CONNECTION ACHIEVES FULL SUITE OF MICROSOFT SECURITY SPECIALIZATIONS
Connection (NASDAQ: CNXN), an IT solutions provider to business, government, health care and education markets, has achieved Microsoft Security Specializations for proficiency in all four solution areas: Cloud Security, Identity and Access Management, Information and Protection Governance, and Threat Protection.
Microsoft Specializations are awarded based on the demonstrated ability to successfully deliver solutions built on Microsoft technology. Results are measured by performance, skilling and customer success. Dave Hall, general manager, technology solutions and services at Connection said, “Attaining all four Microsoft Security Specializations reflects the significant investment Connection has made in our technical expertise, resources and solution-building capabilities, and our commitment to helping customers integrate advanced security into every layer of their organizations. Combined with the team’s customer-centric focus and deep portfolio of Microsoft Solutions Partner designations, this achievement enables our Technology Solutions and Services organization to deliver ingenuity, unparalleled support and exceptional value at a time when the threat landscape demands it. Connection will continue to align with trusted partners and invest in our capabilities to help customers build innovative, effective security strategies to protect their users, devices and critical data.”
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES CFO TRANSITION
Albany International Corp. (NYSE: AIN) announced that its board of directors has accepted the resignation of its CFO, Robert Starr, who will pursue other opportunities. In his place, the company appointed Jairaj (JC) Chetnani, its vice president, investor relations and treasurer, as interim chief financial officer as it conducts a formal search for Starr’s successor. Mr. Chetnani also assumes the role of principal accounting officer.
Chetnani has been with Albany since 2023, first as vice president FP&A and treasurer, then as vice president investor relations and treasurer. He has over 27 years of financial experience in various industries, including the last 12 years in aerospace and defense. His experience spans corporate finance functions, including treasury, capital markets, M&A, financial planning and analysis, as well as investor relations.
Gunnar Kleveland, Albany’s president and CEO, said “I am very pleased the board has appointed JC as our interim CFO. He will provide continuity as we conduct our search. His experience and familiarity with the company, its strategy and its stakeholders will ensure a seamless transition.”
U.S. BRANDS LOSE OVER $740 BILLION IN STOCK VALUE AMID SURGING ANTI-AMERICAN SENTIMENT
President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and trade wars have triggered a global surge in anti-American sentiment, significantly damaging the reputations and stock values of major U.S. brands. Since early 2025, the U.S. has seen its favorability drop in 38 out of 42 nations polled, with sharp declines in consumer markets across Canada and Europe. This discontent has led to widespread boycotts of American companies, resulting in both reputational and financial setbacks.
According to an April report from AltIndex.com, seven major U.S. companies lost a combined $740 billion in stock value in just six weeks — an amount nearly equal to Switzerland’s GDP. The biggest losses were reported by Nvidia ($310B), Amazon ($200B), and Tesla ($125B). Other companies affected include Chevron ($44.2B), Starbucks ($36.4B), FedEx and Warner Bros. Discovery (each around $13B).
An Axios survey of over 19 million articles from 2024 through early 2025 found that 12 of 16 major U.S. brands experienced notable drops in global sentiment following Trump’s reelection. FedEx, Chevron and Warner Bros. Discovery each saw sentiment fall more than 30%, while Coca-Cola and Tesla experienced 28% and 23% declines, respectively.
Interestingly, Coca-Cola defied the trend financially: Despite a 28% sentiment drop, its stock rose by $2 billion. Only four companies improved their global image: McDonald’s led with a 32% sentiment rise, followed by Meta (+11%), OpenAI (+6%) and Apple (+5%).
Overall, the combination of policy-driven backlash and consumer protest has created a challenging environment for U.S. brands, with reputational damage translating into massive financial losses.
