Texas Business News

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.


Using Human Rights Education to Create a Culture of Peace

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, and LOS ANGELES, Calif., March 16, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Born in Iraq in 1974, Haetham Abdul-Razaq was 6 when war broke out between his country and Iran. “One common and fundamental principle is crucial to the well-being and prosperity of people, as well as the protection of their dignity, differences and ability,” Abdul-Razaq said in an interview with United for Human Rights.

Mortgage Industry Veteran Sara Holtz Joins Optimal Blue as Chief Marketing Officer

PLANO, Texas, March 15, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue announced today that it has appointed Sara Holtz as chief marketing officer. As a seasoned marketing and communications leader, Holtz brings more than 20 years of career experience, including a decade of driving change in the mortgage industry. As chief marketing officer, Holtz will drive unified marketing and communications strategies to advance Optimal Blue’s business priorities and further extend the company’s influence.

Click n’ Close Announces One-Time Close Program to Address Home Buyer Challenges in Rural America

ADDISON, Texas, March 14, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Click n’ Close, a multi-state mortgage lender serving consumers and mortgage originators through its wholesale and correspondent channels, announced its latest mortgage product, One-Time Close (OTC) loan programs for government-insured mortgage products. This product is designed to aid homebuyers in rural America with down payment assistance, with availability in select markets.

GOALS Council Welcomes Soccer Resilience to a Live Roundtable Discussing Youth Sports and Mental Health

PLANO, Texas, March 13, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The GOALS Council, a strategic advisory body formed by Stack Sports and influential youth soccer leaders in 2021, will host their second virtual roundtable tailored for youth sports enthusiasts on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, featuring a distinguished panel of industry leaders discussing pressing topics identified by the GOALS Council.

Major League Rugby (MLR) and Imagine Rugby announce partnership with Stack Sports’ Skyhawks

PLANO, Texas, March 13, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Skyhawks powered by Stack Sports has signed a two-year agreement with Imagine Rugby and Major League Rugby (MLR) to be their Official Youth Flag Rugby Partner. This will provide access to the Skyhawks’ extensive network with programming slated to launch this summer.

NotaryCam Achieves Record RON Growth in 2023

HOUSTON, Texas, March 12, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — NotaryCam®, a Stewart-owned company and leading remote online notarization (RON) provider for real estate and legal transactions, announced significant growth in 2023, expanding its independent notary platform customer base by 46% and the number of loss mitigation-related RON transactions by 115%. The company also increased its medical credentialling remote notarizations by 45%, executing transactions in 160 out of 192 countries worldwide.

Spring Buying Season Kicks Off With an Uptick in Purchase Applications Despite Climbing Interest Rates

PLANO, Texas, March 11, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Today, Optimal Blue released its February 2024 Originations Market Monitor report, which reveals that the spring homebuying season has kicked off with a jump in monthly purchase mortgage locks. The seasonal spike in purchase locks propelled a net increase in origination activity, even as higher interest rates led to steep declines in mortgage refinances.

Lending execs share top concerns, priorities in The Mortgage Collaborative’s 2024 Pulse of the Network survey findings

AUSTIN, Texas, March 7, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation’s largest independent cooperative network serving the mortgage industry, announced the completion of its “Pulse of the Network” survey for 2024. The full report features lenders’ top five critical issues for the year, top 10 goals and anticipated strategies for success.

Austin Leads As the First in a Series of Beautiful New Scientology Churches Opened One After Another in Just Over a Week

AUSTIN, Texas and LOS ANGELES, Calif., March 5, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The dedication of the new Ideal Scientology Church in Austin, Texas, was the first in a series of stunning new Scientology Churches to open in 2024, and it embodies the spirit of unabated growth that has become the hallmark of Scientology today. Mr. David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, welcomed Lone Star State Scientologists and the purpose and pride they embodied in accomplishing this milestone.

Optimal Blue’s Mike Schommer Honored as a 2024 HousingWire Finance Leader

PLANO, Texas, March 1, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Today, Optimal Blue announced its vice president of finance, Mike Schommer, has been honored as a 2024 HousingWire Finance Leader. The award program celebrates senior finance executives who have exhibited exceptional leadership in corporate finance, capital markets, and accounting within the mortgage and real estate sectors.

Sports Parenting Email Newsletter Surpasses 3.5M Subscribers, Now the most read Newsletter in Youth Sports

PLANO, Texas, Feb. 28, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Six months ago iSport360 partnered with Stack Sports to launch a free weekly newsletter which has now become the largest sports parenting newsletter in youth sports today. With 3.5 million sports parent readers, many of whom are also coaches and sports organizers, the newsletter focuses on helping families play more and worry less. The curated newsletter includes stories about understanding the sports parent psyche, helping coaches and parents work together, nurturing empowered young athletes, nutrition and hydration for a healthy athlete, supporting players’ physical and mental health, and so much more.

Click n’ Close Welcomes Polly Cracchiolo as Wholesale Loan Division Expands

ADDISON, Texas, Feb. 26, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Click n’ Close, a multi-state mortgage lender serving consumers and mortgage originators through its wholesale and correspondent channels, today announced Polly Cracchiolo has joined the organization’s third-party originator (TPO) sales team as an account executive. In this new role, Cracchiolo will be under Ken Weislak’s leadership, the National TPO Business Development Manager at Click n’ Close.

Autocraft Bodywerks Continues Expansion with Groundbreaking at Fourth Location in Spicewood!

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 13, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Autocraft Bodywerks, now celebrating 40 years of excellence in automotive collision repair, located at 5411 Wasson Rd, Austin, Texas, has broken ground on a fourth, full-service location in Spicewood, Autocraft Principal Chris Raeder announced today. Located on 2.4 acres, the 23,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility is scheduled to open in September of 2024, and will offer estimates, bodywork and painting for cars, trucks, and SUVs of all makes and models.

Optimal Blue Originations Market Monitor: Lock Volume Rises 36% Month Over Month in January, Falling Rates and Slowing Decline in Purchase Counts May Signal Lending Relief in 2024

PLANO, Texas, Feb. 12, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Today, Optimal Blue announced the release of its Originations Market Monitor report, looking at mortgage origination data through January month-end. Leveraging daily rate lock data from the Optimal Blue PPE – the industry’s most widely used product, pricing, and eligibility engine – the Originations Market Monitor provides a comprehensive and timely view into origination activity.

NotaryCam makes its 6th appearance on HousingWire’s annual Tech100 list of innovative technology

HOUSTON, Texas, Feb. 7, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — NotaryCam®, a Stewart-owned company and a pioneering provider of remote online notarization and identity verification/authentication technology for real estate and legal transactions, today announced its inclusion in the prestigious Tech100 awards program by HousingWire, a leading industry publication.

Optimal Blue Clinches 2024 HousingWire Tech100 Mortgage Award

PLANO, Texas, Feb. 2, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Today, Optimal Blue announced its selection by HousingWire as a Tech100 Mortgage award winner. Now in its 12th year, HousingWire’s Tech100 award program spotlights the most innovative and impactful tech organizations in housing.

Stack Sports and Expedia Group Score a Winning Partnership, Bringing Big Savings to Sports Families’ Travel Expenses

PLANO, Texas, Feb. 1, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — A game-changing collaboration has emerged between Stack Sports, a leading sports technology provider, and Expedia Group, the world’s leading traveler technology platform. Together, they’re set to redefine the way sports families plan their travel, offering substantial savings to make supporting athletes at various events more accessible and affordable.

BioAustinCTX Adds Cindy WalkerPeach and Ryan Hawkins to the Board of Directors

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 1, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — BioAustinCTX, Central Texas’ Life Science industry organization, announced today the appointment of Cindy WalkerPeach, PhD and Ryan Hawkins to its Board of Directors. BioAustinCTX is a nonprofit organization based in Austin, Texas focused on advancing the life science industry in the Central Texas Region.

Unlocking the Future: VOC AI Revolutionizes Customer Experience and Empowers Businesses at CCW Austin 2024

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 29, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Silicon Valley-based AI trailblazer, VOC AI, unleashed a wave of innovation at CCW (Customer Contact Week) Austin 2024, January 23 to 25. Renowned for its transformative solutions in the Voice of Customer (VOC) domain, VOC AI is gearing up to redefine customer experiences and empower businesses with cutting-edge AI applications.

Click n’ Close Welcomes Sean Drake as it Expands Wholesale Loan Division

ADDISON, Texas, Jan. 25, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Click n’ Close, a multi-state mortgage lender serving consumers and mortgage originators through its wholesale and correspondent channels, today announced Sean Drake has joined the organization’s third-party originator (TPO) sales team as an account executive.

USA Field Hockey Announces Strategic Partnership with Skyhawks Powered by Stack Sports to Expand Youth Field Hockey Participation Nationwide

PLANO, Texas, Jan. 17, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — USA Field Hockey, the national governing body for the sport of field hockey in the United States, is excited to announce a landmark partnership with Skyhawks powered by Stack Sports. This strategic collaboration aims to introduce field hockey to young athletes across the country and foster the growth of the sport at the grassroots level.

Optimal Blue PPE Now Available in Native Mobile App for Android and iOS, Gives Loan Officers ‘Pricing in Their Pocket’ With Full Product and Search Capabilities

PLANO, Texas, Jan. 16, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Today, Optimal Blue announced releases related to its publicly listed, native mobile app for the Optimal Blue PPE – the industry’s most widely used product, pricing, and eligibility engine. The releases consist of a new mobile app for Android, as well as enhancements to the company’s mobile offering for iOS.

Optimal Blue Originations Market Monitor: December Brought Significant Growth in Rate/Term Refinance Volume as Falling Rates Created Favorable Tailwinds

PLANO, Texas, Jan. 15, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Today, Optimal Blue announced the release of its Originations Market Monitor report, looking at mortgage origination data through December month-end. Leveraging daily rate lock data from the Optimal Blue PPE – the industry’s most widely used product, pricing, and eligibility engine – the Originations Market Monitor provides a comprehensive and timely view into origination activity.

GOALS Council Welcomes Influential Trio to Drive Access and Inclusivity in Youth Soccer

PLANO, Texas, Jan. 10, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The GOALS Council, a strategic advisory body formed by Stack Sports and influential youth soccer leaders in 2021, has announced the appointment of three new members: Martin Fox, Program Manager for the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program, Chris Solomons, National Director, Community Engagement and Business Development at AYSO, and Dr. Jené Baclawski, Senior Coach Educator at U.S. Soccer.

Leading Technology GamePlan, powered by Stack Sports, Empowers Texas Rangers to Their First World Series Championship

PLANO, Texas, Dec 6, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Texas Rangers, an iconic Major League Baseball team based in Arlington, TX, have secured their first World Series Championship. Behind the scenes, the Texas Rangers employed GamePlan, a cutting-edge mobile game preparation tool, to navigate their journey to clinch the championship.

Lawyers Title and Simply Adorable Jewelry & Gifts hosts a Holiday Shop-A-Palooza Event in Amarillo, Texas, to Benefit the Chris Paddock Family

AMARILLO, Texas, Nov. 16, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Lawyers Title is excited to announce its collaboration with Simply Adorable and other esteemed vendors to organize the much-anticipated Holiday Shop-A-Palooza event. The event, which aims to support the Chris Paddock family, will take place at the Amarillo Country Club on November 30, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Stack Sports Announces Exclusive Registration Partnership with Iowa Soccer

DALLAS, Texas, Nov. 14, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Stack Sports, a leading global provider of sports technology, is thrilled to announce its new exclusive partnership with Iowa Soccer. The partnership, spanning three years, will see Sports Connect, Stack Sports’ innovative platform, serving as the official online registration provider of Iowa Soccer, reinforcing Stack Sports’ commitment to empowering youth sports organizations with state-of-the-art technology solutions.

Mortgage Machine Appoints Crystal Stanton to manage Customer Success and Onboarding

ADDISON, Texas, Nov. 9, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Mortgage Machine Services, an industry leader in digital origination technology to residential mortgage lenders, today announced its appointment of Crystal Stanton to manage customer success and onboarding. Crystal brings more than 20 years of customer success experience to her role, with over a decade dedicated to the mortgage industry.

Stack Sports Partners with iSport360 to Deliver Innovative Youth Sports Newsletter

DALLAS, Texas, Oct. 26, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In an exciting new partnership aimed at amplifying the engagement of sports families, Stack Sports has partnered with iSport360. The collaboration is set to launch an engaging and always-positive youth sports newsletter, catering specifically to families within the expansive Stack Sports ecosystem.

Click n’ Close Appoints Kara Lamphere as COO to Accelerate Growth of Business Lines

ADDISON, Texas, Oct. 23, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Click n’ Close, a multi-state mortgage lender serving consumers and mortgage originators through its wholesale and correspondent channels, today announced Kara Lamphere has joined the organization as Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Mortgage Machine Services Director of Sales, Dan McGrew, Speaking at the North Carolina eMortgage Closing Conference

ADDISON, Texas, Oct. 20, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Mortgage Machine Services, an industry leader in digital origination technology to residential mortgage lenders, today announced Dan McGrew, its Director of Sales will be speaking at the North Carolina eMortgage Closing Conference on Tuesday, Oct. 24 beginning at 2 p.m.

TrackMan Baseball Named Exclusive Technology Partner for Area Code Baseball, Elevating High School Showcase Experiences

PLANO, Texas, Oct. 17, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Stack Sports and TrackMan Baseball are thrilled to unveil an exclusive partnership that solidifies TrackMan as the official tracking technology for Area Code Baseball. This collaboration will usher in cutting-edge technology for high school baseball players participating in the premier showcase events.

Mortgage Machine Services Enhances Digital Mortgage LOS with Addition of AI-Powered Document Management System

ADDISON, Texas, Oct. 12, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Mortgage Machine Services, an industry leader in digital origination technology to residential mortgage lenders, today announced the addition of Click n’ File, an innovative document management system, to its namesake, all-in-one loan origination system (LOS) Mortgage Machine™. The system leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to automate document management tasks like sorting, stacking, classification and indexing, eliminating monotonous manual data entry and improving overall operational efficiency.

Mortgage Machine Services taps Digital Mortgage Expert Dan McGrew to Lead Company’s Go-to-Market Strategy

ADDISON, Texas, Sept. 26, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Mortgage Machine™ Services, an industry leader in digital origination technology to residential mortgage lenders, announced Dan McGrew has joined the company as Director of Sales. In this role, McGrew will be responsible for bringing the company’s digital mortgage innovations to market, including the company’s flagship loan origination system (LOS) Mortgage Machine.

Click n’ Close Adds Ken Weislak and Travis Sharpe to Support Continued Growth of Company’s DPA Offerings for TPOs and Correspondents

ADDISON, Texas, Sept. 20, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Click n’ Close, a multi-state mortgage lender serving consumers and mortgage originators through its wholesale and correspondent channels, announced it has hired Ken Weislak as Business Development Manager for the wholesale division and Travis Sharpe as the Operations Manager for the company’s correspondent division.

The McGrath Project Releases 6th Album for International Release at the end of September

FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 19, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The McGrath Project is back! Three years after the band released its last album, “Golden Goose,” in 2020, the band has emerged from this post pandemic world with new life. The new album titled, “Oh My,” will be released internationally on September 26, 2023, with pre orders available on all digital mediums.

Autocraft Bodywerks North Austin Recognized by Tesla as Second Quarter Top Performer!

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 19, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Autocraft Bodywerk’s North Austin location, specializing in the repair and restoration of Tesla models, has been recognized by Tesla, as the #1 Top Performer during the second quarter for collision repair in the US Southwest Region, and 8th overall out of over 700 TACC shops in North America (USA, Canada, Mexico), announced Tammie Harper, General Manager at the North Austin location.

Mortgage Machine Services launches loan origination system built for the digital mortgage era

ADDISON, Texas, Sept. 18, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Mortgage Machine Services, an industry leader in digital origination technology to residential mortgage lenders, announced the launch of its namesake platform Mortgage Machine™, an out-of-the-box, all-in-one loan origination system (LOS) designed to accelerate lenders’ operational velocity and support an end-to-end digital origination process.

Revolutionizing Team Travel: TEAMINN Partners with EventPipe to Redefine Hotel Booking for Event Operators and Traveling Teams

PLANO, Texas, Sept. 13, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — TEAMINN, powered by Stack Sports, a leading name in team travel solutions, is thrilled to announce its strategic partnership with EventPipe, an innovative hotel booking management platform. This collaboration is set to transform the landscape of hotel bookings for event operators and traveling teams, offering seamless and efficient booking technology that simplifies the process for all stakeholders involved.

New Issue of Scattered Comics’ ‘GENIUS’ on Kickstarter Contains Extensive Story Written by the Late Rachel Pollack, a Beloved Trans Writer

FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 7, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The first issue of the comic book “GENIUS: The Akashic Avatar” is perhaps the most notable because it contains a story penned by Rachel Pollack, an award-winning trans author, tarot expert and comic book writer who died of Hodgkin’s lymphoma April 7, 2023 at age 77, the TINSLEY BOYS announced today.