Tag Archives: Advertising and Marketing

Sokal Expands to Over Ten Certified OEM Program Partnerships with The Addition of Stellantis and Nissan

RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 23, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Sokal, a full-service automotive advertising agency headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., today announced its expansion to more than ten OEM-certified partnerships, adding Stellantis and Nissan to its existing certifications with Kia, Mazda, Subaru, Hyundai, Acura, and INFINITI. Sokal is also now the largest advertising agency located within the Triangle, with over 150 advertising professionals in the area.

Image caption: Learn more about SOKAL’s OEM programs today.

The new certifications give dealerships across the Stellantis family of brands and Nissan direct access to Sokal’s manufacturer-approved marketing solutions, aligned with each brand’s digital standards. This new partnership will speed time to market, simplify co-op reimbursement, and keep the customer journey consistent from OEM messaging down to the local dealer level.

“Adding Stellantis and Nissan to our roster is an incredible milestone for our team,” said Emma Voice, the Director of OEM Partnerships at Sokal. “By bringing our signature white-glove service and commitment to success to the certified programs, we empower dealers to trust us so they can leave marketing complexities behind and focus their energy on closing leads and selling cars.”

Sokal’s certified capabilities are delivered through its full in-house team and include:

Digital Advertising: Paid search, paid social, programmatic display, retargeting, and connected TV/OTT campaigns built around each OEM’s brand standards and each dealer’s local goals.
Momentum Websites: Custom, responsive dealer websites, built with Sokal’s Dealer Draft website builder, that maintain OEM brand compliance while adding personalized experiences, mobile optimization, inventory integrations, and enhanced data protection.
SEO: In-house automotive SEO built on proprietary tools designed to improve dealer rankings and outrank local competitors.
Creative & Production: Full in-house creative team and production studio, from video and digital content to traditional print and radio, tailored to each dealer.

With Stellantis and Nissan now added to its roster, Sokal further cements its position as a full-service agency for dealers across 13 major OEM programs, eliminating the need to piece together multiple vendors to stay compliant with manufacturer standards while still getting co-op reimbursement.

The announcement comes as Sokal was also recently recognized among the largest advertising agencies in the Raleigh-Durham area by the Triangle Business Journal, showing the agency’s continued growth as a full-service partner to automotive dealers nationwide. With now over 150 advertising professionals located in the Triangle area, Sokal is excited to keep expanding and providing best-in-class advertising to its automotive clients.

Dealers interested in Sokal’s OEM-certified partnership programs can learn more at gosokal.com.

About Sokal

Founded in 2003, Sokal is a full-service automotive advertising agency headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., with a multi-market footprint across the U.S. Sokal is recognized for recurring certifications with major OEM programs including Kia, Acura, Mazda, Subaru, Hyundai, INFINITI, Stellantis, and Nissan, and is constantly growing. The agency employs more than 150 professionals delivering digitally integrated and traditional marketing services. This includes custom creative, website design, SEO, paid media, CTV, and media buying for automotive clients nationwide. Learn more at https://gosokal.com/.

IMAGE link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0923-s2p-sokal-300dpi.webp

Image caption: Learn more about SOKAL’s OEM programs today.

NEWS SOURCE: SOKAL

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (SOKAL), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/sokal-expands-to-over-ten-certified-oem-program-partnerships-with-the-addition-of-stellantis-and-nissan/

Flottman Company Expands Print Production Capacity with Installation of Heidelberg SM 102-2-P Press

CRESTVIEW HILLS, Ky., Sept. 17, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Flottman Company, a family-owned legacy printing business established in 1921, announced the strategic addition of a Heidelberg SM 102-2-P offset press to its Northern Kentucky manufacturing facility. Installed in December 2025, the new press significantly expands overall production capacity and modernizes operational workflow through advanced automation to support client demand throughout the Greater Cincinnati region and nationwide.

Image caption: Flottman Company’s new Heidelberg SM 102-2-P in production at the Crestview Hills facility, running sheets up to 28″ x 40″ at speeds up to 13,000 per hour.

The addition of the Heidelberg SM 102-2-P directly strengthens Flottman Company’s service offerings for clients requiring high-precision commercial printing, pharmaceutical printing, and medical device literature printing. With automated setup capabilities and precise registration accuracy, the press allows skilled operators to cut makeready times dramatically, translating to shorter lead times, higher volume outputs, and dependable quality control.

“Our clients count on us for absolute accuracy and consistency, especially those operating in highly regulated sectors,” said Peter Flottman. “Investing in this Heidelberg press is ultimately an investment in our clients. By adding automated setup and faster speeds to our floor, we are increasing our agility and ensuring that our customers get their materials produced faster without compromising on quality.”

ADVANCED TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

The Heidelberg SM 102-2-P equips Flottman Company to scale its specialized print operations, supporting high-volume runs for IFU printing (Instructions for Use), packaging inserts, miniature folded inserts, and commercial print collateral.

Key technical specifications include:

Production Speed: Up to 13,000 sheets per hour
Maximum Sheet Size: 28 x 40 inches
Color Configuration: 2-color precision printing
Automation: Automated plate loading and setup systems for rapid change over
Registration Control: Advanced registration control designed to support the exacting requirements of regulated print

“Bringing this Heidelberg press online strengthens our precision manufacturing capabilities and equips our press crew with top-tier tools to handle higher volumes without compromising on quality, ensuring we keep growing alongside our clients for years to come.”

INVESTING IN REGIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH AND WORKFORCE

Beyond expanding equipment capabilities, the machinery upgrade reflects Flottman Company’s ongoing dedication to workforce development in the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati area. The transition to the new Heidelberg press includes comprehensive employee training, equipping press operators with expertise on automated equipment while fostering long-term manufacturing careers.

As a third-generation business celebrating over a century of continuous operation, Flottman Company remains committed to driving regional economic impact and advancing the standards of American print manufacturing.

To view photos, video footage, and detailed specifications regarding Flottman Company’s new press, visit https://flottmanco.com/new-heidelberg-printing-press.

ABOUT FLOTTMAN COMPANY

Founded in 1921, Flottman Company is a family-owned, full-service printing provider based in Crestview Hills, Kentucky. Specializing in pharmaceutical inserts, miniature folded inserts, commercial print solutions, and marketing services, Flottman Company combines over 100 years of industry expertise with modern manufacturing technology to serve regional and national clients. For more information, visit https://flottmanco.com/.

MULTIMEDIA

Image link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0918-s2p-flottman-300dpi.webp

Image caption: Flottman Company’s new Heidelberg SM 102-2-P in production at the Crestview Hills facility, running sheets up to 28″ x 40″ at speeds up to 13,000 per hour.

LOGO: https://flottmanco.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Flottman-Company-Logo-scaled-768×95.png

NEWS SOURCE: Flottman Company

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Flottman Company), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/flottman-company-expands-print-production-capacity-with-installation-of-heidelberg-sm-102-2-p-press/

LinkedIn Activity Predicts Revenue More Than Website Traffic, shows 42DM’s GTM Benchmark Research into 100 B2B AI Companies

A new study of 100 AI infrastructure companies maps the GTM signals that correlate with revenue, finding that audience-building and trust infrastructure outperform traffic volume across every GTM motion

TENAFLY, N.J., Sept. 16, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — 42DM, a B2B tech marketing agency specializing in go-to-market strategy for AI and SaaS companies, recently released “From Traffic to Pipeline: GTM Lessons from 100 Top AI Products,” a benchmark study mapping which channels and signals correlate with revenue across 100 leading AI infrastructure companies.

Image caption: 42DM’s 2026 GTM Benchmark Report, “From Traffic to Pipeline: GTM Lessons from 100 Top AI Products.”

The research was supervised by Kate Vasylenko, Co-Founder and CEO of 42DM. The focus on AI infrastructure was deliberate: the niche is developing at a pace that makes GTM cause-and-effect visible far faster than in mature categories, where market positions have been locked in for years.

“In a market this dynamic, you can actually watch companies rise or stall based on their GTM choices,” said Vasylenko. “That makes AI infrastructure a much cleaner lens for understanding which activities predict revenue and which ones just feel like progress.”

WHAT THE RESEARCH EXAMINES

The study analyzed more than 40 signals across 11 dimensions, including LinkedIn distribution, organic and AI search visibility, trust infrastructure, paid channels, and founder brand, using Spearman rank correlations against revenue outcomes.

Among the findings: the channel with the strongest controllable correlation to revenue is one most teams treat as secondary. Trust infrastructure outperforms raw traffic volume. And the early data on AI search visibility already shows a measurable signal, despite referral volumes still being modest.

On paid channels, the research surfaces meaningful differences between display, social, and search, with results that may prompt some teams to reconsider where their paid budget is working hardest.

“The patterns are consistent enough that we feel confident saying: the companies growing fastest in this space are building specific things, in a specific order,” Kate said. “The research shows what those things are.”

WHY AI INFRASTRUCTURE

AI infrastructure was selected because top performers in the niche compete for similar buyers and face similar GTM challenges without directly competing with each other. That structure allows clean comparisons across GTM approaches. The speed of the market means the data reflects recent strategic choices rather than positions built over a decade, making the correlations more actionable for companies building their GTM motion today.

ACCESS THE RESEARCH

The full report is available at 42dm.net/resource/downloads/gtm-benchmark-research/

It includes an interactive company explorer, GTM signal breakdowns, correlations segmented by GTM motion and company maturity, and a personalized audit checklist. Teams looking to benchmark their own GTM motion against the dataset can book a free review at 42dm.net/gtm-review-us/

METHODOLOGY

The benchmark covers 100 AI infrastructure companies selected to represent top performers within the niche. Data was collected across LinkedIn, Similarweb, Ahrefs, G2, GitHub, analyst databases, and proprietary AI visibility tools. All correlations are reported as Spearman rank coefficients.

ABOUT 42DM

42DM is a B2B tech marketing agency that helps AI companies, SaaS platforms, cybersecurity firms, and fintech brands build measurable go-to-market engines. The agency’s services span demand generation, inbound marketing, AI search optimization (AEO), account-based marketing (ABM), martech, and PPC. 42DM works with companies at Series A through the growth stage and publishes original research to help marketing leaders make data-driven GTM decisions.

Media contact: marketing@42dm.net

MULTIMEDIA:\

IMAGE link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0915-s2p-42dmrep-300dpi.webp

Image caption: 42DM’s 2026 GTM Benchmark Report, “From Traffic to Pipeline: GTM Lessons from 100 Top AI Products.”

NEWS SOURCE: 42DM

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (42DM), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/linkedin-activity-predicts-revenue-more-than-website-traffic-shows-42dms-gtm-benchmark-research-into-100-b2b-ai-companies/

Bay Leaf Digital Earns HubSpot Software Industry Specialist Badge

Texas B2B SaaS Agency Recognized for Demonstrated Expertise Serving Software Companies on the HubSpot Platform

GRAPEVINE, Texas, July 2, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Bay Leaf Digital, a B2B SaaS marketing agency headquartered in Texas today announced it has earned the HubSpot Software Industry Specialist badge, a selective and verified designation within HubSpot’s Industry Specialization Badge program.

Image caption: Bay Leaf Digital.

WHAT IS THE HUBSPOT SOFTWARE INDUSTRY SPECIALIST BADGE?

HubSpot is among the most widely adopted CRM and marketing automation platforms in the B2B SaaS market. Selecting a HubSpot Solutions Partner with both platform expertise and software industry knowledge reduces ramp time, improves integration quality, and accelerates time to measurable results.

“SaaS businesses have specific needs that generalist agencies typically miss, including long buying cycles, high integration expectations, and teams that evaluate ROI on a short runway,” said Bay Leaf Digital Founder and CEO Abhi Jadhav.

The Industry Specialization Badge program helps SaaS leaders identify marketing partners who have built their practice around the needs of their sector rather than adapting a generic methodology to fit.

To earn the badge, partners must:

Prove fluency in software industry pain points and use cases
Deliver purpose-built solutions and integrations tailored to software companies
Operate a go-to-market motion dedicated to software buyers
Establish subject matter expertise through documented work with current HubSpot customers

In its notification to Bay Leaf Digital, HubSpot cited the agency’s demonstrated ability to deliver industry-specific solutions, integrations, and use cases, along with its mastery of software industry language and understanding of the unique pain points software companies face.

The new designation appears on Bay Leaf Digital’s Solutions Directory listing in the HubSpot ecosystem, where software companies can review the agency’s verified expertise and partner record.

Manager of Strategy and Growth Marketing Kara Wild said, “Designation as a HubSpot Software Industry Specialist reflects the depth we’ve built serving exactly those companies. For a software company founder evaluating agencies, it’s a verifiable signal that we understand their world before they ever schedule a call.”

A RECOGNITION MORE THAN A DECADE IN THE MAKING

Bay Leaf Digital has been dedicated to B2B SaaS since 2013. Experience has taught agency leadership that software companies face a distinct set of marketing challenges that less specialized agencies are not built to navigate.

CEO Jadhav said, “SaaS buying committees often include a mix of technical evaluators, procurement stakeholders, and executive decision-makers. A successful marketing strategy addresses their competing priorities and timelines while simultaneously speaking to each stakeholder. We’ve spent more than a decade building those kinds of complex approaches for software companies. Our HubSpot Software Industry Specialist badge reflects exactly that depth.”

Go-to-market models vary significantly across the sector. Product-led growth (PLG) companies depend on in-product acquisition signals and low-friction conversion paths, while sales-led models require carefully sequenced demand generation, content-driven education, and tight alignment between marketing and sales.

AI-native companies are entering markets with compressed launch timelines, limited brand history, and high investor scrutiny on early pipeline metrics. Vertical SaaS companies must fully grasp the complexities of a specific industry such as healthcare, logistics, legal, or construction while simultaneously positioning against both broad horizontal platforms and niche sector competitors.

The strategies that perform best for professional services firms or retail brands do not transfer cleanly, and companies pay a real cost when they work with a marketing partner that begins by learning their business on the client’s time and budget.

“The B2B SaaS market continues to evolve as AI-native companies enter at pace, vertical specialists compete against broader platforms, and founder-led sales models give way to structured go-to-market functions,” said Director of Strategy and Growth Marketing Meghann Hawes. “Software companies navigating these changes can be confident in our AI-forward stance and proven blend of industry depth and HubSpot platform expertise.”

A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO MARKETING BUILT FOR B2B SAAS

Bay Leaf Digital’s Marketing-Led Growth Framework spans every lifecycle stage where marketing investment generates qualified leads. This starts with building early brand credibility, establishing organic search visibility, and creating generative engine authority. Subsequent steps include pipeline development, marketing automation, and revenue operations. Past and current clients include software companies that are past product-market fit and ready to scale beyond founder-led sales as well as those that are recovering from a growth plateau, repositioning after a strategic shift, or entering a market with a new AI-native product.

Before any strategy is set, each engagement begins with a 360° Marketing Diagnostic. This ensures that execution is anchored to a company’s specific growth stage and challenges rather than to a predetermined playbook.

Every client is served by a dedicated senior strategist and growth marketing manager. These experienced professionals are supported by in-house specialists in SEO, generative engine optimization (GEO), paid media, content, marketing automation, website development, sales enablement, revenue operations, and more. The agency has developed its own AI platform to power agentic workflows that give software company clients the execution speed of a larger team without the headcount cost or management burden.

After more than a decade spent learning about the industry and building tools and workflows to address SaaS challenges at speed and scale, Bay Leaf Digital has delivered results across multiple verticals and go-to-market models.

Bay Leaf Digital has helped B2B SaaS clients achieve:

16x increase in new opportunities
60% increase in quality leads
5x year over year growth in qualified leads (MQLs) on LinkedIn
34% increase in quarter over quarter revenue
10x relevant keywords on Page 1 search engine result (SERP) pages
3x growth in customers

“Before we build any strategy, my team and I immerse ourselves in the client’s business and industry,” said Jadhav. “We apply what we learn about their specific stage, market, and growth goals to every lever we pull. This protects their marketing investment and ensures that they derive maximum value out of every dollar we ask them to spend.” Designation as a Software Industry Specialist adds a verifiable layer of third-party recognition to Bay Leaf Digital’s credentials. For software company leaders considering marketing partners, the award confirms what the agency’s client work and partner history already reflect.

Learn more: https://www.bayleafdigital.com/about/marketing-led-growth-framework/.

ABOUT BAY LEAF DIGITAL

Founded in 2013, Bay Leaf Digital is a Texas-based B2B SaaS marketing agency serving startup, scaling, turnaround, AI-native, and vertical SaaS companies across the US and Canada. AI-forward and human-led, the agency connects strategy and execution across the full revenue lifecycle through a complete spectrum of marketing services including SEO, generative engine optimization (GEO), content, paid media, social media, video, marketing automation, website development, sales enablement, and revenue operations. Senior strategists own strategy, judgment, and quality while growth marketers and in-house specialists use agentic workflows to deliver speed and scale. Learn more: https://www.bayleafdigital.com/.

MULTIMEDIA:

Logo link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0702-s2p-bayleaf-300dpi.webp

NEWS SOURCE: Bay Leaf Digital

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Bay Leaf Digital), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/bay-leaf-digital-earns-hubspot-software-industry-specialist-badge/

Natural Woman Expands as Lifestyle Brand Positioned for Fashion, Beauty, and Licensing Opportunities

MIAMI, Fla., June 22, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Natural Woman, a growing lifestyle brand focused on confidence, authenticity, beauty, and self-expression, is expanding its vision across multiple consumer product categories, creating new opportunities in fashion, accessories, beauty, and licensing. The brand is available from Empire License, Inc.

Image caption: Natural Woman, a growing lifestyle brand.

Built around a name that resonates with women of all ages and backgrounds, Natural Woman represents more than a product line. It is a lifestyle brand designed to celebrate individuality, personal style, and the confidence that comes from embracing one’s authentic self.

WHAT IS A NATURAL WOMAN?

A Natural Woman is not defined by nationality, ethnicity, age, appearance, or background.

She may be African American, Hispanic, Asian, Caucasian, Native American, Caribbean, European, African, or from any culture or community around the world.

She may be a business executive, entrepreneur, teacher, healthcare professional, student, mother, artist, athlete, or community leader.

A Natural woman is defined by her confidence, authenticity, strength, character, and individuality.

She embraces who she is and expresses herself in her own unique way. She understands that true beauty is not determined by trends or labels, but by self-confidence, self-respect, and personal style.

Natural Woman celebrates women from all walks of life and recognizes that beauty, strength, and authenticity exist in every culture, every community, and every generation.

The Natural Woman brand is positioned for expansion across a variety of categories, including:

Women’s apparel
Handbags and purses
Fashion accessories
Wigs and hair extensions

As consumers increasingly seek brands that reflect personal identity and authenticity, Natural Woman aims to create meaningful connections with women through products that inspire confidence, style, and self-expression.

“The vision for Natural Woman is to build a brand that women recognize as a symbol of confidence, beauty, and authenticity,” said Emory Williams, President and CEO of Empire License, Inc. “We believe the name has broad appeal and significant potential across multiple consumer categories.”

The brand’s expansion strategy includes the development of licensing relationships and strategic partnerships designed to bring the Natural Woman vision to consumers through a wide range of quality products and experiences.

Additional announcements regarding brand development, partnerships, and future initiatives are expected as Natural Woman continues its growth strategy.

With a clean, modern luxury identity and a message rooted in empowerment, Natural Woman is positioned to become a universal lifestyle platform. The brand’s mission – Beauty. Confidence. Authenticity. – resonates across cultures and age groups, creating a strong foundation for product expansion and global retail presence. Whether she is 18 or 80, a professional or entrepreneur, a student or retiree, Natural Woman recognizes that confidence, beauty, and authenticity are timeless qualities that transcend generations and cultures.

“Natural Woman represents every woman,” added Williams, “Our goal is to partner with manufacturers and distributors who share our commitment to quality, inclusivity, and cultural relevance. This is a brand built to scale.”

Parties interested in licensing Natural Woman may request the full brand deck, trademark documentation and partnership guidelines.

ABOUT NATURAL WOMAN

Natural Woman is a lifestyle brand focused on confidence, authenticity, beauty, and self-expression. The brand celebrates women of every age, nationality, culture, background, and generation and is positioned for expansion across fashion, beauty, accessories, and related consumer product categories through strategic licensing and brand development initiatives. Learn more: https://mynaturalwoman.com/.

MEDIA CONTACT
Emory Williams
Company President
Empire License, Inc.
Phone: 305-407-6010
web: mynaturalwoman.com

NEWS SOURCE: Empire License Inc.

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Empire License Inc.), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/natural-woman-expands-as-lifestyle-brand-positioned-for-fashion-beauty-and-licensing-opportunities/

Edimakor V5.0.0 Revolutionizes AI Video Creation with Reference to Video and AI Ads Features

NEW YORK, N.Y., June 3, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Video production using AI has completely evolved since the early days when users created random video clips based only on a text prompt. Nowadays, users are calling for consistent quality, improved control, and fast turnaround times, making these types of previously available tools irrelevant. The HitPaw Edimakor new version 5.0.0 addresses this demand by providing comprehensive solutions (new features) that make video content creation easy for creators by integrating Reference to Video, Ability to Create AI ads, ability to do video clones (i.e., create a copy of anyone). This update moves video production from a traditional model to a more intelligent Procedure.

Image caption: Edimakor V5.0.0 Revolutionizes AI Video Creation.

REFERENCE TO VIDEO POWERED BY WAN 2.7

Edimakor V5.0.0 completely redefines the AI Video landscape, where many AI Video tools start anew every time an AI is executed. Incorporate your own images, video, or audio as reference material with a text prompt, and Edimakor will produce an engaging video that has the same visual output from beginning to end. The integration of the newly incorporated Wan 2.7 model powers this process, delivering the level of quality and consistency that generic generation cannot provide. Your style is still your style.

AI IMAGE EDITING CLEAN, FAST, PROFESSIONAL

Two major enhancements In Edimakor AI Image Editing:

Remove or replace the background of an image to produce an entire series of professional photos with different backgrounds for various marketing scenes.
Take out unwanted objects, remove blemishes, change the colour of items, and add or replace items in large areas of photos easily using simple selections.

AI ADS ONE CLICK TO A PROFESSIONAL AD CAMPAIGN

Edimakor V5.0.0 offers you an entire ad generation suite that will allow you to generate high-quality video or image-based ads for e-commerce or brand marketing, in one click!

Main features:

Unified product and brand management with AI customized characters that represent your brand.
Creative advertisements, use of consumer-generated content, product showcase advertisements, and promotional advertisements.
AI background swap, virtual try-on, and model hand-holding product shot feature.

VIDEO CLONING CAPTURE WHAT WORKS

Using Video Cloning function, you can upload your reference clip or photograph(s), and Edimakor will produce for you a fully-functioning video marketing piece using the same style, camera angles, lighting, and action as your reference material. This one tool alone can save hundreds of hours of video production work each week.

CONCLUSION

With Edimakor V5.0.0, you will have a full creative video production studio all contained in one tool, which includes reference-based generation of viral content, cloning of other successful advertisements, professional-grade advertisement production, and the ability to produce emotional-sounding voiceovers.

FOLLOW EDIMAKOR FOR THE LATEST UPDATES:

Official Website: https://edimakor.hitpaw.com/

X/Twitter: https://x.com/HitpawEdimakor

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HitPawEdimakorOfficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edimakor_official

NEWS SOURCE: HitPaw Edimakor

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (HitPaw Edimakor), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/edimakor-v5-0-0-revolutionizes-ai-video-creation-with-reference-to-video-and-ai-ads-features/

Informative Research SVP of Marketing Craig Leabig named a 2026 HousingWire Marketing Leader

GARDEN GROVE, Calif., June 2, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Informative Research (IR), a leading technology provider of data-driven credit and verification solutions for the lending industry, today announced that Craig Leabig, Senior Vice President of Marketing, has been named a 2026 Marketing Leader by HousingWire. The award recognizes influential marketing executives who have transformed brands and driven measurable business results across the housing economy.

Image caption: Informative Research SVP of Marketing Craig Leabig named a 2026 HousingWire Marketing Leader.

Over the past year, Leabig led Informative Research’s marketing transformation, building a scalable, data-driven ecosystem that strengthens the company’s brand positioning and deepens its connection with lenders. Under his leadership, his team completed a full redesign of the company’s website, driving a notable increase in traffic. He also spearheaded significant social media growth, increasing both audience and impressions.

“This recognition reflects the work of an incredible team that has rallied around a shared vision for what marketing can do for our organization and our clients,” said Leabig. “We’ve focused on building systems and strategies that create lasting value, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”

Beyond digital performance, Leabig developed a structured marketing nurture ecosystem designed to educate lenders throughout the buyer journey, ensuring that messaging is clear, relevant and actionable. He introduced standardized content frameworks for client communications, including product updates, launch announcements and educational materials. This has improved consistency across all customer touchpoints.

Leabig’s impact extends into operational and cross-functional improvements as well. He partnered with Compliance and Customer Success to streamline client onboarding and helped implement a HubSpot-based support ticketing system that gives the organization clear visibility into support requests, client trends and team performance.

“HousingWire’s Marketing Leaders represent the professionals shaping how housing companies connect, compete and grow in a constantly evolving market,” said HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins. “As market conditions, client expectations and business priorities continue to shift, this year’s honorees are helping their organizations adapt, innovate and grow. We’re proud to recognize the marketers driving meaningful impact across housing.”

Explore the full list of 2026 HousingWire Marketing Leaders: https://www.housingwire.com/articles/introducing-the-2026-marketing-leaders/.

About Informative Research

Informative Research, a Stewart company, is a premier technology provider delivering data-driven credit and verification solutions to the lending community. The solutions provider currently serves mortgage companies, banks and lenders throughout the United States. The company is recognized for streamlining the loan process with its straightforward service model, progressive solutions and cutting-edge technology. To learn more, visit https://www.informativeresearch.com.

NEWS SOURCE: Informative Research

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Informative Research), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/informative-research-svp-of-marketing-craig-leabig-named-a-2026-housingwire-marketing-leader/

Floify’s Courtney Dodd named a 2026 HW Marketing Leader

Recognition highlights revenue-driven approach that generated 68% of total pipeline in 2025

BOULDER, Colo., June 2, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Floify, the mortgage industry’s leading point-of-sale (POS) solution, today announced that Courtney Dodd, head of marketing, has been named a 2026 HW Marketing Leader by HousingWire. The HW Marketing Leaders award recognizes the people behind the strategies, campaigns and brand decisions shaping housing finance. Dodd is one of 70 honorees named to the 2026 class.

Image caption: Courtney Dodd of Floify.

Dodd has fundamentally reshaped marketing’s role at Floify over the past 12 months, evolving it from a support function into a primary driver of revenue. By aligning marketing and business development representative teams under a unified strategy, she built a scalable pipeline engine that generated 68% of the company’s total pipeline in 2025, a milestone that reflects both strategic vision and disciplined execution.

She led go-to-market strategy for two major product launches: Dynamic AI, which transforms how lenders capture borrower data through intelligent automation, and Dynamic Apps 2.0, which expands workflow customization for mortgage professionals. Each launch was tightly connected to pipeline generation and revenue outcomes, with messaging, demand generation, outbound strategy and sales enablement fully aligned from the start.

Dodd’s ability to integrate cross-functional teams around measurable revenue impact has strengthened collaboration across sales, product and marketing and improved overall go-to-market efficiency. Her approach is grounded in data-driven decision-making, clear accountability and a consistent focus on execution that moves the business forward.

“Courtney has redefined what marketing means at Floify,” said Joshua Steffan, SVP and group general manager at Porch Group and interim president and general manager of Floify. “She built a function that doesn’t just support revenue, it drives it. The results speak for themselves, and the discipline and clarity she has brought to our go-to-market approach has made us a stronger, more competitive company. This recognition reflects the real and measurable impact she has had on our business.”

“The 2026 Marketing Leaders are raising the bar for what effective marketing looks like in housing,” said Sarah Wheeler, HousingWire’s editor-in-chief.

For a complete list of winners, visit the HousingWire website.

ABOUT FLOIFY:

Floify is a fully configurable point of sale (POS) platform that streamlines the loan process with a secure application, communication and document portal between lenders, borrowers, referral partners and other mortgage stakeholders. Its Dynamic AI feature reimagines the mortgage application process by moving document collection and AI-driven data extraction to the very beginning of the process, allowing borrowers to upload key documents and have applications prepopulated with verified information, accelerating pre-approvals and simplifying the borrower experience. Floify is a subsidiary of Porch Group, Inc. (“Porch Group”) (NASDAQ: PRCH). For more, visit https://floify.com/ or find us on social media at Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter / X.

X: @Floify #mortgage #fintech #housingfinance #HousingWire #HWAwards

NEWS SOURCE: Floify

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Floify), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/floifys-courtney-dodd-named-a-2026-hw-marketing-leader/

Melinda Harris of Down Payment Resource named a 2026 HW Marketing Leader

Recognition highlights nearly two decades of building the industry's authoritative voice on down payment programs

ATLANTA, Ga., June 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Down Payment Resource (DPR),the housing industry’s leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homeownership programs, today announced that Melinda Harris, vice president of marketing and communications, has been named a 2026 HW Marketing Leader by HousingWire. Each year, HousingWire’s HW Marketing Leaders program recognizes the executives shaping how housing finance companies communicate, compete and grow. Harris is among 70 honorees selected.

Image caption: Melinda Harris of Down Payment Resource.

Harris has spent nearly two decades helping shape how lenders, multiple listing services and housing professionals understand and use down payment programs. In that time, she built DPR’s marketing function from a one-person operation into a structured, scalable engine that today drives industry education, lead generation and platform adoption across a national network of lenders, MLSs and technology partners.

Over the past year, Harris led campaigns designed to correct persistent misconceptions around down payment assistance, including persona-based outreach and myth-busting initiatives that repositioned DPA as a viable strategy for a broader range of homebuyers, not just low-income or first-time buyers. Her data-driven campaigns, built around DPR’s proprietary Homeownership Program Index (HPI) and Declined Loan Analysis, have become a reliable source of market intelligence for journalists, policymakers and housing professionals alike.

Harris also implemented HubSpot to better align marketing and sales functions, improving lead visibility and conversion across the organization. Her work supporting events, partnerships and integrations with major industry platforms has helped DPR expand its reach and deepen its presence across the housing finance ecosystem.

Her contributions have coincided with a period of significant company growth. Down Payment Resource earned a spot on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list of the nation’s fastest-growing privately owned companies after achieving 130% revenue growth from 2021 to 2024, and has been named to the HousingWire Tech 100 for three consecutive years.

“Melinda has been instrumental in evolving how the industry thinks about down payment programs,” said Rob Chrane, chief executive officer of Down Payment Resource. “Her ability to translate complex data into clear, compelling narratives has helped us shift the conversation from niche to mainstream, and her commitment to accuracy and education reflects everything DPR stands for. This recognition is well deserved.”

“[The 2026 Marketing Leaders] are raising the bar for what effective marketing looks like in housing,” said Sarah Wheeler, editor-in-chief at HousingWire. “They are combining creativity, strategy and data-driven execution to build stronger brands and deeper customer connections.”

For a complete list of the 2026 winners, visit the HousingWire website.

ABOUT DOWN PAYMENT RESOURCE:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions. With a database that tracks more than 2,600 programs and toolsets for mortgage lenders, multiple listing services (MLSs) and API users, DPR helps housing professionals connect homebuyers with the assistance they need. DPR frequently lends its expertise to nonprofits, housing finance agencies, policymakers, government-sponsored enterprises and trade organizations seeking to improve housing affordability. Its technology is used by seven of the top 25 mortgage lenders, two of the largest real estate listing websites and 600,000 real estate agents. For more information, visit https://www.downpaymentresource.com/.

X: @DwnPmtResource #downpaymentassistance #downpayment #HousingWire #HWAwards

NEWS SOURCE: Down Payment Resource

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Down Payment Resource), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/melinda-harris-of-down-payment-resource-named-a-2026-hw-marketing-leader/

Holly Shipley, head of marketing at Class Valuation, makes the 2026 HW Marketing Leader list

Recognition highlights unified brand strategy, UAD 3.6 readiness campaign and cross-functional alignment during period of rapid growth

TROY, Mich., June 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Class Valuation, a leading real estate appraisal management company (AMC), announced today that Holly Shipley, head of marketing, has been named a 2026 HW Marketing Leader by HousingWire. The HW Marketing Leaders award recognizes the people behind the strategies, campaigns and brand decisions shaping housing finance. Shipley is one of 70 honorees named to the 2026 class.

Image caption: Holly Shipley of Class Valuation.

Shipley stepped into her role in early 2025 during a period of significant organizational change, including multiple acquisitions and internal team transitions, and quickly established structure, direction and strategic momentum for the marketing function. Over the past 12 months, she has rebuilt Class Valuation’s marketing capabilities with a focus on content, thought leadership and market engagement and unified messaging across acquired companies while honoring the regional expertise and specialty strengths each division brings.

One of her most consequential initiatives was leading Class Valuation’s UAD 3.6 readiness campaign, a multi-channel effort that included webinars, blog content, contributed articles and a centralized resource hub. The campaign positioned Class Valuation as a trusted guide for lenders navigating one of the most significant appraisal data transitions in years and delivered measurable results: more than 3,500 page views, hundreds of webinar views and a significant volume of client and prospect consultation requests. Shipley also spearheaded internal adoption campaigns for next-gen appraisal platform Class Marketplace, helping migrate 90% of clients to the platform, and pioneered a companywide AI initiative that aligned 13 cross-functional departments around a shared platform and dataset.

Externally, Shipley has elevated Class Valuation’s industry voice through integrated campaigns, strategic partnerships and contributed thought leadership that has expanded the company’s presence among lenders, appraisers and housing finance professionals.

“Holly came into a demanding situation and immediately demonstrated the kind of leadership that makes organizations stronger,” said Jonathan Willen, chief revenue officer of Class Valuation. “She brought clarity to our messaging, cohesion to our teams and real strategic impact to our marketing function at exactly the moment we needed it. The results she has driven in a short time are a reflection of her talent and her commitment to this company.”

“As market conditions, client expectations and business priorities continue to shift, this year’s honorees are helping their organizations adapt, innovate and grow,” said Clayton Collins, CEO of HousingWire. “We’re proud to recognize the marketers driving meaningful impact across housing.”

For a complete list of winners for 2026, visit the HousingWire website.

ABOUT CLASS VALUATION:

Class Valuation is a leading nationwide appraisal management company (AMC) renowned for its commitment to fast turn times, exceptional quality and unparalleled client service. The company leverages a powerful combination of skilled professionals, innovative products, optimized processes and advanced technology to empower lenders in fulfilling homeownership dreams. Consistently recognized by top mortgage lenders for its outstanding performance, Class Valuation has also earned accolades as a top workplace and received numerous industry awards. Founded in 2009, Class Valuation is headquartered in Troy, Michigan. For more information, please visit https://www.classvaluation.com.

X: @ClassValuation #appraisal #valuation #lending #HousingWire #HWAwards

NEWS SOURCE: Class Valuation

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Class Valuation), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/holly-shipley-head-of-marketing-at-class-valuation-makes-the-2026-hw-marketing-leader-list/

FirstClose VP of marketing David Bolin named 2026 HousingWire Marketing Leader

AUSTIN, Texas, June 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, announced today that David Bolin, vice president of marketing, has been named a 2026 HousingWire Marketing Leader, recognizing his strategic vision, measurable business impact and ability to translate complex lending technology into compelling market narratives.

Image caption: FirstClose VP of marketing David Bolin named 2026 HousingWire Marketing Leader.

Bolin was selected for his role in transforming FirstClose’s marketing function into a measurable growth engine, scaling the team from one to eight members and building the infrastructure needed to support demand generation, product marketing and brand at scale. Under his leadership, marketing now generates 65% of the company’s total pipeline, demonstrating a clear and sustained impact on company growth.

“Being recognized as a HousingWire Marketing Leader is a reflection of what our entire team has built together,” Bolin said. “Our focus has always been on translating the real value of FirstClose’s platform into stories and strategies that resonate with lenders. When marketing drives meaningful pipeline and helps grow the business, that’s when you know you’ve built something that works.”

Bolin joined FirstClose with 20 years of experience in fintech and mortgage technology, bringing a distinct ability to align brand, product positioning, public relations and communications under a single strategic vision. His tenure coincided with a period of heightened demand for home equity solutions, and he ensured the company was positioned to seize the opportunity, aligning marketing, product and sales to promote FirstClose’s advantages in speed, automation and borrower experience.

A key element of his leadership has been a focus on customer storytelling. Bolin led the development of a robust case study program that highlights measurable outcomes for lenders, including reductions in loan turnaround time of up to 65% and instances in which clients moved home equity from a secondary offering to their primary product. These narratives have helped differentiate FirstClose’s platform, which is used by more than 225 financial institutions and supports $129 billion in funded loans.

Bolin has also strengthened FirstClose’s positioning within the broader lending ecosystem, elevating messaging around strategic integrations and partnerships and reinforcing the company’s role in modern lending infrastructure.

“David has done an exceptional job building a marketing function that is deeply connected to our business strategy and the real-world challenges our customers face,” said Tedd Smith, chief executive officer of FirstClose. “This recognition is well deserved and reflects his ability to connect product innovation, market demand and customer success into a story that sets FirstClose apart.”

The HousingWire Marketing Leaders award recognizes marketing executives across the mortgage and real estate finance industries who have demonstrated excellence in strategy, campaign execution, brand building and measurable business impact. More information about the award and this year’s honorees is available at housingwire.com.

About FirstClose

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. provides fintech solutions to HELOC and mortgage lenders nationwide. The company’s mission is to increase profitability and reduce costs for mortgage lenders. FirstClose makes this possible through offering systems and relationships that enable lenders to assist their borrowers more effectively, reduce closing costs, and ultimately shorten closing times. For more information, visit firstclose.com.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (FirstClose), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstclose-vp-of-marketing-david-bolin-named-2026-housingwire-marketing-leader/

Dark Matter Technologies’ Wes Horbatuck named a 2026 HW Marketing Leader

Recognition highlights the go-to-market leadership behind three AI product launches and the company's third annual Horizon user conference

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, today announced that Wes Horbatuck, senior vice president of marketing, has been named a 2026 HW Marketing Leader by HousingWire. The award recognizes marketing executives across the housing finance industry who have demonstrated measurable impact, strategic leadership and excellence in execution over the past 12 months.

Image caption: Dark Matter Technologies’ Wes Horbatuck.

Horbatuck, who was also recognized as a HousingWire Marketing Leader in 2024, has served as the architect of Dark Matter’s external positioning at a pivotal moment in the company’s evolution. Over the past year, he led go-to-market strategy for three major AI-driven product launches, directed the company’s third annual Horizon user conference and led go-to-market execution for 15 new partner integrations through the Exchange℠ Service Network, including messaging alignment, asset development and partner coordination.

Horizon 2026, held in April in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, served as the launchpad for Ask Aiva®, a conversational AI embedded in the loan origination workflow; a Developer Platform expansion introducing model context protocol (MCP) connectivity, which enables lenders and partners to build integrations on top of the Empower® loan origination system through a published API layer; and the expansion of ElevateSM, the company’s loan servicing and recapture solution. Horbatuck built the event narrative, led keynote and closing content, directed the stage experience and coordinated across product, engineering and executive leadership to position Dark Matter as an AI-first mortgage technology company with tangible solutions for the market.

Beyond the conference, Horbatuck built Dark Matter’s LinkedIn presence from the ground up, generating more than 67,000 impressions and over 3,700 new organic followers in under 90 days with no paid media spend. He also created and hosts the Spotlight podcast, extending Dark Matter’s voice directly to industry practitioners.

“People are kind enough to give me credit for being an ideas guy, but the truth is that ideas are the easy part. The hard part is turning them into reality,” said Horbatuck. “I have the privilege of working with people who execute at an incredibly high level and aren’t afraid to tell me when an idea needs work. Lyndsey Hearn, our director of growth marketing, Brenna Paquette, our creative director, and Tina Kisner, our events manager, are three of those people. I couldn’t do this without them.”

For a complete list of the 70 winners for this year, visit the HousingWire website.

ABOUT DARK MATTER TECHNOLOGIES:

Operating with the nimble nature of a startup and the disciplined maturity of one of the industry’s leading providers, Dark Matter Technologies delivers powerful technology with unparalleled automation and relentless innovation to leading mortgage lenders, servicers and companies nationwide. For more information, visit https://www.dmatter.com.

X: @dmattertech #fintech #mortgage #HousingWire #HWAwards

NEWS SOURCE: Dark Matter Technologies

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Dark Matter Technologies), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/dark-matter-technologies-wes-horbatuck-named-a-2026-hw-marketing-leader/

Black Friday Expands Beyond Retail into Media, AI Commerce, Advertising, and Entertainment Opportunities

MIAMI, Fla., June 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Black Friday, one of the most recognized names in global commerce, is continuing its evolution beyond traditional retail into a broader media, AI commerce, entertainment, advertising, and licensing opportunity, Empire License, Inc. announced today.

Image caption: Black Friday…The Way to Go!

As media companies, streaming platforms, advertisers, and technology firms increasingly seek stronger consumer engagement ecosystems, Black Friday is uniquely positioned at the intersection of:

Commerce
Entertainment
AI-powered shopping
Advertising
Holiday programming
Consumer engagement
Licensing

What was once viewed primarily as a shopping event has evolved into a global annual consumer attention platform generating billions in retail activity and worldwide cultural recognition.

The continued expansion of AI commerce and interactive shopping technologies is creating new opportunities for brands capable of connecting consumers directly to purchasing behavior. Black Friday Select, an AI-powered shopping assistant concept, was developed to help bridge that connection by enhancing product discovery, shopping recommendations, and customer engagement within existing retail ecosystems.

In addition, the Black Friday Loyalty Rewards Card concept is designed to help companies maintain year-round consumer interaction leading into the holiday shopping season, while creating additional engagement opportunities for retailers, financial institutions, and advertising partners.

The Black Friday ecosystem also includes opportunities involving:

Animated holiday programming
Streaming content
Sponsorships
Branded entertainment
Plush toys and collectibles
Licensing partnerships
Interactive holiday campaigns
Media integrations

Industry observers continue to note the growing convergence between media, AI, advertising, and commerce, as companies seek scalable consumer platforms capable of generating recurring annual engagement and monetization opportunities.

“Black Friday has become much larger than a single shopping day,” said Emory Williams President and CEO of Empire License, Inc. “It now represents a globally recognized consumer engagement platform that naturally connects retail, AI commerce, entertainment, advertising, and media opportunities together.”

With Black Friday continuing to expand internationally and digitally, the brand’s long-term strategic potential across multiple industries is becoming increasingly apparent.

Very few consumer identities possess:

Worldwide recognition
Annual recurring relevance
Built-in consumer urgency
Commerce compatibility
Entertainment potential
Licensing scalability

Black Friday continues to demonstrate strength in all six areas.

As the worlds of media, commerce, artificial intelligence, and advertising continue to converge, Black Friday stands uniquely positioned as a consumer-facing platform capable of generating recurring engagement opportunities across multiple industries for years to come.

ABOUT EMPIRE LICENSE, INC.

Empire License, Inc. is the owner of the Black Friday Lifestyle portfolio, including Black Friday Select, the Black Friday Loyalty Rewards Card, Black Friday plush toys and cartoon character and related intellectual property developments focused on AI commerce, retail engagement, and consumer experiences.

CONTACT:
Emory Williams
Company President
Empire License, Inc.
Phone: 305-407-6010
Email: elwill1@yahoo.com

Web: https://www.bfcharacter.com/

https://www.bflrewards.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@mynameisblackfriday

MULTIMEDIA:

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Image caption: Black Friday…The Way to Go!

NEWS SOURCE: Empire License Inc.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/black-friday-expands-beyond-retail-into-media-ai-commerce-advertising-and-entertainment-opportunities/

Hillcrest and 3rd3rd Reframe Senior Living Marketing at LeadingAge California Conference

Marketing Leaders Share Strategies for Building Trust and Driving Demand

PALM DESERT, Calif., May 18, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — At the LeadingAge California conference for aging services leaders, Cynthia Thurlow, CEO and President of 3rd3rd Marketing, and Shirley Turner, Director of Sales and Marketing at Hillcrest, share real-world marketing insights, results and actionable strategies in two sessions: “No Re-Branding Required to Win Residents” on May 20 and “Inclusive Storytelling: Strengthening Trust in Aging” on May 22, 2026.

Image caption: At LeadingAge California, Cynthia Thurlow, CEO and President of 3rd3rd Marketing, and Shirley Turner, Director of Sales and Marketing at Hillcrest, discuss how senior living organizations can achieve measurable growth through targeted marketing and inclusive storytelling.

Both recognized senior living marketing experts, Thurlow and Turner, discuss their approach and results in tackling the challenges senior living organizations face, including:

Navigating unintentional pervasive ageism
Positioning your product to appeal to Generation Jones, the younger end of the baby boomer generation
Leveraging resident-centered storytelling and strategic PR

“Today’s older adults are aging in different ways, focused on healthspan, independence and meaningful living, not simply longevity. They want a positive aging experience, on their own terms,” says Thurlow. “Senior living communities should communicate the joy of living and aging. Our presentation explores how Hillcrest exceeded its goals without changing its offerings, simply by formalizing its marketing strategy through updated positioning and messaging.”

Hillcrest’s experience offers a roadmap for communities to tailor this approach to their circumstances. With fresh messaging, targeted events and updated sales strategies, it achieved record-breaking sales in 2025.

“Working with 3rd3rd, we were able to debunk the myth that you need a full rebrand to boost census and sales,” says Turner. “We empowered our sales and marketing teams to try new approaches and unlock momentum.”

Thurlow and Turner help senior living communities break the marketing status quo by reshaping perceptions, building trust and driving demand.

“If your community is not proactively telling its story, someone else, often the media, will tell it for you,” says Thurlow. “Your organization risks being mentioned negatively in other stories if it doesn’t have a clearly communicated identity or mission.”

“Hillcrest embraced a culture-first public relations strategy that generated headlines, built awareness and impacted revenue. By incorporating PR into its marketing plan, Hillcrest established itself as a community rooted in purpose, inclusion and positive resident stories,” says Turner.

About 3rd3rd Marketing

3rd3rd Marketing is the “Un-Senior Living Agency,” partnering with senior living communities and mission-driven aging services organizations globally. By dismantling stereotypes and replacing them with aspirational narratives, 3rd3rd helps organizations build authentic connections, increase engagement and achieve lasting impact. For more information, visit: https://3rd3rd.com/.

About Hillcrest

Hillcrest is an upscale 501(c)(3) nonprofit continuing care retirement community (CCRC) centrally located in the San Gabriel Valley, less than 30 minutes from Los Angeles, Anaheim, Pasadena, and San Bernardino and at the gateway to the Inland Empire. Located in a quiet residential neighborhood just off Foothill Boulevard in La Verne, California, Hillcrest offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing with an emphasis on wellness and health. For more information, visit https://livingathillcrest.org/

MULTIMEDIA:

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Shonne Fegan-Ehrhardt
3rd3rd Marketing
shonne@3rd3rd.com
847-962-9879

NEWS SOURCE: 3rd3rd Marketing

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (3rd3rd Marketing), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/hillcrest-and-3rd3rd-reframe-senior-living-marketing-at-leadingage-california-conference/

Fahe Launches National Digital Campaign to Attract Donors and Investors to Housing Can’t Wait

Campaign targets philanthropic advisors, wealth advisors, funders, and impact investors with a clear case for housing investment across Appalachia

BEREA, Ky., May 15, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Fahe, a regional nonprofit network and Community Development Financial Institution dedicated to building thriving communities across Appalachia, today announced the launch of a digital advertising campaign introducing Housing Can’t Wait® to donors, investors, philanthropic advisors, donor-advised fund professionals, and private wealth advisors seeking measurable, place-based impact.

Image caption: Fahe unites people, organizations, and resources to build homes, strengthen communities, and create a thriving Appalachia.

Running in May and June, the campaign is designed to increase awareness of Fahe’s role as a trusted Appalachian housing network and financial intermediary capable of moving capital into community-led housing solutions.

Across Appalachia, housing shortages are constraining workforce stability, family wellbeing, and long-term economic growth. Communities are ready to build and rehabilitate more homes, but many need aligned capital, flexible funding, and trusted local implementation partners to move solutions forward.

Housing Can’t Wait connects urgent housing needs with investment-ready strategies to accelerate production and strengthen communities across Appalachia.

“Housing is economic infrastructure,” said Jim King, CEO of Fahe. “For donors and investors looking for durable impact, Appalachia offers a powerful opportunity. Fahe and our Member network have the local relationships, financial tools, and execution capacity to help turn philanthropic and investment capital into measurable housing and community outcomes.”

The national campaign will focus on two priority audiences. The first includes current and prospective funders already aligned with housing, community development, rural resilience, poverty reduction, workforce stability, and economic opportunity. The second includes philanthropic advisors, private wealth advisors, donor-advised fund teams, family office advisors, and impact investing professionals who help high-net-worth households determine where charitable and mission-aligned capital can do meaningful work.

The campaign’s message is direct: Appalachia has housing solutions ready to scale, and Fahe has the network, CDFI capacity, and local Member reach to help deploy capital where it can make a lasting difference.

Digital placements will drive audiences to the Housing Can’t Wait Funder/Investor Resource Center, where donors, funders, and investors can learn more about the housing challenge, Fahe’s regional strategy, and opportunities to support community-led solutions.

The campaign builds on Fahe’s broader Housing Can’t Wait initiative, a regional performance challenge to build or preserve 60,000 homes and impact one million people across Appalachia by 2030.

“Housing Can’t Wait helps donors and investors understand why housing is economic infrastructure in Appalachia,” said Fahe President Sara Morgan. “It connects the case for investment with real examples of community-led solutions, a regional network ready to move capital into implementation, and Fahe’s CDFI and intermediary capacity. For partners looking for measurable rural impact, this is a practical pathway to engage.”

With this national campaign, Fahe is expanding visibility for Housing Can’t Wait among philanthropic and investment audiences positioned to help close rural housing gaps and strengthen Appalachian communities.

ABOUT FAHE:

Fahe unites people, organizations, and resources to build homes, strengthen communities, and create a thriving Appalachia. Since 1980, Fahe and its Members have invested nearly $5 billion, improving life for more than one million people through housing and community development. Fahe is leading a regional performance challenge with our 50+ Member organizations to double housing production across Appalachia by 2030.

Learn more at https://fahe.org/ and https://www.housingcantwait.org/.

LOGO links for media:

[1] https://www.send2press.com/300dpi/26-0219-s2p-fahe-logo-300dpi.webp

[2] https://www.housingcantwait.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cropped-Untitled-design-33.png

NEWS SOURCE: Fahe

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Fahe), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/fahe-launches-national-digital-campaign-to-attract-donors-and-investors-to-housing-cant-wait/

Art Unlimited Rebrands as A-Squared Marketing, Signaling Bold New Era in Digital and AI-Driven Strategy

COOK, Minn., May 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Art Unlimited, a full-service marketing agency, today announced it is officially rebranding as A-Squared Marketing, effective immediately. The new name reflects a sharpened strategic focus and an expanded suite of services — including cutting-edge AI-enabled search optimization — while honoring the agency’s long-standing commitment to results-driven marketing.

Image caption: Art Unlimited Rebrands as A-Squared Marketing.

“This rebrand is more than a new name. It’s a declaration of who we are today and where we’re headed,” said Anna Anderson, Owner of A-Squared Marketing. “Every word in our new name carries meaning. ‘A-Squared’ stands for Authentic and Accelerator — the two principles that drive everything we do for our clients.”

A NAME WITH PURPOSE: AUTHENTIC + ACCELERATOR

The “A-Squared” identity is anchored in two pillars that define the agency’s culture and client approach.

Authentic: A-Squared Marketing builds genuine relationships grounded in transparency and trust. From strategy to execution, the team delivers honest solutions that create meaningful, lasting impact for every client.

Accelerator: As a marketing accelerator, the agency drives progress through agility, innovation, and smart execution. The team works smarter, listens with fresh ears, embraces new tools and technologies, and rigorously tests and validates every strategy to produce proven, scalable results.

EXPANDED FEATURES

As part of the rebrand, A-Squared Marketing is introducing two new features to its clients that reflect the evolving demands of today’s digital landscape:

AEO & GEO Optimization for AI-Enabled Search: As artificial intelligence reshapes how consumers find information, A-Squared Marketing now offers specialized optimization for Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) — ensuring clients are visible and authoritative wherever AI-powered search is shaping buying decisions.
Dashboard Reporting & Strategy: Clients will now have access to customized performance dashboards that deliver real-time visibility into campaign results, enabling faster, more data-informed strategic decisions.

These offerings complement the agency’s full portfolio of marketing solutions, which includes:

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Paid Advertising
Content Marketing & Blogging
Website Services
Persona Blueprints

“The marketing landscape is changing faster than ever, and our clients deserve an agency that doesn’t just keep up, but leads the way,” added Anderson. “Adding AI-driven search optimization and strategic dashboard reporting reflects our commitment to delivering tools and insights that genuinely move the needle.”

CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS AND OPERATIONS CONTINUE SEAMLESSLY

All existing client engagements, contracts, and points of contact remain in place. The rebrand represents an evolution of the agency’s identity and capabilities, not a disruption. To discover how the new A-Squared Marketing can support your business goals, visit https://www.a2marketing.com/ or contact us today for more information.

About A-Squared Marketing

A-Squared Marketing (formerly Art Unlimited) is a marketing agency dedicated to helping businesses grow through authentic strategy and accelerated execution. With expertise spanning SEO/AEO/GEO, paid advertising, content marketing, and data-driven reporting, the agency partners with clients to deliver measurable, meaningful results. Learn more at a2marketing.com.

MULTIMEDIA:

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Image caption: Art Unlimited Rebrands as A-Squared Marketing

NEWS SOURCE: A-Squared Marketing

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (A-Squared Marketing), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/art-unlimited-rebrands-as-a-squared-marketing-signaling-bold-new-era-in-digital-and-ai-driven-strategy/

ACES Quality Management Vice President of Marketing Romina Cusenza named 2026 Progress in Lending Trailblazers in Sales, Marketing and PR award winner

DENVER, Colo., May 6, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — ACES Quality Management® (ACES), a leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry, announced today that Romina Cusenza, vice president of marketing, has been named a 2026 Trailblazers in Sales, Marketing and PR award winner by Progress in Lending. The award recognizes mortgage industry professionals who have made a meaningful positive impact on their company and the broader industry through sales, marketing and public relations initiatives.

Image caption: Romina Cusenza of ACES Quality Management.

“Romina’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping how the market understands and engages with ACES,” said Trevor Gauthier, CEO of ACES Quality Management. “Her ability to translate complex technology into clear, compelling business outcomes has strengthened our brand, expanded our reach and reinforced ACES’ position as a trusted partner to lenders navigating a challenging environment. This recognition is a testament to the real impact her work has had on our company and on the industry.”

As vice president of marketing, Cusenza led ACES’ go-to-market and communications strategy through one of the most challenging mortgage environments in recent history, driving a 45% increase in website visits and a 38% increase in direct traffic year over year. Key initiatives included the launch of ACES Intelligence®, the mortgage industry’s first AI-powered quality control engine, and ACES ENGAGE 2025, the company’s annual conference, where she introduced the “I Stand for Quality” movement.

“I believe the most powerful thing a marketing team can do is create content that genuinely helps people do their jobs better,” said Cusenza. “That’s been our north star at ACES, producing thought leadership that cuts through the noise, connects complex compliance concepts to real lender challenges, and contributes something meaningful to the industry conversation. This recognition reflects the hard work of an exceptional team, and it pushes us to keep raising that standard.”

The Progress in Lending Trailblazers in Sales, Marketing and PR award honors mortgage industry professionals who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in driving company growth and advancing the industry through innovative sales, marketing and public relations efforts. A full list of the 2026 Trailblazers award winners can be found at mymortgagemindset.com/the-2026-trailblazers-award-winners-are/.

About ACES Quality Management

ACES Quality Management is the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry. The nation’s most prominent lenders, servicers and financial institutions rely on ACES Quality Management & Control® Software to improve audit throughput and quality while controlling costs, including:

Over 70% of the top 20 independent mortgage lenders;

7 of the top 10 loan servicers;
14 of the top 30 banks; and
7 of the top 15 credit unions in the United States.

ACES also supports multiple state housing authorities and mortgage insurers, a government-sponsored enterprise (GSE), along with dozens of third-party QC and compliance service providers that collectively serve hundreds of financial institutions.

Unlike other quality control platforms, ACES Flexible Audit Technology® enables independent mortgage lenders and financial institutions to easily manage and customize the system to their specific needs without relying on IT or outside resources. With ACES’ AI-powered capabilities, audit teams can translate complexity into clear insights and accelerate performance.

Using a customer-centric approach, ACES clients get responsive support and access to our experts to maximize their investment. For more information, visit acesquality.com or call 1-800-858-1598.

NEWS SOURCE: ACES Quality Management

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (ACES Quality Management), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/aces-quality-management-vice-president-of-marketing-romina-cusenza-named-2026-progress-in-lending-trailblazers-in-sales-marketing-and-pr-award-winner/

Black Friday Positioned at Center of AI Commerce Race, Signals Openness to Strategic Acquisition

MIAMI, Fla., May 5, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — As global technology and retail leaders accelerate investment in artificial intelligence-driven commerce, Black Friday Lifestyle, a unified consumer platform owned by Empire License, Inc., is emerging as a key player in the evolving race to shape how consumers shop and spend.

Image caption: Black Friday early shopping! (Empire License, Inc.)

Companies such as Amazon, Walmart, Google, and Microsoft are investing heavily in AI-powered shopping tools. However, a critical element remains unclaimed: a globally recognized consumer signal that consistently drives urgency, intent, and spending.

BLACK FRIDAY REPRESENTS THAT SIGNAL.

“Companies are building AI commerce platforms, but technology alone does not create demand,” said Williams, President & CEO of Empire License, Inc. “Black Friday is already embedded in consumer behavior worldwide-it’s where intent turns into action.”

A SCALABLE CONSUMER PLATFORM The Black Friday Lifestyle platform includes:

Black Friday Select – an AI-powered shopping assistant designed to guide purchasing decisions, compare products, and increase transaction flow
Black Friday Loyalty Rewards Card – a year-round financial engagement platform designed to drive continuous spending activity culminating in peak seasonal usage
Black Friday Media & Consumer Platform – a growing entertainment and branding ecosystem designed to expand awareness, engagement, and long-term cultural relevance

Together, these components form a scalable ecosystem positioned at the intersection of AI, commerce, and financial transactions.

STRATEGIC POSITION IN THE AI COMMERCE RACE

Openness to Strategic Acquisition and Partnership

Empire License, Inc. confirmed that it is currently evaluating strategic opportunities, including:

Acquisition
Licensing
Partnerships with global leaders in finance, retail, and technology
The company believes integrating the Black Friday platform into a larger ecosystem could unlock significant value by combining consumer behavior, transaction infrastructure, and AI-driven engagement.

A MARKET OPPORTUNITY STILL UNCLAIMED

Despite generating tens of billions in annual consumer spending, no single company currently owns how Black Friday actively is monetized across financial systems, AI platforms, and global commerce.

“This is bigger than a shopping day,” Williams added. “It’s about building the infrastructure behind how the world shops.”

ABOUT BLACK FRIDAY LIFESTYLE

Black Friday is a multi-platform consumer ecosystem owned by Empire License, Inc., combining AI-powered shopping technology, financial engagement tools, and media driven brand expansion.

MEDIA CONTACT
Empire License, Inc.
Attn: Emory Williams, President & CEO
Email: elwill1@yahoo.com
Phone: 657-470-1106
https://www.bflrewards.com/
https://www.bfcharacter.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@mynameisblackfriday

MULTIMEDIA

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Image caption: Black Friday early shopping!

NEWS SOURCE: Empire License Inc.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/black-friday-positioned-at-center-of-ai-commerce-race-signals-openness-to-strategic-acquisition/

US Farm Vision, Innovative Grain, and Gate 39 Launch Data-Driven Framework for Grain Industry Growth

US Farm Vision's new model helps grain elevators and cooperatives quantify market opportunity without exposing sensitive data

OMAHA, Neb., April 29, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — US Farm Vision has introduced a data collaboration framework that addresses a critical challenge in the grain industry: identifying untapped market potential while maintaining strict data privacy. Developed in partnership with Innovative Grain and Gate 39, the model enables grain elevators, cooperatives, and processors to combine multiple data sources and analytical capabilities without requiring them to expose farmer relationships or operational data.

Image caption: Chris Sidles, US Farm Data.

The framework recognizes what grain companies already know: significant market opportunity exists within their draw areas. The gap isn’t identifying the opportunity. It’s quantifying it safely.

“Grain companies understand their markets, but they lack a clear, secure way to measure what they’re missing,” said Chris Sidles, US Farm Vision. “This framework closes that gap and gives them the confidence to act on what they discover.”

The approach enables organizations to:

Quantify true market potential within defined geographies
Identify the gap between current business and available opportunity
Refine marketing, origination, and service strategies with greater precision
Retain full control over proprietary and customer data

The collaboration reflects a broader industry shift toward integrated decision-making, where specialized partners work together to generate insights that isolated efforts cannot deliver. US Farm Vision provides enterprise-scale data processing and modeling; Innovative Grain brings advanced analytics and grain market expertise; Gate 39 contributes agricultural marketing and sales strategy via CRM and their Anthem Ag website solution. Combined, they offer grain companies a coordinated pathway from fragmented data to unified, actionable strategy.

The framework is available now. To learn more, visit: https://usfarmvision.com/data-driven-collaboration/

About US Farm Vision

US Farm Vision provides data solutions built exclusively for agriculture, specializing in custom data processing, enrichment, and modeling that help organizations understand and reach the agricultural market more effectively. More at: www.usfarmvision.com

About Innovative Grain

Innovative Grain delivers advanced analytics and data-driven insights for the grain industry, helping organizations improve decision-making, optimize operations, and uncover growth opportunities. More at: www.innovativegrain.ai

About Gate 39

Gate 39 is a financial marketing and technology consulting firm providing specialized solutions for the ag industry across marketing, sales and data including its Anthem Ag website solution and as a HubSpot Platinum Partner Agency. More at: www.gate39media.com.

US Farm Vision is a division of US Farm Data.

MEDIA CONTACT
US Farm Vision
Phone: 402-315-0527
Email: chris.sidles@usfarmdata.com
Website: https://usfarmvision.com

MULTIMEDIA

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Photo caption: Chris Sidles, US Farm Data.

LOGO: https://usfarmvision.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/fvlogohead-scaled.png

NEWS SOURCE: US Farm Data

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (US Farm Data), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/us-farm-vision-innovative-grain-and-gate-39-launch-data-driven-framework-for-grain-industry-growth/

Pot on Fire Introduces Taiwanese Personal Hot Pot Concept in Chinatown Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS, Nev., April 28, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — According to Chinatown Vegas (ChinatownVegas.com), along the rapidly evolving Spring Mountain corridor, a new dining concept is drawing attention for bringing a less common format to one of the most competitive food categories in “Chinatown Las Vegas,” called Pot on Fire.

Image caption: Menu selection from Pot on Fire, Las Vegas.

Located in the heart of the district, Pot on Fire is centered around Taiwanese-style personal hot pot — a dining approach where each guest receives their own individually prepared pot, rather than sharing a communal one.

While hot pot restaurants are widespread throughout Chinatown in Las Vegas, most operate on shared or all-you-can-eat formats. The single-pot style, widely popular in Taiwan, remains relatively underrepresented in the local market.

That distinction is helping Pot on Fire stand out as interest continues to grow around more personalized dining experiences.

Situated along Spring Mountain Road — a three-mile stretch known for its dense concentration of restaurants and diverse Asian cuisines — the concept reflects a broader shift within the corridor, where more regionally specific formats are gaining traction.

The menu highlights traditional Taiwanese flavors, with broths such as spicy beef, sesame oil chicken, and preserved egg, paired with premium USDA meats and ingredients less commonly found in other hot pot offerings in the area.

According to ChinatownVegas.com, which has tracked the growth of the corridor, the emergence of concepts like Pot on Fire points to a continued evolution in both variety and specialization.

“Chinatown Las Vegas has become one of the most dynamic dining corridors in the country,” said Mia Nakamura, ChinatownVegas.com. “What we’re seeing now is a deeper level of specificity — concepts that are not just serving a cuisine, but representing a particular style or tradition within it.”

As the district continues to expand, that level of distinction is becoming an increasingly important factor for restaurants looking to differentiate themselves in a crowded field.

More information and menu details are available at Pot on Fire Menu

Pot on Fire Las Vegas – 4355 Spring Mountain Rd #106, Las Vegas, NV 89102 Tel: (702) 997-9628

About ChinatownVegas.com

Chinatown Vegas (https://chinatownvegas.com/) is a digital media platform covering the Spring Mountain corridor, widely recognized as Las Vegas’ Chinatown. The site provides ongoing coverage of new openings, business developments, and cultural activity across one of the most diverse dining districts in the United States.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Joe Muscaglione
VegasAmplify.com
702-885-1679
Chinatown Vegas Email: info@chinatownvegas.com

MULTMIEDIA:

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Photo caption: Menu selection from Pot on Fire, Las Vegas.

This release was distributed in partnership with Chinatown Amplify, a marketing and PR agency focused on Chinatown Las Vegas businesses.

NEWS SOURCE: Chinatown Vegas

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Chinatown Vegas), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/pot-on-fire-introduces-taiwanese-personal-hot-pot-concept-in-chinatown-las-vegas/

3rd3rd Marketing President Cynthia Thurlow to Challenge Status Quo at LeadingAge Leadership Summit

The session explores a modern marketing playbook for senior living executives

SEATTLE, Wash., April 20, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Cynthia Thurlow, CEO and President of 3rd3rd Marketing, will join an influential panel of national marketing leaders at the LeadingAge National Leadership Summit to present “Rebuilding Your Marketing Engine with a Modern Mindset.” The session will take place on Tuesday, April 21, from 1:45 to 3:00 p.m. The summit brings together aging services providers, policy experts, and advocates to discuss technology, workforce, and housing.

Image caption: 3rd3rd Marketing.

Thurlow will be joined by Timi Mafua, Senior Manager of Studio Management at T-Mobile, and another general agency panelist, bringing together perspectives from global consumer brands and leading advertising agencies that benefit operators of senior living communities and aging services.

The session will take a candid look at why many nonprofit senior living organizations struggle to innovate—not due to lack of vision, but because leadership teams and boards are often navigating immediate operational priorities, leaving limited capacity to advance modern marketing and brand strategy. It will also examine the hidden “census killers” holding organizations back, including overreliance on generic advertising, internal micromanagement, fragmented decision-making across stakeholders, building before brand strategy, and misaligned staffing investments in an increasingly complex, modern market.

Speakers will challenge the long-standing assumption that adults 60+ represent a single, homogenous audience and offer a new path forward.

Attendees will gain a practical, modern playbook for:

Restructuring marketing functions for agility and growth
Designing products and experiences aligned with evolving consumer expectations
Building brand platforms that generate demand and unlock innovation
Exploring effective nonprofit senior living marketing strategies, which challenge the assumptions that perpetuate ageism as more adults enter the “third third” of their lives

“I am hearing, and I am seeing more often that when it comes to independent living, people are ‘waiting too long’ to move in. It’s the ‘NOT YET’ mentality. While senior living is doing important work, what it needs to realize is it’s now a mature category that hasn’t consistently innovated to meet its market,” said Thurlow. “Younger Baby Boomers, in particular, don’t see themselves in what’s being offered, or how it’s being marketed. That disconnect is what’s driving hesitation, and it represents a major opportunity for reinvention. When it comes to selling ‘care’ this dynamic is exacerbated.”

Through its work with senior living organizations nationwide, 3rd3rd Marketing helps clients move beyond thinking of age as a demographic to focus on psychodemographics, including values, interests, and aspirations that more accurately reflect today’s consumer. This approach enables communities to build more meaningful connections and drive sustainable growth.

The session will also explore how leading brands outside of senior living approach marketing systems and what lessons can be applied immediately within the sector.

“In studying the senior living space, I was struck by how even a built-in customer base doesn’t guarantee growth,” Mafua said. “It’s a reminder that what got you here won’t get you there. Real differentiation takes bold thinking, the courage to change and a partner with the experience to guide you. It’s not a built-in skill for most organizations.”

The LeadingAge National Leadership Summit convenes top executives and decision-makers from across the senior living and aging services fields to explore strategies that shape the industry’s future.

About 3rd3rd Marketing

3rd3rd Marketing is the “Un-Senior Living Agency,” partnering with senior living communities and mission-driven aging services organizations in both B2C and B2B categories globally. By dismantling unintentional ageism and stereotypes, and replacing them with aspirational narratives, 3rd3rd helps organizations build authentic connections, increase engagement, and achieve lasting impact. For more information, visit: https://3rd3rd.com/.

LOGO link for media: https://www.send2press.com/300dpi/26-0312-s2p-3rd3rd-300dpi.webp

Summit Info: https://leadershipsummit.leadingage.org/speakers-2/page/5/

NEWS SOURCE: 3rd3rd Marketing

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/3rd3rd-marketing-president-cynthia-thurlow-to-challenge-status-quo-at-leadingage-leadership-summit/

New Industry Research Reveals Direct Mail’s Influence As Digital Performance Volatility Continues

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., March 26, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — As marketers navigate fluctuating digital costs and crowded online environments, new industry research shows direct mail standing out for its consistency, engagement, and ability to drive measurable action. Commissioned by Franklin Madison Direct and conducted by research firm Circlebox, the 2026 Direct Mail Marketing Benchmark Report analyzes national survey data from U.S. marketers and consumers to assess direct mail performance and its role within today’s omnichannel strategies.

Image caption: Franklin Madison Direct.

The findings highlight a channel evolving beyond performance validation, with marketers focusing less on volume and more on targeted execution, personalization, and coordinated digital experiences. Key findings from the 2026 report include:

Direct mail performance remains strong: 98% of marketers say their direct mail performance improved or held steady over the past 12 months, with more than half reporting gains.
Consumer engagement is sustained: 79% of consumers engage with the mail they receive.
Targeting remains a challenge: Marketers cite data access and targeting precision as their most persistent pain points.
Mail drives real action: About one in five consumers report making a purchase in the past year as a result of receiving relevant direct mail.
Confidence is growing: 95% of marketers plan to maintain or increase their direct mail investment over the next 12 months, an increase from last year, making it one of the few channels with clear budget momentum.

The 2026 Direct Mail Marketing Benchmark Report is available for download at https://franklinmadisondirect.com/e-books/direct-mail-report/

About Franklin Madison Direct

Franklin Madison Direct is a leading direct response advertising agency, providing performance-driven marketing solutions to help consumer and insurance brands reach their best audience and achieve exceptional growth. Franklin Madison Direct is ranked as a top marketing agency in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. https://franklinmadisondirect.com/

For any business and/or media inquiries, please contact Brittany Barth at brittany.barth@franklin-madison.com.

Logo link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0424-s2p-fmdirect-300dpi.jpg

NEWS SOURCE: Franklin Madison Direct

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Franklin Madison Direct), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/new-industry-research-reveals-direct-mails-influence-as-digital-performance-volatility-continues/

By Light Appoints Diane Hockenberry as its Chief Marketing Officer

MCLEAN, Va., March 23, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — By Light Professional IT Services LLC (By Light), a leading provider of advanced technology solutions delivering cyber and warfighter training platforms for Defense and National Security missions, today announced the appointment of Diane Hockenberry as Chief Marketing Officer.

Photo caption: By Light CMO Diane Hockenberry.

In this executive leadership role, Hockenberry will oversee enterprise marketing, brand strategy, and product commercialization across By Light’s Cyber and Modeling, Simulation & Training divisions. Her focus will include advancing the company’s market position as a provider of mission-ready technologies that integrate cutting-edge commercial innovation with deep operational expertise.

Hockenberry brings more than 25 years of experience leading marketing, communications, branding, and strategic initiatives across technology, aerospace, and defense organizations. Most recently, she served as Senior Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing at Trident (formerly LightRidge Solutions), a private equity-backed defense technology portfolio. Her prior leadership roles include directing corporate communications at Iridium Communications and leading marketing and engagement at WAMU 88.5, Washington, DC’s NPR affiliate.

“By Light is accelerating growth through innovation—delivering next-generation cyber mission environments and AI-enabled training systems that redefine mission readiness,” said Bob Donahue, CEO of By Light. “Diane’s leadership and experience bridging commercial innovation with mission-driven solutions will help ensure our capabilities are represented with the same precision and impact with which they’re built.”

Hockenberry joins By Light at a pivotal time as the company expands its product portfolio and deepens its focus on delivering integrated, technology-forward solutions across defense and federal markets. Backed by Sagewind Capital, By Light is leveraging its long-standing mission partnership with the Department of Defense to accelerate innovation in cyber readiness, synthetic and live training, and advanced modeling environments.

“By Light is leading the way in advancing innovation across cybersecurity and Modeling, Simulation & Training,” said Hockenberry. “Our technologies are transforming how warfighters prepare, train, and operate—driving greater realism, resilience, and readiness across modern defense missions. I’m honored to join a team whose expertise and ingenuity are shaping the future of national security.”

About By Light Professional IT Services

By Light Professional IT Services LLC, headquartered in McLean, Virginia, is a leading provider of advanced technology solutions delivering cyber and warfighter training platforms for Defense and National Security missions. The company operates two divisions—Cyber and Modeling, Simulation & Training—providing advanced cyber mission environments, synthetic training systems, and AI-enabled live training that prepare forces for modern conflict. By combining mission expertise with cutting-edge commercial technologies, By Light enables defense organizations to predict, prepare, and prevail with greater speed, realism, and operational advantage.

For the latest information on By Light’s portfolio of products, solutions, and commercial capabilities, visit https://bylight.com/.

MULTIMEDIA:

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Photo caption: By Light CMO Diane Hockenberry.

NEWS SOURCE: By Light Professional IT Services

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (By Light Professional IT Services), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/by-light-appoints-diane-hockenberry-as-its-chief-marketing-officer/

Street Media Group Announces Strategic Partnership with Victor Outdoor

Partnership Expands Digital and Static Billboard Coverage Across Nebraska

FREMONT, Neb., March 16, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Street Media Group is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with Victor Outdoor, significantly expanding its out-of-home footprint across central and eastern Nebraska, including the Omaha DMA.

Image caption: Street Media Group forms partnership with Victor Outdoor to offer high advertising exposure across Nebraska.

Victor Outdoor’s growing portfolio includes 27 digital billboards and over 60 static faces strategically positioned throughout key Nebraska markets such as Kearney, Grand Island, and the greater Omaha region. This collaboration brings together two forward-thinking outdoor media companies to deliver enhanced scale, premium inventory access, and simplified buying opportunities for brands and agencies.

Through this partnership, Street Media Group will align with Victor Outdoor’s high-visibility assets across major commuter corridors, retail hubs, and regional highways offering advertisers expanded access to both dynamic digital messaging and impactful long-term static placements.

“Victor Outdoor has built an impressive and rapidly growing network across Nebraska,” said Troy Hammond, Chief Operating Officer with Street Media Group. “Their strong presence in the Omaha DMA and surrounding central markets perfectly complements our strategic growth initiatives. Together, we’re creating new opportunities for advertisers to reach audiences across urban and regional communities with greater efficiency and impact.”

The addition of 27 digital units strengthens Street Media Group’s ability to provide flexible, time-sensitive messaging with high-frequency exposure, while the 60+ static faces offer sustained brand presence in key regional corridors. The combined inventory enhances regional dominance and allows advertisers to execute multi-market campaigns with seamless coordination.

This partnership reflects Street Media Group’s continued commitment to expanding premium digital inventory while building strong alliances with respected regional operators.

ABOUT STREET MEDIA GROUP

Street Media Group is an established leader in the out-of-home advertising industry, known for its strategically located inventory and commitment to impeccable service. The company specializes in providing top-of-mind awareness solutions through premium billboard locations and innovative digital advertising options.

Learn more about the company at: https://streetmediagroup.com/.

Learn more about this new line of inventory: https://streetmediagroup.com/street-media-group-victor-outdoor-partnership/

For more information about advertising opportunities, please contact sales@streetmediagroup.com.

ABOUT VICTOR OUTDOOR

Victor Outdoor is an out-of-home advertising company serving central and eastern Nebraska with a growing portfolio of digital and static billboards. With coverage spanning Kearney, Grand Island, and the Omaha DMA, Victor Outdoor provides high-visibility advertising solutions across key Nebraska markets.

LOGO link for media: https://streetmediagroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SMG-Victor-1.webp

NEWS SOURCE: Street Media Group

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Street Media Group), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/street-media-group-announces-strategic-partnership-with-victor-outdoor/

GSJJ Releases Spring Gift Trends: Targeting Easter, Graduation, and Brand Refresh

WALNUT, Calif., March 12, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — As spring marketing campaigns begin to accelerate, GSJJ, a global supplier of custom promotional products, has published its 2026 Spring Gift Trends report. The report outlines three major seasonal marketing scenarios—Easter & Outdoor Season, Graduation & End of Semester, and “Spring Refresh” & Brand Reinvention—offering businesses practical ideas on everything from product choices to campaign planning.

Image caption: GSJJ Releases Spring Gift Trends: Targeting Easter, Graduation, and Brand Refresh.

HOW CAN BRANDS CONNECT WITH CUSTOMERS DURING EASTER AND OUTDOOR SEASON?

Spring marks both the arrival of Easter celebrations and the start of peak outdoor activity. GSJJ’s internal data shows that inquiries for holiday-themed and outdoor custom gifts rise noticeably every year from March through April.

During a season associated with renewal and social gatherings, brands often look for ways to build more meaningful connections with consumers. GSJJ suggests selecting gifts that combine holiday character with everyday usability.

For instance, Custom Pins can serve as memorable souvenirs during Easter egg hunts, while Custom Patches can be attached to backpacks or jackets, bringing brand exposure into parks, hiking trails, and even social media photos.

“Easter gifting is really about shared happiness,” said Karen, Marketing Director at GSJJ. “With our AI-assisted design system, brands can generate themed design drafts in just minutes. Easter elements and brand logos can be combined quickly, making the gift feel like a natural part of the celebration.”

Among outdoor-focused products, Custom Keychains and Custom Golf Ball Markers remain especially popular for corporate golf outings and team-building activities. Despite their small size, these items allow brands to showcase visual elements through 3D embossing and laser engraving, accompanying users during various spring activities.

Market data support the growth of this category. Research from Research and Markets estimates that the global personalized gifts market will increase from $30.79 billion in 2025 to $33.49 billion in 2026, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 8.7%. Within that market, seasonal and commemorative gifts are expanding particularly quickly.

HOW CAN COMMEMORATIVES CAPTURE GRADUATION’S MEMORABLE MOMENTS?

The months of May and June traditionally bring the busiest period for graduation and end-of-semester gifts. From proms and commencement ceremonies to student leadership transitions and teacher appreciation events, the season centers on recognition and remembrance.

GSJJ has noticed growing demand for metal collectible items, especially custom Challenge Coins and Medals, in graduation-related celebrations. Schools may award medals to top-performing students, while student organizations and alumni groups often design commemorative Challenge Coin designs or Enamel Pins featuring graduation years.

These items allow graduates to keep a small but lasting reminder of their time on campus.

“Graduation gifts usually stay with people for years,” Karen said. “Even a small pin can include a school emblem, a graduation year, an inspirational message, or a student’s name. Those details turn a simple object into something meaningful.”

Graduation season is also becoming an opportunity for companies that recruit on campus. A study from Global Growth Insights notes that corporate gifts account for roughly 20–25% of the personalized gifts market.

More organizations are now creating branded graduation-themed items for campus recruitment events, using them to build early brand familiarity with potential employees. GSJJ’s production system allows orders to move into manufacturing within 24 hours, helping companies meet tight event schedules.

HOW CAN A “SPRING REFRESH” HELP BRANDS REINVENT THEMSELVES?

Beyond seasonal celebrations, spring is also a natural moment for brand updates and visual refreshes. Many companies choose this period to introduce new product lines or update their brand identity.

Custom merchandise can help communicate those changes tangibly.

For example, Custom Metal Business Cards offer a durable alternative to traditional paper cards, leaving a more memorable first impression. Personalized Lanyards frequently appear at trade shows and corporate events, acting as mobile brand displays. Meanwhile, Custom Stickers provide a simple and shareable way to engage younger audiences.

“Refreshing a brand isn’t only about changing visuals,” Karen said. “It also means rethinking how the brand appears in everyday interactions. Items like employee badges, event giveaways, or client gifts can all carry updated branding.”

Technology is also playing a role in this shift. GSJJ’s AI-assisted design tools allow customers to generate early design drafts in minutes rather than waiting days.

According to the company’s 2026 Global Custom Promotional Gifts Trends Report, AI-driven rapid customization is becoming a major factor shaping the promotional products industry.

GSJJ: FULL-SCENARIO CUSTOMIZATION FOR SPRING MARKETING

To support a variety of seasonal marketing needs, GSJJ provides a wide range of customizable products, including Custom Pins, Custom Medals, Custom PVC Patches, Custom Keychains, and Custom Stickers.

By combining AI-assisted design tools, experienced manufacturing processes, and global logistics support, the company offers a complete customization workflow—from initial concept to finished product.

Looking forward, the personalized gifts market is projected to continue expanding steadily. Data from Global Growth Insights suggests the industry could grow at an average annual rate of about 7% between 2026 and 2035, reaching $61.71 billion by 2035.

For brands planning spring campaigns, custom gifts are no longer just giveaways. They are becoming practical marketing tools capable of strengthening emotional connections with audiences.

ABOUT GSJJ

Headquartered in Walnut, California, GSJJ serves global businesses and individual customers as a leading provider of custom gift solutions. Product lines include Custom Stickers, Keychains, Challenge Coins, Medals, Custom Neon Sign, and more, catering to diverse personalization needs across B2B and B2C markets.

Combining AI-driven design, precision craftsmanship, and global delivery, GSJJ transforms brand concepts into lasting keepsakes. The company maintains over 53,000 verified customer reviews with a 4.9/5 rating (as of February 2026).

MEDIA CONTACT
GSJJ Marketing Department
Contact Person: Sophie Qin
Email: affiliate@gs-jj.com
Official Website: https://www.gs-jj.com/

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NEWS SOURCE: GSJJ

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To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/gsjj-releases-spring-gift-trends-targeting-easter-graduation-and-brand-refresh/