Trade Associations
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from national and international trade associations influencing the debate on federal policies.
Featured Stories
Study: Probiotics Led to Fewer Deaths of Preterm Infants in Canadian Neonatal Units
ITASCA, Illinois, Feb. 12 -- The American Academy of Pediatrics issued the following news release:
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Study: Probiotics Led to Fewer Deaths of Preterm Infants in Canadian Neonatal Units
Probiotics used in Canadian neonatal units were associated with fewer deaths of preterm infants and had limited effects on reducing the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or late-onset sepsis, according to a study published in the March 2025 Pediatrics. The study, "Effectiveness and Risks of Probiotics in Preterm Infants" (published online Feb. 12), examined the infants born less than 34 weeks' gestation
... Show Full Article
ITASCA, Illinois, Feb. 12 -- The American Academy of Pediatrics issued the following news release:
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Study: Probiotics Led to Fewer Deaths of Preterm Infants in Canadian Neonatal Units
Probiotics used in Canadian neonatal units were associated with fewer deaths of preterm infants and had limited effects on reducing the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or late-onset sepsis, according to a study published in the March 2025 Pediatrics. The study, "Effectiveness and Risks of Probiotics in Preterm Infants" (published online Feb. 12), examined the infants born less than 34 weeks' gestationand less than 1000 grams birth weight who were admitted to Canadian neonatal units from 2016 through 2022. Of 32,667 infants, 18,793 (57.5%) received probiotics and 13,874 (42.5%) did not receive probiotics. Probiotics have emerged as a possible effective measure for preventing necrotizing enterocolitis, a life-threatening condition and the most prevalent gastrointestinal emergency in infants. The use of probiotics in preterm infants has been controversial due to the risk that probiotics may increase the risk of an infant developing probiotic sepsis due to immaturity of the immune system. Some cases of infant deaths prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada to issue warning letters regarding probiotics use in neonatal units. Researchers found fewer infant deaths in those who were given probiotics. Probiotic sepsis was rare and was considered a possible associated cause of death in two infants. The authors conclude: The clinical benefits of probiotic use in preterm infants, particularly reduced mortality, outweigh the rare incidence of probiotic sepsis and related fatalities. These findings may support neonatal clinicians in counseling parents of preterm infants in the NICU regarding the benefits and risks of probiotic use.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
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Original text here: https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/pediatrics2/2025/study-probiotics-led-to-fewer-deaths-of-preterm-infants-in-canadian-neonatal-units/
[Category: Medical]
NFTC Statement on New Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 -- The National Foreign Trade Council issued the following news release on Feb. 10, 2025:
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NFTC Statement on New Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
WASHINGTON DC - National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) Vice President for Global Trade Policy Tiffany Smith today issues a statement following the President's announcement of new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports:
"NFTC supports the Administration's comprehensive review of America's trade policies, including the tariffs on steel and aluminum under Section 232 imposed during President Trump's first term. However, today's announcement
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 -- The National Foreign Trade Council issued the following news release on Feb. 10, 2025:
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NFTC Statement on New Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
WASHINGTON DC - National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) Vice President for Global Trade Policy Tiffany Smith today issues a statement following the President's announcement of new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports:
"NFTC supports the Administration's comprehensive review of America's trade policies, including the tariffs on steel and aluminum under Section 232 imposed during President Trump's first term. However, today's announcementof new blanket 25% tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum, before those reviews are completed, circumvents that process and throws a curve ball at U.S. manufacturers, leaving them with little time to adjust.
"This action will dramatically harm our competitiveness and increase the costs paid by American manufacturers that rely on steel and aluminum as inputs. Adding new tariffs on basic industries and eliminating mitigating options like country and product exclusions for items not currently available in the United States, which companies have relied on since President Trump's first term, is especially disruptive at a time when the Administration is looking to boost American manufacturing.
"To give an idea of what these tariffs may mean, recent Tax Foundation data shows that U.S. importers have paid nearly $17.5 billion in existing steel and aluminum tariffs since the tariffs were put in place in 2018."
About the NFTC
The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) is the premier business association advancing trade and tax policies that support access to the global marketplace. Founded in 1914, NFTC promotes an open, rules-based global economy on behalf of a diverse membership of U.S.-based businesses.
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Original text here: https://www.nftc.org/nftc-statement-on-new-steel-and-aluminum-tariffs/
[Category: Business]
LIMRA's Artificial Intelligence Governance Group Offers New Tools and Resources to Help Companies With AI Adoption
WINDSOR, Connecticut, Feb. 12 -- LIMRA issued the following news release:
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LIMRA's Artificial Intelligence Governance Group Offers New Tools and Resources to Help Companies With AI Adoption
WINDSOR, Conn., Feb. 11, 2025 -- LIMRA's AI Governance Group (AIGG) continues to lead efforts to help U.S. life insurance companies safely and effectively implement artificial intelligence (AI) into their businesses with the launch of Turnkey Templates & Strategic Guides.
Whether developing AI in-house or with a vendor, these resources are designed to help companies make informed decisions regarding
... Show Full Article
WINDSOR, Connecticut, Feb. 12 -- LIMRA issued the following news release:
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LIMRA's Artificial Intelligence Governance Group Offers New Tools and Resources to Help Companies With AI Adoption
WINDSOR, Conn., Feb. 11, 2025 -- LIMRA's AI Governance Group (AIGG) continues to lead efforts to help U.S. life insurance companies safely and effectively implement artificial intelligence (AI) into their businesses with the launch of Turnkey Templates & Strategic Guides.
Whether developing AI in-house or with a vendor, these resources are designed to help companies make informed decisions regardingAI adoption. These turnkey frameworks include comprehensive cost benefit analysis templates that can help leaders identify the potential benefits and risks of the various strategic paths when considering AI. The AIGG plans to release several more industry frameworks in 2025.
"By helping firms understand how AI can improve efficiencies, achieve cost savings, enhance automation and boost productivity, LIMRA wanted to ensure that any organization can find success with the safe, scalable and effective AI implementation," said Kartik Sakthivel, LIMRA and LOMA chief information officer. "Working in collaboration with leaders across the industry, these new tools leverage the learned experience and best practices that prioritize fairness, accountability and transparency, and collaboratively address common industry challenges associated with implementing AI."
AI has the potential to transform the financial services sector, modernizing organizational processes and offering significant opportunities to improve the customer experience. This is just the latest AIGG effort to create a foundation for sustainable and inclusive AI practices to improve the life insurance industry.
LIMRA's AIGG draws expertise from over 100 business and technology executives representing more than 50 U.S.-based member insurance companies. The group's goals are to:
* educate its members about the current state of AI in the industry
* provide a forum for open and collaborative discussion about the most effective uses for the technology
* establish industry benchmarks, and
* advance the efforts to enhance the customer experience while improving productivity and profitability.
For more information and research about AI and the life insurance industry, visit: LIMRA's Artificial Intelligence page.
About LIMRA
Serving the industry since 1916, LIMRA offers industry knowledge, insights, connections and solutions to help more than 700 financial services member organizations navigate change with confidence. Visit LIMRA at www.limra.com.
Media Contacts
Catherine Theroux
Director, Public Relations
Work Phone: (860) 285-7787
Mobile Phone: (703) 447-3257
ctheroux@limra.com
Brooke Lacey
Senior Public Relations Specialist
Work Phone: (860) 298-3920
Mobile Phone: (413) 530-6184
blacey@limra.com
Bailey Stover
Public Relations/Social Media Specialist
Work Phone: (770) 984-3788
bstover@loma.org
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Original text here: https://www.limra.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/2025/limras-artificial-intelligence-governance-group-offers-new-tools-and-resources-help-companies-with-ai-adoption/
[Category: Financial Services]
International Franchise Association Honors 2024 Franchisees of the Year
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 -- The International Franchise Association issued the following news release on Feb. 11, 2025:
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International Franchise Association Honors 2024 Franchisees of the Year
Recognizes 116 franchise owners with top recognition for franchisees; recipients exemplify excellence in business, giving back, and providing opportunities to those around them
LAS VEGAS - The International Franchise Association (IFA) today recognized 116 individuals and teams with its 2024 Franchisee of the Year awards, representing the top franchisees from IFA member brands across industries from communities
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 -- The International Franchise Association issued the following news release on Feb. 11, 2025:
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International Franchise Association Honors 2024 Franchisees of the Year
Recognizes 116 franchise owners with top recognition for franchisees; recipients exemplify excellence in business, giving back, and providing opportunities to those around them
LAS VEGAS - The International Franchise Association (IFA) today recognized 116 individuals and teams with its 2024 Franchisee of the Year awards, representing the top franchisees from IFA member brands across industries from communitiesaround the country and the world. The annual Franchisee of the Year awards, honored at the 65th IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, recognize outstanding franchise establishment owner-operators.
"Franchisees of the Year represent the very best of franchising," said Matt Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. "They embody the American Dream, create economic opportunity, serve their communities and show what it means to go into business for yourself, but not by yourself. We are proud to recognize these entrepreneurs with the highest honor IFA awards to individual franchisees, and we salute them for the tireless efforts to lift up all those they serve."
The Franchisee of the Year awards recognize leading franchise owners from IFA member brands whose outstanding performance and contributions help protect, enhance, and promote the franchise business model. Nominated by their parent company, individuals are selected for their service to their communities, fostering a strong and vibrant workforce, opening the doors for career growth and entrepreneurship, and supporting their fellow franchisees.
There are approximately 830,000 franchised businesses across the U.S., providing nearly 9 million direct jobs and generating over $896 billion in economic output. According to Oxford Economics, franchising on average provides higher wages and better benefits than non-franchised businesses, as well as greater entrepreneurial opportunities to minorities, women, veterans, and other underrepresented communities.
The full list of recipients is below:
Aaron and Danielle Katzoff ... Spavia Moorestown/Guilford Commons/Stamford ... Egg Harbor Township ... NJ
Al and AJ Rodriguez ... Sport Clips ... Mars ... PA
Alen McKnight ... Athletic Republic Cary ... Cary ... NC
Alex and Myriam Guerrero ... Tint World ... El Paso ... TX
Amber Walley ... GK Property Holdings LLC ... Warren ... OH
Anchal Lamba ... Gong cha Franchise, LLC ... Hauppauge ... NY
Andrew D'Agosto ... Panda Inc dba Arby's ... Omaha ... NE
Andrew Jones, Edward Amar, and Mateusz Dabrowski ... TAM ... Gonzales ... LA
Andy Freitas* ... Colonels Limited LLC ... Purcellville ... VA
Angela Woodruff-Swarts ... Spherion Staffing ... Augusta ... GA
Angella Emmett ... ATC Healthcare Services - PNW and Texas ... Austin ... TX
Anne Peters ... Home Instead Greater Des Moines ... Urbandale ... IA
Ashley Drake and Jonas Champlain ... Radiant Waxing ... Meridian ... ID
Asia Di Antonio and Daniel Stock ... KidzArt and Club Scientific Hawaii (Da Dream Lab) ... Kaneohe ... HI
Barbara Neall and Ryan Day ... Home Clean Heroes of Huntsville ... Madison ... AL
Bella Jing Wang ... Steamoji Richmond Central ... West Vancouver ... British Columbia
Blair Ramsing, Brendan Charles, and Michelle Kimble ... Hydrate IV Bar ... Dallas ... TX
Bob Stewart ... Toprail Fence Richmond VA ... Glen Allen ... VA
Brandon and Shaleeza Collins ... IHOP - HBP Group ... Baton Rouge ... LA
Brandon Bowen ... FFSubs, LLC ... Henryville ... IN
Brett Itterman ... Pentex Restaurant Group ... Fargo ... ND
Brian and Denise Morrison ... A Plus Automotive LLC dba SpeeDee ... Charlotte ... NC
Brian Carmody ... Patton Wings ... Shelby Township ... MI
Brian Posen ... Painting With A Twist - Lakewood, Colorado ... Boulder ... CO
Brian Preuss ... Green Home Solutions ... Mount Airy ... MD
Cathy Carroll ... Payroll Vault Mainline ... Havertown ... PA
Coby Jones ... Big Chicken ... Edmond ... OK
Colleen O'Ferrall-Jones ... Orangetheory Fitness ... Kapolei ... HI
Corey E Robinson ... BP Retail Partners Inc ... Clinton ... IA
Cory Griggs ... LIME Painting of Charleston ... Mount Pleasant ... SC
Dane and Jaclyn Kopnisky ... DAC Group LLC - DBA Donatos Pizza ... Summerville ... SC
David and Allison McMurtry ... The Goddard School Denver Highlands ... Denver ... CO
David E. Gronewoller ... GC Partners, Inc. ... Winston Salem ... NC
David Ostrowe ... O&M Restaurant Group ... Oklahoma City ... OK
Derek Wachter ... PostNet ... Aurora ... CO
Dr. Anthony Tran ... The Joint Chiropractic ... Huntington Beach ... CA
Dr. Macmillian Innocent PT, DPT, CWS ... Innocent Holdings LLC ... Miramar ... FL
Emily E. vanCleef ... Bloomin' Blinds of Rock Hill & South Charlotte ... Rock Hill ... SC
Eric Cook ... WSI ... Prudenville ... MI
Eric Salas ... Valenta ... Kenwood ... CA
Eric Wallentine and Nate Benjamin ... Homewatch CareGivers of Southern Idaho ... Meridian ... ID
Frank Wetegrove ... Camp Bow Wow San Antonio Airport, Northwest, Stone Oak, Live Oak and Austin ... San Antonio ... TX
George Juarez ... Christian Brothers Automotive Woodstock ... Woodstock ... GA
Greg Costley ... Costley Enterprises, LLC ... Broken Arrow ... OK
Gus Herlong ... Palmetto Garage Works, LLC ... Columbia ... SC
Heidi Simos ... Bound for Success Coaching, LLC ... Ormond Beach ... FL
Helen Liu ... The Bar Method Berkeley ... Berkeley ... CA
Ian Kaner ... Budget Blinds of the Seacoast and Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard ... Portsmouth ... NH
Jaime Zilverberg ... SafeSplash Swim School Castle Rock ... Castle Rock ... CO
Jason Summers and AJ Arthus ... JSA Tires dba RNR Tires Express ... Lubbock ... TX
Jeff Chew ... Pizza Factory, Inc. ... Jamesville ... CA
Jefferey Oslund ... Rebath Michigan ... Troy ... MI
Jeffrey Warden ... The Rose Group ... Newtown ... PA
Jim and Stacey Casey ... Rainbow Restoration of Athens GA ... Bogart ... GA
Jim Carteris ... FirstLight Home Care of The Peninsula ... San Carlos ... CA
Joanna Johnson ... Foxy Box Laser and Wax Bar Port Coquitlam ... Coquitlam ... British Columbia
Joe and Marci Natale ... Grasons Estate Sales of Southern Az., Chandler and Mesa ... Tucson ... AZ
John and Sara English ... JS English Enterprises, LLC ... Chesterfield ... MO
John Breton ... Pool Scouts of McKinney & Northeast DFW ... McKinney ... TX
John Colon ... Wise Coatings of Central Michigan ... Midland ... MI
Jolie and Jordan Cypert ... FASTSIGNS, International ... Austin ... TX
Jordan Black ... Two Maids of Boulder/Denver, CO region and Chesterfield/O'Fallon, MO ... Littleton ... CO
Josephine Suryono ... AtWork Roseville & Sacramento ... Rocklin ... CA
Joshua Bowie ... The Brothers that just do Gutters Atlanta ... Suwanee ... GA
Julie and Scott Beville ... Sing Bev Hospitality, LLC ... Simpsonville ... SC
Kajal Patel ... The Hena Group ... Norridge ... IL
Katie Hillyer and Erik Skovgard ... True North Restoration of Iowa ... Cedar Falls ... IA
Katie Young ... Celebree School of Nottingham ... Joppa ... MD
Kelly Comin ... Ivy Kids of Young Ranch ... Cypress ... TX
Kenneth D. Adair ... Pirtek ... Homer Glen ... IL
Kimberly Roman ... Owl Be There Wilmington West Chester ... Wilmington ... DE
Lee Turrini and Team ... Junk King Orange County/Anaheim ... Irvine ... CA
Luke Andrus ... Blue Star Investments ... Arnaudville ... LA
M. Denise Simmons ... Wisdom Senior Care ... Miramar ... FL
Mariano Llorian ... AdvantaClean of Fort Lauderdale ... Oakland Park ... FL
Mary Zabian ... Assisted Living Locators MetroWest Massachusetts ... Boston ... MA
Matt and Alison Bengochea ... Hams 4 Him, LLC ... Bogart ... GA
Matt Walin ... Daisy Orange County ... Costa Mesa ... CA
Max D Gelwix ... Sonic Drive In ... Poway ... CA
Mehul Patel ... AlphaGraphics 711 ... Dallas ... TX
Melanie Ramos ... Blue Moon Estate Sales ... Knoxville ... TN
Melissa and Brian Markus ... Scenthound - Overland Park, KS ... Olathe ... KS
Michael Carilo Jr. ... Aussie Petmobile Of The Desert ... La Quinta ... CA
Michael Haines ... Ovation Hospitality Group ... Cumming ... GA
Michael Nungesser ... Five Star Painting of Central Georgia ... Macon ... GA
Michele Zimmer ... Woodhouse Spa - Buffalo ... Buffalo ... NY
Michelle & Richard Lee ... Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii ... Falls Church ... VA
Michelle Marcus Rodriguez ... Season 2 Consign Orlando ... Orlando ... FL
Mohit and Bejal Patel ... Primrose School of Evergreen ... San Josa ... CA
Monica Holguin ... Basecamp Fitness ... El Paso ... TX
Neelima Gaikwad ... A Place At Home Schaumburg ... Hoffman Estates ... IL
Parag Patel ... Lala Companies ... Yorba Linda ... CA
Paulo Portela ... School of Rock Brazil, Portugal & Spain ... Sao Paulo ... SP
Penny Ellison ... Mr. Handyman of West Knoxville ... Knoxville ... TN
Peter McCormick and Alex Zega ... Five Iron Louisville ... Louisville ... KY
Philip and Katelyn Schultz ... Glass Doctor of Lexington ... Lexington ... KY
Randy Chipman ... CarePatrol of Utah ... Spanish Fork ... UT
Rasheen Hartwell ... Rage Management DBA Stretch Zone ... Spring Hill ... TN
Richard Alan Webber ... CertaPro Painters of Morristown, NJ ... Morristown ... NJ
Robert "Bob" Harms ... Huntington Learning Center ... Weston ... FL
Robert Pina ... Marco's Pizza Multi-Unit Franchisee ... Scottsdale ... AZ
Ron Morrow Jr ... Oilex Operating LLC ... Denver ... CO
Sam Patel ... Kisna Hospitality ... Knoxville ... TN
Scott Davis ... DHR Slim Chickens ... Tumbling Shoals ... AR
Senen De Castro-Cabalfin RN, MSN ... Executive Home Care of Freehold, Toms River, Bergen and Somerset ... Marlboro ... NJ
Shai Jiwani ... Altitude Trampoline Park - East Cobb ... Marietta ... GA
Stephen and Richelle McCabe ... Aroma Joe's ... Indiana ... PA
Steve Sargent ... Milex Complete Auto Care / Mr. Transmission ... Fuquay Varina ... NC
Sumit and Monica Bansal ... Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa ... Troy ... MI
Susan and Ronnie Morris ... Express Employment Professionals ... Jackson ... TN
Taylor Johns ... Karalina Enterprises (Little Caesars) ... Greer ... SC
Thomas Keller, Marsha Keller and Laura Eads ... Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care ... Chesterfield ... MO
Tim Roberts ... Success Through Referrals LLC ... Salem ... NH
Toby and Amy Tabor ... Floor Coverings International ... Vancouver ... WA
Tracey McCaghy and Steve Marszalek ... McCaghy/Marszalek Group ... Royal Oak ... MI
Veny Pirochta and Nick Granato ... Premier Garage and The Tailored Closet of the Bay Area ... Foster City ... CA
About the International Franchise Association:
Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the approximately 830,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.8 million direct jobs, $896.9 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.
Press Contact
Name: Katherine Knight Patterson
Phone: (202) 662-0783
Email: kpatterson@franchise.org
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Original text here: https://www.franchise.org/media-center/press-releases/international-franchise-association-honors-2024-franchisees-of-the-year
[Category: Business]
Fashion Industry Warns of Rising Risk of Fraudulent Websites
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Feb. 12 -- The American Apparel and Footwear Association issued the following news release:
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Fashion Industry Warns of Rising Risk of Fraudulent Websites
February 11, 2025 | WASHINGTON, D.C.
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) published a discussion white paper to highlight and explain the growing concerns AAFA members and consumers face with the rise of fraudulent websites.
The paper, The Rising Risk of Fraudulent Websites: Spotlight within the Digital Devalue Chain of Counterfeits, highlights and explains the growing concerns around an interlinking
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Feb. 12 -- The American Apparel and Footwear Association issued the following news release:
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Fashion Industry Warns of Rising Risk of Fraudulent Websites
February 11, 2025 | WASHINGTON, D.C.
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) published a discussion white paper to highlight and explain the growing concerns AAFA members and consumers face with the rise of fraudulent websites.
The paper, The Rising Risk of Fraudulent Websites: Spotlight within the Digital Devalue Chain of Counterfeits, highlights and explains the growing concerns around an interlinkingpiece of the Digital Devalue Chain of Counterfeits: fraudulent websites.
AAFA calls on government leaders to explore all available solutions to address fraudulent websites and unlink the devalue chain with proactive measures that will reduce risks to consumers, governments, and legitimate brand owners. The white paper offers service providers immediate and identifiable tactics, so they do their part to protect consumers, businesses, and governments.
"As policymakers look at the risks of tech on our young people and national security, they must also look to the risks to business as counterfeiters, fraudsters, and other illegal actors take advantage of consumers seeking low-cost and readily available alternative goods," said AAFA president and CEO Steve Lamar. "This white paper builds on previous awareness efforts around the need for legislation and consumer awareness efforts regarding illicit trade and the type of fraud perpetuated by fake advertisements, dupe influencers, and the entire digital devalue chain of counterfeits. As website fraud continues to expand and grow in both scope and sophistication, it simply cannot be overlooked."
"By flagging current trends and detailing the limitations of the current system, we hope to position concerns for policymakers and elected leaders to help identify long-term solutions to stop counterfeiters and illegal fraudsters," explained Jennifer Hanks, AAFA senior director of brand protection.
For this paper, AAFA conducted a member survey and spoke with government and industry leaders. AAFA explored pitfalls of the current system and analyzed potential solutions on how to effectively combat fraudulent websites. Additionally, AAFA members contributed to the paper by quantifying the challenges and sharing examples.
AAFA advocates for the protection of intellectual property rights; builds awareness of the dangers of counterfeits to businesses, consumers, workers, and the environment. In addition to the explainer of the broader Digital Devalue Chain of Counterfeits, AAFA delivered a multi-industry letter to President-elect Donald Trump in December 2024 to advocate for attention to matters of intellectual property protections as part of economic decision making and fulfillment of appointed positions.
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Original text here: https://www.aafaglobal.org/AAFA/AAFA_News/2025_Press_Releases/Fashion_Industry%20_Warns_Rising_Risk_Fraudulent_Websites.aspx
[Category: Business]
Armed Women of America Partners With NSSF's First Shots Program
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 -- NSSF-The Firearm Industry Trade Association, issued the following news release:
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Armed Women of America Partners with NSSF's First Shots Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, is pleased to announce that Armed Women of America has become an official partner of NSSF's First Shots program. First Shots is the introductory and refresher target-shooting program made available through host target-shooting ranges across the country.
A non-profit organization, Armed Women of America organizes local groups of women around the country that
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 -- NSSF-The Firearm Industry Trade Association, issued the following news release:
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Armed Women of America Partners with NSSF's First Shots Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, is pleased to announce that Armed Women of America has become an official partner of NSSF's First Shots program. First Shots is the introductory and refresher target-shooting program made available through host target-shooting ranges across the country.
A non-profit organization, Armed Women of America organizes local groups of women around the country thatmeet monthly to practice, learn and grow as shooters. The group says it exists to enable women "to be their own self-protectors, creating freedom, peace of mind and confidence in themselves."
With more than 250 chapters nationwide, Armed Women of America will work with NSSF's First Shots to reach thousands of new, intermediate and experienced women shooters to help build their marksmanship and firearm safety skills and to enjoy the camaraderie and fun of the shooting sports. Local chapters of the group can be found on its website.
"The partnership between Armed Women of America and First Shots provides the support and expertise that newcomers and novices are seeking when they're introduced to recreational shooting," said Zach Snow, NSSF Director, Member Development. "The partnership also emphasizes firearm safety and the confidence that comes with belonging to a supportive community that enjoys target shooting and training together.
"More Americans want to learn about recreational shooting and owning firearms for personal security. First Shots has been designed to assist them by providing education in the classroom and experience on the firing line," added Snow.
By providing educational experiences that are safe, fun and memorable, First Shots partners and host ranges are having great success in attracting first-timers, further engaging new gun owners and in reactivating lapsed participants. Surveys show that more than 43 percent of First Shots participants are converted to target-shooting enthusiasts, demonstrating that First Shots is fulfilling a need for providing a supportive environment to those who want to know more about recreational shooting and firearm ownership.
"We are proud to partner with NSSF's First Shots program, which has introduced thousands of people to recreational shooting and continues to attract participants of all ages. As a dedicated partner of First Shots, Armed Women of America hopes to introduce even more women to the wide world of responsible and safe firearm ownership and the wide world of recreational shooting opportunities for women. We hope more people will discover Armed Women of America, recreational shooting and taking charge of one's personal security thanks to First Shots," said Jan Ennenga, AWA Executive Director.
NSSF invites other organizations associated with the shooting sports and industry to consider becoming First Shots partners. The benefits to the organization and to the future of the shooting sports are considerable. Learn how to become a First Shots partner by contacting Ann Gamauf at 203-426-1320 ext. 247.
If you're interested to learn about firearm safety, range etiquette and the basic firearm fundamentals to get you on target, find a First Shots seminar near you!
About NSSF
NSSF is the trade association for the firearm industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of thousands of manufacturers, distributors, firearm retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen's organizations and publishers nationwide. For more information, visit nssf.org.
NSSF Media contact:
Bill Brassard
203-426-1320 ext. 212
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Original text here: https://www.nssf.org/articles/armed-women-of-america-partners-with-nssfs-first-shots-program/
[Category: Business]
AAAS Announces 2025 Award Winners
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 -- The American Association for the Advancement of Science issued the following news:
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AAAS Announces 2025 Award Winners
by Andrea Korte
The American Association for the Advancement of Science has announced the 2025 winners of eight awards that recognize scientists, engineers, innovators and public servants for their contributions to science and society. This recipients' achievements include spurring undergraduate students to pursue further study in the sciences, communicating the serious health risks faced by migrant laborers, and standing in solidarity with Iranian
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 -- The American Association for the Advancement of Science issued the following news:
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AAAS Announces 2025 Award Winners
by Andrea Korte
The American Association for the Advancement of Science has announced the 2025 winners of eight awards that recognize scientists, engineers, innovators and public servants for their contributions to science and society. This recipients' achievements include spurring undergraduate students to pursue further study in the sciences, communicating the serious health risks faced by migrant laborers, and standing in solidarity with Iranianprotestors at great personal and professional risk.
The 2025 award recipients are:
* AAAS Philip Hauge Abelson Prize: Mary Woolley
* AAAS Mani L. Bhaumik Award for Public Engagement with Science: Brian Greene
* AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science: Barrak Alahmad
* AAAS David and Betty Hamburg Award for Science Diplomacy: Daniel Whittle, Valerie Miller and Eduardo Bone-Moron
* AAAS Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility: Encieh Erfani
* AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award: Juan F. Arratia
* AAAS Mentor Award: LaShan Simpson Hendrix
* AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize: "Nitrogen-fixing organelle in a marine alga"
The winners will be recognized at the 2025 AAAS Annual Meeting, to be held in Boston from Feb. 13-15, where they will be honored with a tribute video and award ceremony on Feb. 14.
Recipients of most of the awards receive a prize of $5,000, while the AAAS David and Betty Hamburg Award for Science Diplomacy and Mani L. Bhaumik Award for Public Engagement with Science award the winning individual or team $10,000, and the AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize awards the winning individual or team $25,000.
Learn more about the awards' history, criteria and selection processes, or read on to learn more about the 2025 winners.
AAAS Philip Hauge Abelson Prize
Mary Woolley, the president and CEO of Research!America, is the recipient of the 2025 AAAS Philip Hauge Abelson Prize, which honors an individual who has made significant contributions to the advancement of science in the United States through their research, policy work or public service. The awardee can be a public servant, scientist or individual in any field who has made sustained, exceptional contributions and other notable services to the scientific community.
Research!America is an alliance of member organizations in the medical, health and scientific fields that are committed to making medical and health research a higher national priority. When Woolley joined the organization as president and CEO in 1990 after many years at the Medical Research Institute of San Francisco, Research!America was a small group focused mostly on securing National Institutes of Health funding. Under Woolley's 35 years of leadership, the group has grown into a unified and respected voice representing hundreds of member organizations, and their reports, resources and education initiatives have earned the attention and respect of policymakers, researchers, media and community leaders.
Woolley, an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine and a Fellow of AAAS, is a sought-after expert on medical and health research policy and advocacy. She has also lent her expertise as a founding member of the Board of Associates of the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, a founding co-chair of the Science and Technology Action Committee and a past president of the Association of Independent Research Institutes. She has written numerous editorials and publications on science advocacy that have appeared in mainstream and scientific publications. Nominators particularly noted Woolley's energy in addressing challenging issues and her commitment to building trust in support of scientific research.
AAAS Mani L. Bhaumik Award for Public Engagement with Science
Brian Greene, professor and director of Columbia University's Center for Theoretical Physics, is the recipient of the AAAS Mani L. Bhaumik Award for Public Engagement with Science.
The award, which recognizes scientists and engineers who demonstrate excellence in their contribution to public engagement with science, was established in 1987. Since 2019, it has been endowed by quantum physicist Mani L. Bhaumik, whose support of the award has placed renewed emphasis on recognizing meaningful dialogue and exchange between the recipient and various publics.
Greene is well-known in the scientific world for his groundbreaking co-discovery of mirror symmetry and spatial topology change, two key breakthroughs of superstring theory. As a communicator, his reach is much broader. In fact, The Washington Post has called him "the single best explainer of abstruse concepts in the world today."
His 1999 book "The Elegant Universe," which brought string theory to broad audiences, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and was adapted into a 2003 PBS documentary of the same name. His books, which also include "The Fabric of the Cosmos: Space, Time and the Texture of Reality," have sold a total of more than 2 million copies worldwide and have spent a combined 65 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.
New forms and adaptations are a hallmark of Greene's public engagement work: His novella, "Icarus at the Edge of Time," received an orchestral adaptation that premiered at Lincoln Center, while his stage work Light Falls, about Einstein's discovery of general relativity, was broadcast on PBS.
Greene, who is the chairman and co-founder of the World Science Festival, has also reached audiences through his popular TED Talks and numerous media appearances.
AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science
Barrak Alahmad, a research fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, is the recipient of the 2025 AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science. The award recognizes early-career scientists and engineers -- those who are within seven years of completing their terminal degree -- who demonstrate excellence in their activities that engage the public with science.
After earning his medical degree and practicing as a doctor in his native Kuwait, Alahmad noticed the negative health impacts of Kuwait's hot climate on the country's population of migrant workers. His patients inspired him to research the effects of extreme environment on population health in Kuwait. Alahmad pursued a master's of public health and a Ph.D. in population health sciences, the latter of which he completed at Harvard in 2022. Alahmad's research found that otherwise young and healthy individuals - who had minimal access to health care - were particularly vulnerable to dust storms and extreme temperatures.
His multifaceted public engagement work around these impacts has communicated his findings to both those affected and to the public with the goal of building consensus on the issue and changing policy to improve outcomes for affected individuals. Among his tactics to share his findings and move the needle have included hosting stakeholder workshops, testifying before the United Kingdom's Parliament as a health expert, and making numerous appearances in print, online and broadcast media.
AAAS David and Betty Hamburg Award for Science Diplomacy
Daniel Whittle, Valerie Miller and Eduardo Bone-Moron from the Environmental Defense Fund are the recipients of the AAAS David and Betty Hamburg Award for Science Diplomacy for their work fostering environmental and scientific cooperation between the United States and Cuba.
The award recognizes an individual or a small group working together in the scientific, engineering or foreign affairs communities making an outstanding contribution to furthering science diplomacy. First established in 1992 as the International Scientific Cooperation Award, AAAS renamed its Award for Science Diplomacy in 2021 for David and Betty Hamburg, who championed science diplomacy throughout their careers in science and medicine as a means of advancing science, human rights, peace and cooperation.
The Environmental Defense Fund's connections with Cuba date back 23 years, when Whittle and two other EDF scientists attended a marine sciences conference in Havana to connect with Cuban officials and experts to inform efforts to stop overfishing and protect essential fish habitats in the southeastern United States. From this initial visit has grown a robust partnership.
The work of Whittle, Miller and Bone-Moron has yielded opportunities for connection and dialogue between Cuban and U.S. scientists and officials, including many opportunities for officials to interact informally years before the U.S. and Cuba normalized diplomatic relations. In 2007, EDF co-founded the Tri-National Initiative on Marine Science and Conservation, fostering dialogue and joint research among government, academia, and NGOs. Following the BP oil spill in 2010, EDF was an intermediary for the exchange of information between governments and helped facilitate talks that resulted in a 2017 bilateral agreement.
Their work has also produced joint scientific research, including dozens of peer-reviewed articles, and seen significant conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems and sustainable fisheries, with the Cuban government implementing the region's most ambitious network of marine protected areas, conserving about 25 percent of coastal waters.
Whittle, a co-founder of EDF's Cuba program, directed it until 2020 and now supervises EDF's Caribbean initiatives while continuing his role on government relations. Miller, who joined EDF in 2012, focused on facilitating cross-border efforts on shark conservation, contributing to Cuba's first National Plan of Action on sharks. She became Cuba program director in 2020. Bone-Moron joined EDF as a program manager in 2016 and plays a leading role in developing learning networks, international exchanges, communication plans and scientific expeditions.
AAAS Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility
Encieh Erfani is the recipient of the AAAS Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility, which honors individuals or organizations whose exemplary actions -- sometimes taken at significant personal cost --have served to foster and protect those ideals.
Erfani was an assistant professor of physics whose research focused on cosmology in her native Iran, but following the death of activist Mahsa Amini and ensuing peaceful "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests, she resigned her faculty position at her Iranian institution in solidarity with protestors. Erfani, who was abroad in Mexico as a visiting researcher at the time, is now in exile as a result of the act, and her family members in Iran have been threatened by Iranian security forces.
Well before her resignation, Erfani had been an advocate for at-risk students and scholars. In 2018, she organized the first physics workshop at Kabul University, which led to the establishment of a scholarship to enable Afghan students to pursue master's degrees in Iran. In 2021, Dr. Erfani collaborated with the "Science in Exile" initiative to support at-risk and displaced scholars.
After her resignation, she has continued her advocacy by co-founding the International Community of Iranian Academics and compiled a report containing the latest statistics on students killed, detained and imprisoned in Iran.
As of 2025, Erfani has joined the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Canada.
AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award
Juan F. Arratia, former director and principal investigator of the Model Institutions for Excellence project for the National Science Foundation at Universidad Metropolitana in Puerto Rico, is the recipient of the AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award.
The Lifetime Mentor Award honors an individual with more than 25 years of experience who has mentored significant numbers of underrepresented students: women of all backgrounds, men from minority groups underrepresented in STEM (African American, Native American and Hispanic) and people with disabilities. Winners also must have demonstrated scholarship, activism and community-building on behalf of underrepresented groups in STEM.
As director and PI of the Model Institutions for Excellence project between 1998 and 2010, Arratia oversaw an initiative that transformed UMET - a university where the majority of students receive federal assistance and are first-generation college students - into a leading teaching-research institution that prepares students for careers and further study in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
To achieve the goals of recruiting and increasing the number of Hispanic students in STEM fields and increasing STEM major retention, the multifaceted initiative has offered scholarship funding, research opportunities in collaboration with universities in Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland, support for students intending to pursue graduate school, an annual research symposium and a pre-college program.
Following the implementation of the program, the number of Hispanic students that are enrolling as STEM majors at UMET nearly doubled during Arratia's tenure, and more than 720 students have completed research internships since 1998.
AAAS Mentor Award
LaShan Simpson Hendrix, associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Cincinnati, is the recipient of the AAAS Mentor Award.
The Mentor Award honors an individual who has mentored significant numbers of underrepresented students: women of all backgrounds, men from underrepresented minority groups (African American, Native American and Hispanic) and people with disabilities. Winners also must have demonstrated scholarship, activism and community-building on behalf of underrepresented groups in STEM.
Hendrix earns the award for her work in guiding the way for many of her students to become biomedical scientists and engineers. As an associate professor first at Mississippi State University and then at the University of Cincinnati, Hendrix has mentored a dozen students who have gone on to complete masters and Ph.D. programs. She has also informally guided and supported hundreds of additional students in her efforts to make higher education and scientific research available to first-generation students of all backgrounds.
Students who offered letters of recommendations for her award praised Hendrix's warmth as a mentor. They noted how she has encouraged her mentees to apply for prestigious positions and has demystified the path to graduate school and research, teaching many of her mentees research skills they still use daily. She has kept in contact with her mentees beyond graduation - according to her mentees, Hendrix is truly a lifelong mentor.
AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize
A team of researchers has won the AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize for their work that has identified a new organelle within single-celled algae that converts nitrogen gas into ammonia.
The AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize, supported by The Fodor Family Trust, was established in 1923 and is awarded annually to the author or authors of an outstanding paper published in the Research Articles or Reports sections of Science. Recipients of the award, the oldest awarded by AAAS, collectively receive $25,000.
"Nitrogen-fixing organelle in a marine alga" was published in Science on April 12, 2024. Corresponding authors are Tyler Coale of the University of California, Santa Cruz; Valentina Loconte of B24, Diamond Light Source; and Jonathan Zehr of UC Santa Cruz. Along with senior author Carolyn Larabell of University of California, San Francisco and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the team and their collaborators represent UC Santa Cruz, Diamond Light Source, UC San Francisco, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, National Taiwan Ocean University and Kochi University.
The conversion of nitrogen gas into ammonia helps the algae survive in the nutrient-poor ocean. The cellular structure is derived from another microbe that the algae has incorporated. The researchers' discovery fundamentally expands our understanding of cell biology by providing insight into the evolution of organelles, a process that was pivotal in the evolution of complex life and has likely only occurred a handful of times in biology.
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Original text here: https://www.aaas.org/news/aaas-announces-2025-award-winners
[Category: Science]