Historic New Orleans Collection welcomes Tracie Haydel Griffin and Shelby Russ to Board of Directors
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 14:21 EDT
NEW ORLEANS (Oct. 12, 2026) - The Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) has welcomed Tracie Haydel Griffin and Shelby Russ to its Board of Directors. Their appointments strengthen HNOC's commitment to preserving, interpreting and sharing the complex history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South while bringing additional expertise to the institution's leadership. Griffin, a fourth-generation member of the Chase family, serves as restaurant manager at Dooky Chase's Restaurant, where she helps carry forward one of New Orleans' most significant culinary and cultural legacies. Her work reflects a longstanding commitment to preserving the culinary culture and traditions that have shaped New Orleans' identity. Her community leadership extends to Second Harvest Food Bank, the American Heart Association and the Alabama Department for Public Health. Russ is president and CEO of AOS Interior Environments, the Gulf South's leading provider of commercial interior furnishings and manufactured interior construction. During more than four decades with AOS, he has held numerous leadership positions and guided the company through significant periods of change, including Hurricane Katrina, the COVID-19 pandemic and shifts in the regional marketplace. A longtime civic leader, Russ has served in leadership roles with organizations spanning economic development, arts and culture, education, architecture, historic preservation and regional public policy. "I am thrilled to welcome Tracie Haydel Griffin and Shelby Russ to the board of directors of the Historic New Orleans Collection," said Daniel Hammer, HNOC president and CEO. "As highly accomplished professionals and respected community leaders, Tracie and Shelby's insight and guidance will contribute immeasurably to growing the impact of HNOC's work to steward the history and culture of New Orleans and the region." As the world's largest holder of materials related to the history of New Orleans and the Gulf South, HNOC brings together research, stories, objects, documents and works of art to deepen understanding of the region's past and its continuing influence on the present and future. Griffin and Russ join HNOC's Board of Directors at a time of continued growth as the institution undertakes an effort to restore, renew and reimagine its original campus at 533 Royal Street. To learn more about HNOC and its Board of Directors visit hnoc.org . ### *Editor's Notes: Click here for images. About the Historic New Orleans Collection The Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) is a nonprofit institution dedicated to preserving the distinctive history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South. Founded in 1966 through the Kemper and Leila Williams Foundation, HNOC operates as a free museum, research center and publisher spanning more than 14 historic buildings in the heart of the French Quarter. For more information visit hnoc.org .
TotaLite Deformation Monitoring System Achieves CE, UKCA, FCC, and IC Certification, Clearing it for Worldwide Deployment
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 11:16 EDT
Independent third-party testing confirms TotaLite's radio and safety compliance across the EU, UK, US, and Canada. This ensures a stronger standard of assurance than the manufacturer self-declarations the industry has relied on to date. TotaLite, a spin off from Fugro, is the provider of continuous, sub-millimetre structural deformation monitoring. By using a camera and cloud platform, TotaLite delivers continuous, automated displacement monitoring, at millimeter accuracy, for tunnels, bridges, embankments, buildings, and industrial assets. Because the IoT-camera connects independently over integrated cellular and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth links, TotaLite's radio components were required to meet the full scope of testing reflected in these new certifications. Today it announced that its camera has been independently certified for CE (Radio Equipment Directive), UKCA, FCC, and Industry Canada (IC) compliance. The certifications clear the way for TotaLite to deploy its sensor without regulatory barriers across Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. All four certifications were issued following independent type-examination and equipment testing carried out by Kiwa, an accredited international testing and certification body, acting in its capacity as EU Notified Body, UK Approved Body, FCC-recognized Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB), and ISED-recognized certification body for Canada. That distinction matters: unlike a manufacturer's own Declaration of Conformity (DoC), these certificates represent conformity verified by an accredited third party, giving customers and regulators a higher level of compliance assurance. LEARN MORE Who We Are TotaLite, a spin off from Fugro, provides a camera and cloud-based platform for automated, continuous deformation monitoring of civil infrastructure, buildings and other assets. It delivers real-time, sub-millimetre displacement data at a fraction of the cost of traditional manual monitoring methods, with typical customer setup times of around one hour, operational reductions up to 70% and monitoring project cost reductions of up to 65% versus manual site visits.
Media Advisory: AMA 2026 Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 09:32 EDT
Media Advisory AMA 2026 Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education Chicago, IL - The American Marketing Association's (AMA) Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education is a space where strategy meets execution. As colleges and universities face shifting demographics, rapidly advancing technology and evolving student expectations, this conference equips marketing educators with actionable techniques, peer-backed insights, and forward-looking solutions. What : The AMA 2026 Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education is a premier conference focused on higher education marketing, communications, enrollment management, branding and student engagement. Who : Higher education marketing and communications professionals, enrollment leaders, university administrators, agency partners, industry experts and featured speakers from colleges and universities across North America. When : November 8-11, 2026 Where : Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center 6700 N Gaylord Rockies Blvd Aurora, CO 80019 Why : As colleges and universities face enrollment challenges, evolving student expectations, demographic shifts and rapid technological advancement, the Symposium provides attendees with actionable insights, proven strategies and valuable peer connections to help institutions strengthen their brands, engage prospective students and drive organizational success. More information, full agenda, and a list of featured speakers is available here: Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education If you are interested in attending this event, please contact Amy Gwiazdowski for media credentials. ###
SGS Consumer Compact Highlights the Role of Independent Verification in Electronics
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 08:29 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published a new Consumer Compact article exploring how independent verification can help electrical and electronic (E&E) manufacturers substantiate product attributes and support transparent product information. As consumer and regulatory scrutiny increases, manufacturers face growing pressure to support claims relating to material composition, substances of concern, recycled content and other product characteristics with credible evidence. The article examines the challenges of communicating sustainability-related information, particularly for materials and components that are not visible to end users. It highlights the importance of focusing on specific, verifiable product attributes supported through testing, assessment and independent verification. The article also outlines how SGS Green Marks help manufacturers communicate defined product characteristics through independent assessment, verification and certification of specific product attributes against established criteria. As expectations around product transparency continue to evolve, the ability to substantiate product attributes with credible evidence is becoming an increasingly important competitive advantage. Stakeholders are encouraged to read the full Consumer Compact article to learn more about materials transparency, substantiated product attributes and independent verification in the E&E sector. For further information, please contact: Litto Tam Senior Technical Services Manager Connectivity & Products (C&P) - Electrical and Electronics Technology Tel: +852 2774 7187
Back Care Awareness Week: Why the Right Equipment Is the Quickest Fix Most Sites Overlook
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 06:41 EDT
This week marks Back Care Awareness Week, the annual campaign run by the charity BackCare to bring focus on the scale of back pain across the UK - and the practical steps workplaces can take to reduce it. Midland Pallet Trucks says that for manufacturers and warehouses across the Midlands, one of the most immediate and achievable actions doesn't involve a training course or a change in culture - it simply means looking properly at the equipment staff are using every day. Back pain remains one of the most common reasons people miss work, and manual handling is consistently one of its biggest contributing factors in industrial and warehouse settings. Midland Pallet Trucks sees the same pattern time and again: businesses investing heavily in training and risk assessments, while the equipment actually doing the lifting, pushing and moving stays unreviewed for years, working against everything the training is trying to achieve. Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Midland Pallet Trucks, said, "Awareness weeks like this are genuinely useful because they give businesses a reason to stop and look at something they'd normally put off. Back pain isn't seen as an emergency the way a single injury is: it builds up slowly, and that makes it easy to overlook until someone's already struggling. "Before anything else, look at the pallet trucks , stacker trucks and lift tables your team are using. Are the handles at a reasonable height? Does it roll smoothly, or does it need a shove to get moving? Is it rated properly for what's being loaded onto it? None of that needs a big budget to fix, but it makes a genuine difference to the physical toll on whoever's using it, shift after shift. "We're not saying equipment solves everything on its own: training and good practice matter too. But if a business hasn't properly reviewed its handling equipment in a while, this week is as good a prompt as any to do it, rather than waiting until someone's already dealing with a bad back." For more information, visit https://www.midlandpallettrucks.com .
SGS Reports on California's Ban on Bisphenols in Paper Receipts
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 04:54 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 137.26 on new California legislation that restricts the use of bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenols in paper receipts. On September 30, 2026, the Governor of California signed AB 1604 (Chapter 882, 2026) into law. The legislation prohibits the intentional addition of BPA and other bisphenols in paper proofs of purchase, commonly known as paper receipts, under a phased implementation schedule. The law defines proof of purchase as a receipt issued at the point of sale for the retail purchase of food, alcohol, other tangible personal property or for the provision of services. It also establishes a broad definition of bisphenols and authorizes the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) to adopt rules to implement and interpret the legislation. Under the new requirements, BPA will be prohibited in paper receipts from January 1, 2028, while all intentionally added bisphenols will be prohibited from January 1, 2029. The legislation affects stakeholders throughout the paper receipt supply chain, including manufacturers, importers, retailers and other intermediaries operating in California. California now joins several other US jurisdictions that have adopted restrictions on BPA or bisphenols in receipt and thermal paper. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 137.26 provides additional information on the scope, key requirements and implementation timeline of California's new law. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to SafeGuardS 137.26 for more information. SGS chemical testing SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS chemical testing services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full California, USA, Bans Bisphenols in Paper Receipts SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information contact: Dr. HingWo Tsang Global Information and Innovation Manager Tel: +852 2774 7420 Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
When Hurricanes Reach the Mountains: Debris Lessons from Hurricane Helene
Sun, Oct 11, 2026 08:01 EDT
By Matt Gierden, Senior Vice President, AshBritt, Inc. Every hurricane season sharpens the industry's focus on debris planning. Hurricane Helene in 2024 did something more: it forced us to rethink what a hurricane response looks like when the storm keeps going past the coast. Helene's track into the southern Appalachians produced one of the most complex and technical major disaster debris missions in recent U.S. history. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-led operation in Buncombe County, North Carolina, which continued through 2025, demanded specialized crews, disciplined documentation, and a level of coordinated public communication that most coastal playbooks don't anticipate. AshBritt served as the USACE contractor on that mission, and the experience made one thing clear for every community with mountainous or heavily forested terrain: the coastal template does not transfer. Here is what did. The trees are a different problem Tree debris in mountain terrain is a different animal from what crews see after a typical Gulf or Atlantic event. Instead of scattered fallen trees, crews encounter a far higher share of leaners, hangers, and intertwined canopy systems, often several trees tangled together and holding one another under tension. How that stored energy will move once a cut is made is difficult to judge from the ground. Getting it wrong is dangerous. Access compounds the challenge. Mountain road networks are narrow, winding, and frequently single lane. After a major storm, they are further constrained by washed-out roadbeds, damaged bridges and culverts, landslides, and downed trees. Steep private drives and limited turnaround space can keep standard equipment from reaching a work site at all; some locations are only reachable on foot or with small machines. Add steep slopes and root systems compromised by saturated soil, and every decision about how to stage and sequence work changes. The planning implication is simple to state and harder to execute: contracts, cost estimates, resource plans, and public messaging need to reflect mountain conditions from the outset, not be adapted to them mid-response. This is specialist work, and the specialists are scarce Standard hurricane debris crews are not equipped for highly technical tree operations on unstable slopes. The work calls for certified arborists, climbers, rigging capability, and smaller, more maneuverable equipment that can operate safely in tight access and on steep ground. In a post-disaster mountain environment, an arborist is assessing dynamic load conditions, identifying failure points in compromised trees, and making rapid decisions about rigging angles and cut sequencing in terrain that is actively shifting. The pool of contractors who hold both the certifications and the disaster operations experience to do this safely and at scale is limited nationally. Surge capacity for this kind of work has to be arranged well before a storm forms, and jurisdictions in mountainous regions should be pre-qualifying specialized tree contractors now. Public right-of-way and private property are tangled together On the coast, the line between right-of-way debris work and private property debris removal is usually clear. In the mountains, it often isn't. Terrain, public infrastructure, and private parcels interlock so tightly that a meaningful share of hazardous trees in western North Carolina sat just outside the public right-of-way while still posing a documented, immediate threat to public property, public-use areas, or ingress and egress. That is the eligibility standard under FEMA's Public Assistance program, and every determination had to be made by the government applicant and supported by photo or video evidence of the specific threat, location, and post-storm condition of each tree. The conditions that trigger both hazardous tree eligibility and full private property debris removal programs, including rights of entry, legal authority, and public-interest determinations, arise far more often in mountain terrain. The coordination framework for handling them should exist before landfall, not be built during response. Documentation belongs in the field, not the back office The technical nature of the mission reinforced a lesson the industry keeps relearning: documentation cannot be a reconciliation task completed after the fact. Under current FEMA guidance, the record for each hazardous tree, limb, or stump must establish the immediate threat it posed, supported by location and photo or video evidence. Capturing those photos, GPS tags, and scope notes at the point of work is what keeps every scope tied to a complete, defensible record. That requires operators trained in disciplined documentation as part of the job, not as a separate step. Safety sets the pace Tensioned wood, unstable ground, and overhead hazards create an elevated risk profile compared to a typical coastal mission, and safety considerations shaped operational tempo throughout the Helene response. The right answer was not to push harder against the terrain but to adjust to it: enhanced safety protocols, additional crews where needed, and work sequencing adapted to conditions. Disciplined, safety-led execution is what protected people and sustained steady progress at the same time. Communication is an operational tool Public messaging directly affected efficiency on the ground. Early in the event, residents often expected full property cleanup while the mission was focused on right-of-way operations and documented public safety threats. As strong, consistent, terrain-specific messaging from local leadership and federal partners took hold, cooperation and access improved with it. Clear, frequent communication functioned as an accelerator. The lesson is to establish that footing before activation: policy alignment grounded in operational realities, authorization workflows, and resident communication protocols all set in advance. The takeaway Western and mountain communities across the Southeast need to plan for hurricanes and tropical storms differently than their coastal neighbors. In these areas, terrain runs the show. Saturated ground, steep slopes, narrow valleys, compromised root systems, and limited access change how water moves, where debris accumulates, and how safely crews can operate. Helene was a brutal teacher, but its lessons are transferable: plan for realistic timelines and specialized resources, pre-qualify experienced tree contractors, build documentation and private property protocols into operations from the start, maintain clear public communication, and let safety and terrain set the tempo. Planning for the terrain before the storm makes recovery safer, faster, and more effective. Special recognition goes to the USACE team that led the Buncombe County mission and to the Buncombe County and City of Asheville teams who, together, completed one of the most demanding debris operations the industry has seen. About the Author Matt Gierden is a Senior Vice President at AshBritt, Inc. With more than two decades of leadership experience in emergency management and disaster recovery, he has led over 100 disaster recovery operations across 22 states. A Six Sigma Black Belt with FEMA and antiterrorism certifications, he is known for building long-term client relationships and guiding complex, high-stakes missions from activation through closeout. About AshBritt The AshBritt Companies are a family of specialized firms united by more than 30 years of excellence in turn-key government contracting, emergency management, logistics, disaster recovery, and critical infrastructure. Founded in 1992, AshBritt, Inc. is a rapid-response contractor that has executed over 500 disaster recovery missions across 22 states and the Caribbean, serving federal, state, and local clients under FEMA and USACE authorities. ABML (AshBritt Management and Logistics) continues that legacy as a trusted government solutions provider, delivering agile logistics, emergency base camps, medical field operations, and specialized infrastructure support for complex, large-scale missions nationwide. AshBritt Companies' reach includes professional services, staffing, and power and energy generation. Learn more at AshBritt.com.
ABS Consulting Honors University of Michigan Health with Project Excellence Recognition for Maximo Implementation
Sat, Oct 10, 2026 08:45 EDT
Recognition reflects collaboration to strengthen asset management and support critical medical services ABSG Consulting Inc. (ABS Consulting) has recognized University of Michigan Health with the Project Excellence designation for its implementation of the IBM Maximo Application Suite to strengthen its maintenance, inspection and reliability processes across its facilities and critical equipment. University of Michigan Health, one of the nation's leading academic medical centers, worked with ABS Consulting to bring its asset and facilities management functions onto a single, centralized platform. The result is a more connected approach that gives operations, maintenance and facility teams a consistent view of the equipment and infrastructure that support patient care. Built for the demands of complex, asset-intensive environments, Maximo Application Suite is designed to help teams track asset condition, prioritize maintenance and reduce the operational blind spots that come from managing critical systems across multiple platforms. "Reliable equipment and infrastructure are key to consistent patient care. By bringing asset management onto one connected platform, University of Michigan Health's teams can better maintain the critical systems they rely on every day. We're proud to support the people and facilities behind University of Michigan Health's mission to advance healthcare through innovation and collaboration," said Jason Smith, ABS Consulting Director of Business Development, Life Sciences. "Working with ABS Consulting has been a highly positive experience. We've built a strong, collaborative relationship grounded in open communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to achieving excellent results," said Luiz Mello, University of Michigan Health Facilities Applications Manager. ENDS For more information Learn more about how ABS Consulting is helping organizations strengthen the systems and processes that enable long-term operational success here .
Melissa Martin Joins Steptoe & Johnson's Growing Oklahoma City Office
Fri, Oct 09, 2026 11:06 EDT
Steptoe & Johnson PLLC continues to grow its Oklahoma City office with the addition of Melissa P. Martin as Of Counsel in the Energy and Natural Resources Department. Martin advises energy clients on mineral title, division order, curative, and transactional matters and provides legal support for land administration operations. "Melissa understands how legal issues affect the day-to-day work of managing energy assets," said Christopher L. Slaughter, CEO of Steptoe & Johnson. "As we grow our Oklahoma City office, her work in mineral title, division orders, and land administration adds important depth to our team." Martin advises oil and gas producers, royalty owners, and land administration teams on mineral title, division order, curative, and transactional matters. She provides strategic oversight and legal support for land administration, including lease and land records management, division order administration, ownership calculations, acquisitions and divestitures, and contract administration. Before joining the firm, Martin held legal, title, division order, and management roles with a Fortune 500 energy exploration and production company. She also advises individuals and families on estate planning and probate matters. Martin earned her law degree from Pennsylvania State University Dickinson Law, her MBA from the University of Oklahoma, her M.S. from American University, and her B.A. from the University of Delaware. She is licensed to practice in Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Since opening in 2022, the Oklahoma City office has grown to 20 attorneys and other professionals offering services in a broad range of business transactions, energy matters, labor and employment law, and litigation throughout Oklahoma and beyond.
Cimarron Firearms Showcases 250th Commemorative Frontier Rifle at NASGW
Fri, Oct 09, 2026 11:01 EDT
Distributors can see the limited-edition flintlock at Booth 630 in Phoenix, Arizona, Oct. 13 - 15, 2026. Cimarron Firearms , the premier name in authentic Old West firearm replicas, will showcase its limited-edition 250 th Commemorative Frontier Rifle at the 2026 NASGW Annual Meeting & Expo , Oct. 13 - 15, 2026, at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Distributors can find the company in Booth 630, Halls A - D. The 250 th Commemorative Frontier Rifle marks America's 250 th anniversary and honors the Overmountain Men, frontier militiamen from what would become Tennessee, Virginia, and the Carolinas. Their victory over Loyalist forces at the Battle of Kings Mountain on Oct. 7, 1789, turned the tide of the Revolutionary War's Southern campaign. The flintlock muzzleloader is built on a figured maple stock with brass furniture. The left side carries a brass Liberty Bell plate inscribed "Let Freedom Ring," and the brass patch box features a Betsy Ross flag, crossed sabers, a pair of galloper cannons, and the dates "1776 - 2026." The rifle is offered in .45 and .50 caliber. "The frontier rifle was what farmers, hunters, and militiamen carried when this country fought for its independence," said Mike Harvey, founder and president of Cimarron Firearms. "America only turns 250 once. This rifle gives our distribution partners a true once-in-a-lifetime piece to put in front of collectors and black powder shooters, and we look forward to showing it to them in Phoenix." 250 th Commemorative Frontier Rifle Specifications: Action: Flintlock Caliber: .45 (also available in .50 caliber, SH3268) Barrel Length: 39 inches Overall Length: 54 ¾ inches Weight: 7.05 pounds Rifling: Eight grooves, 1-in-48-inch twist Stock: Figured maple with brass furniture MSRP: $2,592 The NASGW Expo is the shooting sports industry's premier event for connecting manufacturers with wholesalers. Unlike larger trade shows, the expo's buyers are exclusively distributors who supply dealers and retailers, giving manufacturers focused time to discuss products, sales programs, and pricing. In addition to the commemorative rifle, the Cimarron team will be on hand to discuss its full line of authentic Old West revolvers, rifles, shotguns, and gun leather, along with distribution programs. For more information on Cimarron Firearms and accessories, visit www.cimarron-firearms.com. Keep up with the history and happenings at Cimarron on YouTube .
eXp Realty Launches "MCP First, AI of Choice," Connecting Agents' Preferred AI Tools Directly to Their eXp Business Data
Fri, Oct 09, 2026 06:36 EDT
Unveiled at eXpcon Salt Lake City 2026, the initiative is the first visible piece of AGNT OS, a ground-up modernization of how eXp runs, targeted for early 2027. eXp Realty®, the core operating subsidiary of AGNT, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGNT), today announced "MCP First, AI of Choice," an initiative that lets agents connect Claude, ChatGPT or any AI tool they already use directly to their eXp business data. Unveiled at eXpcon 2026 in Salt Lake City, the initiative led a four-part announcement slate that also included a mortgage joint venture with Newrez, a pay-at-close home prep program offering up to $50,000, and a new marketplace for agent-to-agent showing coverage. Rather than building a proprietary AI assistant, eXp is publishing Model Context Protocol (MCP) connections to its own systems. MCP is the open standard that lets AI assistants securely pull from outside tools and data. Once an agent authorizes the connection, they can ask their AI about production numbers, leads, transactions or training progress without leaving the chat window. "Every company in this industry is racing to build the best AI assistant," said Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty. "We asked a different question: Why should agents have to change how they work at all? 'MCP First, AI of Choice' means agents keep using the AI they already trust. We're making sure it can hear from eXp." Connected systems At launch, MCP connections cover: eXp systems: the Hub, My eXp (production and compensation data), eXp University and eXp Divisions Partner platforms: Canva and CRMs including Lofty, BoldTrail and Cloze Coming soon: Follow Up Boss and Sisu Because agents work inside the AI tools they choose, the experience improves each time a frontier AI lab releases a new model, without agents waiting on brokerage platform updates. The front door to AGNT OS "MCP First, AI of Choice" is the first visible piece of AGNT OS, a larger rebuild that modernizes the systems that manage how agents close deals and get paid. AGNT OS is built on the Nexus platform, developed by eXp International, and is targeted for early 2027. "MCP is the front door, and AGNT OS is the whole house," Pareja said. "This isn't a patch on our existing systems - it's a full modernization of how eXp runs, built agent-first from the ground up. MCP is how we prove that vision starts now." About Nexus Nexus puts CRM, transaction management, listing management, e-signature, marketing and agent recruitment behind a single login. It runs on one shared codebase that adapts to each country's currency, regulations and transaction structure. eXp International, which operates in 26 countries outside the U.S. and Canada, says Nexus can cut a market's software costs by up to 70 percent by replacing per-country CRM subscriptions and separate tool licenses with a single platform. Nexus began with a challenge from eXp founder Glenn Sanford, who asked executives at an event in Montreal to vibe-code their ideal system for an agent. "What I built looked like Frankenstein and didn't work at all. But it was the origin story of Nexus," said Felix Bravo, Managing Director of eXp International. Following an alpha phase in Latin America, Nexus is now in beta, and agents access it through eXp's existing Hub. eXp is rolling it out in three phases: pilot markets, then multi-country adoption, then a tiered subscription model opening Nexus to non-eXp agents and brokerages. eXp is also opening Nexus's APIs to its agents, so those building their own AI tools on third-party platforms can pull in their Nexus data. ###
SGS Reports on Three POP Chemicals Banned in New Zealand
Fri, Oct 09, 2026 04:40 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 130.26 on the prohibition of three persistent organic pollutant (POP) chemicals in New Zealand. In March 2026, New Zealand consulted on a proposal to restrict or prohibit three POP chemicals by amending the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO Act). On September 10, 2026, New Zealand issued the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Schedules 1AA and 2A) Order 2026 (the Order), amending the HSNO Act. The three POP chemicals added to Schedules 1AA and 2A of the HSNO Act are chlorpyrifos, long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs), their salts and related compounds, and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs). Under the Order, the time-limited permitted uses or storage provisions for UV-328 in Schedule 2A of the HSNO Act were also updated to include water-seal tape for insulation blankets and decking on aircraft and polyurethane (PU) and polyamide adhesives and PU coatings for specified aircraft applications. Manufacturers, users, importers and exporters of the three POP substances, as well as products containing or contaminated by them, are affected. The Order will be implemented in phases, starting October 9, 2026. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 130.26 includes further information about the Order, including time-limited permitted uses and storage provisions. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to SafeGuardS 130.26 for more details. SGS chemical testing SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS chemical testing services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full New Zealand Bans Three POP Chemicals SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information, contact Media Inquiries or: Dr. HingWo Tsang Global Information and Innovation Manager Tel: +852 2774 7420 Website: www.sgs.com/cgnr LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
SGS Summarizes New Regulation for Food Contact Materials in Serbia
Fri, Oct 09, 2026 04:32 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 129.26 on new legislation for food contact materials (FCMs) and articles in Serbia. Published in August 2026, the new regulation also applies to certain products for infants and children under three years of age, including those used for feeding, sucking, soothing and sleeping, as well as food packaging and other articles of general use. The Regulation incorporates domestic requirements and provisions from several pieces of EU legislation relating to FCMs and articles. Key provisions include general and material-specific requirements, good manufacturing practice (GMP), substance and migration limits, testing, traceability, documentation and labeling. Additional measures apply to recycled materials and articles, while specific requirements apply to certain imported plastic kitchenware. The Regulation repeals Articles 4 to 83 of the Rulebook on the conditions regarding health safety of general use items that may be placed on the market and entered into force on August 22, 2026. Manufacturers, importers, retailers and other intermediaries operating in Serbia are affected. We publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 129.26 also includes two useful tables summarizing requirements for certain metals and alloys. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to SafeGuardS 129.26 for more details. SGS food contact material services SGS's technical experts have extensive experience of testing materials and articles in contact with food. They can ensure that your products meet the appropriate regulations for food contact materials and pave the way for compliance. SGS offers the full range of testing, including migration tests, along with expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and documentation review. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS's food contact material services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Serbia Issues New Legislation for Food Contact Materials SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information, contact Media Inquiries or: Dr. HingWo Tsang Global Information and Innovation Manager Tel: +852 2774 7420 Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
Nivaran Unites the Full Documentation Workflow - From Appointments to Collections - with One Accountable Partner
Thu, Oct 08, 2026 14:20 EDT
Patient Access, Clinical Documentation, Coding, and Revenue Cycle Service Visibility Under One Team Nivaran announces a streamlined solution One Team for practices that brings patient access, clinical documentation, medical coding and revenue cycle support together through a single accountable partner. The connected model, which is new to the healthcare services industry, helps physician practices move seamlessly from scheduling an appointment through collecting payment, while reducing the administrative burden of coordinating multiple vendors. With its human-in-the-loop approach, Nivaran combines AI-enabled technology with trained clinical and administrative professionals, giving healthcare teams flexible support that can scale across specialties, EMRs and operational needs including: Patient access, including scheduling, insurance verification, prior authorizations, reminders, and patient call support. Clinical documentation through professional medical scribes, AI documentation, or AI with professional review. Medical coding and revenue cycle support, including charge entry, claim scrubbing and submission, denial management, payment posting, and collections. A patient visit may last only a short time, but the work surrounding it begins days before the appointment and can continue for weeks afterward. Scheduling gaps, incomplete insurance information, delayed prior authorizations and missed reminders can disrupt access before a patient arrives. After the visit, unfinished notes, coding questions, claim edits, denials and payment follow-up can slow reimbursement and create additional work for clinical and administrative teams. Because these activities are closely connected, a delay in one workflow often creates pressure in another. An authorization issue can disrupt a visit. An incomplete note can hold up coding. Missing or inconsistent information can delay a claim. Practice staff are then left tracking down what happened, determining who owns the next step and coordinating across separate systems and vendors. One Team Across the Seamless Practice Workflow "Using Nivaran to coordinate support across the workflow will reduce bottlenecks and streamline practice tasks so providers can focus more on delivering quality care," says Terry Ciesla, senior vice president for Nivaran. "This model is designed to clarify handoffs, surface work that is pending and help teams keep follow-up moving without adding another layer of vendor management." Practices don't need to change every workflow at once. They can begin with their most pressing bottleneck-such as prior authorizations, after-hours charting, coding backlogs or denial follow-up-and expand support as operational needs evolve. Nivaran combines AI-enabled technology with trained clinical and administrative professionals, giving healthcare organizations flexible support that can scale across specialties, electronic medical record systems and operational needs. The result is a coordinated approach intended to reduce time spent moving unfinished tasks forward and reduce administrative headaches. About Nivaran Nivaran, formerly ScribeEMR, is the human-in-the-loop healthcare workflow company that connects clinical documentation, coding, revenue cycle management, and virtual operations so healthcare organizations can move from chart to claim with one accountable partner. Its ScribeRyte AI platform delivers fast, highly accurate, HIPAA-compliant clinical documentation and supports workflows across leading EMRs, including eClinicalWorks, Epic, Athenahealth, NextGen, Greenway, and others. The company was ranked Best in KLAS for Virtual Scribing Services in the 2024, 2025 and 2026, Best in KLAS: Software & Services Reports and was rated highly in a KLAS First Look report for its ScribeRyte AI platform. For more information, visit https://www.nivaran.ai and follow Nivaran on LinkedIn. # # #
Sloane Street Auctions to Sell Stunning Islamic Arms and Armour Belonging to the Father of Modern Jeddah
Thu, Oct 08, 2026 11:48 EDT
Dr Mohammed Farsi's extensive collection embraced Western works from Henry Moore to David Hockney, as well as Eastern treasures Credited with having the greatest group of modern Egyptian art in private hands, Dr Mohammed Said Farsi (1936-2019) was also a dedicated collector of Islamic arms and armour. Now its highlights will be offered in Sloane Street Auctions' October 22 sale , with expectations of more than £66,000. Dr Farsi was Mayor of Jeddah from 1972-86 and is known as the father of Saudi Arabia's modern port city. He also led the planning for redeveloping Mecca and Medina. That extended vision placed art at the centre of the urban environment as he embarked on replicating the glories of Beirut's corniche in Jeddah. His artistic impact on Jeddah was supreme, as he installed more than 400 sculptures across the city. It culminated in a book by his own son, Jeddah, City of Art . While dedicating his attention to these cities, he also built his own remarkable art collection, which has supplied landmark auctions with millions of pounds worth of Middle Eastern and Western art over the past two decades. In 2024, for example, Sloane Street Auctions offered works by Henry Moore, Salvador Dalí and David Hockney, among others, from the Farsi holdings. Such is the collection's importance that it was the first of its type to be fully documented thanks to the 1998 publication of A Museum in a Book: The Farsi Art Collection - the Egyptian Works . "Dr Farsi's impeccable taste and astute eye, coupled with his standing as a leading figure in modern Arabia, make this catalogue of treasures a must for serious collectors of Islamic arms and armour," said Daniel Hunt of Sloane Street Auctions. "We are honoured to have been asked to sell by his family and are delighted to do so at an event that appropriately heralds the launch of the annual Asian Art in London festival." Leading the highlights is a rare Mughal gold-damascened steel crutch dagger (Zafar Takieh) or throne of victory. A ceremonial and functional weapon that appears in Indian historical sources from the Mughal period onward, it features a T-shaped handle that allowed a noble or ascetic to lean on it while sitting cross-legged. It often concealed a stiletto blade inside the shaft. This example, which is 21½ in long, has a pale jade hilt, of crescent form carved with floral motifs and set with precious stones. The crutch contains a gold damascened stiletto blade. The forte contains a scrolling floral design to both sides and a band of inscription decorates the remainder of the blade. It is dated 1138 (1725 AD). The scabbard, is further set with precious stones, including natural rubies and emeralds. The extensive repoussé work contains repeating pattern and scrolling vines. The tip of the scabbard is jade and lotus leaf carving. It is also inscribed with a couplet in Arabic and Turkish. The weapon was typically part of male formal attire at court sessions; the king would often appear with the zafar takiya as a prop both for comfort and to signal power and authority, and the attending courtiers and members of nobility would rest their arms on their own zafar takiyas while seated. Dervishes were prohibited from carrying weapons, but the zafar takiya allowed them to conceal swords for their safety as they wandered, often alone, from place to place. The estimate is £6,000-8,000. Pick of the guns is an 18 th century Ottoman, silver inlaid miquelet rifle. The wood stock is decorated in natural and green stained bone and circular brass and ebony geometric mosaics, the underside with extensive palmette and scrolling vegetal motifs. The steel lock, barrel and muzzle are inlaid with an extensive floral design, and there is calligraphic text to the barrel. At 40½ in long, it is expected to fetch £4,000-6,000. A 27in long early 18th century Mughal jade-hilted sword has extensive gold damascened calligraphic text and a pale jade hilt carved with further inscription. The scabbard is set with precious stones, and the repoussé cartouche contains the date, 1135 (1723). It has a guide of £3,000-5,000. The catalogue also includes a 19th century cuirass worn by the Bodyguard Regiment of the Royal Elite Guard to the Khedive of Egypt. Dating to c.1840-60, it carries hopes of £1,000-2,000. A 19th century Qajar a gold-overlaid steel 'demonic' helmet (kulah khud) is another striking piece. Of domed form, It has a raised nose, engraved and overlaid gold eyes, applied ears and a reticulated mouth surrounded by an engraved beard. The rim has a narrow band comprising inscriptions.The mask may be linked to contemporary depictions of the legendary Iranian Hero Rustam. Many Shahnama editions of the 19th century show him wearing a helmet made of the head of the fearsome demon, The White Div. The estimate £800-1,200. Live online bidding is available via Sloane Street Auctions' website at www.sloanestreetauctions.com For further information contact info@lucasfieldmedia.com Tel 07968 952850 Image courtesy of Sloane Street Auctions Captions Dagger (Lot 139) Leading the highlights is this rare Mughal gold-damascened steel crutch dagger (Zafar Takieh) or throne of victory. The estimate is £6,000-8,000. Rifle (Lot 159) An 18 th century Ottoman, silver inlaid and highly decorated miquelet rifle - £4,000-6,000. Sword (Lot 162) An early 18th century Mughal jade-hilted sword with extensive gold damascened calligraphic text and a carved pale jade hilt. The guide is £3,000-5,000. Cuirass (Lot 163) 19th century cuirass worn by the Bodyguard Regiment of the Royal Elite Guard to the Khedive of Egypt - £1,000-2,000. Helmet (Lot 141) 19th century Qajar a gold-overlaid steel 'demonic' helmet (kulah khud), estimated at £800-1,200. Gun (Lot 161) 18th century, gem-set Ottoman miquelet rifle - £3,000-5,000 Jade (Lot 162) Early 18th century, Mughal jade-hilted sword dated 1135 (1723). It is pitched at £3,000-5,000. Kilij (Lot 157) Dated 1128 (1715), this Ottoman, gold-damascened steel sword (kilij) should sell for £2,000-4,000. Jar (Lot 169) Post-Sasanian or earlier, large turquoise glaze storage jar, 14 in high, with applied rope decoration. The estimate £600-800. Axe (Lot 166) 19th century, Indo-Persian gold koftgari ceremonial axe (tabar). At 26½ in long, it is expected to fetch £500-800. About Sloane Street Auctions Sloane Street Auctions was founded by Mr Daniel Hunt after spending over 30 years as a high-profile gallery owner and dealer, based at his galleries in Lower Sloane Street, London. Daniel Hunt's intimate knowledge of the upper tiers of the art and antique sectors throughout millennia, from BC to 2022, provides Sloane Street Auctions with unprecedented access to private collections worldwide and the best of access to specific expertise. Sloane Street Auctions' primary objective is to work with both our buyers and sellers to provide the art market access to the rarest objects and art - from Classical Antiquities, Icons and Old Masters, right through to the YBAs and beyond. Sloane Street Auctions takes great pleasure in dealing with people. We aim to provide a seamless and pleasant service, whether buying or selling. Our vision is to unearth the world's greatest treasures and to match them with the world's greatest collectors, whether an occasional buyer or a seasoned connoisseur. Sloane Street Auctions prides itself in providing the highest level of client service and discretion. With Daniel's contacts spanning over 40 countries worldwide, accumulated over a lifetime in the industry, Sloane Street Auctions empowers our community of connoisseurs and collectors to acquire and consign the greatest of fine art and objects at a highly competitive rate. With Daniel Hunt's expertise in curating some of the most renowned private collections worldwide, Sloane Street Auctions has the ability to source a wide variety of extraordinary pieces. Sloane Street Auctions' concentrates on, but is not limited to, Old Master Drawings and Paintings, European Furniture and Works of Art, Impressionist Art, Modern and Contemporary Art, Photography and Private Sales.
Georgian Sun Launches U.S. Holiday Tasting Campaign: Three Wines to Discover This Season
Thu, Oct 08, 2026 11:35 EDT
NEW YORK, Oct. 8, 2026 - This holiday season, Georgian Sun is bringing a taste of the country of Georgia to the U.S. The wine brand, born in the sunny vineyards of Kakheti, Georgia's main wine region, is launching a holiday tasting campaign that invites media, trade and wine lovers to discover three wines made for the holiday table. Approachable in style and priced under $20, all three are a natural first step for anyone new to Georgian wine. "Georgian wine has a story that goes back 8,000 years, but you don't need to know any of it to enjoy a glass. We chose three wines that are easy to love, easy to pair and easy to share, so the holiday table can be anyone's first taste of Georgia." - Giorgi Korsantia, CEO, Georgian Sun Three Wines, Three Courses A holiday table tells a story, and in Georgia, wine is part of every chapter. At the supra, a traditional Georgian feast, a toastmaster leads guests through toast after toast: to family, friends and the year ahead. Georgian Sun has chosen three wines to carry the evening from the first toast to the final bite. To Start: Mtsvane Amber Made from Mtsvane, a white grape whose name means "green" in Georgian, this amber wine pours golden and semi-dry, with aromas of tropical fruit and quince and a soft, lingering finish. It's an easy introduction to amber wine and a natural match for cheese boards, roasted squash and holiday appetizers. The Main Course: Saperavi Saperavi is Georgia's signature red grape, and one of the few in the world with red flesh as well as red skin. The wine is deep ruby, with cherry, black mulberry and red currant, and velvety tannins. Serve it with roast turkey, prime rib or any main course that calls for a generous red. For Dessert: Kindzmarauli Made from Saperavi grapes grown in Kindzmarauli, a protected wine area in Kakheti, this naturally semi-sweet red offers ripe cherry and plum with soft, velvety tannins. Pour it with pecan pie, dark chocolate or a cheese plate at the end of the night. Where to Taste Georgian Sun will host 24 in-store tastings at Total Wine & More across two seasons. In November and December, wine lovers in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and North Carolina can try all three wines ahead of Thanksgiving and Christmas. In February and March 2027, the tastings move to Florida and Texas, just in time for Valentine's Day and Easter. At each tasting, guests can sample Mtsvane Amber, Saperavi and Kindzmarauli side by side, learn about Georgia's winemaking traditions and pick up pairing ideas for their own holiday table. Tasting dates and locations will be announced on Georgian Sun's Instagram at @georgiansun.wine Media and Trade Sampling Program As part of the campaign, Georgian Sun is offering a limited number of samples of all three wines to journalists and trade professionals. Samples are available to media covering holiday wines, gift ideas or Georgian wine, as well as to sommeliers, retailers and restaurant buyers interested in adding Georgian Sun to their lists. To request samples, please contact Georgian Sun's U.S. press office at eter@beviour.com About Georgian Sun Georgian Sun is a wine brand from Kakheti, Georgia's main wine region, producing around 200,000 bottles a year. Working exclusively with Georgian grape varieties, the brand makes Georgian wine easy to discover for first-time drinkers. Its portfolio includes Saperavi, Saperavi-Aleksandrouli, Kindzmarauli, Mtsvane Amber, Rkatsiteli-Mtsvane Amber and 9 Bunches, a blend of native varieties. For more information, follow Georgian Sun on Instagram at @georgiansun.wine About Beviour Marketing Beviour Marketing is a U.S.-based public relations and marketing agency specializing in the food and wine sector. The agency develops strategic communications, media relations and brand storytelling campaigns that connect producers with consumers, trade professionals and media. For more information, visit beviour.com
Height Is the Overlooked Part of Manual Handling Says Pallet Truck Shop
Thu, Oct 08, 2026 05:27 EDT
When businesses assess manual handling tasks, weight is often the first thing considered. Yet the height at which a load has to be lifted, lowered or positioned can also make a significant difference to the physical demands placed on workers. That is why Pallet Truck Shop is encouraging businesses to look beyond the number on the scales when deciding whether a manual handling task is still appropriate. Health and Safety Executive guidance identifies large vertical movement, reaching upwards, working overhead and awkward postures among the factors that can increase the physical demands of manual handling. Its guidance also recommends considering whether handling aids are available when assessing tasks. Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of Pallet Truck Shop, said businesses can sometimes concentrate so heavily on load weight that other characteristics of the job receive less attention. "A 20kg load doesn't tell you everything about a handling task. You also need to ask where the load starts, where it finishes and how often that movement happens. "Lifting something from floor level to a comfortable working height is a very different task from repeatedly reaching upwards or trying to position a load at height. The distance and posture involved matter, as does the frequency of the task. "That is where businesses should look at whether there is a handling aid that can make the job more suitable. A high lift pallet truck , stacker , or table truck , for example, may be worth considering where loads need to be raised or positioned as part of the operation." The HSE's manual-handling guidance does not set a single height at which a task becomes unsafe. Instead, employers are expected to assess the task and consider factors including the load, working environment, posture, frequency and the individual carrying out the work. Chesworth added, "Before deciding what equipment is needed, it's worth looking at the whole movement rather than focusing on weight alone. Sometimes the height, frequency or posture tells you far more about the demands of the job." To find out more about Pallet Truck Shop, visit: www.pallettruckshop.co.uk .
Manufacturing Restart Gathers Pace as Tioxide Marks First Few Weeks of TiO₂ Pigment Production at Greatham
Thu, Oct 08, 2026 05:10 EDT
Tioxide Materials Ltd (Tioxide) today announced further progress as it works to restore its titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigment plant on Teesside to full capacity. In the seven weeks since it restarted its Greatham manufacturing facility, the business has made faster than anticipated progress, with the site now able to manufacture all of the TIOXIDE® and DELTIO® pigment grades, for which it is renowned. In addition, further employees have been recruited, including more former Greatham site staff, and a new headquarters has also opened in Stockton-on-Tees. The news comes as work progresses towards the restart of the site's second production line, which is on target to come on stream in early 2027. Tioxide announced that pigment production at its Greatham facility had resumed on the 18 August 2026, marking a major milestone for the facility and its workforce following the acquisition of the site and its associated assets by LB Group in April of this year. Since then, work has been ramping up, at pace, on the first manufacturing line, with the business building stock levels of its TIOXIDE® and DELTIO® pigment grades as demand for products increases. With further new employees now in post and additional vacancies filled, the total Tioxide workforce will rise to 267 in coming weeks. Recent appointments have been made across all departments and functions, supporting both current operations and the company's plans to increase production further. The business is targeting a head count of 308 people for 2027 and is aiming to have more than 200 people employed at Greatham, comparable to previous site staffing figures. The business has also opened a new headquarters in Stockton-on-Tees, bringing its key support functions together in one location. The new base will enable teams to work more closely, respond quickly to customer needs and provide coordinated support as Tioxide grows its operations. Meanwhile, preparations to bring the facility's second manufacturing stream back into operation are progressing to plan with engineering and commissioning work now well underway. Once the second stream is up and running, the plant will be back to its full nameplate capacity of 150,000 tonnes of TiO2 pigment per annum. Karen Askwith, Managing Director of Tioxide, said: "The last seven weeks have flown by. In a short space of time, we have achieved so much. We are ahead of where we wanted to be in terms of production volumes and grades produced and have been delighted with the reaction to the restart from our customers and locally on Teesside. Restarting a major manufacturing facility safely and successfully is a significant undertaking. Doing so while continuing our recruitment drive is incredible and testament to the people on the Tioxide team." "It's been particularly heartening to welcome back so many former colleagues, who have expert knowledge of the site, our manufacturing processes and our products. Behind what's been achieved sits a huge amount of work by people across all parts of the business and I'd like to thank everyone for their efforts. While there is still more work ahead of us, the progress made during our first seven weeks gives us a very strong platform to build on." With production continuing to ramp up in line with plans, Tioxide is focused on sustaining this momentum as it increases output, expands its workforce and progresses the restart of Greatham's second manufacturing stream. Recruitment remains underway for roles across engineering, production, sales, IT and customer services, creating further opportunities for people to help shape its next phase of growth. For more information on Tioxide vacancies visit tioxide.com/careers (ends)
SGS summarizes Chinese update to mandatory standard for leather and fur products
Thu, Oct 08, 2026 04:54 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 095.26, highlighting China's publication of GB 20400-2026, which updates the mandatory requirements for leather and fur products. The updated standard, effective from April 1, 2027, replaces GB 20400-2006. It applies to accessible leather and fur components in daily-use leather and fur products and related articles, as well as recycled leather components used in recycled leather products and finished goods. GB 20400-2026 includes requirements for the following: Carcinogenic aromatic amine dyes Formaldehyde Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) Chlorinated phenols Phthalate plasticizers Total heavy metals (lead, cadmium) Dimethyl fumarate (DMFu) The standard revises the title, scope, the age definition used in the term 'infant leather and fur products' and the expression of 'conformity judgment', as well as introducing new requirements and removing certain existing provisions. The updated standard will affect manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers and other stakeholders throughout the supply chain for leather, fur and recycled leather products in China. A transition period has been provided for products manufactured or imported before the effective date. For such products, the standard's requirements will apply from the 19th month following its implementation date. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 095.26 includes additional information on the revisions, new requirements and deleted provisions in GB 20400-2026. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 095.26 for more details. SGS softlines services SGS has a worldwide network of over 40 state-of-the-art laboratories, including 10 in China, specializing in the testing of apparel, footwear, and home textiles. Their committed team is drawn from multi-disciplinary backgrounds, allowing them to conduct a comprehensive range of physical, chemical and functional testing services for components, materials and finished products. SGS helps companies ensure quality, performance, and compliance with international, industrial and regulatory standards worldwide. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS's softlines services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full China Issues GB 20400-2026 for Leather and Fur Products SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information, contact Media Inquiries or: Dr. Min Zhu Senior Director, Technical Services and Operations, Softlines, US and Canada Tel: +1 (97) 346-11230 Website: www.sgs.com/softlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
SGS hosts webinar on updates for textile products in young children's sleeping environments
Thu, Oct 08, 2026 04:27 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, is delighted to host a complimentary webinar, 'Children's Sleep Safety: EN 16781:2026 and Other Textile Childcare Updates' on October 29, 2026. Ensuring the safety of sleep environments for babies and young children is central to the European Committee for Standardization's (CEN) work on the updated standard EN 16781 - Textile Child care articles - Safety requirements and test methods for children's sleep bags to be used in a cot. Originally published in 2018, the 2026 revision introduces changes that businesses placing these products on the European market need to understand. Expert SGS presenter Valérie Cimetiere will guide attendees through the revised standard, including its updated structure, key changes and retained requirements. The webinar will also provide an overview of the European General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) and its relevance to other textile items used in children's sleeping environments, such as quilts, footmuffs and angel nests. A Q&A session will provide attendees with an opportunity to explore specific questions. This webinar is aimed at manufacturers, brands, retailers and suppliers importing or selling textile articles for use in children's sleeping environments on the European market. It will take place on October 29, 2026, at 10:00 am Central European Time. Stakeholders should register now to secure their place at this informative webinar.
