American Marketing Association Releases New Report: The AMA State of Marketing Careers Report
Wed, Aug 05, 2026 14:13 EDT
Navigating the Era of AI Agents The American Marketing Association (AMA) released today its 2026 State of Marketing Careers Report , a comprehensive analysis detailing how artificial intelligence is fundamentally restructuring marketing jobs, required skill sets, and team frameworks. The report provides an in-depth look at how marketing jobs, skills, and teams are shifting in the age of AI agents. This new report highlights a critical juncture for the profession: while AI is streamlining operational tasks, it is simultaneously creating a "mismatch" between what marketers perceive as important and what the market reality demands. "The signals are there, and the data in this report makes them hard to ignore," said Bennie F. Johnson, CEO of the AMA . "The gap between what marketers think matters and what the evidence says is one of the most striking findings in this research." Key Findings Include: The role of the marketer is shifting from manual execution, such as writing content or managing social media, to orchestration. AI now handles the execution-heavy tasks, while humans are responsible for setting parameters, maintaining quality standards and making judgment calls. As AI enables smaller teams to achieve more, the demand for hyper-specialized roles is compressing in favor of AI-powered generalists who can oversee multiple facets of marketing. The report identifies a concerning trend of marketers rating human skills like adaptability, collaboration, and critical thinking as less important in 2026 than they did in 2025, despite these being the very capabilities AI cannot replace. While marketing jobs have seen a recent dip compared to pre-pandemic levels, demand for senior leadership and strategic roles remains steady, suggesting organizations are prioritizing decision-makers over operational staff. "This is not a report to add to the noise of AI, but to give marketers and marketing leaders the specific insights, honest assessments, and practical guidance they need to move forward with clarity," added Johnson . To provide professionals with a clear roadmap for career longevity, the report introduces the AI Disruption Map, which evaluates core marketing capabilities using Stanford University's Human Agency Scale (HAS). This spectrum ranges from H1 (fully automatable by AI) to H5 (requiring continuous human involvement). The analysis reveals that rules-based, repetitive disciplines like email marketing, SEO, and paid media face the highest disruption. To counter this, the report outlines a practical blueprint for how workers can proactively build and protect their skills. Rather than relying on traditional one-and-done degrees, professionals are urged to treat their development as an ongoing work-in-progress, focusing on a portfolio of demonstrable skills and expertise. By mastering H3 collaboration zones like content making and data storytelling, where human-AI partnerships actively outperform either party working alone, marketers can build strategic fluidity required to remain indispensable. Highlighting the remarkable depth of this research, the study represents a comprehensive mixed methods analysis that synthesizes survey data from over 1,400 marketing practitioners, interviews with thought leaders in the field, and secondary market data. Far from a superficial industry overview, the report functions as a practical guide for an industry currently operating under heavy ambiguity.The 2026 AMA State of Marketing Report equips professionals with the market insights and foresight needed to navigate a shifting field, and gives teams practical steps they can take to close the AI adoption gap and stay ahead in their industry and in their careers. The full 2026 State of Marketing Careers report is available at ama.org . ### About the American Marketing Association (AMA) As the leading global professional marketing association, the AMA is the essential community for marketers. From students and practitioners to executives and academics, we aim to elevate the profession, deepen knowledge, and make a lasting impact. The AMA is home to five premiere scholarly journals including: Journal of Marketing , Journal of Marketing Research , Journal of Public Policy and Marketing , Journal of International Marketing , and Journal of Interactive Marketing . Our industry-leading training events and conferences define future forward practices, while our professional development and PCM® professional certification advance knowledge. With 70 chapters and a presence on 350 college campuses across North America, the AMA fosters a vibrant community of marketers. The association's philanthropic arm, the AMA's Foundation , is inspiring a more diverse industry and ensuring marketing research impacts public good. AMA views marketing as the activity, set of institutions, and processes for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large. You can learn more about AMA's learning programs and certifications, conferences and events, and scholarly journals at AMA.org . ###
NEW ARRIVALS, NEW BEGINNINGS: MORE THAN 30 ANIMALS FIND HOPE AT TORONTO HUMANE SOCIETY
Wed, Aug 05, 2026 13:18 EDT
TORONTO, ON. - August 5, 2026 - More than 30 dogs and cats have arrived at Toronto Humane Society this summer through transfers from partner shelters, with more expected in the coming weeks as the organization continues to work with shelter partners to help animals in need. Through Pledge for Paws , Toronto Humane Society is raising funds to provide the medical care, shelter, enrichment and behavioural support these animals need as they begin their next chapter. As communities continue to respond to this summer's wildfires, Toronto Humane Society also stands ready to assist shelter partners with additional animal transfers should the need arise. The campaign culminates at Paws in the Park Presented by Amazon , Toronto Humane Society's largest event of the year, taking place Saturday, August 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 11 River Street. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet some of the newest transferred dogs, cats and small animals looking for loving families. "Every shelter transfer is a new beginning," said Melissa Shupak, Director of Animal Sheltering at Toronto Humane Society. "Thanks to the generosity of our community through Pledge for Paws, we're able to welcome more animals from partner shelters, provide the care they need, and prepare them for adoption. As needs evolve across the province and beyond, we're also ready to support our shelter partners whenever additional help is needed." Among this year's Pledge for Paws ambassadors are four animals whose stories represent the many pets arriving at Toronto Humane Society this summer:
Summerfield starts work on new homes in Keinton Mandeville, Somerset
Wed, Aug 05, 2026 10:56 EDT
South West housebuilder Summerfield Homes has broken ground on Well Stone, an exclusive development of seven houses and two bungalows off Queen Street in the sought-after south Somerset village of Keinton Mandeville. Situated between Somerton and Castle Cary, Keinton Mandeville is a thriving village with Roman origins and a rich heritage linked to its Blue Lias stone quarries. Today, it offers a well-regarded primary school, family-run pub and village convenience store, making it an attractive location for families, professionals and those looking to enjoy a village lifestyle. Designed to complement their surroundings, the new two, three and four-bedroom homes combine contemporary architecture with traditional craftsmanship and will be finished with natural stone, reflecting the character and heritage of the local area while delivering lasting quality. The development has been designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating the latest energy efficient technology. Every home will benefit from solar panels, electric car charging points, off-road parking, a garage and a private garden, helping homeowners reduce their environmental impact while enjoying lower energy costs. Marking the start of construction, Summerfield Homes Construction Manager Mark Woodland said: "We are delighted to be bringing new Summerfield homes to the highly desirable village of Keinton Mandeville. Well Stone has been carefully designed to reflect the character of its surroundings while providing high quality, energy efficient homes for modern living." "We look forward to becoming part of the local community over the coming months as the development progresses and to welcoming the first residents to Well Stone."
Unseen consequence of the Iran War - transformer risk
Wed, Aug 05, 2026 10:20 EDT
The war in Iran, and delays in the Strait of Hormuz, have impacted a wide variety of supply chains, but one of the less publicized consequences has been a significant reduction in the global availability of helium. Helium performs a vital role in many industrial and medical applications, but it is also utilized by the laboratories that conduct routine spot-checks on power transformers. Lack of helium or raised prices could therefore impact transformer reliability, but in the following article JP Pouttu, Director Power Business at Vaisala , explains why a lack of helium is not the real problem; it's the reliance on spot-checking rather than continuous monitoring , that raises transformer risk. Background On March 2, 2026, Iranian drones struck Qatar's Ras Laffan industrial complex. QatarEnergy declared force majeure and halted LNG production, and with it, helium extraction. Qatar supplies roughly a third of the world's helium. The strike damaged around 17 percent of Qatar's total LNG capacity, and repairs could take up to five years. The Strait of Hormuz closure compounded the disruption in an unexpected way: cryogenic containers already filled with helium and ready to ship were stranded. The price response was immediate. Spot prices rose from around $500 per thousand cubic feet to $1,000-1,200 within weeks, roughly doubling. Contract prices have risen up to 40 percent. In a prolonged disruption scenario, analysts project prices could exceed $2,000. Supply is expected to remain approximately 15 percent short* of demand through 2027, with some analysts predicting up to 30 percent if disruptions persist. This is already being called Helium Shortage 5.0: the fifth major supply crisis in two decades, and the first to combine a production stoppage, a logistics blockade, and an active armed conflict with no clear end-date. Coverage has focused on the expected casualties. South Korea sourced nearly 65 percent of its helium from Qatar in 2025 and produces around two-thirds of the world's memory chips: Samsung, SK Hynix, and TSMC are all exposed. MRI machines require around 1,500 litres of liquid helium to operate, with no alternative cooling method available. Hard drive manufacturers Micron, Seagate, and Western Digital have reported 20-30 percent price increases on their 2026 production allocations. One downstream effect has gone largely unreported: dissolved gas analysis (DGA) for power transformers. What is at stake DGA monitoring rests on a straightforward observation: the majority of power transformer faults do not happen without warning. They announce themselves in advance - as gases that dissolve into insulating oil over weeks or months before an acute failure occurs. Gas chromatography-based DGA, both in laboratory and field-deployed form, uses helium as the carrier gas. Laboratory DGA services now require regular supplies of lab-grade helium, which has become harder to source and significantly more expensive over the past eighteen months. Why monitoring isn't optional: the lesson from Heathrow On the night of March 20, 2025, a transformer fire at the North Hyde substation in West London shut down Heathrow Airport for nearly 18 hours. More than 1,300 flights were cancelled. Around 290,000 passengers were disrupted. Some 67,000 homes and businesses lost power. The airport, which handles £190 billion of UK air cargo annually, was effectively offline for a day because a single transformer failed. The incident was, in the words of the UK Energy Secretary, "catastrophic" and "unprecedented." The NESO investigation found that the 57-year-old substation lacked adequate fire separation between transformers, meaning when one failed, it took the backup with it. Resilience had been assumed. It had not been verified. The Heathrow case illustrates why condition monitoring is not a budget line to optimize. It is the early warning system that sits between an ageing asset and an uncontrolled failure. A transformer that sends advance signals - through dissolved gas patterns that DGA captures - is one that gives operators time to act. A transformer that fails silently, or whose monitoring has lapsed, does not. This is not a hypothetical risk. Power transformer lead times never fully recovered from the post-pandemic supply chain disruption, and they are now under fresh pressure from surging demand driven by data centers, EV infrastructure, and grid expansion. The IEA warned in early 2025 that it now takes up to four years to secure large power transformers. There is no rapid replacement market. The stakes are worth stating plainly. Electricity is not a commodity. It is the substrate that everything else runs on. Essential services rely on a stable and reliable supply of electricity - hospitals, intensive care units, traffic management, rail networks, heating systems, water treatment, food/beverage cold chains, communication networks, datacenters etc. None of this functions without a stable grid. And the grid depends on transformers that, in many cases, were built in the 1960s and 1970s and have no immediate replacement waiting in a warehouse. When a critical transformer goes down unexpectedly, the consequences cascade, exactly as they did at Heathrow. The hidden cost is not in the helium bottle Rising helium costs show up on invoices, but that is not the most significant risk. The more significant risk lies with lengthening periods between monitoring. The value of online DGA monitoring is not what it measures when everything is fine. It is that it catches changes early, when maintenance can be planned and controlled. An unplanned transformer failure is an entirely different event: lost production, emergency procurement, potential collateral equipment damage, insurance excess, and regulatory attention. If helium supply constraints force monitoring gaps, the line-item price increase is no longer the most interesting number on the page. The risk-weighted cost of operating without visibility is. What are the options going forward? Wait it out. Absorb the increased cost and hope the market eases. This can be defensible where online DGA is one layer within a broader laboratory-based condition monitoring program. Switch carrier gas in the lab. Hydrogen is the most discussed laboratory alternative for gas chromatography. For field-deployed online monitors, the transition introduces its own complications: safety requirements, on-site generation or storage, and a new consumable supply chain to manage. A workable option for some labs; an awkward one for most field installations. Reconsider the underlying measurement technology. Infrared light based NDIR measurement technology requires no carrier gas at all. It is a physically different approach that has been in commercial field use for over a decade. Vaisala's field-deployed NDIR monitoring solution has been operating for over a decade across 70 countries, from arctic substations to tropical grid infrastructure. It is no longer an emerging alternative. It is a proven one. The right answer depends on fleet size, asset criticality, and how deeply the current monitoring architecture is built around helium-dependent measurement services. Questions worth addressing now Helium price increases have not yet landed on every operational budget. Three questions are worth addressing before they do: How exposed is your current DGA approach to carrier gas supply chain disruption? What is the real cost of a missed alarm on your most critical assets? When the next technology refresh comes, how does helium dependence factor into the evaluation criteria? Heathrow was a case study in what happens when resilience is assumed rather than maintained. The helium crisis is a slow-moving version of the same problem: a supply chain dependency, largely invisible until it isn't, sitting inside the monitoring architecture that critical infrastructure depends on. The helium crisis will ease eventually. The more durable question is whether helium-dependent monitoring still earns its place. Summary The Iran War has highlighted a risk in the helium supply chain, which therefore represents a risk to transformer spot-checking procedures. However, more importantly, the bigger picture is that this situation has served to highlight the level of entrained risk that exist in procedures that, by definition, allow risk to accumulate between spot-checks. Spot-sampling creates gaps in transformer condition visibility. Continuous online monitoring eliminates that gap entirely, with no carrier gas, no delivery schedules and no lab backlogs. The helium shortage makes that gap visible. It was always there. ENDS Words: 1335 About the author: JP Pouttu is Director of Vaisala's Power Business Line, which develops helium-free, infrared-based online DGA continuous monitors for power transformer operators.
American Marketing Association Releases New Report: The AMA State of Marketing Careers Report
Wed, Aug 05, 2026 09:07 EDT
American Marketing Association Releases New Report: The AMA State of Marketing Careers Report Navigating the Era of AI Agents Chicago, IL -The American Marketing Association (AMA) released today its 2026 State of Marketing Careers Report , a comprehensive analysis detailing how artificial intelligence is fundamentally restructuring marketing jobs, required skill sets, and team frameworks. The report provides an in-depth look at how marketing jobs, skills, and teams are shifting in the age of AI agents. This new report highlights a critical juncture for the profession: while AI is streamlining operational tasks, it is simultaneously creating a "mismatch" between what marketers perceive as important and what the market reality demands. "The signals are there, and the data in this report makes them hard to ignore," said Bennie F. Johnson, CEO of the AMA . "The gap between what marketers think matters and what the evidence says is one of the most striking findings in this research." Key Findings Include: The role of the marketer is shifting from manual execution, such as writing content or managing social media, to orchestration. AI now handles the execution-heavy tasks, while humans are responsible for setting parameters, maintaining quality standards and making judgment calls. As AI enables smaller teams to achieve more, the demand for hyper-specialized roles is compressing in favor of AI-powered generalists who can oversee multiple facets of marketing. The report identifies a concerning trend of marketers rating human skills like adaptability, collaboration, and critical thinking as less important in 2026 than they did in 2025, despite these being the very capabilities AI cannot replace. While marketing jobs have seen a recent dip compared to pre-pandemic levels, demand for senior leadership and strategic roles remains steady, suggesting organizations are prioritizing decision-makers over operational staff. "This is not a report to add to the noise of AI, but to give marketers and marketing leaders the specific insights, honest assessments, and practical guidance they need to move forward with clarity," added Johnson . To provide professionals with a clear roadmap for career longevity, the report introduces the AI Disruption Map, which evaluates core marketing capabilities using Stanford University's Human Agency Scale (HAS). This spectrum ranges from H1 (fully automatable by AI) to H5 (requiring continuous human involvement). The analysis reveals that rules-based, repetitive disciplines like email marketing, SEO, and paid media face the highest disruption. To counter this, the report outlines a practical blueprint for how workers can proactively build and protect their skills. Rather than relying on traditional one-and-done degrees, professionals are urged to treat their development as an ongoing work-in-progress, focusing on a portfolio of demonstrable skills and expertise. By mastering H3 collaboration zones like content making and data storytelling, where human-AI partnerships actively outperform either party working alone, marketers can build strategic fluidity required to remain indispensable. Highlighting the remarkable depth of this research, the study represents a comprehensive mixed methods analysis that synthesizes survey data from over 1,400 marketing practitioners, interviews with thought leaders in the field, and secondary market data. Far from a superficial industry overview, the report functions as a practical guide for an industry currently operating under heavy ambiguity.The 2026 AMA State of Marketing Report equips professionals with the market insights and foresight needed to navigate a shifting field, and gives teams practical steps they can take to close the AI adoption gap and stay ahead in their industry and in their careers. The full 2026 State of Marketing Careers report is available at ama.org . ### CONTACT: Amy Gwiazdowski VP, Communications American Marketing Association agwiazdowski@ama.org
Tioxide launches second recruitment phase as Greatham restart plans gather pace
Wed, Aug 05, 2026 07:11 EDT
Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) pigment production is on track to return to Teesside later this month as Tioxide launches the second phase of its recruitment programme ahead of the restart of operations at its Greatham facility in Hartlepool. Since its establishment in April, Tioxide has recruited more than 60 employees in just 12 weeks, filling the majority of the 70 positions announced following LB Group's acquisition of the Greatham site and its associated TiO₂ pigment assets. The appointments, spanning finance, business services and operations, have increased the company's current workforce to more than 200 employees. Recruitment at Greatham has focused on production, engineering and technical specialists who will support activities across both the black end and finishing plant. The company has also expanded teams at its research and development centre in Wynyard and it s head office in Stockton-on-Tees. Building on this progress, Tioxide has today launched the second phase of its recruitment programme to support the transition as Greatham moves towards full production capability. Around 60 additional roles will be created as the company prepares to bring its second line into operation, taking the total number of positions announced since April to 130. Karen Askwith, Managing Director at Tioxide, said: "The response to our recruitment campaign has been extremely encouraging and reflects the confidence people have in the long - term future of Tioxide. "We have been particularly pleased to see experienced people, who previously worked at our locations, choosing to join us , bringing invaluable operational knowledge and expertise. Alongside these individuals, we are attracting other talented new recruits whose skills, energy and fresh perspectives will play an important role in shaping the next chapter of our business. "Restarting a manufacturing operation of this scale is a major undertaking, and we are continuing to make excellent progress. As we move through the commissioning phase, our focus remains on achieving a safe and successful restart. Subject to the successful completion of key commissioning milestones, we expect single-stream production to resume in August. "Bringing TiO₂ pigment manufacturing back to Teesside is incredibly important for our business and for the region. We are proud to be creating high - quality jobs and supporting the local economy and are looking forward to supplying premium products to customers around the world." For more information on the career opportunities at Tioxide and to register interest, visit tioxide.com/careers
FRACTURED HEALER Trauma, resilience, and the courage to rebuild
Wed, Aug 05, 2026 06:46 EDT
From childhood cross‑country races to pounding the roads as an adult, Liz has always run. It is the one constant she can control-the place where breath, movement, and memory come together. In Fractured Healer , Cheshire-based physiotherapist and author Dr Chris Norris explores how running becomes not just exercise, but a means of recovery. Liz is a successful surgeon with a carefully guarded personal life. When she is forced to confront a traumatic event from a university party twenty years earlier, the emotional distance she has maintained through discipline and achievement begins to unravel. She learns that self-healing like running, requires persistence, and the courage to keep going. Blending love, regret, humour, and the loneliness of midlife, Fractured Healer tells a deeply human story of self‑empowerment. Liz's relationships highlight how guilt and silence shape identity, and how recovery is rarely a straight path. Rather than a hospital‑based medical novel, Fractured Healer focuses on emotional reconstruction: rebuilding self‑esteem and learning to live with vulnerability. Drawing on over forty years as a physiotherapist, teacher, and author of fourteen non-fiction books, Norris brings subtle medical insight and psychological realism to the narrative. Key themes include: Running as a metaphor for healing and reclaiming control Emotional realism with flawed, deeply relatable characters The psychological impact of trauma and its aftermath Rebuilding identity with hope, humour, and connection "Having spent forty years treating people and seeing remarkable results when they draw on their inner strength, I wanted to tell a story about resilience," says Dr Chris Norris . "Each of us is knocked down by life-but we can get back up again." Publication details ISBN: 9781836283416 Paperback: £12.99 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fractured-Healer-Chris-Norris/dp/1836283415 https://www.waterstones.com/book/fractured-healer/chris-norris/9781836283416 https://chrisnorrisauthor.co.uk/
Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Risk Puts Warehouse Charging Practices Under the Spotlight
Wed, Aug 05, 2026 06:05 EDT
UK warehouses using electric handling equipment are being urged to review their battery charging procedures and ensure they are complying with manufacturer guidelines following new figures showing lithium-ion battery fires are becoming an increasingly frequent challenge for fire and rescue services. According to new research published by insurer QBE, UK fire brigades now attend a lithium-ion battery fire approximately every five hours. The data also shows that recorded incidents have increased by 147% since 2022, prompting growing attention from insurers and safety professionals alike. While much of the public focus has centred on e-bikes and e-scooters, Pallet Trucks UK says the findings are a timely reminder that businesses using battery-powered warehouse equipment should also ensure they are following good charging and maintenance practices. Electric pallet trucks , stackers and lift tables have become increasingly popular as warehouses look to reduce operator fatigue, improve efficiency and lower maintenance requirements compared with older technologies. Modern lithium battery systems also offer faster charging, longer service life and reduced upkeep. However, like any industrial battery system, they require appropriate handling and storage. Pallet Trucks UK says businesses should ensure batteries are charged using the correct manufacturer-approved chargers, in well-ventilated areas that are free from combustible materials. Batteries should be inspected regularly for signs of damage, overheating or swelling, while charging points should remain unobstructed and included within routine safety inspections. Staff should also receive basic training on safe charging procedures and know how to respond if a battery shows signs of failure. Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Pallet Trucks UK, said, "Electric pallet trucks have transformed material handling for many businesses and, when used correctly, lithium battery technology is both reliable and extremely effective. The important thing is recognising that batteries are an industrial asset which deserves the same level of attention as any other piece of warehouse equipment. "Most battery-related incidents can be significantly reduced through straightforward precautions such as using the correct charger, avoiding damaged batteries, keeping charging areas tidy and following the manufacturer's guidance. Good housekeeping isn't just about protecting equipment and staff; it can also demonstrate to insurers that sensible risk management procedures are in place." The increasing adoption of electric handling equipment should not be seen as a cause for concern, but rather as an opportunity to strengthen warehouse safety procedures as technology evolves. For more information, please visit: www.pallettrucksuk.co.uk .
SGS to Host Webinar on Driving Decarbonization and ESG Performance in Softlines Supply Chains Through Life Cycle Assessment and Product Environmental Footprint
Wed, Aug 05, 2026 04:10 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, is pleased to host a complimentary webinar, 'Driving Decarbonization and ESG Performance in Softlines Supply Chains Through Life Cycle Assessment and Product Environmental Footprint,' on August 26, 2026. As an industry known for its resource-intensive nature, the textile and footwear sector is under increasing pressure to improve supply chain transparency and sustainability. Regulators, brands, investors and consumers are placing greater emphasis on credible environmental performance data, lower-carbon products and responsible supply chain practices. Life cycle assessment (LCA) and the EU's Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) framework are explored in this webinar. As essential tools for measuring, verifying and communicating product-level environmental performance, they can assist companies in navigating shifting obligations and competitive markets, providing credible, data-driven solutions. The webinar will provide practical insights into regulatory, brand and market expectations, enabling a greater understanding of how to meet sustainability mandates, support decarbonization initiatives and differentiate products through LCA and PEF. This event is aimed at softlines brands, manufacturers, suppliers and sales and client-facing teams seeking to understand how LCA and PEF services can help navigate evolving regulatory requirements, meet brand sustainability mandates and differentiate products in an increasingly carbon-conscious marketplace. This event takes place on August 26, 2026, with a one-hour session at 10:00 am repeated at 4:30 pm (Central European Summer Time). Stakeholders interested in learning how LCA and PEF can support supply chain decarbonization and ESG performance are invited to register for this webinar. IMPACT NOW for sustainability Our sustainability impact services support the softlines industry in meeting environmental goals and regulatory demands. Through the IMPACT Now for sustainability initiative, we offer targeted solutions, such as PFAS testing, under four key pillars: climate, circularity, nature and ESG assurance. These services help softlines businesses reduce risk, enhance compliance and drive sustainable innovation. Learn more about IMPACT NOW for sustainability .
SGS Highlights Thailand's Postponement of Compliance Date for Food Contact Paper Standard
Wed, Aug 05, 2026 04:07 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 103.26, highlighting Thailand's decision to postpone the enforcement date for a mandatory standard covering food contact paper products. In December 2025, Thailand introduced two mandatory national standards for different categories of food contact paper products. The first standard, TIS 3438-2565 (2022) for food contact paper products used in cooking with heat, became effective on June 22, 2026. However, in June 2026, Thailand's Ministry of Industry issued a ministerial regulation delaying enforcement of the second standard, TIS 2948-2562 (2019) 'Food Contact Paper', by 12 months. Under the amendment, the compliance date has been moved from June 22, 2026, to June 22, 2027. The regulation entered into force on June 20, 2026, the day after its publication in Thailand's Royal Gazette. Stakeholders throughout the food contact paper and articles supply chain, including manufacturers, importers, retailers and other intermediaries operating in Thailand, may be affected by this postponement and should review the updated compliance timeline. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 103.26 also contains additional information on the revised implementation timetable and its implications for affected businesses, including details of the new compliance date for TIS 2948-2562 (2019) 'Food Contact Paper'. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 103.26 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 Thailand Postpones Compliance Date for Food Contact Paper Standard 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 Rutchuporn Moungsom Laboratory Manager Tel: +66 24815259 ext. 6320 Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
San Pablo Appoints Melissa Tigbao As The City's New Public Works Director
Wed, Aug 05, 2026 04:00 EDT
(San Pablo, CA) San Pablo City Manager Matt Rodriguez has formally announced the appointment of Ms. Melissa Tigbao as the City's new Public Works Director. Ms. Tigbao brings more than 20 years of progressive municipal engineering and public works leadershipacross the Bay Area to the role, and will oversee the City'sEngineering, Capital Projects, EnvironmentalCompliance Divisions, and Facility and MaintenanceOperations, including the City's active $61 million Capital Improvement Program pipeline. Tigbao joins San Pablo from the City of Pacifica, CA where she has served as Public Works Director since 2025, leading a 65-person department responsible for roads, traffic and transportation, parks, beaches, a municipal pier, coastal infrastructure and seawall, storm drain management, citywide fleet, solidwaste franchise administration, and an award-winning wastewater treatment plant. In that role, she supported efforts such as the City's Development Impact Fee Study, Master Fee Study, Wastewater Facilities Master Plan, ADA Transition Plan and Urban Forestry Master Plan and assisted with bond financing for wastewater infrastructure improvements. Prior to her tenure in Pacifica, Tigbao spent seven (7) years with the City of Vallejo as Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer from 2018 to 2022, then as Public Works Director from 2022 to 2025, overseeing 91 full-time staff. There, she managed delivery of large, complex capital projects including a $150 million public safety building, a $120 million pavement management program, and a $10 million bridge replacement, and assembled a $10 million multi-agency funding partnership for a five-mile Class I bicycle and pedestrian trail gap closure. Ms. Tigbao managed and completed the $10 million Vallejo Navigation Center, the first transitional housing project in Solano County, providing 125 beds with wraparound services for the unhoused. She also led the community-driven restoration of the Capitol Street Stairs, a century-old downtown landmark now featuring custom mosaic tiles designed with residents. Earlier in her extensive career, Ms. Tigbao served as Engineering Manager/Senior Engineer for the City of El Cerrito (2014-2018); as an Engineer II and Federal-Aid Project Coordinator for the City of Richmond, CA (2010-2014); and worked in several ascendingengineering positions for the cities of Pinole, Concord, Pittsburg, and Fremont, focusing on traffic and transportation engineering, capital improvement projects, and various grant funded projects. Tigbao, holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of California,Davis. She is a State of California Registered Civil Engineer (C 81694) and a CASQA-certified Qualified SWPPP Developer and Practitioner (24790). Her professional affiliations include the American Public Works Association, the League of California Cities, Bay Area Clean Water Agencies, the California Water Environment Association, the Western Dredging Association and Soroptimist International of Vallejo. "San Pablo welcomes Melissa Tigbao to the City of San Pablo organization, bringing valuable experience in public works administration and capital project management. Melissa brings a fresh perspective to the Public Works Department and will apply her extensive professional expertise to greatly benefit the San Pablo community," stated San Pablo City Manager Matt Rodriguez. Ms. Tigbao's official start date in her new role is September 16, 2026. Her starting base salary is $254,580 annually. She is a current resident of Vallejo, CA.
Mexico's Dominant Luxury Brokerage, Ronival Real Estate, Partners with eXp Realty
Tue, Aug 04, 2026 10:39 EDT
Baja California Sur's leading luxury brand just made a defining move. eXp Realty®, the most agent-centric™ real estate brokerage on the planet and the core subsidiary of eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGNT), today announced that Ronival Real Estate, the number one transaction company in Baja California Sur, Mexico, has chosen eXp Realty as its global platform. Founders Nick Fong and Rocio Montaño, two of the most recognized names in luxury real estate in the region, are bringing their full operation into eXp's global network. Baja California Sur is no longer the market it once was. What began as a vacation destination has matured into one of the world's most competitive luxury real estate markets, closing over $1.1 billion in sales in 2025 with an ultra-luxury average of $3.2 million in the San José Corridor and a regional average of $970,000. The buyers driving that market are overwhelmingly international, high-net-worth individuals from the United States, Canada, and beyond who are no longer just visiting, but relocating, investing, and putting down permanent roots. "Nick and Rocio built Ronival into the dominant luxury brokerage in Baja California Sur by seeing borders as opportunities where others saw obstacles. That's the eXp mindset," said Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty. "Our agents now have a direct line into one of the most sought-after luxury markets in the world through a team that spent 20 years earning its place at the top. When the best brokerage in the market chooses eXp, that's a statement. We're proud to welcome them to the network." Fong, who co-founded Ronival in 2010 alongside Montaño and built it into the dominant force in Baja Sur real estate, described what drew them to eXp. "We were looking for scale without sacrifice, a structure that could grow our agents' income, expand our referral reach internationally, and give us the infrastructure to compete at the highest level without dismantling everything that made Ronival work. When we looked at what this partnership makes possible, it stopped being an addition problem. It is not additive, it is geometric, each side amplifies what the other has built. That multiplier effect is what we were looking for, and we could not find it anywhere else," said Fong. For eXp, this move establishes an immediate anchor in one of Mexico's most competitive luxury markets and advances its expansion across the broader CALA region. For Ronival, it opens the door to the global infrastructure, referral network, and technology platform needed to scale across new markets and serve an increasingly international client base. "What Nick and Rocio have built in Baja California Sur is exceptional by any measure. The fact that they are now choosing eXp is a reflection of their vision and ambition. They saw that their clients were already operating globally, that their market had outgrown the infrastructure around it, and that the next chapter required a platform built to match that scale. This is exactly the kind of signal that advances what eXp is building across CALA and beyond," said Felix Bravo, Managing Director of eXp Realty International. As the real estate industry continues to globalize, eXp Realty and Ronival joining forces represents a new model for how world-class local operators and global platforms can grow together.
SGS Summarizes Updates to Türkiye's Import Control Requirements for Toys and Other Consumer Products
Tue, Aug 04, 2026 10:16 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 102.26, noting updates to Harmonized System (HS) codes and product descriptions for toys and other consumer goods in Türkiye. Three communiqués were issued on July 11, 2026, by the Turkish Ministry of Trade. These amend import control requirements for toys and other consumer goods through the Risk-Based Control System for Foreign Trade (Dış Ticarette Risk Esaslı Kontrol Sistemi, TAREKS). This electronic system conducts safety and quality inspections of imported goods. The three communiqués were as follows: Product Safety Inspection: 2026/38, amending the Communiqué on Import Inspection of Toys (Product Safety and Inspection: 2026/10) Product Safety Inspection: 2026/39, revising the Communiqué on Import Inspection of Consumer Products (Product Safety and Inspection: 2026/12) Product Safety Inspection: 2026/40, revising the Communiqué on Import Inspection of Maternity and Baby Products (Product Safety and Inspection: 2026/17) Stakeholders throughout the supply chain for toys and other consumer products, including manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers operating in Türkiye, may be affected by the amendments contained in these communiqués, which became effective on July 11, 2026. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 102.26 also contains further information on the key changes introduced in the communiqués. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 102.26 for more details. SGS consumer product services SGS provides news about the development of regulations affecting consumer products as a complimentary service. With an unrivaled global network of laboratories, they offer physical/mechanical testing, analytical testing and consultancy work for technical and non-technical parameters applicable to a comprehensive range of consumer products. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS's consumer products services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Türkiye Updates Import Inspections Requirements for Toys and Other Consumer Products 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
SGS Focuses on Vermont Update to Reporting Guidelines for Chemicals in Children's Products
Tue, Aug 04, 2026 09:57 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 101.26, summarizing revised guidance for reporting children's products containing chemicals of high concern to children (CHCCs) issued in the US state of Vermont. Published in June 2026 by the state's Department of Health (DOH), the Chemical Disclosure Guidance for Manufacturers is intended to assist economic operators of children's products in complying with the reporting requirements of Vermont's disclosure program V.S.A. Title 18: Chapter 38A 'Chemicals of High Concern for Children' (the Act). Manufacturers of children's products, or trade associations representing such manufacturers, must report the presence of CHCCs to the DOH under the Act if the CHCC is contained in an accessible component of a children's product and is either: Intentionally added at a concentration greater than the practical quantification limit (PQL) Present as a contaminant at a concentration equal to or greater than 100 ppm The June 2026 guidance includes the following key changes: Updated decision flowchart with step-by-step guidance for determining whether a chemical is subject to reporting requirements Clarifying that only one entity is required to submit a report for a specific children's product using the updated High Priority Chemicals Database (HPCDS) reporting guide Clarifying how formaldehyde donor concentrations are reported Manufacturers, importers, sellers, distributors and other intermediaries operating in the Vermont market may be affected by the guidance. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 101.26 also includes further information on applicable reporting dates and fee periods. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 101.26 for more details. SGS toy and juvenile product services SGS offers a wide range of services to ensure that products comply with relevant standards for childcare articles and children's equipment. They provide consulting, training, product development, testing, audit and inspection services to ensure that products comply with strict regulations worldwide, demonstrating the safety and quality of juvenile products being brought to the market. After all, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS's toy and juvenile product services . SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Vermont, USA, Updates Reporting Guidance for Chemicals in Children's Products 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
Certified Sustainable Palm Oil Market Share Signals Potential for 40%
Tue, Aug 04, 2026 09:55 EDT
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)'s latest Impact Report highlights over 550,000 hectares protected, nearly 3M tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions avoided, and US$7.9M generated for smallholder farmers. Kuala Lumpur, 4 August 2026: In 2025, 16.2 million metric tonnes of RSPO Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) were sold, representing 20% of the global palm oil supply. Unveiled in the RSPO Impact Report 2026 , data shows that as CSPO supply is growing, the potential is even broader. RSPO Member growers now hold a total capacity of 31.4 million metric tonnes of CSPO. The pipeline for global market transformation is strong, particularly in Latin America where RSPO Members account for nearly 75% of regional output, with 29.3% already RSPO Certified in 2024. Africa has seen a transformative 46.23% surge in supply. The growth trajectory indicates that CSPO supply could reach nearly 40% of global palm oil supply as members continue to certify their plantations against the RSPO Standard. "With our grower members holding the capacity to supply nearly 40% of global demand, we have long moved past the question of whether sustainable palm oil is possible and are actively scaling across global markets. The report shows that sustainable palm oil has measurable and valuable impacts," said Joseph D'Cruz, CEO, RSPO. RSPO Membership continues to grow with 6,280 members globally across 103 countries and territories. The most significant membership growth is seen in China, Indonesia and Japan, reflecting expanding market awareness in Asia and large palm oil-consuming countries. Expanding Conservation and Climate Progress Beyond market expansion, the report highlights significant progress across environmental protection. RSPO Members conserve and protect 551,637 ha of critical land. While previous Impact data reported only High Conservation Value (HCV) areas, this total now includes High Carbon Stock (HCS) areas and peatlands. Stories from the ground bring to life what biodiversity protection looks like in practice, from species encountered on plantation edges, restored waterways and wildlife corridors. In West Kalimantan, Indonesia, Bumitama Agri Ltd, established a Biodiversity and Community Project, which worked to secure a legal decree to formally protect over 8,300 ha of conservation area. RSPO Members continue to prove that climate commitments can be quantified, verified, and delivered in multiple ways, including peatland rehabilitation and cutting methane emissions through Palm Oil Mill Effluent capture. Cumulatively, 2.98 million tCO2e per year have been avoided in greenhouse gas emissions since 2015, equivalent to taking 694,512 cars off the road. Empowering workers and smallholders RSPO Certification continues to strengthen social standards across the supply chain. A total of 661,219 workers are directly employed within RSPO Certified operations under systems designed to safeguard their rights and freedom. Independent smallholders generated US$7.9 million through credit sales in 2025. Long-term effectiveness depends on increasing and broadening the global demand for credits to sustain its value and ensure smallholders are meaningfully rewarded for their sustainability efforts. Smallholders continue to be supported through the Smallholder Training Academy and the RSPO Smallholder Support Fund that has benefited 44,796 smallholders since 2013. Enhanced reporting Complementing the new report is an enhanced RSPO Impact website , While the print report provides a concise, high-level overview of RSPO's yearly progress, the interactive website serves as a comprehensive resource, offering expanded datasets, multi-year trends, additional indicators, and supporting information for stakeholders seeking deeper insights. RSPO invites members, partners, media, and the public to gain a richer understanding of the collective progress towards a more sustainable palm oil sector. Download the RSPO Impact Report 2026 Explore the RSPO Impact website
Join AMA for the 2026 Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education
Tue, Aug 04, 2026 09:02 EDT
Join AMA for the 2026 Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education November 8-11, 2026 in Greater Denver, CO Chicago, IL - The American Marketing Association (AMA) invites higher education marketing professionals, strategists and institutional leaders to register for a premier event in higher ed marketing: the 2026 AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education . This event offers an unparalleled 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. Attendees will engage in transformative discussions, exchange proven methodologies and build lasting professional networks that drive real progress for their institutions. Dates and Location: Dates: November 8 - 11, 2026 Location: Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center 6700 N Gaylord Rockies Blvd, Aurora, CO 80019 To secure your conference pass and book accommodations, visit the AMA Event page . Keynote Speakers: Priya Parker : Facilitator, Strategic Advisor, Author of "The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters" and "The Art of Fighting: The Transformative Power of Conflict." Maureen Polo : CEO of Hello Sunshine Marcus Collins : Professor at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Author of "Good Soil: How the Right Organizational Culture Helps People Grow" Highlights Tailored Senior & Next Leader Pre-Conference Experiences Senior Leader Experience Next Leader Experience Leadership & Organization Strategy & Planning Enrollment, Retention & Fundraising Marketing Technologies (MarTech) & AI Signals & Shifts Research & Impact Branding & Content Reputation & Communications Agenda and list of speakers is available here . Registration information is here . ###
Shein and Temu's Move Towards Local Stock is Changing the Demands on UK Warehouses
Tue, Aug 04, 2026 06:08 EDT
The days of every online fast fashion order being dispatched directly from China may be starting to fade. As governments tighten scrutiny of low-value imports and review duty-free thresholds, fast-fashion giants such as Shein and Temu are increasingly expanding their use of UK and European fulfilment networks. For warehouse operators, that change brings a different set of operational challenges. Rather than processing millions of individual parcels arriving from overseas, fulfilment centres are handling greater volumes of palletised stock that has already been imported in bulk. This is a significant change in the flow of goods through the supply chain, and one that is placing fresh demands on warehouse operations. Midland Pallet Trucks says this evolution is changing how materials handling equipment is used behind the scenes. Facilities supporting high-turnover ecommerce businesses rely on rapid replenishment, frequent stock movements and constant reorganisation as bestselling product lines change from one day to the next. "We've become used to thinking about companies like Shein and Temu as businesses that ship straight to consumers from overseas," said Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Midland Pallet Trucks. "That's still part of the picture, but we're seeing much more inventory being positioned closer to the customer. Once stock is sitting in a UK warehouse it has to be received, stored, replenished and picked just like any other retail operation." He believes that changes to international trade rules are accelerating a trend that was already gathering pace. "Warehouses supporting these platforms are handling incredibly fast stock turnover," he said. "Products arrive in bulk, move through storage quickly and are constantly being repositioned as demand changes. That creates a very different workload for pallet trucks and stackers compared with a traditional warehouse where stock might sit for weeks before moving again." Unlike conventional retail distribution, fast-fashion fulfilment often involves thousands of product lines with relatively small quantities of each item. That increases the amount of internal movement required to keep picking locations stocked and dispatch areas supplied, even if overall warehouse space remains unchanged. Midland Pallet Trucks says the result is greater emphasis on equipment that can withstand frequent daily use while remaining easy to manoeuvre through busy fulfilment environment, such as pallet trucks , a stacker trucks or a lift tables . Reliability also becomes increasingly important, as even short periods of downtime can disrupt high-volume picking operations. For more information, visit https://www.midlandpallettrucks.com .
Choosing the Wrong Side Hustle Could Cost Britons More Than £5,000 a Year, New Study Reveals
Tue, Aug 04, 2026 04:31 EDT
The difference between choosing the right and wrong side hustle could leave Britons more than £5,000 better off, according to new research from online accountancy firm eAccounts. The firm's new UK Side Hustle Tax Efficiency Index analysed some of Britain's most popular ways to earn extra income to calculate exactly how much someone would keep after tax if they earned £10,000 during the 2026/27 tax year. The results reveal that not all side hustles are created equal and choosing incorrectly could result in a surprising tax bill. While matched betting topped the rankings thanks to its tax-free status under current UK legislation, many of the country's most popular income streams, including selling on Vinted, Facebook Marketplace, Etsy and eBay, could leave higher-rate taxpayers with barely half of what they earn in their own pocket. According to the analysis, someone earning £10,000 through matched betting would retain the full amount, while the same income generated through online selling could leave additional-rate taxpayers with as little as £3,180 after tax. Renting out a spare room also ranked highly, with homeowners able to earn up to £7,500 tax free each year through the Government's Rent a Room Scheme before income tax applies. Those considering private tutoring or coaching as a way to earn extra cash when the new school year starts in September will be left with just over half of their earnings after HMRC takes its cut if they are a higher rate taxpayer, but will have less upfront and operating costs. The UK's Most Tax-Efficient Side Hustles
Albright College Named a 2026-2027 College of Distinction
Mon, Aug 03, 2026 12:57 EDT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Office of Marketing and Communications Albright College Email: media@albright.edu Phone: (610) 929-6682 Albright College Named a 2026-2027 College of Distinction Named a national and Pennsylvania College of Distinction for 2026-2027, recognizing its transformative experiences and student-first philosophy. READING, Pa. - July 31, 2026 - Albright College has been named a top national institution and a premier college in Pennsylvania by Colleges of Distinction. This recognition highlights the college's ongoing commitment to delivering a high-quality, accessible education that remains truly affordable for students. These accolades directly reflect Albright's innovative academic curriculum, supportive faculty, and vibrant campus community dedicated to fostering outstanding student experiences. Unlike traditional ranking systems that primarily rely on peer reputation and test scores, Colleges of Distinction evaluates institutions for their commitment to student-centered frameworks. These honors acknowledge Albright's dedication to helping undergraduates succeed through the lens of this methodology's four distinctions: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community, and successful outcomes. "This recognition reflects Albright's commitment to fostering a community in which students can thrive now and in the future," Albright President Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D., said. "We take pride in providing our students with the educational resources and spaces they require to achieve academic and professional preparation excellence." "Today's students are navigating a college landscape shaped by rising costs, rapid technological changes, and real uncertainty about the future of work," said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. "What they need from higher education isn't just a credential, but preparation for the world ahead. Albright College delivers that through the kind of intentional, high-impact education that equips students for whatever comes next." Students choose Albright College for its forward-thinking academic programs, which enable undergraduates to cross or combine disciplines and personalize degrees to fit specific future career paths. Internships, faculty-guided teaching and learning, and professional development opportunities serve as hallmarks of the Albright experience. Students also flourish through a wide range of campus activities, arts, competitive NCAA Division III athletics and a robust institutional commitment to an affordable education, reflected in Albright's ranking among the top Northeast colleges in Washington Monthly's Best Bang for the Buck rankings. About Albright Albright College, founded in 1856, is Berks County's oldest institution of higher learning. Located on a 118-acre suburban campus in Reading, Pa., Albright offers a rigorous liberal arts education with a distinctive interdisciplinary focus, including a flexible co-major program that empowers students to build a truly personalized academic experience. The College's mission is to equip students to live their best lives, now and in the future, while serving the broader community through educational outreach and meaningful partnerships. Learn more at albright.edu. About Colleges of Distinction Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to recognizing schools across the United States for their exceptional contributions to higher education. Member institutions within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their unwavering focus on providing an outstanding undergraduate experience. Their website offers dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and valuable resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. Learn more at CollegesofDistinction.com. ###
Shell Shock Technologies Launches NAS3™ Primed Cases in .308 and 5.56 NATO
Mon, Aug 03, 2026 12:37 EDT
Factory-primed nickel alloy rifle cases bring Shell Tech's lightweight, corrosion-resistant NAS 3 platform to precision, hunting, and duty-grade custom rifle ammunition assembly. Shell Shock Technologies , LLC (SST), a leading innovator in the ammunition industry, today announced the launch of NAS 3 ™ Primed Cases in .308/7.62x51mm and 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington , expanding the company's rifle case lineup with a factory-primed option built for shooters who assemble their own precision, hunting, and duty ammunition. Like all NAS 3 cases, the new primed rifle cases are constructed from SST's proprietary nickel alloy body paired with a stainless-steel head, a two-piece design engineered to be up to 50 percent lighter than traditional brass while offering roughly twice the tensile strength and greater elasticity. The nickel alloy construction also delivers strong corrosion resistance and smooth, consistent feeding and extraction. By arriving factory-primed, the new cases eliminate a manual step in the case-preparation process, allowing shooters to move directly to charging and seating projectiles. Built for the .308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO platforms, the new NAS 3 .308 Win./7.62x51mm Primed Cases are aimed at precision rifle competitors, hunters, and duty-focused shooters who demand consistency at distance. The cases' uniform wall thickness and tight dimensional tolerances support tighter velocity spreads and more consistent accuracy at standard SAAMI pressures across a wide range of .308-class projectiles, from lightweight varmint loads to heavier hunting bullets. The reduced case weight is designed to translate into lighter loaded ammunition for hunters and long-range shooters carrying rounds afield or on the line. At the same time, the corrosion-resistant nickel-alloy construction is built to withstand high-round-count training and duty use. Optimized for the 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington chamberings common to AR-15, M4, and similar modern sporting rifles, the new NAS³ 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem. Primed Cases are geared toward high-volume shooters, from competitive marksmen and varmint hunters running extended strings to law enforcement and military users training and qualifying at scale. The case design is built to maintain clean cycling and reliable extraction through rapid-fire strings, while its lighter weight reduces the overall load for shooters carrying large volumes of ammunition for training, qualification, or extended range sessions. The cases support a range of 5.56 projectile weights, from lightweight loads suited to high-volume training to heavier options for precision or specialized applications. "Every case we bring to market starts with the same question: how do we take weight and inconsistency out of a shooter's hands without asking them to compromise on performance?" said Peter Foss , Managing Partner and CEO of Shell Shock Technologies. "The .308 and 5.56 markets ask for different things - one rewards consistency at distance, the other rewards reliability at volume. Bringing the NAS³ platform to primed cases in both calibers lets us meet serious rifle shooters wherever they're shooting, right out of the box." NAS 3 .308/7.62x51mm Primed Cases and NAS 3 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem. Primed Cases are available now through Shell Shock Technologies in pack sizes ranging from 250 to 5,000 rounds. Pricing for the .308 primed cases starts at $220 for a 250-count pack, with 5.56 primed cases starting at $135 for the same pack size. Both products are available now at www.shellshocktechnologies.com . Keep up with Shell Tech's advanced ammunition on the website and social media platforms: Facebook , Instagram , X (formerly Twitter) , and YouTube .
