Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
Statement From the Health & Fitness Association on the Eighth Circuit Vacating the FTC's 'Click-to-Cancel' Rule
BOSTON, Massachusetts, July 9 -- The Health and Fitness Association (formerly the International Health Racquet and Sportsclub Association) issued the following news release:
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Statement from the Health & Fitness Association on the Eighth Circuit Vacating the FTC's 'Click-to-Cancel' Rule
The Health & Fitness Association applauds the court's decision to strike down the FTC's overreaching "Click-to-Cancel" Rule, while reaffirming its support for practical, consumer-friendly cancellation policies.
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The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) applauds the US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, July 9 -- The Health and Fitness Association (formerly the International Health Racquet and Sportsclub Association) issued the following news release:
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Statement from the Health & Fitness Association on the Eighth Circuit Vacating the FTC's 'Click-to-Cancel' Rule
The Health & Fitness Association applauds the court's decision to strike down the FTC's overreaching "Click-to-Cancel" Rule, while reaffirming its support for practical, consumer-friendly cancellation policies.
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The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) applauds the US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuitfor vacating the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) "Click-to-Cancel" Rule. The court's decision affirms what HFA and our partners have long maintained: the FTC exceeded its legal authority, failed to follow required procedures, and imposed a sweeping, one-size-fits-all mandate that ignored the operational realities of fitness businesses.
We thank the court for recognizing these concerns and reinforcing the importance of a rulemaking process grounded in law, transparency, and practical implementation.
At the same time, HFA and the fitness industry are fully committed to advancing consumer-friendly cancellation policies. We believe strongly in transparency and ease of use, and we are actively working to support policy solutions--especially at the state level--by partnering with lawmakers to enact clear, reasonable laws that make it easier for consumers to manage their memberships without imposing rigid or unworkable mandates on businesses. Throughout the states, HFA has already helped shape legislation that reflects this balance, and we will continue to lead efforts that protect consumers while preserving operational flexibility for fitness providers.
This ruling represents an important step toward balance, ensuring that consumer protections are maintained while empowering fitness operators to manage billing responsibly, support member engagement, and offer flexible, affordable options for every type of consumer.
As the trusted voice of the industry, HFA remains focused on collaborating with policymakers to promote thoughtful, transparent cancellation standards that build consumer confidence, expand access to physical activity, and strengthen public health nationwide.
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Original text here: https://www.healthandfitness.org/about/media-center/press-releases/statement-from-the-health-fitness-association-on-the-eighth-circuit-vacating-the-ftcs-click-to-cancel-rule/
[Category: Health Care]
PRO: An ACI Center of Excellence for Advancing Productivity Becomes Latest ACI Certification Cooperating Organization
FARMINGTON HILLS, Michigan, July 9 -- The American Concrete Institute issued the following news release:
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PRO: An ACI Center of Excellence for Advancing Productivity becomes latest ACI Certification Cooperating Organization
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PRO is proud to become the latest ACI Certification Cooperating Organization. These national organizations cooperate with ACI in programs to improve the quality of concrete construction. Serving the industry for over 40 years, the American Concrete Institute has developed over 30 concrete certification programs designed to form a minimum qualification for personnel
... Show Full Article
FARMINGTON HILLS, Michigan, July 9 -- The American Concrete Institute issued the following news release:
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PRO: An ACI Center of Excellence for Advancing Productivity becomes latest ACI Certification Cooperating Organization
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PRO is proud to become the latest ACI Certification Cooperating Organization. These national organizations cooperate with ACI in programs to improve the quality of concrete construction. Serving the industry for over 40 years, the American Concrete Institute has developed over 30 concrete certification programs designed to form a minimum qualification for personnelemployed within the concrete construction industry.
PRO's mission is to collaborate with designers, material suppliers, builders, and other industry stakeholders to continually improve the constructability of design and productivity of construction for concrete structures of all types. PRO defines constructability as the effective integration of construction knowledge into the planning and design of a project to optimize its construction cost and schedule and maximize its value to the owner. PRO's new status as a Cooperating Organization follows in their strong endorsement of ACI University's Concrete Constructability Certificate Program, and PRO believes that having ACI certified individuals on the job site is another integral factor in effective concrete construction productivity.
PRO and its members aim to advance new technologies and processes that improve concrete construction productivity beyond historic levels. To learn more about PRO and to get involved, visit www.concreteproductivity.org.
About PRO - PRO: An ACI Center of Excellence for Advancing Productivity, was established in 2023 by the American Concrete Institute. The Center, based at ACI World Headquarters in Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA, is a catalyst for solving the barriers of constructability to advance concrete construction productivity, leveraging ACI's role as a world-leading authority and resource for the development, dissemination, and adoption of consensus-based standards for concrete design, construction and materials. To learn more, visit www.concreteproductivity.org.
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Original text here: https://www.concrete.org/newsandevents/news/newsdetail.aspx?f=51749031
[Category: Construction]
ITS America and NEMA Release Joint White Paper Advocating Outcomes-Based Contracting to Modernize Transportation Infrastructure
ARLINGTON, Virginia, July 9 (TNSrpt) -- The National Electrical Manufacturers Association issued the following news release on July 8, 2025:
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ITS America and NEMA Release Joint White Paper Advocating Outcomes-Based Contracting to Modernize Transportation Infrastructure
ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) today proudly announce the release of a white paper titled "Procurement Solutions for Modern Transportation Technologies," created by a task force of members from both organizations.
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, July 9 (TNSrpt) -- The National Electrical Manufacturers Association issued the following news release on July 8, 2025:
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ITS America and NEMA Release Joint White Paper Advocating Outcomes-Based Contracting to Modernize Transportation Infrastructure
ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) today proudly announce the release of a white paper titled "Procurement Solutions for Modern Transportation Technologies," created by a task force of members from both organizations.ITS America and NEMA recently entered into an MOU to work together to share information, promote shared policy objectives, and scale the deployment of intelligent transportation systems across the United States.
As transportation infrastructure continues to more fully incorporate digital solutions and connected technologies, traditional procurement methods are proving insufficient to support evolving needs. The white paper makes a compelling case for Outcomes-Based Contracting (OBC) as a transformative solution to modernize infrastructure procurement, streamline innovation, and deliver better public value.
"Public agencies are grappling with outdated procurement models in a digital-first transportation era," said Bobby McCurdy, ITS America Vice President of Policy and Advocacy. "This paper provides a practical roadmap to unlock innovation and improve performance, from traffic signal systems to integrated crash response platforms."
Key highlights of the paper include:
* An in-depth explanation of outcomes-based procurement (OBP) principles: identification, alignment, measurement, and adjustment
* Case studies from Alpharetta, Georgia; the Virginia Department of Transportation; and Southern Nevada demonstrating OBC's effectiveness in real-world applications
* Guidance for federal leadership in aligning policies and funding mechanisms with modern infrastructure needs
* Recommendations to help state and local agencies address cybersecurity, software licensing, and resource challenges
"The evolution of intelligent transportation demands procurement frameworks that are just as smart," said Steve Griffith, NEMA Executive Director, Regulatory & Industry Affairs, Mobility. "Outcomes-based models offer governments the flexibility and incentives needed to deploy cutting-edge technologies and maintain them over time."
The white paper also outlines the critical role of the U.S. Department of Transportation in promoting outcomes-based procurement through initiatives like Every Day Counts and ARPA-I, and urges Congress to modernize procurement and funding policies to ensure long-term adaptability.
In developing the paper, ITS America and NEMA worked closely with members from both of their organizations, utilizing a task force that included broad perspectives from the transportation industry. Representatives from Rekor and ASSA ABLOY, who contributed to the paper's development, emphasized the importance of its findings:
"Outcomes Based Contracting represents a practical and effective way to agencies to keep up with technology advancements that support safer, more efficient, and more resilient transportation systems. By focusing on results vendors can provide solutions to agencies problems that fit within their existing infrastructure," said Guerry Bruner, Manager ITS & Unmanned Infrastructure Solutions, ASSA ABLOY.
"Outcome-Based Contracting (OBC) is increasingly important in the transportation industry because it shifts the focus from what is being bought to what results are being achieved. Instead of procuring specific products or services (e.g., cameras, software, or engineering hours), agencies define success in terms of outcomes -- like reduced traffic fatalities, improved travel times, or increased access to transit -- and hold vendors accountable to those outcomes," said Alison Boan, National Capture Manager at Rekor.
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REPORT: https://itsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ITSA-NEMA-White-Paper.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.makeitelectric.org/newsroom/news/its-america-and-nema-release-joint-white-paper-advocating-outcomes-based-contracting-to-modernize-transportation-infrastructure/
[Category: Industrial Materials]
Community Bankers Maintain Positive Economic Outlook
WASHINGTON, July 9 -- The Conference of State Bank Supervisors issued the following news release:
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Community Bankers Maintain Positive Economic Outlook
Community bankers' optimism on the future economy is holding steady, according to the 2025 second quarter results of the Community Bank Sentiment Index (CBSI).
The CBSI dipped slightly to 126 from its peak value of 129 in the previous quarter, driven by a less optimistic outlook for a lighter regulatory environment and moderated expectations for higher expected profitability. However, the overall index remains well above the neutral level
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 9 -- The Conference of State Bank Supervisors issued the following news release:
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Community Bankers Maintain Positive Economic Outlook
Community bankers' optimism on the future economy is holding steady, according to the 2025 second quarter results of the Community Bank Sentiment Index (CBSI).
The CBSI dipped slightly to 126 from its peak value of 129 in the previous quarter, driven by a less optimistic outlook for a lighter regulatory environment and moderated expectations for higher expected profitability. However, the overall index remains well above the neutral levelof 100 and is among the highest three readings recorded since its inception in 2019.
Additionally, the "I don't know/unsure" responses for all seven components fell from 14 points to 23 as concerns over tariffs and inflation appear to have subsided somewhat.
"Even though the economic outlook still remains clouded by uncertainties arising from tariff talks, immigration reforms, and fiscal and monetary policy decisions, overall community banker sentiment remains mostly optimistic and similar to the last two quarterly surveys," said CSBS Chief Economist Tom Siems.
The CBSI canvasses community bankers nationwide in the last month of each quarter to capture their thoughts on future economic conditions in seven areas. An index reading of 100 indicates a neutral sentiment. Anything above 100 indicates a positive sentiment, and anything below 100 indicates a negative sentiment. Quarterly results are included in the Federal Reserve Economic Data, the online database maintained by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis known informally as the FRED.
A total of 250 community bankers from 43 states responded to the second quarter 2025 CBSI survey. The profitability, operations, and franchise value indicators fell slightly but are at near record high levels. Expected future business conditions was the only component to drag the index lower for the second straight quarter, although this component improved slightly to 91 from last quarter's reading of 86.
The regulatory burden component had the greatest quarterly change, falling 16 points to 114 from the first quarter survey. However, it stayed above 100 for only the second time in the survey's history and is up 94 points from one year ago.
At 114, the monetary policy component improved 8 points from 106 last quarter and remains in positive territory for the fifth straight quarter.
Sixty-one percent of community bankers believe the U.S. economy is at the start of or already in a recession, up slightly from 59% last quarter. Community bankers rated their top concerns as cyberattacks, bank fraud, the federal debt/deficit, the cost and availability of labor, and competition.
For more information, visit www.csbs.org/cbindex.
The Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) is the national organization of financial regulators from all 50 states, American Samoa, District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands. State regulators supervise 79% of all U.S. banks and a variety of non-depository financial services. CSBS, on behalf of state regulators, also operates the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System to license and register non-depository financial service providers in the mortgage, money services businesses, consumer finance and debt industries.
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Original text here: https://www.csbs.org/newsroom/community-bankers-maintain-positive-economic-outlook
[Category: Financial Services]
American Farmland Trust Supports Healthy Soils and Farm Vitality With Nearly $1 Million Awarded to Virginia Farmers and Ranchers
WASHINGTON, July 9 -- The American Farmland Trust issued the following news release on July 8, 2025:
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American Farmland Trust Supports Healthy Soils and Farm Vitality with Nearly $1 Million Awarded to Virginia Farmers and Ranchers
Washington, DC -- American Farmland Trust (AFT) recently awarded $896,600 to farmers and ranchers looking to improve soil health and long-term farm viability. The funds, distributed through two new grants launched in October 2024, will support 38 producers in Virginia.
Both grants are part of AFT's Brighter Future Fund, which was established in 2020 to help
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 9 -- The American Farmland Trust issued the following news release on July 8, 2025:
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American Farmland Trust Supports Healthy Soils and Farm Vitality with Nearly $1 Million Awarded to Virginia Farmers and Ranchers
Washington, DC -- American Farmland Trust (AFT) recently awarded $896,600 to farmers and ranchers looking to improve soil health and long-term farm viability. The funds, distributed through two new grants launched in October 2024, will support 38 producers in Virginia.
Both grants are part of AFT's Brighter Future Fund, which was established in 2020 to helpfarmers navigate challenges ranging from market volatility to climate impacts, while also bolstering equity and opportunities for all in agriculture.
The grant funds, which represent one third of the total $2.8 million in grants awarded nationwide, are part of AFT's Regenerate Virginia initiative, a statewide effort made possible by generous and visionary anonymous supporters.
Regenerate Virginia simultaneously advances regenerative practices, protects farmland, and strengthens the Commonwealth's agricultural communities. Input reductions through practices like diversified cover crops, biochar, and rotational grazing are among the outcomes expected from the funded projects. Producers are also looking to expand market opportunities with GAP certification and improve soil health with equipment purchases that maximize soil cover and biodiversity.
In partnership with the Virginia Soil Health Coalition, AFT modeled the new Healthy Soils Grant after a similar innovative program offered by the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Awards incentivize the creation of soil building systems while encouraging innovation by supporting ideas and expenses that are ineligible for other programs.
"Nearly 150 producers from across the Commonwealth applied for these grants," said Amanda Cather, Mid-Atlantic Deputy Director. "We had so many amazing proposals from farmers and ranchers representing the tremendous diversity and creativity of Virginia agriculture. We can't wait to see the impact this funding will have on their operations and communities."
The Farm Vitality Planning Grant focuses on the long-term viability of producers' operations by funding business planning, strategic expansion, farm succession, enterprise diversification, financial and labor management, and land acquisition costs, among others. For producers planning the future of a regenerative farm, these awards allow farmers and ranchers to pursue individualized, substantive business consulting and planning services, leading to powerful changes in operations.
On receiving word of an award, Nita Mensia of Winfield Farms said, "I am so grateful for the confidence placed in our farm. You cannot imagine how much of an impact this is going to have. With this investment, I can begin farming full time, finish up site work and fully engage in the Farm to School Program which is really taking off faster than I had expected. This is such a blessing."
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Original text here: https://farmland.org/blog/american-farmland-trust-supports-healthy-soils-and-farm-vitality-with-nearly-1-million-awarded-to-virginia-farmers-and-ranchers
[Category: Agriculture]
America's Beverage Companies Launch Good to Know Transparency Initiative
WASHINGTON, July 9 -- The American Beverage Association issued the following news release on July 8, 2025:
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America's Beverage Companies Launch Good to Know Transparency Initiative
Industry delivers more ingredient information with GoodtoKnowFacts.org and announces new commitment to GRAS reform
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WASHINGTON - American Beverage announced today the launch of Good to Know, a new transparency initiative designed to empower Americans with easy-to-understand, fact-based information about the ingredients in their beverages.
At the center of the initiative is GoodtoKnowFacts.org, a website where
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 9 -- The American Beverage Association issued the following news release on July 8, 2025:
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America's Beverage Companies Launch Good to Know Transparency Initiative
Industry delivers more ingredient information with GoodtoKnowFacts.org and announces new commitment to GRAS reform
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WASHINGTON - American Beverage announced today the launch of Good to Know, a new transparency initiative designed to empower Americans with easy-to-understand, fact-based information about the ingredients in their beverages.
At the center of the initiative is GoodtoKnowFacts.org, a website whereconsumers can start to explore more than 140 beverage ingredients compiled in one place for the first time, including:
* Common uses.
* Alternative names.
* Regulatory status and ongoing safety assessments from food safety authorities.
"We created GoodtoKnowFacts.org to provide straightforward information about our ingredients and deliver facts. This site is intended to be a reliable first stop for consumers so they can decide what's right for them," said American Beverage President and CEO Kevin Keane. "More than ever, Americans want transparency, and that's exactly what we're delivering."
GoodtoKnowFacts.org gives consumers fact-based information from global food safety agencies for more than 140 ingredients found on our labels. This website is an effort to align with the Trump Administration's call for greater transparency on food and beverage ingredients.
Users can access the full safety assessments from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), European Food Safety Authority and Health Canada in one place. Where relevant, the site includes assessments from the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives.
The site is not industry information - it is a compilation of publicly available information from global food safety agencies. It is also unique in that it provides just the facts, with no opinions or recommendations - recognizing other resources are available for that.
"Good to Know reflects our ongoing commitment to put consumers first -- just like we've done by delivering more low- and zero-sugar options, introducing front-of-pack calorie labeling and removing full-calorie beverages from schools. It reflects America's beverage companies' efforts to listen and lead with pragmatic solutions that deliver informed choice," Keane added.
With Good to Know, American Beverage is also advocating for meaningful regulatory reform to support consumer confidence in the safety of all food and beverage ingredients. American Beverage and its members support modernizing the GRAS framework by requiring notice to the FDA for all new or novel ingredient uses.
Good to Know builds on America's beverage companies' long track record of bringing consumers more choices and clear information, including:
* The first industry to add clear calorie labels on the front of every bottle, can and pack;
* Transformational innovation and solutions to complex public health considerations led to the introduction of more than 400 zero-sugar beverage options including still and sparkling waters, teas and hydration drinks;
* Voluntarily removing full calorie beverages from schools and setting clear standards for beverages sold in schools; and
* Exceeding FDA requirements with detailed caffeine labeling on energy drinks.
Because of these efforts, nearly 60% of beverages sold today contain zero sugar.
To explore the ingredient database and learn more, visit: GoodtoKnowFacts.org.
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Original text here: https://www.americanbeverage.org/press-releases/america-s-beverage-companies-launch-good-to-know-transparency-initiative/
[Category: Food/Beverage]
ACI Publishes Printed Version of ACI CODE-318-25: Building Code for Structural Concrete
FARMINGTON HILLS, Michigan, July 9 -- The American Concrete Institute issued the following news release on July 8, 2025:
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ACI publishes printed version of ACI CODE-318-25: Building Code for Structural Concrete
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The American Concrete Institute (ACI) announced today that the printed version of ACI CODE-318-25: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary is now available. ACI CODE-318 is the document that presents the requirements for the design and construction of structural concrete that are necessary to ensure public safety. It is addressed to the engineer responsible
... Show Full Article
FARMINGTON HILLS, Michigan, July 9 -- The American Concrete Institute issued the following news release on July 8, 2025:
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ACI publishes printed version of ACI CODE-318-25: Building Code for Structural Concrete
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The American Concrete Institute (ACI) announced today that the printed version of ACI CODE-318-25: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary is now available. ACI CODE-318 is the document that presents the requirements for the design and construction of structural concrete that are necessary to ensure public safety. It is addressed to the engineer responsiblefor the contract documents and the building official.
As ACI's flagship standard, ACI CODE-318-25 sets the foundation for structural concrete design and construction in buildings and nonbuilding structures. Developed through an extensive consensus process, the document addresses all major structural systems, including cast-in-place, precast, shotcrete, plain, nonprestressed, prestressed, and composite construction. This latest edition introduces significant updates, including a new sustainability appendix that reflects modern construction practices, revised requirements for post-installed reinforcing bars, and enhanced provisions for shear friction. Additional updates include improvements to deep foundation requirements across all seismic design categories and clarified guidelines for cantilever and basement wall shear design.
"As the global reference standard for structural concrete, ACI CODE-318 has been adopted into building codes in the United States and is used in more than 75 countries," said Mike Tholen, ACI senior managing director, technical operations. "The printed release of ACI CODE-318-25 makes this essential standard even more accessible to jobsite professionals, university classrooms, and engineering firms worldwide."
The 2025 edition is already accessible through the ACI 318 PLUS platform and is now available for purchase through the ACI Store. A PDF edition is also available.
ACI 318 PLUS is an interactive digital platform that provides access to ACI CODE-318-25 and ACI CODE-318-19. It offers powerful in-document search, digital notetaking, and direct links to related resources. Subscribers also receive full access to the ACI Detailing Manual and the ACI Reinforced Concrete Design Handbook. ACI 318 PLUS is continuously updated as new resources and references become available, ensuring that users can always access the latest tools and advancements in structural concrete design.
To learn more about ACI CODE-318 and ACI 318 PLUS, visit concrete.org/ACI318. You can also learn more by watching the new ACI CODE-318-25: Building Code for Structural Concrete video.
About the American Concrete Institute:
Always Advancing - The American Concrete Institute (ACI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the leading global authority for the development, dissemination, and adoption of its consensus-based standards, technical resources, and educational, training, and certification programs. Founded in 1904, ACI is headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA, with a regional office in Dubai, UAE, and Resource Centers located in Southern California, the Midwest (Chicago, IL area), and the Mid-Atlantic (Baltimore, MD area). ACI has more than 90 chapters, 244 student chapters, and approximately 40,000 members spanning more than 120 countries. The American Concrete Institute - Always advancing(R). Visit concrete.org for additional information.
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Original text here: https://www.concrete.org/newsandevents/news/newsdetail.aspx?f=51749030
[Category: Construction]
