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MPR

Full company profile

uuid002695c

Namestring
MPR
Legal namestring
MPR, Inc.
Websiteurl
mprreps.com
Company typeenum
Private
Founded yearint
1970
Descriptiontext

MPR, Inc. (doing business as Manufacturer's Premium Representatives) is a privately held manufacturer's representative firm founded in 1970 and headquartered, based on its primary phone number's area code, in Decatur, Illinois, while operating under the laws of the State of Washington. The firm acts as a B2B intermediary between consumer-brand manufacturers and buyers in the Special Markets industry, with no proprietary products, software platforms, or technology stack of its own beyond a basic catalog website (mprreps.com) hosted on a DotNetNuke portal. Its represented portfolio consists of nine established third-party brands spanning luggage (Samsonite, American Tourister), fine and fashion jewelry (Carolee Jewelry, Jilco Inc), watches (Seiko), handbags and accessories (Jessica Simpson, Lauro Sinclair, The SAK), and sports and outdoor equipment (Escalade Sports and its 46 sub-brands).

MPR earns revenue through commissions or transaction-based fees on sales it facilitates between the manufacturers it represents and Special Markets program buyers, with quote-based pricing negotiated through direct inquiry by phone (217/690-4529), email, or a website "Request Info" form. Its go-to-market is sales-led and relationship-driven, supported by a website product-search capability that allows buyers to filter by brand, price range, or keyword, plus a "Line List" sub-brand used for brand discovery. There is no disclosed headcount, no public revenue figure, no institutional investment, and no parent company; the firm appears independently owned and operated.

The customer-facing positioning emphasizes 54 years of industry experience and quality-brand curation, while the underlying operating model is a low-headcount, commission-based intermediary with limited disclosed technology, no mobile app, no API, and no disclosed geographic expansion strategy. All product information, brand details, and contact pathways are surfaced through a single corporate website with a login portal for registered users.

Short descriptiontext

MPR, Inc. is a privately held manufacturer's representative firm founded in 1970 that connects consumer-brand manufacturers (Samsonite, Seiko, Carolee, The SAK, and others) with buyers in the U.S. Special Markets industry, earning commissions on facilitated transactions via direct sales.

Operating statusenum
Operating
Ownership categoryenum
akta.pro rankint
HeadquartersChicago, United States
HQ citystring
Chicago
HQ countrystring
United States
HQ regionstring
North America
Markets served

Serves global market

Offices1 record

Each record includes

City, Country, Type, Description, Source

Keyword5 values
manufacturer's representative services, special markets representation, brand sales agency, product sourcing intermediary, wholesale representation services
NAICS code1 code
  • Piece Goods, Notions, and Other Dry Goods Merchant Wholesalers424310
SIC code1 code
  • Wholesale-Apparel, Piece Goods & Notions5130
Product category
Manufacturer's Representative Services
No data
GTM motion1 record

Each record includes

Type, Description, Source

Revenue model1 record
1Manufacturer's Representative Commissions
TypeTransaction Fee
Description

As a manufacturer's representative firm, MPR earns commissions or transaction-based fees for facilitating sales between manufacturers and the Special Markets industry.

mprreps.com
Marketing channels2 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Stage, Description, Source

Distribution channels1 record

Each record includes

Title, Type, Scope, Target buyer, Description, Source

Cost components3 values
Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Pricing details1 tier
1Quote-based product pricing through manufacturer representatives
ModelOtherBilling cadenceMulti-year contract
Notes

Quote-based pricing. Products can be searched by price point or product type on the website. Specific pricing requires direct inquiry.

mprreps.com
GTM typeB2B
B2B
Offering typeServices
Services
Brand1 record
1MPR Line List
Description

Represents various manufacturers' brands in the Special Markets industry, including American Tourister, Carolee Jewelry, Escalade Sports, Jessica Simpson, Jilco Inc, Lauro Sinclair, Samsonite, Seiko Watch, and The SAK.

mprreps.com
Core offering1 text field

MPR, Inc. is a manufacturer's representative firm that has connected consumer-brand manufacturers with buyers in the Special Markets industry since 1970. The firm represents nine brands across luggage (Samsonite, American Tourister), jewelry (Carolee Jewelry, Jilco), handbags and accessories (Jessica Simpson, Lauro Sinclair, The SAK), watches (Seiko Watch), and sporting goods (Escalade Sports), facilitating sales to program buyers through direct relationships and a searchable product catalog on mprreps.com.

Differentiator
Functional benefit
Problem solved
Product overview1 text field

MPR, Inc. (Manufacturer's Premium Representatives) is a manufacturer's representative firm serving the Special Markets industry since 1970. The company does not develop its own products but rather represents multiple established consumer brands, acting as an intermediary between manufacturers and special market channels. Their portfolio includes nine represented brands spanning luggage (American Tourister, Samsonite), jewelry (Carolee Jewelry, Jilco Inc), accessories and handbags (Jessica Simpson, Lauro Sinclair, The SAK), watches (Seiko Watch), and sports equipment (Escalade Sports). MPR offers these brands through their website where buyers can search by brand name, price range, or product keyword.

Product and service9 records
1American Tourister (represented brand)
CategoryRepresented Luggage Brand
Description

Luggage and travel accessories brand represented by MPR to the Special Markets industry; targeted at sophisticated travelers.

2Carolee Jewelry (represented brand)
CategoryRepresented Jewelry Brand
Description

Jewelry and accessories brand established in 1972, designed for prestigious department and specialty stores worldwide, characterized by sophistication, confidence, and style.

3Escalade Sports (represented brand)
CategoryRepresented Sports & Outdoor Brand
Description

Sports and outdoor recreation brand offering quality products for family activities across 46 sub-brands, covering cookouts, basketball, hunting, and related categories.

4Jessica Simpson handbags (represented brand)
CategoryRepresented Handbag Brand
Description

Handbag collection inspired by Jessica Simpson's lifestyle, delivering fashion trends with high-quality materials celebrating All-American style.

5Jilco Inc (represented brand)
CategoryRepresented Fine Jewelry Brand
Description

Fine jewelry company offering bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and rings made with platinum, gold, or sterling silver and set with diamonds, gemstones, or pearls.

6Lauro Sinclair (represented brand)
CategoryRepresented Handbag Brand
Description

Transformable handbag collection allowing wearers to change their handbag in seconds without purchasing multiple bags, offering cost-effective and fashion-conscious options.

7Samsonite (represented brand)
CategoryRepresented Luggage Brand
Description

Premium luggage and travel accessories brand continuing its heritage of innovation and quality for sophisticated travelers.

8Seiko Watch (represented brand)
CategoryRepresented Watch Brand
Description

Watch brand founded in 1881 dedicated to perfection and innovation, with a restless spirit that explores limits and pushes boundaries in timepiece craftsmanship.

9The SAK (represented brand)
CategoryRepresented Handbag & Accessories Brand
Description

Handbag and accessories brand founded in 1989, known for its signature Tightweave textile design, evolved into a lifestyle brand and the fourth largest handbag company in the United States.

Scale indicator1 record

Each record includes

Type, Value, Description, Source

Partnership9 partners
Strategic tierCoreTypeChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor
Description

MPR represents American Tourister, a luggage and travel accessories brand under Samsonite, to the Special Markets industry. American Tourister has nearly 100 years of craftsmanship and heritage as an innovator in travel solutions.

Strategic tierCoreTypeChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor
Description

MPR represents Carolee Jewelry, established in 1972, which designs jewelry and accessories for prestigious department and specialty stores worldwide, known for sophistication, confidence and style.

Strategic tierCoreTypeChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor
Description

MPR represents Escalade Sports, which operates 46 brands focused on quality products for family activities including sports, outdoor recreation, and hunting.

Strategic tierCoreTypeChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor
Description

MPR represents Jessica Simpson handbags, inspired by her lifestyle and love of fashion. The collections deliver trends with high-quality materials celebrating All-American style.

Strategic tierCoreTypeChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor
Description

MPR represents Jilco, a fine jewelry company offering bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings made with platinum, gold or sterling silver and set with diamonds, gemstones or pearls.

6Lauro Sinclair
Strategic tierCoreTypeChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor
Description

MPR represents Lauro Sinclair, which offers transformable handbags allowing women to transform their handbag in seconds without purchasing multiple bags, providing cost-effective and fashion-conscious options.

mprreps.com
Strategic tierCoreTypeChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor
Description

MPR represents Samsonite, a global leader in travel solutions with continued innovation and heritage in creating travel experiences.

Strategic tierCoreTypeChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor
Description

MPR represents Seiko Watch, founded in 1881, known for exploring limits and dedicating to perfection in timepiece craftsmanship.

9The SAK
Strategic tierCoreTypeChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor
Description

MPR represents The SAK, founded in 1989, which evolved from a handbag company to an accessories and lifestyle brand. The SAK is the fourth largest handbag company in the United States.

mprreps.com
Recent move6 records

Each record includes

Date, Type, Title, Description, Source

Peers8 records
TypeDirect peer
Description

Retail merchandising and brand representation services firm that acts as an intermediary between manufacturers and retail buyers. Comparable to MPR in serving as a manufacturer's rep, though at significantly larger scale with international footprint.

TypeDirect peer
Description

Retail services and in-store sales/marketing company that connects CPG manufacturers with retail buyers, including specialty and emerging channels. Directly comparable to MPR's manufacturer-to-buyer representation role.

TypeBroad incumbent
Description

Member-owned distribution and marketing group supporting independent manufacturers' representatives across multiple product categories. Comparable to MPR as a rep-firm support network, though operating as an enabling industry participant rather than direct competitor.

TypeDirect peer
Description

Consumer products sales agency that represents manufacturers to retail buyers, including in specialty and non-traditional channels. Operates the same manufacturer's-rep business model as MPR, but at national scale with disclosed technology and analytics capabilities.

TypeDirect peer
Description

Private brand and supplier services company representing manufacturers in retail and specialty channels, including consumer goods categories overlapping MPR's portfolio (lifestyle, accessories, sporting goods).

TypeDirect peer
Description

Large-scale consumer goods sales and marketing agency representing manufacturers to retail and specialty channels. Comparable to MPR as a manufacturer's representative model operating at much greater scale across multiple consumer categories.

TypeDirect peer
Description

Sales and marketing services company representing manufacturers through retail and specialty channels, including consumer goods categories. Operates a directly comparable manufacturer-to-buyer representation model to MPR.

8The Rep-Like Group
TypeEmerging player
Description

Smaller-scale manufacturer's representative firms operating in the same Special Markets / consumer goods channel as MPR. Comparable as niche peers at similar scale, though specific peer firms in this segment tend to be privately held and not widely publicized.

Market position
Strengths3 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Weaknesses3 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Competitive moat3 records

Each record includes

Type, Details

Key risks6 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Key highlights5 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Customer concentration

Classification, Details

Segment1 record

Each record includes

Title, Type, Primary, Description, Pain point addressed, Use case, Source

Ideal customer profile1 record

Each record includes

Profile, Firmographic size, Sales motion, Sales cycle length, Buying structure, Purchase trigger, Buyer persona, Geography, Industry vertical, Primary use case, Description, Pain points, Evidence proof points, Target buyer

Technology focused
No
API detail
Has APIbool
No

Docs URL, Description

AI maturity
App detail

Has app

Core technology
Revenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Number of profiles
No data
No data
Funding overview

Funding stage, Last funding date, Total funding USD

Funding rounds

Each record includes

Round, Amount USD, Date, Pre money valuation, Total investors, Investors, News

Investors

Each record includes

Name, Type, Date of entry, Rounds participated, Website

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Each record includes

Name, Acquisition type, Announced date, Completed date, Status, Website, News

Investment

Each record includes

Name, Round, Announced date, Lead investor, Website, News

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

MPR

Manufacturer's Representative Servicesmprreps.com

MPR, Inc. is a privately held manufacturer's representative firm founded in 1970 that connects consumer-brand manufacturers (Samsonite, Seiko, Carolee, The SAK, and others) with buyers in the U.S. Special Markets industry, earning commissions on facilitated transactions via direct sales.

What MPR does

MPR, Inc. (doing business as Manufacturer's Premium Representatives) is a privately held manufacturer's representative firm founded in 1970 and headquartered, based on its primary phone number's area code, in Decatur, Illinois, while operating under the laws of the State of Washington. The firm acts as a B2B intermediary between consumer-brand manufacturers and buyers in the Special Markets industry, with no proprietary products, software platforms, or technology stack of its own beyond a basic catalog website (mprreps.com) hosted on a DotNetNuke portal. Its represented portfolio consists of nine established third-party brands spanning luggage (Samsonite, American Tourister), fine and fashion jewelry (Carolee Jewelry, Jilco Inc), watches (Seiko), handbags and accessories (Jessica Simpson, Lauro Sinclair, The SAK), and sports and outdoor equipment (Escalade Sports and its 46 sub-brands).

MPR earns revenue through commissions or transaction-based fees on sales it facilitates between the manufacturers it represents and Special Markets program buyers, with quote-based pricing negotiated through direct inquiry by phone (217/690-4529), email, or a website "Request Info" form. Its go-to-market is sales-led and relationship-driven, supported by a website product-search capability that allows buyers to filter by brand, price range, or keyword, plus a "Line List" sub-brand used for brand discovery. There is no disclosed headcount, no public revenue figure, no institutional investment, and no parent company; the firm appears independently owned and operated.

The customer-facing positioning emphasizes 54 years of industry experience and quality-brand curation, while the underlying operating model is a low-headcount, commission-based intermediary with limited disclosed technology, no mobile app, no API, and no disclosed geographic expansion strategy. All product information, brand details, and contact pathways are surfaced through a single corporate website with a login portal for registered users.

MPR firmographics

Firmographics
Name
MPR
Legal name
MPR, Inc.
Website
https://mprreps.com
Company type
Private
Founded year
1970
Operating status
Operating
Short description
MPR, Inc. is a privately held manufacturer's representative firm founded in 1970 that connects consumer-brand manufacturers (Samsonite, Seiko, Carolee, The SAK, and others) with buyers in the U.S. Special Markets industry, earning commissions on facilitated transactions via direct sales.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

Where MPR is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city
Chicago
HQ country
United States
HQ region
North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

MPR business model

Business model
GTM type
B2B
Offering type
Services
Cost components
Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

  1. Manufacturer's Representative Commissions: As a manufacturer's representative firm, MPR earns commissions or transaction-based fees for facilitating sales between manufacturers and the Special Markets industry.

Pricing tiers

ModelBillingPrice
OtherMulti-year contractQuote-based product pricing through manufacturer representatives

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels2 records

MPR product offering

Product offering

Core offering

MPR, Inc. is a manufacturer's representative firm that has connected consumer-brand manufacturers with buyers in the Special Markets industry since 1970. The firm represents nine brands across luggage (Samsonite, American Tourister), jewelry (Carolee Jewelry, Jilco), handbags and accessories (Jessica Simpson, Lauro Sinclair, The SAK), watches (Seiko Watch), and sporting goods (Escalade Sports), facilitating sales to program buyers through direct relationships and a searchable product catalog on mprreps.com.

Product overview

MPR, Inc. (Manufacturer's Premium Representatives) is a manufacturer's representative firm serving the Special Markets industry since 1970. The company does not develop its own products but rather represents multiple established consumer brands, acting as an intermediary between manufacturers and special market channels. Their portfolio includes nine represented brands spanning luggage (American Tourister, Samsonite), jewelry (Carolee Jewelry, Jilco Inc), accessories and handbags (Jessica Simpson, Lauro Sinclair, The SAK), watches (Seiko Watch), and sports equipment (Escalade Sports). MPR offers these brands through their website where buyers can search by brand name, price range, or product keyword.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

  • MPR Line List: Represents various manufacturers' brands in the Special Markets industry, including American Tourister, Carolee Jewelry, Escalade Sports, Jessica Simpson, Jilco Inc, Lauro Sinclair, Samsonite, Seiko Watch, and The SAK.

Products and services

  • American Tourister (represented brand) Luggage and travel accessories brand represented by MPR to the Special Markets industry; targeted at sophisticated travelers.
  • Carolee Jewelry (represented brand) Jewelry and accessories brand established in 1972, designed for prestigious department and specialty stores worldwide, characterized by sophistication, confidence, and style.
  • Escalade Sports (represented brand) Sports and outdoor recreation brand offering quality products for family activities across 46 sub-brands, covering cookouts, basketball, hunting, and related categories.
  • Jessica Simpson handbags (represented brand) Handbag collection inspired by Jessica Simpson's lifestyle, delivering fashion trends with high-quality materials celebrating All-American style.
  • Jilco Inc (represented brand) Fine jewelry company offering bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and rings made with platinum, gold, or sterling silver and set with diamonds, gemstones, or pearls.
  • Lauro Sinclair (represented brand) Transformable handbag collection allowing wearers to change their handbag in seconds without purchasing multiple bags, offering cost-effective and fashion-conscious options.
  • Samsonite (represented brand) Premium luggage and travel accessories brand continuing its heritage of innovation and quality for sophisticated travelers.
  • Seiko Watch (represented brand) Watch brand founded in 1881 dedicated to perfection and innovation, with a restless spirit that explores limits and pushes boundaries in timepiece craftsmanship.
  • The SAK (represented brand) Handbag and accessories brand founded in 1989, known for its signature Tightweave textile design, evolved into a lifestyle brand and the fourth largest handbag company in the United States.

Companies that use MPR

Customer profile

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

MPR technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API
No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

MPR partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core.

  • American Tourister (Samsonite)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMPR represents American Tourister, a luggage and travel accessories brand under Samsonite, to the Special Markets industry. American Tourister has nearly 100 years of craftsmanship and heritage as an innovator in travel solutions.
  • Carolee JewelrycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMPR represents Carolee Jewelry, established in 1972, which designs jewelry and accessories for prestigious department and specialty stores worldwide, known for sophistication, confidence and style.
  • Escalade SportscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMPR represents Escalade Sports, which operates 46 brands focused on quality products for family activities including sports, outdoor recreation, and hunting.
  • Jessica SimpsoncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMPR represents Jessica Simpson handbags, inspired by her lifestyle and love of fashion. The collections deliver trends with high-quality materials celebrating All-American style.
  • Jilco InccoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMPR represents Jilco, a fine jewelry company offering bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings made with platinum, gold or sterling silver and set with diamonds, gemstones or pearls.
  • Lauro SinclaircoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMPR represents Lauro Sinclair, which offers transformable handbags allowing women to transform their handbag in seconds without purchasing multiple bags, providing cost-effective and fashion-conscious options.
  • SamsonitecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMPR represents Samsonite, a global leader in travel solutions with continued innovation and heritage in creating travel experiences.
  • Seiko WatchcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMPR represents Seiko Watch, founded in 1881, known for exploring limits and dedicating to perfection in timepiece craftsmanship.
  • The SAKcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMPR represents The SAK, founded in 1989, which evolved from a handbag company to an accessories and lifestyle brand. The SAK is the fourth largest handbag company in the United States.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves6 records

MPR competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Direct peers

  • SPAR Group: Retail merchandising and brand representation services firm that acts as an intermediary between manufacturers and retail buyers. Comparable to MPR in serving as a manufacturer's rep, though at significantly larger scale with international footprint.
  • Crossmark: Retail services and in-store sales/marketing company that connects CPG manufacturers with retail buyers, including specialty and emerging channels. Directly comparable to MPR's manufacturer-to-buyer representation role.
  • Acosta Sales & Marketing: Consumer products sales agency that represents manufacturers to retail buyers, including in specialty and non-traditional channels. Operates the same manufacturer's-rep business model as MPR, but at national scale with disclosed technology and analytics capabilities.
  • Daymon Worldwide: Private brand and supplier services company representing manufacturers in retail and specialty channels, including consumer goods categories overlapping MPR's portfolio (lifestyle, accessories, sporting goods).
  • Advantage Solutions: Large-scale consumer goods sales and marketing agency representing manufacturers to retail and specialty channels. Comparable to MPR as a manufacturer's representative model operating at much greater scale across multiple consumer categories.
  • BDS Marketing: Sales and marketing services company representing manufacturers through retail and specialty channels, including consumer goods categories. Operates a directly comparable manufacturer-to-buyer representation model to MPR.

Broad incumbents

  • IMARK Group: Member-owned distribution and marketing group supporting independent manufacturers' representatives across multiple product categories. Comparable to MPR as a rep-firm support network, though operating as an enabling industry participant rather than direct competitor.

Emerging players

  • The Rep-Like Group: Smaller-scale manufacturer's representative firms operating in the same Special Markets / consumer goods channel as MPR. Comparable as niche peers at similar scale, though specific peer firms in this segment tend to be privately held and not widely publicized.

Market position

Strengths3 records

Weaknesses3 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

MPR financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

MPR leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

MPR funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

MPR M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about MPR

What does MPR do?

MPR, Inc. is a manufacturer's representative firm that has connected consumer-brand manufacturers with buyers in the Special Markets industry since 1970. The firm represents nine brands across luggage (Samsonite, American Tourister), jewelry (Carolee Jewelry, Jilco), handbags and accessories (Jessica Simpson, Lauro Sinclair, The SAK), watches (Seiko Watch), and sporting goods (Escalade Sports), facilitating sales to program buyers through direct relationships and a searchable product catalog on mprreps.com.

Is MPR a public or private company?

MPR is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.

When was MPR founded?

MPR was founded in 1970.

Where is MPR based?

MPR is headquartered in Chicago, United States, in the North America region.

How does MPR make money?

One revenue line is on record: manufacturer's Representative Commissions.

Who are MPR's main competitors?

Direct peers on record are SPAR Group, Crossmark, Acosta Sales & Marketing, Daymon Worldwide, Advantage Solutions and BDS Marketing. IMARK Group is listed as a broad incumbent. The Rep-Like Group is listed as an emerging player.

Does MPR have an API?

No public API is recorded for MPR.

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Live signals
TeknoJokowi to Attend Independence Day Commemorations in JakartaFormer President Joko Widodo confirmed his attendance at Indonesia's 81st Independence Day commemoration and the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly scheduled for August 14, 2026. Jokowi expressed his commitment to participate in these significant state events, as confirmed by MPR RI Secretary General Siti Fauziah. The invitations to the assembly also include previous presidents and vice presidents of Indonesia.TeknoFormer Presidents, Party Chiefs Invited to MPR Annual SessionIndonesia's People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) has invited all former presidents, vice presidents, and political party leaders to attend the MPR's annual session scheduled for August 14, 2026, ahead of the country's 81st Independence Day. President Prabowo Subianto is slated to deliver the annual state address at the forum, which marks the final working day before the nationwide August 17 independence commemoration. The article also revisits last year's session controversy, where DPR lawmakers dancing during proceedings sparked public outrage that contributed to major nationwide demonstrations in late August 2025.MPR NewsA look back on the 'Miracle on Ice,' Minnesota hockey's most famous momentMPR News published a retrospective interview with Bill 'Buzz' Schneider, a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Hockey Team, to commemorate the 43rd anniversary of the 'Miracle on Ice.' The article details how the underdog team, coached by Herb Brooks and featuring many Minnesota players, defeated the Soviet Union 4-3 to win gold in Lake Placid. Schneider reflects on the team's rigorous training, strategic advantages, and the lasting cultural impact of the victory.