Eva Castillo named Nackey Loeb School's 2026 First Amendment Award Honoree. August 26, 2026 The Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications is proud to announce that Eva Castillo of Manchester is the recipient of this year's First Amendment Award. This annual award honors New Hampshire individuals or organizations for their outstanding commitment to defending, protecting, or exercising the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment. Eva Castillo, who came to the U.S. from Venezuela in 1975, founded the New Hampshire Alliance for Immigrants and Refugees and then served as its director for nearly 20 years. The judges noted her commitment to exercising First Amendment freedoms on behalf of New Hampshire communities whose voices are often underrepresented, as well as her public advocacy for the rights of immigrants. Castillo created Welcoming New Hampshire, the state's chapter of Welcoming America, to promote understanding, inclusion, and positive integration between immigrants and the communities they call home. She led civic engagement and voter education initiatives, helping community members better understand their rights, responsibilities, and opportunities to participate in the democratic process. She will receive the award on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College. The event is the Loeb School's signature annual fundraiser, supporting its expert-led, accessible classes on the First Amendment, journalism, and communication. Howard Brodsky, chair and co-founder of CCA Global Partners, is receiving the School's Quill & Ink Award for his longstanding commitment to advancing First Amendment education in New Hampshire. The evening will feature keynote speaker Pete Buttigieg, who served as U.S. Secretary of Transportation from 2021 to 2025. Program details. * 5:00 p.m. - VIP Reception (sold out) * 5:30 p.m. - General Networking (cash bar, appetizers) * 6:30 p.m. - Awards Program Special thanks to The Brodsky Prize, Keynote Speaker Sponsor; Eversource, First Amendment Award Honoree Sponsor; and The Bookery, Quill & Ink Award Sponsor. Media planning to attend the event must RSVP here. The Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications' mission is to promote and defend the First Amendment and foster interest, integrity, and excellence in journalism and other forms of communication by educating students of various ages and providing them with the tools and knowledge to improve their skills. Contact the Loeb School at 603-627-0005 or [email protected].

Jay Leno to headline closing event at conneXtion(TM) 2026. CCA Global Partners Retail Group is proud to announce that Jay Leno, renowned comedian and former host of The Tonight Show, will headline the closing event at conneXtion(TM) 2026. The annual convention, which takes place this January at the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Denver, Colorado, brings together over 1,200 independent retail cooperative members from Carpet One Floor & Home, Flooring America, Flooring Canada, The Floor Trader Outlet, and International Design Guild. This year's convention promises a dynamic mix of business learning, strategic planning, and networking, culminating in an evening of world-class entertainment. An Evening to Remember with Jay Leno Legendary comedian and former Tonight Show host Jay Leno, celebrated as one of the hardest-working entertainers in show business, will headline the closing event of conneXtion 2026. Renowned for his sharp wit, timeless humor, and commanding stage presence, Leno will deliver his iconic monologue in what promises to be an unforgettable evening. Following his performance, Leno will participate in an exclusive live interview, offering an intimate look into his illustrious career, personal passions, and decades of stories from the world of comedy and entertainment. Beyond entertainment, conneXtion(TM) 2026 features a carefully curated lineup of speakers dedicated to delivering real value for independent retailers navigating a competitive and ever-evolving market. Two returning favorites - Jason Dorsey and Connor Lokar - will take center stage with research-driven presentations aimed at helping members plan strategically for the coming year Known for his expertise in understanding Generation Z and Millennials, Jason Dorsey is one of the foremost generational experts. His high-energy presentations have granted him over 1,000 standing ovations, while his extensive research has earned him appearances on 60 Minutes, The Today Show, and CNN, among other platforms. As the President of The Center for Generational Kinetics, Jason's insights have proven valuable for leaders across various industries, helping them bridge generational gaps in their organizations. At conneXtion 2026, Dorsey will return with exclusive research tailored specifically for CCA Global Partners Retail Group members. Economist Connor Lokar of ITR Economics also returns to conneXtion, offering a practical view of the upcoming year with a focus on market trends. Since joining ITR Economics in 2014, Connor has captivated thousands of business leaders with his wit and expertise. Focusing on the construction and industrial sectors, Lokar delivers engaging forecasts relevant to independent retailers. His insights help businesses grow revenue and remain profitable through evolving business cycles. The conneXtion agenda is designed to help members hit the ground running in the new year. Educational sessions, peer-led panels, and deep dives into marketing and operations tools are designed to deliver practical takeaways. In addition, expanded member-to-member networking will offer attendees more opportunities to connect, share best practices, and learn from one another. Combining strategic insights, innovative solutions, and meaningful connections, conneXtion(TM) 2026 is a key event for empowering CCA Global Partners Retail Group members in the year ahead.