Trade Associations
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from national and international trade associations influencing the debate on federal policies.
Featured Stories
United Auto Workers Acting President Rory Gamble Enacts Immediate Nationwide Ethics Reforms
DETROIT, Michigan, Nov. 13 -- The United Automobile Workers issued the following news:
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- New Ethics Reforms Will Include Stringent Monetary Controls
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United Auto Workers (UAW) Acting President Rory Gamble has announced the initiation of widespread ethics reforms. These reforms make clear the UAW is committed to establishing the right mechanisms and safeguards to protect the union from corruption and misfeasance.
"When the United Auto Workers union was created more than 84 years ago, it was built on the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts; that together we are
... Show Full Article
DETROIT, Michigan, Nov. 13 -- The United Automobile Workers issued the following news:
* * *
- New Ethics Reforms Will Include Stringent Monetary Controls
* * *
United Auto Workers (UAW) Acting President Rory Gamble has announced the initiation of widespread ethics reforms. These reforms make clear the UAW is committed to establishing the right mechanisms and safeguards to protect the union from corruption and misfeasance.
"When the United Auto Workers union was created more than 84 years ago, it was built on the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts; that together we arestronger than any one person alone. And this is still true today," said Gamble. "As the acting president, I'm committed to putting in place the right mechanisms to safeguard our union, regaining the trust of our members, and ensuring the misconduct that has recently come to light will never happen again. That is why I am ordering immediate actions that will lay the foundation for a more transparent, more accountable, and more responsible future for our union."
"This is just the beginning," he added. "But it's a beginning that will set us on the right path for the future. As a member of this union for nearly 40 years, I am committed to the mission of this union in bringing prosperity and dignity to millions of American workers and creating and maintaining this country's middle class. I am committed to seeing our union succeed and thrive. And to do that we must and will take real, concrete action that leads to substantive and lasting change."
New UAW Ethics Reforms Include:
* The establishment of an Ethics Ombudsman to receive, review and respond to ethics complaints and allegations.
* The creation of the position of Ethics Officer who will not be an employee of the International Union, but rather an external position with the power to investigate allegations, complaints or matters referred to them by the Ethics Ombudsman or the IEB. The UAW is beginning a national search for an Ethics Officer effective immediately.
* The introduction of a new policy that will enhance enforcement against those who have been found guilty of misusing funds and our commitment to seek recovery of all misused or misappropriated funds.
* The implementation of stringent monetary controls that increase oversight by the UAW Accounting Department.
* The banning of all charitable contributions from UAW joint program centers, vendors, or employers to any charities run or controlled by UAW officials.
* The enactment of accountability measures to the Joint Programs, including that purchases of promotional items using joint program funds have been permanently banned and all expenditures will be controlled, monitored, and regularly audited by independent public accounting firms.
* Finally, UAW will set up an Ethics Hotline to encourage those who may have concerns about or want to report potential ethics violations. The hotline will provide members and employees the ability to anonymously and confidentially submit allegations or complaints about potential violations of the UAW's Ethical Code and other relevant policies.
Additionally, Cabin Four and its related property at the UAW's Walter and May Reuther Family Education Center will be put up for sale.
[Category: Union]
Specialty Equipment Market Association Accepting Scholarship Applications
DIAMOND BAR, California, Nov. 13 -- The Specialty Equipment Market Association issued the following news release:
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- SEMA helps students pay for college tuition and SEMA Members pay off student loans
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SEMA is now accepting applications for the 2020 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund for students preparing for careers in the automotive aftermarket industry.
The SEMA Memorial Scholarship program offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Scholarships are available in a variety of categories,
... Show Full Article
DIAMOND BAR, California, Nov. 13 -- The Specialty Equipment Market Association issued the following news release:
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- SEMA helps students pay for college tuition and SEMA Members pay off student loans
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SEMA is now accepting applications for the 2020 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund for students preparing for careers in the automotive aftermarket industry.
The SEMA Memorial Scholarship program offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Scholarships are available in a variety of categories,including accounting, sales, marketing and engineering.
"Our goal is to encourage, inspire and support the future leaders of the automotive aftermarket industry," said SEMA Manager of Student Programs Juliet Marshall. "By providing financial support to promising students, we can successfully open doors of opportunity to those working towards a career in our field."
The program also grants loan forgiveness awards for employees of SEMA-member companies who have completed a program of study at an accredited university, college or vocational/technical program within the United States.
Applications for the program will be open until March 1, 2020.
Those chosen as scholarship recipients will be invited to attend the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where they will be recognized during an awards luncheon.
To view eligibility requirements, visit http://www.sema.org/scholarships.
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About SEMA
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $44.6 billion specialty automotive industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. Association resources include market research, legislative advocacy, training and product development support, as well as leading trade shows such as the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV, and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis, IN. For more information, visit http://www.sema.org, http://www.semashow.com, or http://www.performanceracing.com.
[Category: Motor Vehicles]
National Nurses United Statement on Bolivian Coup
WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
National Nurses United (NNU) today joined with the AFL-CIO, international labor leaders, and other activists in condemning the military coup in Bolivia and urging an end to political repression and violence.
NNU endorsed concerns by AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas (TUCA), the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), and the leader of Brazil's National Federation of Nurses (FNE) to protest the "military interference" in Bolivia.
Additionally, NNU also supports
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
National Nurses United (NNU) today joined with the AFL-CIO, international labor leaders, and other activists in condemning the military coup in Bolivia and urging an end to political repression and violence.
NNU endorsed concerns by AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas (TUCA), the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), and the leader of Brazil's National Federation of Nurses (FNE) to protest the "military interference" in Bolivia.
Additionally, NNU also supportscalls for restoration of democracy and a fair electoral process, including deposed former Bolivian President Evo Morales; and international solidarity for former ministers, their families, and supporters who have faced attacks or threats.
"We are alarmed by scenes of military intervention in the governance of Bolivia, arrests and acts of violence committed against supporters of the former Morales government, and racial attacks on indigenous peoples of Bolivia that have been seen across social media," said NNU President Deborah Burger, RN.
"As nurses we have concerns for the health and safety of all Bolivian people, and urge an immediate, peaceful resolution that protects the rights and security of all Bolivians," Burger said.
Burger said NNU endorses a statement yesterday by AFL-CIO President Trumka who said in a tweet: "The @AFLCIO joins the @ituc @CSA_TUCA in condemning military interference in Bolivia's election process. Morales reduced widespread poverty and fought for the inclusion of the indigenous majority. Bolivians must be able to vote peacefully and freely in new elections."
FNE President Shirley Diaz Morales, RN, said in a post that Evo Morales had accepted the call for new elections and peace before being deposed. "We in Latin America cannot tolerate that every time any leader stands up against social injustice" they face a coup and cannot be silent "in the face of violence in Bolivia." FNE is a member, along with NNU, of Global Nurses United, an international federation of nurses unions in 28 countries.
Additionally, NNU cited an ITUC statement which stated that Morales "was forced to resign by high ranking military officials. The news comes after threats on his life and violence against ministers, parliamentarians and their families."
"No elected president should be forced out of office under military orders," said ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow. "That is not how democracy works. The electoral process is the solution, not intervention by military leaders. Military coups can never be the answer."
Morales, the ITUC observed, was first elected in 2006. In his three terms as president, he oversaw a major reduction in poverty, with overall poverty going from 59.9 percent to 34.6 percent in 2017 and extreme poverty cut by more than half in the same period. His inclusive policies saw huge budgets dedicated to health, education, and electrification, which notably resulted in illiteracy rates dropping from 13.28 percent in 2001 to 3.8 percent in 2014.
President Morales, the ITUC added, also called for a fresh vote to allow the Bolivian people to make their choice. Burger said NNU agrees with the ITUC call that "This should be respected and ... the international community (should) support it."
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National Nurses United is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the United States with more than 150,000 members nationwide. NNU plays a leadership role in safeguarding the health and safety of RNs and their patients and has won landmark legislation in the areas of staffing, safe patient handling, infectious disease, and workplace violence prevention.
[Category: Nursing]
NAFA Member John Dmochowsky, CAFM, Wins Honors, Achieves First at 2019 Fleet Europe Awards
PRINCETON, New Jersey, Nov. 13 -- The NAFA Fleet Management Association issued the following news release:
NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA), the vehicle fleet industry's largest membership association, is proud to announce that NAFA Member John Dmochowsky, CAFM, MBA, Senior Global Fleet Manager for Mondelez International, won Fleet Europe's European Safety Fleet Manager of the Year award. Further, he was awarded runner-up status in the Global Fleet Manager of the Year category of the Fleet Europe Awards 2019. It's the first time an American fleet manager has won an award at the prestigious
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PRINCETON, New Jersey, Nov. 13 -- The NAFA Fleet Management Association issued the following news release:
NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA), the vehicle fleet industry's largest membership association, is proud to announce that NAFA Member John Dmochowsky, CAFM, MBA, Senior Global Fleet Manager for Mondelez International, won Fleet Europe's European Safety Fleet Manager of the Year award. Further, he was awarded runner-up status in the Global Fleet Manager of the Year category of the Fleet Europe Awards 2019. It's the first time an American fleet manager has won an award at the prestigiousevent. Dmochowsky was presented with the honor in early November.
Dmochowsky manages a global fleet of over 10,000 vehicles. According to the Fleet Europe press release, "The jury was impressed Dmochowsky's holistic vision regarding global fleet management optimization, with the successful engagement of his top management at headquarters and his team members" in Europe, North America, Latin America, and in Asia-Pacific.
Dmochowsky and his team have contributed to a significant cost-saving initiative, resulting from a significant change in the global fleet selection process, together with policy harmonization. From 2015 to 2016, there was a 21% reduction in global fleet spend, continuing until today with a total 7% reduction in the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) between 2017 and 2019.
Dmochowsky has been in the fleet industry for 17 years and is highly active in NAFA. His most recent efforts include:
* Presented in 2019 at NAFA's Institute & Expo on "Prepare for Your Clients' Future"
* He is a Fleet 101 webinar instructor (https://www.nafa.org/Events-Education/Webinars/Fleet-101-Series/Fleet-101-Promo.aspx)
* Presented at a 2018 NAFA Institute & Expo event on Global Fleet Management
Additionally, Dmochowsky serves on various FMC and OEM advisory boards and served as president of the Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association (AFLA) in 2012. In 2017, he was named the 2017 Professional Fleet Manager of the Year.
The annual Fleet Europe Awards recognize outstanding achievements by fleet managers, suppliers, and start-ups. The award for Global Fleet Manager of the Year was presented to Jorge Fernandez, Global Category Manager Fleet at Roche.
NAFA congratulates John Dmochowsky on achieving this honor and for exhibiting the professionalism and traits of which NAFA Members are known.
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About NAFA Fleet Management Association
NAFA Fleet Management Association is the membership organization for professionals who manage the mobility requirements of vehicle fleets that include commercial, public safety, trucks, and buses of all types and sizes; and a wide range of military and off-road equipment for corporations, governments, universities, utility fleets, and law enforcement in North America and across the globe. NAFA's members are responsible for the specification, acquisition, maintenance, repair, fueling, risk management, and remarketing of more than 4.6 million vehicles that drive an estimated 50 billion miles each year. NAFA's members control assets and services well above $100 billion each year.
[Category: Transportation]
American Humanist Association: Nations Criminalizing Blasphemy Blasted in New Report
WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 -- The American Humanist Association issued the following news release:
A report on the human rights of nonreligious people warns "the world is divided" on blasphemy and apostasy laws, "with many states still enforcing these laws, and several states tightening or introducing new blasphemy legislation in the past few years."
The Freedom of Thought Report, published by Humanists International and in its eighth annual edition, examines the legal and human rights situation for humanists, atheists, and the nonreligious around the world.
The 2019 edition celebrates the fact that
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 -- The American Humanist Association issued the following news release:
A report on the human rights of nonreligious people warns "the world is divided" on blasphemy and apostasy laws, "with many states still enforcing these laws, and several states tightening or introducing new blasphemy legislation in the past few years."
The Freedom of Thought Report, published by Humanists International and in its eighth annual edition, examines the legal and human rights situation for humanists, atheists, and the nonreligious around the world.
The 2019 edition celebrates the fact thateight countries have actually abolished anti-blasphemy laws in the past five years. But it also warns that 69 countries still retain such laws, and that their penalties and prosecution are hardening in a number of states. States such as Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are noted as "perennial" blasphemy prosecutors. Despite the well-publicized release of Christian farmworker Asia Bibi, the report condemns the ongoing imprisonment of several accused atheists and many others in Pakistan, as well as extrajudicial violence against both humanists and religious minorities related to blasphemy accusations.
The report also highlights a deterioration in other countries. Both Brunei and Mauritania have increased the penalties for blasphemy and apostasy in the past two years, making the crimes punishable by death. High-profile blasphemy prosecutions are cited as cause for concern in Indonesia, as is the backlash against demonstrators protesting forced wearing of the hijab in Iran. Despite the overall positive trend in Europe, the region does not escape criticism, with Italy and Spain singled out for prosecutions against artists and protesters in recent years.
Andrew Copson, president of Humanists International, noted,
"Blasphemy and apostasy laws are an injustice in themselves, but they also lend a false legitimacy to those who commit acts of murder and terrorism in their name. As our report notes, when governments prosecute under these laws it only exacerbates the problems of religious extremism. Repealing these laws as per the human rights treaty obligations that nearly all countries are signed up to must be a priority. It will not solve all the various other forms of discrimination against humanists and other religion or belief minorities that our report documents. But it will begin to delegitimize the religious extremism that threatens so many societies across so much of the planet."
Leaders at the American Humanist Association were pleased to note that some countries, including Norway, Iceland, Malta, the Alsace-Moselle region of France, Denmark, Canada, New Zealand and Greece, have repealed anti-blasphemy laws in the past five years. Meanwhile, legislation is pending in Ireland, following a referendum last year, to remove the requirement for an anti-blasphemy law from the constitution.
Find the report in full here (http://icm-tracking.meltwater.com/link.php?DynEngagement=true&H=I%2BqMhXDuIS2RujNbavWSOKShOr7Ezi73JeGvxlkJ09Qb0kDpZZQFeCKfpzoS5mDygbI%2FvMwtLoZSRCTo0IMIn1g%2FHjLMV87xIT4HyYTxIbopr%2BqiJhw4nrbhD%2BIwfFdj&G=0&R=https%3A%2F%2Ffot.humanists.international%2F&I=20191113160932.000008f216c1%40mail6-46-ussnn1&X=MHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVkY2MyYTlmYTM0NmMyNzhmNzA2NDRmOTs%3D&S=0SxZ-BjGFyJlqCsUqdqiiWwmrfOB2oeBMmkSyeXJQ78).
Find the data behind the report here (http://icm-tracking.meltwater.com/link.php?DynEngagement=true&H=I%2BqMhXDuIS2RujNbavWSOKShOr7Ezi73JeGvxlkJ09Qb0kDpZZQFeCKfpzoS5mDygbI%2FvMwtLoZSRCTo0IMIn1g%2FHjLMV87xIT4HyYTxIbopr%2BqiJhw4nrbhD%2BIwfFdj&G=0&R=http%3A%2F%2Ffot.humanists.international%2Fdata%2F&I=20191113160932.000008f216c1%40mail6-46-ussnn1&X=MHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVkY2MyYTlmYTM0NmMyNzhmNzA2NDRmOTs%3D&S=QfAqlMfMgUlb7QuaIptfqpgEFOPSAKE4G5zssnhMVtI).
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The American Humanist Association (AHA) works to protect the rights of humanists, atheists, and other nontheistic Americans. The AHA advances the ethical and life-affirming worldview of humanism, which--without beliefs in gods or other supernatural forces--encourages individuals to live informed and meaningful lives that aspire to the greater good of humanity.
Humanists International is the global representative body of the humanist movement, uniting a diversity of non-religious organizations and individuals. HI wants everyone to live a life of dignity in a world where universal human rights are respected and protected, and where states uphold secularism. Humanists International works to build, support and represent the global humanist movement, defending human rights, particularly those of non-religious people, and promoting humanist values world-wide.
[Category: Sociological]
American Farm Bureau Federation: Learn About the New US Cotton Trust Protocol at Cotton U
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Nov. 13 -- The American Farm Bureau Federation issued the following news release:
Farmers looking to capitalize on sustainability for their cotton farms should make plans to attend the first ever Cotton U on Dec. 5 at the Amarillo Farm & Ranch Show in Amarillo, Texas, to learn about a new pilot program initiated by the National Cotton Council.
The National Cotton Council is aiming to quantify sustainability data through its U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. Craig Brown, vice president of producer affairs for National Cotton Council, will be the keynote speaker at the Cotton U
... Show Full Article
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Nov. 13 -- The American Farm Bureau Federation issued the following news release:
Farmers looking to capitalize on sustainability for their cotton farms should make plans to attend the first ever Cotton U on Dec. 5 at the Amarillo Farm & Ranch Show in Amarillo, Texas, to learn about a new pilot program initiated by the National Cotton Council.
The National Cotton Council is aiming to quantify sustainability data through its U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. Craig Brown, vice president of producer affairs for National Cotton Council, will be the keynote speaker at the Cotton Uluncheon. He'll cap off a morning of education by explaining what the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is and how it benefits participating cotton farmers.
According to the Cotton Council, the protocol was developed to help the U.S. cotton production sector reduce its environmental footprint via specific sustainability goals targeted for 2025.
Goals include a 13% increase in productivity or land used per pound of fiber; an 18% increase in irrigation efficiency; a 39% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions; a 15% reduction in energy expenditures; a 50% reduction in soil loss; and a 30% increase in soil carbon. Before these goals can be met, farmers must enroll and complete self-assessments to provide a baseline of data for the industry.
Other speakers slated for Cotton U include Oklahoma State University Cotton Extension Specialist Seth Byrd. He will present the latest findings from university trials in the Oklahoma Panhandle that can help producers grow better quality cotton under new conditions. Jeff Miller with ForeFront Agronomy, a cooperating consultant with the Texas Alliance for Water Conservation, Lubbock, Texas, will present "2 Goals, 1 Drop: Irrigation for Profitability and Soil Health."
Cotton U, sponsored by High Plains Journal and the Amarillo Farm & Ranch Show, will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Central on Dec. 5, in the Grand Plaza Ballroom at the Amarillo Civic Center. Registration is free but limited to the first 150 registrants. Attendees are encouraged to pre-register online at Cottonu.net or by calling 620-227-1834. Attendees are invited to enjoy the Amarillo Farm & Ranch Show in the afternoon.
[Category: Agriculture]
American Council on Teaching of Foreign Languages Schedules Events
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Nov. 13 -- The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages has announced the following event:
November 22-24, 2019
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC
801 Mount Vernon Place NW
Washington, DC 20001
(Pre-convention Workshops - November 21, 2019)
The ACTFL Annual Convention and World Languages Expo is where language educators from around the world come to meet! This global event brings together more than 8,000 language educators from all languages, levels, and assignments. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive professional development experience
... Show Full Article
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Nov. 13 -- The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages has announced the following event:
November 22-24, 2019
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC
801 Mount Vernon Place NW
Washington, DC 20001
(Pre-convention Workshops - November 21, 2019)
The ACTFL Annual Convention and World Languages Expo is where language educators from around the world come to meet! This global event brings together more than 8,000 language educators from all languages, levels, and assignments. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive professional development experiencethat will have an impact on language educators at all levels of teaching and in turn help their students to succeed in their language learning process.
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November 20-22, 2020
(Pre-convention Workshops - November 19, 2020)
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
900 East Market Street
San Antonio, Texas
The ACTFL Annual Convention and World Languages Expo is where language educators from around the world come to meet! This global event brings together more than 7,000 language educators from all languages, levels, and assignments. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive professional development experience that will have an impact on language educators at all levels of teaching and in turn help their students to succeed in their language learning process.
Come participate in the world's most comprehensive language education meeting of the minds featuring more than 800 educational sessions in a variety of formats that focus on innovative programs, emerging trends that impact the language profession, and research-informed practices. While the exhibit hall will showcase more than 250 companies exhibiting their latest products and services, it is a learning experience within itself. Here you will find exhibitor sponsored workshops, the ACTFL Collab Zone, the Social Media Lounge, a Career Cafe, the ACTFL Confer-sation Corner, and much more.
Take your skills to the next level and join colleagues from around the world in this culturally diverse and historically-rich city. Join us in San Antonio!
For more information about these events, click here: https://www.actfl.org/convention-expo
https://www.actfl.org/actfl2020
[Category: EducationEvent]
