Around Associations
The American Bus Association (ABA) Announces Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Administrator Derek Barrs as ABA Marketplace Keynote Speaker… Derek Barrs, Administrator, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), will be a keynote speaker during the American Bus Association’s (ABA) ABA Marketplace 2027. The event is set for February 6–9 in Calgary, Alberta.
Barrs will participate in a full slate of programming on February 7. He will begin the day with remarks to ABA’s Bus Industry Safety Council, followed by a panel discussion with the National Bus Traffic Association focused on issues affecting passenger transportation on both sides of the border. Barrs will then join ABA’s CEO Roundtable for a discussion with industry executives before addressing the full conference of approximately 2,500 attendees during the All-Delegate Lunch.
“Safety isn’t just a priority for bus operators; it’s the foundation of every tour and every travel experience. It matters to the company transporting passengers, the tour operator planning the itinerary, and the destination welcoming visitors,” said Fred Ferguson, President & CEO of the ABA. “By bringing Administrator Barrs and transportation leaders together with the broader travel industry at Marketplace, we’re making safety a shared priority. When we work together to protect travelers and strengthen public confidence, the entire travel and tourism industry benefits.”
Barrs, whom the U.S. Senate confirmed as FMCSA Administrator in October 2025, brings decades of experience in law enforcement and commercial motor vehicle safety. Since taking office, he has emphasized communication, outreach, education, and targeted enforcement, as well as the importance of engaging motorcoach operators early in the policymaking process and incorporating real-world operational experience, ABA said.
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Trade Design Build in Ithaca, New York, Named America’s Top Small Business by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce… The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and CO—its digital platform for small businesses—named Trade Design Build, a design-build firm in Ithaca, New York, as the CO—100 Top Small Business 2026.
Trade Design Build won top honors for its business growth and ability to turn complicated construction projects into seamless, collaborative experiences for residential and commercial clients, the Chamber said. Customers work with a single, integrated team from initial design conversations through project completion for architecture, general contracting, design and furniture fabrication needs. The firm started with three people in 2016. Today, it has grown to 35 employees and projects approximately $12 million in 2026 revenue.
“The strength of America’s free enterprise system depends on entrepreneurs willing to turn bold ideas into successful businesses,” said Suzanne P. Clark, President & CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “Trade Design Build has done just that, building a company that serves customers, creates opportunity for its employees, and contributes to the vitality of its community. Their success, along with the achievements of this year’s CO—100 honorees, demonstrates the extraordinary impact small businesses have on driving growth, innovation, and opportunity across America.”
Trade Design Build was recognized at an awards dinner and gala on October 20 at the U.S. Chamber’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., where CEO Gideon Stone was presented with a check for $25,000.
The CO—100 program is part of the U.S. Chamber’s commitment to championing small businesses by amplifying their voices, providing access to resources, and advocating for policies that help them thrive. The U.S. Chamber serves and supports more than 5 million small businesses.
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PCMA New England Working with Cradles to Crayons… On November 19, PCMA’s New England Chapter’s Morning of Service will involve Cradles to Crayons. The nationwide organization, which has a Boston location, said it enables volunteers and donors to turn compassion into action and provide the essential items children need to thrive at school, participate fully in life, and simply be a kid.
Find more information here.