Tag Archives: AP

ACES Quality Management brings ACES ENGAGE to San Diego and Charlotte with 2026 regional workshops

DENVER, Colo., March 3, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — ACES Quality Management® (ACES), the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry, today announced its ACES ENGAGE Regional Workshop Series. In 2026, ACES will take a regional approach, delivering two in-person workshops that expand access, increase interaction and provide practical, hands-on learning in a focused setting. The two-day workshops will take place May 11-12 in San Diego and May 14-15 in Charlotte.

ACES Quality Management
Image caption: ACES Quality Management.

Designed for financial services quality control and compliance professionals, the series focuses on ACES hands-on training, product insights, compliance updates and opportunities to make valuable connections with peers and ACES experts. Networking is built into the schedule through meals and group sessions to encourage peer exchange and relationship-building.

“ACES ENGAGE has always been about helping quality and compliance leaders turn knowledge into action,” said Trevor Gauthier, CEO of ACES Quality Management. “This regional format brings that experience closer to the people doing the work, creating more room for conversation, deeper learning and takeaways participants can apply immediately.”

Each agenda includes product and compliance updates, as well as in-depth discussions of ACES functionality.

Registration is open with discounts for groups of three or more. Attendance is limited to maintain an interactive learning environment. To reserve your spot, visit https://www.acesquality.com/aces-engage-2026/register.

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 www.acesquality.com or call 1-800-858-1598.

LOGO link for media: https://www.acesquality.com/assets/images/aces-logo.svg

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-brings-aces-engage-to-san-diego-and-charlotte-with-2026-regional-workshops/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P133621 NOREL-3B

 

Informative Research appoints fintech veteran Mark Jones as senior vice president of partner success

GARDEN GROVE, Calif., March 3, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Informative Research (IR), a leading technology provider of data-driven credit and verification solutions for the lending industry, today announced the appointment of Senior Vice President of Partner Success Mark Jones. In this role, Jones will develop and scale a strategy to expand IR’s market reach and strengthen partnerships across the mortgage and fintech ecosystem. Working with the product, marketing, finance and client success teams, Jones will lead efforts to formalize partner onboarding and performance standards to improve consistency and operational efficiency.

Mark Jones, SVP of Partner Success at Informative Research
Image caption: Mark Jones, SVP of Partner Success at Informative Research.

“Mark’s experience building effective partnerships in complex, tech-forward environments makes him an ideal leader for this role,” said Executive Vice President and Head of Client Success and Sales James Boss. “His ability to align product, sales and partner strategy will be instrumental as we scale our channel program and deliver even greater value to our clients.”

Jones brings more than 20 years of experience in financial technology, strategic networking and product leadership. Throughout his career, Jones has focused on identifying client needs, creating innovative solutions and building long-term relationships that promote sustainable profitability. Known for his collaborative leadership style and executive presence, he has consistently paired technical acumen with measurable business outcomes.

“As the mortgage industry continues to evolve, stable business connections are essential to delivering seamless, secure and scalable solutions,” said Jones. “Informative Research has a long-standing reputation for operational excellence. I look forward to building a network that strengthens our value proposition and drives meaningful growth for IR, our partners and our clients.”

Most recently, Jones served as Partner Account Manager at Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) Mortgage Technology, where he managed large strategic partners and helped drive year-over-year revenue growth. Previously, Jones held leadership roles at Accenture, where he built strong cross-functional alignment across the sales, marketing and product teams and managed go-to-market strategies and product roadmaps. Earlier in his career, he was a vice president at Prime Alliance Solutions, helping scale the business and grow its customer base significantly.

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-appoints-fintech-veteran-mark-jones-as-senior-vice-president-of-partner-success/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P133628 NOREL-3B

 

How to View a One-Time Photo in WhatsApp Again with WaTracker 1.3.3

WaTracker 1.3.3 Official Released: Allows You to View One Time Photo in WhatsApp Again

NEW YORK, N.Y., March 2, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — iToolab, a leading developer of innovative software solutions for mobile devices, has updated WaTracker to V1.3.3. The new version can help you view one time photo in WhatsApp again and again.

WaTracker updated to help you view one time photo in WhatsApp again
Image caption: WaTracker updated to help you view one time photo in WhatsApp again.

WaTracker is different from all other WhatsApp tracking apps in the market. It is a top-notch multi-tasker – WhatsApp last seen tracker, online offline tracker, WhatsApp chat tracker, and view once recovery.

WHAT CAN WATRACKER WHATSAPP TRACKING APP DO FOR YOU?

WaTracker can meet the diverse needs of WhatsApp users, whether you want to stay connected with your WhatsApp contacts or help your child fostering good phone usage habits. Now, let’s explore it.

See view once on WhatsApp again: With WaTracker, you can view view once on WhatsApp again. One time photos, videos, and voice messages are supported. It can sync WhatsApp view once messages in real time, and enables you to download & save view once media to your local storage.

Track WhatsApp last seen & online: This last seen tracker helps you check WhatsApp last seen status without opening the chat. Additionally, you’ll get timely WhatsApp online notification. Ensuring you never miss a status change.

Well understand the usage pattern: Do you know how much time your child has spent on WhatsApp every day? WaTracker provides a detailed report for you to analyze the usage patterns. Thus, you can remind your child to reduce screen time and enjoy some offline activities.

Track WhatsApp chat: Do you know that the greatest danger to your child is not on the street, but on WhatsApp? Your child spends hours on WhatsApp every day to talk with friends. But they may also talk to someone we don’t even know. WaTracker is a perfect parental control app that safeguard you child’s WhatsApp experience.

3 STEPS TO VIEW ONE TIME PHOTO IN WHATSAPP AGAIN WITH WATRACKER

Step 1: Free download and install WaTracker on your Android device. Then launch it.

Step 2: Link your WhatsApp account with WaTracker.

Step 3: The tool will automatically detect the new view once messages and shows them instantly.

Full guide here: https://itoolab.com/guide/how-to-use-seenchecker/

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

  • The new WaTracker app is available on Google Play. You can install the app on any Android device. And it’s fully compatible with all versions of WhatsApp.
  • It offers a flexible pricing model with weekly and monthly plans to meet different user needs.

ABOUT ITOOLAB

iToolab is a software development company founded in 2008 to help iOS and Android users solve various issues with leading-edge smartphone tools for repair and recovery, unlocking, and more. As of now, iToolab is serving 130+ countries and has been trusted and recommended by some leading tech sites and users worldwide. iToolab is a trusted one-stop shop for smartphone utility apps.

For more details, please visit:

Website: https://itoolab.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/itoolab

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itoolab

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

NEWS SOURCE: iToolab Co Ltd


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (iToolab Co Ltd), 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/how-to-view-a-one-time-photo-in-whatsapp-again-with-watracker-1-3-3/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P133607 NOREL-3B

 

HitPaw FotorPea V5.3.0 Offers Smarter AI Workflows Across Image Editing, Enhancement and Generation

HitPaw FotorPea V5.3.0 Officially Launched: Bringing Users with AI Photo Editing, Enhancement and Generation

NEW YORK, N.Y., March 2, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — HitPaw, a leading provider of AI-powered creative tools, announced the release of HitPaw FotorPea V5.3.0, which focuses on making AI image editing smarter and more efficient. This update introduces refined AI models, streamlined workflows, and broader creative applications, helping users achieve high-quality results with less effort.

HitPaw FotorPea V5.3.0
Image caption: HitPaw FotorPea V5.3.0.

WHAT’S NEW IN HITPAW FOTORPEA V5.3.0

1. AI Canvas: Smarter AI Chat Editing

A dedicated AI canvas that streamlines image editing into one flexible workspace. Users can generate, edit, and refine visuals seamlessly through a chat-style interface, reducing friction and accelerating the creative process from idea to final image.

Flexible Layer Controls (New): Rotate and adjust opacity for better composition and visual balance.

Conversational AI Editing: Make precise adjustments through simple prompts, enabling faster iteration and easier scene refinement.

Multi-Image Fusion: Combine multiple images into a cohesive result with minimal effort.

One-Click Upscaling & Smart Background Tools: Instantly enhance clarity, remove backgrounds, and optimize composition to save time in post-editing.

2. AI Enhancer: Stronger Image Enhancement Capabilities

HitPaw FotorPea V5.3.0 enhances its AI image enhancement capabilities with a more adaptive enhancement system designed to handle a wider range of image scenarios, especially low-resolution and challenging inputs.

RAW Image Noise Reduction: Image enhancement now supports RAW photos, delivering cleaner results while preserving original details.

Blurry Document Restoration: Turn blurry text images into clear, readable documents with one click—no more squinting or manual fixes.

General Natural Enhancement Model: Optimized for low-resolution and general scenarios, with improved detail restoration and higher facial similarity.

3. AI Generator: Expanded Image & Video Creative Templates

HitPaw FotorPea V5.3.0 further strengthens its AI generation capabilities with the introduction of a new image generation model, Z-Image Turbo, along with an expanded library of creative templates.

Z-Image Turbo Model: Delivers improved detail, clarity, and overall image quality for more reliable first-pass generation results.

Inspiration Library Expansion: Adds more image and video templates to support faster exploration of creative styles and content ideas.

COMPATIBILITY AND PRICING

HitPaw FotorPea is compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7 (64-bit) and macOS 10.15 and above. Pricing starts at $22.39/Month for Windows and $25.59/Month for Mac.

To celebrate this major update, HitPaw FotorPea is offering a Spring Sale with a total of 35% off on both Yearly and Lifetime subscriptions for a limited time.

For more information, visit:

Purchase HitPaw FotorPea for Windows

Purchase HitPaw FotorPea for Mac

ABOUT HITPAW

HitPaw is a leading multimedia software brand focused on delivering intelligent solutions for photo, video, and audio creation. By combining cutting-edge AI technology with a user-friendly design, HitPaw helps users unlock creativity and produce high-quality content with ease.

Learn more: [OFFICIAL] HitPaw – AI Video, Photo & Audio Enhancer Solutions

CONNECT WITH US

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

X (Twitter): https://x.com/HitPawofficial

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/HitPawofficialwebsite

NEWS SOURCE: HitPaw


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (HitPaw), 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/hitpaw-fotorpea-v5-3-0-offers-smarter-ai-workflows-across-image-editing-enhancement-and-generation/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P133599 NOREL-3B

 

HIMSS 2026: Future-Proofing the Hospital Digital Front Door – Visit Booth #3461

Visit Booth 3461 for Healthcare Kiosks, Touchless Tech, and Identity Solutions at HIMSS26

WESTMINSTER, Colo., March 2, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Industry Group (TIG) and the Kiosk Association (KMA) will present a fully integrated, accessibility-focused self-service ecosystem at HIMSS 2026 (Booth #3461, The Venetian Expo, Las Vegas). With the May 11, 2026 HHS Section 504 deadline approaching, healthcare organizations are facing new enforcement realities around digital accessibility and patient interaction.

The Industry Group for HIMSS26 #3461
Image caption: The Industry Group for HIMSS26 #3461.

The Industry Group invites attendees to Booth #3461 at The Venetian Expo for a hands-on technical briefing of a fully integrated ecosystem designed for the modern hospital campus.

HANDS-ON TECHNOLOGY AT BOOTH #3461:

  • Touchless Hygienic Screens: Experience HoverTap™, enabling safer interactions across the hospital. This technology works seamlessly with gloves, liquids, and plastic drapes to maintain a sterile environment.
  • Medical-Grade Durability: Inspect the Insight Touch 21″ Medical AIO, fully 60601-1 certified for clinical environments.
  • High-Speed Identity: Live demonstrations of secure wristband and badge printing powered by BOCA Systems.
  • Universal Accessibility: See how Storm Interface assistive hardware integrates with JAWS Kiosk software to create an ADA-compliant and user-friendly experience for all patients.

STRATEGIC BRIEFINGS & LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Conversational AI: Learn how AI can retrofit existing screens to support 90+ languages, even in high-noise environments.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Review ADA- and HIPAA-compliant patient check-in workflows and intelligent queue management.
  • Scalable Signage: Explore solutions ranging from lobby wayfinding to patient-room communication systems.
  • Operational Modernization: View smart lockers and secure employee vending solutions designed to streamline internal hospital operations.

Pre-book a 15-minute VIP Demo To skip the floor crowds and receive a personalized 1-on-1 walkthrough of our 2026 Compliance Roadmap, attendees are encouraged to schedule a briefing in advance.

Schedule VIP Demo: https://kioskindustry.org/himss-2026-healthcare-kiosks/

“We are entering a critical window for healthcare accessibility,” said Craig Keefner, Editor in Chief. “With the 2026 deadlines approaching, our goal at HIMSS is to provide a clear, technical path forward for providers to remain compliant while improving the patient experience.”

ABOUT THE INDUSTRY GROUP

The Industry Group (TIG) is a central network for self-service technology, encompassing the Kiosk Association (KMA) and specialized portals for retail, healthcare, and digital signage.

MEDIA CONTACT: Craig Keefner craigkeefner@pm.me Text: 720-324-1837

NEWS SOURCE: The Industry Group


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (The Industry 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/himss-2026-future-proofing-the-hospital-digital-front-door-visit-booth-3461/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P133589 NOREL-3B

 

A Single Morning. A Lifetime of Consequences.

'The Raid' is a firsthand account of that interruption and the psychological shockwave that followed

DENVER, Colo., Feb. 27, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In “The Raid” (ISBN: 979-8249070199), entrepreneur Joshua Lybolt captures the morning his life was brought to a sudden halt. One moment he was operating at full speed — building, expanding, planning ahead. The next, everything stopped. Not gradually. Not symbolically. Immediately.

Joshua Lybolt - The Raid
Image caption: Joshua Lybolt – “The Raid.”

“The Raid” is a firsthand account of that interruption and the psychological shockwave that followed. The book does not wander through decades of backstory. It stays inside the rupture — the confusion, the recalculation, the sudden awareness that status, certainty, and forward motion can disappear in a single day.

What makes the story compelling is not spectacle. It is proximity.

Lybolt writes from inside the moment when momentum collapses and identity is forced to stand on its own. Readers move through the morning as it unfolds — the stillness, the weight in the air, the quiet understanding that nothing will return to normal.

In a time when founders rise fast, reputations pivot overnight, and stability feels increasingly temporary, “The Raid” lands with uncomfortable relevance. It speaks to builders, risk-takers, operators — anyone who has lived at speed and understands that success is never as permanent as it feels.

This is not commentary.
It is not analysis.
It is lived experience under pressure.

The Raid opens the autobiographical series “Lightning Doesn’t Ask Permission,” which traces extreme cycles of ascent, loss, and reconstruction. This first volume captures the turning point — the day that forced everything that followed.

The book is available now on Amazon. Order here: https://a.co/d/0ghyUtyH

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Joshua Lybolt is an entrepreneur with more than three decades in finance and real estate. He has worked as a developer, built and operated brokerage businesses at a national scale, and managed growth in environments where capital, leverage, and timing carry real consequences. His career has spanned aggressive expansion, complex deals, and moments of forced recalibration. That perspective — earned rather than theoretical — informs his work and the experiences explored in “The Raid.”

Learn more and follow at:

https://www.joshualybolt.com/start-here

Socials:
https://www.facebook.com/JoshuaLybolt/
https://www.youtube.com/joshualybolt
https://www.instagram.com/joshualybolt/
https://x.com/joshualybolt
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshualybolt/

MULTIMEDIA

Image link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0227-s2p-theraid-300dpi.webp

Image caption: Joshua Lybolt – “The Raid”

NEWS SOURCE: Author Joshua Lybolt


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Author Joshua Lybolt), 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/a-single-morning-a-lifetime-of-consequences/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P133567 NOREL-3B

 

ViewTech Borescopes to Exhibit at ACP’s Operations, Maintenance and Safety Conference (OMS)

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Feb. 27, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — ViewTech Borescopes, a leading provider of industrial inspection video borescopes, announces it will return for the fourth consecutive year to exhibit at the American Clean Power Association’s Operations, Maintenance & Safety Conference (OMS). The 2026 event will take place March 4–6 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

ViewTech Borescopes to Exhibit at ACP's Operations, Maintenance and Safety Conference (OMS)
Image caption: ViewTech Borescopes to Exhibit at ACP’s Operations, Maintenance and Safety Conference (OMS).

Hosted annually by the American Clean Power Association (ACP), OMS is a premier gathering for operations and maintenance leaders, safety professionals, and technical experts across the clean energy sector. At Booth 529, ViewTech Borescopes will showcase its advanced lineup of video borescopes engineered to streamline inspections and reduce downtime.

“ACP’s OMS Conference is dedicated to empowering the professionals who safeguard and optimize our nation’s clean energy assets,” said Evan Miller, Sales Consultant at ViewTech Borescopes. “Paired with the VJ-4, our Borescope Report Maker—Operator Driven Inspections (ODIN)—software streamlines the inspection process and delivers clear, professional reports that support faster, data-driven maintenance decisions.”

Built for demanding industrial environments, the VJ-3 and VJ-4 borescopes support nondestructive testing (NDT) and preventative maintenance programs across wind, solar, energy storage, and conventional power generation facilities. ViewTech’s video borescopes feature high-resolution imaging, precision articulation for navigating confined or complex spaces, and integrated photo and video recording for streamlined documentation and reporting.

Read more about the Operations, Maintenance and Safety Conference: https://www.viewtech.com/about-us/tradeshows/2026-acp-operations-maintenance-and-safety-conference/

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY.

In addition to live demonstrations during OMS, ViewTech offers an exclusive No-Cost, No-Obligation Demo Program. This program allows end-users the opportunity to evaluate a ViewTech VJ-3 or VJ-4 video borescope at their own facility on their own equipment, ensuring the technology meets their specific inspection requirements before any financial commitment.

ABOUT VIEWTECH BORESCOPES

ViewTech Borescopes, founded as RF System Lab in 2008, is North America’s top seller of video borescopes. Their first product, the VJ borescope, set a new standard for portability, ergonomics, and ease-of-use, with its industry-first mechanical, joystick-controlled articulation.

VJ-3 AND VJ-4 VIDEO BORESCOPE

The VJ-3 and VJ-4 mechanical articulating video borescopes are nondestructive visual testing instruments used for the remote visual inspection of machinery, equipment, and components. With diameters as small as 0.85mm, the VJ-3 and VJ-4 facilitate the visual recording and photo documentation of an inspection and components in areas that are otherwise inaccessible or require significant effort and expense to access directly. The VJ-3 and VJ-4 video borescopes consist of two modules integrated into one system: an insertion tube with distally mounted camera/LEDs and the base unit with control panel, LCD monitor, power source, and all necessary circuitry.

Learn more: https://www.viewtech.com/

MULTIMEDIA

IMAGE link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0227-s2p-vtech-300dpi.webp

Logo link: https://www.viewtech.com/wp-content/uploads/view-tech-logo-h-650.png

NEWS SOURCE: ViewTech Borescopes


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (ViewTech Borescopes), 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/viewtech-borescopes-to-exhibit-at-acps-operations-maintenance-and-safety-conference-oms/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P133550 NOREL-3B

 

Sobriety Is Suddenly ‘Chic,’ But It’s Not New – It’s Been in Fiction for Decades

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 27, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Recent coverage in major outlets, including a New York Times feature on the rise of “sober party girls” and alcohol-free social spaces, has framed not drinking as a newly emerging cultural trend. From curated sober parties to alcohol-free bars and wellness-driven nightlife, sobriety is increasingly being rebranded as aspirational, social and even chic, The Evolution of Publishing Institute announced today.

'Recovery Rocks' is available on all major podcast platforms
Image caption: “Recovery Rocks” is available on all major podcast platforms.

But for many authors, the emotional terrain behind this trend is far from new.

Nearly two decades ago, Anna David explored addiction, denial and recovery in her novel “Party Girl,” which centered on a young woman navigating the highs of Hollywood party culture and the long, complicated road back from substance dependence. Before that, Marian Keyes’ hilariously covered an Irish girl’s journey through alcoholism, rehab and recovery in her classic novel “Rachel’s Holiday.”

Both “Rachel’s Holiday” and “Party Girl” arrived well before the explosion of what is now known as “Quit Lit” – a category that has since grown to include bestselling memoirs such as “We Are the Luckiest” by Laura McKowen, “How to Murder Your Life” by Cat Marnell, “Quit Like a Woman” by Holly Whitaker, “Girl Walks Out of a Bar” by Lisa Smith and “Sober Curious” by Ruby Warrington.

But while recovery memoir has flourished over the past decade, novels about addiction and sobriety remains comparatively rare. Both Keyes and David offered fictional stories that explored the psychology of denial, the seduction of nightlife and the messy process of getting sober with a dose of humor and lightness not always attainable in memoir.

“I wanted to write a novel rather than a memoir because it felt like a memoir would just be too earnest,” David says. “I knew it would be much easier to make fun of the main character if it wasn’t just a straight ‘this happened, then this happened, then this happened’ sort of thing.”

After a nearly decade-long hiatus, David is now returning to the mainstream recovery conversation as co-host of the Signal award winning podcast “Recovery Rocks,” along with “Girl Walks Out of a Bar” author Smith. The podcast, which Smith originally created and co-hosted with “Dry Humping” author Tawny Lara, explores the lived experience behind sobriety’s cultural evolution. It features interviews with authors and other leaders in the recovery movement.

As sober social life continues to attract mainstream attention, “Recovery Rocks” is one of the many resources out there that addresses various aspects of recovery.

“The amount of content available today for people struggling with addiction is mind-boggling,” David says. “It’s been amazing to watch recovery make its way to the mainstream.”

“Recovery Rocks” is available on all major podcast platforms.

ABOUT THE EVOLUTION OF PUBLISHING INSTITUTE:

The Evolution of Publishing Institute conducts research on the intersection of publishing and professional development. More information is available at https://publishingevolution.org/

NEWS SOURCE: The Evolution of Publishing Institute


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (The Evolution of Publishing Institute), 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/sobriety-is-suddenly-chic-but-its-not-new-its-been-in-fiction-for-decades/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P133543 NOREL-3B

 

Beaverton Motorcycles Launches Industry-Leading Upgrade Promise Program

TIGARD, Ore., Feb. 26, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Beaverton Motorcycles today announced the launch of its new Upgrade Promise, a customer-first program designed to remove one of the biggest pain points in powersports purchasing: the fear of committing to the wrong machine.

Bob Lanpheres Beaverton Motorcycles and Powersports
Image caption: Beaverton Motorcycles.

The Upgrade Promise allows customers who purchase any new unit to ride with confidence, knowing they have built-in flexibility if their needs change. Under the program, customers may trade in their original unit and upgrade to a newer larger unit within one year and receive 100% of their original purchase price toward another new unit. If they choose to upgrade within two years, customers can still receive 75% of their original purchase price applied toward their next new vehicle.

“Our goal has always been simple, help customers have fun without the pressure of making the perfect choice on day one,” said Bob McLaughlin, General Manager. “Too often, riders hesitate because they’re worried they’ll outgrow their machine or wish they had gone bigger. The Upgrade Promise removes that hesitation and gives people the confidence to start riding now.”

The program reflects the long-standing customer-first philosophy of the dealership’s ownership.

“Work hard, take care of the customer, and everything else will take care of itself. That’s how we do business,” said Bob Lanphere Jr., owner of Beaverton Motorcycles. “The Upgrade Promise is simply putting that belief into action in a way that gives our customers real peace of mind.”

Unlike traditional trade-in programs that fluctuate with market conditions, the Upgrade Promise provides a clear, predictable path forward for customers who anticipate moving into a larger or different unit. The program was designed with first-time riders, growing families, and step-up buyers in mind, particularly those entering the powersports market for the first time.

“This program is a game-changer for customers who are on the fence,” added Nick Mueffleman, General Sales Manager. “Whether someone is starting on their first street bike, moving up in a side-by-side, or buying for a fast-growing young rider, the Upgrade Promise gives them room to evolve without feeling locked into their first decision.”

The Upgrade Promise applies to any new unit across Beaverton Motorcycles’ major product categories, including street motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, side-by-sides (SxS/UTVs), and personal watercraft. By expanding the program across multiple vehicle types, the dealership aims to support customers throughout their entire powersports journey rather than just a single purchase moment.

The program officially launches March 2, 2026, and is available immediately at Beaverton Motorcycles. Customers are encouraged to speak with a sales specialist or visit the dealership’s website to review full eligibility details and program guidelines.

Beaverton Motorcycles, doing business since 1964, is a leading powersports dealership serving the greater Portland area, offering a full lineup of motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, and personal watercraft from top manufacturers. The dealership is committed to helping riders of all experience levels find the right machine and enjoy the ride with confidence.

Bob Lanpheres Beaverton Motorcycles & Powersports is located on 10380 SW Cascade Ave, Tigard OR. For any questions regarding the Beaverton Motorcycles Upgrade Promise call (971)358-3206. Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. https://www.beavertonmotorcycles.com/

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NEWS SOURCE: Beaverton Motorcycles


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New Book Offers Global Professionals a Practical Roadmap for Building Personal Brands in the AI Era – No Hype, Just Action

'Brand You' Delivers Industry-Agnostic, Country-Neutral Strategies with Detailed Worksheets, Templates, and Implementation Plans for Every Career Stage

CAIRO, N.Y., Feb. 26, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In an era where artificial intelligence can automate tasks, analyze data, and even generate content, the question isn’t whether technology will replace human workers – it’s what makes professionals irreplaceable. “Brand You: How Professionals Build Authority, Trust, and Opportunity in the AI Era” (ISBN: 979-8249280345) by Michael K Bender answers that question with a comprehensive, action-oriented guide designed for professionals across all industries and countries.

Cover, "Brand You" - Global Professionals Practical Roadmap
Image caption: Cover, “Brand You” – Global Professionals Practical Roadmap.

Unlike typical personal branding books that rely on motivational platitudes or social media shortcuts, “Brand You” provides detailed, implementable action plans grounded in real-world experience. The book serves professionals in technology, finance, healthcare, education, creative industries, manufacturing, and beyond – offering strategies that work whether you’re in Silicon Valley, Singapore, São Paulo, or Stockholm.

“This isn’t a book about becoming an influencer or chasing viral moments,” says Bender, a global communicator and educator with decades of experience spanning diplomacy, technology, and international education. “It’s about building something sustainable – a professional identity rooted in competence, integrity, and genuine value. The AI era makes this work more urgent, not less relevant.”

The book’s unique structure examines personal branding through 12 distinct lenses—what Bender calls “archetypes” – including the CEO’s strategic approach, the Diplomat’s trust-building techniques, the Educator’s communication insights, the Technologist’s digital fluency, the Global Citizen’s multicultural agility, and the Mentor’s legacy mindset. Each chapter includes reflection questions, end-of-chapter checklists, and practical exercises that readers can implement immediately.

“I wrote this for the engineer in Mumbai who wants to transition into leadership, the marketing professional in Berlin navigating a career pivot, the healthcare administrator in Toronto building influence across departments, and the entrepreneur in Lagos establishing credibility in a new market,” Bender explains. “The principles are universal, but the application is personal.”

The book directly addresses the anxiety many professionals feel about AI and automation. Rather than viewing technology as a threat, Brand You positions human qualities – trust, creativity, cultural intelligence, mentorship, and authentic communication – as the ultimate competitive advantages. The Technologist’s Playbook chapter specifically guides readers on leveraging AI tools while maintaining their irreplaceable human edge.

Each chapter concludes with curated resources, recommended reading, and actionable templates—from personal brand statements and rate cards to networking scripts and learning plans. The comprehensive appendix provides worksheets readers can use to audit their digital presence, craft their value propositions, and design their professional identities with CEO-level intentionality.

“The strongest brands aren’t built on hype – they’re built on consistency, clarity, and courage,” Bender notes. “This book gives you the frameworks, the questions, and the step-by-step plans to build yours, no matter where you are or what industry you’re in.”

“Brand You: How Professionals Build Authority, Trust, and Opportunity in the AI Era” is available in paperback and Kindle at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GPMFBFQX

Review copies and author interviews are available upon request. Learn more: https://mkbender.com/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michael K Bender is a global communicator, educator, and strategist with experience spanning international diplomacy, technology innovation, and professional development. He has worked across six continents, helping professionals and organizations build trust, navigate complexity, and lead with purpose in an interconnected world.

NEWS SOURCE: Author Michael K Bender


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Author Michael K Bender), 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.

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Petco Love Invests $15,000 in Sacramento SPCA to Save and Improve the Lives of Pets in Sacramento

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 26, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Sacramento SPCA received a $15,000 grant investment from national nonprofit Petco Love in support of their lifesaving work for pets in Sacramento. For nearly 30 years, the Sacramento SPCA has operated a low-cost spay and neuter clinic dedicated to reducing pet overpopulation. Today, the shelter’s Zoe K. McCrea Animal Health Center ranks in the nation’s top five clinics performing high-volume spay and neuter surgeries at a single location, providing high-quality care at scale in South Sacramento.

A litter of puppies who were recently spayed and neutered at the Sacramento SPCA
Photo caption: A litter of puppies who were recently spayed and neutered at the Sacramento SPCA.

“This investment by Petco Love allows us to continue providing affordable spay and neuter services for our community, reducing pet overpopulation across shelters throughout our region and saving more lives,” said Jennifer Brent, CEO of the Sacramento SPCA.

In 2025, the shelter altered 21,733 animals, including more than 6,800 community cats, catapulting the shelter past a 350,000-surgery milestone. In addition, the clinic received four national Snippy Award nominations for their lifesaving leadership in high-volume spay and neuter, vaccinations, microchips, and being a champion for community cats.

Petco Love is a national nonprofit leading change for pets by harnessing the power of love to make communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since its founding in 1999, Petco Love has invested more than $430 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. And Petco Love helps find loving homes for pets in partnership with Petco and more than 4,000 organizations — like ours — across North America, with more than 7.1 million pets adopted and counting.

“Our investment in the Sacramento SPCA is part of more than $12M in investments recently announced by Petco Love to power local organizations across the country as part of our commitment to create a future in which no pet is unnecessarily euthanized,” said Chelsea Staley, President of Petco Love. “Our local investments are only part of our strategy to empower animal lovers to drive lifesaving change right alongside us. We launched Petco Love Lost, a free national lost and found database that uses photo-matching technology to simplify the search for lost pets.”

“As the region’s only full-service, 100% nonprofit animal shelter, we are honored to be a national leader in providing low-cost and no-cost spay and neuter services to those who need them most in Sacramento—serving the public, partner shelters, rescue organizations, and community cat advocates,” said Brent. “We are deeply grateful for the support of our community—individuals, local businesses, and foundations—who make this lifesaving care possible for pets and the people who love them.”

ABOUT THE SACRAMENTO SPCA

Founded in 1892, the Sacramento SPCA has been providing homeless animals with individual comfort, shelter, and love for more than 134 years. We provide compassionate medical care to tens of thousands of animals annually and offer a variety of programs and services designed to keep people and pets together for life. Visit https://www.sspca.org/ for more information and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn.

ABOUT PETCO LOVE

Petco Love is a life-changing nonprofit organization that makes communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since our founding in 1999, we’ve empowered animal welfare organizations by investing more than $430 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. We’ve helped find loving homes for more than 7.1 million pets in partnership with Petco and organizations nationwide. Our love for pets drives us to lead with innovation, creating tools animal lovers need to reunite lost pets, and lead with passion, inspiring and mobilizing communities and our more than 4,000 animal welfare partners to drive lifesaving change alongside us. Is love calling you? Join us. Visit https://petcolove.org/ or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, and LinkedIn to be part of the lifesaving work we lead every day.

MULTIMEDIA:

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Photo caption: A litter of puppies who were recently spayed and neutered at the Sacramento SPCA.

NEWS SOURCE: Sacramento SPCA


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Sacramento SPCA), 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.

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Impact 100 Jersey Coast Awards $100,000 Grant to Move For Hunger to Address Food Insecurity in Monmouth and Ocean Counties

SHREWSBURY, N.J., Feb. 26, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Impact 100 Jersey Coast has awarded a $100,000 grant to Move For Hunger, a national nonprofit dedicated to reducing food waste and fighting hunger, to support expanded food recovery and delivery efforts across Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

Bridget Foley, Director of Multifamily Memberships at Move For Hunger, accepts the grant award from Impact 100 Jersey Coast
Photo caption: Bridget Foley, Director of Multifamily Memberships at Move For Hunger, accepts the grant award from Impact 100 Jersey Coast.

Move For Hunger works at the intersection of food recovery and transportation, partnering with farms, food companies, distributors, and a national network of transportation providers to redirect surplus food—such as short-dated inventory and rejected loads—from landfills to local food banks and pantries at no cost to receiving organizations.

Food insecurity in Monmouth and Ocean Counties has increased by 25% since 2019, with approximately 121,500 residents now facing hunger, while nearly 38% of food produced nationwide goes to waste. This grant will enable Move For Hunger to deliver 160,000 pounds of food locally, including 100,000 pounds of fresh produce and protein, while eliminating transportation barriers by leveraging donated and discounted trucking services. Deliveries will be matched to real-time requests from local food banks and pantries to ensure efficient and responsive distribution. Move For Hunger will also host a community-based educational event in 2026 focused on food waste, hunger awareness, and expanding local recovery partnerships.

“Food should never be a luxury,” said Adam Lowy, Founder and Executive Director of Move For Hunger. “This support allows us to move more food, more efficiently, to neighbors who need it most—while preventing perfectly good food from going to waste.”

Support from Impact 100 Jersey Coast advances shared priorities of addressing unmet community needs, directly serving underserved populations, and delivering measurable, high-impact outcomes. Together, Impact 100 Jersey Coast and Move For Hunger are working to strengthen local food systems and build a more food-secure future for communities across Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

“Impact 100 Jersey Coast is honored to partner with Move For Hunger to expand access to fresh, nutritious food across Monmouth and Ocean Counties,” said Lori Mallon, Grantee Liaison for Move to Hunger at Impact 100 Jersey Coast. “By investing in Move For Hunger’s innovative recovery and distribution network, we are helping ensure that more local families, seniors, and children have reliable access to healthy meals – helping our neighbors thrive with dignity and security.”

ABOUT MOVE FOR HUNGER

Move For Hunger is a national nonprofit organization that fights hunger and food waste by mobilizing the moving, relocation, and multi-family housing industries to rescue surplus food and deliver it to local food banks. Since 2009, Move For Hunger’s network has delivered over 72 million pounds of food, providing more than 60 million meals to those in need across the U.S. and Canada.

Learn more at https://moveforhunger.org/.

ABOUT IMPACT 100 JERSEY COAST

Impact 100 Jersey Coast is a women’s collective giving circle that raises awareness of our community’s most pressing needs and funds transformational grants for high-impact projects addressing those needs.

For information regarding membership or applying for a grant: http://www.impact100jerseycoast.org/.

MULTIMEDIA

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Photo caption: Bridget Foley, Director of Multifamily Memberships at Move For Hunger, accepts the grant award from Impact 100 Jersey Coast.

NEWS SOURCE: Move For Hunger


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Renowned digital forensics expert releases definitive reference work for professionals in forensics, legal and investigations

NEW YORK, N.Y., Feb. 26, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Robert B. Fried, a nationally-recognized digital forensics expert, licensed private investigator and author has launched his landmark new book, “Forensic Data Collections 2.0: The Ultimate Collection of Trusted Digital Forensics Content” (ISBN: 979-8234000231). The book compiles 32 chapters of expert insights across digital forensics, eDiscovery, data privacy and cybersecurity.

BOOK: Forensic Data Collections 2.0: The Ultimate Collection of Trusted Digital Forensics Content
Image Caption: “Forensic Data Collections 2.0: The Ultimate Collection of Trusted Digital Forensics Content,” – an authoritative digital forensics reference by renowned expert and licensed private investigator Robert B. Fried.

This new book is a collective culmination of the author’s 24 years of experience. It includes information from all his previous books which have become a go-to reference for those who encounter digital evidence during the course of their litigation matters or investigations. It draws from Fried’s acclaimed body of articles on digital forensics and investigations, making it an essential reference for forensics professionals, legal practitioners, paralegals, academics and enthusiastic newcomers to the field.

“It’s not so much about what you need to do, but about what you need to know and the critical questions you must ask,” Fried says. “Most importantly, it’s about the use of defensible methods and meticulous documentation that allows digital evidence to be permitted in court.”

Fried began writing in 2020 during the pandemic and now has a following, with readers owning the book around the globe. This ultimate collection is his effort to bring everything together in one trusted, comprehensive resource.

This is Fried’s fifth book, a testament to his tireless commitment to advancing knowledge in digital forensics.

Robert J. Alessi, partner, DLA Piper (US), LLP, had this to say about the book: “Robert B. Fried dissects the critical intersections of law and technology with this authoritative and unparalleled resource. His masterful approach in this book will be invaluable to those involved in the identification, preservation, collection, examination and the admission and presentation of electronic evidence in a court of law.”

The author’s dedication page note to his readers may sum up the goal of his writings best: “Be responsive, present and prepared. You may have only one opportunity to access, preserve and collect evidence. Be consistent and defensible in your actions and clear, concise and confident in your words. Document meticulously. Always remember: No documentation = no evidence.”

“At a time when more people have access to more tools, including AI, it’s important to have a trusted source to reference for digital evidence,” he says.

His hope is that the content resonates and inspires, especially in a field where access to data can change in the blink of an eye.

Available for purchase now on Amazon and through other retailers on March 3, 2026.

Amazon: https://a.co/d/01B36PRN.

Note to editors:

Review copies and interviews available upon request. Contact Robert B. Fried at: info@forensicsbyfried.com or 516-200-6737.

ABOUT ROBERT B. FRIED

Robert B. Fried is a highly-experienced digital forensics expert and a leading voice in his industry, having spent decades collecting data and conducting forensic examinations of digital evidence. He serves as executive vice president of forensics and chief investigative officer at Page One, Inc., and has held senior leadership positions in digital forensic practices at global professional services firms.

At the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), Fried worked as a computer crime specialist, creating and teaching computer forensic and investigative training courses for federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. He holds a BS and MS in Forensic Science from the University of New Haven, as well as certificates in Law Enforcement Science, Computer Forensic Investigation and Information Protection and Security.

He’s currently an adjunct assistant professor at Hofstra University, where he teaches digital forensics, and serves on the Board of Advisors for the Masters in Investigations program at the University of New Haven, the Global Advisory Board for EC-Council’s CHFI certification, as a Fellow at The Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science and as vice president of the Society of Professional Investigators (SPI). “PI Magazine” named him a Top Professional Investigator of 2024 and he is the author of the magazine’s “Cybersleuthing Department,” a regular column covering digital forensics, eDiscovery, data privacy and cybersecurity.

MORE INFORMATION: https://forensicsbyfried.com/

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Image Caption: “Forensic Data Collections 2.0: The Ultimate Collection of Trusted Digital Forensics Content,” – an authoritative digital forensics reference by renowned expert and licensed private investigator Robert B. Fried.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Robert B. Fried
Forensics by Fried
+1-516-200-6737
info@forensicsbyfried.com

NEWS SOURCE: Author Robert B. Fried


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Class Valuation among early AMCs to receive Collateral Underwriter access

Milestone removes friction from the appraisal review process, driving greater efficiency for lenders and clients

TROY, Mich., Feb. 26, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Class Valuation, a leading real estate appraisal management company (AMC), announced that it is one of the first AMCs to receive access to Collateral Underwriter® (CU®), Fannie Mae’s proprietary appraisal risk assessment tool, marking a significant milestone for appraisal review and risk management.

Class Valuation
Image caption: Class Valuation.

CU is used by lenders to assess appraisal quality and identify potential valuation risks earlier in the mortgage process. Now, lenders and AMCs can work from a common set of insights, reducing misalignment and unnecessary back-and-forth during appraisal review. This shared framework will lead to fewer surprise revisions and clearer expectations from the outset, creating a smoother, faster experience throughout the entire collateral review process. Earlier insight also supports a more streamlined appraisal review process, with fewer delays tied to appraisal revisions, ultimately reducing time and cost for both lenders and their teams.

Class Valuation expects to integrate CU insights into its overall appraisal review processes in a thoughtful, structured way. The company is reviewing best practices and plans to work closely with key lender clients to ensure alignment on how CU-driven findings are applied within appraisal review expectations, while maintaining strong appraisal quality standards. This shared access creates a new level of continuity between Class Valuation and Fannie Mae, ensuring that appraisal review decisions are informed by the same data and insights, and removing the friction that has historically slowed the process for lenders, appraisers and AMCs alike.

“Access to CU enables us to surface potential appraisal risks earlier, reduce revision cycles and work alongside lenders to drive a more consistent, efficient review process,” said John Fraas, CEO of Class Valuation. “This marks an important advancement for our clients and the industry, reinforcing alignment between Class Valuation and Fannie Mae.”

Class Valuation will continue to engage clients as implementation progresses and will provide additional guidance as best practices are finalized.

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, streamlined 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 @FannieMae

NEWS SOURCE: Class Valuation


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Akron Photographer James Nisly Earns Elite National Certification from Professional Photographers of America

GREEN, Ohio, Feb. 26, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — James Nisly, CPP, of Genevieve Nisly Photography has earned the Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) designation from Professional Photographers of America (PPA). Nisly earned this prestigious credential after completing an intensive program that measures artistic and technical competence. Currently, PPA recognizes fewer than 2,500 photographers nationwide with this designation, placing Nisly in the top tier of imaging professionals.

James Nisly, CPP, owner of Genevieve Nisly Photography in Green, Ohio, has recently earned the Certified Professional Photographer designation from Professional Photographers of America (PPA).
Image caption: James Nisly, CPP, owner of Genevieve Nisly Photography in Green, Ohio, has recently earned the Certified Professional Photographer designation from Professional Photographers of America (PPA).

“In an era where everyone has a camera, I wanted to prove that there is a measurable difference in professional expertise,” says Nisly. “The CPP designation is held by fewer than 2,500 photographers nationwide, and bringing that level of vetted, technical mastery back to the Akron community is incredibly important to me. It’s about raising the bar for what our clients can expect from a professional studio.”

Professional Photographers of America (PPA.com) is the leading body for certifying imaging professionals. To earn the CPP, candidates must pass a comprehensive written examination, complete a technical image evaluation, and adhere to a strict code of professional conduct. Certification must be renewed periodically, ensuring that CPPs maintain the highest standards of professionalism.

Genevieve Nisly Photography is a premier professional photography studio based in Green, Ohio, serving the Akron community and the broader Northeast Ohio region. The studio is built on a foundation of artistic and technical excellence, a commitment recently reinforced by James Nisly’s designation as a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP). By combining years of studio experience with nationally vetted standards, the studio ensures that every image captured is a reflection of professional mastery and technical precision.

The studio specializes in high-quality professional headshots and portraiture designed to help individuals and businesses elevate their professional brand. Operating from their Larabee Circle location, Genevieve Nisly Photography adheres to a strict code of professional conduct and maintains a focus on delivering a premium, consistent client experience. For more information regarding services, portfolios, or to schedule a session, visit their official website at https://www.genevievenisly.com/headshots.

NEWS SOURCE: Genevieve Nisly Photography


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Optimal Blue to host 2027 Summit February 1-3 in Scottsdale

Third annual event will return to Arizona for three days of capital markets strategy and innovation

PLANO, Texas, Feb. 25, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today announced it will host its 2027 Optimal Blue Summit February 1–3 at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. The annual event convenes Optimal Blue clients, integration partners and capital markets leaders from across the mortgage industry for three days of insight, collaboration and forward-looking strategy.

Optimal Blue
Image caption: Optimal Blue.

Entering its third year, the Optimal Blue Summit has become a forum for mortgage capital markets professionals to explore technology innovation, share best practices and engage in candid discussion about the market dynamics shaping the industry. The 2027 agenda will continue that focus with expert-led sessions, hands-on training and curated networking designed to equip attendees with practical strategies they can apply within their organizations.

“Our Summit is where strategy and execution come together,” said Sara Holtz, chief marketing officer at Optimal Blue. “Each year, we create an environment where clients and partners can engage directly with our leadership team, explore new platform capabilities and exchange ideas with peers facing similar market challenges. We look forward to building on this year’s momentum as we return to Arizona in 2027.”

Event highlights will include:

  • New technology unveilings: Early access to Optimal Blue’s latest platform advancements, including AI-driven capabilities, automation enhancements and expanded integrations
  • Market intelligence and economic insights: Expert perspectives on secondary market dynamics, rate trends and capital markets strategy
  • Execution and performance workshops: Tactical sessions focused on pricing accuracy, margin management, hedging and operational efficiency
  • Executive leadership forums: Discussions centered on navigating volatility and positioning for sustainable growth
  • Interactive feedback sessions: Client roundtables and product forums designed to shape the future direction of the Optimal Blue platform

Registration for the 2027 event is now open at Summit.OptimalBlue.com. Early bird pricing is available for a limited time.

Additional event details will be announced in the coming months.

About Optimal Blue

Optimal Blue powers profitability across the mortgage capital markets ecosystem. As the industry’s only end-to-end capital markets platform, our technology, data, and integrations bridge the primary and secondary markets to help lenders of all sizes maximize performance – from pricing transparency and accuracy to pipeline risk management and every step in between. Backed by over 20 years of proven expertise, our modern, cloud-native technology delivers the real-time automation, actionable data, and seamless connectivity lenders need to navigate market volatility and scale for growth. To learn more about how Optimal Blue delivers measurable ROI, visit OptimalBlue.com.

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NEWS SOURCE: Optimal Blue


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Optimal Blue), 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.

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Dark Matter Technologies enables secure AI agents inside the Empower LOS for regulated lending

This release makes Dark Matter the first LOS provider to support AI agents to securely interact with Dark Matter's LOS platform using Model Context Protocol

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 25, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, today announced the launch of a new capability on the Dark Matter Developer Platform, enabling lenders to use AI agents securely within the regulated mortgage environment.

Dark Matter Technologies
Image caption: Dark Matter Technologies.

Lenders are increasingly exploring AI to reduce manual work and speed access to information, but they need to do so while remaining secure and compliant. Building on top of a traditional loan origination system (LOS), APIs require significant programming skills. AI agents, on the other hand, can be built and managed by business teams and still benefit from the security, auditability and compliance of the API platform.

Model Context Protocol, an open-source standard for connecting AI applications to external systems, addresses that gap by enabling AI agents to interact with the Empower® LOS platform through a secure, managed gateway. Rather than giving AI tools direct access to loan data, the gateway validates user identity, enforces permissions, limits data exposure and creates a complete audit trail for every request. Dark Matter manages all gateway infrastructure and monitoring, while lenders remain responsible for building and deploying their AI agents.

In practice, lenders can deploy AI agents, allowing employees to ask natural-language questions about pipeline status, tasks or upcoming closings. Users see only the information they are authorized to access. All requests pass through Dark Matter’s gateway, where security and compliance controls are applied before results are returned. This capability also allows lenders to connect AI agents to other internal systems, such as customer relationship management (CRM), servicing or billing platforms, to bring new innovative solutions to life.

“By managing the secure communication layer — identity, permissions, monitoring and auditability — we give lenders the freedom to innovate with AI on top of Empower while maintaining full control and compliance,” said Vikas Rao, chief technology officer at Dark Matter Technologies. “This is the foundation lenders have been missing.”

“We believe in helping clients realize their innovative ideas, while still staying secure and compliant,” said Sean Dugan, chief executive officer of Dark Matter Technologies. “This capability allows teams to use AI to surface information faster, reduce manual effort and support day-to-day workflows — all while keeping humans firmly in control of lending decisions. It’s all about driving measurable efficiency gains without introducing new compliance risk.”

​​​​​Empower LOS customers can enable the capability now through the Dark Matter Developer Platform with support from Dark Matter’s implementation team.

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

LOGO link for media: https://dmatter.com/wp-content/uploads/dark-matter-logo.svg

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-enables-secure-ai-agents-inside-the-empower-los-for-regulated-lending/

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TO LIVE AND WRITE IN LA: Veteran Screenwriter Jim Agnew Delivers an Unfiltered Guide to Surviving Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 25, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In a brutally honest and darkly humorous exploration of the film and television industry, veteran screenwriter Jim Agnew announces the release of “To Live and Write in LA: A Street-Level Guide to Surviving as a Screenwriter” (ISBN: 979-8218906696; published by Independent Global Solutions), brand partner Legacy Launch Pad Publishing announced today.

"To Live and Write in LA: A Street-Level Guide to Surviving as a Screenwriter" (ISBN: 979-8218906696)
Image caption: “To Live and Write in LA: A Street-Level Guide to Surviving as a Screenwriter” (ISBN: 979-8218906696).

Drawing from more than 30 years inside Hollywood’s creative and corporate machinery, “To Live and Write in LA” pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to build a screenwriting career in an industry where deals collapse overnight, backend profits vanish and creative control is often an illusion.

Blending behind-the-scenes stories with practical business insight, Agnew recounts his journey from low-budget, single-location action films to studio projects, streaming-era pitches and high-stakes legal battles. He shares firsthand accounts of renegotiating contracts, navigating producer intimidation tactics, defending intellectual property claims and watching scripts transform — sometimes beyond recognition — once cameras start rolling.

The book moves beyond Hollywood mythology to focus on the mechanics that determine whether a writer survives. Agnew breaks down option and purchase agreements, chain of title, submission release forms, profit participation structures, WGA membership and the realities of pitching in the streaming age. His message is clear: talent alone is not enough. Writers who understand the business side of their craft gain the only real leverage available to them.

At its core, “To Live and Write in LA” is both cautionary tale and survival manual. It explores the volatility of modern entertainment — from the rise of streaming platforms to shrinking budgets and shifting industry politics — and challenges writers to adapt rather than cling to nostalgia for a bygone Hollywood.

With sharp wit and unfiltered commentary, Agnew captures the beautiful, soul-crushing reality of screenwriting: your script is a product, not a sacred text. The sooner you understand that, the better equipped you are to navigate the gorgeous nightmare of getting your work produced.

“To Live and Write in LA” is available now through major retailers and online booksellers.

About Jim Agnew:

Jim Agnew is a veteran screenwriter and producer with more than three decades of experience in the film and television industry. He has written, optioned and produced projects across independent and studio systems, working with acclaimed directors, producers and actors. “To Live and Write in LA” is his definitive guide to the creative and business realities of screenwriting in modern Hollywood.

About Independent Global Solutions:

Independent Global Solutions is a boutique publishing company dedicated to helping visionary authors bring impactful stories and ideas to a global audience through strategic development, design and distribution.

For media queries, please contact: https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/contact

NEWS SOURCE: Legacy Launch Pad Publishing


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Legacy Launch Pad Publishing), 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.

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Friday Harbor introduces dynamic pre-underwriting to help LOs structure deals that qualify and close

Income and Asset Sandbox lets lenders run income and asset scenarios against product guidelines and investor requirements in real time

SEATTLE, Wash., Feb. 24, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Friday Harbor, an AI pre-underwriting platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time, today announced the launch of Income and Asset Sandbox, a new set of capabilities that allows lending teams to structure income and asset decisions in real time without committing changes prematurely or stepping outside program guidelines. The capabilities are designed to help loan officers structure deals that qualify and close earlier in the origination process.

Friday Harbor logo
Image caption: Friday Harbor.

Qualification of income and assets is among the most judgment-intensive and error-prone areas of mortgage underwriting. Small decisions about which documents to include, how to average variable income or whether to count a particular asset can materially affect eligibility and loan structure. Income and Asset Sandbox brings structure and visibility to that process earlier, when teams still have flexibility.

With Income and Asset Sandbox, lenders can instruct Friday Harbor’s AI income agent to include or exclude specific income streams, assets and supporting documentation within a live loan file and see qualifying income recalculated immediately. Teams can toggle the inclusion of documents, adjust averaging periods for variable earnings or test asset-based scenarios, all according to the loan product’s specific program, AUS findings and applicable guidelines.

Income and Asset Sandbox operates within Friday Harbor’s AI pre-underwriting platform. It reads borrower documents, compares them to the loan application and evaluates them against agency rules and lender overlays. Calculations are grounded in the documentation in real time, ensuring results reflect what can actually be supported, not hypotheticals.

“Income decisions rarely fit into neat templates, especially as borrower scenarios grow more complex,” said Theo Ellis, founder and CEO of Friday Harbor. “Our Income and Asset Sandbox gives teams a way to structure deals earlier in the process, with transparency into how each income and asset decision impacts eligibility and the path to close.”

Income and Asset Sandbox is supported by Friday Harbor’s Loan File Companion, a file-scoped AI assistant that helps teams understand how specific structuring decisions impact eligibility. Users can ask questions directly within the loan file and receive responses tied to source documents, AUS findings and policy references, keeping scenario analysis grounded in documentation while preserving lender judgment and underwriting accountability.

Lenders can learn more about Friday Harbor’s Income and Asset Sandbox or request a demo at https://fridayharbor.ai.

About Friday Harbor

Friday Harbor is an AI pre-underwriting platform that helps lenders identify and resolve potential issues earlier in the origination process. By analyzing borrower documents, appraisals and income calculations against investor guidelines and lender overlays, the platform helps teams deliver cleaner files, achieve fewer underwriting touches and improve individual productivity. For more information, visit https://fridayharbor.ai/.

Tags: #mortgagetech #AI #fintech #underwriting #incomesandbox

NEWS SOURCE: Friday Harbor


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Friday Harbor), 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/friday-harbor-introduces-dynamic-pre-underwriting-to-help-los-structure-deals-that-qualify-and-close/

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Industry-first AI/ML-powered forecasting tool headlines extensive lineup of mortgage capital markets innovations unveiled at 2026 Optimal Blue Summit

On-demand Virtual Economist anchors nine advancements that unify the capital markets profitability experience across the loan life cycle

PLANO, Texas, Feb. 24, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today announced Virtual Economist, the first on-demand forecasting tool for mortgage capital markets leaders powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), as the centerpiece of nine platform advancements unveiled at the company’s 2026 Summit. Together, the innovations further unify the capital markets profitability experience by connecting forecasting, pricing, hedging, competitive benchmarking and workflow execution within a single, end-to-end platform.

Optimal Blue
Image caption: Optimal Blue.

“The future of mortgage capital markets belongs to platforms that don’t just respond to volatility, but anticipate it,” said Joe Tyrrell, CEO at Optimal Blue. “Optimal Blue is building and continuously innovating an intelligent, connected and comprehensive ecosystem that gives lenders clarity and confidence from origination to secondary marketing, and back again. The innovations announced at our 2026 Optimal Blue Summit reflect our long-term commitment to redefining how the industry plans, prices and performs in any market environment.”

“Virtual Economist was built to address a real challenge our lender clients face – the disconnect between economic insight and day-to-day execution,” said Erin Wester, chief product officer at Optimal Blue. “By uniting public economic indicators with Optimal Blue’s proprietary lock volume data and applying AI/ML-driven forecasting, teams can test assumptions and prepare immediately through conversational and visual scenario modeling. That same data-driven approach extends across our 2026 innovations, creating a tighter feedback loop among pricing, margin management and hedge analytics so decisions are informed by real-time insight and reflected consistently across the platform.”

The 2026 Summit advancements include:

VIRTUAL ECONOMIST

In a market where profitability planning typically depends on static, macro forecasts and manual what-if exercises, Virtual Economist gives lenders on-demand predictions without the lag, labor or subjectivity of traditional approaches. The mortgage industry’s first and only AI/ML-powered forecasting tool, it combines public economic data with Optimal Blue’s lock volume data into proprietary machine learning models to deliver real-time rate and volume predictions and instant scenario analysis for strategic planning. Users can choose their preferred economist avatar and engage conversationally through voice or text, with forecasts presented visually to enhance clarity and decision-making.

PROFITABILITY CENTER

Profitability Center introduces a unified dashboard across Optimal Blue products, enabling faster navigation while surfacing cross-product market, production and profitability insights that inform decision-making before users move into deeper workflows. This central landing experience includes access to an economic calendar and predictive insights to anticipate market movement and plan hedging or pricing actions accordingly.

COMPETITIVE DATA LICENSE PLUS

Competitive Data License Plus expands Optimal Blue’s benchmarking capabilities by adding anonymized hedging and trading data to its existing lock and pricing dataset. By connecting front-end pricing behavior with back-end loan sale outcomes updated daily, it delivers deeper visibility into pull-through performance, margin from lock to sale, investor turn times and best-efforts versus mandatory execution spreads. The enhanced dataset enables lenders to model competitive positioning and execution strategy with greater precision across the capital markets life cycle.

AGENCY DIRECT (for CompassEdge)

Agency Direct in CompassEdge modernizes retained execution workflows for institutions delivering loans to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Bank system. By replacing manual spreadsheet-based tracking with a centralized environment for loan imports, coverage modeling and commitment management in CompassEdge, the solution strengthens executive visibility while reducing operational risk.

RATESHEET PRICING INSIGHTS (for CompassEdge)

Ratesheet Pricing Insights connects pricing from the Optimal Blue PPE with CompassEdge margin management, reducing the lag and manual processes that can separate pricing decisions from published rates. By syncing margin updates directly between systems and embedding market and competitive context into the workflow, it surfaces competitive insights before ratesheets are published and helps ensure rates reflect current conditions while improving margin discipline.

HEDGE COST IN THE PPE (for the Optimal Blue PPE)

Hedge Cost in the PPE embeds CompassEdge hedge analytics directly within the Optimal Blue PPE, giving lenders immediate visibility into the margin impact of extensions, renegotiations and price concessions. By surfacing hedge coupon, mark-to-market exposure and effective margin at the point of decision, it strengthens alignment between origination and secondary teams while protecting execution performance at the transaction level.

AI RULES ASSISTANT (for the Optimal Blue PPE)

AI Rules Assistant enhances Rules Optimizer, a feature within the Optimal Blue PPE that manages pricing and eligibility rules across investor relationships, by enabling administrators to “speak policy, ship rules” – i.e., input natural language and allow AI automation to generate the new rule. It identifies similar configurations and automatically builds required dependencies for review, accelerating rule creation while strengthening governance and pricing control.

ENHANCED ADMIN EXPERIENCE (for the Optimal Blue PPE and CompassEdge)

Enhanced admin experiences in both the Optimal Blue PPE and CompassEdge hedging and trading platform arm administrators with faster, more intuitive ways to configure pricing and manage investors.

In the Optimal Blue PPE, a redesigned configuration experience consolidates key tools into a straightforward, user-friendly workspace, with embedded entity selection and global Release to Production access from any screen. By reducing clicks and improving visibility across pricing configurations, it accelerates setup and governance workflows for administrators.

In CompassEdge, new administrative configuration for investor management gives users more straightforward visibility into the configuration for valuing their loan pipeline. Users can self-manage investors, execution types and more in a single, accessible place.

LOANSIFTER–COMERGENCE CONNECTION

A new connection between Optimal Blue’s Loansifter PPE for mortgage brokers and its Comergence counterparty oversight solution links promotional pricing visibility with counterparty engagement data, giving investors measurable insight into broker interaction and marketing effectiveness. By connecting broker activity with onboarding and approval workflows, the integration enables investors to capture qualified leads and accelerate TPO network growth.

Several of the announced innovations are live today, with others entering beta or phased rollout throughout 2026.

Optimal Blue’s annual Summit brings together lenders, investors and industry leaders to explore the strategies and technologies shaping the future of mortgage capital markets.

ABOUT OPTIMAL BLUE

Optimal Blue powers profitability across the mortgage capital markets ecosystem. As the industry’s only end-to-end capital markets platform, our technology, data, and integrations bridge the primary and secondary markets to help lenders of all sizes maximize performance – from pricing transparency and accuracy to pipeline risk management and every step in between. Backed by over 20 years of proven expertise, our modern, cloud-native technology delivers the real-time automation, actionable data, and seamless connectivity lenders need to navigate market volatility and scale for growth. To learn more about how Optimal Blue delivers measurable ROI, visit OptimalBlue.com.

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NEWS SOURCE: Optimal Blue


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Optimal Blue), 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/industry-first-ai-ml-powered-forecasting-tool-headlines-extensive-lineup-of-mortgage-capital-markets-innovations-unveiled-at-2026-optimal-blue-summit/

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Vertyx and Great Lakes Credit Union launch CUSO to support modernized mortgage servicing for credit unions

BANNOCKBURN, Ill., and NEW YORK, N.Y., Feb. 24, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Vertyx, a provider of intelligent mortgage servicing technology built for enhanced portfolio performance, today announced it has partnered with Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU), through its CUSO holding company GLCU Holdings LLC, to launch Vertyx CUSO LLC, a newly formed credit union service organization (CUSO) dedicated to transforming mortgage servicing with a member-first philosophy and shared, credit union focused technology.

Vertyx, Inc.
Image caption: Vertyx, Inc. logo.

The launch follows a year of significant growth for Vertyx within the credit union ecosystem. The formation of Vertyx CUSO LLC formalizes the company’s commitment to serving as a long-term technology partner for innovative mortgage servicing teams across the credit union industry.

“Mortgage servicing has traditionally been treated as a cost center and a source of friction for both members and operations teams,” said Vertyx Co-Founder Ayo Opeyemi. “Vertyx CUSO was created to change that dynamic by enabling credit unions to retain key member relationships while transforming servicing into a driver of loyalty, efficiency and portfolio growth.”

As a credit union service organization, Vertyx CUSO LLC enables credit unions to share technology and expertise while accessing modern servicing capabilities that would be difficult to build independently. The CUSO structure reinforces Vertyx’s commitment to collaboration, scalability and long-term value creation for the credit union industry.

Vertyx delivers a mortgage servicing platform designed to help financial institutions retain servicing, modernize operations and reduce dependence on legacy systems. The platform provides a single source of truth by centralizing portfolio data, embedding automated compliance into daily workflows and supporting faster, data-driven decision-making, while an API-first architecture allows credit unions to connect with existing vendors without costly proprietary integrations and reduce operational risk.

“Vertyx has been a phenomenal partner for Mortgage Forward, our wholly owned CUSO, in helping us elevate the mortgage servicing experience for our members,” said Michael Abraham, CEO of GLCU Holdings LLC and Chief Strategy Officer at Great Lakes Credit Union. “We are excited to deepen this partnership and continue to innovate on mortgage servicing solutions that provide real value to the credit union movement.”

Learn more about Vertyx CUSO LLC here: https://vertyx.io/company/cuso.

About GLCU

Founded in 1938 and headquartered in Northern Illinois, Great Lakes Credit Union is banking for a greater good. As a not-for-profit financial cooperative with more than $1.4 billion in assets, GLCU is proud to serve 115,000 members in Chicagoland and surrounding areas, and to give back to its members and communities through education, volunteerism, and partnerships. Learn more about GLCU’s accounts, educational initiatives, and community development programs at www.glcu.org.

About Vertyx

Vertyx delivers intelligent servicing with proven results. Designed to transform loan servicing from a cost center into a profit engine, the Vertyx platform streamlines servicing operations through intelligent workflow automation while converting portfolio data into actionable retention and cross-sell opportunities. With intelligence embedded directly into the servicing lifecycle, Vertyx reduces manual work and delays common in legacy environments, lowering cost-to-serve and operational risk. Vertyx also helps teams move faster with confidence by embedding compliance into everyday workflows—supporting stronger outcomes for homeowners, servicers, and investors across the mortgage lifecycle. Visit https://vertyx.io/ to learn more.

NEWS SOURCE: Vertyx


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Down Payment Resource honors Merri Jo Cowen with 2025 Beverly Faull Affordable Housing Leadership Award

Stellar MLS CEO recognized for decades of leadership advancing equitable access to homeownership

ATLANTA, Ga., Feb. 24, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry’s leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced that 40-year industry veteran Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of Stellar MLS, is the recipient of the 2025 Beverly Faull Affordable Housing Leadership Award.

Down Payment Resource honors Merri Jo Cowen with 2025 Beverly Faull Affordable Housing Leadership Award
Image caption: Down Payment Resource honors Merri Jo Cowen with 2025 Beverly Faull Affordable Housing Leadership Award.

Now in its ninth year, the Beverly Faull Affordable Housing Leadership Award recognizes an individual or organization that has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advancing housing affordability. DPR created the award in memory of one of its first employees, Beverly Faull, whose dedication to improving access to homebuyer assistance programs helped shape the company’s mission. DPR will donate $5,000 to a housing nonprofit of Cowen’s choice.

Cowen’s career began in the early 1980s at the Reno Sparks Board of Realtors®, where she rose from data entry to MLS director and later led the creation of a regional MLS serving Reno and Carson City. In 2003, she became the inaugural CEO of the Northern Nevada Regional MLS. She joined MidFlorida Regional MLS in 2008 as CEO and guided its rebrand to Stellar MLS in 2019. Stellar MLS is now the third largest MLS in the United States, serving more than 80,000 subscribers.

Under Cowen’s leadership, Stellar MLS has prioritized equity, accessibility and the responsible use of technology to reduce barriers to homeownership. With DPR’s software tools integrated into its MLS, agents can identify more than 80% of properties in the database that qualify for down payment programs. Through ongoing education, marketing and product adoption, more than 158,000 agents, brokers and consumers have engaged with DPR tools over the past year.

Cowen also founded Stellar Cares, a charitable arm of Stellar MLS, to support housing and community organizations. Since its 2023 launch, Stellar Cares has distributed $500,000 to 34 organizations, including $229,500 dedicated to affordable housing initiatives focused on housing stability education and community resilience.

In addition, Cowen has led initiatives that strengthen fair housing and data transparency, including Stellar MLS’s conversion to the RESO Data Dictionary, reciprocal MLS access agreements spanning 11 states and 17 countries and consumer tools such as Finding Homes, a voice-enabled home search platform for people with visual impairments, and SkySlope Offers, which helps reduce bias by concealing buyer names. Cowen has served twice as president of the Council of Multiple Listing Services and contributes to numerous national and international industry organizations.

“Merri Jo’s career has been defined by service innovation and a deep belief that fair access to housing data and resources creates stronger communities,” said Rob Chrane, DPR’s founder and CEO. “Through her leadership at Stellar MLS, she has expanded opportunities for first-time and underserved buyers while setting a powerful example of how technology and purpose can work together to advance housing affordability.”

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 www.downpaymentresource.com/.

X: @DwnPmtResource #downpaymentassistance #downpayment

NEWS SOURCE: Down Payment Resource


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Dovenmuehle’s 2025 SOC 1 and SOC 2 Type 2 reports underscore high data security standards and robust internal controls

LAKE ZURICH, Ill., Feb. 24, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dovenmuehle Mortgage, Inc., a leading mortgage subservicing company, today announced it has successfully completed its 2025 Service Organization Control (SOC) 1® Type 2 and SOC 2® Type 2 audits. The independent examinations, conducted by public accounting and business advisory firm Plante Moran, PLLC, confirm that Dovenmuehle’s internal controls, operational processes and information security practices meet stringent standards for financial reporting integrity and the safeguarding of client data.

Dovenmuehle Mortgage
Image caption: Dovenmuehle Mortgage.

The SOC 1 Type 2 report examines the design and operating effectiveness of Dovenmuehle’s controls over financial reporting, while the SOC 2 Type 2 report reviews controls governing security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality and privacy. The two reports offer clients independent, third-party validation of Dovenmuehle’s proven commitment to safeguarding sensitive information and delivering consistent, reliable service. The SOC 1 Type 2 report is now available to all Dovenmuehle clients via DMIConnect under the “DMI Corporate Documents” tab. Clients can also request the reports from their Account Manager.

“Our clients trust us to protect their data and support their business with the highest operational standards,” said Dovenmuehle Senior Vice President Matthew Budy. “The successful completion of our SOC audits reinforces our dedication to strong governance, system integrity, and delivering reliable service our partners can count on.”

Dovenmuehle’s SOC 2 Type 2 audit reviews the following specific trust services criteria:

  • Security: The system is protected against unauthorized access.
  • Availability: The system is available for operation and use as agreed.
  • Processing Integrity: System processing is complete, accurate, timely and authorized.
  • Confidentiality: Confidential information is safeguarded as committed.
  • Privacy: Personal information is collected, used, retained and disclosed in accordance with the company’s privacy policy.

About Dovenmuehle

Founded in 1844, Dovenmuehle (Lake Zurich, Ill.) is a mortgage subservicer for commercial banks, credit unions, independent mortgage lenders, MSR investors and state housing finance agencies nationwide. The company subservices portfolio loans, as well as loans sold to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae and the Federal Home Loan Bank with servicing retained. Using a combination of best-in-class and proprietary technology, Dovenmuehle helps lenders reduce servicing costs and deliver consistently high levels of service to homeowners while maintaining compliance with investor and regulatory requirements. Learn more at https://dovenmuehle.com.

NEWS SOURCE: Dovenmuehle


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Dovenmuehle), 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.

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Natural Transplants Named #1 Among Top Hair Restoration Clinics in Florida by Miami Living Magazine

Fort Lauderdale-based clinic recognized for its undetectable results, executive-level discretion, and industry-leading hair restoration methods

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 24, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — As the demand for highly discreet aesthetic procedures continues to rise among executives and high-profile individuals, Natural Transplants, Hair Restoration Clinic, has been officially ranked the number one facility by Miami Living Magazine in its latest feature, “Florida’s Top 6 Hair Restoration Clinics for Natural & Undetectable Results.”

The expert surgical team at Natural Transplants performing a proprietary HUE method hair transplant
Photo caption: The expert surgical team at Natural Transplants performing a proprietary HUE method hair transplant, designed to deliver seamless, natural-looking results for professionals.

This top placement firmly establishes Natural Transplants as the gold standard for patients seeking elite, invisible artistry. To stand out among the Top Hair Restoration Clinics in Florida, a practice must move beyond simply providing a higher graft count. It requires achieving a level of refinement where even a patient’s own barber cannot detect the surgical intervention, effectively eliminating the historical fear of obvious linear scars or “pluggy” results.

“The discerning patient isn’t just afraid of looking thin, they are deeply afraid of the telltale signs of a procedure,” said Dr. Matt Huebner, Chief Medical Director at Natural Transplants. “Being ranked number one by Miami Living Magazine validates our core philosophy. Whether a patient is best suited for our signature high-yield method or a highly precise Follicular Unit Extraction procedure, our goal remains the same, we don’t just restore a hairline; we engineer a completely natural look with wall-to-wall density. Absolute discretion and surgical excellence are our baselines.”

Miami Living highlighted the clinic’s proprietary HUE (High-Yield Unit Extraction) method as a major market differentiator. While many facilities spread grafts out sparsely to cover a larger area, Dr. Huebner and Dr. Harold Siegel utilize the HUE technique to move the maximum amount of hair in a single session. This ambitious approach bypasses the “thin” look entirely, cementing the facility’s reputation as the premier Top Hair Transplant Clinic in Florida.

Beyond surgical precision, the publication praised the clinic’s distinctive “Executive Lounge” atmosphere. Designed specifically for discerning professionals who value privacy and efficiency, Natural Transplants eschews the traditional sterile medical feel for an unpretentious, highly focused environment. It is a space built for individuals who want the job done flawlessly the first time so they can seamlessly return to their boardrooms and lives with renewed confidence.

This latest acknowledgment by Miami Living Magazine adds to a growing list of lifestyle and aesthetic accolades for the Fort Lauderdale-based clinic, which routinely attracts a global clientele seeking the highest caliber of stealth and success in hair restoration.

Read the full feature in Miami Living Magazine. For more information on the proprietary HUE method, advanced FUE options, or to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Huebner or Dr. Siegel, please visit naturaltransplants.com or call 844-327-4247.

About Natural Transplants, Hair Restoration Clinic

Serving Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, Florida, Natural Transplants provides world-class hair restoration services to patients worldwide. Led by esteemed surgeons Dr. Matt Huebner and Dr. Harold Siegel, the clinic specializes in advanced, high-density hair transplants utilizing both their proprietary HUE (High-Yield Unit Extraction) method and FUE techniques. By prioritizing a privacy-focused environment and an efficient, patient-first model, Natural Transplants ensures unparalleled surgical precision and undetectable, natural-looking results. https://naturaltransplants.com/

MULTIMEDIA

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Photo caption: The expert surgical team at Natural Transplants performing a proprietary HUE method hair transplant, designed to deliver seamless, natural-looking results for professionals.

NEWS SOURCE: Natural Transplants


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Natural Transplants), 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.

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National Solo Aging Expert Dr. Sara Zeff Geber to Lead Hillcrest LaVerne Seminar on Planning for a Secure Future

LA VERNE, Calif., Feb. 23, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Hillcrest, a senior living community in La Verne, Calif., is hosting nationally recognized solo aging expert Dr. Sara Zeff Geber, PhD, founder of LifeEncore, for an educational seminar focused on preparing solo agers for the future. The free event will take place on Thursday, Feb. 26, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and will cover legal and financial strategies for maintaining independence. A solo ager is defined as anyone, single or partnered, who does not have children or is aging alone for any reason.

Dr. Sara Geber, national solo aging expert, is leading a series to empower solo agers at Hillcrest
Image Caption: Dr. Sara Geber, national solo aging expert, is leading a series to empower solo agers at Hillcrest on Feb. 26 at 2:00 p.m.

According to AARP, approximately 24 million U.S. adults aged 50 and older live alone, and that number is rising (https://www.aarp.org/family-relationships/solo-aging.html).

The interactive presentation is based on Dr. Geber’s 2018 book, “Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers.” Participants will receive helpful planning resources as they look toward the future.

“Hillcrest is home to many solo agers, and we’ve built a thriving community to support them,” said Shirley Turner, Director of Sales and Marketing at Hillcrest. Under Turner’s guidance, Hillcrest has responded to the rise in solo aging by creating programs specifically for this group, including a complimentary Summer Camp event and focus groups to better understand solo agers’ goals, interests and what matters most in this stage of life. As a result of Hillcrest’s efforts, the community’s population of solo-aging residents has increased.

In the presentation, Dr. Geber will share advice on how to be your own best advocate in the years ahead and outline the steps to build a rich life, regardless of family support. She’ll

share options and decisions necessary to create a fulfilling life now and a secure future in the years ahead, including:

  • Identifying what matters most
  • Finding resources beyond family to provide for your needs as you age
  • Considering how and where you want to live
  • Navigating post-retirement life

“Looking at aging as a solo ager requires a robust approach to planning to meet unique needs in later life. We know older adults have peace of mind knowing their plans align with their goals and lifestyle, and that is the goal of our conversation at Hillcrest,” said Dr. Geber.

Register for the session: https://liveathillcrest.org/event/solo-aging-series-session-two-planning-for-one-legal-and-financial-confidence-for-solo-agers/

Hillcrest's senior community in La Verne, Calif., is home to many solo agers, including resident Karen Watts and her puppy Gracie
Image Caption: Hillcrest’s senior community in La Verne, Calif., is home to many solo agers, including resident Karen Watts and her puppy Gracie.

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://liveathillcrest.org/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Shonne Fegan-Ehrhardt, PR Director, 3rd3rd Marketing

shonne@3rd3rd.com, (847) 962-9879

-and/or-

Shirley Turner, Director of Sales and Marketing, Hillcrest

sturner@livingathillcrest.org, (909) 392-4389

IMAGES FOR MEDIA:

[1] Photo link: https://liveathillcrest.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Solo-Aging.png

Caption: Dr. Sara Geber, national solo aging expert, is leading a series to empower solo agers at Hillcrest on Feb. 26 at 2:00 p.m.

[2] Photo link: https://liveathillcrest.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/05122025_Hillcrest_1952_dog-golf-cart-scaled.jpg

Caption: Hillcrest’s senior community in La Verne, Calif., is home to many solo agers, including resident Karen Watts and her puppy Gracie.

NEWS SOURCE: Hillcrest


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Hillcrest), 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/national-solo-aging-expert-dr-sara-zeff-geber-to-lead-hillcrest-laverne-seminar-on-planning-for-a-secure-future/

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Black Friday Opens Door for Global Brands to Win the World’s Most Powerful Retail Moment

Black Friday Loyalty Rewards Card and Black Friday Select, a generative AI- powered shopping assistant announced

MIAMI, Fla., Feb. 23, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Black Friday, the most recognized and influential name in global retail, is officially expanding beyond a single day-offering banks, global retailers, technology platforms, and brands worldwide a new opportunity to win with the most powerful shopping identity ever created, Empire License, Inc. announced today.

Black Friday Opens Door for Global Brands to Win the World's Most Powerful Retail Moment
Image caption: Black Friday Opens Door for Global Brands to Win the World’s Most Powerful Retail Moment.

Through the launch of the Black Friday Loyalty Rewards Card and Black Friday Select, a generative AI- powered shopping assistant, Black Friday is now available as a year-round retail and commerce platform designed to help companies drive growth, loyalty, and conversion at unprecedented scale.

For decades, Black Friday has been synonymous with urgency, savings, and action. Today, that culture power is being transformed into infrastructure – allowing companies not just to participate in Black Friday, but to build with it.

“Black Friday is already the most powerful name in retail. What we’ve done is turn that power into a platform that companies everywhere can use to win-whether they’re a global retailer, a bank, or a technology company,” said Emory Williams, President & CEO. “This is not about one day. It’s about owning the consumer relationship year-round while preserving the importance of Black Friday itself.”

Black Friday Loyalty Rewards Card and Black Friday Select
Image caption: Black Friday Loyalty Rewards Card and Black Friday Select.

FROM A SINGLE DAY TO A GLOBAL COMMERCE ENGINE

The Black Friday Loyalty Rewards Card enables year-round consumer engagement, allowing shoppers to earn points and rewards through everyday purchases that culminate in the world’s most anticipated shopping period. For partners, this creates continuous customer interaction, measurable retention, and recurring transaction volume.

Black Friday Select brings artificial intelligence directly into the shopping experience. As a generative AI-powered shopping assistant, it delivers real-time product recommendations, comparisons, and guided discovery-operating natively within a retailer’s existing digital environment to increase conversion and average order value.

AN OPEN INVITATION TO COMPANIES READY TO WIN

In an Increasingly competitive retail and AI landscape, companies are searching for an edge. Black Friday offers one that already lives in the minds of billions of consumers.

By aligning with Black Friday, participating companies gain access to the world’s most trusted retail name, a built-in culture of urgency and value, AI-powered shopping engagement, and a loyalty system that drives year-round participation.

BLACK FRIDAY IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Black Friday is now available to retailers, financial institutions, technology platforms, and global brands seeking sustainable advantage in the next era of commerce.

Companies can win with Black Friday-and many will.

ABOUT BLACK FRIDAY

Black Friday is the most recognized retail name in the world, evolving from a single shopping day into a global commerce platform that integrates loyalty, artificial intelligence, and brand engagement.

Learn more: https://www.bfcharacter.com/ and https://www.bflrewards.com/

MEDIA CONTACT
Emory Williams
Empire License, Inc.
(305) 407-6010
elwill1@yahoo.com

MULTIMEDIA

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Image caption: Black Friday Opens Door for Global Brands to Win the World’s Most Powerful Retail Moment

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/black-friday-opens-door-for-global-brands-to-win-the-worlds-most-powerful-retail-moment/

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Las Vegas: Emerging as a Prime Market for First-Time Home Buyers

LAS VEGAS, Nev., Feb. 23, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In recent years, Las Vegas has undergone a significant transformation in its real estate landscape, emerging as an attractive market for first-time home buyers, eXp Realty announced today. Historically known for its vibrant entertainment scene and rapid development, the city has experienced shifts in affordability, inventory, and economic stability that now make it an appealing choice for those purchasing their first home.

Las Vegas: Emerging as a Prime Market for First-Time Home Buyers.
Image caption: Las Vegas: Emerging as a Prime Market for First-Time Home Buyers.

Here’s a detailed look at why Las Vegas is finally becoming a favorable market for first-time buyers.

1. Improved Affordability and Housing Prices

One of the most compelling reasons Las Vegas is now a good market for first-time buyers is the improvement in housing affordability. After years of rapid price escalation driven by high demand and limited supply, the market has started to stabilize. According to recent data, median home prices in Las Vegas have plateaued or even slightly declined, making entry-level homes more accessible.

This stabilization is largely due to increased housing inventory and a slowdown in the rapid appreciation that characterized the market in previous years. First-time buyers can now find a variety of affordable homes, including condos, townhouses, and modest single-family homes, with prices that are within reach for many.

2. Growing Inventory and Diverse Options

The supply of homes on the market has increased, giving buyers more choices and reducing competition. Builders are ramping up new construction projects to meet demand, and existing homeowners are listing their properties at higher rates. This influx of inventory provides first-time buyers with a broader selection of homes that fit different budgets and preferences.

Furthermore, neighborhoods across Las Vegas are offering diverse options—from suburban communities with family-friendly amenities to urban areas close to downtown. This variety allows first-time buyers to choose neighborhoods that align with their lifestyle, work commute, and future growth prospects.

3. Favorable Mortgage Conditions

Mortgage rates, although fluctuating, have remained relatively attractive compared to historical highs. Lower interest rates translate into lower monthly payments, making homeownership more affordable. Additionally, lenders are now offering more flexible loan programs aimed at first-time buyers, including low down payment options and assistance programs.

Many local and federal initiatives are designed to support first-time homebuyers in Las Vegas, such as down payment assistance programs, which help reduce the upfront financial burden. These programs, combined with favorable mortgage conditions, make it easier for first-time buyers to qualify and secure financing.

4. Economic Growth and Job Stability

Las Vegas’s economy is diversifying beyond tourism and entertainment, with growth in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. This economic diversification has contributed to job stability and increased household incomes, boosting buyers’ confidence in entering the market.

A strong local economy ensures that first-time buyers can plan for long-term homeownership without the fear of job instability. Additionally, the city’s affordability compared to other major markets like Los Angeles or San Francisco makes it an attractive destination for young professionals and families.

5. Government and Local Incentives

Various government initiatives aim to promote homeownership among first-time buyers in Las Vegas. These include grants, tax incentives, and programs tailored to assist with down payments and closing costs. The Nevada Housing Division and local agencies actively promote homeownership as a pathway to financial stability.

By leveraging these incentives, first-time buyers can reduce their initial investment, making the dream of homeownership more attainable.

6. Positive Market Outlook

Experts predict that Las Vegas’s real estate market will continue to favor buyers in the near future. With ongoing new construction, increased inventory, and stabilizing prices, the market is expected to remain accessible for first-time buyers. Additionally, the city’s population growth and economic resilience underpin its long-term potential as a good market for new homeowners.

eXp Realty
Image caption: eXp Realty Las Vegas.

Las Vegas has finally evolved into a favorable market for first-time home buyers.

The combination of stabilized prices, increased inventory, attractive mortgage options, economic growth, and supportive government programs creates an environment where purchasing a home is more feasible than it has been in years. For those looking to enter the real estate market in a dynamic, growing city, Las Vegas now offers an exciting opportunity to achieve homeownership and build a foundation for future financial stability.

About Pay Your Move

Ready to make your move to Las Vegas? Let Pay Your Move, powered by EXP Real Estate make your relocation to Las Vegas simple, affordable, and stress-fee. When you work with us, we pay your move – so you can focus on living the life you deserve. Learn more: https://payyourmove.com/

Call EXP Real Estate today at 702-612-5478 to get started – and make Las Vegas your new home.

MEDIA CONTACT

Mark McGarry, eXp Realty, 702-612-5478, or mark.mcgarry@exprealty.com

MULTIMEDIA

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Image caption: Las Vegas: Emerging as a Prime Market for First-Time Home Buyers.

LOGO link: https://payyourmove.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Exp-Realty-Logo-768×418.png

NEWS SOURCE: eXp Realty


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (eXp Realty), 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/las-vegas-emerging-as-a-prime-market-for-first-time-home-buyers/

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FirstClose and TruStage form partnership to accelerate dynamic credit union lending documentation

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 19, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, Inc., a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, today announced a strategic partnership with TruStage to embed TruStage’s dynamic document engine within the FirstClose platform.

FirstClose logo
Image caption: FirstClose and TruStage form partnership to accelerate dynamic credit union lending documentation.

“Partnering with TruStage supports our commitment to giving lenders a modern documentation experience that reduces friction for both teams and members,” said Tedd Smith, chief executive officer of FirstClose. “FirstClose manages the data, workflow and delivery, while TruStage brings deep expertise in applying lender-configured compliance rules to dynamically generate documents, which will add meaningful efficiencies across the lending process.”

Under the partnership, FirstClose provides the structured data captured during initial intake and eligibility and manages document logistics, including borrower delivery and e-sign workflows. TruStage’s dynamic document engine automatically selects the appropriate documents based on real-time analysis of each transaction and lender-defined rules and compliance requirements, generating a warranted list of required disclosures and other documents without requiring lenders to build and maintain custom document groups for each product. This helps support accuracy and consistency across home-equity and mortgage lending processes.

“This collaboration allows TruStage to extend our document capabilities into the FirstClose platform in a way that respects how lenders configure and manage compliance,” said Chris Appie, president of the Compliance Solutions business at TruStage. “By applying lender-defined rules and requirements to data provided by FirstClose, we help institutions maintain control while supporting a more efficient lending experience.”

The integration is expected to be delivered in 2026.

About TruStage

TruStage® is a financially strong insurance and financial services provider, built on the philosophy of people helping people, meeting the needs of middle-market consumers and the businesses that serve them since day one. We believe a brighter financial future should be accessible to everyone, and our products and solutions help people confidently make financial decisions that work for them at every stage of life. With a culture rooted and focused on creating a more equitable society and financial system, we are deeply committed to giving back to our communities and improving the lives of those we serve today and tomorrow. For more information, visit www.trustage.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-and-trustage-form-partnership-to-accelerate-dynamic-credit-union-lending-documentation/

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Fahe Launches Multi-State Housing Can’t Wait Campaign to Confront the Economic and Workforce Impact of Housing Shortages

Highlighting state-level housing supply gaps, the campaign delivers investment-ready solutions to accelerate housing production across five Appalachian states

BEREA, Ky., Feb. 19, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Fahe today announced the expansion of its Housing Can’t Wait® initiative through a coordinated, multi-state advocacy campaign designed to elevate housing as a central economic and workforce priority across Appalachia.

Fahe unites people, organizations, and resources to build homes, strengthen communities, and create a thriving Appalachia
Image caption: Fahe Launches Multi-State “Housing Can’t Wait” Campaign to Confront the Economic and Workforce Impact of Housing Shortages.

Across Appalachia, housing shortages are not accidental. They are the result of decades of underinvestment, constrained capital, and policy gaps that have limited production in rural and underserved communities. Employers struggle to recruit workers. Young families leave for lack of attainable starter homes. Economic development initiatives stall without sufficient housing supply.

Housing Can’t Wait connects these housing supply gaps directly to state-level economic performance and advances practical, investment-ready solutions to increase production.

As part of this expansion, Fahe is deploying a targeted omni-channel digital campaign across Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, West Virginia, and Virginia. The campaign combines state-specific data with compelling visual storytelling to illustrate how housing shortages drive worker shortages, reduce family stability, and limit long-term competitiveness.

Digital placements are strategically targeted to policymakers, legislative staff, economic development leaders, and key influencers in and around state capitols — ensuring housing remains visible during critical legislative and budget discussions.

“Housing is economic infrastructure,” said Maggie Riden, Chief External Affairs Officer at Fahe. “When housing supply falls short, workforce growth slows. State leaders have a clear opportunity to strengthen economic competitiveness by prioritizing housing investment, and we are providing data-driven, implementation-ready pathways to make that possible.”

Solving the housing challenge requires sustained state-level leadership aligned with proven financing tools and regional expertise—like the capabilities Fahe and our 50+ Member organizations bring to communities across Appalachia.

While federal housing programs remain important, state governments have powerful tools to address supply constraints. Flexible state-level funding mechanisms can fill financing gaps, respond to local market conditions, support workforce housing tied to economic development, and leverage private and philanthropic capital.

Housing Can’t Wait equips policymakers with:

  • State-specific housing supply data
  • Clear legislative recommendations
  • Proven funding mechanisms
  • Implementation-ready policy pathways

With this five-state expansion, Housing Can’t Wait reinforces a simple reality: economic growth depends on housing supply — and state action can accelerate results.

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/.

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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-multi-state-housing-cant-wait-campaign-to-confront-the-economic-and-workforce-impact-of-housing-shortages/

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Independent Service Center Becomes Vanderhall Owners’ Fix-It Hub After OEM Falls Short

PLAINFIELD, Ill., Feb. 18, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Premiere Motorsports announces the official launch of the nation’s first dedicated Vanderhall service center – Premiere Service & Performance – positioning itself as the go-to resource for Vanderhall owners seeking expert solutions to known manufacturer defects and design limitations.

Premiere Motorsports and Vanderhall
Image caption: Premiere Motorsports and Vanderhall.

After successfully servicing hundreds of Vanderhall vehicles from across state lines, Premiere Motorsports is formalizing its role as the nationwide authority on addressing the unique challenges faced by the Vanderhall owner community. The specialized Vanderhall service center tackles well-documented OEM shortcomings and Vanderhall issues that have long frustrated enthusiasts, from parts defects to design inadequacies that impact performance and reliability.

“Vanderhall owners deserve better than the factory limitations they’ve been dealing with,” said Chris Czupta, Premiere Motorsports’ owner. “We’ve built our expertise by listening to the community and developing proven solutions to the Vanderhall issues that matter most to these passionate drivers. Now we’re making those Vanderhall repair and performance solutions available nationwide.”

The service center offers comprehensive Vanderhall repair and Vanderhall performance mods specifically engineered to correct known manufacturer issues, providing Vanderhall owners with the quality and performance they expected when purchasing their vehicles. With a deep understanding of the common pain points within the Vanderhall community, the team delivers both corrective Vanderhall repair services and Vanderhall performance mods that transform these unique three-wheeled vehicles into the reliable, high-performing machines they were meant to be.

Premiere Motorsports is quickly cementing its role as the repair destination for owners frustrated by what they describe as persistent parts defects and design shortcomings that have plagued the boutique vehicle brand.

“We’re not trying to replace Vanderhall – we’re filling a necessary market gap,” said Czupta. “These are passionate owners who love their vehicles, but feel abandoned when it comes to known issues.”

The service center has already quietly serviced hundreds of Vanderhalls from multiple states, building a reputation within the tight-knit owner community as the place that actually solves problems – from correcting manufacturing defects to providing redesigns that owners say were flawed from the factory.

The move highlights a growing tension in the boutique automotive market, where small manufacturers may struggle to provide comprehensive support as quality issues emerge. Premiere Motorsports’ expansion into nationwide service represents a mutually beneficial business model: business growth for Premiere Motorsports and a solid service center to turn for the Vanderhall community.

MORE INFORMATION:

https://www.premieremotorsportschicago.com/nationwide-vanderhall-mods-and-service/

ABOUT PREMIERE MOTORSPORTS

Premiere Motorsports is a specialized automotive dealership and service center dedicated to providing expert Vanderhall repair, Vanderhall service and Vanderhall performance mods for enthusiasts nationwide, with particular expertise in addressing manufacturer shortcomings and enhancing vehicle capabilities for discerning Vanderhall owners. Learn more: https://www.premieremotorsportschicago.com/.

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WPvpC0hn8M

PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0218-s2p-premiere-300dpi.webp

PHOTO Caption: Premiere Motorsports and Vanderhall.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Christopher Czupta
of Premiere Motorsports
+1-708-634-0007
chris@premieremoto.com

NEWS SOURCE: Premiere Motorsports


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Premiere Motorsports), 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/independent-service-center-becomes-vanderhall-owners-fix-it-hub-after-oem-falls-short/

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Secured Signing Reaches a Major Milestone: Now SOC 2® Type 2 Compliant

Reinforcing Industry-Leading Security Standards for Digital Transactions

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Feb. 18, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Secured Signing, a leader in Digital Signatures and Remote Online Notarization (RON) solutions, is proud to announce that it has officially achieved SOC 2® Type 2 compliance. This isn’t just another certificate on the wall. Following a grueling, comprehensive audit by the experts at Sensiba LLP, this achievement serves as a formal, third-party validation of our unwavering commitment to protecting your most sensitive information.

Secured Signing Reaches a Major Milestone: Now SOC 2 Type 2 Compliant

At Secured Signing, security is viewed not merely as a feature, but as the foundation of the entire platform. While many organizations seek Type 1 compliance, a “snapshot” of controls at a single point in time, the Type 2 audit is a more demanding, long-term evaluation. It confirms that Secured Signing’s security systems are not only well-designed but have operated effectively over an extended period.

“Attaining SOC 2 Type 2 compliance is our way of honoring the trust our customers place in us,” says Mike Eyal, CEO of Secured Signing. “It proves that we don’t just ‘talk the talk’ we live these security standards every single day to ensure the integrity of every document processed through our platform.”

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

At Secured Signing, we recognize that our customers entrust us with their most sensitive legal and professional assets. Achieving SOC 2® Type 2 compliance is a testament to that trust, providing independent assurance that every document, signature, and data point is handled with the highest level of integrity.

HERE IS HOW OUR “SECURITY-FIRST” PHILOSOPHY PROTECTS YOUR BOTTOM LINE:

  • Trust That Scales: By choosing Secured Signing for your Digital Signature and Remote Online Notarization (RON) needs, you’re not just buying a tool; you’re gaining a partner. We provide independent assurance required by legal, financial, and government institutions to move fast without compromising safety.
  • The Ultimate Defense for RON: Remote Online Notarizations involve “life event” data—the most sensitive information a person can share. Our SOC 2® Type 2 status provides a battle-tested layer of protection for video recordings, biometric ID verification, and confidential records.
  • Long-Term Data Confidentiality: In an era of evolving cyber threats, our compliance proves that your data is shielded by effective, long-term security measures. We ensure your confidential business assets remain private, yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
  • Hardened Audit Trails: Every signature comes with a story. We protect the metadata and digital audit trails that make your signatures legally binding, ensuring they are admissible and tamper-proof in any jurisdiction.

THE BEGINNING OF A NEW STANDARD

While we are incredibly proud of this achievement, we aren’t slowing down. The digital landscape is always changing, and we are committed to staying three steps ahead. We will continue to invest in the latest deepfake-resistant technology and identity verification to ensure we remain the most trusted name in digital transactions.

We want to thank the team at Sensiba LLP for their partnership and, most importantly, you, our customers, for trusting us to protect your most important assets.

ABOUT SECURED SIGNING

Secured Signing delivers a comprehensive and secure SaaS platform that unifies eSignatures, digital signatures, Remote Online Notarization (RON), IPEN, and advanced video-based signing solutions. With built-in real-time identity verification and deepfake resistant technology, the platform ensures that every signer is authenticated with confidence. Designed for organizations with strict security and legal compliance requirements, Secured Signing empowers businesses worldwide to sign, verify, and notarize documents through one trusted, all-in-one digital signing experience.‑based signing solutions.

With built‑in real‑time identity verification and deepfake‑resistant technology, the platform ensures every signer is authenticated with confidence. Designed for organizations with strict security and legal‑compliance requirements, Secured Signing empowers businesses worldwide to sign, verify, and notarize documents through one trusted, all‑in‑one digital signing experience. https://www.securedsigning.com/

MULTIMEDIA

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NEWS SOURCE: Secured Signing


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Secured Signing), 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/secured-signing-reaches-a-major-milestone-now-soc-2-type-2-compliant/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P133265 NOREL-3B

 

ACES Q3 2025 Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report shows concentrated rise in critical defects as income and compliance findings increase

DENVER, Colo., Feb. 18, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — ACES Quality Management® (ACES), the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry, today announced the release of its quarterly ACES Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report covering Q3 2025. The report analyzes post-closing quality control data derived from the ACES Quality Management & Control® software.

ACES Quality Management
Image caption: ACES Quality Management.

Key findings from the Q3 2025 ACES Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report include:

  • The overall critical defect rate increased 18.5%, rising from 1.51% in Q2 2025 to 1.79% in Q3 2025.
  • Income/Employment defects increased 47.6%, rising from 18.45% to 27.24% of all critical defects and remaining the largest defect category.
  • Legal/Regulatory/Compliance defects increased 16.8%, rising from 16.24% to 18.97%.
  • Borrower/Mortgage Eligibility defects decreased 56.5%, declining from 15.87% to 6.90%.
  • Purchase defect share decreased to 62.65%, while refinance defect share increased to 37.35% as refinance review share expanded.
  • Conventional loans accounted for 57.18% of all critical defects, FHA for 31.10% and VA for 11.00%, reflecting relative stability across products with modest shifts in defect concentration.

“While the overall critical defect rate increased again in Q3 2025, the underlying data points to a market adjusting to a shifting mix rather than a broad decline in manufacturing quality,” said Nick Volpe, executive vice president of ACES Quality Management. “The increase was driven primarily by concentrated deterioration in income- and compliance-related findings, reinforcing the importance of documentation integrity and disciplined validation as refinance activity expands and lenders continue to operate lean.”

Findings for the Q3 2025 ACES Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report are based on post-closing quality control data derived from the ACES Quality Management and Control® benchmarking system and incorporate data from prior quarters, where applicable. All reviews and defect data evaluated for the report were based on loan audits selected by lenders for full file reviews. The Mortgage QC Industry Trends Reports are available for download, free of charge, at https://www.acesquality.com/resources/reports.

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;
  • 11 of the top 30 banks; and
  • 3 of the top 5 credit unions in the United States.

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 https://www.acesquality.com/ or call 1-800-858-1598.

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NEWS SOURCE: ACES Quality Management


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Tratta Releases 2026 Reality Check Debt Collection Industry Report

New benchmark identifies a widening gap between ambition and maturity as poor integration caps performance and scalability

BRAINERD, Minn., Feb. 18, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Tratta announces the release of “The 2026 Reality Check: The Widening Gap Between Digital Ambition and Maturity,” a new industry survey report examining how debt collection agencies, legal recovery firms, and original creditors are progressing in their digital transformation efforts.

Tratta Releases 2026 Reality Check Debt Collection Industry Report
Image caption: Tratta Releases 2026 Reality Check Debt Collection Industry Report.

Based on a survey of 74 industry leaders and practitioners, the report finds that digital progress in the debt collection industry is not limited by a lack of tools, but by a lack of connection between them. The report identifies integration maturity as the defining gap separating organizations that can scale digital operations from those that remain stuck in early-stage adoption.

As tools continue to improve, organizations are heavily investing in digital channels and automation, yet execution remains uneven. Most organizations remain constrained by fragmented systems and delayed data, which limit performance, scalability, and measurement.

“Debt collection technology has made real progress in areas including compliance and governance,” says Tratta Founder and CEO Josh Allen, “but maturity doesn’t come from adding more tools. Our data shows that integration is the dividing line.” He continues, “Without connected systems and timely data, digital strategies can’t move beyond pilots or deliver the consistent results that agencies, recovery firms, and creditors need to scale.”

A MARKET STUCK IN THE MIDDLE

The report uses the Modern Collections Technology Index to assess digital maturity across four bands (Developing, Emerging, Scaling, and Leading). The MCTI is Tratta’s proprietary benchmarking framework that measures operational readiness across four domains: Agent Enablement, Compliance and Quality Assurance, Conversion Economics, and Data and Integration.

According to the report, the average industry MCTI score identifies much of the market firmly in the Developing maturity band. While more than one-third of respondents have reached Scaling or Leading levels of digital maturity, only 5.4% currently operate at a level of total modernization characterized by real-time integration, measurement, and continuous optimization.

One of the most striking findings highlights a structural imbalance across capabilities. Compliance and QA are the most mature domains, with more than half of organizations achieving Scaling or Leading levels. In contrast, the Data and Integration score is lowest, with nearly one-third of respondents still in the Emerging band. Compliance maturity outpaces integration maturity in almost half of the responses, underscoring the industry’s tendency to prioritize safeguards over infrastructure.

“This imbalance creates a performance ceiling,” Allen explains. “The least mature capability is the one that limits business growth. Modernization is a weakest-link problem. For most organizations in our industry today, that’s integration.”

FROM DIGITAL INTENT TO OPERATIONAL REALITY

The 2026 report also reveals a persistent gap between digital intent and execution. Despite widespread adoption of portals and digital payment tools, 54% of payments are still completed via live agent calls, indicating continued reliance on manual workflows. Agent visibility into consumer digital behavior remains limited, and decisioning is largely manual or rules-based, with fewer than 7% of organizations using advanced models or controlled testing.

Industry professionals themselves echo these findings in open-ended responses, consistently calling for better system connectivity, real-time data synchronization, and improved agent enablement rather than additional solutions.

“The data and practitioner feedback clearly align,” says Allen, “and it makes this study even more valuable. What we see is that leaders aren’t looking for more tools. What they need is for their existing tools to drive growth by working together.”

A PRACTICAL ROADMAP FOR THE FUTURE

Beyond the survey results, the report provides a sequenced action roadmap to help debt collection agencies, legal recovery firms, and original creditors move from fragmented digital adoption to connected operations and measurable results. The guidance emphasizes raising the floor in constraint areas such as integration and instrumentation before layering on advanced orchestration, personalization, and optimization.

“Our goal with this report is clarity,” Allen concludes. “When organizations understand where they truly stand and what’s holding them back, they can modernize with intent instead of guesswork.”

Designed as an inaugural benchmark, the 2026 Reality Check establishes a baseline for year-over-year tracking, with future editions planned to expand trend analysis and sector-specific insights.

The full report is available for download here:  https://landing.tratta.io/tratta-debt-collection-report

ABOUT TRATTA

Tratta is a modern, end-to-end debt collection and recovery platform built for agencies, law firms, and original creditors navigating today’s digital, compliance-driven environment.

Key capabilities include:

  • Fully branded, mobile-first self-service payment and collections portal
  • Granular configuration across workflows, legal language, settlement logic, and payment eligibility
  • Enterprise-grade security with PCI Level 1, SOC 2 Type 2, and ESIGN compliance
  • Multi-channel campaign engagement tools, including SMS, email, payment links, and QR code tracking
  • Real-time performance and compliance reporting for operational visibility

Built as a fully integrated system rather than bolt-on tools, Tratta helps organizations increase recovery rates, reduce manual effort, and deliver a compliant, consumer-friendly experience at scale.

Visit https://www.tratta.io/ for additional details and to schedule a convenient demo.

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NEWS SOURCE: Tratta


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Jenner’s Pond Introduces Spacious, Newly Designed Cottages Designed for How Older Adults Want to Live: Connected, Independent, and at Ease

WEST GROVE, Pa., Feb. 18, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Jenner’s Pond in Chester County, one of Simpson’s Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), offers spacious cottages with new finishes, designed for today’s active, modern elders looking for alternatives or to upsize to a forever home.

Jenner's Pond Introduces Spacious, Newly Designed Cottages Designed for How Older Adults Want to Live: Connected, Independent, and at Ease
Image caption: Jenner’s Pond’s cottages include up to 3,600 square feet of living space, with options for fully styled models or a fresh “vanilla” canvas ready for your personal touch.

With up to 3,600 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, the cottages provide an option to skip the condo phase and settle directly into a 62+ Life Plan Community that evolves with seniors’ needs. Home maintenance, repairs, landscaping, and security are all included, freeing residents to focus on living well while enjoying the privacy of a private home. The Jenner’s Pond community also includes modern one- or two-bedroom apartments on the 88-acre walkable campus, with dozens of paths, nature trails, scenic ponds, and a pet-friendly area.

With easy access to outdoor activities, including Brandywine Valley golf courses, Longwood Gardens, and gourmet dining at Kennett Square, the campus is also adjacent to a full-service YMCA with lap swimming and fitness classes.

As more baby boomers reach retirement age, social connection has become a defining priority, according to Brandon Logsdon, executive director at Jenner’s Pond.

“Socialization is at the forefront at Jenner’s Pond with over 30 resident-led groups, and countless ways to stay engaged. Seniors enjoy happy hours at the resident-run Morrie’s Pub, along with live musical performances and pub-style trivia nights,” says Logsdon.

Tours of Jenner’s Pond’s spacious housing options, including private cottages, are available. Many come with attached garages, gardening space, and patios, and some feature basements. Residents can choose from fully styled models or a fresh “vanilla” canvas ready for personal design touches.

“Our community is a mix of retired and still-working residents, who want to embrace the freedom of a ‘lock-and-go’ lifestyle,” said Logsdon.

As a Life Plan Community, Jenner’s Pond offers long-term peace of mind, with preferred access to assisted living, short-term rehabilitation, skilled nursing, or memory care.

Jenner’s Pond is part of the Simpson family of communities, delivering on more than 150 years of tradition: From independent living, assisted living, memory support, short-term rehabilitation, and skilled nursing, Simpson offers elders of diverse backgrounds everything they need for a flourishing life.

Jenner’s Pond is hosting an upcoming event open to the public:

Jenner’s Pond: Small Bites. Big Space.

February 26 | 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Sip wine and enjoy tasty appetizers as you explore Jenner’s Pond’s beautifully designed cottages and design options.

https://www.simpsonsenior.org/event/jenners-pond-small-bites-big-space/

ABOUT SIMPSON

Since 1865, Simpson has met the changing needs and desires of Philadelphia area seniors from diverse backgrounds as a not-for-profit family of services consisting of three Continuing Care Retirement Communities, or CCRCs: Simpson House, Simpson Meadows, and Jenner’s Pond; three affordable senior living communities: Simpson Gardens I, Simpson Gardens II, and Simpson Midtown, as well as Simpson HomeCare and Simpson Rehabilitation. The organization is dedicated to offering the highest level of lifestyle and care available in beautiful, dignified, and spiritual settings. For more information, visit: https://www.simpsonsenior.org/

Press Page: https://www.simpsonsenior.org/about/press/

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Image caption: Jenner’s Pond’s cottages include up to 3,600 square feet of living space, with options for fully styled models or a fresh “vanilla” canvas ready for your personal touch.

NEWS SOURCE: Simpson


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Simpson), 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.

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BEAM Collaborative and Murphy Business Sales Announce Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Local Businesses and Keep Them Local

PITTSBURGH, Pa., Feb. 17, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — BEAM Collaborative, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening local businesses and keeping them locally owned, today announced a strategic partnership with Murphy Business Sales – West Pittsburgh, a leading full-service business brokerage firm serving Western Pennsylvania.

BEAM Collaborative
Image caption: BEAM Collaborative.

The partnership is grounded in education and expert-led advising—ensuring business owners and buyers receive the right level of support at every stage of ownership transition. Together, BEAM and Murphy Business Sales are expanding access to practical guidance, professional expertise, and trusted pathways for buying and selling Main Street businesses.

By combining BEAM’s data-driven education and succession planning tools with Murphy Business Sales’ deep expertise in valuations, confidential business sales, and mergers and acquisitions, the collaboration supports businesses across the full spectrum of size and complexity—from smaller, owner-operated companies to more sophisticated transactions requiring experienced advisors.

BEAM focuses on Main Street businesses often overlooked by traditional markets—locally rooted companies with revenue under $5 million, including those as small as $300,000 to $800,000—providing education, guidance, and pathways to help keep these businesses strong and locally owned.

“Keeping strong local businesses in local hands is central to BEAM’s mission,” said Joel Burstein, Co-Founder and CEO of BEAM Collaborative. “Not every business needs a traditional broker, but every owner needs education and clarity. Some transactions benefit from technology-enabled tools and secure deal management, while others demand hands-on, expert guidance. BEAM exists to meet business owners where they are—so no matter the size of the business, there’s a clear path forward that keeps it rooted in our local economy.”

Murphy Business Sales brings decades of experience helping owners navigate complex transactions, maximize value, and connect with qualified buyers who are prepared to invest significant capital and take on long-term ownership.

“We’re excited to partner with BEAM Collaborative to provide education and expert support to business owners at critical transition points,” said Bill Ilgenfritz of Murphy Business Sales. “Together, we’re helping owners and buyers make informed decisions while preserving the businesses that anchor our communities.”

The partnership will include joint educational programs, workshops, and outreach designed to equip current business owners and prospective buyers with the tools, knowledge, and professional guidance needed for successful, sustainable ownership transitions—ensuring local businesses remain community assets for generations to come.

For more information, visit https://beamcollaborative.org or https://murphybusiness.com/west-pittsburgh.

MEDIA CONTACT
Deborah Maxson
BEAM Collaborative
412.716.5064
Deborah.maxson@kellermaxson.com

NEWS SOURCE: BEAM Collaborative


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (BEAM Collaborative), 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/beam-collaborative-and-murphy-business-sales-announce-strategic-partnership-to-strengthen-local-businesses-and-keep-them-local/

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