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A Better Road Forward Campaign Launches to Champion Safer Streets and Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Across New York

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NEW YORK, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, A Better Road Forward, a new 501(C)(4) advocacy coalition, launched its campaign to champion fully autonomous passenger vehicle technology in the State of New York.

A Better Road Forward is a statewide coalition of New Yorkers who believe fully autonomous passenger vehicles, when scaled responsibly, will make our streets safer, our transportation networks more sustainable, our neighborhoods easier to get around, and our communities more connected.

Though fully autonomous passenger vehicles are currently unable to operate on New York streets, the state Department of Motor Vehicles has overseen an AV testing program since 2017. Most recently, AV testing permits have been awarded to operators who successfully tested in communities like Buffalo and New York City.

Said Basil Seggos, Chair of the ABRF Advisory Board & Former Commissioner of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, “This campaign is about bringing New Yorkers into the conversation about the future of autonomous passenger vehicles on our streets. As this technology continues to grow and communities across the country explore its benefits, and its potential, New York has a chance to seize the moment on innovation and sustainability. A Better Road Forward is here to be an educational platform for community engagement, helping New Yorkers understand the opportunities this technology presents.”

The full ABRF Advisory Board includes representatives from across NYS:

Basil Seggos of Albany, Partner, Foley Hoag LLP and former Commissioner of NYS Department of Environmental ConservationChristine Quinn of NYC, President and CEO of Win (formerly Women in Need)Rev. Mark E. Blue of Buffalo, President of the Buffalo Branch of the NAACPKenny Burgos of NYC, CEO of the NY Apartment Association & former Assembly Member who championed AV-authorization in the State LegislatureMark Schroeder of Buffalo, former Commissioner of the NYS Department of Motor VehiclesJulie Samuels of NYC, Executive Director of Tech:NYC

ABRF will leverage its members’ statewide presence to host community events to educate New Yorkers about autonomous vehicle technology. The coalition’s website will also serve as a testimonial hub where New Yorkers can share their experiences with AVs in other cities, and how it could benefit their communities. Additionally, the coalition will use public polling and paid media to support its efforts.

Said Rev. Mark E. Blue, President of the Buffalo Branch of the NAACP, “The promise of autonomous vehicles to make our streets safer and lift up our neighborhoods deserves serious attention in New York. Too often, it is communities of color across the state – including places like Buffalo and Western New York – that bear the burden of transportation deserts and unequal access to safe, reliable public transportation.” Continued Rev. Blue, who also sits on the Board of Erie County Medical Center, “As New Yorkers, we should meaningfully explore the potential of autonomous vehicles as part of the solution to expanding transportation access, especially for those who rely on paratransit services.”

Said Christine Quinn, President and CEO of Win (formerly Women in Need), “For too many New Yorkers, safe and reliable ways to get around still depend on where you live. The women and families I work with know that better than anyone — a late shift, a subway that doesn’t come, a stretch of street you don’t want to walk alone at night. The potential for AVs to better connect our neighborhoods, improve mobility for New Yorkers who can’t drive themselves, and make our streets measurably safer is too great to ignore.”

Said Kenny Burgos, CEO of the NY Apartment Association & former Assembly Member who championed AV-authorization in the State Legislature, “I first introduced AV legislation in the Assembly three years ago because I believe this technology can not only help make our streets dramatically safer, but give New Yorkers better access to transit in the neighborhoods that need it most. We started a conversation back then, but there’s still so much New Yorkers don’t know about AVs, and that’s exactly the gap A Better Road Forward is going to close.”

Said Mark Schroeder, former Commissioner of the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles, “Over nearly a decade at the helm of the NYS DMV, I saw firsthand just how steep the toll of our street safety crisis can be. I’ve also seen how new technologies, from autonomous vehicles to speed cameras can make our streets safer across the board. There’s never been a more critical time to double down on advancing every tool we have to make New York’s roads as safe as they can be.”

“Autonomous vehicles have moved well beyond the theoretical. They have the potential to make streets safer, close gaps in our transportation system and give more New Yorkers greater independence,” said Julie Samuels, President and CEO, Tech:NYC. “Other states and cities across the country have worked to proactively regulate this technology and take advantage of its benefits. New York can’t afford to fall behind. We should be leading the nation in championing technology that not only makes streets safer, but fills in the gaps our current transit system has left behind.”

A Better Road Forward is a registered 501(C)(4) Advocacy organization committed to supporting efforts in Albany to authorize the responsible introduction of autonomous passenger vehicles in the State of New York.

CONTACT: info@abetterroadforward.com

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SOURCE A Better Road Forward

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ISPE Announces Keynote Speakers for its 2026 ISPE Pharma 4.0™ and Biopharma Conference

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September 16, 2026

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The conference will take place 10–11 December in Berlin, Germany, and virtually.

The conference will feature three technical tracks covering digital enablement, compliant operations, and practical biopharma manufacturing transformation through Pharma 4.0™ principles.

NORTH BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) has announced its keynote speakers for the 2026 ISPE Pharma 4.0™ and Biopharma Conference, set for Thursday, 10 December, through Friday, 11 December, in Berlin, Germany, and virtually.

The conference is ISPE’s first international event to integrate Pharma 4.0™ and biopharma topics into a single program. Sessions will address digital transformation and advanced manufacturing across traditional pharmaceutical operations as well as biologics, cell and gene therapies, ATMPs, and mRNA technologies.

“This year’s keynote speakers represent a unique cross-section of expertise spanning pharmaceutical engineering, bioprocess innovation, digital manufacturing, and product development. Their perspectives will help attendees better understand the technologies, strategies, and leadership approaches shaping the future of Pharma 4.0™ and biopharma,” said Lineke Pelleboer, International Program Committee Conference Co-Chair, Senior Business Developer at Bilthoven Biologicals.

ISPE has announced the following keynote speakers:

Chris Grail, Senior Vice President, Global Pharma Engineering and Maintenance Excellence Lead, Bayer AGJochen Maas, PhD, Former Managing Director, Research and Development, SanofiPeter Neubauer, PhD, Professor of Bioprocess Engineering, Technische Universität BerlinKerstin Seemann, Senior Vice President, Head of Global CMC Development, Merck KGaAAdrian Widmer, Global Head of Digital, AI, and Operational Excellence (Interim), RocheJan Wokittel, Director and Cluster Lead, Smart Manufacturing, Roche

“Across the conference tracks, attendees will explore practical approaches to digital transformation, from data readiness and AI enablement to smart manufacturing, compliance, and scalable biopharma operations, with real-world lessons from industry leaders,” said Markus Zeitz, International Program Committee Conference Co-Chair and Head of Digital Quality with Takeda.

The conference comprises three technical tracks:

Pharma 4.0™ Enabling Digital FoundationsPharma 4.0™ Compliant by DesignPharma 4.0™ in Action: Biopharma Manufacturing Transformation

Learn more and register for the conference today: ISPE.org/26Pharma.

About ISPE
The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) is a global nonprofit association serving its members through leading scientific, technical, and regulatory advancement across the entire pharmaceutical lifecycle. The 25,000+ members of ISPE provide solutions to complex pharmaceutical industry challenges through innovation, member and workforce development, and technical, regulatory, and compliance collaborations in more than 120 countries worldwide. Founded in 1980, ISPE has its worldwide headquarters and training center in North Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and its operations center in Tampa, Florida, USA. For more information, visit ISPE.org.

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SOURCE ISPE

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Echo Global Logistics Named One of Just 10 Non-Asset-Based 3PLs Nationwide to Earn CTPAT Validation

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September 16, 2026

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Echo is among the first few providers admitted into U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s CTPAT program, adding a new layer of supply chain security to its brokerage model

CHICAGO, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Echo Global Logistics, Inc. (“Echo”), a leading provider of technology-enabled transportation and supply chain management services, has achieved Validated status in U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program, one of only 10 non-asset-based 3PLs selected nationwide. Authorized by the CTPAT Pilot Program Act of 2023, the pilot marks the first time CBP has opened CTPAT — previously reserved for asset-based carriers, importers, and customs brokers — to non-asset-based freight brokers. Following a comprehensive review, CBP confirmed that Echo’s supply chain security program meets CTPAT’s security criteria.

“CTPAT has historically focused on asset-based transportation providers, so Echo’s selection as one of the first non-asset-based 3PLs represents an important milestone for our company and our industry,” said Troy Ryley, President of Echo’s Mexico division. “In addition to our extensive network of CTPAT-certified carriers, Validation adds another layer of security to Echo’s truck brokerage model, giving our clients added confidence that security is embedded throughout their supply chain — even though Echo, like most freight brokers, has traditionally operated a non-asset-based model.”

For shippers, CTPAT-validated partners are recognized by CBP as lower-risk, which can translate to fewer cargo exams and more predictable transit times across the border. Echo maintains an extensive network of carrier partners, including CTPAT-certified carriers, while applying its own validated security processes to the management and protection of freight — creating a layered security approach that now extends from the carrier to the broker itself.

Echo provides clients with cross-border, customs brokerage, and intra-Mexico solutions, creating a comprehensive Mexico offering for all supply chain needs. Operating within an intricate cross-border trade environment, additional security protocols support the protection of freight. Echo’s security strategy and tools are aligned with CTPAT criteria, supporting a more secure and seamless transportation process across the region. Learn more about Echo’s Mexico operations: Mexico Cross-Border Shipping Solutions | Echo Global Logistics.

“For our clients and business partners, this achievement provides added confidence that freight is supported by a logistics provider whose security program has been independently validated by CBP,” said Gabriel Guajardo, Director, Southern Border at Echo. “Combined with our extensive network of CTPAT carriers, Validation status strengthens our layered approach to cargo security and supply chain risk management, helping us deliver secure and reliable transportation solutions across North America.”

About Echo Global Logistics
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. is a leading provider of technology-enabled transportation and full-service supply chain solutions. Headquartered in Chicago with 65 locations across North America, Echo helps organizations simplify complex supply chains through one integrated network of transportation, warehousing, distribution and fulfillment services. Echo’s capabilities span Truckload, Partial Truckload, LTL, Intermodal, Cross-Border & Intra-Mexico, Managed Transportation, Drop-Trailer and Trailer Pool, Container Management and Drayage, Food-Grade and Temperature-Controlled shipping, warehousing, warehousing services, parcel, and distribution and fulfillment. Powered by Echo’s proprietary technology platform—including automation, machine learning, and AI-enabled decision support—customers gain greater visibility, optimize transportation performance, and improve efficiency across every stage of the supply chain. For more information, visit www.echo.com.

ECHO: Corporate 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Christopher Clemmensen
EVP of Marketing
Echo Global Logistics
312-784-2132

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SOURCE Echo Global Logistics

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FP Markets wins three awards at the Global Forex Awards 2026

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September 16, 2026

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LIMASSOL, Cyprus, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Global Forex and CFD broker FP Markets has been recognised with three prestigious distinctions at the Global Forex Awards 2026, earning: ‘Best Value Broker – Global’, ‘Most Transparent Broker – Asia’, and ‘Most Transparent Broker – Latam’.

The awards ceremony took place on 15 September 2026 at the Amara Hotel in Limassol, Cyprus, bringing together leading companies and industry professionals from across the global trading and fintech industry. Now in their eighth year, the Global Forex Awards recognise brokers and trading providers that deliver exceptional service, innovation, and trusted solutions.

The triple win highlights FP Markets’ global reach, competitive trading conditions, and commitment to delivering a reliable trading experience to traders across markets.

John Lewis, Chief Marketing Officer at FP Markets, said: “In an industry where competition is intense, being voted Best Value Broker globally, alongside Most Transparent Broker in both Asia and Latam, is a reflection of what our clients experience day to day.” He added: “These wins showcase the dedication of our teams across every region we operate in, and our commitment to delivering value for our clients with the transparency they rely on.”

With over two decades of industry experience and more than 80 awards earned to date, FP Markets continues to strengthen its global presence, investing in advanced trading technologies and broadening its product offering. Looking ahead, the company continues to prioritise innovation and the client-focussed approach that has been at the core of its philosophy since inception.

About FP Markets

FP Markets is a global, multi-regulated, award-winning broker established in Sydney, Australia in 2005 and headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus. The broker offers 10,000+ CFD instruments across seven asset classes, available on industry-leading platforms including MetaTrader 4/5, TradingView, and cTrader.

FP Markets’ regulatory presence includes, among others, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in Seychelles, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) of South Africa, and the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) of Kenya.

For more information, visit www.fpmarkets.com

 

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SOURCE FP Markets

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