Jacksonville Business News


From Ferrara to Anheuser-Busch: 56 Food & Beverage Industrial Projects Advance in April 2026

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 19, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Industrial SalesLeads announced today the April 2026 results. The month saw weaker activity across the food and beverage sector than the previous month. April 2026 saw 56 newly identified planned industrial capital projects ranging from poultry farm construction and brewery renovations to large-scale candy and ingredient manufacturing facilities.

The UPSHOT League Announces Expansive Multi-Platform Media Distribution for Inaugural 2026 Basketball Season

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The UPSHOT League will launch its inaugural 2026 season with one of the most comprehensive media distribution strategies ever assembled for a startup women’s sports league, combining the national Scripps Sports Network FAST channel, global streaming with YouTube and local over-the-air television distribution, including in all four Upshot League markets (Greensboro, Savannah, Charlotte and Jacksonville).

$20 Billion Tesla Semiconductor Plant Headlines 149 New Industrial Capital Projects

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 12, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Industrial SalesLeads released its April 2026 planned capital project spending report and saw a surge in new industrial manufacturing capital projects, with our research team tracking 149 newly identified planned industrial projects ranging from plant expansions and new construction to renovations and equipment upgrades. Leading the month is Tesla’s planned $20 billion semiconductor manufacturing facility in TX.

The UPSHOT League Announces Inaugural Team Rosters Ahead of Historic Opening Season

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The UPSHOT League today announced the official rosters for its four founding franchises – the Jacksonville WAVES, Savannah STEEL, Charlotte CROWN, and Greensboro GROOVE – featuring more than 40 athletes with WNBA, international, and elite NCAA experience. The UPSHOT League tips off its inaugural season on May 15.

UPSHOT League Announces Founding Partners for Jacksonville Waves Ahead of Inaugural Season

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The UPSHOT League on Tuesday announced its founding corporate partners supporting the launch of the Jacksonville Waves, marking a significant milestone in the buildout of the league’s inaugural season and its mission to elevate women’s professional basketball through community-driven investment and innovation.

DUNKMAN, founded by Shaquille O’Neal Provides Gear and Uniforms for the UPSHOT League Ahead of Inaugural Season Launch

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 8, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dunkman, the apparel and brand platform founded by basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal, has designed and delivered a new generation of uniforms for the UPSHOT League as the league prepares for its inaugural season tipping off May 15. The UPSHOT League enters the market at a pivotal moment for the sport.

Food and Beverage Facilities Are Expanding and Modernizing, with Building Renovations Driving More Than Half of All March 2026 Capital Activity

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla., April 28, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Industrial SalesLeads tracked 66 food and beverage capital investment projects in March 2026 across more than 25 U.S. states and Canada. From a $125 million meat processing renovation by Carl Buddig & Company to mid-market upgrades in the $1-$10 million range, this month’s data reflects broad and sustained investment spanning breweries, bakeries, meat processors, seafood companies, and specialty food manufacturers.

UPSHOT League Unveils First Premier Players Ahead of Inaugural Season with Final Rosters Announced May 8

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 21, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The UPSHOT League, a new professional women’s basketball league created to expand elite playing opportunities and elevate communities, today announced its first wave of premier players set to define the league’s debut season. This curated group of athletes brings together standout talent from the WNBA, top collegiate programs, and leading international teams-establishing an immediate and unmistakable standard of excellence.

Food and Beverage Capital Investment Remains Strong in March 2026 with 66 New Projects Spanning Processing, Expansion, and Modernization

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla., April 21, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Industrial SalesLeads released its March 2026 planned capital project spending report for the Food and Beverage industry, tracking North American capital project activity across new facility construction, expansions, and equipment modernization projects. This month’s research confirms 66 new planned projects across the Food and Beverage sector, led by 34 renovations and equipment upgrades, 20 new construction starts, and 18 expansions.

Dark Matter Technologies names Vikas Rao CEO to lead next chapter of growth

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 16, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, today announced the appointment of Vikas Rao as chief executive officer. Rao, who has served as chief technology officer since 2025, succeeds Sean Dugan and will lead the company’s next phase with a focus on translating its technology leadership into stronger growth.

U.S. Industrial Manufacturing Sector Tracked 165 New Capital Projects in March 2026, Topping $8.6B in Combined Investment

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla., April 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Industrial SalesLeads released its March 2026 planned capital project spending report for the Industrial Manufacturing industry tracking North American capital project activity across new plant construction, facility expansions, and equipment modernization projects. This month’s research confirms 165 new planned projects.

Dark Matter Technologies introduces Ask Aiva, an AI assistant embedded in the Empower LOS

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, today announced Ask Aiva®, a conversational AI assistant natively embedded within the Empower® loan origination system (LOS) that allows lenders to query their origination environment in plain language, receive instant answers to see how those answers were derived.

Dark Matter Technologies integrates Snapdocs with its Empower LOS to power seamless digital closings

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 24, 2026 (SEND3PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, today announced a new integration between its Empower® loan origination system (LOS) and Snapdocs, the mortgage industry’s leading digital closing platform. Through the seamless, two-way integration, closing teams can generate orders, track transaction progress with real-time status updates and automate key closing and funding workflows, all without leaving their system of record.

Tamika Catchings Joins the UPSHOT League as Advisor and Investor, Alongside Cheryl Miller and Ann Meyers Drysdale

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 13, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The UPSHOT League, a new professional women’s basketball league dedicated to expanding opportunities for elite players and strengthening connections within communities, today announced that Tamika Catchings has joined the league as an advisor and investor.

Food and Beverage Industry Posts Modest Growth with 50 New Planned Industrial Projects in February 2026

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla., March 12, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Industrial SalesLeads announced today the February 2026 results of its new planned capital project spending report for the Food and Beverage industry. The Firm tracks planned industrial capital project activity across North America, including facility expansions, new plant construction, and major equipment modernization initiatives.

Renovations and Equipment Upgrades Fell 18% in February 2026; Other Capital Projects Remain Stable

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla., March 5, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Industrial SalesLeads released its February 2026 Planned Capital Project Spending Report for the Industrial Manufacturing sector. The firm tracks industrial capital investment activity across North America, including facility expansions, new plant construction, and significant equipment modernization projects.

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

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

January 2026 Surges with a 22% Increase in New Industrial Projects Erasing December’s Decline of 20%

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla., Feb. 12, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Industrial SalesLeads released its January 2026 New Planned Capital Project Spending Report for the Industrial Manufacturing sector, highlighting a strong rebound in project activity. The Firm monitors planned industrial capital investments across North America, including plant expansions, new facility construction, and major equipment modernization initiatives.

The UPSHOT League Announces its Women’s Professional Basketball Tryouts

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 10, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — A new chapter in women’s professional basketball begins on March 1, 2026, as The UPSHOT League hosts its first open tryout for female athletes pursuing a professional pathway. The Hoops Showcase will take place from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at Novant Fieldhouse in Greensboro, North Carolina. The UPSHOT League is a newly formed women’s professional basketball league built on the pillars of opportunity and community, with a mission to uplift players, fans, and the cities it serves.

New Food and Beverage Planned Projects Return to May 2025 Levels

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla., Feb. 10, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Industrial SalesLeads announced today the Food & Beverage new planned capital project spending report for January 2026. The Firm tracks North American planned industrial capital project activity; including facility expansions, new plant construction and significant equipment modernization projects. January 2026 recorded 48 new planned projects, a decline that returns activity to the previous year’s lowest level, last seen in May 2025.

Elevate, Dark Matter Technologies’ servicing platform, gains momentum with new signings and technology enhancements

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 2, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, today announced continued client momentum that includes a multi-year renewal with Arbor Bank and a new client signing with Covey Financial, as well as tighter integration of its Elevate℠ Loan Servicing Solution (Elevate) and the Empower® loan origination system (LOS).

Food & Beverage Capital Projects Jump 38% Since May, Rising from 48 to 66 Planned Projects by December 2025

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla., Jan. 15, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Industrial SalesLeads announced the December 2025 results of its Food and Beverage industry planned capital project spending report, pointing to a strong rebound in project activity. The firm, which tracks North American planned industrial capital projects including facility expansions, new plant construction, and major equipment modernization initiatives, identified 66 new Food and Beverage projects in December, up from 53 projects in November.

New Industrial Manufacturing Project Fell 20% in December, Weakest Showing in 2025

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla., Jan. 13, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Industrial SalesLeads released its December 2025 analysis of planned capital investment activity within the Industrial Manufacturing sector. The report monitors upcoming North American industrial projects, including plant expansions, new construction, and large-scale equipment upgrades. Research identified 123 new Industrial Manufacturing projects in December, representing a 20% decline from November.

Food & Beverage Bounces Back with 53 New Capital Projects in November 2025

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla., Dec. 18, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Industrial SalesLeads reported a strong rebound in the Food and Beverage industry with 53 new planned capital projects identified in November 2025. The Firm, which tracks North American industrial activity including facility expansions, new plant construction, and major equipment upgrades, confirmed the increase as part of its latest project spending report.

November 2025 Marks Seven Straight Months of Growth with 154 New Industrial Capital Projects

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla., Dec. 4, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Industrial SalesLeads today announced the findings of its November 2025 report on planned capital project spending within the North American Industrial Manufacturing sector. The firm’s research, which tracks new plant construction, facility expansions, and significant equipment modernization, identified 154 new projects. Capital project activity remains stable, with 154 new projects in November, nearly matching the 155 projects tracked in October.

Q4 2025 Begins with Over 6% Surge – 5 Straight Months of Steady Growth for New Industrial Manufacturing Planned Projects

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla., Nov. 5, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Industrial SalesLeads announced today the October 2025 results from its latest report on new planned capital project spending within the Industrial Manufacturing industry. The firm tracks North American industrial capital project activity, including facility expansions, new plant construction, and significant equipment modernization initiatives. October results reveal 155 new projects, up from 146 in September, 143 in August, and 141 in both June and July.

Craig Rebmann, product evangelist at Dark Matter Technologies, named to the HousingWire Tech Trendsetters list for 2025

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Nov. 3, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, today announced that Managing Director and Product Evangelist Craig Rebmann has been named a 2025 Tech Trendsetter by HousingWire. Now in its seventh year, the Tech Trendsetters program recognizes the most impactful and innovative technology leaders in the housing economy.

PNC Bank Expands Use of Automation from Dark Matter Technologies to Advance Mortgage and Home Equity Innovation

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 21, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, today announced that PNC Bank, part of the PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., will extend its use of Dark Matter’s cutting-edge mortgage solutions under a new contract to enhance PNC’s mortgage and home equity lending operations.

Dark Matter Technologies enhances its Empower LOS with full-scale eClosing capabilities

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 14, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, today announced the expansion of the Empower® loan origination system (LOS) to include comprehensive eClosing capabilities by integrating Wolters Kluwer’s eOriginal® ClosingCenter and eOriginal eAsset® Management Platform.

Investment Up Food & Beverage Greenlights 20 New Construction Projects, Up 17.65% for September 2025

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla., Oct. 7, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Industrial SalesLeads today released the results of its September 2025 new planned capital project spending report for the Food and Beverage industry, which tracks North American planned industrial capital project activity, including facility expansions, new plant construction, and significant equipment modernization. Research confirmed 53 new projects within the Food and Beverage sector. New construction activity increased sharply.

Dark Matter Technologies integrates Polly’s advanced PPE engine into its Empower LOS platform

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 7, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, today announced the integration of the Empower® loan origination system (LOS) with Polly’s advanced product, pricing and eligibility (PPE) engine, expanding choice for banks, credit unions and mortgage lenders.

Industrial Manufacturing Sees 27.8% Jump in Renovation Projects, Proving Strong Investment Momentum into Fall 2025

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla., Oct. 2, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Industrial SalesLeads announced today the September 2025 results for the new Planned Capital Project Spending Report for the Industrial Manufacturing industry. The firm, which tracks North American planned industrial capital project activity including facility expansions, new plant construction, and major equipment modernization confirmed 146 new projects in the industrial sector a 3.55% increase in planned capital investments since June.

Navy Federal Credit Union renews its contract with Dark Matter Technologies to serve its growing membership

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 30, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, today announced a renewed multi-year partnership with Navy Federal Credit Union. The agreement reinforces the credit union’s strategic focus on digital transformation and elevating the member lending experience.

56 New Food and Beverage Capital Projects Highlighted with a Rise in Processing Facilities

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla., Sept. 11, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Industrial SalesLeads has released its August 2025 MiR report on new planned capital project spending for the Food and Beverage industry. The Firm, which tracks North American industrial capital project activity, including facility expansions, new plant construction, and significant equipment modernization projects, confirmed 56 new projects in the Food and Beverage sector for August.

Strong Summer Showing with Another 143 New Industrial Manufacturing Planned Project for August 2025

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla., Sept. 4, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Industrial SalesLeads has released its August 2025 MiR report on planned capital project spending in the Industrial Manufacturing sector. The firm tracks new capital projects across North America, including facility expansions, new plant construction, and equipment modernization projects.

Dark Matter Technologies Chief Product Officer Stephanie Durflinger named 2025 HousingWire Vanguard

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 2, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, announced today that Chief Product Officer Stephanie Durflinger has been named a 2025 HousingWire Vanguard. This prestigious recognition honors C-level executives whose leadership drives meaningful innovation and growth in the housing and mortgage finance industry.

New financing options & Labor Day event happening at reopened Florida American Freight stores

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Aug. 22, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — American Freight is hosting a Labor Day event, August 13 to September 7, reopened in Florida, with locations in Jacksonville (Old Kings Road), Jacksonville (103rd Street), Melbourne, Ocala, Orlando (Viscount Road), Orlando (Orange Blossom Trail) and Tallahassee. Under new ownership and a renewed strategic direction, the stores also offer new buying options, improved customer service, and the same unbeatable prices that American Freight has been known for since 1994.

Steady Summer for Industrial Manufacturing with 141 New Projects Recorded in June and Again July 2025

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla., Aug. 14, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Industrial SalesLeads reports a consistent summer for the industrial manufacturing sector, with 141 new capital projects announced in both June and July 2025. The Firm’s monthly report, which tracks planned new capital projects including new plant construction, facility expansions, and major equipment modernization projects across North America, confirms this consistent level of activity. This sustained growth indicates a strong and stable period of planned capital spending within the industry.

Food and Beverage Industry Planned Projects Remain Strong in July 2025

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla., Aug. 7, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In July 2025, the Food and Beverage industry continued to show strong growth with 55 new capital projects planned across North America. The July planned projects total is consistent with the 56 new industrial projects reported in June 2025, showing a steady pipeline of activity. These projects, which include new plant construction, facility expansions, and major equipment modernization projects, were tracked by Industrial SalesLeads.

Dark Matter’s newly minted Chief Technology Officer Vikas Rao named to HousingWire’s 2025 ‘Insiders’ list

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Aug. 1, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, today announced its newly promoted Chief Technology Officer, Vikas Rao, has been named to HousingWire’s 2025 Insiders list. Now in its 10th year, the Insiders award honors the individuals whose strategic thinking and operational excellence keeps the housing ecosystem moving forward.