In submissions to two parliamentary inquiries, CCIA warned that the proposed Digital Duty of Care Bill and efforts to circumvent encryption
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 27 [Category: Computer Technology] -- The Computer and Communications Industry Association issued the following news release:
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CCIA Urges Australia to Protect Encryption and Ensure Online Safety Rules Are Clear and Effective
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Washington -- The Computer & Communications Industry Association urged Australian lawmakers to protect strong encryption and ensure that proposed online safety regulations are clear, proportionate, and effective. In submissions to two parliamentary inquiries, CCIA warned that the proposed Digital Duty of Care Bill and efforts to circumvent encryptioncould create new cybersecurity and privacy risks while limiting access to information and undermining the tools digital services use to protect users.
CCIA submitted comments to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security's inquiry into the nature and drivers of radicalisation in Australia and the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee's consideration of the Online Safety Amendment (Digital Duty of Care) Bill 2026.
CCIA and its members share the Australian Government's goals of protecting children online and countering radicalisation. However, the association cautioned that policies must address demonstrable risks without creating vulnerabilities that malicious actors can exploit or imposing unclear legal obligations on digital services.
The following can be attributed to CCIA Policy Counsel, Jesse Lieberfeld:
"Protecting Australians online requires policies that strengthen security, respect privacy, and provide clear rules for the services people rely on. Weakening encryption can expose sensitive communications to malicious actors, while vague online safety requirements can encourage companies to over-remove lawful content, collect more personal information, and restrict useful safety features. Policymakers should focus on practical, evidence-based measures that protect users without creating new risks."
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Original text here: https://ccianet.org/news/2026/10/ccia-urges-australia-to-protect-encryption-and-ensure-online-safety-rules-are-clear-and-effective/
