Member News

Wednesday’s Activity: Trepp’s Takeaways from the Presidential Election Results

Wednesday's Activity: Trepp’s Takeaways from the Presidential Election Results Excerpt on CMBS We see the Donald Trump victory last night as a possible net positive for the CMBS market on several fronts. First, there is certainly the possibility of a loosening of risk retention rules. This could potentially help boost CMBS issuance in the future, compared to what a CMBS world with risk retention might look like. In addition, the removal of the higher borrower costs that come with risk retention structures would make...

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Chapter News

EU RECOGNIZES GREEN BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

The EU is a firm supporter of the circular economy—the practice of “closing the loop” of product lifecycles through greater recycling and re-use. As part of its efforts to incentivize this behavior, the EU presents the European Business Awards for the Environment to companies that exemplify both competitiveness and respect for the environment. The 2016-2017 awards, announced in late October, recognized six winners from the pool of 148 companies from 21 European countries that competed for the award.  “Companies competing...

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Chapter News

THE AMBASSADORS REVIEW: EU 2017: WE WILL RISE TO THE OCCASION

EU 2017: WE WILL RISE TO THE OCCASION Nobody can deny that 2016 has been a difficult year for Europe. When I addressed the Council of American Ambassadors back in May, the focus of my speech was Europe’s response to the refugee crisis. Since then, many things have happened on the world scene, including a referendum on EU membership in the United Kingdom with the outcome we all know. This may sound like a gloomy time to ponder Europe’s future, particularly...

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Member News

Envisioning a Clear Tomorrow

We’re heading into the holiday season – a time when people reflect on the past year and what they want to do better in the coming year. You also might hear some advice – welcome or otherwise – from family members as you gather together. If I can be so bold, the Vision Impact Institute (VII) has some advice to share, too – advice backed up by research. A recent report titled Making Eye Health a Population Health Imperative: Vision...

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Chapter News

Autumn 2016 Economic Forecast: Modest growth in challenging times

Economic growth in Europe is expected to continue at a moderate pace, as recent labour market gains and rising private consumption are being counterbalanced by a number of hindrances to growth and the weakening of supportive factors. In its autumn forecast released today, the European Commission expects GDP growth in the euro area at 1.7% in 2016, 1.5% in 2017 and 1.7% in 2018 (Spring forecast: 2016: 1.6%, 2017: 1.8%). GDP growth in the EU as a whole should...

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Member News

ESOP Sustainability and Stock Price: The Value of Being Proactive

Employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) provide companies, selling shareholders and employees numerous benefits. But before any of these stakeholders reap the numerous benefits of an ESOP, company management must commit significant time and resources to its formation and administration. From the onset, management must make the ESOP’s sustainability a priority, regardless of its ownership stake. This article discusses the importance of understanding the relationship between a company’s valuation and an ESOP’s sustainability. Specifically, companies should seriously consider employing certain...

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Member News

Software as a Medical Device: FDA Releases Draft Guidance

Companies that develop software that functions as a medical device should be aware that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued draft guidance that, once finalized, will classify the endless variety of Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), and impose risk-based criteria for evaluating the safety and effectiveness of such software. The draft guidance, titled Software as a Medical Device (SaMD): Clinical Evaluation,” is an attempt to determine what type of clinical evaluation is appropriate for SaMD that...

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Member News

M&A Market Update: The Road Ahead

In the business world, unfortunately, the rearview mirror is always clearer than the windshield.”– Warren Buffett, Chairman and CEO, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. “Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window.” – Peter Drucker, management consultant, educator, and author As we examine the current state of the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market, I find myself reflecting upon two favorite quotes, which remind us that historical...

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Member News

Forget Trump or Clinton—What Else is on the November 8 Ballot?

Next week, Americans will head to the polls to elect their 45th President. Across the nation, voters will also fill 469 congressional seats, including 435 in the House and 34 in the Senate. While these federal races tend to occupy much of the coverage and discussion as November 8 approaches, issues closer to home should not be overlooked. Voters in 12 states will select governors, and many ballots will feature proposed constitutional amendments or local initiatives. As the saying goes,...

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Member News

WTCA Names New Director

NEW YORK, NY, USA -  World Trade Centers Association, Inc. (WTCA) has named Alexander Brown (Alex) as its new Director of Communications and Member Relations. With more than 15 years of experience positioning brands, organizations and thought leaders, Brown is charged with spearheading organizational strategy in both of these two important areas.   WTCA’s CEO, Scott Ferguson, said, “We are delighted to bring Alex on as our new Director to help us tell our global story, which in turn supports our...

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