Tag Archives: AP

Author Ann Hood joins Todos Santos Writers Workshop faculty for 2026 Baja creative writing retreat

TODOS SANTOS, Baja California Sur, Mexico, Aug. 4, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Bestselling author Ann Hood has joined the faculty of the Todos Santos Writers Workshop (TSWW) for the 13th annual Winter Session, January 31 – February 7, 2026. Hood’s international bestsellers include “The Knitting Circle,” “The Obituary Writer,” and “The Book That Matters Most.” Her most recent book is the novel “The Stolen Child.” Hood joins Christopher Merrill (poetry), Karen Karbo (memoir), Jeanne McCulloch (memoir), and Rex Weiner (storytelling strategies) to lead the fiction class in the acclaimed Baja creative writing retreat’s 2026 teaching lineup.

Image caption: Bestselling Author Ann Hood comes to Todos Santos Writers Workshop.

“I have always been a huge fan of Ann’s singular narrative finesse,” says TSWW co-founder and co-director Jeanne McCulloch, “Her work is a clarion call, delivered in finely chiseled, unforgettable prose, teaching us about love, courage, and the will to overcome unparalleled grief – a celebration of life in all of its quirky, mysterious forms. Her students over the years have been blessed by her care, contagious good humor, and the many lessons she has to teach. She is a truly special addition to TSWW, and we are delighted to welcome her and her husband, the celebrated writer Michaell Ruhlman, to our workshop family.”

“I’m so excited to be part of the Todos Santos Writers Workshop faculty with the ever-fabulous Jeanne McCulloch, Christopher Merrill, Karen Karbo, and Rex Weiner. Looking forward to meeting our writers in this magical place and sharing time together.”

About Ann Hood:

Author of over a dozen novels, Hood has also written five memoirs, including “Fly Girl,” about her days as a TWA flight attendant in the 1970s and 80s; and “Comfort: A Journey Through Grief,” the story of her five-year-old daughter Grace’s sudden death from a virulent form of strep in 2002, a NYT Editors’ Choice and one of Entertainment Weekly’s 2008 top ten non-fiction books.

She is the winner of two Pushcart Prizes, two Best American Food Writing awards, a Best American Travel Writing award, and a Best American Spiritual Writing award. Her essays and short stories have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, Food and Wine, Traveler, National Geographic Traveler, The Paris Review, The Atlantic, and many more.

More info: https://www.annhood.us/.

About Todos Santos Writers Workshop:

The Todos Santos Writers Workshop, founded in 2014, is a center for creative writing based in the historic pueblo mágico of Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico. TSWW’s annual winter session offers workshops for writers at all levels in fiction, memoir, poetry, and storytelling strategies.

Classes are limited to eight participants to ensure maximum individual attention. Todos Paris, the annual spring session in Paris, France, focuses on memoir and fiction writing.

More info: https://todossantoswritersworkshop.com/.

Winter Session Information: https://todossantoswritersworkshop.com/2026-session/.

https://www.karenkarbo.com/

https://www.jeannemcculloch.com/

https://rexweiner.com/

https://www.annhood.us/

MUILTIMEDIA:

Photo link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0804-s2p-ann-hood-300dpi.jpg

Photo caption: Bestselling Author Ann Hood.

NEWS SOURCE: Todos Santos Writers Workshop

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Todos Santos Writers Workshop), 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/author-ann-hood-joins-todos-santos-writers-workshop-faculty-for-2026-baja-creative-writing-retreat/

Edimakor V4.2.0 Ignites New Era of AI Video Creation Powered by Google Veo 3

NEW YORK, N.Y., Aug. 1, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — HitPaw Edimakor, the trusted AI-powered video editing platform for creators around the world, has officially launched Version 4.2.0, bringing a major leap forward in immersive content creation. This exciting update integrates Google Veo 3, allowing users to generate video, ambient sound, sound effects, character dialogue, and subtitles—all in one seamless process.

Image caption: Edimakor V4.2.0 Ignites a New Era of AI Video Creation.

AI VIDEO SOUND EFFECTS – SMARTER AND MORE REALISTIC

With the new AI Video Automatic Sound Effect feature, Edimakor now detects video scenes and automatically generates perfectly timed sound effects to match the visuals. Whether it’s explosive action, peaceful natural settings, or a lively city street, users get scene-aware audio that makes videos more engaging and lifelike.

Even better, users can customize sounds with simple text commands—such as “quiet garden with birdsong” or “engine revving” – and the AI instantly generates video and matching audio. This gives creators full control while saving hours of manual sound editing.

Edimakor’s smart sound design fits perfectly into various creative scenarios including:

Stand-up comedy performances
ASMR and immersive audio content
Music performance recordings
Marketing and promotional videos
Educational video creation

AI IMAGE TO VIDEO – GROUNDBREAKING CREATIVITY

The most exciting highlight of Edimakor V4.2.0 is its seamless integration with Google Veo 3, the next-generation video model that unlocks a new level of AI creativity. But that’s not all — the newly added Image to Video feature is another game-changer.

With this upgrade, users can now upload up to three images as references, and Edimakor will blend them into visually consistent, richly styled video scenes using advanced fusion mode.

The update introduces:

Professional Lens Control: Edimakor introduces more than 20 movie-grade camera movement options such as panning, zooming, push/pull effects, and dynamic transitions. Users can control these elements simply through cue words, making it easy to produce cinematic-quality footage without technical skills.
Ultra-Fast Rendering: Videos can be generated in 720p or 1080p resolution within just 30 seconds, offering high-quality results with realistic textures and detail.

Combined with Google Veo 3’s native capabilities, creators can also:

Generate synchronized sound, ambient effects, and realistic character dialogue directly in their videos.
Use natural language input to describe scenes and have the AI bring them to life.
Ensure visual consistency by uploading style references or design templates.
Control cinematic motion and stylistic tone with simple text prompts.

With this update, Edimakor gives creators access to tools that rival professional studios—no experience required.

MAKING HIGH-LEVEL CREATION MORE ACCESSIBLE THAN EVER

Edimakor V4.2.0 represents a major leap in user empowerment. With powerful AI features, user-friendly design, and seamless audio-visual generation, this version continues Edimakor’s mission to democratize professional-grade video editing.

Connect with Edimakor:

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

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

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

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

NEWS SOURCE: HitPaw Edimakor

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

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/edimakor-v4-2-0-ignites-new-era-of-ai-video-creation-powered-by-google-veo-3/

StarknightMT Celebrates 8 Years with its Biggest Anniversary Sale Yet

Every StarknightMT product is built for everyday use and backed by the community that inspired it

NEW YORK, N.Y., July 31, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Eight years ago, StarknightMT began with a simple idea: UTV/ATV owners shouldn’t have to choose between quality and cost. Built for riders who push their machines every weekend – whether hauling, exploring, or working the land – StarknightMT has spent eight years growing alongside the community it serves.

Image caption: StarknightMT Celebrates 8 Years.

“Eight years is a big milestone,” says Steven H., co-founder at StarknightMT. “We owe it all to the customers who trust us to be part of their adventures. This sale is our way of giving back and inviting even more riders to join the journey.”

From August 1-24, the StarknightMT Anniversary Sale 2025 brings exclusive offers designed to thank riders for eight years of trust and support:

Up to 40% OFF Select products
Flash sales: 16% OFF new arrivals (Aug. 9-10 & 16-17)
14% OFF sitewide orders $159+
Free gifts: keychain on $100+, cap on $350+
8 new subscribers win $500 in gift cards ($100×2, $50×6)
3 subscribers win 50% off a soundbar via prize wheel

BUILD FOR TRAIL AND TASK

Since its start at the 2016 SEMA Show, StarknightMT has stayed committed to three core values:

Reliability—If we wouldn’t use it ourselves, we don’t sell it.
Accessibility—Price it right. Build it right.
User-Centric Thinking—Every product starts with rider feedback.

“We never wanted to be just another accessories brand,” added Steven H. “Our products are designed for real-world use – tested by real owners, refined relentlessly, and built for the long haul. ‘Built for Trail and Task’ is more than a slogan; it’s our promise.”

From windshields and seat covers to storage solutions, gun racks, soft cab enclosures and beyond, every StarknightMT product is built for everyday use and backed by the community that inspired it.

JOIN THE CELEBRATION

The Anniversary Sale is a limited-time opportunity to upgrade your ride and enjoy exclusive rewards. Explore more at starknightmt.com between August 1 and August 24.

ABOUT STARKNIGHTMT

Founded in 2017, StarknightMT is a leading provider of high-performance aftermarket UTV/ATV parts and accessories. Built on the values of reliability, accessibility, and user-centric design, StarknightMT delivers durable, purpose-built products for riders who work, haul, hunt, and explore every weekend.

Website: https://www.starknightmt.com/

IMAGE link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0730-s2p-starknight-300dpi.jpg

Image caption: StarknightMT Celebrates 8 Years.

NEWS SOURCE: StarKnightMT

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (StarKnightMT), 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/starknightmt-celebrates-8-years-with-its-biggest-anniversary-sale-yet/

Small Homes, Big Impact: CFI Conference Aligns with WHO’s Global Call for Social Connection

Movement Works to Combat Senior Loneliness through Community-Focused Design

ST. LOUIS, Mo., July 31, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — As global recognition of loneliness intensifies following a landmark World Health Organization (WHO) report identifying loneliness as a public health crisis, the Center for Innovation (CFI) is convening leaders from across the country to showcase bold, evidence-based solutions. At the 2025 CFI Conference, held August 11-14 in St. Louis, senior care innovators will explore how small home models, including the nationally recognized Green House Project, are working to reduce social disconnection through intentional design and urban innovation.

Photo caption: Small home designs foster joy, connection, and purpose – key themes of the 2025 CFI Conference on combating senior loneliness.

The conference will explore how innovative, human-centered housing models, such as small homes, cohousing clusters, and shared neighborhood amenities, can help rebuild the social fabric in cities and suburbs alike. EverTrue Laclede Groves, in Webster Groves, MO, is an example of a traditional long-term care environment that has been converted into individual households and apartments, reimagining what it means to live and age with dignity, connection, and purpose.

“This report is a clarion call, but it’s not news to those of us in the small home movement,” said Susan Ryan, CEO of CFI. “For nearly two decades, we’ve seen how intentional environments—homes designed to foster community and purpose—can transform lives. The WHO findings validate what we’ve long known: connection is a cornerstone of health.”

According to the WHO report, loneliness and social isolation is on the rise, with one in six people globally experiencing loneliness, which contributes to over 871,000 premature deaths annually and significantly impacts both mental and physical well-being.

Dr. Kelly Tremblay, who is an advisor to the WHO and to CFI, says, “The WHO found strong social connections can lead to better health and longer life, and that’s what the small home movement is showing as well,” said Tremblay. “I’m heartened to see the serious attention being given to the health impacts of loneliness and isolation and to be part of meaningful, local efforts to foster real connection.”

Tim Dolan, who started Dolan Memory Care Homes over 30 years ago, explained, “People thrive in homes, not institutions. That’s why every one of our 17 memory care homes is intentionally designed to feel like a real home—with open kitchens, shared meals at a single table, and safe access to the outdoors. When people feel at ease, they connect more easily, and that sense of connection is essential to their well-being.”

About Center for Innovation

The Center for Innovation (CFI) is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming aging services through person-directed practices, community connection, and culture change. As the parent organization of The Green House Project and Pioneer Network, CFI brings together two leading voices in eldercare reform to create empowering, person-directed services and support for all older adults. For more information, visit: https://cfi2025.org/.

Learn more about the WHO’s report on social connection here: https://www.who.int/news/item/30-06-2025-social-connection-linked-to-improved-heath-and-reduced-risk-of-early-death

MULTIMEDIA:

Photo link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0731-s2p-2025cfi-300dpi.jpg

Photo caption: Small home designs foster joy, connection, and purpose – key themes of the 2025 CFI Conference on combating senior loneliness.

NEWS SOURCE: Center for Innovation

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Center for Innovation), 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/small-homes-big-impact-cfi-conference-aligns-with-whos-global-call-for-social-connection/

LearnWise AI Launches an AI Feedback and Grading Solution to Help Faculty Provide Higher-Quality, Ethical Feedback at Scale to Students

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, July 30, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Amsterdam-based education technology scaleup LearnWise AI, an AI platform for enhancing the student experience, has released an innovative AI solution to transform the way educators provide feedback and grades to students.

Image caption: Screenshot of the LearnWise AI Assessment & Grader interface showing in-LMS grading with personalized AI feedback options, including tone adjustment and rubric-based scoring for originality and accuracy.

At many large institutions, feedback is often delayed and grading lacks consistency, leaving educators overwhelmed by the time-consuming process of evaluating long-form assessments. LearnWise addresses this persistent challenge by equipping faculty with an AI assistant that generates high-quality, actionable feedback and suggested grades for each rubric criteria. Seamlessly integrated into the educator’s existing grading workflow, LearnWise works within leading Learning Management Systems including Brightspace by D2L, Canvas by Instructure, and Moodle, enabling instructors to save time without compromising on quality or rigor.

Greg Marschall, CEO at LearnWise shares, “We know that when an educator grades 50 assignments in a row, the feedback quality at number 50 often doesn’t match the quality given at number one. Our solution helps educators maintain control and use their own voice, while significantly raising the bar on equitable, consistent feedback. It’s about giving faculty an ethical AI assistant that respects their workflow, ensuring every student receives quality feedback without overwhelming educators.”

PURPOSE-BUILT AI FEEDBACK FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

The new AI Feedback & Grader prioritizes institution-specific and course-specific content, aligning feedback precisely with institutional policies, rubrics, and resources. Unlike generic AI tools, LearnWise’s solution is context-aware, referencing exact course content so students can directly understand and act upon the feedback provided. Its advanced feedback pipeline and fine-tuned grading model are grounded in course materials rather than relying solely on general language models.

Early pilot outcomes from a double-blind educator-led study at a 40,000-student institution showed that educators preferred AI-generated feedback to human-generated feedback 84% of the time, highlighting the depth, detail, and ethical rigor built into LearnWise’s solution. In collaboration with a global English-speaking institution, LearnWise is designing an AI-supported learning ecosystem, empowering adult learners through personalized, direct assessments and transparent feedback, with instructors firmly at the center.

The AI solution meets educators directly in their existing workflow, allowing them to easily adjust, approve, or regenerate feedback within their familiar LMS grading environment. By automating repetitive elements of grading, educators can dedicate more time to personalized, motivating, and inspiring student support.

Faster feedback directly benefits students by enabling timely improvements, creating a consistent, fair grading baseline, and allowing faculty to focus their attention on deeper educational support.

DEEPER, FASTER, SEAMLESS GRADING WITHIN YOUR LMS

LearnWise’s advanced reasoning models and customizable grading framework ensure assessments consistently meet high academic standards. The solution integrates seamlessly into LMS grading workflows, allowing educators to generate and finalize feedback and grades directly within Brightspace by D2L, Canvas SpeedGrader and Moodle.

HUMAN-LED, AI-ENHANCED FEEDBACK

The AI Feedback & Grader analyzes instructor notes and annotations to generate effective, rubric-based feedback and grades on written and video assignments. LearnWise helps instructors enhance their feedback for any rubric criteria for tone, depth, and any other custom instructions. Faculty remain in the driver’s seat as they can style and add topics to be included in their feedback, ensuring their input is always reflected accurately. In this way, instructors retain full control, with the option to review, approve, or edit feedback and grades before submission.

WANT TO SEE THE AI ASSESSMENT FEEDBACK AND GRADER IN ACTION?

To learn more about how LearnWise is helping transform feedback and grading in higher education, join the live walkthroughs to see it in action in Brightspace, Canvas and Moodle.

About LearnWise:

LearnWise AI is an education technology platform that empowers higher education institutions to enhance support, tutoring, and feedback and assessment through advanced, context-aware AI. Unlike the edtech of the past, LearnWise AI offers flexible assistants that adapt to diverse academic workflows across the student lifecycle to improve student outcomes. It seamlessly integrates with leading systems including Brightspace, Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, Kaltura, Panopto, SimpleSyllabus, ServiceNow, and Salesforce, ensuring intelligent, scalable engagement across LMSs, portals, and content platforms, driving operational efficiency and improved learning outcomes campus-wide. LearnWise has safety and ethics at its core and is built specifically for higher ed, fully secure, and compliant with ISO, SOC2, and GDPR standards.

Learn more at https://learnwise.ai/

NEWS SOURCE: LearnWise AI

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (LearnWise AI), 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/learnwise-ai-launches-an-ai-feedback-and-grading-solution-to-help-faculty-provide-higher-quality-ethical-feedback-at-scale-to-students/

Optimal Blue Fully Automates Best Efforts Locking Directly with Investors

Launch of new capability in the Optimal Blue PPE allows lenders to eliminate all manual steps when executing best efforts locks

PLANO, Texas, July 30, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today announced a new capability in its industry-leading product, pricing and eligibility (PPE) engine that fully automates the process for a lock desk user to execute best efforts locks directly with participating investors via API. By eliminating the last remaining manual step in the locking life cycle, Optimal Blue is delivering innovations and enhancements that will help significantly increase a lender’s efficiency and profitability. The Optimal Blue PPE is the first pricing engine to fully automate this critical stage of the secondary market workflow for investors with support for all loan types, including both agency and non-agency programs.

Image caption: Optimal Blue logo.

“This is a game-changer for capital markets teams that will save an average of 15 minutes per loan, which is hours saved per day,” said Tiffany McGarry, vice president of product management at Optimal Blue. “Lock desk users can now complete the entire best efforts lock transaction from within the Optimal Blue PPE – no toggling between systems, no rekeying of data and no lost time. It’s a meaningful step forward for day-to-day productivity that helps protect lenders against costly errors and compliance issues, while giving investors a more streamlined path to work with their originator partners.”

The Optimal Blue PPE already automates loan pricing, lock requests and post-lock changes, and the company’s hedging platform already supports automation for mandatory execution. Until the release of this capability, completing a best efforts lock required the lender’s secondary desk to log in to the investor’s portal and re-enter loan details by hand. This enhancement eliminates this final step to execute the lock, fully automating the process.

Best efforts lock requests can now be sent directly to an investor via API, reducing the time required from an average of 15 minutes per loan to just seconds. Loan data flows securely to the investor and back, keeping the loan origination system record up to date and generating a PDF confirmation that provides a clear audit trail and proof of execution. The feature is available at no additional cost to lenders and requires little to no setup or configuration.

The new capability offers a compelling way for the more than 240 investors in Optimal Blue’s network to stand out to over 1,000 originators by delivering a faster, more streamlined means to lock. To participate, investors should contact their Optimal Blue representative to complete a one-time API setup.

“This is the first time investors have been able to complete best efforts locks through real-time, system-to-system connectivity with their lender partners,” said Erin Wester, chief product officer at Optimal Blue. “We’ve already set up this integration with select investor partners, and it’s been exciting to see the positive momentum it is already building for their businesses. It’s a strategic edge that improves execution, strengthens lender-investor relationships and streamlines the path to purchase – and one only Optimal Blue can deliver as the industry’s most connected capital markets platform.”

Future phases of the best efforts lock feature will add support for profile updates, extensions and other post-lock changes as well as integration into the CompassEdge platform – enhancing consistency and reducing downstream data mismatches. For more information, lenders and investors using the Optimal Blue PPE should contact their account representative.

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 accuracy to margin protection 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 https://OptimalBlue.com/.

LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/14-0625-s2p-optimal-blue-300dpi.jpg

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/optimal-blue-fully-automates-best-efforts-locking-directly-with-investors/

45 new assistance programs launched during Q2 2025, bringing the total number of nationwide programs to a record-breaking 2,554

Down payment assistance, with an average benefit of $18,000, remains a bright spot for the nation's homebuyers, with more programs supporting a variety of needs, income levels and property types

ATLANTA, Ga., July 29, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions, today released its Q2 2025 Homeownership Program Index (HPI) report. The report finds 45 new programs launched in Q2, traditionally the busiest homebuying season, bringing the total number of available programs to 2,554 — a new record — and the number of program providers to 1,340.

Image caption: Down Payment Resource’s Q2 2025 HPI Report.

Down payment assistance (DPA) can be used by lenders to lower a homebuyer’s loan-to-value (LTV) ratio by an average of 6%, helping them qualify more of their mortgage-ready buyers. In addition to down payments, many DPA programs can help with closing costs, prepaid expenses, buying down the mortgage interest rate, and even lessening mortgage insurance expenses. In some cases, buyers can combine multiple programs for even greater savings. This assistance is vital as the median home price in the U.S. increased to $369,000 in Q2 2025, from $350,275 in Q1, while the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate for the quarter was 6.82%.

“With home prices rising and interest rates still hovering close to 7%, prospective homebuyers are feeling the pinch heading into the summer, traditionally a very active homebuying season,” said Rob Chrane, founder and CEO of DPR. “Even with these market headwinds, we are heartened to find more assistance programs than ever—at least one in every U.S. county and 2,000 counties with 10 or more—helping lenders qualify eligible buyers and close more loans in this tough market.”

KEY Q2 2025 HPI REPORT FINDINGS

An examination of the existing 2,554 homebuyer assistance programs on July 3, 2025, resulted in the following key findings:

45 homebuyer assistance programs were added in Q2 2025, a 2% increase from Q1 2025. 967 programs (38%) are available to repeat buyers. 257 programs (10%) do not have income restrictions, increasing the number of buyers who might qualify for assistance. 31 programs support first-generation homebuyers, an increase of 7% over the last quarter.
The number of programs supporting manufactured housing grew 4%, from 971 in Q1 2025 to 1,006 in Q2 2025. According to the Manufactured Housing Institute, manufactured homes are considered an affordable housing supply because they are significantly cheaper to purchase than site-built homes. The average cost per square foot is around $87 versus $166.
861 programs support the purchase of multi-family housing, a 3% increase from the previous quarter. Of these, a growing number of programs support purchasing three-unit homes (573) and four-unit homes (546). Investing in multifamily properties can generate cash flow and potentially offer buyers tax advantages.
Below-market-rate (BMR)/resale-restricted programs increased 9%. BMR/resale-restricted programs offer housing at prices lower than the open market, with restrictions on resale to ensure affordability for future buyers, typically low-to-moderate-income households.
81% of DPAs are deferred payment programs, a 2% increase from the previous quarter. With a deferred payment loan, borrowers don’t make monthly payments, and the balance is typically due when they sell or refinance, or the loan matures. Many of these loans are also forgivable. 53% of DPAs offer partial or full forgiveness over time, as long as the homeowner meets certain requirements, such as maintaining primary residency.
1,011 programs (40%) were offered through municipalities or local program providers, a 2% increase over the previous quarter and 46% YoY increase. Programs sponsored by employers increased 8% MoM to 3% of the total—a 33% YoY increase. Housing authorities, independent governmental bodies that provide and manage affordable housing options for low-income, elderly and disabled buyers, accounted for 4% of programs, up 1% from the previous quarter.
198 programs offer special incentives based on the buyer’s occupation or other characteristics. Of these, 68 offer assistance for educators, 52 to Native Americans, 45 to military Veterans, and 35 to active-duty military. It’s important to note that these buyers can also qualify for many of the other 2,554 programs in the Down Payment Resource database.
118 programs are “multi-state,” a 31% YoY increase, meaning they are available for buyers in two states or more. Plus, the report noted a growing number of in-state programs in Hawaii, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

A more detailed analysis of the Q2 2025 HPI findings, including infographics and examples of the programs described in this release, can be found on DPR’s website at: https://downpaymentresource.com/professional-resource/45-new-programs-were-added-in-q2-2025-helping-to-make-homeownership-more-affordable-for-buyers-nationwide/.

For a complete list of homebuyer assistance programs by state, visit: https://downpaymentresource.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/HPI-state-by-state-data.Q22025.pdf.

Members of the media are encouraged to contact DPR for data specific to their reporting needs.

METHODOLOGY

Published quarterly, DPR’s HPI surveys the funding status, eligibility rules and benefits of U.S. homebuyer assistance programs administered by state and local housing finance agencies, municipalities, nonprofits and other housing organizations. DPR communicates with over 1,300 program providers throughout the year to track and update the country’s wide range of homeownership programs, including down payment and closing cost programs, Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCCs) and affordable first mortgages, in the DOWN PAYMENT RESOURCE® database.

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 2,500 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, the three largest real estate listing websites and 600,000 real estate agents. For more information, visit https://downpaymentresource.com/.

X: @DwnPmtResource #downpaymentassistance #affordabilitycrisis #housingaffordability #mortgage #housingequity #downpayment

NEWS SOURCE: Down Payment Resource

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

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/45-new-assistance-programs-launched-during-q2-2025-bringing-the-total-number-of-nationwide-programs-to-a-record-breaking-2554/

Class Valuation’s Elite Appraiser Panel opens new business opportunities for the nation’s top appraisers

First-of-its-kind program is setting industry standards for professional growth and appraiser quality

TROY, Mich., July 29, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Class Valuation, a leading real estate appraisal management company (AMC), announced today that its Elite Appraiser Panel, a groundbreaking program, has doubled in size during the past 12 months and is setting new standards for professional excellence. Class Valuation’s exclusive, invitation-only Elite Panel now comprises hundreds of high-performing appraisers nationwide.

Image caption: Class Valuation logo.

The Elite Appraiser Panel offers a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to support and elevate top-performing appraisers. Participants receive priority work assignments, expedited payment processing and exclusive educational discounts. The program provides dedicated support from Class Valuation’s specialized panel management team and creates potential for significant income growth.

For its Elite Appraiser Panel, Class Valuation seeks appraisers who demonstrate superior report quality, exceptional communication, deep market knowledge and a proven track record of reliability and consistent performance, as demonstrated by key performance metrics.

Class Valuation adds standout appraisers from its pool of 1099 vendors in locations with sufficient business to sustain the promise of consistent, daily work that defines the Elite Appraiser Panel membership. This geographic targeting ensures they can maintain the value proposition of the Elite Appraiser Panel — providing these top-tier appraisers with steady, reliable volume in exchange for keeping their already high quality standards and responsiveness.

Elite Appraiser Panel members receive priority placement in the assignment queue, direct order notifications and unprecedented flexibility in accepting work. To match the most qualified local appraiser to each assignment, the program leverages Class Valuation’s proprietary Smart Assign™ technology, which assigns tasks based on location, performance metrics and current capacity.

“Elite appraisers bring unmatched experience, local market expertise, and a commitment to quality that ensures each appraisal is accurate, timely and compliant,” says Melinda Lesinski, Executive Vice President of Operations. “Consistently ranking as top performers in their markets, they set the standard for excellence and reliability.”

Appraisers selected for the Elite Appraiser Panel gain more than additional work opportunities. They also receive official recognition as a preferred Class Valuation partner, access to cutting-edge valuation tools and resources, professional development opportunities and a competitive edge in the valuation market.

“Our Elite Appraiser Panel provides unprecedented opportunities for high-performing appraisers while delivering exceptional value to our clients,” said Andrew Bough, Chief Operating Officer of Class Valuation. “We’re not just assigning work; we’re building lasting relationships that help appraisers grow their businesses and thrive in a competitive market.”

Interested appraisers can visit the Class Valuation website to learn more about its Elite Appraiser Program – https://www.classvaluation.com/appraiser-panels/.

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/.

Tags: @ClassValuation #appraisal #valuation #lending

NEWS SOURCE: Class Valuation

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

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/class-valuations-elite-appraiser-panel-opens-new-business-opportunities-for-the-nations-top-appraisers/

TMC July 2025 Pulse of the Network survey finds mortgage lenders leaning into automation, leadership development, and product innovation to stay competitive

SAN DIEGO, Calif., July 28, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Amid one of the mortgage industry’s most prolonged stretches of cost pressure and market uncertainty, the latest Pulse of the Network survey from The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC) reports that lenders are responding with creativity and nimble thinking, anchored by a clear commitment to long-term resilience.

Image caption: The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC) logo.

Conducted biannually, the Pulse of the Network taps the collective insight of TMC’s diverse national membership of independent mortgage banks (IMBs) and depositories. The July 2025 edition offers a real-time look at how lenders address rising origination costs, evolving compliance risks, and the challenge of developing talent in a hypercompetitive environment.

“Our members aren’t merely reacting to the market, they’re actively rethinking how to deliver, lead, and grow,” said Jodi Hall, president and CEO of The Mortgage Collaborative. “This survey shows the powerful role collaboration plays in helping lenders make confident, strategic decisions in uncertain times.”

Key Survey Highlights:

Automation is no longer optional. 100% of respondents reported plans to increase automation through 2026, specifically focusing on AI-powered customer platforms, API-driven verification tools, and digital closing solutions to reduce costs, improve borrower experience, and reduce the cost of producing a loan.
Leadership development is climbing the priority list. With teams operating leaner, lenders are investing in upskilling and succession planning to cultivate the next generation of industry leaders. This includes cross-functional training and a continued focus on driving their business based on operational KPIs.
Revenue diversification is a top strategy. Lenders are expanding their product offerings to include non-QM loans, Reverse mortgages, HELOCs, and DPA programs, to grow market share in a challenging rate environment and forge stronger builder relationships to capture purchase business.
Secondary market execution is under scrutiny. Lenders are improving loan sale processes and pricing flexibility while leveraging data analytics to forecast performance and reduce early payoff exposure.
Compliance remains complex and evolving. State-level oversight is taking center stage in compliance conversations, as lenders navigate a strategic balance between tech-enabled efficiencies and rigorous risk management.

“This Pulse confirms a central truth: in today’s mortgage industry, success belongs to those who share, adapt, and lead together,” Hall added.

Read the results here: July 2025 Pulse of the Network Survey Results

About The Mortgage Collaborative

The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC) is a membership-driven organization that empowers mortgage lenders across the United States through networking, education, and advocacy. TMC fosters an environment of collaboration and innovation, ensuring its members succeed regardless of market conditions. For more information, visit https://www.mortgagecollaborative.com/.

NEWS SOURCE: The Mortgage Collaborative

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (The Mortgage 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/tmc-july-2025-pulse-of-the-network-survey-finds-mortgage-lenders-leaning-into-automation-leadership-development-and-product-innovation-to-stay-competitive/

Simpson Foundation Awards $75,500 In Employee Scholarships Across Three Communities

Senior living nonprofit supports 25 scholars at Jenner's Pond, Simpson Meadows, and Simpson House

WEST GROVE, Pa., July 28, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Simpson Foundation has awarded a total of $75,500 in employee scholarships to 25 dedicated team members across three Simpson communities: Jenner’s Pond, Simpson Meadows, and Simpson House. The scholarship recipients – ranging from teens just beginning their academic journey to adult learners advancing their careers – were honored in ceremonies held in July at each respective campus.

Image caption: The Jenner’s Pond Employee Scholarship Fund Committee with the 16 Jenner’s Pond Scholarship Award recipients.

At Jenner’s Pond, 19 employees were awarded a collective $66,500 during a celebration on Saturday, July 12, in the Alison Theater. Simpson Meadows in Downingtown recognized three scholars receiving a combined $3,000, and Simpson House in Philadelphia honored three scholarship recipients with awards totaling $6,000.

“Investing in the personal and professional development of our team members is at the heart of Simpson’s mission,” said Dr. Carol McKinley, President and CEO of Simpson. “These scholarships reflect the commitment of our communities – residents, donors, and staff – to help our employees grow, gain new skills, and reach their educational goals. It’s one of the many ways we build meaningful intergenerational relationships that strengthen both our teams and the quality of life for those we serve.”

Image caption: From left to right: Simpson House scholarship recipients Robert Ferguson, Jeffrey Morris, and Blessing Mbagwu with Simpson House Executive Director Robert Ferguson.

The scholarship initiative, stewarded by resident-led committees in partnership with the Simpson Foundation, continues to expand each year. The employee-driven program celebrates a culture of support, encouraging team members to pursue nursing, hospitality, business, and other academic pathways.

New Jenner’s Pond scholarship recipients include: Samantha Calabretta, Jordan Eshleman, Kristyn Luff, Hamilthonn Mejia, Tyler Pappas, Kimberly Ramirez-Sanchez, Violet Robb, and Samuel Stancil. Returning recipients include: Katherine Albietz, Olivia Edwards, Jacqueline Flores-Diaz, Nicholas Heckman, Alexis Huyett, Krista Kennedy, Ethan Lytle, Jake Pappas, Zachary Pappas, Amanda Phillips, and Caleb Strawhecker.

Simpson Meadows recipients were: Heather Clark, Haley English, and Laura Kasal. And Simpson House recipients were: Robert Ferguson, Jeffrey Morris, and Blessing Mbagwu.

Image caption: From left to right: Scholarship Award recipient Heather Clark, Tim McCracken, Simpson Meadows Executive Director, and recipients Heather English and Laura Kasal.

The Simpson Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting the residents and employees of Simpson, continues to champion this annual scholarship tradition. The foundation works in close collaboration with each campus to secure funding and manage scholarship distribution, ensuring that every dollar donated goes directly toward educational advancement.

For more information on how to support employee scholarships at Simpson communities, visit https://www.simpsonsenior.org/simpson-foundation/.

About Simpson:

Simpson is a not-for-profit family of services, including five senior living communities, home care, therapy, and end-of-life care. Open since 1865, it is the longest-serving Methodist organization in the nation. Simpson derives great strength from its history of caring for older adults from all backgrounds and all walks of life and is constantly working to uphold its position as a community, regional and national leader in caring for and treasuring the lives of older adults. The organization continues to grow to serve more people with the highest possible level of care.

MULTIMEDIA:

Images for media: https://www.simpsonsenior.org/simpson-foundation-2025-scholarship-photos/

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.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/simpson-foundation-awards-75500-in-employee-scholarships-across-three-communities/

Friday Harbor adds Chris Simms, Gregory Buehler to leadership team to accelerate AI-powered mortgage origination

Seasoned hires bring product and partnership firepower as Friday Harbor scales AI-native mortgage tech

SEATTLE, Wash., July 24, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Friday Harbor, an AI-powered platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time, announced two strategic hires today: Chris Simms has joined as head of strategic partnerships, and Gregory Buehler has joined as founding product manager. They bring over 35 years of combined experience in mortgage lending, product strategy and technology innovation.

Image caption: Friday Harbor adds Chris Simms, Gregory Buehler to leadership team.

Simms will oversee Friday Harbor’s customer relationships as well as its strategic alliances with technology integration partners and industry associations. His initial focus will be on customer engagement and success as he works to ensure lenders see lower costs, shorter cycle times and a better experience for borrowers on every loan. He sees a clear opportunity to help lenders modernize in a space long overdue for change.

“Lenders are hindered by legacy systems and manual processes that haven’t kept up with the innovation in other industries,” Simms said. “Friday Harbor is the first solution I’ve seen that truly understands and improves the process with real AI. This role felt like a natural opportunity to combine my passion for innovation with my industry experience to help transform how loans are manufactured.”

Buehler will define and execute product strategy in close partnership with the founding team, a role that Friday Harbor CEO Theo Ellis describes as ‘the glue between business and engineering.’ To that end, Buehler will collaborate with engineering, operations and customer success to scale Friday Harbor’s platform to serve a wider range of lenders, loan types and use cases while maintaining alignment with real-world origination pain points, workflows and tech stacks.

“I’ve helped build product from scratch at multiple B2B startups, and what drew me to Friday Harbor was how well the founding team understands both the problem and the customer,” Buehler said. “With AI2’s backing and a clear opportunity to modernize mortgage lending, joining the team was an easy decision.”

“Chris and Gregory bring the kind of leadership we need at this stage: deep domain knowledge paired with a builder’s mentality,” said Ellis. “We’re not just growing headcount. We’re building the kind of team that can deliver real change to a long-stagnant part of financial services. With their help, we’re making loan manufacturing faster, smarter and finally worthy of the digital age.”

Simms joins Friday Harbor after a 20-year career leading mortgage sales, origination and capital markets teams at Mutual of Omaha Mortgage, First Integrity Mortgage Services, Pulaski Bank and other institutions. During his time at these lenders, he partnered directly with mortgage technology firms to help align software solutions with real-world industry workflows. He currently serves as president of the Mortgage Bankers Association of St. Louis.

Buehler has over ten years of experience leading product development at early-stage B2B startups including Pebble Health, learning management software provider Skilljar (acquired by Gainsight) and social analytics firm Simply Measured (acquired by Sprout Social). Buehler holds dual master’s degrees from the University of Washington: an M.B.A. in international studies from the Foster School of Business and an M.A. in Japan studies.

About Friday Harbor

Friday Harbor is an AI-powered platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time. The company combines deep fintech expertise with cutting-edge artificial intelligence to remove complexity, slash origination costs and deliver a better borrower experience. For more information, visit https://fridayharbor.ai/.

Tags: #mortgagetech #AI #fintech

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-adds-chris-simms-gregory-buehler-to-leadership-team-to-accelerate-ai-powered-mortgage-origination/

‘COME TOGETHER — A Community for Wine’ Announces Second Annual ‘Come Over October’ Campaign

Building on Record-Breaking 2024 Success, Initiative Prepares to Expand Wine Community Connections Nationwide - and Internationally

ST. HELENA, Calif., July 24, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — COME TOGETHER — A Community for Wine today announced that planning is underway for its highly anticipated second annual “Come Over October” campaign, building on the extraordinary success of 2024’s inaugural initiative. The community-driven wine platform continues to demonstrate the power of authentic connection through wine appreciation, preparing to expand its reach and impact even further this fall.

Image caption: Karen MacNeil and Winemaker Alecia Moore (stage name Pink).

2024 CAMPAIGN ACHIEVES UNPRECEDENTED SUCCESS

The inaugural Come Over October campaign delivered remarkable results across all metrics, reaching an estimated 1.7 billion unique visitor impressions (UVMs) and engaging over 10 million people through diverse channels. The campaign generated significant momentum with 4 million social media impressions through patron and friend networks, reached 1 million consumers through in-store traffic across 900+ retail locations including Total Wine and Kroger, and achieved 3 million advertising impressions through features in Wine Enthusiast, Tasting Panel Magazine, SOMM Journal, VinePair, Wine Folly, and other leading publications.

SPRING SUCCESS BUILDS MOMENTUM FOR FALL

Following the success of Come Over October 2024, COME TOGETHER’s 2025 Share & Pair Sundays spring campaign achieved additional milestones, generating over 122 million unique visitor impressions from 300+ media articles, reaching 4.5 million consumers through in-store activations across 500+ retail locations in 43 designated market areas, and creating 89,000+ social media impressions.

TEN WAYS TO COME OVER OCTOBER

The 2025 campaign will feature ten curated suggestions for bringing people together through wine, including:
Game Day gatherings with wine and snacks
Best Friend nights centered around cooking dinner together
Neighborhood Potlucks that build community connections,
Leaves Changing Color celebrations with white, red and rosé tastings after autumn walks
At-home wine tasting parties for old and new friends
Wine Book Club gatherings that combine reading with regional wine exploration
Renewed Sunday Supper traditions
End of October costume parties featuring bewitching wines
TGIF Wine and Cheese gatherings after work
Love Your Local Winery visits to support the wineries in all 50 states.

ALECIA MOORE (STAGE NAME PINK) HIGHLIGHTS WINE’S HUMAN CONNECTION

The campaign will feature a video from a recent exclusive interview with winemaker Alecia Moore, (stage name Pink), who eloquently articulates wine’s power to foster meaningful human connection. “When you open a bottle of wine, you open a conversation,” Moore shared. “You get to learn where someone is from, what their favorite childhood memories might be, what their favorite scent is and why, when they had their first heartbreak. We bond over these stories.”

Moore’s perspective resonates particularly strongly in today’s increasingly digital world: “The more and more that we disconnect through devices and tuning out, the more we will see that our souls will be hungry for connection.” She emphasizes wine’s unique role in fostering authentic relationships, noting that “Wine is a very human experience. We need to inject more humanity back in the world.”

See Alecia’s recent interview with Karen MacNeil here (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RV_rTnx8to4

INDUSTRY LEADERS CHAMPION COMMUNITY CONNECTION

The campaign’s founders continue to champion the initiative’s core mission of building authentic wine communities.

“The inspiration for these campaigns comes from a simple but powerful belief: wine is meant to bring people together,” said Karen MacNeil, acclaimed wine author and co-founder of COME TOGETHER. “When we create spaces for authentic connection around wine, we’re not just sharing bottles – we’re connecting communities, cultures, and perspectives. That’s the true spirit driving everything we do.”

Gino Colangelo of Colangelo & Partners emphasized the broad industry support driving the initiative’s success: “The level of industry support we’ve witnessed has been truly remarkable. From small family wineries to major industry players, everyone understands that fostering genuine community with wine drinkers benefits us all. This isn’t just about marketing; it’s about strengthening the entire wine ecosystem through community-building and authentic connections.”

Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET of Charles Communications Associates, highlighted the campaign’s unprecedented reach and resonance: “What we’re seeing is unprecedented reach and resonance across all segments of the wine world. We’re narrowing the gap between industry insiders and passionate consumers in ways that create lasting value for everyone involved. The response from trade professionals has been overwhelming, but equally exciting is how these initiatives are connecting with everyday wine enthusiasts through everything from intimate winery experiences to major retail activations.”

FALL PLANS

The Come Together team is planning on hosting press conferences this fall in New York City and Washington DC. In a nod to the international reach of this movement, this year, the country of Canada, through Wine Growers Canada, will be executing a countrywide Come Over October program.

CONTINUED INDUSTRY SUPPORT

Come Over October 2025 extends gratitude to its sponsors, whose support has been essential to the campaigns’ success. Foundational sponsors include: Freixenet Mionetto, J.Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Jackson Family Wines and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. Benefactors include CMB Family of Wines, Constellation Brands, Joseph Phelps Vineyards, The Wine Group and Total Wine & More and wine.com. Sponsors include Boisset Collection, Crimson Wine Group, Far Niente Wine Estates, Napa Valley Vintners, Peju Napa Valley, Ponzi Vineyards, Rodney Strong, Wilson Daniels and WineAmerica. Media sponsors include: The Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator, Tasting Panel, Somm Journal, Wine Business Monthly, VinePair, The Vintner Project, and Wine Industry Network.

For more information on how to become a supporter or advocate visit here: https://www.cometogetherforwine.com/support-the-movement/

ABOUT COME TOGETHER — A COMMUNITY FOR WINE

COME TOGETHER — A Community for Wine is a dynamic community for wine enthusiasts dedicated to fostering connections, education, and appreciation within the wine world. Through innovative campaigns and community-driven initiatives, the organization brings together industry professionals, passionate consumers, and wine lovers of all backgrounds to celebrate wine’s unique ability to create meaningful human connections. Founded by noted wine writer and author Karen MacNeil, along with leading wine industry marketers Gino Colangelo of Colangelo & Partners and Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET of Charles Communications Associates, the mission-driven company shares the story of wine’s historic and contemporary role as a beverage that uniquely brings people together.

For more information about Come Over October, visit https://www.comeoveroctober.com/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Gino Colangelo
gcolangelo@colangelopr.com
646-403-0146

Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET
kcharles@charlescomm.com
415-701-WINE (9463)

MULTIMEDIA:

IMAGE link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0724-s2p-karen-alecia-300dpi.jpg

Image caption: Karen MacNeil and Winemaker Alecia Moore (stage name Pink).

NEWS SOURCE: COME TOGETHER - A Community for Wine Inc.

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (COME TOGETHER - A Community for Wine 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/come-together-a-community-for-wine-announces-second-annual-come-over-october-campaign/

Glancy Wine Education Foundation Welcomes New Board Members

Brandon Ford and Annie Shi join board to advance fundraising and community initiatives

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., July 23, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Glancy Wine Education Foundation (GWEF) today announced the appointment of two new board members, Brandon Ford and Annie Shi, as the organization marks a leadership transition with the stepping down of Vice President Alder Yarrow after five years of dedicated service.

Image caption: Brandon Ford and Annie Shi join GWEF Board July 2025.

Ford, Sales Director at Formulated Solutions and elected councilman of the Summit County Council in Ohio, will join GWEF’s Fundraising Committee. Shi, the acclaimed restaurateur behind King, Jupiter, and Lei in New York City, will spearhead the foundation’s newly formed Community Committee—focused on fostering scholarship recipient networking, mentorship, and community building as GWEF celebrates its fifth anniversary.

“I’m honored to join the Glancy Wine Education Foundation board,” said Ford. “Their work bridges the gap between passion and profession, making wine education more accessible to those who have historically been underrepresented in the industry. Supporting that mission is both a personal and professional calling for me.”

Ford brings 18 years of wine industry experience, including work with the American Wine School and WSET Advanced Certificate credentials. His multidisciplinary background spans degrees in nursing, law, and business, along with extensive teaching experience in wine education.

Shi, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and Yale University graduate, leads beverage programs at her restaurants, which have garnered recognition from The New York Times, Food and Wine, Vogue, and New York Magazine. King was named to the top ten of The New York Times’ 2025 Best Restaurants in New York City list.

“GWEF’s mission to bring accessible wine education to more people is one that is near and dear to my heart—I wish GWEF had existed when I was starting out in my career,” Shi said. “In my day-to-day life in restaurants, I encounter so many wonderful hospitality professionals who have aspirations of continuing their wine education. I can’t wait to spread the word about GWEF and connect them with our organization.”

The appointments come as Vice President Alder Yarrow concludes a five-year tenure with the foundation. Yarrow was instrumental in GWEF’s founding during the COVID-19 pandemic and helped shape its mission to support underserved communities in wine education.

“We are deeply grateful to Alder for his vision and leadership over these foundational five years,” said Ana Keller, President of GWEF. “His contributions have been essential to building GWEF into the nationally recognized organization it is today. We’re excited to welcome Brandon and Annie, whose expertise will help us expand our impact through enhanced fundraising efforts and stronger community connections for our scholarship recipients. Their locations in the Midwest and East Coast respectively reinforce our national reach.”

The new Community Committee, led by Shi, represents GWEF’s commitment to supporting scholarship recipients beyond their initial education, creating ongoing opportunities for professional development, networking, and mentorship within the wine industry.

Since its founding in 2020, GWEF has awarded 249 scholarships totaling $350,000 to aspiring wine professionals from underserved communities nationwide. The foundation maintains a four-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Transparency rating from Candid’s GuideStar.

GWEF board members serve on an all-volunteer basis, and the foundation’s educational partnerships now span San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, providing access to WSET qualifications, Society of Wine Educators certifications, Wine Scholar Guild programs, and other specialized wine education courses.

Professionals in need of financial aid are encouraged to apply for scholarships year-round at https://www.glancywineeducationfoundation.org/apply-today. Applications are available in Spanish and English, with awards made monthly.

About The Glancy Wine Education Foundation

Established in 2020, The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting underserved and minority communities with scholarships to further their professional wine education, increase diversity, and raise earning power. Find out more at https://GlancyWineEducationFoundation.org/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET and Board Member
kimberly@glancywineeducationfoundation.org
415-701-9463

Angela Slade, Slade Consultancy
angela@sladeconsultancy.com
415-819-5131

NEWS SOURCE: Glancy Wine Education Foundation

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Glancy Wine Education Foundation), 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/glancy-wine-education-foundation-welcomes-new-board-members/

Snappy Tomato Pizza Grows Again with New Maysville, Kentucky Location

BURLINGTON, Ky., July 23, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Snappy Tomato Pizza (“Snappy”) is excited to announce its newest location coming soon to Maysville, Kentucky! Set to open in early August, the new store will be conveniently located in the Bluegrass Center at 1122 US HWY 68. Offering delivery and carryout only, this location will make it easier than ever for Maysville residents to enjoy Snappy’s famous pizza, fresh ingredients, and friendly service from the comfort of home.

Image caption: Snappy to Serve Up Amazing Flavor to Maysville, KY.

This newest Snappy is owned and operated by franchisees Dave and Darla McFarland, who also own the thriving Snappy Tomato Pizza in Seaman, Ohio. The McFarlands’ expansion into Maysville reflects their ongoing passion for the brand and their commitment to serving customers with the high-quality food and great value that Snappy is known for.

“We’re so proud to grow alongside Snappy and introduce this family favorite pizza to Maysville,” said Dave McFarland. “We’re excited to become part of the Maysville community and share the same delicious food and outstanding service that our customers in Seaman have come to know and love.”

With a proven business model that can suit a variety of formats — from full-service dine-in to streamlined carryout and delivery — Snappy has created a franchise opportunity that empowers local owners. The company provides strong brand recognition, a supportive franchise network, and ongoing training and guidance so franchisees can hit the ground running.

Founded on the belief that food should always be fun, flavorful, and affordable, Snappy is dedicated to using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. The new Maysville location will feature a full menu of signature pizzas, tasty appetizers, wings, sandwiches, and more — all served with the same great taste that customers across the region have loved for years.

View a list of all of the Snappy locations at: https://www.snappytomato.com/pizzeria-locations/.

About Snappy Tomato Pizza:

A family-owned brand, Snappy Tomato Pizza has been serving up delicious pizza, hoagies, pasta and appetizers since 1978. Now with more than 40 locations in five states, Snappy is best known for fresh ingredients, great service and its award-winning pizza. Learn more: https://www.snappytomato.com/.

IMAGE LINK for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/24-0723-s2p-snappy-pizza-300dpi.jpg

Image caption: Snappy to Serve Up Amazing Flavor to Maysville, KY.

Interested in joining the Snappy family?
To learn more about franchise opportunities with Snappy Tomato Pizza, visit: https://www.snappytomato.com/franchise/.

NEWS SOURCE: Snappy Tomato Pizza

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Snappy Tomato Pizza), 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/snappy-tomato-pizza-grows-again-with-new-maysville-kentucky-location/

Former Seminarian Shares Journey from Religious Life to Freedom in the Relaunch of His Book ‘Uncollared’

LOS ANGELES, Calif., July 23, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — At the age of 13, David F. Yep left his home in Rockford, Illinois to embark on what would become a 13-year journey in Catholic seminary life. It’s a journey he brilliantly breaks down in “Uncollared: Your Heart Knows the Way, Re-Learn How to Listen to It” (ISBN: 979-8992585452 [ebook]; 979-8992585469 [paperback]), which has just been relaunched with a fresh introduction by Elevate Press.

Image caption: “Uncollared: Your Heart Knows the Way, Re-Learn How to Listen to It,” by David Yep.

Born the sixth of eight children, Yep was a contemplative young boy who would climb trees with his lunch and books, deep in thought for what seemed like hours. He went from this suburban childhood to the Immaculate Conception Apostolic School in New Hampshire, and later to religious formation in Germany, Spain, Italy and Austria.

“Uncollared” details Yep’s journey and presents 12 lessons in freedom that emerged from hisexperiences in religious life and beyond.

In the book, Yep details his first days in seminary, when he entered a strictly regimented lifestyle. “From that moment on, every minute of every day was scheduled,” he writes, “from the amount of time we had to shower and dress ourselves, to the activities we took part in during the day, to the ever-so-short ‘free times’ we were allowed.”

His experiences included picking strawberries with immigrants in Germany and organizing youth programs across Austria. “I wanted to change the world, and dedicate my life to the service of others,” Yep writes of his initial calling.

However, after years of internal struggle, his path changed: “My heart was pretty clearly telling me that I did not want to live without marriage and sex.” When he finally left religious life, he recalls, “I was flying home to a country I hadn’t lived in for a decade. I was going home to a family who I had left a long time ago, both them and I growing and morphing massively while being apart.”

“Uncollared,” Yep emphasizes, is not as much about the answers as it is about learning to ask yourself the right questions. He writes, “It is a lesson for anyone who wants to evolve, a letter to anyone who feels stuck, a message for anyone who asks themselves whether there is something more to life.”

“Uncollared: Your Heart Knows the Way, Re-Learn How to Listen to It” is available now on Amazon.

About Elevate Press Publishing

Elevate Press publishes memoirs and prescriptive non-fiction by top entrepreneurs. For more information, visit https://elevatepresspub.com/.

NEWS SOURCE: Elevate Press

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Elevate Press), 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/former-seminarian-shares-journey-from-religious-life-to-freedom-in-the-relaunch-of-his-book-uncollared/

Legacy Dental Expands Services to Offer Customized Oral Appliances for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, July 22, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Legacy Dental is excited to announce a significant enhancement to its services: the introduction of customized oral appliances designed specifically for managing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This innovative treatment option is now available for patients seeking effective solutions for sleep-related breathing disorders, marking a substantial advancement in dental and sleep health.

Image caption: Legacy Dental is a leading dental practice located in Salt Lake City,

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition affecting millions of individuals globally, characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions can result in severe health complications, including cardiovascular issues, increased stroke risk, high blood pressure, and daytime fatigue, adversely affecting overall quality of life. Traditionally, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines have been the standard treatment for OSA; however, many patients find these devices uncomfortable and difficult to use consistently. Recognizing this gap in patient care, Legacy Dental now offers a comfortable and effective alternative through its customized oral appliances.

“Our mission at Legacy Dental is to provide comprehensive dental care that meets the unique needs of our patients,” said Dr. Jonathan Campbell, DDS. “With the introduction of these oral appliances, we are proud to offer a personalized solution that can significantly enhance the quality of life for those suffering from sleep apnea. We understand that each patient is unique, and our approach reflects that by tailoring our solutions to fit individual needs.”

The newly available oral appliances are custom-fitted to each patient, ensuring optimal comfort and efficacy. These devices work by gently repositioning the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep, thereby reducing the frequency of apneas and improving overall sleep quality. Designed with the latest technology and materials, these oral appliances ensure durability and comfort, making them an ideal choice for those struggling with traditional CPAP therapy.

Patients interested in these customized oral appliances will undergo a comprehensive evaluation, including a thorough assessment of their dental health and review of any information provided by their physician. This evaluation allows the dental team at Legacy Dental to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses the specific needs of each patient, ensuring the best possible outcome.

In addition to providing oral appliances, Legacy Dental is committed to educating patients about the importance of sleep health and the impact of obstructive sleep apnea on overall well-being. The dental team will work closely with patients to monitor their progress and make necessary adjustments to their treatment plan.

For more information about the new oral appliance options or to schedule a consultation, please visit legacydental.com or call (801) 278-4223. Legacy Dental invites the community to take the first step toward better sleep health and overall wellness.

About Legacy Dental:

Legacy Dental is a leading dental practice located in Salt Lake City, dedicated to providing high-quality dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. With a focus on innovative treatments and patient-centered care, Legacy Dental strives to enhance the smiles and health of its community. The practice offers a wide range of services, from routine dental check-ups to advanced restorative and cosmetic procedures, ensuring that every patient receives the care they deserve.

For more information about Legacy Dental and its services, visit https://legacydental.com/.

Contact: Legacy Dental
Phone: (801) 278-4223
Email: main@legacydental.com

LOGO link for media: https://legacydental.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/new-logo.svg

NEWS SOURCE: Legacy Dental

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Legacy Dental), 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/legacy-dental-expands-services-to-offer-customized-oral-appliances-for-obstructive-sleep-apnea/

Lutheran Life Communities Hosts Meaningful Events to Stimulate Thought and Connection

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., July 22, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Lutheran Life Communities hosts a late-summer event lineup that invites older adults to explore life at its four dynamic locations. Each event reflects the organization’s deep commitment to fostering lifelong learning, meaningful connection and personal discovery.

Image caption: National speaker Connie Martin will lead The Quilts for Freedom: Secret Codes & the Underground Railroad event at Luther Oaks in Bloomington on Tuesday, August 12, at 10:30 a.m.

At the heart of this series is “Quilts for Freedom: Secret Codes & the Underground Railroad,” an unforgettable program led by national speaker Connie Martin at Luther Oaks in Bloomington. This moving event, taking place on Tuesday, August 12, at 10:30 a.m., explores how quilt patterns were used to transmit secret messages and aid enslaved Americans seeking freedom. Attendees will view 18 authentic patterns and hear the personal story of Martin’s great-grandmother’s survival and resilience during the Antebellum period.

“Our campuses are so much more than places to live; they’re places to thrive,” said Jennifer Darnell, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Lutheran Life Communities. “These events invite guests to experience the joy of learning something new, the warmth of community and the inspiration that defines each of our four locations.”

August Event Highlights:

Luther Oaks (Bloomington)
Quilts for Freedom: Secret Codes & the Underground Railroad
Tuesday, August 12, at 10:30 a.m. – A can’t-miss morning of American history and storytelling with Connie Martin. RSVP required; space is limited.
Wittenberg Village (Crown Point)
Summer School: Finances of Community Life
Thursday, August 21, at 1:00 p.m. – Practical tools for safeguarding your financial future in retirement. Learn how to spot scams and protect your assets in a supportive, approachable setting.
Pleasant View (Ottawa)
It’s Just Brunch – Brunch & Learn
Tuesday, August 5, at 11:30 a.m. – Enjoy a delicious brunch while learning about the Life Plan lifestyle from expert speakers. Guided tours are available following the event.

Lutheran Home (Arlington Heights)
Alzheimer’s Association Series: 10 Warning Signs
Thursday, August 21, at 5:30 p.m. – Part of a powerful education series hosted in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association. Learn the early signs of Alzheimer’s and proactive steps you can take, delivered in an engaging, friendly format.

While each event offers a unique experience, they are united by Lutheran Life Communities’ mission: empowering vibrant, Grace-Filled living. From historic quilts to financial wellness and from ice cream socials to serious conversations, this season’s programs invite future residents and their loved ones to discover what sets these communities apart.

Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. To RSVP or explore more upcoming events, visit: https://lutheranlifecommunities.org/events/.

About Lutheran Life Communities

Lutheran Life Communities is a faith-based, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded over 130 years ago. Each campus is unique in its own way, but they are united under one mission: empowering vibrant, Grace-Filled living across all generations. Life Plan locations include Luther Oaks in Bloomington and Pleasant View in Ottawa. And Wittenberg Village in Crown Point is an entrance-fee community offering assisted living. They also operate a multigenerational Lutheran Home health services community in Arlington Heights, offering assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, an adult day club, inpatient and outpatient rehab, home care services, move management services, Shepherd’s Flock Child Care and Preschool and Jenny’s Bistro, which is open to the public and serves gourmet food and beverages.

NEWS SOURCE: Lutheran Life Communities

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Lutheran Life Communities), 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/lutheran-life-communities-hosts-meaningful-events-to-stimulate-thought-and-connection/

New Jersey’s Save LBI Urges Large Environmental Groups to Reconsider Support of Offshore Wind & Consider Alternatives for Reducing Greenhouse Gas

LONG BEACH ISLAND, N.J., July 22, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Save Long Beach Island (Save LBI), a grass-roots environmental organization dedicated to protecting our ocean and shore communities, is urging the country’s large environmental organizations to take a step back and critically examine their support of offshore wind energy.

PHOTO CAPTION: Visual simulation of what the Atlantic Shores South project would look from Holgate on Long Beach Island, NJ. Source: BOEM.

In a letter to key executives at The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the Sierra Club, and more than a dozen other national environmental organizations, Save LBI President and Ph.D. scientist Bob Stern challenged the stance that the benefits of offshore wind energy outweigh the environmental impacts, asserting that relying on massive fields of offshore turbines to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is inefficient, environmentally destructive, and the most expensive option on a cost-per-ton-to-remove basis.

“Our membership, like yours, would like to see progress made on the climate change problem, but at the same time we are bitterly opposed to the [Atlantic Shores] offshore wind project we know you support,” wrote Stern, a former manager of the U.S. Department of Energy office overseeing environmental protection related to energy programs and projects. “We bring our concerns not to create more discord but… to ask you to take the time to consider these concerns, with a goal perhaps of moving beyond offshore wind and looking at better ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Like many in and around the Long Beach Island (LBI) community, I was stunned when I learned of the Atlantic Shores plan to develop an industrial complex of 1,000-foot-tall turbines starting less than 9 miles off the coast of Atlantic City and LBI, directly in the historic migration path of the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, closer to shore than any similar project on Earth, and near the Brigantine Natural Wilderness Area and Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, both of which are afforded special federal protection under the Wilderness Act and Clean Air Act. It is, frankly, astounding that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) would 1) approve a lease area for commercial wind-energy development adjacent to the shoreline line of a thriving beach community let alone a sensitive nature preserve and 2) grant (without full and proper vetting) the approvals needed to construct the first 200 of a planned 357 super-sized wind turbines that would extend the full length of the island.”

Stern urged the environmental leaders to read Save LBI’s new report, “The Benefits and Risks of an Offshore Wind Project,” which cites independent research exposing a series of irreparable environmental, economic, and social consequences that were either ignored or obfuscated in official project documentation from offshore wind developers and government agencies. The report details many negative impacts of offshore wind, reveals how claims of reductions in GHG emissions are oversimplified and misleading, and presents data showing that offshore wind projects cannot stop or reduce sea level rise — only delay whatever is coming by a matter of days. The document also exposes the hypocrisy in Environmental Impact Statements for the Atlantic Shores (New Jersey), Vineyard Wind (Massachusetts), and Revolution Wind (Rhode Island) projects, all of which concede that the impact of these projects on climate change is “negligible.”

Environmental repercussions outlined in the report include:

Harming and killing marine mammals at unprecedented numbers.
Creating significant underwater noise from large turbine operation that interferes with historic whale-migration patterns, all but guaranteeing extinction of the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale.
Disturbing the behavior of the bottlenose dolphin and reducing its population.
Putting air quality in the Brigantine Wilderness Area at risk of “significant deterioration.”
Creating significant noise onshore, which during atmospheric inversions would produce indoor noise levels linked to sleep loss and other health issues.

Additional negative impacts include:

Compromising national security by impairing the accuracy of NORAD early-warning air defense radar systems.
Further increases in the already spiraling cost of electricity, as documented in a 2024 Whitestrand Consulting study showing that the suspended Atlantic Shores South alone would increase electric rates throughout New Jersey, hiking residential rates by 11%, commercial rates by 13%, and industrial rates by 15% to pay for the massive government subsidies awarded to build the project.
The absence of a legal or regulatory requirement to remove the towers, blades, and turbine foundations at the end of a wind turbine’s useful life, and no dedicated funding source for such an operation, potentially leaving navigation risks, the loss of fishing grounds, visual blight, and ocean/shore contamination for generations to come.
Destroying ancient archeological sites dating back to the Ice Age, which could shed light on the first humans to come to North America.

An Executive Summary and the full 23-page Save LBI report, “The Benefits and Risks of an Offshore Wind Project,” are available at savelbi.org. Click here to download: https://www.savelbi.org/benefits-risks

“We are certainly not climate-change deniers, nor are we aligned with any political Party,” Stern concluded. “We are in favor of using common sense practices and well-grounded science to select sources of clean energy that are both reliable and responsible. There are significant opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions that are far less expensive and environmentally damaging than offshore wind. We welcome the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue or perhaps collaborate with you to fund new studies to achieve that goal.”

About Save LBI

Save LBI is a not-for profit, non-partisan organization based on New Jersey’s Long Beach Island that has been active in ongoing litigation and other efforts to protect the coastal and marine environment from the senseless industrialization of our oceans. The organization is led by Beach Haven, N.J. resident Bob Stern, a Ph.D. scientist with experience in environmental planning and environmental law. He is a former manager of the U.S. Department of Energy office responsible for overseeing environmental protection related to energy projects and the Bureau of Air Quality Planning within the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). For more information on Save LBI and its efforts, please visit SaveLBI.org.

Contact: https://www.savelbi.org/contact

For more information click here: https://www.savelbi.org

MULTIMEDIA:

PHOTO LINK for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0722-s2p-savelbiboem-300dpi.jpg

PHOTO CAPTION: Visual simulation of what the Atlantic Shores South project would look from Holgate on Long Beach Island, NJ. Source: BOEM.

NEWS SOURCE: Save Long Beach Island (Save LBI)

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

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/new-jerseys-save-lbi-urges-large-environmental-groups-to-reconsider-support-of-offshore-wind-consider-alternatives-for-reducing-greenhouse-gas/

Capital City Founder Arsha Jones Launches $5,000 Micro-Grant to Support Local Consumer Product Entrepreneurs

Supporting Scalable Small Businesses with a Mission to Grow From Local Shelves to National Stores

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 22, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Arsha Jones, founder and CEO of Capital City, announced today the launch of the Capital City Micro-Grant, a $5,000 grant aimed at helping local, retail-ready entrepreneurs scale their consumer product businesses. The grant will be awarded during the Shop Made Makers Summit, a multi-day entrepreneurship experience taking place August 19–21 in Washington, D.C.

Image caption: Capital City, Washington D.C.

“As a founder, I know what it feels like to need just one yes, one moment, or one opportunity to grow,” said Jones. “Capital City was built from the ground up here in D.C., and this is my way of giving back to the community that gave me my start.”

Three finalists will be selected to present their business growth plans at the Summit’s Reception in front of a live audience and panel of judges. Finalists will give a 3-minute flash talk that highlights their product, profitability model, and plan for scale. Arsha Jones will serve as the lead judge for the grant, alongside select industry professionals.

The Capital City Micro-Grant is designed for retail-ready consumer product businesses (CPG) looking to move from local success to regional or national traction. Applicants must demonstrate how the funds will accelerate growth, expand market presence, or boost revenue.

The grant and mentorship opportunities align with Capital City’s growing commitment to economic empowerment and community investment, especially for underrepresented founders.

About Capital City

Capital City is a Black woman-owned specialty food brand based in Washington, D.C., best known for introducing the world to mambo sauce. Co-founded by Arsha Jones, the company has grown from a kitchen-table recipe into a national brand available at Target, Walmart, Amazon, and Costco. Capital City blends bold flavor with bold vision—championing community, culture, and creativity in every bottle and every initiative.

About Shop Made in DC

Shop Made in DC is a retail initiative with a mission to grow the District’s maker community. With six D.C. locations and more than 5,000 locally made products, Shop Made in DC connects creators to customers through retail, education, and community-building. Learn more at https://shopmadeindc.com/.

Apply for the Capital City Micro-Grant

Retail-ready entrepreneurs can apply online now at: https://www.makersummit.org/speakers-1-1-1

Deadline to Apply: July 31, 2025

Event Location: Union Market District, Washington, D.C.

Summit Dates: August 19–21, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT:
For Media Inquiries or Interviews with Arsha Jones:
Contact Alicia Maxey Greene at press@mochamediainc.com or 201-647-0531

NEWS SOURCE: Capital City

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Capital City), 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/capital-city-founder-arsha-jones-launches-5000-micro-grant-to-support-local-consumer-product-entrepreneurs/

Dr. Andrew Holzman Named a Top Doctor in Arlington Magazine’s July/August 2025 Edition

MCLEAN, Va., July 22, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Holzman Laser Vision is proud to announce that founder and medical director Dr. Andrew Holzman, MD, FACS has been named a Top Doctor in the July/August 2025 issue of Arlington Magazine. This prestigious honor is based on peer nominations and outstanding patient outcomes, recognizing Dr. Holzman’s decades of service and leadership in the field of laser vision correction.

Photo caption: Dr. Andrew Holzman and the Holzman Laser Vision Staff.

With over 95,000 LASIK and PRK procedures performed, Dr. Holzman is one of the most trusted and experienced refractive surgeons in the Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland region. His approach combines cutting-edge technology with personalized patient care — a commitment reflected in both clinical results and patient satisfaction.

“I love what I do,” said Dr. Holzman. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the happiness and freedom our patients experience after LASIK. Our team has helped thousands of people fulfill a lifelong dream of clear vision — and we’re honored to be recognized for it.”

Dr. Holzman’s recognition in Arlington Magazine reinforces what over 300 local eye doctors and medical professionals already know: Holzman Laser Vision is a destination for top-tier refractive care. From professional athletes to everyday patients, individuals continue to choose HLV for its safety record, transparency, and experienced staff.

About Holzman Laser Vision:
With locations in McLean, VA and Chevy Chase, MD, Holzman Laser Vision specializes in advanced laser vision correction using the latest topography-guided and wavefront technologies. The practice is known for its veteran surgical team, individualized approach, and strong patient relationships.

Schedule a Consultation:
To learn more or schedule your consultation with Dr. Holzman, visit https://www.drholzman.com/ or call 855-99-LASIK.

MEDIA CONTACT:
JANET WARD
Managing Director, Holzman Laser Vision
855.99.LASIK

MULTIMEDIA:

Photo link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0722-s2p-holzmanstaff-300dpi.jpg

Photo caption: Dr. Andrew Holzman and the Holzman Laser Vision Staff.

NEWS SOURCE: Holzman Laser Vision

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Holzman Laser Vision), 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/dr-andrew-holzman-named-a-top-doctor-in-arlington-magazines-july-august-2025-edition/

Oil Seismic Explorations and Their Impact on the Loligo Squid in the South Atlantic

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, July 21, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In recent years, there has been a concerning decline in catches of Loligo gahi squid in the waters around the Falkland Islands, says Fundacion Agustina Lerena. This species, essential to Spanish fishing (particularly for Galician vessel owners), represents a key resource whose collapse is having serious economic consequences. Beyond the already high costs of operating in the Falklands, there is growing uncertainty about the root causes of this decline. Various hypotheses have been suggested: overfishing, climate change, and, increasingly, the possible impact of offshore seismic explorations linked to the oil industry.

Fundacion Agustina Lerena asks: Are We Facing ‘Environmental Fraud’?

These explorations, which involve the use of seismic waves to detect underground oil deposits, could be affecting the larval and juvenile stages of squid, altering their biological cycle. In 2024, the situation was so critical that authorities decided not to open the second fishing season for Loligo in the Falklands due to the low biomass available, marking the lowest catch volume since 2016. This measure did not affect other species, reinforcing the hypothesis of a specific impact on Loligo.

In this context, interviewed by SeafoodMediaGroup-FIS, Dr. César Lerena ( https://www.cesarlerena.com.ar/ ) —expert on South Atlantic resources and president of the Agustina Lerena Foundation and the Latin American Fisheries Study Center (CESPEL)— has led a critical review of the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) conducted by consulting firms such as Serman y Asociados for companies like Shell and Equinor. The conclusion is clear: these studies, for the most part, fail to adequately ensure that seismic activities do not negatively impact species like the Loligo squid.

One of the main concerns is that these EIAs are financed by the very companies that benefit from them, compromising their independence. In Argentina, INIDEP (the main technical body for fisheries issues) has not had a leading role or the necessary resources to guide these studies. Furthermore, the resulting reports lack in situ evaluations, rely on outdated references, show methodological deficiencies, and fail to include prevention, mitigation, or compensation measures. In essence, they are seen as theoretical and superficial, designed more to fulfill bureaucratic requirements than to truly protect the marine ecosystem.

Internationally, similar concerns have been raised regarding seismic exploration. In countries such as Norway, South Africa, Mexico, and Namibia, environmental studies have been criticized for lacking scientific rigor and for ignoring cumulative effects on vulnerable species. The practice of hiring “tailored” consulting firms that produce predictable and accommodating reports has been documented in several jurisdictions. Some of these cases have even reached the courts, reflecting growing concern about the validity and usefulness of such studies.

In terms of direct impact on marine species, the effects of seismic waves are varied and severe: behavioral changes, disorientation, stress, reduced feeding and reproductive capacity. Specifically for Loligo squid, it has been demonstrated that they are especially sensitive to acoustic vibrations due to their nervous system and sensory organs (such as the statocyst). These disturbances can alter their distribution, reduce their feeding efficiency, interfere with spawning, and cause them to abandon breeding areas. The sustained decline in squid catches in the Falklands since seismic prospecting began in the region coincides with these observed changes, reinforcing the hypothesis of a causal link.

In addition to Loligo, other species such as hake, cod, and tuna have also shown adverse responses to seismic surveys: auditory organ damage, larval mortality, and changes in migratory patterns. Documented cases in Norway, the North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and Australia have reported reductions of up to 80% in some catches following seismic activities. Drops of up to 60% have also been observed in zooplankton, which forms the base of the marine food chain.

Dr. Lerena warns of a possible scenario of environmental fraud if oil exploration licenses continue to be approved without rigorous evaluations. He notes that in many cases, studies are conducted after the licensing of exploration areas, without first considering the presence of fishery resources, their migratory cycles, or the impact on coastal communities. This is not only a technical omission but also an ethical and legal failure. Precautionary measures are scarce or nonexistent, and although countries like Norway have begun to implement economic compensation for affected fishermen, these are considered insufficient.

From a responsible management perspective, the Agustina Lerena Foundation proposes a model of continuous and adaptive environmental assessment. Impact studies should not be a one-time “snapshot” but a dynamic process allowing real-time monitoring and corrective action. This is especially important for migratory species whose distribution and behavior vary in response to multiple factors. Harmonization between oil development and fishing activity is possible, but it requires political will, scientific resources, and an integrated approach.

The Norwegian model, which includes compensation and coordination between industries, can serve as a reference. Though imperfect, it provides a starting point for understanding that no productive activity should be developed at the expense of another — especially when dealing with natural resources that support regional economies, employment, and food sovereignty.

In this regard, the Agustina Lerena Foundation does not oppose offshore oil activity, but demands that it be carried out under strict sustainability standards. The organization has already begun working to ensure that all companies operating in the Southwest Atlantic respect existing environmental laws, both national and international. This includes not only monitoring submitted EIAs but also promoting corrective and legal action when necessary.

In conclusion, the drop in Loligo gahi squid catches in the Falklands should be viewed as a warning sign. Oil seismic explorations must not continue without serious evaluation of their impacts. Urgent measures are needed: strengthening INIDEP’s role, conducting a thorough review of existing studies, implementing real-time monitoring, applying the precautionary principle, and designing compensation and restoration mechanisms. Only then can a true balance between energy development and marine ecosystem conservation be achieved — for the benefit of all stakeholders involved.

MORE INFORMATION:

Learn more about Dr. César Lerena and Fundacion Agustina Lerena at:

Web: https://cesarlerena.com.ar/

Email: cesarlerena@gmail.com

The full article can be found here: https://www.seafood.media/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?monthyear=&day=20&id=135218&l=e&special=0&ndb=0

NEWS SOURCE: Fundacion Agustina Lerena

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Fundacion Agustina Lerena), 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/oil-seismic-explorations-and-their-impact-on-the-loligo-squid-in-the-south-atlantic/

RetailNOW and the Kiosk Industry Association Visit Booth 445 for AI-Assist, Kiosks and Digital Signage

WESTMINSTER, Colo. and LAS VEGAS, July 21, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Come see Kiosk Industry in booth 445. Conversational AI hardware and AI analytics hardware highlighted. meldCX for Windows and Android for device support and analytics. AI Connect Bar provides hardware for conversational AI used in drive-thrus, help desks, and self-ordering. Augment your solution.

Image caption: RetailNOW in Vegas.

We thank Intel and Kathy Crumley. Kathy is leading one of the expert panels. This event is NOT open to the general public. Kathy email — kathy.r.crumley@intel.com.

To set up a time to meet or request info, email craigkeefner@pm.me

2025 EDITION OF RETAILNOW SHOW —

In The Booth

meldCX — meldCX provides suite of AI-driven software products and platforms — Nice article
UrwayHoldings – see the AI Connect Bar for Conversational AI Audio

Virtual Supporters

Pyramid Computer — see the new 15″ Pixi Countertop kiosk
Intel — Kathy Crumley leads one of the discussions and is in the booth
OptConnect with max aware router— The max aware router gives you fully managed cellular connectivity, plus Wi-Fi, and the security of WAN failover.
GoldFinger Monitors — Discover the ideal solution to meet your touch screen needs.

News This Month

Digital Signage MiniPC Gold Sponsor – Giada Digital Signage by Giada We are pleased to welcome Giada to our gold sponsor family. For more info contact lily@giadatech.com
Interactive Digital Signage Software by SitekioskDigital Signage Software Accessible and Interactive Sitekiosk news – high-quality interactive digital signage and kiosk software
AI Assist Database of Companies — List of already deployed AI resources for self-service. AI Assist is the new norm in self-service. Your software. Your computer.
RetailNow – Explore Intel Solutions at RSPA in July — RetailNow 2025 is 7/27 – 7/29 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Schedule a time with Intel
Outdoor Payment Terminals – Choosing the Right Payment Hardware — Outdoor Payment — Datacap Whitepaper — Demand for outdoor payment terminals is on the rise as consumers increasingly expect fast, contactless,
Amazon Fresh Digital Signage Giada Case Study — Digital Signage in Amazon Fresh — see what Amazon Fresh uses (Giada)
Wayfinding in Modern Facilities – Advice and Insight Beyond ADA — 22Miles Kathy Isaacs explains — From Facility Executive — True inclusivity can go beyond compliance.

Show information: https://kioskindustry.org/see-kiosk-association-at-rspa/

Thanks to the companies who make this possible. Learn more: https://kioskindustry.org/kiosk-manufacturer-companies/

MEDIA CONTACT: Craig Keefner craig.keefner@gmail.com

NEWS SOURCE: Kiosk Industry Group

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Kiosk 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/retailnow-and-the-kiosk-industry-association-visit-booth-445-for-ai-assist-kiosks-and-digital-signage/

PDFgear Scan, Finally, a Completely Free AI Scanner App for All

Scanning, editing, OCR, and AI chat in one app

LOS ANGELES, Calif., July 21, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — PDFgear today launched PDFgear Scan, the world’s first free AI-powered scanner app. The app turns paper documents into clean, editable digital files like PDF or Word in seconds. More impressively, it comes with no ads, usage limits, and no cost. With this launch, PDFgear Scan sets a new benchmark for mobile scanning by combining AI with truly free access for everyone.

Image caption: PDFgear Scan, Finally, a Truly Free AI Scanner App for All.

WHAT SETS PDFGEAR SCAN APART?

All-in-One: Scanning, editing, OCR, and AI chat in one app
Completely Free: No cost, no features behind paywall
No Ads or Limits: Fast, clean and distraction-free
AI-Powered: Instantly analyze and answer questions

KEY FEATURES AND UPDATES

Smart Scanning: Auto-detects edges and crops for sharp and high-quality results. With dedicated scanning modes for contracts, receipts, IDs, and bar codes.

OCR and Editing: Convert scans to editable text with powerful OCR, add e-signatures, and export as PDF, Word, and more.

Receipts to Expense Reports: Automatically classify receipt items into expense reports to simplify budgeting and reimbursements.

AI Analyze Scans: The built-in AI can analyze scanned content, answer questions, and provide step-by-step explanations for tasks like math, homework, or instructions.

Filters and Signatures: Multiple filters to enhance the quality. Create and insert signatures.

Doc Management and Sharing: Add, rotate, delete, and reorder pages with ease. Share scanned documents in formats like PDF, Word, Images, or long images.

HOW PDFGEAR KEEPS AI PRACTICAL?

PDFgear pioneered AI integration in 2023 with the first AI PDF chatbot. Now, PDFgear Scan again brings that innovation to its mobile scanner app. Users can ask questions, get summaries, extract key details, or solve school academic questions by interacting with scans.

ANOTHER FREE APP? PDFGEAR’S ONGOING MISSION

When PDFgear launched its first product, the PDFgear PDF editor, it did what others wouldn’t: a premium PDF editor for completely free. That move quickly earned PDFgear a strong user base and decent reputation.

“Many scanner apps claim to be free, but flood users with ads or pressure them to pay at every turn,” said a PDFgear spokesperson. “PDFgear Scan continues our ongoing mission to provide simple, useful, and accessible tools that get things done without drama or frictions.”

So far, PDFgear hasn’t charged users anything, which often leads to the question: How is it free? The company has made its position clear that PDFgear is not chasing quick profits. Instead, it is focused on delivering real value.

Though optional premium features may be added in the future, core tools will remain free and accessible to all.

AVAILABLE NOW

PDFgear Scan is available for download on Google Play for Android, the App Store for iOS, and from the PDFgear Scan official website.

PDFgear Scan Website: https://www.pdfgear.com/scanner-app

ABOUT PDFGEAR

PDF GEAR TECH PTE. LTD. (“PDFgear”) is a company dedicated to creating innovative software solutions that simplify document management. With a focus on user experience and cutting-edge technology, PDFgear aims to empower users worldwide with PDF tools that enhance productivity and collaboration.

NEWS SOURCE: PDFgear

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (PDFgear), 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/pdfgear-scan-finally-a-completely-free-ai-scanner-app-for-all/

MMI Unveils ChatMMI: Mortgage Intelligence, One Question Away

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, July 21, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI), the original pioneer in mortgage market intelligence, today announced the launch of ChatMMI™ – the industry’s first conversational AI interface built specifically for lenders, recruiters, and mortgage professionals.

Image caption: ChatMMI shows a loan officer’s five-year production history – refi and purchase – instantly, from a single prompt.

Founded in 2008, MMI has spent nearly two decades building the industry’s most comprehensive mortgage data solution. From visualizing market share to unlocking loan officer performance, MMI has helped shape how mortgage companies compete and grow. Now, with the launch of ChatMMI, the company is taking that intelligence one step further—making it instantly accessible through natural language.

“We’ve always focused on giving our clients the best data,” said Ben Teerlink, Founder and CEO of MMI. “ChatMMI is about giving them faster access to it. No filters, no exports, no manual work—just the insights they need, when they need them.”

ASK ANYTHING. GET ANSWERS INSTANTLY

With ChatMMI, users can skip dashboards, filters, and spreadsheets—and just ask.

Want to know which lenders gained the most purchase volume in California last quarter? Or see retention by month for the past 5 years? Just ask. ChatMMI responds in real time, pulling from the deepest, most robust dataset in the industry.

BUILT ON THE MORTGAGE INDUSTRY’S MOST POWERFUL DATA ENGINE

ChatMMI is powered by the industry’s most complete mortgage data and intelligence. Behind the scenes, it taps into:

500 million+ origination records spanning 25 years
8+ terabytes of data
Real-time insights across 150+ million properties and 3,000+ counties

MMI recently expanded MLS listing coverage from 90% to 98.5% of U.S. counties, with some counties seeing listing volume jump by 50% to 300%. The company also improved how it connects mortgage and real estate data—by 35%.

When you ask ChatMMI a question, you’re not getting an approximation based on incomplete or unreliable source data. You’re getting a fast, precise response—backed by the mortgage industry’s most complete and trusted data engine.

“With ChatMMI, we’re making all of that data and intelligence even more accessible,” said Dan Jones, Chief Technology Officer at MMI. “It’s like having a 24/7 data analyst who understands mortgage—and speaks your language.”

ONE GOAL. ONE SOLUTION

ChatMMI is the latest addition to MMI’s unified mortgage technology solution, which includes:

MMI Data Center – The industry’s most trusted source for mortgage market intelligence, production trends, referral insights, and recruiting data. ChatMMI is built directly into the MMI Data Center for instant, conversational access to insights.

Bonzo – Automates outreach and engagement—CRM, SMS, email, video, and ads—for personalized communication at scale

MonitorBase – Borrower alerts, predictive analytics, and lead insights

Pathways Home (launching later this year) – Post-close homeowner engagement that keeps LOs connected for life

Together, these tools support MMI’s Lead-to-Loan-to-Lifetime Loyalty™ approach—giving lenders everything they need to recruit top talent, engage borrowers, and build relationships that last long after closing.

WHAT’S NEXT

ChatMMI users will see more enhancements and features this fall—including predictive prompts, embedded benchmarking, and integrations with CRM and marketing automation tools.

ABOUT MMI

Founded in 2008, Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI) is the industry’s leading unified mortgage technology solution. Combining robust market data, borrower insights, conversation-driven CRM, and homeowner engagement tools through MMI Data Center, MonitorBase, Bonzo, and the upcoming Pathways Home, MMI empowers lenders to identify opportunities, engage referral partners, and stay connected across the full customer lifecycle. Learn more at https://mmi.io/ or contact sales@mmi.io.

MULTIMEDIA:

Image link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0721-s2p-chatmmi-300dpi.jpg

Image caption: ChatMMI shows a loan officer’s five-year production history – refi and purchase – instantly, from a single prompt.

NEWS SOURCE: Mobility Market Intelligence

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Mobility Market Intelligence), 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/mmi-unveils-chatmmi-mortgage-intelligence-one-question-away/

Klingenstein Fields Advisors named to America’s Top RIAs by Financial Advisor Magazine

NEW YORK, N.Y., July 18, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Klingenstein Fields Advisors (KF Advisors) is proud to announce its recognition as one of the top Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) in Financial Advisor Magazine’s 2025 Survey & Ranking, released on July 11, 2025, for firms managing $1.0 billion or more in assets.

Image caption: Klingenstein Fields Advisors named to America’s Top RIAs.

“We are pleased to receive this honor,” said Kenneth D. Pollinger, Chairman and Co-CEO. “To be included in FA Magazine’s 2025 RIA Rankings is a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and effort of the entire KF Advisors team to provide our clients with personalized solutions and service.”

James W. Fields, President and Co-CEO, added, “We believe that the focus on our fiduciary responsibility of always acting in our clients’ best interests is what allows us to consistently fulfill our clients’ expectations and grow as a firm.”

Each year, Financial Advisor Magazine conducts a voluntary survey of independent RIAs filing their own Form ADV reports with the SEC and providing financial planning and related services to individual investors. Participation in the survey is free and open to qualifying firms. The rankings are based on total assets, year-over-year growth in assets, growth in assets per client, and other firm characteristics, with firms ordered from largest to smallest based on their year-end assets under management.

More information can be found on the FA Magazine website (PDF): https://www.fa-mag.com/userfiles/0000000000002025_IMAGES_ALL/FA_ISSUES_2025/FA_JULAUG_2025/2025_RIA_Rank_Online.pdf

About Klingenstein Fields Advisors:

KF Advisors, an independent SEC-registered advisor based in New York City, has been solely dedicated to helping individuals, families, and organizations achieve their legacy, philanthropic, and funding goals through customized wealth planning and investment management for over 35 years.

More information: http://www.klingenstein.com/.

* LOGO for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0826s2p-kfadv-logo-300dpi.jpg

NEWS SOURCE: Klingenstein Fields Advisors

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Klingenstein Fields Advisors), 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/klingenstein-fields-advisors-named-to-americas-top-rias-by-financial-advisor-magazine/

Philippe Le Blanc Publishes ‘Advantage Equities’: An Original Take on Stock Market Investing Inspired by the Game of Tennis

MONTREAL, Quebec, July 18, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Chief Investment Officer of COTE 100 and respected financial columnist Philippe Le Blanc has officially released “Advantage Equities: Invest Between the Lines and Win” (ISBN: 978-0228818939; released June 2025 by Tellwell Publishing), an insightful new book offering investors a fresh, accessible perspective on the world of stock market investing. The book marks a natural successor to the bestselling “La Bourse ou la Vie,” co-written in 1995 by Philippe and his father, Guy Le Blanc.

Image caption: Cover, “Advantage Equities,” by author Philippe Le Blanc.

Published in English as “Advantage Equities” following the recent success of its French counterpart “Avantage Bourse,” the book explores the parallels between competitive sports — particularly tennis — and financial markets. Le Blanc demonstrates how mastering both disciplines requires not only technical skill but also a deep understanding of psychology, decision-making, and risk management.

“For more than 30 years at COTE 100, contributing to financial literacy has been part of our mission,” says Philippe Le Blanc. “With ‘Advantage Equities,’ my goal is to make stock market investing more approachable for the everyday investor by shifting the focus away from dry financial ratios and towards the behavioral and strategic factors that so often determine outcomes in both markets and life.”

In “Advantage Equities,” Le Blanc identifies the most common pitfalls investors face — including over 30 documented behavioral biases — and provides readers with practical tools and frameworks to navigate them. The book is structured around three core themes: strategy, fundamental analysis, and psychology. Through real-world examples and clear, multidisciplinary insights, Le Blanc guides readers in developing their own personalized method of investment analysis and decision-making.

About the Author:

Philippe Le Blanc is Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Investment Officer of COTE 100, a Canadian firm specializing in retail portfolio management. He holds an MBA and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, and has authored more than 450 articles and blogs on investment through his weekly blog Between the Lines and long-running financial newsletter COTE 100+. A passionate tennis player, Le Blanc uses the game as a metaphor for the high-stakes world of investing, offering a unique, engaging approach to financial education.

“Advantage Equities” is now available on Amazon and major bookselling platforms.

BOOK SUMMARY:

Author: Philippe Le Blanc

Email: authorpress@tellwell.ca

Author’s Company Website: https://cote100.com/en/

Buy Link (Amazon): https://a.co/d/bwv1Lzq

Genre: Finance

Released: June 2025

PAPERBACK ISBN-13: 9780228818939

Publisher: Tellwell ( https://tellwell.ca )

NEWS SOURCE: Tellwell Publishing

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Tellwell 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.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/philippe-le-blanc-publishes-advantage-equities-an-original-take-on-stock-market-investing-inspired-by-the-game-of-tennis/

Brighten Up Your Summer: Luvme Hair Top Picks for Colorful Wigs

NEW YORK, N.Y., July 17, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Luvme Hair, a leading brand in premium human hair wigs and hair extensions, announces its seasonal highlight featuring top picks for colorful wigs designed to inspire vibrant summer styles. As temperatures rise and consumers seek fresh ways to express individuality, the brand’s curated selection showcases a variety of bold hues and innovative designs suited for the summer months. With a commitment to quality, comfort, and versatility, Luvme Hair continues to provide options that cater to diverse style preferences, encouraging confidence and creativity throughout the season.

Image Caption: Brighten Up Your Summer: Luvme Hair Top Picks for Colorful Wigs.

EXCLUSIVE SUMMER SAVINGS ON COLORFUL WIGS

In line with the seasonal focus on vibrant, expressive styles, Luvme Hair is introducing a series of exclusive summer discount codes, making it easier for customers to experiment with bold colors and fresh looks. These offers are available for both new and returning shoppers, providing greater accessibility to premium, colorful wig options throughout the summer. The following promotions are currently available:

30% off for new customers: Use code SNU30
26% off for all customers: Use code SMC26
$100 off for over 349: Use code SMC100
$59 off orders over 219: Use code SMC59
$19 off orders over 99: Use code SMC19

TOP PICKS WIGS FOR A COLORFUL SUMMER

Luvme Hair presents a curated range of wig styles designed to capture the vibrancy and diversity of summer. The following selections highlight popular choices for those seeking to refresh their look with color and creativity during the warmer months:

Red Bob Wig: The red bob wig features a vivid hue paired with a classic, manageable cut. This style offers a striking yet refined option for those interested in incorporating bold color into their seasonal wardrobe.
Braided Wig: The braided wig collection provides a convenient solution for achieving intricate, protective styles. These wigs combine ease of wear with a fashionable appearance, making them suitable for a variety of summer occasions.
Chocolate Brown Wig: With its rich, natural tone, the chocolate brown wig delivers understated elegance. This versatile option complements a wide range of complexions and remains a preferred choice for both casual and formal settings.
Green Bob Wig: The green bob introduces a contemporary twist with its vibrant shade and modern silhouette. This selection is well-suited for individuals looking to express a playful or unique sense of style during the summer season.
Blonde Pixie Cut Wig: The blonde pixie cut wig offers a light, refreshing look ideal for warmer weather. Its short length and bright color provide a practical and stylish solution for those seeking a change.

“Summer provides the perfect opportunity to embrace bold colors and fresh styles,” said Helena Li, Founder of Luvme Hair. “The latest selection of colorful wigs is designed to help individuals express their personality while enjoying both comfort and versatility. Luvme Hair remains committed to offering high-quality products that enable customers to brighten up their summer with confidence and ease.”

ABOUT LUVME HAIR

Luvme Hair is a reputable brand in the hair wigs industry, known for its human hair wigs with bangs, large cap wigs, grey bob wig and human braiding hair that allow individuals to effortlessly switch up their looks. With a focus on innovation, creativity, quality, and customer satisfaction, Luvme Hair has garnered a loyal customer base globally, with over 2 million satisfied customers. For more information about Luvme Hair, please visit their official website at https://shop.luvmehair.com/.

MULTIMEDIA:

Image link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0717-s2p-luvme-hair-300dpi.jpg

Image Caption: Brighten Up Your Summer: Luvme Hair Top Picks for Colorful Wigs.

NEWS SOURCE: Luvme Hair

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Luvme Hair), 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/brighten-up-your-summer-luvme-hair-top-picks-for-colorful-wigs/

Become a Certified Sommelier in One Week: Wine School of Philadelphia Launches Summer Wine School 2025

PHILADELPHIA, Pa., July 17, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Wine School of Philadelphia today announced the return of Summer Wine School, offering students across the country the opportunity to earn their sommelier certification in just one week. With flexible evening classes and a hands-on curriculum, the program has become a go-to for aspiring wine professionals and serious enthusiasts alike.

Photo caption: Sommelier Graduates at the Wine School of Philadelphia.

The Accelerated Core Sommelier Program prepares students for certification through intensive training in wine tasting, theory, and professional service. Offered in the evenings over one week, the course is ideal for working adults, hospitality staff, and anyone looking to transition into the wine trade.

The school is also offering the Advanced Italian Wine Specialist Certification, a nationally recognized credential through the National Wine School, delivered in a one-week immersion format. Students explore Italy’s key wine regions, grapes, and traditions in a rigorous but accessible setting.

In addition to certification programs, Summer Wine School features public tasting classes and member-exclusive events designed to foster community, deepen wine knowledge, and support professional growth.

“This isn’t a stuffy wine seminar,” said Keith Wallace, founder of the Wine School of Philadelphia. “We train people to taste like pros, think like educators, and thrive in the wine world — whether you’re switching careers or building on a lifelong passion.”

Seats are limited, and demand for in-person certification is high. To secure a spot in Summer Wine School 2025, visit: https://www.vinology.com/summer-wine-school/

About the Wine School of Philadelphia:

Founded in 2001, the Wine School of Philadelphia is one of the leading independent wine education centers in the country. Its certification programs, offered through the National Wine School, are recognized by restaurants, distributors, and hospitality groups across the U.S.

MULTIMEDIA:

Photo link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0717-s2p-winephilly-300dpi.jpg

Photo caption: Sommelier Graduates at the Wine School of Philadelphia.

NEWS SOURCE: Wine School of Philadelphia

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Wine School of Philadelphia), 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/become-a-certified-sommelier-in-one-week-wine-school-of-philadelphia-launches-summer-wine-school-2025/

Q2 Industrial Manufacturing Soars 31% for Planned Projects Over $100M; June Planned Industrial Projects Hit 141

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla., July 17, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Industrial SalesLeads announced today the June 2025 results for its new planned capital project spending report, highlighting the continued strong activity in the Industrial Manufacturing sector. According to the firm’s research, 141 new industrial manufacturing projects were tracked in June 2025 alone, reflecting robust activity across North America. In addition, Q2 2025 saw a 31% increase over Q1 in the number of new Industrial Manufacturing facility construction projects valued at over $100 million.

Image caption: Q2 Industrial Manufacturing Soars 31% for Planned Projects Over $100M.

The following are selected highlights on new Industrial Manufacturing industry construction news.

INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING – BY PROJECT TYPE

Manufacturing/Production Facilities – 129 New Projects

Distribution and Industrial Warehouse – 77 New Projects

INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING – BY PROJECT SCOPE/ACTIVITY

New Construction – 48 New Projects

Expansion – 38 New Projects

Renovations/Equipment Upgrades – 57 New Projects

Plant Closings – 12 New Projects

INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING – BY PROJECT LOCATION (TOP 10 STATES)

California – 10

Indiana – 10

Texas – 10

Wisconsin – 8

Florida – 7

New York – 7

North Carolina – 7

Massachusetts – 6

Tennessee – 6

Maryland – 5

LARGEST PLANNED PROJECT

During the month of June, our research team identified 25 new Industrial Manufacturing facility construction projects with an estimated value of $100 million or more.

The largest project is owned by Micron Technology, who is planning to invest $150 billion for the construction of a manufacturing complex in CLAY, NY. Construction is expected to start in late 2025.

TOP 10 TRACKED INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING PROJECTS

UTAH:

Semiconductor mfr. is planning to invest $15 billion for the expansion and equipment upgrades on their manufacturing facility in LEHI, UT. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

GEORGIA:

Pharmaceutical company is considering investing $5 billion for the construction of a processing facility and is currently seeking a site in GEORGIA. Watch SalesLeads for updates.

FLORIDA:

Gas turbine engine mfr. is planning to invest $1 billion for the construction of a 1 million sf manufacturing facility in CRESTVIEW, FL. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Construction will occur in 3 phases, with completion of the first phase slated for late 2026.

INDIANA:

Battery mfr. and recycling company is considering investing $1 billion for the construction of a processing facility and currently seeking a site in INDIANA. Watch SalesLeads for updates.

FLORIDA:

Semiconductor mfr. is planning to invest $470 million for the construction of a manufacturing and office facility in NEOCITY, FL. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

SOUTH CAROLINA:

Lumber company is planning to invest $225 million for the construction of a 375,000 sf manufacturing facility on Barker Mill Pond Rd. in FAIRFAX, SC. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Construction is expected to start in late 2025, with completion slated for early 2027.

INDIANA:

Industrial automation equipment mfr. is planning to invest $180 million for the expansion of their manufacturing, laboratory, and office campus in FRANKLIN, WI. They will consolidate their WI and IL operations upon completion in Summer 2027.

KENTUCKY:

Global electronics mfr. is planning to invest $174 million for the construction of a manufacturing facility in LOUISVILLE, KY. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

TEXAS:

IT infrastructure equipment mfr. is planning to invest $152 million for the renovation and equipment upgrades on a 393,000 sf manufacturing and warehouse facility at 9220 Socorro Rd. in SOCORRO, TX. They have recently received approval for the project.

MAINE:

Medical device mfr. is planning to invest $134 million for the expansion and equipment upgrades on their manufacturing facility in BRUNSWICK, ME. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

About Industrial SalesLeads, Inc.

Since 1959, Industrial SalesLeads, based in Jacksonville, FL is a leader in delivering industrial capital project intelligence and prospecting services for sales and marketing teams to ensure a predictable and scalable pipeline. Our Industrial Market Intelligence, IMI identifies timely insights on companies planning significant capital investments such as new construction, expansion, relocation, equipment modernization and plant closings in industrial facilities. The Outsourced Prospecting Services, an extension to your sales team, is designed to drive growth with qualified meetings and appointments for your internal sales team. Visit us at salesleadsinc.com.

Each month, our team provides hundreds of industrial reports within a variety of industries, including:

Industrial Manufacturing
Plastics
Food and Beverage
Metals
Power Generation
Pulp Paper and Wood
Oil and Gas
Mining and Aggregates
Chemical
Research and Development
Distribution and Supply Chain
Pipelines
Pharmaceutical
Industrial Buildings
Waste Water Treatment
Data Centers

Learn more: https://www.salesleadsinc.com/industry/industrial-manufacturing/

NEWS SOURCE: Industrial SalesLeads Inc

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Industrial SalesLeads 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/q2-industrial-manufacturing-soars-31-for-planned-projects-over-100m-june-planned-industrial-projects-hit-141/

Informative Research’s Shannon Santos Named MPA Elite Woman Award Honoree

GARDEN GROVE, Calif., July 17, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Informative Research Data Solutions, a division of Informative Research and a leading provider of data-powered borrower intelligence and analytics tools for the financial services industry, announced today that its executive vice president, Shannon Santos, has been named a 2025 Mortgage Professional America (MPA) Elite Woman Award recipient. The award honors women redefining excellence in the mortgage and housing industries through leadership, innovation and impact.

Image caption: Shannon Santos of Informative Research.

With over 20 years of experience in financial services, Santos has built a career rooted in operational transformation, mentorship and advocacy for women in leadership. At Informative Research Data Solutions, she leads initiatives focused on data, predictive modeling and automation—streamlining mortgage operations, reducing costs and enhancing compliance for lenders nationwide.

“Shannon’s influence is strategic and deeply personal,” said Sean Buckner, president and CEO of Informative Research. “She drives high-impact innovation while creating pathways for others to rise. Her recognition as an MPA Elite Woman highlights her commitment to purposeful leadership, mentorship and equity.”

Among her standout contributions, Santos co-founded the Save Our Soles (S.O.S.) Shoe Voucher Program, which provides essential support to underserved children. She is also an active member of the Women Empowering Women (WEW) leadership network, which connects more than 100 C-suite female executives in mortgage banking. Through these platforms, she fosters advancement and visibility for women throughout the industry.

Santos attributes her success to both organizational support and her own determination to earn a seat at the decision-making table.

“Progress happens when we use our voices and build networks that uplift,” Santos said. “This award reflects the incredible women who have guided me and reminds me to keep paying it forward.”

The MPA Elite Woman Award honors individuals who lead with integrity, challenge the status quo and inspire meaningful change throughout the housing finance ecosystem. Santos exemplifies these values, demonstrating what it means to lead with purpose and leave a legacy of empowerment.

About Informative Research

Informative Research Data Solutions, a division of Stewart-owned Informative Research, delivers cutting-edge borrower intelligence and analytics solutions to financial services institutions. Its technology helps clients drive engagement, optimize marketing and improve customer retention in a competitive lending environment. To learn more, visit https://www.irdatasolutions.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-researchs-shannon-santos-named-mpa-elite-woman-award-honoree/

Avatar Construction Expands Design-Build Expertise in Ground-Up Developments Across Massachusetts & New Hampshire

BOSTON, Mass., July 17, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Avatar Construction, a premier design-build firm specializing in ground-up developments, is setting a new standard in the construction industry across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. With proven expertise in Multi-Family Apartments, condominiums, hotels, and mixed-use projects, Avatar Construction offers a full spectrum of services designed to streamline complex developments from concept through completion.

Photo caption: Grand Central Suites in Manchester NH.

Avatar Construction’s comprehensive A-to-Z approach ensures developers, property owners, and stakeholders benefit from end-to-end solutions tailored to meet project-specific needs. Their services begin with critical site feasibility studies, including soil testing and evaluation, followed by financial forecasting and underwriting to build solid project foundations.

“Our development success is driven by strategy and a calculated process that we have fine-tuned and perfected over the years,” said Nazar Vincent, President at Avatar Construction. “Our design-build methodology, combined with our deep knowledge of New England markets, allows us to deliver exceptional results that are innovative, efficient, and cost-effective.”

The company’s services also encompass land entitlement and permitting, a crucial step for keeping projects on track, as well as navigating town, city, and state tax abatement programs to maximize financial viability. Their team’s expertise in historical and environmental analyses ensures compliance with local requirements while preserving the integrity of each site.

A hallmark of Avatar’s approach is their design and construction management expertise, which guarantees maximum hard and soft costs, mitigating financial risks for developers. After construction, Avatar Construction further supports clients with asset stabilization, condo documentation, and end-product sales, ensuring developments are built to last and prepared for market success.

Avatar also delivers finance structuring solutions, managing both debt and equity, to give clients a competitive advantage. By addressing every aspect of the development process, Avatar Construction is uniquely positioned as a trusted partner for groundbreaking projects across New England.

“Our design-build process is about more than combining design and construction – it’s about driving efficiency, transparency, and collaboration from concept to completion,” said Vincent. “By uniting all project phases under one roof, we streamline decision-making and keep clients engaged every step of the way, resulting in projects that are delivered on time, within budget, and tailored to our clients’ unique goals.”

One of Avatar’s latest projects is Grand Central Suites (21 Central Street in Manchester NH), set to be completed in late 2025. This transformative development will bring 77 modern apartment units to Downtown Manchester, including 11 luxurious penthouse suites and 1,700 square feet of prime retail space. Grand Central Suites is poised to become a cornerstone of the community, contributing to the ongoing revitalization of the downtown area and setting a new standard for urban living in the region. This is the first of several “Grand” properties slated for Avatar Construction.

“As we bring Grand Central Suites to life, our vision is to create a landmark that not only elevates the urban landscape but also strengthens the fabric of the Manchester community,” said Vincent. “This project represents the best of what our design-build approach can achieve – thoughtful design, quality construction, and a lasting positive impact for residents and local businesses alike.”

About Avatar Construction

Avatar Construction is a leading design-build firm headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, with projects spanning across New England. Specializing in ground-up developments for multi-family apartments, condos, hotels, and mixed-use projects, the company offers a comprehensive suite of services, including site feasibility, financial forecasting, permitting, tax abatement, design, and construction management.

Driven by a passion for innovation and a deep commitment to delivering lasting value, Avatar Construction continually seeks out new technologies and building practices to set higher standards in construction and design. The firm believes in creating spaces that enrich communities and support sustainable growth, taking pride in its ability to blend client aspirations with positive local impact. Looking ahead, Avatar Construction aims to lead the way in transformative projects that shape the future of urban environments, always emphasizing quality, integrity, and visionary thinking on every build.

Learn more: https://avatarconstructioninc.com/

MEDIA CONTACT:
Nazar Vincent
Avatar Construction
+1 617-714-5773
nazar@avatarconstructioninc.com

MULTIMEDIA:

Photo link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0717-s2p-grandcentral-300dpi.jpg

Photo caption: Grand Central Suites in Manchester NH.

NEWS SOURCE: Avatar Construction Inc.

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Avatar Construction 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/avatar-construction-expands-design-build-expertise-in-ground-up-developments-across-massachusetts-new-hampshire/

Strategic Benefits Advisors outlines what plan sponsors need to know about the One Big Beautiful Bill

ATLANTA, Ga., July 16, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) today released a practical summary of the employee benefits provisions contained in the newly enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025. While the legislation spans a wide range of tax and policy changes, SBA’s summary highlights the bill’s most significant impacts on employer-sponsored retirement plans, health and welfare benefits and payroll operations.

Image caption: Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) logo.

“Ever since the Affordable Care Act, employer-sponsored benefits have remained in flux, with each new piece of legislation adding another layer of complexity,” said SBA Director and Senior Benefits Consultant Andy Clonts. “The One Big Beautiful Bill is no different. It introduces helpful flexibilities around HSA eligibility and indexes to inflation certain limits that have been stagnant for many years. At the same time, it creates new operational and compliance challenges that plan sponsors will need to navigate.”

“Some provisions are optional, others automatic and several require careful coordination between HR, payroll and third-party vendors,” Clonts added. “Our goal is to help plan sponsors cut through the noise and quickly understand which provisions affect them so they can prioritize what to address now versus what may require longer-term planning.”

RETIREMENT PLAN IMPACTS:

New Trump accounts for employees and dependents: OBBB creates a new tax-advantaged savings vehicle, referred to as a Trump account. Beginning in 2026, employers may contribute up to $2,500 per year (indexed for inflation) on a tax-free basis to accounts owned by employees or their dependents. These accounts function similarly to IRAs and are intended to support long-term savings goals.

HEALTH AND WELFARE PLAN IMPACTS:

Dependent Care FSA limit increased: Beginning in 2026, the dependent care FSA contribution limit increases from $5,000 to $7,500 per household ($3,750 if married filing separately). The new cap is not indexed for inflation.
Expanded HSA eligibility:
- First-dollar telehealth coverage: OBBB makes permanent a pandemic-era exception that allows HDHPs to offer pre-deductible telehealth benefits without jeopardizing HSA eligibility.
- Direct Primary Care (DPC): DPC arrangements are no longer considered disqualifying coverage, and associated fees (up to $150 per month for individuals or $300 per month for families) are now reimbursable from HSAs.
- Bronze and catastrophic plans: All bronze and catastrophic plans purchased on the individual Exchange now count as HDHPs for HSA eligibility purposes.
Student loan repayment programs made permanent: OBBB makes permanent the ability for employers to provide up to $5,250 annually in tax-free educational assistance, including student loan repayments. Starting in 2026, this limit will be indexed for inflation.
PFML tax credit expanded: The Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) tax credit is now permanent, is available in all states, features reduced service requirements (six months instead of one year) and applies even when employers fund leave through insurance premiums.
Enhanced employer-provided child care credit: The maximum employer-provided child care credit increases to $500,000 (or $600,000 for qualifying small businesses), with a higher reimbursement percentage, new allowances for pooling resources and using third-party intermediaries and indexing for inflation beginning in 2026.
Elimination of bicycle commuting reimbursement: OBBB makes permanent the repeal of a fringe benefit that allowed employers to reimburse up to $20 per month in qualified bicycle commuting expenses on a tax-free basis. Most employers did not offer it, but those that did will no longer be able to provide this reimbursement on a tax-advantaged basis starting in 2026.

PAYROLL ADMINISTRATION IMPACTS:

Tips and overtime earnings excluded from income tax: For tax years 2025–2028, employees may deduct qualified tips and overtime premium pay from their federal taxable income when filing their annual tax return. While payroll withholding practices remain unchanged, payroll teams should ensure proper earnings breakout reporting and anticipate employee questions. Employees must continue reporting tips to their employers, and employers must treat tips and overtime as taxable income for withholding purposes and include them on employees’ W-2s.

This summary is intended to provide general information and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. For help assessing the impact of these changes on your plan and workforce, reach out to your Strategic Benefits Advisors consultant.

ABOUT STRATEGIC BENEFITS ADVISORS:

Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) is an independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm focused on creatively and effectively solving complex benefits issues for clients ranging from 500 to more than 300,000 employees. Founded in 2002 by veteran consultants Mindy Zatto and Andy Adams, SBA provides practical consulting recommendations and expert implementation of solutions for all types of employee benefits programs, including retirement, health and welfare, financial wellness and employee recognition. With an average of more than 20 years in the field, SBA’s team of actuaries, consultants and systems specialists is among the most experienced in the industry. For more information, visit https://www.sba-inc.com/.

Tags: #OBBB #employeebenefits #retirement #healthcare

NEWS SOURCE: Strategic Benefits Advisors Inc.

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Strategic Benefits Advisors 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/strategic-benefits-advisors-outlines-what-plan-sponsors-need-to-know-about-the-one-big-beautiful-bill/

HitPaw VikPea Releases V4.3.2 Featuring Intuitive UI Optimization, New AI Pilot Model and Full Cloud Acceleration

NEW YORK, N.Y., July 16, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — HitPaw, a global leader in AI-powered creative software, today announced the release of a new version 4.3.2 of HitPaw VikPea. This major upgrade introduces major improvements in user interface design, AI model architecture, new AI Pilot model and full cloud-based export acceleration, offering users a smoother, smarter, and significantly faster video enhancement experience.

Image caption: HitPaw VikPea V4.3.2 New Release.

WHAT IS NEW IN VIKPEA V4.3.2

1. INTUITIVE INTERFACE UPGRADE

VikPea 4.3.2 introduces a smarter and more user-friendly interface with a new default full-screen layout, improved model categorization, and a visual preview system that makes selecting and applying AI enhancements faster and more intuitive.

2. OPTIMIZED AI MODEL STRUCTURE

The core enhancement engine has been fully reorganized for better usability and scalability.

OPTIMIZED VIDEO ENHANCER MODULE

THE VIDEO ENHANCER MODULE IS CATEGORIZED INTO THREE MAJOR SECTIONS:

General Model contains five models: General Restoration Model, Video Quality Repair Model, HD Sharpen Model, Fast Sharpen Model, and Animation Model. Moreover, the Video Restoration Model supports full cloud acceleration from this version on.
AI Pilot Model (New) is an intelligent model that automatically analyzes your video and recommends the most suitable enhancement option based on content and issues.
Portrait Model now includes Portrait Restoration Model – for realistic face detail recovery, and Portrait Generation Model – for AI-enhanced facial synthesis and beautification.

AI COLOR MODULE – REFINED FOR VISUAL PRECISION

The AI Color module in VikPea 4.3.2 is designed to intelligently enhance video colors, whether for dynamic range improvement, color restoration, or visibility in low-light scenes. It includes four specialized models — SDR to HDR, Colorize, Color Enhancement, and Low-Light Enhancement.

AI TOOLBOX

The updated AI Toobox section includes four powerful video tools: Watermark Remover, Background Remover, Video Frame Interpolation and Video Stabilization.

3. FULL CLOUD-BASED EXPORT ACCELERATION

VikPea 4.3.2 takes cloud processing to the next level. Previously reliant on hybrid cloud & local resources, the new version supports 100% cloud-based export, significantly reducing the load on local systems.

COMPATIBILITY AND PRICE

HitPaw VikPea is compatible with both Windows and MacOS, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Now you can try out the new features by downloading the free trial version, or purchase the full package starts from $43.19/month.

For more Information: HitPaw Video Enhancer – AI Video Enhancer

ABOUT HITPAW

HitPaw is a cutting-edge company that enters the AI editing field with innovation, creativity, efficiency, and simplicity as its core characteristics. It empowers millions of users worldwide with AI-powered tools for video, image, audio editing, enhancing, and conversion. Its flagship products are trusted by content creators, marketers, and educators for their simplicity and cutting-edge technology.

To know more, you may visit: About HitPaw – All Things About HitPaw and [OFFICIAL] HitPaw: Powerful Video, Audio, and Image Solutions Provider

Our Social Media

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwRggaotgiMcPbiCOsJeBA

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HitPawofficial

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

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

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-vikpea-releases-v4-3-2-featuring-intuitive-ui-optimization-new-ai-pilot-model-and-full-cloud-acceleration/

Edimakor Celebrates its 1st Anniversary: Join the Festivities with Exclusive Gifts and Discounts!

LOS ANGELES, Calif., July 16, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In celebration of its first anniversary, Edimakor, the creative video editing software trusted by content creators around the world, is thrilled to launch a limited-time Sales Promotion Event. This special campaign gives users the chance to enjoy exclusive discounts and win exciting gifts. The event is officially live on Edimakor’s website — welcoming both new and loyal users to join the celebration.

Image caption: Edimakor Celebrates 1st Anniversary.

A CELEBRATION OF CREATIVITY AND COMMUNITY

This special event is designed to celebrate Edimakor’s growing user base and thank its global community for their continued support. Whether you’re a YouTuber, educator, business professional, or someone just starting their creative journey — Edimakor’s event is all about giving back and helping creators level up their video projects with powerful, AI-driven tools.

HOW TO JOIN THE EDIMAKOR PROMOTION EVENT

Edimakor is celebrating its 1st anniversary with an exciting Candle Lighting Event, packed with guaranteed prizes, creative fun, and special offers for users worldwide. Participation is quick, easy, and open to everyone!

EVENT DURATION: JULY 15 – JULY 31, 2025 (PST)

How to Participate:

Visit the official Edimakor event page to get started.

Then follow these three simple steps to light the anniversary candle and claim your reward:

Enter your email in the pop-up window and click “Send Card” to light the candle to 30% brightness.
Subscribe to Edimakor’s official YouTube channel — the candle lights up to 60%.
Share the event on social media — the candle is fully lit, and your prize is unlocked!

PRIZES YOU CAN WIN (100% GUARANTEED):

14-day free use coupon
7-day free use coupon
50% OFF coupon
40% OFF coupon
30% OFF coupon

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Prizes are randomly assigned by the system.
Coupons cannot be combined with other discounts.
All rewards are valid only during the event period.
Edimakor reserves the final interpretation rights for the event.

This anniversary event is Edimakor’s heartfelt thank-you for your support over the past year — and an open invitation for all creators to join the next exciting chapter in creative video editing.

DON’T MISS OUT – START CREATING AND WINNING

In summary, the Edimakor Sales Promotion Event offers a limited-time opportunity to enhance your creative toolkit while joining a vibrant and growing community of creators… Ready to dive in?

Join the event here: https://edimakor.hitpaw.com/sales-promotion.html#winGift
Learn more about Edimakor features: https://edimakor.hitpaw.com/

ABOUT EDIMAKOR

Edimakor is an all-in-one video editing solution designed to make video creation easy, fast, and accessible. Packed with AI features like auto subtitle generation, AI text to speech, AI video generator, AI image generator and so on. It enables everyone — from beginners to experts — to create high-quality videos without complex software.

With a simple interface, powerful functions, and a growing user community — Edimakor is helping redefine the way people tell their stories through video.

Follow on Social:

Stay updated on upcoming releases, tips, and community events:

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

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

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

NEWS SOURCE: HitPaw Edimakor

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/edimakor-celebrates-its-1st-anniversary-join-the-festivities-with-exclusive-gifts-and-discounts/

By Light Achieves CMMC-Level 2 Certification

By Light Achieves CMMC Level 2 Certification, Strengthening Commitment to Cybersecurity for DoD and Federal Customers

MCLEAN, Va., July 16, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — By Light Professional IT Services LLC (By Light) is proud to announce that it has been officially appraised at Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2, demonstrating the company’s deep commitment to safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and meeting the cybersecurity requirements of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).

Image caption: By Light Professional IT Services LLC logo.

CMMC Level 2 represents a critical milestone for defense contractors, requiring the implementation of 110 security practices aligned with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) SP 800-171. By Light’s successful appraisal underscores its operational readiness and adherence to stringent security standards across its internal systems, processes, and partner networks.

This certification further positions By Light as a trusted provider of secure digital transformation services for the federal government, including cyber operations, DevSecOps, and Zero Trust implementations. The CMMC Level 2 appraisal was conducted by a CMMC Third Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO) and is valid for three years.

By Light continues to invest in comprehensive cybersecurity governance across its classified and unclassified offerings and remains committed to continuous improvement as CMMC evolves in future phases.

About By Light:

By Light Professional IT Services LLC is an ISO 9001, 20000-1, and 27001 registered and CMMI-Dev Level 3 rated systems engineering company that provides secure turnkey systems by incorporating exceptional engineering, project management, telecommunications, and cyber capabilities to safeguard mission success. Founded by industry professionals with extensive knowledge in DoD, DISA, and other U.S. Government agencies, By Light successfully implements technical solutions that integrate commercial best practices to meet the needs of the government.

For more information, visit https://www.bylight.com/.

LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0716-s2p-bylight-300dpi.jpg

NEWS SOURCE: By Light Professional IT Services

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

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/by-light-achieves-cmmc-level-2-certification/

ScoopCloud

The affordable PR newswire service

Tag Archives: AP

Author Ann Hood joins Todos Santos Writers Workshop faculty for 2026 Baja creative writing retreat

Edimakor V4.2.0 Ignites New Era of AI Video Creation Powered by Google Veo 3

StarknightMT Celebrates 8 Years with its Biggest Anniversary Sale Yet

Small Homes, Big Impact: CFI Conference Aligns with WHO’s Global Call for Social Connection

LearnWise AI Launches an AI Feedback and Grading Solution to Help Faculty Provide Higher-Quality, Ethical Feedback at Scale to Students

Optimal Blue Fully Automates Best Efforts Locking Directly with Investors

45 new assistance programs launched during Q2 2025, bringing the total number of nationwide programs to a record-breaking 2,554

Class Valuation’s Elite Appraiser Panel opens new business opportunities for the nation’s top appraisers

TMC July 2025 Pulse of the Network survey finds mortgage lenders leaning into automation, leadership development, and product innovation to stay competitive

Simpson Foundation Awards $75,500 In Employee Scholarships Across Three Communities

Friday Harbor adds Chris Simms, Gregory Buehler to leadership team to accelerate AI-powered mortgage origination

‘COME TOGETHER — A Community for Wine’ Announces Second Annual ‘Come Over October’ Campaign

Glancy Wine Education Foundation Welcomes New Board Members

Snappy Tomato Pizza Grows Again with New Maysville, Kentucky Location

Former Seminarian Shares Journey from Religious Life to Freedom in the Relaunch of His Book ‘Uncollared’

Legacy Dental Expands Services to Offer Customized Oral Appliances for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Lutheran Life Communities Hosts Meaningful Events to Stimulate Thought and Connection

New Jersey’s Save LBI Urges Large Environmental Groups to Reconsider Support of Offshore Wind & Consider Alternatives for Reducing Greenhouse Gas

Capital City Founder Arsha Jones Launches $5,000 Micro-Grant to Support Local Consumer Product Entrepreneurs

Dr. Andrew Holzman Named a Top Doctor in Arlington Magazine’s July/August 2025 Edition

Oil Seismic Explorations and Their Impact on the Loligo Squid in the South Atlantic

RetailNOW and the Kiosk Industry Association Visit Booth 445 for AI-Assist, Kiosks and Digital Signage

PDFgear Scan, Finally, a Completely Free AI Scanner App for All

MMI Unveils ChatMMI: Mortgage Intelligence, One Question Away

Klingenstein Fields Advisors named to America’s Top RIAs by Financial Advisor Magazine

Philippe Le Blanc Publishes ‘Advantage Equities’: An Original Take on Stock Market Investing Inspired by the Game of Tennis

Brighten Up Your Summer: Luvme Hair Top Picks for Colorful Wigs

Become a Certified Sommelier in One Week: Wine School of Philadelphia Launches Summer Wine School 2025

Q2 Industrial Manufacturing Soars 31% for Planned Projects Over $100M; June Planned Industrial Projects Hit 141

Informative Research’s Shannon Santos Named MPA Elite Woman Award Honoree

Avatar Construction Expands Design-Build Expertise in Ground-Up Developments Across Massachusetts & New Hampshire

Strategic Benefits Advisors outlines what plan sponsors need to know about the One Big Beautiful Bill

HitPaw VikPea Releases V4.3.2 Featuring Intuitive UI Optimization, New AI Pilot Model and Full Cloud Acceleration

Edimakor Celebrates its 1st Anniversary: Join the Festivities with Exclusive Gifts and Discounts!

By Light Achieves CMMC-Level 2 Certification