Tag Archives: Awards and Honors

American Pygmy Goat Champions Crowned at National Convention

Champion Buck, Doe and Wether awarded highest honor during NPGA Convention in Porterville, CA

SEATTLE, Wash., June 30, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The National Pygmy Goat Association (NPGA) is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Champion Challenge held in Porterville, California June 20, 2025. Hosted by the Sequoia Pygmy Goat Association, How the West Was Won National Convention brought together the best animals from across the country for a chance to claim the top honor of national champion.

(L-R) Elaine Kreig with Flying Turtle's Thistle Tympany, Brayden Auge with #1 Moore Kidd Johnny Ringo, and April Seiler with Ahsum Pygmies Outta Bounds.
Photo Caption: (L-R) Elaine Kreig with Flying Turtle’s Thistle Tympany, Brayden Auge with #1 Moore Kidd Johnny Ringo, and April Seiler with Ahsum Pygmies Outta Bounds.

In order to compete for National Champion in the Buck Class a buck must be a Permanent Grand Champion (having won Grand Champion Buck four times). In the Doe Class, a doe must also be a Permanent Grand Champion (having won Grand Champion three times). In the Wether Class, a wether (castrated male), must be a Bronze Certificate Wether or higher, (having won Best Wether three or more times).

The National Champion Buck is Ahsum Pygmies Outta Bounds owned and bred by April & Susan Seiler from Peoria, AZ. First runner up is Flying Turtle’s Sweet Sertoli owned and bred by Elaine Krieg. Second runner up is Fox Haven’s Ridin Solo owned and bred by Karole and Gary Miller.

“We have strived to be good stewards of the pygmy goat breed and are honored to receive recognition of the 2025 National Champion Buck. We are truly blessed by the experiences and friendships that raising pygmy goats has afforded us,” said April and Susan Seiler.

The National Champion Doe is Flying Turtle’s Thistle Tympany, bred and owned by Elaine Krieg from Grass Valley, CA. First runner up is Twilight Ranch Alexa Bot bred and owned by Brittany Cunningham. Second runner up is Pygmy Goats by T.J. Kinzi bred and owned by Tammi Josephson and the Josephson Family.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” said Elaine Krieg. “I’m proud of my breeding program and all the support from my family and friends.”

The National Champion Wether is Platinum Wether #1 Moore Kidd Johnny Ringo owned by 13-year-old Brayden Auge from Bakersfield, CA. Bred by Rhonda S. Moore & Norman Russ. First runner up is Rosedale Pygmies Eclipse owned and bred by Nicole & Celeste Rickett. Second runner up is Twilight Ranch Iron Man owned by Jacob Farino and bred by Brittney Cunningham.

“I’ve never cried winning something before,” said Brayden Auge. “When they said #1 Moore Kidd I thought to myself – wait a minute is there another animal with the same herd name? I couldn’t believe it.”

“On behalf of the board and membership I want to congratulate all the winners,” said Darren Watkins, President of the National Pygmy Goat Association. “The classes were extremely competitive and the winning animals really reflect the best of the breed.”

ABOUT NATIONAL PYGMY GOAT ASSOCIATION

The National Pygmy Goat Association is the official breed registry for the American Pygmy Goat in the United States. Founded in 1976, the NPGA sets breed standards, provides animal registration, maintains a database of pedigrees, certifies judges, and sanctions pygmy goat shows.

For more information visit https://npga-pygmy.com/.

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Photo Caption: (L-R) Elaine Kreig with Flying Turtle’s Thistle Tympany, Brayden Auge with #1 Moore Kidd Johnny Ringo, and April Seiler with Ahsum Pygmies Outta Bounds.

NEWS SOURCE: National Pygmy Goat Association


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Dark Matter CEO Sean Dugan named to Inman’s 2025 Best of Finance list

Inman's Best of Finance Award is managed entirely by its editorial team to independently recognize those leaders in the lending industry who are driving measurable change

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 26, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, today announced its CEO, Sean Dugan, has been named to Inman’s 2025 Best of Finance list. Now in its third year, the award is a prestigious industry recognition honoring professionals in the mortgage and financial services sectors who demonstrate exceptional innovation, influence and impact on the residential real estate ecosystem.

Sean Dugan, CEO of Dark Matter Technologies
Image caption: Sean Dugan, CEO of Dark Matter Technologies.

Dugan is a tech visionary known for his ability to translate lender pain points into pragmatic innovation. His diverse background across sales, marketing, account management and client services gives him a 360-degree view of the mortgage ecosystem. Since Dark Matter’s 2023 acquisition by Constellation Software, Dugan has architected a companywide shift to a customer-centric culture, first as chief revenue officer and, since April 2025, as its CEO.

In the 18 months since Dark Matter’s transition to new ownership, Dugan’s initiatives have had measurable industry impacts. The Empower® loan origination system (LOS) by Dark Matter continues to gain strong traction among lenders, signaling both market confidence and the platform’s alignment with evolving industry demands. More than half of Dark Matter’s client base has adopted its reimagined digital point-of-sale portals, and among those users, more than 85% of loan applications are now submitted through digital channels. This shift represents not just feature adoption but a fundamental change in lender and borrower behavior — one that validates Dugan’s emphasis on modern, user-centric design and seamless workflows.

Dugan played a pivotal role in one of the company’s most technically ambitious initiatives: a complete migration to Amazon Web Services. Completed three months ahead of schedule and with zero disruption to clients, the transition improved total profitability margin by 4.8%. The AIVA® suite of AI-powered virtual assistants has also seen exponential growth under Dugan’s leadership. In just the past three years, the company has processed over 356 million pages across more than 105 million documents, extracting over 148 million data labels through AIVA Docs.

“Sean’s leadership has helped usher in a new era where client voice drives innovation, where AI delivers measurable results, and where openness and agility are expected, not exceptional,” said Bonnie Wilhelm, CEO of Andromeda, “In reshaping expectations for the LOS — arguably the most essential system in a lender’s tech stack — Sean hasn’t just redefined what’s possible. He’s reset the bar for what lenders expect from their technology partners. We are incredibly happy for him and appreciate this well-deserved industry recognition.”

For a complete list of Inman 2025 Best of Finance award winners, visit the Inman website at https://www.inman.com/best-of-finance-awards/

About Dark Matter Technologies:

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

Twitter: @dmattertech #fintech #mortgage

NEWS SOURCE: Dark Matter Technologies


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Argyle CEO Shmulik Fishman named to Inman’s 2025 Best of Finance list for second consecutive year

Fishman honored for leading Argyle's continued growth and delivering measurable value to lenders nationwide

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y., June 26, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Argyle, a service provider automating income, employment and asset verifications for some of the largest lenders in the United States, today announced that its founder and CEO Shmulik Fishman has been named one of Inman’s 2025 Best of Finance, his second consecutive appearance on the list. Inman’s editorial team hand-selects distinguished professionals for their role in driving the mortgage and financial services industries forward through leadership, exceptional service and commitment to innovation.

Argyle CEO Shmulik Fishman
Image caption: Argyle CEO Shmulik Fishman.

Inman, a leading independent news publisher for the residential real estate industry, recognized Fishman for transforming income and employment verification through fast, reliable and cost-effective connections to consumer-permissioned payroll data. Since early 2023, Argyle has onboarded over 100 mortgage lenders, enabling time savings of 5–7 days per loan and delivering cost savings up to 80% on verification of income and employment (VOIE).

“Verifying income and employment is one of the most critical steps in the underwriting process, but it should never be a barrier to efficient lending,” said Fishman. “We’ve built a platform that replaces outdated processes with technology lenders can rely on to move faster, improve loan quality, lower costs and deliver a better experience for borrowers. Recognition like this reflects the real value we’re delivering to the industry.”

“In a year that has seen significant shifts and challenges in the mortgage and finance sectors, the dedication and ingenuity of these honorees have been truly inspiring,” said Emily Paquette, Inman CEO. “The 2025 Best of Finance honorees have demonstrated a commitment to empowering homebuyers and investors, and we are incredibly proud to recognize their outstanding contributions to our industry.”

Inman Awards recognizes the most deserving companies and individuals in the real estate industry for their commitment to excellence and service. The Best of Finance Awards are the latest in Inman’s highly regarded real estate awards program.

Read the complete list of winners at https://www.inman.com/best-of-finance-awards/.

About Argyle:

Argyle is the leading provider of direct-source, consumer-permissioned income, employment and asset verifications, making it fast and easy to gain secure and reliable access to the most complete real-time datasets stored in consumers’ payroll and bank accounts. With Argyle, lenders automate verification workflows to save time, reduce fraud and compliance risks, lower costs, and build better product experiences. As an authorized report supplier for Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter® validation service and an approved service provider supporting Freddie Mac’s Loan Product Advisor® asset and income modeler (AIM), Argyle empowers mortgage lenders to auto-retrieve paystubs and W-2s, understand consumers’ ability to pay and improve loan quality—all at up to 80% less cost. Argyle’s commitment to innovation is backed by investors including Bain Capital Ventures, SignalFire, Checkr and Rockefeller Asset Management.

For more information on Argyle’s industry-leading verification platform, visit https://argyle.com/.

Tags: @withArgyle @Inman #mortgageinnovation #digitalmortgage #BestofFinance

NEWS SOURCE: Argyle


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Inman honors Cloudvirga CEO Maria Moskver with third consecutive Best of Finance award

Moskver recognized for driving innovation and helping lenders create stronger borrower relationships

IRVINE, Calif., June 26, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Cloudvirga, a leading provider of digital mortgage point-of-sale platforms, today announced that CEO Maria Moskver has been named to Inman’s 2025 Best of Finance list. Moskver has earned a place on the list every year since its creation in 2023, making this her third consecutive recognition.

Cloudvirga CEO Maria Moskver
Image caption: Cloudvirga CEO Maria Moskver.

Presented by Inman, the leading news source for real estate agents, brokers, technology leaders and executives, the Best of Finance Awards celebrate professionals who are raising the bar for service, innovation and measurable impact across mortgage and financial services.

Moskver’s recognition highlights her leadership in helping lenders navigate a fast-changing market while improving how they engage and support borrowers. Under her direction, Cloudvirga continues to evolve its digital lending solutions, including Tropos, a modular loan portal designed to unify the borrower experience and build lasting customer relationships.

“In a year that has seen significant shifts and challenges in the mortgage and finance sectors, the dedication and ingenuity of these honorees have been truly inspiring,” said Emily Paquette, Inman CEO. “The 2025 Best of Finance honorees have demonstrated a commitment to empowering homebuyers and investors, and we are incredibly proud to recognize their outstanding contributions to our industry.”

“Maria’s vision has always centered on making lending more human, even as the process becomes more digital,” said Jessica Evett, SVP of Product Strategy and Technology Operations at Cloudvirga. “Her leadership is helping lenders not just compete, but build trust with borrowers in a way that lasts.”

The full list of 2025 Best of Finance honorees can be viewed at https://www.inman.com/best-of-finance-awards/.

‍About Cloudvirga

Cloudvirga is a leading provider of digital mortgage point-of-sale platforms, designed from the perspective of increasing consumer engagement. With a focus on streamlining the loan origination process, Cloudvirga solutions enhance efficiency and accuracy in the mortgage industry. The company’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation has positioned it as a trusted partner for mortgage lenders and brokers across the nation. Cloudvirga is a subsidiary of Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE: STC), a customer-focused, global title insurance and real estate services company. For more information, visit https://www.cloudvirga.com/.

Tags: @Cloudvirga @Inman #mortgageinnovation #digitalmortgage #BestofFinance

NEWS SOURCE: Cloudvirga Inc.


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Floify’s Sofia Rossato named to Inman’s Best of Finance list for 2025

Now in its third year, the Best in Finance award recognizes individuals for their measurable impact on the residential lending industry

BOULDER, Colo., June 25, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Floify, the mortgage industry’s leading point-of-sale (POS) solution, today announced that Sofia Rossato, its president and general manager, has been named a recipient of Inman’s 2025 Best of Finance award. Unlike many awards where leaders are nominated by their companies, this award is managed entirely by the Inman editorial team to recognize leaders driving meaningful change in the lending industry independently.

Floify President Sofia Rossato
Image caption: Floify President Sofia Rossato.

Rossato took the reins at Floify in 2022, bringing more than 25 years of experience in growing companies in start-up and large corporate environments in property technology, fintech and messaging to the role. Her unique background enabled her to strengthen Floify’s market footprint and champion features that give lenders more flexibility and improve homeownership accessibility.

Under Rossato’s leadership, Floify introduced a Lender Edition and Broker Edition of its popular POS in 2023; launched Floify Verify, a native electronic verification of income and employment (VOIE) service in 2024; and, in 2025, added Dynamic Apps, a no-code feature that lets lenders tailor loan applications based on loan type. Well-known for its customer service and continual product improvement, Floify received an exceedingly high customer satisfaction rating of 98.2% for 2024.

Prior to Floify, Rossato was CEO of SnapEngage, a leading B2B Messaging and Live Chat solution and was COO of a $5 billion division of fintech company IHS Markit, where she led cross-functional growth, cost, innovation and expansion initiatives.

“I’m immensely honored to be chosen by the editors at Inman for this honor and want to acknowledge the incredible team we’ve assembled for its hard work and passion to innovate,” Rossato said. “I’m proud of the products we’ve launched and the business value they provide to lenders and brokers, especially during a time when we all need to contain costs, boost productivity and remain agile. We are proud to be leading this charge for our customers.”

For a complete list of Inman 2025 Best of Finance award winners, visit the Inman website – https://www.inman.com/best-of-finance-awards/.

About Floify:

Floify is a digital mortgage automation solution that streamlines the loan process by providing a secure application, communication, and document portal between lenders, borrowers, referral partners, and other mortgage stakeholders. Loan originators use the platform to create product-specific applications (no coding required!), collect and verify borrower documentation, track loan progress, communicate with borrowers and real estate agents, and close loans faster. The company is based in Boulder, Colorado and is a subsidiary of Porch Group, Inc. (“Porch Group”) (NASDAQ: PRCH). For more information, visit the company’s website at https://floify.com/ or on social media at Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter / X.

Twitter: @Floify #mortgage #fintech #housingfinance @EngageProgress

NEWS SOURCE: Floify


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MMI’s Kortney Lane-Schafers Named a 2025 Most Powerful Woman in Fintech by PROGRESS in Lending

MMI's VP of Growth & Client Advocacy is recognized for her transformative leadership, customer-first approach and role in shaping the future of mortgage technology

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, June 24, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — MMI (Mobility Market Intelligence), the sole provider of a unified mortgage technology solution for the lending and real estate finance industry, proudly announces that Kortney Lane-Schafers, Vice President of Growth & Client Advocacy, has been recognized as a 2025 Most Powerful Woman in Fintech by PROGRESS in Lending.

Kortney Lane-Schafers of MMI
Image caption: Kortney Lane-Schafers, Vice President of Growth & Client Advocacy at MMI, named a 2025 Most Powerful Woman in Fintech by PROGRESS in Lending.

Each year, PROGRESS in Lending honors standout leaders who are transforming the financial services landscape through innovation, collaboration, and influence. The 2025 list celebrates women who are not only driving results but also helping shape a smarter, more connected fintech ecosystem.

“Kortney brings a rare combination of strategic clarity, deep empathy, and real-world execution to everything she touches,” said Ben Teerlink, CEO and Founder of MMI. “She understands exactly what lenders need to succeed—across platforms, partnerships, and people—and she delivers with care and consistency. This recognition reflects the standard she sets for all of us.”

With 15 years of experience at the intersection of fintech and mortgage lending, Lane-Schafers has helped define what true client advocacy looks like in an industry undergoing rapid digital transformation. In her role at MMI, she leads customer growth initiatives and enterprise enablement across the company’s integrated ecosystem—which includes MMI’s Data Center for market intelligence and recruiting, Bonzo for personalized engagement and automation, and MonitorBase for predictive borrower insights.

She works closely with lenders of all sizes—from national brands to local leaders—to help teams fully adopt and scale these tools, driving smarter outreach, stronger relationships, and measurable business growth. Whether rolling out enterprise strategies or delivering branch-level support, her commitment to real results has made her a trusted advisor and a force for progress.

Kortney is also a sought-after speaker and advocate for thoughtful, human-centered technology. Her voice continues to help shift industry dialogue away from siloed systems toward more unified, customer-first platforms that empower loan officers, marketers, and leadership teams alike.

About MMI

MMI delivers the industry’s only unified mortgage technology solution through its Lead-to-Loan-to-Lifetime Loyalty Growth System, powered by MMI’s Data Center, MonitorBase, and Bonzo. By combining market intelligence, borrower alerts, and personalized outreach at scale, MMI helps lenders uncover hidden opportunities and trigger campaigns with precision timing, targeting, and messaging. Launching soon, Pathways Home extends this ecosystem by reconnecting homeowners to their equity, goals, and local experts—long after closing. Learn more at https://mmi.io/ or contact sales@mmi.io.

NEWS SOURCE: Mobility Market Intelligence


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California Safe Schools – A Global Voice for Environmental Health Honors Youth Heroes

LOS ANGELES, Calif., June 17, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — For more than 27 years, California Safe Schools (CSS) has been a leading advocate for environmental health, dedicated to upholding the highest standards for clean air, water, and soil, and advancing the fundamental right to a safe and healthy environment. Founded by Robina Suwol, a bold and visionary leader in the field, CSS is rooted in the principles of the Precautionary Principle and the public’s Right to Know—ensuring that transparency, accountability, and prevention are central to environmental decision-making. The organization has played a pivotal role in shaping policies that safeguard schoolchildren, educators, families, and communities from toxic exposures.

California Safe Schools Coalition
Image caption: California Safe Schools.

From its roots in Los Angeles to its growing influence, CSS has become a global voice for environmental health—helping to shape policies and inspire environmental movements across the world.

In 1998, CSS led the creation of the most protective school pesticide policy in the nation, in partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District—the second-largest school district in the United States. This landmark policy, prioritizing “no harm” long-term pest management, public disclosure, and stakeholder participation, set a successful precedent that has become a national and international model for creating safe learning environments.

“California Safe Schools remains a leader in community-driven environmental reform, advancing science-based policies, accountability, and a strong public voice for a healthier, more just future,” said Rhonda Jessum, Founder and Director of Our Right to Know.

Today, CSS continues to help communities address environmental threats with practical, forward-looking solutions, working alongside long-time community leaders, regulatory and enforcement agencies, policymakers, and a new generation of youth leaders. Its reach now extends far beyond California, inspiring policies and programs throughout the country and worldwide.

“To further demonstrate California Safe Schools’ commitment to children’s health, CSS partnered with the Department of Toxic Substances Control to launch the statewide Toxic Crusaders Program,” said Mui Koltunov, Ph.D., Research Scientist at DTSC and Director of the program. “This initiative educates students about environmental contaminants and empowers them to develop real-world solutions.”

Robina Suwol, Founder and Executive Director of CSS, emphasized the organization’s enduring mission. “Safeguarding the health of students, educators, and communities is not merely an aspiration—it is a moral imperative. At California Safe Schools, we are proud to empower the next generation of leaders—young people who are transforming awareness into action and working to build a safer, healthier world for all, both within our schools and throughout the communities they serve.”

YOUTH HONOREES – 2025 CSS ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HEROES

Cassandra Sam

Cassandra graduated with honors as Salutatorian and served as Associated Student Body Vice President at Bassett High School. Her involvement with the Toxic Crusaders program began in 2018, sparking a strong interest in environmental health. That experience led to an internship with the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and, most recently, a volunteer assistant role with the 2024 Toxic Crusaders program. “These experiences broadened my horizons through diverse environments and opportunities,” she shared. This fall, Cassandra will attend the University of California, Irvine, where she plans to major in Biology. Inspired by her work with Toxic Crusaders, she hopes to pursue a career in the healthcare field.

Alexander Thai

Alexander will begin his senior year at Rosemead High School this fall, bringing with him a deep commitment to public and environmental health. His participation in the Toxic Crusaders Program sparked a strong interest in protecting communities from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals and inspired him to learn more about the intersection of science, health, and environmental justice. Through this experience, Alexander developed a passion for advocacy and a desire to make a lasting difference. Looking ahead, he plans to pursue a career in the medical field, where he hopes to combine his scientific interests with his dedication to creating healthier, safer communities for all.

Jean Kim

Jean, a junior at Valencia High School, is a dedicated student enrolled in the school’s prestigious Medical Science Academy, where she explores her passion for health and science. She has actively participated in the Toxic Crusaders Program for four years and recently completed an internship with the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), where she gained valuable insight into environmental health and regulatory work. Motivated by her experiences, she is eager to deepen her understanding of environmental issues and play an active role in advancing meaningful solutions to protect both people and the planet.

Learn more online at: https://www.calisafe.org/.

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NEWS SOURCE: California Safe Schools


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Announcing The World Fertility Awards: Celebrating Global Change Agents Advancing Fertility Awareness, Innovation, and Inclusion

This event recognizes the people supporting the future of fertility in three areas: Access & Awareness, Innovation & Technology, and Equity & Inclusion

NEW YORK, N.Y., June 17, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Pregnantish, the first global media platform dedicated to helping people navigate their fertility, announces the inaugural World Fertility Awards at The Times Center in New York City in December. Award nominations are now open at worldfertilityawards.com and will be accepted until August 1, 2025.

Pregnantish World Fertility Awards
Image caption: Announcing The World Fertility Awards.

The World Fertility Awards (WFAs), produced by pregnantish, will convene patients, advocates, medical professionals, public personalities, social influencers, media outlets, industry representatives, and digital health leaders working together to transform the future of family building around the world by celebrating progress and fostering momentum to advance fertility awareness, access, and care. Supported by host committees across seven global regions, the WFAs will reach millions of people worldwide who are struggling to conceive and/or can’t access necessary treatment to build their families.

“At least 1 in 6 are experiencing infertility globally, according to the World Health Organization – and that’s just what’s reported,” says Andrea Syrtash, Relationships Author and Founder of pregnantish and the WFAs. “With a global decline in fertility happening and dystopian fertility headlines trending in the news, the World Fertility Awards were conceived to raise awareness about infertility, recognize the heroes who develop life-changing healthcare, and amplify the stories of fertility and modern family-building.”

Pregnantish is uniquely positioned to host this event, having reached over one billion globally since inception with high quality content, sold-out live events, scientifically published research on the patient journey, and education that’s helped support patients and providers as they work together to build families with the help of Assisted Reproductive Technology.

This event recognizes the people supporting the future of fertility in three areas: Access & Awareness, Innovation & Technology, and Equity & Inclusion.

The WFAs has the support of global ambassadors which includes thought leaders from medicine, advocacy, journalism, technology, finance, and entertainment sectors. Members include respected fertility specialists like Dr. Rodrigo De Rosa (Brazil), Dr. Prati Sharma (Canada), Dr. Lusanda Shimange-Matsose, (South Africa) and US advocates like Sarah Kennedy Ellis, VP at Google, David Sable, Life Sciences Portfolio Manager, Eboni K. Williams, TV Host & Author, and Elizabeth Jordan Carr, the first U.S. IVF baby.

Dr. Lucky Sekhon, co-chair of the US Host Committee and Infertility Specialist at RMA of New York — a practice within the US Fertility network, who is a sponsor of the event — shares: “The World Fertility Awards are a recognition of the human stories and groundbreaking science that shape the field of reproductive medicine. Amplifying these voices is deeply meaningful because it reflects our shared commitment to innovation, collaboration, and equitable access to care.”

Dr. Prateek Makwana, Director at Vasundhara Hospital and Co-Chair of the South Asia Host Committee notes, “Infertility is on the rise in India. While people now seek medical opinion relatively quickly when trying to conceive, there is still a huge gap in how society sees and portrays infertility. The WFAs help with recognising people and amplifying real voices, breaking cultural taboos, and inspiring open conversations.”

Gretchen Adcock, Head of Sales at Lending Club Patient Solutions, felt that it was important to support an event showing the need for people to access fertility treatments: “Navigating treatment costs can be overwhelming, we know, and I’m glad to work for a company that offers budget-friendly plans and a straightforward application process. People shouldn’t delay treatment because of cost; but sadly that’s a reality for some in the US today.”

Ola Taiwo, host of Africa’s first fertility podcast and Co-Chair of the Africa Host Committee, says, “In Nigeria, infertility is often misunderstood—especially for women. It’s time to break the silence, challenge the shame, and recognize infertility for what it truly is: a medical condition, not a moral failure. We need more awareness, access, empathy, and support—and a complete shift in how we talk about it.”

Learn more (Video/YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfT2zmBawMg&list=PL9coUAW3nMynyhDQyyy4y72HIwmed2GAQ

Visit https://www.worldfertilityawards.com/ to submit award nominations and to take the pledge.

To get involved as a sponsor, contact worldfertilityawards@pregnantish.com. Initial sponsors include US Fertility, LendingClub, LabCorp, IVI RMA, EMD Serono Canada, among others.

About Pregnantish Inc.

Pregnantish launched in 2017 as the first media platform dedicated to elevating the conversation about fertility with the help of Assisted Reproductive Technology. The company is home to Pregnantish Insights, a division dedicated to researching fertility experiences with the goal of bridging the gap between patients and their providers. Today, a diverse cross-section of people come to pregnantish to find the content, community and events they need to travel their own fertility journey. Founder Andrea Syrtash is an internationally recognized relationship and sexual health expert, author, and fertility advocate who uniquely understands the relationship between patients and the products and services they seek. Learn more: https://pregnantish.com/.

Follow @pregnantish for more: https://www.instagram.com/pregnantish.

Press inquiries: worldfertilityawards@pregnantish.com

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Image caption: Announcing The World Fertility Awards.

NEWS SOURCE: Pregnantish Inc.


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MMI’s Melissa Sike named a 2025 Mortgage Star by Mortgage Women Magazine

Award recognizes her standout leadership, client-first approach, and industry impact during a year of transformation for mortgage fintech

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, June 17, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — MMI (Mobility Market Intelligence), the sole provider of a unified mortgage technology solution for the lending and real estate finance industry, is proud to share that Melissa Sike, Vice President of Enterprise Sales, has been named a 2025 Mortgage Star by Mortgage Women Magazine.

Melissa Sike of Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI)
Image caption: Melissa Sike, Vice President of Enterprise Sales at MMI, was named a 2025 Mortgage Star by Mortgage Women Magazine for her leadership and client-first approach. (Photo courtesy of MMI).

The annual Mortgage Stars program highlights women who are making a meaningful difference across mortgage and fintech. This year’s honorees were nominated by peers and colleagues for their leadership, innovation and commitment to moving the industry forward.

Melissa was recognized for her customer-first approach to sales leadership—and her ability to help lenders not only navigate a shifting market but grow through it. Over the past year, she’s helped some of the country’s largest lenders adopt MMI, roll out unified solutions like Bonzo and MonitorBase, and turn data into ROI across the board.

“Melissa has a rare ability to connect strategy to execution—and customers to success,” said Ben Teerlink, CEO of MMI. “She listens, she leads, and she consistently delivers. More than anything, she cares deeply about the customers we serve, and it shows in everything she does. We’re incredibly fortunate to have her on our team.”

Melissa’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding MMI’s enterprise presence, streamlining the client experience and helping teams get the most out of the platform—whether that means surfacing opportunities, helping to launch new products, or tackling challenges with clarity and heart.

She’s also a strong voice for representation in mortgage tech, often speaking publicly about her journey as a two-time cancer survivor and the importance of leading with resilience, empathy and authenticity.

The Mortgage Star award comes at a time of rapid innovation for MMI, as the company evolves from a data intelligence platform into a full ecosystem of connected tools for recruiting, production and borrower engagement.

About MMI:

MMI is the sole provider of a unified mortgage technology solution, offering the industry’s most powerful Lead-to-Loan Growth System™ through its unified suite of MMI’s Data Center, MonitorBase, and Bonzo. By combining market intelligence, predictive analytics, and marketing automation, MMI empowers lenders and real estate professionals to identify high-intent borrowers and top-performing agents, trigger proactive outreach campaigns, and drive growth with precision and scale. Launching soon, Pathways Home extends this ecosystem by connecting homeowners to their equity, goals, and local experts—bridging the lender-consumer gap long after closing.

NEWS SOURCE: Mobility Market Intelligence


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Christopher Simmons’ MuseWire again ranked among the Top 70 Music Industry Blogs for 2025 by Feedspot

TEMECULA, Calif., June 12, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — MuseWire has been selected by the panelists at Feedspot as one of the “Top 70 Music Industry Blogs” on the web for 2025. Ranked #30 this year (#35 last year). MuseWire™ (aka/formerly Music Industry Newswire) covers music makers, music gear, audiophile gear, the music business and related topics; established 2006. A publication of Neotrope®. Edited by Christopher Laird Simmons, a working tech journalist since 1984, and member ASCAP.

MuseWire, a music industry blog magazine edited by Christopher Simmons
Image caption: MuseWire, a music industry blog magazine edited by Christopher Simmons.

“Nice for folks to notice my blog is still alive and kicking, even if my time for music journalism has dropped a bit in past couple of years,” said Christopher Simmons. “Looks like I moved up a few spots to #30 this year. It’s an interesting list, with some notable industry portals and some fairly obscure stuff.”

About MuseWire:

MuseWire is an online magazine published and edited by Christopher Simmons, an award-winning artist, author, musician, photographer and creative. The publication covers new music, new music tech and gear (both music instruments and audiophile gear), and selected news from music education and music business concerns. MuseWire was originally known as Music Industry Newswire (MIN) prior to a rebrand and scale back circa 2016.

Learn more at: https://MuseWire.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/musewire.

View an example Wayback Machine snapshot of the old Music Industry Newswire version of site, from 2010 here (Wayback Machine): https://web.archive.org/web/20100106014415/http://musicindustrynewswire.com/

About Feedspot:

Feedspot is a Content Reader. It helps you keep up with multiple websites in one place so that you need not visit each website to see what’s new. “Feedspot makes keeping up with your favorite websites as easy as checking your email.”

See the complete list of music industry blogs honored for 2025 at: https://music.feedspot.com/music_industry_blogs/

About Christopher Laird Simmons:

Christopher Simmons has been a working journalist since 1984 when he sold his first music industry article to POLYPHONY magazine (purchased by MIX and became Electronic Musician). Later writing for diverse pubs including Computer Player, Digital Imaging, Micro Publishing News, Spazz, the Graphic Artist’s Guild newspaper, among many others. He has been widely interviewed on topics related to technology, marketing, health and entertainment.

His full-time gig is acting as CEO and founder of NEOTROPE® and its PR brand Send2Press®.

As a musician he played in several bands in the ‘80s including PROJECT 11 and PETS GONE WILD (featured in the LA Times “Calendar” section and an LA Weekly “Band Name of the Week”).

He released numerous indie cassette albums in the 1980s under the moniker, BLUETOY. His music has been played on late night space radio stations, and positively reviewed in Electronic Musician and ‘zines like SYNE. A CD of his music from the mid ‘80s was released on Neotrope Records in 2000, “BESERKER.” The album is still available on most streaming platforms (albeit in horribly recompressed form).

His music has been used for two cable TV productions in the late 1980s in California: the award-winning “VIDKIDCO” and “Viewpoints on Video” from the Long Beach Museum of Art.

Simmons has some minor notoriety for having published two highly popular genre fanzines: in the late 1970s, “The Adama Journal” – and late 1980s, “Galaxy Class.”

Chris is no relation to a Canadian pianist of the same name, another electronic musician of the same name, nor a graphic artist based in San Francisco, also of same name. Recently he began using his full name to better differentiate himself from the brothers from another mother.

Learn more about Christopher Simmons at:

https://ChristopherSimmons.com/ (website under reconstruction; it’s a mess!).

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

Facebook (main personal page): https://www.facebook.com/christopher.l.simmons

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophersimmons/

Neotrope Records: https://neotroperecords.com/

Neotrope Press: https://neotropepress.com/

MULTIMEDIA:

Photo link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-1231-s2p-christopher-simmons-300dpi.jpg

Caption: Artist, author, musician, Christopher Laird Simmons (2022).

NEWS SOURCE: Christopher Simmons


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

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Argyle-nCino integration garners industry accolades for reshaping VOIE workflows

PROGRESS in Lending's 2025 Connections award recognizes Argyle's enhanced integration with nCino

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y., June 11, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Argyle, a service provider automating income and employment verifications for some of the largest lenders in the United States, today announced that its integration with nCino, a leading provider of intelligent, best-in-class banking and mortgage solutions, has been honored with PROGRESS in Lending’s 2025 Connections Award. The award celebrates transformative partnerships and integrations reshaping the mortgage industry through greater efficiency, innovation and collaboration.

argyle logo
Image caption: Argyle.

Initially launched in 2022, the Argyle–nCino partnership brought a fully digital verification of income and employment (VOIE) experience to more than 370 mortgage companies and 52,000 loan officers. Earlier in 2025, the integration expanded to embed Argyle’s VOIE solution directly into nCino’s Form 1003 workflow, enabling end-to-end connectivity from borrower authorization to automated underwriting.

“This award recognizes what happens when two technology leaders align and modernize mortgage workflows from the ground up,” said Shmulik Fishman, CEO at Argyle. “Together with nCino, we’re proving that it’s possible to connect borrower data from the source to the secondary market with less manual work, fewer delays and a much better experience for everyone involved.”

The integration allows lenders to verify income and employment within nCino’s point-of-sale system in real-time, removing the need for third-party portals or borrower document uploads. Verified data flows seamlessly into loan origination systems (LOS) like Encompass and onward to automated underwriting systems such as Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter® and Freddie Mac’s Loan Product Advisor®.

With this streamlined, embedded approach, lenders using Argyle have reduced processing time by 5–7 days and lowered verification costs by up to 80%. Borrowers benefit from a faster, easier application process, while lenders gain access to complete VOIE data that improves underwriting confidence and eligibility for rep and warrant relief.

Learn more about the PROGRESS in Lending Connections Award at https://mymortgagemindset.com/the-2025-connections-award-winners-are/.

About Argyle:

Argyle is the leading provider of direct-source, consumer-permissioned income and employment verifications, making it fast and easy to gain secure and reliable access to the most complete real-time datasets stored in consumers’ payroll accounts. With Argyle, lenders automate verification workflows to save time, reduce fraud and compliance risks, lower costs, and build better product experiences. As an authorized report supplier for Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter® validation service and an approved service provider supporting Freddie Mac’s Loan Product Advisor® asset and income modeler (AIM), Argyle empowers mortgage lenders to auto-retrieve paystubs and W-2s, understand consumers’ ability to pay and improve loan quality—all at 80% less cost. Argyle’s commitment to innovation is backed by investors including Bain Capital Ventures, SignalFire, Checkr and Rockefeller Asset Management.

For more information on Argyle’s industry-leading verification platform, visit https://argyle.com/.

Tags: @withArgyle @engageprogress #mortgageinnovation #digitalmortgage

NEWS SOURCE: Argyle


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

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Floify’s Sofia Rossato named to Progress in Lending’s 2025 most powerful women in fintech list

Now in its seventh year, the Most Powerful Women in FinTech award recognizes women who are reshaping the financial services industry

BOULDER, Colo., June 10, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Floify, the mortgage industry’s leading point-of-sale (POS) solution, today announced that its president and general manager, Sofia Rossato, has received the 2025 Most Powerful Women in FinTech award from Progress in Lending (PIL). The PIL award is a prestigious, annual recognition celebrating professionals who are innovating, optimizing processes and shaping the future of mortgage finance and broader financial services.

Floify President Sofia Rossato
Image caption: Floify President Sofia Rossato.

Rossato brought over 25 years of experience growing companies in start-up and large corporate environments in property technology, fintech and messaging when she joined Floify in 2022. Her unique background enabled her to strengthen Floify’s market footprint and champion features that give lenders more flexibility and improve homeownership accessibility. Under Rossato’s leadership, Floify introduced a Lender Edition and Broker Edition of its popular POS in 2023; launched Floify Verify, a native electronic verification of income and employment (VOIE) service in 2024; and, in 2025, added Dynamic Apps, a no-code feature that lets lenders tailor loan applications based on loan type. Well-known for its customer service and continual product improvement, Floify received an exceedingly high customer satisfaction rating of 98.2% for 2024.

Prior to Floify, Rossato was CEO of SnapEngage, a leading B2B Messaging and Live Chat solution. Sofia managed SnapEngage’s operations across sales, marketing, product, engineering, client success, support, finance and talent and implemented a new operating framework, incentive plan and investment strategy. Before SnapEngage, Rossato was COO of a $5 billion division of fintech company IHS Markit, where she led cross-functional growth, cost, innovation and expansion initiatives.

“I’m incredibly honored to be recognized among such trailblazing women in fintech. This award is a testament to the passion and commitment of the entire Floify team, who work daily to push the boundaries of what’s possible in mortgage technology,” Rossato said. “Together, we’re redefining the borrower experience and building a more innovative, inclusive future for financial services.”

About Floify:

Floify is a digital mortgage automation solution that streamlines the loan process by providing a secure application, communication, and document portal between lenders, borrowers, referral partners, and other mortgage stakeholders. Loan originators use the platform to create product-specific applications (no coding required!), collect and verify borrower documentation, track loan progress, communicate with borrowers and real estate agents, and close loans faster. The company is based in Boulder, Colorado and is a subsidiary of Porch Group, Inc. (“Porch Group”) (NASDAQ: PRCH). For more information, visit the company’s website at https://floify.com/ or on social media at Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter / X.

Twitter: @Floify #mortgage #fintech #housingfinance @EngageProgress

NEWS SOURCE: Floify


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

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Legacy Wealth Advisors has once again been named to the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams list for 2025

WARRENVILLE, Ill., June 9, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Raymond James Financial Services is pleased to announce that Legacy Wealth Advisors has once again been named to the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams list for 2025, marking 3 straight years of recognition in this prestigious national ranking.

Legacy Wealth Advisors has once again been named to the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams list for 2025
Image caption: Legacy Wealth Advisors has once again been named to the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams list for 2025.

“This honor reflects the tireless commitment our team brings to every relationship,” said Seth Pietrini, COO Legacy Wealth Advisors. “We approach our work with the same care, diligence, and responsibility we would give to our own families. It’s a privilege to be recognized for that.”

“Our mission has always been to be a guide to our clients, to educate them, and to give them added confidence,” added Fernando Ereneta, CEO Legacy Wealth Advisors. “It’s great to see the team’s dedication and integrity acknowledged at this level.”

Legacy Wealth Advisors is a dynamic and experienced group that includes CFP® Wealth Managers Fernando Ereneta, Jennifer Secola, and Kevin Fahy. The team brings together decades of combined expertise, diverse perspectives, and a shared commitment to personalized financial guidance.

Fernando Ereneta, CFP®, CKA® has been a consistent presence on the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list, earning individual recognition each year from 2018 through 2025. Legacy Wealth Advisors was also included in the inaugural Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams lists in 2023 and 2024 and continues to build on that strong foundation.

Legacy Wealth Advisors, 4200 Cantera Drive, Suite 221, Warrenville, IL 60555 | 630-791-9226 (Phone/Fax) | https://www.legacywealthadv.com/.

Disclaimers:

Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.

Legacy Wealth Advisors is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC

The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors 2025 ranking, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. This ranking is based upon the period from 6/30/2023 to 6/30/2024 and was released on 4/8/2025. Those advisors that are considered have a minimum of seven years of experience, and the algorithm weighs factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices in their practices and approach to working with clients. Portfolio performance is not a criteria due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Out of approximately 48,944 nominations, roughly 9,722 advisors received the award. This ranking is not indicative of an advisor’s future performance, is not an endorsement, and may not be representative of individual clients’ experience. Neither Raymond James nor any of its Financial Advisors or RIA firms pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating. Compensation provided for using the rating. Raymond James is not affiliated with Forbes or Shook Research, LLC. Please visit https://www.forbes.com/best-in-state-wealth-advisors/ for more info.

The 2025 Forbes ranking of America’s Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. This ranking is based upon the period from 3/31/2023 to 3/31/2024 and was released on 01/09/2025. Advisor teams that are considered must have one advisor with a minimum of seven years of experience, have been in existence as a team for at least one year, have at least 5 team members, and have been nominated by their firm. The algorithm weights factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices in their practices and approach to working with clients. Portfolio performance is not a criteria due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Out of approximately 11,674 team nominations, 5,331 advisor teams received the award based on thresholds. This ranking is not indicative of an advisor’s future performance, is not an endorsement, and may not be representative of individual clients’ experience. Neither Raymond James nor any of its Financial Advisors or RIA firms pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating. Raymond James is not affiliated with Forbes or Shook Research, LLC. Please see https://www.forbes.com/lists/wealth-management-teams-best-in-state for more info.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

LOGO link for media: https://www.legacywealthadv.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LWA_Secondary-Sand.png

NEWS SOURCE: Raymond James Financial Services - Legacy Wealth Advisors


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Raymond James Financial Services - Legacy Wealth 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.

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iEmergent honored with PROGRESS in Lending’s 2025 Connections Award

The award celebrates iEmergent's role in CONVERGENCE Columbus initiative to expand minority homeownership through strategic collaboration and data-driven innovation

DES MOINES, Iowa, June 9, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — iEmergent, a forecasting and advisory services firm for the financial services, mortgage and real estate industries, today announced its selection as a recipient of PROGRESS in Lending’s 2025 Connections Award. The recognition honors iEmergent’s instrumental role in CONVERGENCE Columbus, a cross-sector initiative led by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) to close the racial homeownership gap in Central Ohio.

iEMERGENT
Image caption: iEmergent.

The Connections Award celebrates groundbreaking partnerships and integrations that advance mortgage lending. As a founding member and active steering committee participant in CONVERGENCE Columbus, iEmergent has helped shape the coalition’s data strategy, community engagement framework and performance measurement tools. Through its proprietary Mortgage MarketSmart platform, iEmergent empowers lenders and housing stakeholders with localized market insights to identify opportunity gaps, design inclusive lending programs and measure impact.

“CONVERGENCE Columbus exemplifies how data, community partnership and shared purpose can drive scalable and sustainable progress,” said iEmergent CEO Laird Nossuli. “We are honored to be recognized by PROGRESS in Lending for our role in building a more equitable housing ecosystem, starting at the local level and grounded in collaboration.”

In collaboration with public agencies, nonprofit organizations and financial institutions such as Huntington National Bank and Fifth Third Bank, CONVERGENCE Columbus has launched innovative programs like the Maude Hill Growing Homeownership Fund and FHLBank Cincinnati’s Rise Up Program, which together have supported more than 230 households to date. The initiative also developed Bloom614.org, a resource hub and homebuying guide for prospective homeowners in Central Ohio.

By co-leading the Evaluation & Outcomes workstream, contributing loan officer data and donating tens of thousands of dollars in services, iEmergent has helped ensure that CONVERGENCE Columbus’ lending outcomes are measurable and replicable. The firm’s commitment to the initiative reflects a broader industry shift toward proactive, equity-centered growth strategies.

Learn more about PROGRESS in Lending’s 2025 Connections Award at https://mymortgagemindset.com/the-2025-connections-award-winners-are/.

About iEmergent

Founded in 2000, iEmergent provides mortgage lending forecasts and analytics to the lending, housing and real estate industries. The company offers an extensive variety of forecast and market intelligence products, including Mortgage MarketSmart, a visualization tool that helps lenders quantify how mortgage markets will change. For more information, visit https://www.iemergent.com.

NEWS SOURCE: iEmergent


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

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Cloudvirga honored with PROGRESS in Lending’s 2025 Connections Award

The award recognizes Cloudvirga's integration with Informative Research for transforming income and employment verification in mortgage lending

IRVINE, Calif., June 9, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Cloudvirga, a leading provider of digital mortgage point-of-sale platforms, today announced it has been named a recipient of PROGRESS in Lending’s 2025 Connections Award. The award honors strategic partnerships and integrations that are reshaping the mortgage industry by advancing efficiency, innovation, and collaboration.

Cloudvirga
Image caption: Cloudvirga.

Cloudvirga received recognition for its integration with Informative Research, a trusted verification and data solutions provider for mortgage lenders. The partnership enables seamless access to Informative Research’s verification of income (VOI) and verification of employment (VOE) tools directly within Cloudvirga’s feature-rich digital mortgage solutions. These include Horizon, a retail and consumer-direct point-of-sale (POS) platform designed to empower both borrowers and loan officers; Horizon Wholesale, a purpose-built POS for third-party origination that puts brokers in control; and Tropos, a customer-first loan portal that unifies the borrower experience across loan types and channels. By embedding a configurable, multi-provider verification waterfall at the point of sale, the integration delivers verified results in seconds—reducing delays, costs and friction across the loan lifecycle.

“In today’s lending environment, operational speed and borrower experience are everything,” said Maria Moskver, CEO of Cloudvirga. “Our collaboration with Informative Research helps lenders accelerate loan origination while simplifying one of the most painful parts of the mortgage process. We’re honored to be recognized by PROGRESS in Lending for a partnership that’s truly moving the industry forward.”

Using dynamic rules, the joint solution allows lenders to automate VOI/VOE workflows. If one provider cannot fulfill a verification, the system automatically advances to the next, returning a complete report and populating verified data directly into the loan file. This eliminates the need for borrowers to submit W-2s, pay stubs or employer letters manually and ensures clean data is available for underwriting.

By combining Cloudvirga’s front-end efficiency with Informative Research’s flexible verification engine, the partnership helps lenders reduce costs by up to 80%, cut processing timelines by 5–7 days and significantly improve borrower satisfaction. It’s a model for how integrations can transform key moments in the lending process—and help lenders build stronger, more scalable operations.

Learn more about the PROGRESS in Lending Connections Award at https://mymortgagemindset.com/the-2025-connections-award-winners-are/.

‍About Cloudvirga

Cloudvirga is a leading provider of digital mortgage point-of-sale platforms, designed from the perspective of increasing consumer engagement. With a focus on streamlining the loan origination process, Cloudvirga solutions enhance efficiency and accuracy in the mortgage industry. The company’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation has positioned it as a trusted partner for mortgage lenders and brokers across the nation. Cloudvirga is a subsidiary of Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE: STC), a customer-focused, global title insurance and real estate services company. For more information, visit https://www.cloudvirga.com/.

Tags: @Cloudvirga @engageprogress #mortgageinnovation #digitalmortgage #mortgagetechnology #Tropos

NEWS SOURCE: Cloudvirga Inc.


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

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Mooresville Ford Earns Prestigious President’s Award for Third Consecutive Year

MOORESVILLE, N.C., June 5, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Mooresville Ford is proud to announce it has once again received the Ford President’s Award, marking the third consecutive year the dealership has earned this distinguished title. Mooresville Ford is the only Ford dealership in the region to receive this award three years in a row, a testament to its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

Mooresville Ford Earns Presidents Award for the Third Consecutive Year
Image caption: Mooresville Ford Earns Presidents Award for the Third Consecutive Year.

The President’s Award, presented annually by Ford Motor Company, is one of the most prestigious and sought-after awards in the automotive industry for Ford dealers. Reserved for a select group of dealerships nationwide, this accolade recognizes the highest level of excellence in customer satisfaction, sales performance, and overall dealership operations. Achieving the President’s Award means a dealership has not only met—but surpassed—Ford’s rigorous criteria, including consistently exceptional customer experience ratings in both sales and service over a full calendar year.

For Mooresville Ford, winning this award is more than a milestone—it’s a reflection of the dealership’s unwavering commitment to delivering best-in-class service at every touchpoint. From the showroom to the service drive, Mooresville Ford is driven by a culture of transparency, integrity, and personal connection. Their team works relentlessly to create an experience that is seamless, honest, and tailored to each customer’s unique needs.

With a foundation built on trust, community involvement, and customer-first values, Mooresville Ford continues to raise the bar for what a modern dealership should be. Whether you’re shopping for your next Ford, scheduling maintenance, or simply seeking guidance, Mooresville Ford stands ready as a trusted automotive partner for life.

As a three-time President’s Award winner, Mooresville Ford stands as a benchmark in the region for exceptional customer care and industry leadership.

About Mooresville Ford

Mooresville Ford has been serving the greater Mooresville and Lake Norman area since 1961, offering a wide selection of new Ford products, as well as pre-owned vehicles, expert maintenance and repair services, and an unmatched customer experience. For more information, visit https://mooresvilleford.com/.

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Caption: Mooresville Ford Earns Presidents Award for the Third Consecutive Year

NEWS SOURCE: Mooresville Ford


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Edupoint Synergy Named ‘SIS Innovation of the Year’ in 7th Annual EdTech Breakthrough Awards Program

Prestigious International Awards Program Recognizes Outstanding Educational Technology Products and Companies

MESA, Ariz., June 5, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Edupoint® Educational Systems, creator of the industry-leading Synergy® Education Platform, today announced that Synergy has been selected as the winner of the “SIS Innovation of the Year” award in the 7th annual EdTech Breakthrough Awards program conducted by EdTech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence organization recognizing the top companies and solutions in the global educational technology market.

SIS Innovation of the Year
Image caption: SIS Innovation of the Year.

Synergy Education Platform takes a Seamless-by-Design approach to student data management, featuring a single, centralized database that gives users real-time data systemwide, with access to all Synergy modules offered by their district in one place with one login. The Synergy Student Information Suite is built on the core SIS, which offers all the school and district administration capabilities districts expect, robust student performance administration with standards support, parent and student engagement tools, a suite of seven role-based mobile apps, a self-service kiosk app, and seamless third-party integrations including Ed-Fi, OneRoster®, and Google for Education™ productivity applications.

Many highly sought-after tools are part of the core SIS functionality, such as automation and workflows, data validation, data trail and access auditing, a translation engine, hall pass management, a 360-degree student profile, and a secure emergency response system. Online registration, lottery and waitlisting, athletics management, and a powerful teacher portal and gradebook round out the Student Information Suite. Districts have the option of turning on generative AI features throughout Synergy Education Platform.

This comprehensive functionality empowers teachers with a rich set of tools for managing classrooms and instructional resources, fosters student autonomy and safety, engages parents regardless of the language spoken at home, and helps schools and districts get the right information to the right people at the right time.

Modules from the Teaching & Learning and Special Services suites – Assessment, MTSS, LMS, Analytics, Special Education, and 504 – can be added to the SIS suite, providing comprehensive learning management functionality with fewer software licenses, fewer vendors, and a single point of contact to get support for everything. In this way, districts can improve administrative processes and learning outcomes while reducing the total cost of ownership.

“More than ever, real-time insights and holistic data are needed to drive improved outcomes in education through personalized learning,” said Steve Johansson, managing director, EdTech Breakthrough. “The interoperability built into Synergy Education Platform provides educators and districts with convenient, timely access to the data and tools they need to put students at the center and help them thrive.”

“At Edupoint, we organize around a total dedication to K-12 student information and learning management, the development of product features that offer the greatest value to our clients, and a true partnership approach to every customer relationship,” said Rob Wilson, President & Chief Innovation Officer at Edupoint. “We are thrilled to accept the ‘SIS Innovation of the Year’ award from EdTech Breakthrough and look forward to continuing the innovation that’s part of our company DNA.”

The mission of the EdTech Breakthrough Awards is to honor excellence and recognize innovation, hard work, and success in a range of educational technology categories. This year’s program attracted thousands of nominations from over 15 different countries.

About Edupoint Educational Systems

For over 35 years, the leadership of Edupoint Educational Systems has delivered the most forward-thinking, impactful student data management solutions in the K-12 market. Designed to meet the unique needs of K-12 educators, Synergy Education Platform by Edupoint is an industry-leading ecosystem for managing student information, teaching and learning, and special services. Synergy provides real-time, systemwide data and insights to all users within a framework built for communication and collaboration, engaging families and empowering educators to identify and respond to student needs quickly and effectively. Edupoint serves school districts of all sizes – including some of the largest in the country, as well as education service centers – with a focus on partnership and a consultative approach to customer service. Synergy offers a unique suite of seven role-based mobile apps and a kiosk app supporting self-service. More than 5.5 million students use Synergy in 22 states. Learn more at www.edupoint.com.

About EdTech Breakthrough

Part of Tech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the EdTech Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in educational technology products, companies and people. The EdTech Breakthrough Awards provide a platform for public recognition around the achievements of breakthrough educational technology in categories including e-learning, student engagement, school administration, career preparation, language learning, STEM and more. For more information, visit EdTechBreakthrough.com.

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Caption: SIS Innovation of the Year.

NEWS SOURCE: Edupoint Educational Systems


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Craig Leabig of Informative Research Named HousingWire 2025 Marketing Leader

GARDEN GROVE, Calif., June 3, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Informative Research, a premier technology provider delivering data-driven credit and verification solutions to the lending community, today announced that Senior Vice President of Marketing Craig Leabig has been named a 2025 HousingWire Marketing Leader. This year’s award honors 55 professionals reshaping how mortgage and real estate companies engage prospects and accelerate growth. Leabig’s strategic leadership has transformed Informative Research’s marketing into an engine of innovation and measurable results.

Craig Leabig named a 2025 HousingWire Marketing Leader
Image caption: Craig Leabig named a 2025 HousingWire Marketing Leader.

Leabig’s work has elevated the company’s presence and brand visibility, driving significant business impact. Over the past year, he led the launch of a real-time client status page, integrated multi-brand campaigns, and implemented a scalable content engine. His efforts more than doubled Informative Research’s digital footprint and significantly boosted client engagement.

“Craig leads with clarity, purpose and an unwavering focus on results,” said Scott Horn Chief Innovation Officer. “He’s built a high-performing marketing team that punches well above its weight, delivering consistent wins across brand visibility, revenue contribution and team development. His ability to scale output while maintaining message consistency is a testament to both his strategic mindset and his empowering leadership.”

“The 2025 Marketing Leaders are charting new territory and redefining what’s possible in mortgage and real estate marketing,” said HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Sarah Wheeler. “Their bold strategies, inventive campaigns and data-informed decisions are accelerating business performance and reshaping industry standards. We’re incredibly proud to recognize these trailblazing leaders who showcase the true impact and potential of modern marketing.”

About Informative Research:

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

NEWS SOURCE: Informative Research


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HousingWire selects Depth EVP Lindsey Neal as 2025 Marketing Leader

ATLANTA, Ga., June 2, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Depth, a leading provider of consultative B2B marketing, public relations and reputation management services for technology companies serving the residential mortgage finance, financial technology (fintech) and regulatory technology (regtech) industries, today announced that Executive Vice President Lindsey Neal has been named a recipient of HousingWire’s 2025 Marketing Leaders Award.

Lindsey Neal, Depth executive vice president
Photo caption: Lindsey Neal, Depth executive vice president.

HousingWire today honored 55 of the most dynamic and influential marketing professionals in the housing industry, describing how “These standout leaders are reshaping the way mortgage and real estate companies connect with their audiences, tell their stories, and drive growth.”

A trusted advisor to mortgage lenders, fintechs and mortgage/financial service providers since 2006, Lindsey joined Depth as an original DepthSquad member in 2010. During the ensuing 15 years, she has been responsible both for developing full-service marketing and PR strategies, ensuring their effective execution and cultivating productive relationships for Depth clients, and for leadership related to agency growth initiatives. She is a 2006 graduate of Berry College in Rome, Georgia, and earned her M.B.A. from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia in 2011.

“Lindsey Neal is a well-known force in our industry,” said Depth founder and president, Kerri Milam. “Dozens of successful firms and respected individuals can and do attest to the role her guidance and marketing leadership has played in their market position. That includes our firm Depth and me.”

According to the HousingWire announcement, “’The 2025 Marketing Leaders are charting new territory and redefining what’s possible in mortgage and real estate marketing,” said HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Sarah Wheeler. Their bold strategies, inventive campaigns, and data-informed decisions are accelerating business performance and reshaping industry standards. We’re incredibly proud to recognize these trailblazing leaders who showcase the true impact and potential of modern marketing.

‘HousingWire’s Marketing Leaders represent the top talent in marketing — professionals who are building brands and influencing business outcomes,’ said HW Media CEO Clayton Collins. ‘These marketers are driving mortgage origination volume, connecting with homebuyers at critical moments, and supporting real estate brokerages to engage buyers and sellers. By combining data, technology, and creative strategy, they’re transforming how the industry communicates, competes and grows.’”

About Depth:

Depth is a leading independent provider of consultative B2B marketing, public relations and reputation management services for the mortgage lending and residential finance industries. Since 2006, the firm has represented a clientele of established and emerging brands serving mortgage lenders, mortgage servicers, real estate professionals and appraisers. Depth is committed to serving the cause of digital innovation and to practicing the pay-it-forward principle alongside The Golden Rule. A woman-owned business, Depth is a member and supporter of the Mortgage Bankers Association, Housing Finance Strategies and The Mortgage Collaborative.

Learn more: https://depthpr.com/

About HousingWire:

HousingWire is an information services company that provides unique data and research, respected business journalism and must-attend events for housing leaders to use to advance their understanding and business outcomes. Our vision is a world in which housing leaders have a complete view of the housing market, and a broad community of peers with whom they can connect. We are committed to delivering the data, analytics, media, and events that advance this vision.

Because housing is too important for narrow perspectives and missed connections. Informed housing leaders are better housing leaders. A connected housing industry is a better housing industry. And the full picture always reveals new opportunities.

Explore more at https://www.housingwire.com/

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Photo caption: Lindsey Neal, Depth executive vice president.

NEWS SOURCE: Depth


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At Commencement, The Woodlands at Furman Graduates to ‘Certified University Based Retirement Community (UBRC)’ Status

GREENVILLE, S.C., June 2, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Woodlands at Furman, a 350+ resident senior living community in partnership with Furman University, has met criteria to be recognized as a “Certified University Based Retirement Community (UBRC)”, the highest category among more than 85 University Retirement Communities (URCs) nationwide. As launched last Fall by UniversityRetirementCommunities.com, the nation’s largest directory and information resource for the rapidly growing model of senior living communities with connection to a host university or college, The Woodlands is the first “Certified UBRC” in the Eastern United States, and second overall, along with Mirabella at ASU in Tempe, Arizona.

Andrew Carle, Rick Brackett, and Ezra Hall
PHOTO caption: Andrew Carle, Founder of UniversityRetirementCommunities.com, presents the official “Certified University Based Retirement Community” designation to Rick Brackett, President & CEO, and Ezra Hall, Director of Philanthropy & Engagement at The Woodlands at Furman, during the awards ceremony.

“As universities and colleges celebrate Commencement nationwide, we are incredibly proud to ‘graduate’ as a ‘Certified University Based Retirement Community (UBRC),’ the equivalent of magna cum laude status,” stated Rick Brackett, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Woodlands at Furman. “We are truly honored by our partnership with Furman University and the work of the entire team at The Woodlands in creating an active, intellectually stimulating, and intergenerational environment that is reinventing senior living while bringing residents and students together to meet the needs of an aging population.”

“With the continuing growth in the number of University Retirement Communities (URCs) in the U.S. it was imperative to bring structure to this sector, in particular recognizing communities representing the highest level of integration with a host university or college,” stated Andrew Carle, Founder of UniversityRetirementCommunities.com. As Director of the Program in Senior Living Administration at George Mason University, Carle created a 5-criteria model in 2006 for a “University Based Retirement Community (UBRC)” that has been recognized as the standard for defining such communities. The criteria served as the basis for the certification program, with communities meeting all five, along with related standards, eligible for “Certified” status. Carle previously served as Senior Consultant – Health Intelligence for J.D. Power and Associates, for whom he helped lead development of its Certified Senior Living Community program in 2017.

Certification criteria include the proximity of the community to the campus, documented resident-to-university and student-to-community programs, a continuum of senior living services, the percent of residents who are alums or retired university faculty or staff, and a financial relationship between the community and university that supports long term operational success. The Woodlands is located on 99-year leased land from Furman University, and residents can participate in the university’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, receive courtesy greens fees at the Furman Golf Course, and discounts to both athletic and visual and performing arts events. Nearly four dozen residents hold a personal connection to the university, including alums, retired faculty and staff, and past members of the Board of Trustees. The community offers a full continuum of senior living services, while providing easy access for student internships, employment, and volunteer work within the community.

The three-year certification allows the community to display the “Certified UBRC” logo, as well as receive the highest search ranking on the UniversityRetirementCommunities.com website.

ABOUT THE WOODLANDS AT FURMAN

The Woodlands at Furman is a Premier Life Plan Community in Greenville, SC, offering a full continuum of care. Voted “Best of the Upstate” eight years running, The Woodlands is the path of choice for active, lifelong learners with upscale amenities in a serene, natural setting. As the only locally owned and operated non-profit Life Plan Community in the area, they offer tiered lifestyle and healthcare options all on one campus, including independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing, so residents can count on peace of mind for the future. https://thewoodlandsatfurman.org

ABOUT UNIVERSITYRETIREMENTCOMMUNITIES.COM

Launched in 2023, UniversityRetirementCommunities.com is the first directory and information resource website dedicated exclusively to the rapidly growing model of senior living communities hosted by or with formal connection to a university or college. Currently listing more than 85 communities, the site also serves as a resource for academic institutions or other providers seeking to develop a new or enhance an existing University Retirement Community (URC), along with the first national certification program for URCs. https://www.universityretirementcommunities.com/

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PHOTO caption: Andrew Carle, Founder of UniversityRetirementCommunities.com, presents the official “Certified University Based Retirement Community” designation to Rick Brackett, President & CEO, and Ezra Hall, Director of Philanthropy & Engagement at The Woodlands at Furman, during the awards ceremony.

NEWS SOURCE: The Woodlands at Furman


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Courtney Dodd of Floify named to HousingWire’s 2025 Marketing Leaders list for a second year in a row

HousingWire's Marketing Leaders award celebrates the most innovative and influential marketing executives in the housing finance industry

BOULDER, Colo., June 2, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Floify, the mortgage industry’s leading point-of-sale (POS) solution, today announced that Courtney Dodd, head of marketing, has been named to HousingWire’s prestigious Marketing Leaders list for 2025. She was also a 2024 Marketing Leaders recipient. The Marketing Leaders award honors the outstanding accomplishments of mortgage and real estate marketing executives who are the visionaries behind the strategies, campaigns and branding efforts that push the industry forward.

Courtney Dodd of Floify
Image caption: Courtney Dodd of Floify.

Dodd joined Floify in 2023 with 12 years of experience in the mortgage and fintech industries and quickly set to work executing a comprehensive full-funnel marketing strategy that rebranded Floify — a highly intuitive POS platform — and solidified its standing as a fintech leader. Courtney has played a key role in the successful launches of Floify Broker Edition and Floify Lender Edition, and in 2025 spearheaded the release of Dynamic Apps, a no-code feature that empowers users to customize borrower applications for new products.

Many of the fast-track achievements Dodd is implementing at Floify draw from her prior 12 years of experience leading large-scale fintech marketing initiatives. The industry veteran was formerly the director of integrated marketing at SimpleNexus (now an nCino company), where she oversaw all of SimpleNexus’s events and conferences, association relationships, demand gen marketing, digital marketing and account-based marketing.

Prior to SimpleNexus, Dodd was product marketing manager at Ellie Mae (now ICE Mortgage Technology), where she led strategic product marketing initiatives including branding, positioning, client communications and go-to-market planning. She also served as marketing manager at Calyx Software and was the regional marketing consultancy team lead at PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company.

“Courtney’s extensive expertise in mortgage marketing has helped us adeptly respond to the industry’s fluctuations, ensuring we remain responsive and relevant for our customers,” said Sofia Rossato, Floify’s president and general manager. “We are extremely proud of Courtney’s achievements, especially in earning this recognition two years running.”

For a complete list of HousingWire 2025 Marketing Leaders winners, please visit the HousingWire website.

About Floify

Floify is a digital mortgage automation solution that streamlines the loan process by providing a secure application, communication, and document portal between lenders, borrowers, referral partners, and other mortgage stakeholders. Loan originators use the platform to create product-specific applications (no coding required!), collect and verify borrower documentation, track loan progress, communicate with borrowers and real estate agents, and close loans faster. The company is based in Boulder, Colorado and is a subsidiary of Porch Group, Inc. (“Porch Group”) (NASDAQ: PRCH). For more information, visit the company’s website at https://floify.com/ or on social media at Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter / X.

Twitter: @Floify #mortgage #fintech #housingfinance

NEWS SOURCE: Floify


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Kelly Buick GMC receives 25 Year Dealer Award for GMC

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., June 1, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Kelly Auto Group is proud to announce that they recently received the 25-Year Dealer Award for GMC for their Buick/GMC dealership in Emmaus. Kelly has had the Buick franchise since 1982 and added GMC in 2000.

Kelly Buick GMC Receives 25 Year Dealer Award for GMC
Photo caption: Kelly Buick GMC Receives 25 Year Dealer Award for GMC.

“We have been honored to be the premier Buick dealer in the Greater Lehigh Valley for over 40 years, and we were thrilled to add GMC 25 years ago,” said Greg Kelly, the President of the Kelly Auto Group.

“That successful longevity comes from the dedication of our team members to deliver an outstanding experience selling and servicing these exceptional vehicles.”

As the Kelly Auto Group continues to grow, these awards serve as a powerful reminder of the company’s mission: to deliver exceptional automotive experiences, driven by integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

For more information about Kelly Auto Group and its award-winning dealerships, visit: https://www.kellycar.com/.

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Photo Caption: Kelly Buick GMC Receives 25 Year Dealer Award for GMC.

NEWS SOURCE: Kelly Auto Group


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Hillcrest CEO Matthew Neeley Recognized as Outstanding Community Leader for Compassionate Leadership and Community Service

LA VERNE, Calif., May 30, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Matthew Neeley, President and CEO of Hillcrest, an age-qualified community in La Verne, was recently honored as an Outstanding Community Leader at the NAACP Pomona Valley Branch 6th Annual Freedom Fund Event. Through his compassionate leadership and steadfast commitment to serving others, Neeley has led efforts that uplift individuals, bridge divides and build a stronger, more inclusive community.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta presented an award to Hillcrest CEO Matthew Neely
Image caption: L to R – California Attorney General Rob Bonta presented an award to Hillcrest CEO Matthew Neely after his keynote address at the NAACP Pomona Valley Branch’s 6th Annual Freedom Fund Event.

“We celebrate Matthew Neeley for his dedicated service to the city of Pomona and surrounding communities and honor him for his compassion, generosity, and commitment to serving our community,” said Jeanette EllisRoyston, President of the NAACP Pomona Valley Branch.

This philosophy of service was evident during Hillcrest’s rapid response to the Eaton Fire, which displaced senior residents from The Terraces at Park Marino. Upon receiving a call for assistance, Neeley and his team mobilized within 24 hours to prepare fully furnished, move-in-ready apartments. The displaced seniors were welcomed into the Hillcrest community with care and dignity.

“A great community leader clears the runway for meaningful change, ensuring that good things happen for those in need,” said Neeley. “If each of us uses the influence we have in service of others, we will create stronger, more connected communities.”

President Jeanette EllisRoyston, NAACP Pomona Valley Chapter, honored Hillcrest CEO Matthew Neely
Image caption: L to R – President Jeanette EllisRoyston, NAACP Pomona Valley Chapter, honored Hillcrest CEO Matthew Neely as Outstanding Community Leader.

In another act of compassionate leadership, Neeley responded to the urgent needs of an Afghan refugee family—providing a safe home on the Hillcrest campus and rallying local faith communities to help them transition to life in the U.S. Today, the children are thriving in school and the parents are employed in their new community.

During a moment of national reckoning in 2020, Neeley listened as a Hillcrest resident shared her sorrow in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, recalling decades of civil rights struggles. Deeply moved, he wrote a poem that expressed solidarity and hope, which sparked meaningful conversations within the Hillcrest community. He later shared a public letter with 35 peer CEOs, encouraging empathy-driven leadership and continued progress toward equity and understanding. This spirit of unity led to new internal initiatives that continue to foster cultural awareness and dialogue at Hillcrest today.

“Caring for others in times of crisis is at the heart of Hillcrest’s mission,” said Neeley. “We don’t just serve our own residents—we serve the larger community as well.”

About Hillcrest

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

NEWS SOURCE: Hillcrest


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

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Kelly Auto Group Celebrates Top Dealer Awards for Nissan, Toyota, and Hyundai Dealerships

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., May 27, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Kelly Auto Group is proud to announce that Kelly Nissan, Kelly Toyota, and Kelly Hyundai of Hamburg have each earned the Top Dealer Award by their respective manufacturers. This prestigious recognition highlights the dedication, performance, and unwavering passion that each store brings to their brand, their customers, and the greater automotive industry.

KELLY Auto Group
Image caption: Image caption: Kelly Auto Group.

Winning the Dealer Top award is no small feat—it reflects excellence in customer satisfaction, operational performance, and community engagement. Kelly Auto Group is honored to see not one, but three of its dealerships celebrated at this elite level.

  • Kelly Nissan has now received Nissan’s Award of Excellence for the seventh straight year. Very few dealerships have ever achieved at that level for that long.
  • Kelly Toyota is now a back-to-back winner of Toyota’s President’s Award.
  • Kelly Hyundai of Hamburg wins Hyundai’s Board of Excellence Award for the first time and is one of only 23 dealerships in the nation to win the award

“We are beyond proud of what the teams at Kelly Nissan, Kelly Toyota, and Kelly Hyundai of Hamburg have accomplished,” said Greg Kelly, the President of the Kelly Auto Group. “These rewards are a result of the dedication and passion for performance of the dealership leaders and every member of their teams. You need to sell cars in volume to qualify, but what gets me most excited is that, in order to win, you have to satisfy and retain customers at a high level.”

As the Kelly Auto Group continues to grow, these awards serve as a powerful reminder of the company’s mission: to deliver exceptional automotive experiences, driven by integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

For more information about Kelly Auto Group and its award-winning dealerships, visit https://www.kellycar.com/.

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Image caption: Kelly Auto Group.

### UPDATED 12:53 p.m. PDT to correct logo image/file.

NEWS SOURCE: Kelly Automotive Group


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

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Joel Brouwer Honored as CFO of the Year – Small to Midsize Company at 2025 LA Executive Leadership Awards

LA VERNE, Calif., May 22, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Hillcrest, an age-qualified community in La Verne, proudly announces that Chief Financial Officer Joel Brouwer, CPA, CGMA, has been recognized as the CFO of the Year in the Small to Midsize Company category at the 2025 LA Executive Leadership Awards, an event celebrating leaders across Southern California who exemplify excellence, vision and resilience.

Joel Brouwer, CFO, Hillcrest
Image caption: Joel Brouwer, CFO, Hillcrest, honored as CFO of the Year – Small to Midsize Company.

This year’s honoree awards were given to standout finalists who have demonstrated grace, growth and grit over the past 24 months in their respective fields. Joel Brouwer’s leadership at Hillcrest stood out among his peers, earning him the top honor in his category.

With more than 20 years of experience in the financial sector, Brouwer brought a wealth of financial and strategic expertise to Hillcrest when he joined the organization in 2023. His transition to the senior living sector was driven by a personal caregiving experience that ignited a deep commitment to compassionate elder care.

Since stepping into his role, Brouwer has been instrumental in strengthening financial operations, enhancing long-term sustainability and supporting initiatives that improve the quality of life for the community’s residents.

“Joel brings not only technical expertise but a heart-centered approach to leadership that has elevated every part of our organization,” said Matthew Neeley, CEO of Hillcrest. “This recognition is a powerful reflection of his dedication and impact.”

This prestigious award honors Brouwer’s professional excellence and reflects Hillcrest’s continued leadership in senior care services across Southern California.

About Hillcrest:

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

NEWS SOURCE: Hillcrest


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Alair Decatur Wins Three 2025 NARI National Remodeler of the Year Awards

DECATUR, Ga., May 22, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Alair Homes Decatur is proud to announce that it has received three prestigious honors as a 2025 National Remodeler of the Year (RotY) from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). These national awards follow the team’s recognition as a Southeast Regional RotY winner across five categories and seven Atlanta Chapter wins.

Alair Homes Decatur - What was once a tiny home bursting at the seams, has become a neighborhood favorite
Image caption: What was once a tiny home bursting at the seams, has become a neighborhood favorite.

The national awards were announced on April 9, 2025, during NARI’s Evening of Excellence program at its Annual Conference in Austin, Texas.

“Being recognized as a 2025 Regional RotY award winner was confirmation of our team’s ability to leverage relationships, partnerships, and dedication in order to deliver 110% for our clients,” said Heather Shuster, Partner and Owner of Alair Decatur. “To also be recognized nationally by our respected NARI peers emphasizes the special nature of what our Alair team and partners are doing for clients here in Greater Atlanta.”

Award Categories:

  • Residential Historical Renovation / Restoration Under $250,000
  • Residential Landscape Design / Outdoor Living Under $100,000
  • Residential Addition Under $250,000

All three award-winning projects were centered around the renovation of a 1930s home with great potential but limited space. The homeowners sought a solution that balanced preservation of the past with the desired elements of modern living. With architectural design from Nualla Residential Design, interiors by Gordon Dunning Interior Design Studio, and more than two decades of historic home expertise, Alair Decatur seamlessly expanded the home with thoughtfully integrated indoor and outdoor living areas, all while preserving its classic charm.

About Alair Homes Decatur:

Alair Homes Decatur is committed to turning living spaces into dream spaces. From historic renovations and custom additions to outdoor transformations and full-home redesigns, Alair Decatur specializes in client-first home remodeling. As a 2025 NARI National Remodeler of the Year, the team continues to set a standard for craftsmanship, collaboration, and community-driven design. Learn more: https://www.alairhomes.com/decatur/.

NEWS SOURCE: Alair Homes Decatur


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Sun Sentinel Names Spodak Dental Group a Winner of the South Florida Top Workplaces 2025 Award

DELRAY BEACH, Fla., May 19, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Spodak Dental Group has been awarded the No. 15 Top Workplaces 2025 honor by The Sun Sentinel in the small business category. This is the ninth time that the Group has won the award. The Top Workplaces lists are based solely on the results of a confidential survey that gathers employee feedback.

Spodak Dental Group a Winner of Top Workplaces 2025 Award
Image caption: Spodak Dental Group a Winner of Top Workplaces 2025 Award.

The survey, administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC, uniquely measures employee experience and workplace culture, including employees feeling Respected & Supported, Enabled to Grow, and Empowered to Execute, among others.

There were 65 companies in the small business category, and more than 125 organizations in total that have earned recognition in the 11th year of the Sun Sentinel’s Top Workplaces program.

“Our team is the heart of everything we do, and being recognized again as a Top Workplace is a direct reflection of their passion and commitment,” said Dr. Craig Spodak, general dentist at Spodak Dental Group. “Our team members not only take incredible care of one another, but they also go above and beyond for our family of patients. We continuously invest in their growth, happiness, and leadership because we know that when our team thrives, so does the care we deliver.”

Spodak Dental Group stands out as a Top Workplace due to its unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment for its team members. Central to this commitment are the company’s core values encapsulated in the acronym “C.L.I.C.”: Create a “WOW” experience for ourselves and our patients, Lead with authenticity and integrity, Inspire each other to achieve remarkable results, and Cultivate community by providing support and positive communication.

These values guide the organization’s culture and interactions, ensuring a cohesive and motivated team. Spodak Dental Group’s dedication to its employees is further demonstrated through a comprehensive benefits package that includes highly competitive salary packages, medical and dental benefits, paid vacation, daily and monthly bonus incentive programs, 401(k) profit-sharing plan, and more.

Additionally, the company has embraced a four-day workweek to enhance work-life balance and reduce stress, reflecting its commitment to employee well-being. Recognized for its exceptional workplace culture, Spodak Dental Group has been honored with the Sun Sentinel’s Top Workplaces award multiple times, underscoring its status as a premier employer in South Florida.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

The Spodak Dental Group, an Inc. 5000 honoree, has evolved to become South Florida’s premier, comprehensive dental facility, and comprises a world-class association of dental professionals poised to provide full-service dental care second-to-none in both scope and skill. The Spodak Dental Group team includes General and Restorative Dentists, Endodontists, Periodontists, Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Master Ceramic Artists and Anesthesiologists, as well as one of the nation’s only in-office dental labs.

Call/text (561) 303-2413 or visit https://www.SpodakDental.com/ for more information.

NEWS SOURCE: Spodak Dental Group


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ACES Quality Management Named One of 2025 Best Places to Work in Financial Technology for Third Consecutive Year

DENVER, Colo., May 14, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — ACES Quality Management® (ACES), the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry, today announced that it has been named one of the 2025 Best Places to Work in Financial Technology. The annual awards program recognizes the leading companies in the financial technology sector that foster exceptional workplace experiences and support employee engagement satisfaction.

ACES Quality Management
Image caption: ACES Quality Management.

The program, sponsored by Arizent and conducted in collaboration with Best Companies Group, recognizes organizations that excel in employee engagement, benefits, and workplace culture. This year’s list features 29 companies from the banking, mortgage, insurance, payments and financial advisory sectors.

“Being recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Fintech for the third consecutive year is a true testament to the incredible talent and dedication of our team,” said ACES CEO Trevor Gauthier. “Their unwavering commitment and collaborative spirit make ACES such an inspiring and fulfilling workplace. We’ve worked hard to foster a culture where individuals feel supported, empowered, and connected to a greater purpose. Our focus on integrating advanced technology into our platform not only drives innovation but also enables our employees to continuously push their limits, fostering deeper engagement and a shared sense of accomplishment. This recognition affirms that we’re heading in the right direction.”

To be considered for participation, companies must provide technology products, services or solutions that enable the delivery of financial services. Companies must also have been in business for at least one full year and employ at least 15 people in the U.S.

Companies from across the United States entered a two-part survey process to determine Arizent’s Best Places to Work in Fintech. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process, analyzed the data and determined the final ranking.

For more information on Arizent’s Best Places to Work in Financial Technology program, including full eligibility criteria, visit www.BestPlacestoWorkFinTech.com or contact Penny Crosman at penny.crosman@arizent.com.

About ACES Quality Management

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

  • Over 70% of the top 20 independent mortgage lenders;
  • 7 of the top 10 loan servicers;
  • 11 of the top 30 banks; and
  • 3 of the top 5 credit unions in the United States.

Unlike other quality control platforms, ACES Flexible Audit Technology® gives independent mortgage lenders and financial institutions the ability to easily manage and customize ACES to meet their business needs without having to rely on IT or other outside resources. Using a customer-centric approach, ACES clients get responsive support and access to our experts to maximize their investment. For more information, visit www.acesquality.com or call 1-800-858-1598.

NEWS SOURCE: ACES Quality Management


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Les Dames d’Escoffier International’s San Francisco Chapter Celebrates 2024 Award Winners at Annual Awards Reception

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 5, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI-SF) hosted its Annual Awards Celebration on Monday, April 28, 2025, at The Civic Kitchen Cooking School. Guests gathered to honor five exceptional women in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries, each recognized for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the culinary world.

Three of five 2024 Award Recipients L to R - Natasha House, Ruby Pokras, Eleana Hsu, Dame Chantal Martin
Photo caption: Three of five 2024 Award Recipients: L to R – Natasha House, Ruby Pokras, Eleana Hsu, Dame Chantal Martin.

The evening was filled with lively conversation and a vibrant, market-fresh menu generously provided by Market Hall Caterers. The event included a raffle benefiting the Chapter’s philanthropic programs, with prizes including SFMOMA tickets, specialty spice sets, Fairytale Brownies, and cookbooks authored by Dames Andrea Nguyen and Tanya Holland.

Les Dames d’Escoffier International’s core mission is to inspire, advance, and support women in these industries to achieve leadership and excellence. The San Francisco Chapter furthers this mission through three signature programs: the L’Etoile d’Escoffier Culinary Scholarship (now accepting applications for the 2025 awards through May 9, 2025), the Karola Saekel Excellence in Food Journalism Fellowship, and the Female Entrepreneur Grant & Mentorship.

THE 2024 AWARD RECIPIENTS INCLUDED:

  • Natasha House, L’Etoile d’Escoffier Culinary Scholarship—A student at City College of San Francisco and entrepreneur behind her own thriving personal-chef business, Natasha was honored for her passion for culinary arts and commitment to pursuing professional excellence.
  • Ruby Pokras, L’Etoile d’Escoffier Culinary Scholarship—Having completed the two-year program at Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena, Ruby now resides in Berkeley and is pursuing her four-year degree at Arizona State University.
  • Briana James, Karola Saekel Craib Excellence in Food Journalism Fellowship—A talented writer and illustrator, Briana serves as Assistant Editor at Clarkson Potter. Her insightful food writing, often featured in Edible East Bay and Eater, showcases her vibrant voice and creative vision.
  • Eleana Hsu, Female Entrepreneur Grant & Mentorship—Founder of Shared Cultures, Eleana was recognized for her innovative work producing modern fermented foods using koji and for fostering sustainable food practices in the San Francisco Bay Area.
  • Wafa Bahloul, Female Entrepreneur Grant & Mentorship—Chef-owner of Kayma Algerian Eatery, Wafa was honored for her culinary excellence and her celebrated Algerian sweets, bringing a unique and authentic taste of Algeria to the local dining scene.

“The caliber of this year’s winners is truly inspiring,” said Mary Gassen, chair of the Female Entrepreneur Grant & Mentorship Committee for LDEI-SF. “Each of these women embodies the spirit of innovation, leadership, and excellence that we seek to champion—here in the Bay Area, and as part of a broader movement to support and advance women across the food, beverage, and hospitality industries.”

LDEI-SF thanks its sponsors, members, and attendees for their continued support of the Chapter’s mission.

Donations are welcome to help fund the 2025 awards and support the next generation of women leaders. For more information, visit our website: https://lesdamessf.org/donate.

Applications are open to become a member of LDEI-SF through May 31, 2025. For more information and to apply, visit: https://lesdamessf.org/Become-a-Dame.

About Les Dames d’Escoffier International

LDEI is an international organization of women leaders who create a supportive culture in their communities to achieve excellence in the food, beverage, and hospitality fields. To do this, 2,500 members in 43 chapters worldwide provide leadership, educational opportunities, and philanthropy within their communities. For more information, visit LDEI.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter @lesdamesintl, and LinkedIn.

About Les Dames d’Escoffier International – San Francisco Chapter

In 1989, nineteen powerhouse women in the culinary world founded the San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International to bring the mission of LDEI to Northern California. The membership includes restaurateurs, professional chefs, bakers, caterers, cookbook authors, food journalists, farmers, food retailers, event planners, winemakers, wine industry professionals, food publicists, culinary educators, and hospitality executives. More information on the San Francisco chapter of LDEI can be accessed at lesdamessf.org. Follow our chapter activities on Instagram @lesdamessf and Facebook.

Media Contact:
Katie Canfield, DipWSET
Communications Committee, Les Dames d’Escoffier San Francisco Chapter
katie@odonnell-lane.com
530-720-1138

###
UPDATED 5.6.25 4:15 p.m. PDT to correct two inadvertent typos in the text.

NEWS SOURCE: Les Dames d’Escoffier San Francisco


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Capital Chevrolet of Wake Forest Honors 2025 Wake County Teacher of the Year with New Vehicle

WAKE FOREST, N.C., May 2, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Capital Chevrolet of Wake Forest is proud to announce its sponsorship of the 2025 Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) Teacher of the Year award, presented to Macy Brinson, a physical education teacher at Kingswood Magnet Elementary in Cary. In recognition of her exceptional dedication to education, Capital Chevrolet is gifting Brinson a brand-new Chevrolet.

Capital Chevrolet of Wake Forest
Image caption: Capital Chevrolet of Wake Forest.

Brinson, who has been teaching for six years, the last four at Kingswood Magnet, was honored with the Teacher of the Year award for her unwavering commitment to her students and the community. She is known for crafting engaging lessons that cater to all learners, fostering a supportive environment, and advocating for students with special needs. Beyond the classroom, Brinson leads a running club, organizes the annual Walk to School Day, and supports the Special Olympics. Her efforts exemplify the values of dedication, inclusivity, and community engagement.

As part of the Teacher of the Year recognition, Brinson will participate in the Go Global NC international study program in Botswana and Zambia during summer 2026, sponsored by the Dan Royster Memorial Teacher Award. She will also attend the Global Leaders Teacher Fellowship conference, compliments of Participate Learning. Additionally, she received an engraved award, a $100 gift card to Angus Barn, a $1,000 check from sponsors, a weekend stay at the Umstead Hotel and Spa with complimentary breakfast at Heron’s Restaurant, a $100 Amazon gift card, a Chromebook from Lenovo, and a gift bag from Crossroads Chick-fil-A.

Capital Chevrolet of Wake Forest has a long-standing tradition of supporting local educators and community initiatives. The dealership is honored to contribute to the recognition of outstanding educators like Brinson, who inspire and shape the future of our community.

For more information about Capital Chevrolet of Wake Forest and its community involvement, please visit https://www.capitalchevrolet.com/.

CONTACT:
Capital Chevrolet of Wake Forest
9820 Capital Blvd
Wake Forest, NC 27587
Phone: (919) 584-9680
Email: sales@capitalchevroletnc.com
Website: www.capitalchevrolet.com

MULTIMEDIA:
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NEWS SOURCE: Capital Chevrolet


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Breathe Southern California to Host Breath of Life Awards Honoring Clean Air & Lung Health Champions

Event will be held May 13 at the SLS Hotel Beverly Hills

LOS ANGELES, Calif., May 2, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — On Monday, May 13, 2025, at 6 p.m., Breathe Southern California will host its highly anticipated Breath of Life Awards at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills. The annual event recognizes visionary leaders and organizations committed to advancing clean air, environmental health, and lung health equity across California.

Breathe Southern California Presents the Breath of Life Awards
Image caption: Breathe Southern California Presents the Breath of Life Awards.

The timing of this year’s event is especially significant as it falls during Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, a national observance that underscores the importance of lung health, clean air, and community-wide action to reduce respiratory illness.

This year’s honorees include:

The Hon. Richard Katz – Civic Leader Award 
Richard Katz, President of the Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners, has spent decades advancing sustainable transportation and energy in California. From authoring the legislation that created LA Metro to his current work phasing out coal at LADWP, Katz has remained a champion for environmental progress.

Cliff Gladstein – Breath of Life Award 
A leader in the clean transportation movement, Cliff Gladstein founded and led GNA (now TRC Clean Transportation Consulting), the nation’s top consulting firm for low- and zero-emission technologies. His work has driven innovation, clean fleet deployment, and public-private collaboration for more than 30 years.

WattEV – Innovation Award 
WattEV is revolutionizing freight transport through its Trucking-as-a-Service (TaaS) model, making zero-emission electric trucks accessible for smaller fleets. By eliminating cost and infrastructure barriers, WattEV is helping to reduce emissions and improve air quality in frontline communities.

The City of Beverly Hills – Community Impact Award
Beverly Hills became the first city in the nation to ban the sale of tobacco products, with legislation that took effect in 2021. This groundbreaking move exemplifies the city’s commitment to public health and positions it as a national leader in anti-tobacco policy. The city also demonstrates its long-standing commitment to sustainability through investments in green spaces, clean energy, and environmentally responsible development.

Originally scheduled for January, the event was postponed due to the recent Southern California wildfires—highlighting the urgency of Breathe Southern California’s mission. These climate-driven disasters have only reinforced the need for stronger environmental protections, particularly in underserved communities disproportionately affected by poor air quality.

Breathe Southern California’s President & CEO Marc Carrel will speak to the organization’s expanding efforts in education, advocacy, and clean energy solutions for better lung health across the region.

“This is more than an awards event – it’s a call to action,” said Carrel. “We are proud to recognize these honorees who have driven real change at the local and national levels.”

The evening will include a reception, awards presentation, and opportunities for media interviews with honorees and leadership.

For press credentials, interview requests, or to cover the event, please contact Nancy Lucas at Nlucas@breathescal.org or Nancy@nancylucaspr.com.

About Breathe Southern California:

Breathe Southern California (Breathe SoCal) is a 501(c)(3) environmental health nonprofit focused on improving the air quality and lung health of Southern Californians. Established in 1903, Breathe SoCal is the oldest public health organization in Los Angeles. Committed to promoting clean air and healthy lungs through research, education, advocacy, and technology, its programs focus on air quality, health education, patient care, and preventative measures to help all Southern Californians Breathe Easier.™

Breathe SoCal has been a leader in tobacco control since the 1960s and is actively addressing the teen vaping epidemic. Through partnerships with local leaders, healthcare providers, and policymakers, the organization advocates for environmental justice, equitable access to clean air, and programs to reduce smoking. The organization also funds and conducts research, and hosts an annual lecture series and medical conferences on the latest advancements in pulmonary medicine. Breathe SoCal’s goal is to create healthier environments and ensure every community has access to clean air. Breathe SoCal was honored with the 2021 Clean Air Award for Air Quality Leadership from the region’s clean air agency, the South Coast Air Quality Management District. To learn more about Breathe Southern California, visit https://www.breathesocal.org/.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Nancy Lucas
Phone: 310-702-0199
Email: nlucas@breathesocal.org or nancy@nancylucapr.com

NEWS SOURCE: Breathe Southern California


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Doherty Enterprises-Owned Applebee’s® Restaurants Honor Four Long Island Teachers in 9th Annual Above and ‘BEE’yond Essay Contest

Nassau and Suffolk County educators, nominated by their students, awarded $500 sponsorships and class parties

LONG ISLAND, N.Y., May 2, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Doherty Enterprises-owned Applebee’s® Neighborhood Grill + Bar restaurants in Long Island announced the winners of the 9th annual Above and ‘BEE’yond Teacher Essay Contest. This spring, four Long Island teachers—each chosen by their students—will each receive a $500 check to enhance their classrooms for the 2025-2026 school year, plus an end-of-year celebration with their classroom students at their local Applebee’s.

Doherty Enterprises-Owned Applebee’s Restaurants Honor Above and ‘BEE’yond Contest Winners
Image caption: Doherty Enterprises-Owned Applebee’s Restaurants Honor Above and ‘BEE’yond Contest Winners.

The 2025 Long Island Above and ‘BEE’yond Essay Contest Winners are:

  • Pulewitz, Island Trees (Nassau County)
  • Laurette Roddin, Westside School (Nassau County)
  • Christina Delaney, South Bay Elementary School (Suffolk County)
  • Maira Portal, Longwood High School (Suffolk County)

In January, the Doherty-owned Applebee’s restaurants asked students in local elementary, middle, and high schools to submit essays explaining how their teachers went above and “BEEyond.” A panel of judges selected the top four essays and awarded those special teachers with a check for $500 to better their classrooms and the opportunity to host an exclusive end-of-year class celebration at their local Doherty-owned Applebee’s restaurant.

“We’re delighted to honor these outstanding Long Island teachers who go above and ‘BEE’yond for their students,” said Brian McDonnell, Doherty’s Director of Operations for Long Island. “Their creativity and commitment make a real difference in the classroom, and we’re proud to celebrate their achievements.”

Each year, the Above and ‘BEE’yond Teacher Essay Contest encourages students to nominate an exemplary educator with an in-person essay submission at participating Applebee’s® restaurants. Winners enjoy a $500 sponsorship for their classroom and a festive end-of-year class party.

About Applebee’s®

As one of the world’s largest casual dining brands, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar serves as America’s kitchen table, offering guests a lively dining experience that combines simple, craveable American fare with classic drinks and local drafts. Applebee’s makes it easy for family and friends to connect with one another, whether it’s in a dining room or in the comfort of a living room, Eatin’ Good in the Neighborhood™ is a familiar and affordable escape from the everyday. Applebee’s restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated to more than serving great food, but also building up the communities that we call home. From raising money for local charities to hosting community fundraisers, Applebee’s is always Doin’ Good in the Neighborhood®.

Applebee’s franchise operations consisted of 1,567 Applebee’s restaurants in the United States, two U.S. territories and 15 countries outside the United States, and 47 company-operated U.S restaurants as of December 29, 2024. This number does not include one domestic Applebee’s ghost kitchen (small kitchens with no store-front presence, used to fill off-premise orders) and four Applebee’s international ghost kitchens. Applebee’s is franchised by subsidiaries of Dine Brands Global Inc. [NYSE: DIN], which is one of the world’s largest full-service restaurant companies.

About Doherty Enterprises, Inc.

Established in 1985, Doherty Enterprises owns and operates more than 160 restaurants in New Jersey, New York, including seven restaurant concepts: Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread, Wendy’s, Jinya Ramen Bar, Chevys Fresh Mex and its own concepts, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas. In addition, Doherty Enterprises is also a franchisee of Sola Salon Studios with 15 locations in Staten Island and New Jersey.

Doherty Enterprises is ranked 27th Largest Franchisee in the United States by Restaurant Finance Monitor, is recognized as the 80th largest Foodservice revenue company in the United States by Nation’s Restaurant News, the 67th largest privately held business in the New York Metro area by Crain’s Business, and 26th in NJ’s Top 250 privately held companies & 5th Largest Family-Owned Business Based on Employees in New Jersey by NJBIZ.

The Doherty vision is to be the “Best Food Service Company in the Communities We Serve” and its mission is to “Wow Every Guest Every Time, Wow our People, Wow Our Communities and Wow Our Suppliers.” Doherty Enterprises has also been lending a helping hand to team members and their immediate families when financially burdened through the WOW a Friend Foundation. To date, the foundation has assisted more than 4,200 people and donated over $5.7 million directly back to those in need. (www.DohertyInc.com).

NEWS SOURCE: Doherty Enterprises


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Iowa Photographer Andrew B. Clark Honored with Four International Accolades in Prestigious Exposure One Awards

OSCEOLA, Iowa, April 24, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Photographer Andrew B. Clark has been recognized on the global stage with four honors in the 2025 One Shot Photo Contest from the Exposure One Awards, a distinguished international competition dedicated exclusively to black-and-white photography.

'Lily Glow (John's Lily)' - Silver Award Winning Nature Photograph by Andrew B. Clark
Image caption: “Lily Glow (John’s Lily)” – Silver Award Winning Nature Photograph by Andrew B. Clark.

With over 35 years behind the lens, Clark’s unique eye and passion for storytelling through image making earned him top awards in three categories:

“To be recognized by such a prestigious organization is a powerful affirmation of my lifelong love for photography,” said Clark. “Black and white imagery allows me to distill a story down to its emotional core, and I’m honored that my work resonated with both the judges and the public.”

'DC Conversation' Two-time Award-Winning Street Photograph by Andrew B. Clark
Image caption: “DC Conversation” Two-time Award-Winning Street Photograph by Andrew B. Clark.

The Exposure One Awards are renowned for celebrating the timeless artistry of monochrome photography. Judged by a world-class panel of curators, editors, and creative leaders from institutions including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Magnum Photos, Leica Gallery LA, and Condé Nast, the competition offers both professionals and emerging voices a chance to shine.

Clark’s profile and winning works can be viewed at: https://exposureoneawards.com/artists/andrew-clark

For more about the Exposure One Awards and the One Shot Photo Contest, visit exposureoneawards.com or follow them on Instagram at @exposureoneawards.

About Andrew Clark:

Andrew B. Clark is a central Iowa–based photographer with more than three decades of experience in visual storytelling. His photo work spans fine art, street photography, and photojournalism, capturing deeply human moments with quiet fascination. More of his work can be found at https://abclark.com/ and on Instagram at @the_abclark_photo (https://www.instagram.com/the_abclark_photo).

MEDIA CONTACT:
Andrew B. Clark
abc@abclark.com
www.abclark.com
Instagram: @the_abclark_photo

NEWS SOURCE: Photographer Andrew B. Clark


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City of Castleford wins Best Tasting Water in Idaho Award

BOISE, Idaho, April 22, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The City of Castleford claimed the 2025 title of Idaho’s best tasting drinking water during the Idaho Rural Water Association’s (IRWA) Spring Conference on April 3, 2025. The other finalists were Rogerson Water and the City of Grace.

Robert Dial, IRWA President with City of Castleford representative A.J. Gray
Image caption: Robert Dial, IRWA President with City of Castleford representative A.J. Gray.

IRWA will send a representative of the City of Castleford drinking water system to Washington D.C. with a sample of their drinking water to compete against the other states’ rural water association winners in a nationwide contest, The Great American Water Taste Test, which will take place in February 2025 as part of the Rural Water Rally.

Finalists were selected in a preliminary round. The final round was judged by a panel of experts which included Scott Short, Senior Drinking Water and Groundwater Advisor of the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality; James Pratt, Disaster Recovery Circuit Rider Program Manager of the National Rural Water Association; and Noe Ramirez, Area Director of USDA Rural Development.

Judges rated each water sample based on its clarity, bouquet, and taste. Each of the judges commended the quality of water and noted the difficulty in choosing the best tasting water in the state.

The representative from the City of Castleford, AJ Gray, was honored to accept this award on behalf of the system during the Awards Banquet at Boise’s Riverside Hotel.

Idaho Rural Water Association is a non-profit association comprised of 370 water and wastewater utility systems in Idaho that primarily serve populations of 10,000 or less. IRWA’s mission is to provide technical assistance, training, and a strong representative voice for the benefit of Idaho’s drinking water and wastewater utility systems.

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

NEWS SOURCE: Idaho Rural Water Association


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IRWA recognizes USDA Rural Development with 2025 Friend of Idaho Rural Water Award

BOISE, Idaho, April 21, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) is proud to recognize the team at USDA Rural Development as the recipient of the 2025 Friend of Rural Water award.  This award was presented to USDA Rural Development representatives Noe Ramirez, Western Idaho Area Director, and Noel LaRoque, Idaho State Director, at IRWA’s annual Spring Conference Awards Banquet, held at Boise’s Riverside Hotel on April 3, 2025.

USDA Rural Development Western Idaho Area Director Noe Ramirez, IRWA Board President Robert Dial, and USDA Rural Development Idaho State Director Noel LaRoque.
Image caption: USDA Rural Development Western Idaho Area Director Noe Ramirez, IRWA Board President Robert Dial, and USDA Rural Development Idaho State Director Noel LaRoque.

The Friend of Rural Water Award recognizes someone who provides outstanding service and exceptional contributions to further the goals of rural water in Idaho. USDA Rural Development was selected for the honor for their service, dedication, and excellence in their work for communities and public health.

Since 2012, USDA Rural Development appropriated over $415 million in funding for drinking water and wastewater facilities in Idaho. Since 2020, the agency has obligated on average, 295% of the state’s loan allocation and 328% of the state’s grant allocation.

“Because of [USDA Rural Development]’s efforts, Idaho communities have been able to thrive and grow in ways that might never have been possible otherwise,” said Shelley Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of IRWA. “Behind every dollar obligated and every project funded is a story of dedication, meticulous planning, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. This team has shown us what it means to go above and beyond, to see challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities to deliver more for the people of Idaho.”

Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) is a non-profit association comprised of 370 water and wastewater utility systems in Idaho that primarily serve populations of 10,000 or less. IRWA’s mission is to provide technical assistance, training, and a strong representative voice for the benefit of Idaho’s drinking water and wastewater utility systems.

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

NEWS SOURCE: Idaho Rural Water Association


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