Texas Business News – including entertainment, finance, health and medical, non-profit, public policy and technology news from Texas, U.S.A. (TX), as issued by the Send2Press Newswire service.
| From: Optimal Blue
PLANO, Texas, Sept. 9, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today announced its initial speaker lineup for its 2027 Optimal Blue Summit, including Analyst, ESPN Monday Night Football, 3-Time Super Bowl-Winning Quarterback, Pro Football Hall of Famer Troy Aikman. The third annual event shaping what’s next in mortgage will take place February 1-3, 2027 at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Ariz.
| From: Click n' Close Inc.
ADDISON, Texas, Sept. 8, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Click n’ Close, a multi-state mortgage lender, today announced that mortgage industry veteran Blake Priest has joined the company as director of whole loan trading. In this role, Priest will lead the company’s scratch and dent purchasing, giving correspondent partners another outlet for loans that fall outside traditional investor guidelines.
| From: Optimal Blue
PLANO, Texas, Sept. 8, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its August 2026 Market Advantage mortgage data report, which found that mortgage activity continued to soften in August even as rates leveled off. Total rate-lock volume declined 9% month over month (MoM) and slipped 3% below August 2025 levels. Purchase lock volume fell 10% from July but remained 6% higher year over year (YoY), with purchase loans accounting for nearly 81% of total lock volume.
| From: Taste on Main
BUDA, Texas, Sept. 4, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Taste on Main, a longtime Buda restaurant, is evolving into an Italian Steakhouse concept pairing Texas beef with classic Italian flavors. The restaurant embraces the new Italian direction, while preserving its celebrated steaks, East Coast oyster bar, and craft cocktail program. The transformation of the dining room is underway, culminating in the official launch of TasTe Italian Steakhouse on September 24.
| From: FirstClose
AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 2, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for home equity and mortgage lenders nationwide, announced today that John Aslanian, chief revenue officer, has been named a 2026 HousingWire Vanguard. The award recognizes C-level executives across mortgage, real estate and homebuilding for leadership that has driven measurable impact on their organizations and the broader housing economy over the past year.
| From: FirstClose
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 26, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for home equity and mortgage lenders nationwide, announced today that it has launched an integration with MeridianLink to bring its home equity order management capabilities directly into the MeridianLink Mortgage loan origination system (LOS). The integration extends FirstClose’s existing MeridianLink partnership to help support lenders that manage home equity originations within their mortgage division.
| From: Optimal Blue
PLANO, Texas, Aug. 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its July 2026 Market Advantage mortgage data report, which found that mortgage activity softened as rising rates weighed on both purchase and refinance demand. Total rate-lock volume declined 11% month over month (MoM) but remained 5% above July 2025.
| From: Optimal Blue
PLANO, Texas, Aug. 10, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today announced the general availability of Virtual Economist, the first on-demand forecasting tool for mortgage capital markets leaders powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML). Revealed in beta at the annual Optimal Blue Summit in February 2026, Virtual Economist is now available to all Optimal Blue Product, Pricing, and Eligibility (PPE) Engine and CompassEdge clients at no added cost.
| From: FirstClose
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 4, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, announced today that Adam Nicholson, director of professional services, has been named a 2026 HousingWire Insider. The award recognizes operational leaders across the mortgage, real estate and homebuilding industries whose behind-the-scenes work drives measurable impact within their organizations.
| From: NotaryCam Inc.
HOUSTON, Texas, Aug. 4, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — NotaryCam®, a Stewart-owned company and a pioneering provider of remote online notarization (RON) and identity verification / authentication technology for real estate and legal transactions, today announced that Quality Assurance (QA) Manager Olen Dalton has been recognized as a HousingWire Insider. The award honors operational leaders working behind the scenes to drive innovation, efficiency and growth in mortgage and real estate.
| From: Velocity Credit Union
AUSTIN, Texas, July 23, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Velocity Credit Union is making it easier for members to protect what matters most by offering access to a wide range of insurance solutions through trusted industry partners. From home and vehicle insurance to business protection and specialty coverage, members can now explore insurance options designed to fit their unique needs and budgets.
| From: Click n' Close Inc.
ADDISON, Texas, July 16, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Click n’ Close, a multi-state mortgage lender, received a USDA 2026 Top Wholesale Lender award. The award was presented today at USDA Rural Development’s National Lender of the Year Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C.
| From: NotaryCam Inc.
HOUSTON, Texas, July 16, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — NotaryCam®, a Stewart-owned company and a pioneering provider of remote online notarization (RON) and identity verification/authentication technology for real estate and legal transactions, today announced that President Brian Webster has been recognized as a 2026 Inman Best in Finance award winner.
| From: Optimal Blue
PLANO, Texas, July 9, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its June 2026 Market Advantage mortgage data report, which found that mortgage activity strengthened month over month (MoM), with purchase lock volume climbing to its highest level since early spring and pull-through rates rebounding across both purchase and refinance pipelines. Total rate-lock volume rose 10% MoM and 15% year over year (YoY).
| From: Bay Leaf Digital
GRAPEVINE, Texas, July 2, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Bay Leaf Digital, a B2B SaaS marketing agency headquartered in Texas today announced it has earned the HubSpot Software Industry Specialist badge, a selective and verified designation within HubSpot’s Industry Specialization Badge program.
| From: Click n' Close Inc.
ADDISON, Texas, June 25, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Click n’ Close, a multi-state mortgage lender, today announced the appointment of Merv Govender as chief information officer (CIO). Govender brings more than 27 years of technology leadership across the banking, gaming and healthcare industries. As CIO, he will lead Click n’ Close’s technology development and deployment strategy.
| From: FirstClose
AUSTIN, Texas, June 12, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, announced today that Tedd Smith, chief executive officer, has been named to the 2026 National Mortgage Professional Legends of Lending. The honor recognizes mortgage professionals who have made enduring contributions to the industry through innovation, leadership and long-term impact.
| From: Velocity Credit Union
AUSTIN, Texas, June 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Velocity Credit Union is proud to celebrate the opening of its new Southwest Austin branch, a modern, expanded facility designed to better serve its growing membership across Central Texas. Located at 3419 Davis Lane, Austin, TX 78745, the full-service branch opened in late May and offers enhanced convenience, expanded services, and a welcoming space for members and the community.
| From: Optimal Blue
PLANO, Texas, June 9, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its May 2026 Market Advantage mortgage data report, which found that mortgage activity continued to cool as higher rates weighed on both purchase and refinance demand. Total rate-lock volume declined 9% month over month (MoM) but remained 7% higher year over year (YoY). Purchase activity continued to dominate production, accounting for just over 81% of total lock volume, while refinance share fell to 19%, its lowest level since June 2025.
| From: Austin Tea Party
AUSTIN, Texas, June 5, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — This June the Austin Tea Party is executing a coup d’état on the traditional fashion runway, replacing static modeling with an immersive, five-stage theatrical experience that treats design as what it is, a living, breathing extension of being human.
| From: FirstClose
AUSTIN, Texas, June 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, announced today that David Bolin, vice president of marketing, has been named a 2026 HousingWire Marketing Leader, recognizing his strategic vision, measurable business impact and ability to translate complex lending technology into compelling market narratives.
| From: Austin Tea Party
AUSTIN, Texas, June 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Seven to nine in the evening of June 20th, and noon to two on the 21st, the Austin fashion scene is tearing down the runway and inviting you to feast. Austin Tea Party announces its upcoming narrative-driven, multi-sensory production, an immersive experience that sits heavily at the dark, beautiful intersection of fashion, performance art, and raw socio-cultural commentary.
| From: FirstClose
AUSTIN, Texas, May 20, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, announced today that Andria Lightfoot, vice president of client success, has been named a 2026 Mortgage Women Magazine (MWM) Women of Tech Award winner, recognizing her leadership, innovation and impact advancing mortgage technology and supporting women in the industry.
| From: Click n' Close Inc.
ADDISON, Texas, May 15, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Click n’ Close, a multi-state mortgage lender, announced strategic engagement of Christy Soukhamneut and Launch Point Advisory Group to support the expansion of its Whole Loan Trading division. The move is part of a broader initiative to grow Click n’ Close’s secondary market presence and offer whole loan trading opportunities across its government and specialty loan programs.
| From: Watkins Insurance Group
AUSTIN, Texas, May 13, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Watkins Insurance Group, a leading independent insurance agency in Texas, has announced the addition of Patrick McFadden as a Private Client Insurance Advisor. McFadden brings 30 years of insurance experience and holds the LUTC and FSCP professional designations. His hire reflects the agency’s continued commitment to serving the Austin metro market and specifically the growing segment of individuals and families whose lifestyles and assets require a more tailored approach to coverage strategy and personal service.
| From: Optimal Blue
PLANO, Texas, May 12, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its April 2026 Market Advantage mortgage data report, which found that mortgage lock activity pulled back after a strong first quarter. Total rate-lock volume declined 9% month over month (MoM) but remained 11% higher year over year (YoY). Purchase lock volume declined just under 2% from March but increased more than 9% from April 2025, continuing to lead production as refinance activity cooled.
| From: FirstClose
AUSTIN, Texas, May 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, today announced SmartDocs, a new disclosure intelligence capability available through its XpressEquity point-of-sale platform. SmartDocs functions as the intelligence layer that determines when disclosure obligations begin and initiates the appropriate workflow based on lender-configured rules, helping standardize timing and delivery across programs and jurisdictions.
| From: Click n' Close Inc.
ADDISON, Texas, May 6, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Click n’ Close, a multi-state mortgage lender, today announced the appointment of Amy Azorandia as chief compliance officer. In this role, Azorandia will lead the company’s compliance strategy, governance framework and risk management infrastructure as Click n’ Close continues to scale its national platform and expand its lending programs. [UPDATED]
| From: ViewTech Borescopes
HOUSTON, Texas, May 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — After last exhibiting in 2016, ViewTech Borescopes will return to the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) to showcase its latest remote visual inspection technologies from May 4-7 at NRG Park. Highlighting solutions designed to support safer, more efficient inspections in offshore and subsea environments, they will join industry leaders from around the world as they explore innovations shaping the future of energy.
| From: BoomTax
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, April 28, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — BoomTax reports that, as the IRS targets retirement of the Filing Information Returns Electronically (FIRE) system at the end of 2026 and continues developing a process for corrections to original FIRE submissions, payroll, accounting, and enterprise filing teams face an unresolved 2027 transition question.
| From: HostPapa Inc.
DALLAS, Texas and BURLINGTON, Ontario, Canada, April 17, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — HostPapa, Inc., a leading global web hosting and cloud service provider, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Tailor Made Servers (“TMS”), a Dallas, Texas-based dedicated server hosting provider that has been serving businesses and resellers since 2003.
| From: Optimal Blue
PLANO, Texas, April 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its March 2026 Market Advantage mortgage data report, reflecting resilient mortgage activity as purchase demand strengthened despite higher rates. Total rate-lock volume rose 13% month over month (MoM) and 26% year over year (YoY). Purchase activity led the month, with purchase lock volume up 38% from February and 20% from March 2025. Cash-out refinance volume increased 9% MoM and 21% YoY, while rate-and-term refinance volume declined 34% from February but remained more than 66% higher YoY.
| From: Click n' Close Inc.
ADDISON, Texas, April 6, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Click n’ Close, a multi-state mortgage lender, today announced the appointment of Delores Lopez as chief operating officer, effective April 6. In this role, Lopez will lead operations, drive scalable growth initiatives and implement operational strategy across the organization, reporting to Ian Kimball, president.
| From: Galveston-Houston Immigrant Representation Project (GHIRP)
HOUSTON, Texas, April 2, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Galveston-Houston Immigrant Representation Project (GHIRP) will host its 5-Year Anniversary Spring Festival Fundraiser on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Dan Electro’s in Houston. The event will bring together community members and advocates to celebrate five years of impact while raising urgently needed funds to defend immigrants across the Galveston-Houston area.
| From: FirstClose
AUSTIN, Texas, April 2, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, announced today that Kitsap Credit Union has selected FirstClose to support its home equity lending operations with a bundled, end-to-end digital tool.
| From: Hann Builders and Collaborative Design Group
HOUSTON, Texas, March 24, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Hann Builders and Collaborative Design Group Architecture and Interiors will open the doors of the Ivanhoe Modern Home, located in Houston’s Afton Oaks neighborhood, on March 28 as part of the 2026 Houston Modern Home Tour, a self-guided showcase of five of the city’s most compelling contemporary residences.
| From: Ascribe
AUSTIN, Texas, March 19, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Texas Bankers Association (TBA), the nation’s largest state-based banking trade organization, today announced its endorsement of Ascribe, a leading national provider of valuation, evaluation, property inspection, and REO (real estate owned) services. Approved by the TBA Services Company, Inc. (TBASCO) Board of Directors, the endorsement gives Texas banks access to high-quality valuation services, competitive pricing, and fully insured support for both commercial and residential properties.
| From: BioAustinCTX
AUSTIN, Texas, March 18, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — BioAustinCTX today announced that Scott Collins, PhD, has transitioned from his role as President at the end of February after more than a decade of leadership supporting the growth of the Central Texas life sciences ecosystem.
| From: Optimal Blue
PLANO, Texas, March 17, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today announced key results of an independent analysis by consulting advisory firm MarketWise Advisors LLC quantifying the operational and financial efficiencies of its end-to-end capital markets platform and the significant value it generates per loan. The study found that mortgage lenders using Optimal Blue technology are more efficient and competitive. Optimal Blue mortgage lenders report an average net financial benefit of $1,006 per loan, reflecting measurable gains in execution quality, error reduction, automation and operational efficiency
| From: ViewTech Borescopes
HOUSTON, Texas, March 16, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — ViewTech Borescopes, a leading provider of high-quality video borescopes for remote visual inspection, will exhibit at the AMPP Annual Conference + Expo 2026, taking place March 15-19, 2026 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. Attendees are invited to visit ViewTech at Booth #2309 to see the latest advancements in remote visual inspection technology.
