Send2Press Newswire

Amba to Highlight Real-World Results in Webinar on Proactive, AI-Enabled Care

Amba — Thu, 14 May 2026 11:00:48 +0000

NAPLES, Fla., May 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Amba, a leader in passive AI-powered care technology, will host a live webinar titled "From Staffing Crisis To Operational Advantage" on May 20, 2026, focused on how senior living operators can move beyond reactive care and how working with better visibility and earlier insight improves operational efficiency.

The session, presented in partnership with Senior Housing News, will feature Kristen Parsons, President of Tiffany Village and Kenny's Pond, alongside Amba Founder and CEO Stuart Hamilton. The two will walk through what changed over two years of using Amba, what that shift meant for care delivery, and how teams actually work day-to-day.

Amba uses passive, privacy-first sensors to track patterns in sleep, movement, and behavior, without cameras or audio. Over time, the platform builds a baseline for each resident and flags meaningful changes, helping teams decide when to step in and where to focus their attention.

The system is designed to work within existing environments, allowing communities to adopt it without overhauling infrastructure or workflows.

The webinar follows the release of a new case study based on results from the St. John's, Newfoundland communities, where Amba has been used to provide care teams with clearer visibility into resident needs, enabling them to step in earlier before an infection or issue arises.

At Tiffany Village and Kenny's Pond, care teams have seen fewer disruptions and more consistent care. Occupancy increased, and labor costs came down, while care teams reported feeling more confident in how they prioritize their day, in data analyzed from 2023 to 2025:

Result highlights at Tiffany Village and Kenney's Pond include:

* 89% reduction in falls

* 78% reduction in medication issues

* 97% reduction in hospitalizations

"Amba is very easy to fall in love with," said Parsons. "Once your team sees the benefit and starts using it every day, it becomes part of how you deliver care."

These outcomes were achieved without adding staff, challenging the assumption that better outcomes require more staffing.

"Most communities aren't short on effort; they're short on visibility," said Amba's Hamilton. "When teams can see what's changing in real time, they don't have to wait for something to go wrong. They can step in earlier, with more confidence, and focus their time where it actually matters."

During the webinar, attendees will hear directly from Parsons about what it took to implement the system, where things started to change, and how their approach to care has evolved over time.

Topics include:

* How to increase caregiver capacity without adding payroll

* Why many systems keep communities stuck in reactive workflows

* What proactive care actually looks like in practice

* What two years of real data reveal about operations

Webinar Details: The webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 12 p.m. Eastern. To register or download the case study, visit: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5323094/16843E5E12924BD0B946E1C5C11C26D9?partnerref=amba

ABOUT AMBA

Amba is a technology platform designed to support a more proactive approach to care in senior living environments. Using a network of passive, discreet sensors, it continuously monitors patterns related to sleep, movement, and in-room activity without cameras or audio. The platform builds an understanding of each resident's baseline and surfaces meaningful changes, helping care teams act earlier and focus their attention where it matters most. Designed to work within existing environments, Amba can be adopted without major infrastructure changes, making it easier for communities to improve care consistency and reduce guesswork. Learn more at: https://amba.co/

News Source: Amba

Related link: https://amba.co/

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/amba-to-highlight-real-world-results-in-webinar-on-proactive-ai-enabled-care/

The Mortgage Collaborative launches Mortgage AI Council to advance responsible AI adoption for community and mid-sized lenders

The Mortgage Collaborative — Thu, 14 May 2026 11:00:47 +0000

SAN DIEGO, Calif., May 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's largest independent cooperative network for mortgage lenders, announced the formation of the Mortgage AI Council, a standing committee under TMC's lender member board of directors. The council will give community banks, credit unions and independent mortgage bankers the governance frameworks, peer intelligence and collective voice needed to adopt artificial intelligence responsibly as the technology reshapes how lenders originate loans, assess risk and serve borrowers.

"The largest institutions have dedicated AI teams and resources that most community lenders simply cannot match," said Jodi Hall, president and CEO of The Mortgage Collaborative. "The Mortgage AI Council exists to change that equation. We are not here to observe the AI conversation in this industry. We are here to lead it."

The council will be co-led by Amy Azorandia, chief compliance officer at Click n' Close, and Erin Dee, chief operating officer at InterLinc Mortgage, who developed the council's charter and governance structure in partnership with TMC leadership. The council's work will focus on consolidating fragmented AI governance frameworks into a standard that lenders can implement, facilitating peer knowledge exchange, vetting AI vendors based on member-identified needs, and monitoring regulatory developments in fair lending, model explainability, and data privacy.

"Lenders are being asked to evaluate and implement AI solutions faster than any governance guardrails can keep up with," said Dee. "This council gives members a structured way to do that work together, so no one is starting from scratch or making the same expensive mistakes alone."

Inaugural programming will include virtual webinars, member roundtables and dedicated sessions at TMC conferences. The council will also publish an annual state of mortgage AI report, benchmarking adoption and governance maturity across the lender community. Participation is open to all TMC members in good standing at no additional cost.

"Asif Alam, CEO of ActiveComply, saw this need before most of us did, and TMC is exactly the place to bring it to life," said Jodi Hall, president and CEO of The Mortgage Collaborative. "That is what this network was built for, and the Mortgage AI Council is proof of it."

Members interested in joining may contact TMC leadership for enrollment information.

For more information, visit mortgagecollaborative.com or contact TMC at TheMortgageCollaborative@mtgcoop.com.

ABOUT THE MORTGAGE COLLABORATIVE

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

News Source: The Mortgage Collaborative

Related link: https://www.mortgagecollaborative.com

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/the-mortgage-collaborative-launches-mortgage-ai-council-to-advance-responsible-ai-adoption-for-community-and-mid-sized-lenders/

OptiFunder Connects LendingPad LOS to Genesis to Link Origination and Warehouse Funding

OptiFunder — Thu, 14 May 2026 11:00:03 +0000

ST. LOUIS, Mo., May 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- OptiFunder®, the mortgage industry leader in warehouse management automation, announced a new integration with LendingPad, the award-winning, cloud-native loan origination system. The integration brings LendingPad and Genesis by OptiFunder together, creating a direct connection between loan origination and warehouse funding operations. The platforms align the loan lifecycle from origination through funding, reconciliation, and execution in the capital markets.

With LendingPad now connected to Genesis, mortgage bankers can carry loans from origination into warehouse finance without leaving the LOS or duplicating data. The integration blends real-time loan and funding information from LendingPad with Genesis' warehouse intelligence spanning more than 60 warehouse lenders, allowing originators to plan funding strategy, manage line utilization, and automate post-closing activity within a single, coordinated workflow. By removing manual handoffs and disconnected tools, lenders gain lower financing costs, improved funding precision, and greater efficiency across the entire warehouse process-supported by a single, dependable system of record.

"Warehouse funding has long been managed outside the LOS, creating unnecessary friction at a critical point in the lending lifecycle," said Brian Abbott, Chief Operating Officer of OptiFunder. "Connecting LendingPad and Genesis brings origination and warehouse execution together. Originators gain clearer visibility and stronger control, LOS platforms expand into warehouse finance without added complexity, and warehouse lenders benefit from consistent, scalable connectivity across their customer base."

The integration also strengthens the broader warehouse ecosystem. For LOS platforms like LendingPad, Genesis extends the origination workflow into warehouse finance without the burden of building and maintaining individual integrations for each warehouse lender. For warehouse lenders, Genesis delivers greater transparency, consistency, and operational efficiency through a single, bi-directional connection that supports multiple originators.

Built on an API-driven architecture, the integration improves reliability and security throughout the funding lifecycle. Direct system-to-system connectivity reduces reliance on spreadsheets, emails, and lender portals, lowering the risk of data errors and operational bottlenecks. Secure data exchange, role-based permissions, and complete audit trails enhance oversight and compliance, while automated workflows ensure funding, collateral handling, reconciliation, and paydowns are executed accurately and consistently.

"From the beginning, LendingPad has been focused on helping mortgage professionals lend better, together," said Wes Yuan, Chief Executive Officer of LendingPad. "Integrating with OptiFunder extends that philosophy into warehouse finance, giving our customers better visibility, fewer touchpoints, and more confidence as loans move from origination to funding and beyond."

For more information about Genesis by OptiFunder, visit: https://www.optifunder.com/.

To learn more about LendingPad, visit: https://lendingpad.com/.

ABOUT OPTIFUNDER

Founded by mortgage lenders to modernize post-closing and secondary market operations, OptiFunder is a mortgage technology company delivering transparent, efficient warehouse management solutions for mortgage originators and warehouse lenders. Its Genesis and Greyhound platforms connect funding, post-closing, and loan repayment into a unified lifecycle that reduces friction, improves visibility, and supports scalable operations. OptiFunder has been recognized for innovation and growth, earning honors including Inc. 5000's Fastest Growing Private Companies, HousingWire's Tech100 Mortgage award, and Progress in Lending's Innovation Award.

ABOUT LENDINGPAD

LendingPad is a modern and innovative Loan Origination System (LOS) serving lenders, brokers, bankers, credit unions, and wholesalers with centralized and compliant automated technology tailored to the mortgage industry. Recognized for excellence with the HousingWire's Tech100 award, LendingPad streamlines the entire mortgage lending process while reducing operational costs. The National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB) platform endorses the platform. LendingPad is a proud member of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), ACUMA, and the MISMO organization.

News Source: OptiFunder

Related link: https://www.optifunder.com/

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/optifunder-connects-lendingpad-los-to-genesis-to-link-origination-and-warehouse-funding/

Karen MacNeil to Keynote 2026 UC Davis / Harvard ‘Vine to Mind’ Symposium, Joined by Christine Wente and Michael Mondavi

COME TOGETHER - A Community for Wine Inc. — Wed, 13 May 2026 19:00:23 +0000

ST. HELENA, Calif., May 13, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Karen MacNeil, wine authority, author of "The Wine Bible," and co-founder of COME TOGETHER A Community for Wine, will deliver the opening keynote at the 2026 Vine to Mind Symposium, a joint initiative of the University of California, Davis and Harvard University, taking place May 19-20 on the UC Davis campus.

MacNeil will be joined by Christine Wente and Michael Mondavi, two figures whose family names have shaped the American wine story for generations. Together, the three will speak to the cultural standing of California wine today, and to the work of sustaining wine's place in American life for the next generation.

That work is the animating purpose behind Come Together A Community for Wine, which MacNeil co-founded in 2024 with Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET, of Charles Communications Associates and Gino Colangelo of Colangelo & Partners. In response to mounting headwinds facing the global wine industry, Come Together has built two of the largest pro-wine consumer campaigns in the United States: Share & Pair Sundays, now in its second year and running May 3 through June 28, and Come Over October, returning for the third year this fall.

"Wine is at a critical juncture in American culture, and we must rise to meet the challenges," said MacNeil. "The Vine to Mind Symposium gives us-scientists and industry leaders alike--an opportunity to come together to explore a modern and practical approach to wine over the coming decades. Coming together on behalf of wine's future underscores wine's historic role as the beverage that has brought people together for 8000 years."

The Vine to Mind Symposium convenes data scientists, scholars, and industry leaders to examine how data-driven insight and AI can advance viticulture, enology, and wine communications. Additional speakers include Orley Ashenfelter, Eric Asimov, Jing Cao, Felicity Carter, Joe Czerwinski, Xiao-Li Meng, Madeline Puckette, Liz Thach, Jason Wise, and Ben Montpetit. Sessions will be held at the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science, with a post-symposium visit to Napa Valley on May 21.

ABOUT THE VINE TO MIND SYMPOSIUM

The 2026 Vine to Mind Symposium is organized by the Harvard Data Science Initiative in partnership with the Agricultural and Resource Economics department and the Viticulture and Enology department at the University of California, Davis. The symposium brings together wine industry leaders and academics to explore the intersection of wine, wine communications, data science, and artificial intelligence, and how data-driven insights and AI can advance viticulture, enology, and the broader wine ecosystem. This year's gathering also marks the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Judgment of Paris, widely considered the blind tasting that forever changed the cultural landscape for the California wine industry. The 2026 symposium will be held on the UC Davis campus May 19-20, 2026, with a post-symposium visit to Napa Valley on May 21. For topics, speakers, and past highlights, visit: https://www.vinetomind.org/.

About COME TOGETHER A Community for Wine

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

RELATED LINKS:
https://shareandpairsundays.com/
https://www.comeoveroctober.com/

News Source: COME TOGETHER - A Community for Wine Inc.

Related link: https://www.cometogetherforwine.com/

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/karen-macneil-to-keynote-2026-uc-davis-harvard-vine-to-mind-symposium-joined-by-christine-wente-and-michael-mondavi/

Watkins Insurance Group Expands Private Client Practice with Addition of Industry Veteran Patrick McFadden

Watkins Insurance Group — Wed, 13 May 2026 17:20:02 +0000

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.

"We are thrilled to welcome Patrick to our team," said Chris Scott, President of Watkins Insurance Group. "This addition reflects our ongoing commitment to serving the full breadth of insurance needs across the Austin community including clients with complex portfolios who benefit from the kind of personalized, consultative approach Patrick brings. He is exactly the caliber of advisor we look for when expanding our team."

McFadden's career spans nearly every facet of the insurance industry. He began as a Claims Representative, a foundation that shaped his understanding of how coverage performs when it matters most. Over the following three decades, he went on to serve as an Agency Owner, Private Client Advisor, Sales and Operations Manager, Regional Manager for a national carrier, and Risk Management Consultant. That breadth of experience gives him a perspective on risk that few advisors can match.

"Given our track record of success serving high-net-worth clients in Austin, expanding our private client practice was a natural next step," said Hanna Ogle, Executive Vice President of Personal Lines. "Patrick's background managing complex insurance portfolios for individuals with significant assets makes him an outstanding fit for our clients, and his addition allows us to serve this segment at an even higher level. Clients with complex personal risk profiles deserve an advisor who understands that from day one."

In his new role, McFadden will focus on building and managing comprehensive risk portfolios for individuals and families with complex personal risk profiles, including high-value homes, vehicles, and personal assets. He takes a proactive, consultative approach designing custom risk management plans around each client's lifestyle, assets, and long-term goals, then actively monitoring those plans as circumstances change.

About Watkins Insurance Group

Watkins Insurance Group is a Top 100 Property & Casualty agency as ranked by Insurance Journal and the largest privately-owned independent insurance agency in Central Texas. Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, the agency delivers tailored insurance, employee benefits, and surety bond solutions for businesses and individuals across the country. Watkins operates through multiple locations, supported by a veteran leadership team and a network of globally connected resources through its membership in Assurex Global, the world's largest association of privately held insurance brokers. For more information, visit https://watkinsinsurancegroup.com/

News Source: Watkins Insurance Group

Related link: https://watkinsinsurancegroup.com/

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/watkins-insurance-group-expands-private-client-practice-with-addition-of-industry-veteran-patrick-mcfadden/

Web Scribble Launches Career Center Technology for Colleges and Universities

Web Scribble Solutions, Inc. — Wed, 13 May 2026 12:30:46 +0000

BOCA RATON, Fla., May 13, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Web Scribble, a leading provider of career center technology for associations and mission-driven organizations, today announced the launch of Career Center technology for colleges and universities. The new offering helps institutions connect students earlier to employers, mentors, alumni, professional communities, career fairs, and long-term career pathways in one student-centered experience.

Web Scribble has spent more than two decades building career engagement infrastructure for professional associations, serving more than 400 associations and helping millions of job seekers connect with employers and professional communities. The company is now extending that experience into higher education, where institutions are placing greater emphasis on career readiness, employer relationships, alumni engagement, and measurable student outcomes.

"Students and families are asking harder questions about where education leads, and institutions are expected to answer with more clarity," said Alexey Gutin, Co-Founder and CEO of Web Scribble. "Web Scribble is bringing employer relationships, career pathways, and professional associations into higher education so institutions can create a stronger connection between education, opportunity, and long-term success."

CONNECTING STUDENTS TO WHAT COMES NEXT

Career services teams are being asked to connect more parts of the student career journey, from exploration and employer engagement to mentoring, career fairs, alumni participation, and outcomes visibility. Web Scribble's Career Center technology is designed to bring these functions together in one platform, giving campus teams better visibility into career engagement and giving students a clearer path from education to opportunity.

THE PLATFORM INCLUDES:

* Branded career center experiences

* Employer networks and partnership tools

* Virtual and in-person career fair management

* Mentoring programs connecting students with professionals and alumni

* Alumni career engagement

* Career guides, career paths, interview preparation, offer support, and application assistance

* Career engagement signals and activity visibility for campus teams

ABOUT THE LAUNCH

Web Scribble will introduce the higher education Career Center offering through several higher education events and conversations, including a booth presence at the NACE conference. Institutions can book time with the Web Scribble team at NACE here:

Web Scribble will also present at SUNY CUAD and Florida ACE, continuing conversations with higher education leaders focused on career readiness, alumni engagement, employer relationships, and student outcomes.

Web Scribble's Career Center technology for higher education is available now. Institutions interested in learning more can visit here.

ABOUT WEB SCRIBBLE

Web Scribble is a leading provider of career center technology for associations and higher education. For more than 20 years, Web Scribble has helped organizations connect people to opportunity through career centers, job boards, career fairs, mentoring, employer engagement, career pathways, and related career tools. Web Scribble serves more than 400 associations and has helped millions of job seekers connect with employers and professional communities. The company helps organizations strengthen career engagement, create new employer-supported revenue opportunities, and deliver measurable value to the communities they serve. Learn more at https://www.webscribble.com/.

RELATED LNKS:

https://info.webscribble.com/higher-ed-career-center

News Source: Web Scribble Solutions, Inc.

Related link: https://www.webscribble.com/

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/web-scribble-launches-career-center-technology-for-colleges-and-universities/

Simpson Elevates Senior Living Dining Experience with Joyous Program

Simpson — Wed, 13 May 2026 11:05:14 +0000

WEST GROVE, Pa., May 13, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Simpson, a family of communities in Pennsylvania, is introducing a new spring and summer Joyous dining program to residents of Jenner’s Pond. Recognizing the joy many residents take in dining, whether socializing with neighbors or trying a new dish, the Joyous program from Sodexo brings together warm service, thoughtful experiences, and a daily variety of sustainable, vibrant meals. Jenner's Pond was instrumental in shaping the vision behind the new Sodexo dining program, which is rolling out nationwide.

“We know independent living residents crave more than just a meal; they seek ease, a sense of belonging, and meaningful variety,” said executive chef Drew Conant. He’s been serving creative menus at Jenner’s Pond for ten years, leading with both culinary expertise and a deep appreciation for the role food plays in building community.

Chef Conant brings to life the residents’ joy of living and eating well through Joyous’ variety of health-forward, trendy options that cater to personal preferences while delivering a consistently elevated dining experience.

Joyous is centered around providing connection, freedom, inspiration and comfort to residents. Under Conant's direction, residents have embraced Joyous’ spring and summer menus, which feature dishes with fresh seasonal ingredients, including Chef Conant’s personal favorite, grilled chicken Milanese with arugula salad.

In the first two weeks following the Joyous menu launch, resident feedback was extremely positive, with Aplus scores of 100 and 96, respectively, related to high-quality nutrition, hospitality excellence and customization. Specifically, residents note that Chef Conant ensures the menus are exciting while accommodating diverse dietary preferences and prioritizing engaging with residents for feedback.

Residents Inge & Gustavo Santos note, “In a retirement community setting, it can be a challenge to meet diverse dietary needs while keeping menus exciting, but Chef Drew makes it look easy. From scratch-made soups to elegant seasonal entrees, the quality and presentation are consistently excellent.”

“New residents are often pleasantly surprised at how much they enjoy the food after moving from their own homes. We have so many emotions and memories tied to favorite recipes and home-cooked meals,” said Dr. Carol McKinley, Simpson president and CEO. “Joyous isn’t just a change to the menu. It’s a way for us to enhance the little moments that make each day brighter, whether you’re sharing a meal with neighbors, celebrating with family, or simply enjoying a favorite dish that reminds you of home.”

Jenner’s Pond has four distinct dining rooms, each with a different menu, including the Multi Format Café and Bistro, the upscale Brandywine room, the Delaware dining room with buffet-style dining, and the Cattail Café, which features multiple dining stations. From a library of over 3,400 recipes, the dishes range from the simple to the exotic, from comfort food to trendier fare.

In addition to the daily menus, the Jenner’s Pond culinary team creates memorable experiences through pop-ups, themed events and multi-course dinners paired with mocktails and cocktails and themed décor.

“We like to say Jenner’s Pond can boast of being the best restaurant in town,” said McKinley.

Just ask the Santos, who say, “We are incredibly lucky to have talent of this caliber in our community!”

ABOUT SIMPSON

Since 1865, Simpson has met the changing needs and desires of Pennsylvania area seniors from diverse backgrounds as a not-for-profit family of services consisting of two Continuing Care Retirement Communities, or CCRCs: Simpson Meadows and Jenner’s Pond; three affordable senior living communities: Simpson Gardens I, Simpson Gardens II, and Simpson Midtown, as well as Simpson HomeCare and Simpson Rehabilitation. The organization is dedicated to providing elders from diverse backgrounds with more amenities, better services, improved care, and a higher quality of life in beautiful, dignified, and spiritual settings. For more information, visit: https://www.simpsonsenior.org/

News Source: Simpson

Related link: https://www.simpsonsenior.org/

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/simpson-elevates-senior-living-dining-experience-with-joyous-program/

Kiosk Association Anchors Tech Hub at 2026 NRA Show, Highlights Self-Service, AI, Payments and Accessibility

The Industry Group — Wed, 13 May 2026 09:55:22 +0000

CHICAGO, Ill. and DENVER, Colo., May 13, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Kiosk Manufacturer Association (KMA) and The Industry Group (TIG) will serve as a central technology hub for self-service, AI, payments, and accessibility at the 2026 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, May 16-19. Restaurant operators and technology leaders are invited to visit Booth #5829 in the North Building at McCormick Place to see practical solutions that increase throughput, improve guest experience, and strengthen compliance across restaurant formats.

At Booth #5829, attendees will see a spectrum of deployed and deployable technologies. Pyramid Computer will feature its POLYTOUCH kiosk platforms, giving operators flexible hardware options for ordering, wayfinding, and guest engagement. TPGi will demonstrate accessibility best practices, including JAWS and screen reader compliance, to help restaurant brands meet ADA and EAA requirements. URway Holdings has conversational AI and voice ordering that reduces friction and allows more guests to complete orders successfully. Sitekiosk will demonstrate secure kiosk software and device lockdown designed to protect unattended terminals from tampering and misuse while simplifying remote management. Innovative Technology is expected to highlight biometric and identity validation capabilities, subject to final confirmation.

KMA and TIG are also offering an "NRA 2026 Tech Walking Route" that starts and ends at Booth #5829 and guides visitors through a curated loop of self-service, POS, payments, AI, hardware, and robotics exhibitors in the North Hall. The walking tour is designed to minimize backtracking, group vendors by theme, and help attendees capture actionable insights at each stop. Walking-tour instructions and a downloadable route map will be available online so visitors can plan their technology time before they arrive.

In other news, TIG has introduced new company profile services featuring first-level SEO and AI analysis to help vendors improve visibility beyond a basic website. Organizations can use an online self-survey to determine whether they need a formal profile, and profiles are available for purchase at $79. Additional Consensus research reports are also available, including voice in AI self-service, cash acceptance versus credit with calculator, and a retrofit decision kit with ROI calculator; supporters receive all data reports free.

For a complete preview of exhibitors at Booth #5829, solution overviews, and walking-tour details, visit the KMA/TIG NRA Show page at https://kioskindustry.org/nra-national-restaurant-show.

News Source: The Industry Group

Related link: https://industrygroup.org/

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/kiosk-association-anchors-tech-hub-at-2026-nra-show-highlights-self-service-ai-payments-and-accessibility/

Vesta Partners with OptiFunder to Bring Loan Origination and Warehouse Funding Together

OptiFunder — Tue, 12 May 2026 19:35:12 +0000

ST. LOUIS, Mo., May 12, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- OptiFunder®, the mortgage industry pioneer in warehouse management automation, has partnered with Vesta, the AI-native loan origination system and agent platform, to connect loan origination and warehouse funding workflows. The integration links origination, funding, and sale to the capital markets, eliminating fragmented systems and manual handoffs that have historically slowed execution and increased risk.

That fragmentation ends with Genesis by OptiFunder, a Warehouse Management System for mortgage originators, embedded directly inside Vesta's LOS. Mortgage bankers can now manage warehouse funding strategy, optimize line utilization, and automate post-closing workflows without switching systems or rekeying data. The integration combines real-time origination data with intelligent decisioning across OptiFunder's network of 60+ warehouse lenders, cutting financing costs and improving funding accuracy across origination, reconciliation, and paydown - all from a single system of record.

"Warehouse management has traditionally operated outside the LOS, creating unnecessary friction and risk," said Brian Abbott, Chief Operating Officer of OptiFunder. "By connecting the LOS and Genesis, we're aligning origination and warehouse workflows into a single, intelligent process. Originators gain a seamless, end-to-end funding experience, Vesta extends its operational reach, and warehouse lenders benefit from standardized, system-driven connectivity that scales across multiple originators and environments."

Beyond originators, the integration delivers meaningful value across the broader warehouse ecosystem. Together, Vesta and OptiFunder extend the origination workflow into warehouse finance-one of the most capital-intensive and operationally complex stages of mortgage lending-without requiring custom, one-off integrations for each warehouse lender. For warehouse lenders, Genesis provides a single, bi-directional integration that supports dozens of originators, improving consistency, visibility, and operational efficiency.

The API-based integration also enhances reliability and security throughout the funding lifecycle. System-to-system connectivity reduces reliance on spreadsheets, emails, and manual portal activity, minimizing data errors and operational risk. Secure data transmission, role-based access controls, and complete audit trails improve transparency and support compliance requirements, while automated workflows ensure funding, collateral, reconciliation, and paydowns are executed consistently and predictably.

"We're proud to partner with the OptiFunder team to bring Genesis closer to the loan origination workflow," said Monica Raciti, Head of Operations and Partnerships at Vesta. "Warehouse finance is one of the most operationally complex parts of mortgage lending, and tighter integration between origination and funding makes life easier for the lenders we both serve."

For more information about Genesis by OptiFunder, visit: https://www.optifunder.com/

To learn more about Vesta, visit: https://www.vesta.com/

About OptiFunder

Founded by mortgage lenders to modernize post-closing and secondary market operations, OptiFunder is a mortgage technology company delivering transparent, efficient warehouse management solutions for mortgage originators and warehouse lenders. Its Genesis and Greyhound platforms seamlessly connect funding, post-closing, and loan repayment, creating a unified lifecycle that reduces friction, improves visibility, and supports scalable operations. OptiFunder has been recognized for its innovation and growth, earning honors including Inc. 5000's Fastest Growing Private Companies, HousingWire's Tech100 Mortgage award, and Progress in Lending's Innovation Award.

About Vesta

Vesta is the AI-native loan origination system and agent platform for mortgage, powering banks, independent mortgage banks, and fintech lenders. Built on a modern, cloud-native system of record, Vesta gives lenders a single source of truth-every loan, borrower, property, and document is versioned, auditable, and accessible via API-so teams and agents operate from the same trusted context. Vesta blends deterministic rules and configurable workflows with autonomous agents that can interpret documents, call domain tools (e.g., income and asset calculators, conditions, disclosures, pricing and fee workflows), and orchestrate work across teams and third parties with traceable outcomes and human oversight. The result is faster cycle times, lower cost per loan, and a scalable "agent factory" operating model. Founded in 2020, Vesta is backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Bain Capital Ventures, Conversion Capital, Index Ventures, and Zigg Capital. Learn more at https://www.vesta.com/.

News Source: OptiFunder

Related link: https://www.optifunder.com/

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/vesta-partners-with-optifunder-to-bring-loan-origination-and-warehouse-funding-together/

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

Industrial SalesLeads Inc — Tue, 12 May 2026 12:00:07 +0000

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 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, part of a broader wave of industrial capital investment concentrated in Indiana, Texas, Ohio, Alabama, and Michigan. Across all 149 new industrial manufacturing projects, decision-makers are actively procuring equipment.

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

Industrial Equipment Categories in Demand

In the month of April, identified industrial manufacturing project managers are procuring the following equipment:

* 90% - 99% compressed air, lighting, HVAC, heat exchangers, material handling / storage equipment, mechanical construction, fire protection, networking / security and lift trucks.

* 80% - 89% air emissions control, manufacturing, control systems & instrumentation, conveyors, loading dock and cranes & hoists.

* 70% - 79% packaging equipment

* 50% - 59% floor coatings

* 40% - 49% building construction

* 20% - 29% building renovations

* 10% - 19% equipment relocation

Industrial Manufacturing - By Project Location (Top 10 States)
Indiana - 12
Texas - 11
Ohio - 9
Alabama - 8
California - 8
Michigan - 8
Pennsylvania - 8
Illinois - 7
Iowa - 7
New York - 7
Georgia - 6

Industrial Manufacturing - By Project Type
Manufacturing/Production Facilities - 139 New Projects
Distribution and Industrial Warehouse - 76 New Projects

Industrial Manufacturing - By Project Scope/Activity
New Construction - 52 New Projects
Expansion - 35 New Projects
Renovations/Equipment Upgrades - 68 New Projects
Plant Closings - 14 New Projects

Top 10 Tracked Industrial Manufacturing Projects

ALABAMA:
Automotive mfr. is planning to invest $4 billion for the expansion of their manufacturing facility in VANCE, AL. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

VIRGINIA:
Defense contractor is planning to invest $1.3 billion for the expansion and equipment upgrades on their manufacturing facility in CULPEPER, VA. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

ALABAMA:
Electronic component mfr. is planning to invest $500 million for the construction of a 540,000 sf manufacturing, research, and office facility in GUNTERSVILLE, AL. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

SOUTH CAROLINA:
Solar panel mfr. is planning to invest $350 million for the renovation and equipment upgrades on a 620,000 sf manufacturing facility at 1200 Commerce Blvd. in LAURENS, SC. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for Spring 2027.

IOWA:
Kitchen appliance mfr. is planning to invest $196 million for the expansion of their manufacturing facility in CEDAR RAPIDS, IA by 230,000 sf. They have recently received approval for the project.

ILLINOIS:
Bathroom products mfr. is planning for the construction of a 600,000 sf manufacturing, distribution, and office facility in LIBERTYVILLE, IL. They are currently seeking approval for the project and will consolidate their operations upon completion.

MICHIGAN:
Automotive component mfr. is planning to invest $87 million for the construction of a manufacturing facility in AUBURN HILLS, MI. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

WEST VIRGINIA:
Medical device mfr. is planning to invest $81 million for a 65,000 sf expansion and equipment upgrades on their manufacturing facility in LESAGE, WV. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

OHIO:
Home appliance mfr. is planning to invest $60 million for the renovation and equipment upgrades on a 253,000 sf manufacturing facility at 1775 Progress Drive in PERRYSBURG, OH. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

NEBRASKA:
Construction and farming equipment mfr. is expanding and planning to invest $50 million for the renovation and equipment upgrades on their manufacturing facility in GRAND ISLAND, NE. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

Largest Planned Project

During the month of April, our research team identified 13 new Industrial Manufacturing facility construction projects with an estimated value of $100 million or more.

The largest project is owned by Tesla, Inc., who is planning to invest $20 billion for the construction of a semiconductor manufacturing facility in AUSTIN, TX. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for 2028.

About Industrial SalesLeads, Inc.

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

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

Learn more:
* https://www.salesleadsinc.com/data-solutions/industrial-project-reports/
* https://www.salesleadsinc.com/blog/

News Source: Industrial SalesLeads Inc

Related link: https://www.salesleadsinc.com/

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/20-billion-tesla-semiconductor-plant-headlines-149-new-industrial-capital-projects/

‘What Remains After’ by Pauline J. Grabia Explores Trauma, Memory, and the Long Road to Healing

Tellwell Publishing — Tue, 12 May 2026 11:00:26 +0000

WELLAND, Ontario, Canada, May 12, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Released by Tellwell Publishing, "What Remains After" by Pauline J. Grabia (ISBN: 978-1834384511) is a literary psychological suspense novel that examines the lasting impact of childhood trauma, the fragility of memory, and the difficult path toward forgiveness and survival.

In "What Remains After," readers meet Beth Clark, a woman returning to her rural Alberta hometown after decades away, following the death of her estranged mother. What begins as a quiet funeral quickly reveals itself to be something far more complicated, as carefully constructed narratives begin to unravel. Inside the abandoned bungalow of her childhood, Beth discovers objects that challenge the sanitized version of her past-forcing her to confront memories of abuse, neglect, and systemic failure.

When Beth's younger brother is critically injured in a sudden accident, the present collides with the past. As she keeps vigil at his hospital bedside, Beth is drawn back into the defining summer of her youth-a time marked by violence, silence, and the unexpected refuge of a foster family whose quiet compassion offered a glimpse of safety and hope.

Told across dual timelines, "What Remains After" is a deeply reflective novel that explores belief and betrayal, the moral consequences of silence, and the enduring question of what it truly means to forgive. It challenges readers to consider what remains when the truth is finally spoken-and whether healing is possible after profound harm.

Author Pauline J. Grabia is a Canadian novelist whose work centers on trauma, memory, faith, and the complexities of human resilience. Writing under the Stories of Consequence banner, she is committed to telling stories that confront difficult truths without sensationalism while still seeking light and meaning.

Originally conceived as a short story, "What Remains After" evolved into a full-length novel through a deeply personal and cathartic writing process. While not autobiographical, Grabia draws from lived experiences and the stories of others to shape a narrative that speaks to both the devastation of abuse and the possibility of grace and healing.

"I wanted to show that abuse and neglect do not have to be the end," she explains. "There is hope to be found, even in the darkest times."

"What Remains After" is now available through major book retailers and online platforms.

BOOK DETAILS:

Title: "What Remains After"

Author: Pauline J. Grabia

ISBN-13: 9781834384511

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

Contact: authorpress[@]tellwell.ca

Genre: Literary Psychological Suspense

Website: https://paulinejgrabia.com/

Buy Link: https://amazon.com/dp/1834384516

News Source: Tellwell Publishing

Related link: https://www.tellwellpublishing.com/

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/what-remains-after-by-pauline-j-grabia-explores-trauma-memory-and-the-long-road-to-healing/

Optimal Blue report: Purchase demand holds firm as April lock activity cools

Optimal Blue — Tue, 12 May 2026 10:00:55 +0000

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.

Rate-and-term refinance volume fell nearly 38% MoM but remained more than 22% higher YoY, while cash-out refinance volume declined 12% MoM but was up 11% YoY. Refinance share slipped to 23% of total volume, down from March but still above year-ago levels.

Mortgage rates remained elevated throughout April but finished slightly lower by month-end. The Optimal Blue Mortgage Market Indices (OBMMI) 30-year conforming fixed rate, the benchmark for CME Group's Mortgage Rate futures, ended the month at 6.31%, down 4 basis points (bps) MoM. The 10-year Treasury yield finished April at 4.40%, up 10 bps MoM, while the spread between the 10-year Treasury and the 30-year mortgage rate narrowed to 191 bps as mortgages outperformed.

"April looks more like a cooling from a strong first quarter than a real weakening in borrower demand," said Mike Vough, senior vice president of corporate strategy at Optimal Blue. "Purchase activity held up well despite rate pressure, while refinance volume reacted more quickly to recent rate moves. That split reinforces how rate-sensitive borrowers remain, even as the spring purchase market continues to show resilience."

On the secondary side, April data pointed to renewed movement toward agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS) execution. Agency MBS sales increased while bulk loan sales declined, and mortgage servicing rights (MSR) values rose as higher rates reduced expected refinance activity. Investor participation also increased after holding steady for three consecutive months.

"In a higher-rate environment, lenders are paying close attention to where execution value is showing up," said Vough. "The move toward agency MBS execution, combined with higher MSR values and increased investor participation, continues to prove that lenders need to evaluate all potential execution options to maximize profitability."

Key findings from the Market Advantage report, derived from direct-source mortgage lock and secondary market data, include:

Volume trends and market composition

* Refi activity cools: Rate-and-term refinance volume fell nearly 38% MoM but remained more than 22% higher YoY, while cash-out refinance volume declined 12% MoM but rose 11% YoY. Refinance share slipped to 23% of total volume.

* Purchase activity holds steady: Purchase lock volume declined just under 2% MoM but increased more than 9% YoY, continuing to lead overall production.

* Conforming share drops below 50%: Conforming share fell just below 50% of total lock volume in April for the first time since Optimal Blue began tracking this metric. FHA share rose to 19%, VA increased to 13%, non-conforming declined to 17% and USDA held steady at 1%.

* Non-QM share remains elevated: Non-qualified mortgages accounted for 9% of total lock volume in April, up 30 bps MoM and 233 bps YoY, with investor and bank-statement products leading expanded-guideline activity.

* ARM levels remain elevated: Adjustable-rate mortgages accounted for 10% of total production, down 182 bps MoM but broadly in line with year-ago levels and well above pre-2022 norms.

* Property mix shifts: Single-family homes represented 64% of production, while planned unit developments, a proxy for new construction activity, declined to 28%, down 42 bps MoM and 326 bps YoY. Condo share also declined to 6%.

Rates and pricing

* Mortgage rates outperform Treasuries: The OBMMI 30-year conforming fixed rate finished at 6.31%, down 4 bps MoM. Jumbo rates ended at 6.43%, VA rates at 5.90% and FHA rates at 6.06%. The 10-year Treasury increased 10 bps to 4.40%, while the mortgage-to-Treasury spread narrowed to 191 bps.

* MSR values climb: MSRs rose 5 bps to 1.29%, representing a 5.16 multiple, moving in line with higher rates and lower refinance expectations.

* Conventional spreads widen: Best-efforts-to-mandatory spreads increased 4 bps for conventional 30- and 15-year products, while government 30-year spreads decreased 3 bps.

* Lower-tier sales increase: Loans sold to the fourth or lower price tier increased 89 bps to 5%, while third-tier share increased 21 bps.

Channel and execution

* Agency MBS share increases: Hedged loan sales to agency MBS rose 354 bps to 44%, marking a shift toward securitization executions.

* Bulk executions decline: Bulk loan sales decreased 257 bps to 25%.

* Investor count rises: Investor participation increased to 15 in April after holding at 14 for the prior three months.

Product mix and borrower profiles

* First-time buyers maintain purchase presence: First-time homebuyer share remained nearly flat in April but continued to represent a meaningful share of purchase activity, accounting for 47% of conforming purchase locks, 70% of FHA purchase locks and 45% of VA purchase locks.

* DTI ratios remain stable: Purchase debt-to-income ratios improved YoY, with conforming at 36.2%, FHA at 43.5% and VA at 42.7%.

* Credit quality holds firm: The average purchase credit score held at 735, unchanged from March. By product, conforming borrowers averaged 753, FHA borrowers averaged 676 and VA borrowers averaged 716.

* Pull-through rates improve: Purchase pull-through rose to just over 82%, up 208 bps MoM but down 58 bps YoY. Refinance pull-through increased to just under 79%, up 356 bps MoM and 1,381 bps YoY.

* Loan amounts decline: The average loan amount was $394,046, down from $401,100 in March and $404,586 in February. The average loan-to-value ratio (LTV) was 81.64%. Loan amounts ranged from $888,871 in greater San Francisco to $302,493 in Cincinnati, while regional LTVs ranged from 71.23% in the Bay Area to 89.05% in San Antonio.

To view the full April 2026 Market Advantage report, complete the free subscription form: https://engage.optimalblue.com/market-advantage.

Subscribers receive a report PDF each month with the latest data. Members of the press are eligible for special, advance access each month and should contact Alexandra Kreuter to be added to the media list.

About the Market Advantage Report

Optimal Blue issues the Market Advantage mortgage report each month to provide insight into U.S. mortgage trends and drivers of lending profitability. Data is sourced from the Optimal Blue PPE, which is used to price and lock more than one-third of all mortgages nationwide, and Optimal Blue's hedging and loan trading system, which supports approximately 40% of loans hedged and sold into the secondary market. As the leader in mortgage capital markets technology, Optimal Blue has a direct view of both origination and secondary market activity and the interconnectedness of the two. Unlike self-reported survey data, Optimal Blue's direct-source data accurately reflect the in-process loans in lenders' pipelines and secondary market executions. Visit Optimal Blue's website to subscribe to receive the free report each month.

Nothing herein shall be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging or financial advice.

About Optimal Blue

Optimal Blue powers profitability across the mortgage capital markets ecosystem. As the industry's only end-to-end capital markets platform, our technology, data and integrations bridge the primary and secondary markets to help lenders of all sizes maximize performance - from pricing accuracy to margin protection and every step in between. Backed by over 20 years of proven expertise, our modern, cloud-native technology delivers the real-time automation, actionable data and seamless connectivity lenders need to navigate market volatility and scale for growth. To learn more about how Optimal Blue delivers measurable ROI, visit https://OptimalBlue.com.

News Source: Optimal Blue

Related link: https://www2.optimalblue.com/

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/optimal-blue-report-purchase-demand-holds-firm-as-april-lock-activity-cools/

FirstClose introduces SmartDocs disclosure automation through its point-of-sale platform

FirstClose — Mon, 11 May 2026 19:05:54 +0000

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.

"Initial disclosures are some of the most critical and operationally complex steps in the home equity process," said Tedd Smith, chief executive officer of FirstClose. "SmartDocs enables lenders to deliver disclosures faster, reduce operational burden and help mitigate compliance risk, while giving borrowers a smoother experience from application to decision."

MeridianLink Consumer is among the first loan origination systems integrated with SmartDocs. Through the integration, lenders using MeridianLink Consumer and MeridianLink Document Mapping can automate the generation and delivery of initial disclosures and adverse action notices based on lender-defined rules tied to application status, product type and property location.

In addition to automating disclosure delivery, the feature automatically provides applicants with a HUD-approved list of housing counselors relevant to the property's ZIP code, helping lenders meet regulatory requirements without requiring loan officers or processors to generate or manage counselor lists manually. By reducing manual monitoring and standardizing disclosure triggers earlier in the lifecycle, SmartDocs is designed to help lenders create a more consistent experience across teams while keeping borrower communications moving on schedule.

"Making MeridianLink one of the first systems supported was a natural step, because it allows lenders to carry consistent disclosure logic from application intake into early borrower communications," Smith added. "The goal is fewer manual checks, fewer delays and a more predictable process for both staff and borrowers."

About FirstClose

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. provides fintech solutions to HELOC and mortgage lenders nationwide. The company's mission is to increase profitability and reduce costs for mortgage lenders. FirstClose makes this possible through offering systems and relationships that enable lenders to assist their borrowers more effectively, reduce closing costs, and ultimately shorten closing times. For more information, visit https://firstclose.com.

News Source: FirstClose

Related link: https://www.firstclose.com/

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstclose-introduces-smartdocs-disclosure-automation-through-its-point-of-sale-platform/

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

The UPSHOT League — Mon, 11 May 2026 18:30:34 +0000

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 depth of talent across the league reflects a powerful moment for the women's game," said Donna Orender. "These athletes bring championship pedigrees, professionalism, and global experience to our inaugural season."

Across the league, rosters feature WNBA draft selections and training camp players, international professionals across multiple continents, NCAA Tournament veterans, conference champions, and standout performers from the SEC, ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and other premier programs.

:: JACKSONVILLE WAVES

Roster Snapshot

Six players bring WNBA experience through draft selections, training camps, or professional affiliations, while eight have competed internationally across Europe and global leagues. The roster also includes NCAA Tournament veterans and multiple All-Conference

honorees from major programs including Tennessee, Maryland, LSU, Alabama, and West Virginia.

Roster
Ariel Hearn (G, Memphis)
Jasmine Walker (F, Alabama)
Lindsey Pulliam (G, Northwestern)
Brianna Turnage (F, Georgia Tech)
Emma Von Essen (G, Hofstra)
Khayla Pointer (G, LSU)
Madison Griggs (G, Memphis)
Shyanne Sellers (G, Maryland)
Taylor Soule (G, Virginia Tech)
Rennia Davis (G/F, Tennessee)
Adut Bulgak (C, Florida State)

:: SAVANNAH STEEL

Roster Snapshot

The STEEL feature athletes from nationally recognized programs including Louisville, Tennessee, Harvard, and SEC and ACC schools. Several players earned All-Conference recognition or led their teams statistically, while the roster emphasizes perimeter scoring, defensive intensity, and positional flexibility.

Roster:
Iyana Moore, (G, Notre Dame)
Sydney Shaw, (G, West Virginia)
Megan McConnell, (G, Duquesne)
Zee Spearman, (F, Tennessee)
Harmoni Turner, (G, Harvard)
Lasha Petree, (G, Purdue)
Ariel Colón (G, FIU)
Lauryn Taylor, (G, FGCU)
Quanniecia "Que" Morrison, (G, Georgia)
Kharyssa Richardson, (F, Mississippi State)
Olivia Cochran, (F, Louisville)

:: CHARLOTTE CROWN

Roster Snapshot

The Charlotte CROWN enter the inaugural UPSHOT League season with one of the most recognizable backcourts in the league, led by Asia "AD" Durr and Deja Kelly. The roster blends elite guard play, frontcourt size, and championship experience across multiple power conferences.

Charlotte features multiple players with WNBA experience, training camp exposure, or professional affiliations. The roster includes athletes from the ACC, SEC, Big 12, and Pac-12, and is anchored by elite scoring guards, versatile forwards, and experienced interior presence.

Roster:
Dazia Lawrence (G, Kentucky)
Quinzia Fulmore (C, Elon)
Reigan Richardson (G, Duke)
E'lisia Grissett (F, South Carolina)
Deja Kelly (PG, Oregon)
Asia "AD" Durr (G, Louisville)
Diamond McDowell (F, Anderson)
Emer Nichols (C, Texas A&M)
Jasmyne Roberts (G, Miami)
Eboni Walker (F, Ohio State)
Chloe Welch (G, Saint Joseph's)

:: GREENSBORO GROOVE

The Greensboro GROOVE open the season with a roster centered around elite guard play, championship pedigree, and frontcourt size. Led by Diamond Johnson and Christyn Williams, the group blends explosive scoring, defensive versatility, and high-level collegiate success.

Greensboro features athletes from elite programs including UConn, North Carolina, Texas, Alabama, and Colorado. Multiple players bring NCAA Tournament experience, All-Conference honors, and professional or international exposure, combining perimeter firepower with interior strength.

Roster:
Diamond Johnson (PG, Norfolk State)
Sonya Morris (G, Texas)
Kamaria McDaniel (G, Michigan State)
Jessica Timmons (G, Alabama)
Christyn Williams (G, UConn)
Sahara Jones (G/F, Texas A&M)
Tayanna Jones Bell (G/F, Colorado)
Mya Hollingshed (G/F, Colorado)
Tai'Sheka Porchia (PF, Troy)
Maria Gakdeng (F/C, North Carolina)
Amiya Joyner (F, Colorado)

The UPSHOT League tips off its inaugural season on May 15, establishing a new platform for elite women's basketball talent from across professional, international, and collegiate pathways. https://upshotleague.com/

News Source: The UPSHOT League

Related link: https://upshotleague.com/

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/the-upshot-league-announces-inaugural-team-rosters-ahead-of-historic-opening-season/

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

The UPSHOT League — Mon, 11 May 2026 13:00:20 +0000

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.

The league's founding partners include CSI Companies; ACUVUE, the world's leading§ contact lens brand from Johnson & Johnson, and Florida Blue.

These partnerships reflect a growing commitment from leading national and regional organizations to invest in women's professional sports, community health, and the long-term development of elite women's athletics.

"Sports teaches discipline, resilience, and the value of working toward a shared goal," said Josh Bowling, CFO, CSI Companies. "Basketball has had a profound impact in my life, and I've seen firsthand how the game helps shape leadership and builds character. Being a founding partner of the Waves' inaugural season is an exciting opportunity for CSI to support women's sports while investing in something that will inspire our community for years to come."

Co-founder and Commissioner Donna Orender emphasized the broader significance of these early partnerships:

"Founding partners are more than simply sponsors-they are builders of the future of women's professional sports. Each of these organizations understands the power of alignment with a league that is rooted in community impact, elite competition, and long-term growth. Their support signals confidence not just in the UPSHOT League, but in the athletes, cities, and fans who will define this next era."

The Jacksonville Waves represent one of four inaugural franchises in the UPSHOT League's first season, alongside teams in Charlotte, Greensboro, and Savannah. The league is designed to blend high-performance basketball with strong regional identity, corporate partnership integration, and year-round community engagement.

The addition of founding partners provides early infrastructure support across brand development, health and wellness initiatives, and community programming that will extend well beyond the court.

About UPSHOT League

The Upshot League is a premier women's professional basketball league built on elite competition, player opportunity, and community connection. With a foundation rooted in high-level talent and global experience, the league aims to redefine the professional landscape while expanding opportunities for women's basketball in the United States. https://upshotleague.com/

References:
§ Source Euromonitor International Limited; Eyewear 2025 edition; value sales at rsp, all retail channels, 2023 data; "ACUVUE® family of brands" represents aggregated sales of the following brands: 1-day ACUVUE®, ACUVUE® OASYS, ACUVUE® VITA®, and ACUVUE® 2.

News Source: The UPSHOT League

Related link: https://upshotleague.com/

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/upshot-league-announces-founding-partners-for-jacksonville-waves-ahead-of-inaugural-season/

California’s Response to Ferret Lawsuit Raises Questions About Agency Authority and Petition Rights

Legalize Ferrets — Mon, 11 May 2026 12:00:53 +0000

LA MESA, Calif., May 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- LegalizeFerrets.org says a new phase has emerged in California's long-running ferret controversy after the California Fish and Game Commission and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife filed demurrers in response to a lawsuit involving Petition 2025-003 - a citizen petition seeking reconsideration of California's classification of domestic ferrets as restricted animals.

The lawsuit, filed in Sacramento Superior Court, centers on whether California agencies may indefinitely leave formally accepted citizen petitions under "further consideration" without issuing a meaningful determination.

But the State's response has also raised an additional issue.

According to the filings, the State appears to leave open the argument that the Fish and Game Commission may not possess authority to legalize ferrets through regulation - despite California having treated ferret legalization for decades as a regulatory matter handled through the Commission process.

"For years, Californians were told ferret legalization had to go through the Fish and Game Commission," said Pat Wright of LegalizeFerrets.org. "Now the State appears to be suggesting the Commission may not even possess authority to do what it has spent decades reviewing, debating, and processing through regulatory channels."

Petition 2025-003 was formally accepted by the Commission for "further consideration" in June 2025 and referred to the Department of Fish and Wildlife for review and recommendation.

After months passed without an apparent substantive decision, Public Records Act requests were submitted seeking records showing what evaluation work had been performed. The responses to those requests ultimately contributed to the filing of the writ lawsuit now before the court.

The State's demurrer argues that the Commission satisfied its obligations under California's Administrative Procedure Act (APA) by accepting the petition, discussing it publicly, and referring it internally for further review.

Supporters of the petition argue that such an interpretation risks undermining the practical purpose of California's petition process.

"If agencies can indefinitely refer petitions internally without producing meaningful outcomes, Californians have a right to ask what the petition process actually guarantees," Wright said.

The dispute also highlights language already contained within California regulations. Title 14, Section 671 states:

"The California Fish and Game Commission has determined the below listed animals are not normally domesticated in this state."

The regulation includes the Mustelidae family, which includes ferrets.

Supporters argue that language raises a central question: if the Commission possessed authority to determine ferrets were "not normally domesticated," why would it lack authority to revisit or reconsider that determination?

The court is not currently deciding whether ferrets should be legalized in California. The immediate issue before the court is whether the lawsuit may proceed and whether California agencies must provide meaningful responses to formally accepted petitions for regulatory change.

Additional background and analysis regarding the lawsuit and the State's filing are available at:

https://www.legalizeferrets.org/california-ferret-legalization-lawsuit/

About LegalizeFerrets.org

LegalizeFerrets.org is an advocacy organization focused on educating the public about domestic ferrets and pursuing regulatory and legal efforts related to California's long-standing ferret restrictions.

News Source: Legalize Ferrets

Related link: https://www.legalizeferrets.org/

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/californias-response-to-ferret-lawsuit-raises-questions-about-agency-authority-and-petition-rights/

Art Unlimited Rebrands as A-Squared Marketing, Signaling Bold New Era in Digital and AI-Driven Strategy

A-Squared Marketing — Mon, 11 May 2026 11:00:53 +0000

COOK, Minn., May 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Art Unlimited, a full-service marketing agency, today announced it is officially rebranding as A-Squared Marketing, effective immediately. The new name reflects a sharpened strategic focus and an expanded suite of services - including cutting-edge AI-enabled search optimization - while honoring the agency's long-standing commitment to results-driven marketing.

"This rebrand is more than a new name. It's a declaration of who we are today and where we're headed," said Anna Anderson, Owner of A-Squared Marketing. "Every word in our new name carries meaning. 'A-Squared' stands for Authentic and Accelerator - the two principles that drive everything we do for our clients."

A NAME WITH PURPOSE: AUTHENTIC + ACCELERATOR

The "A-Squared" identity is anchored in two pillars that define the agency's culture and client approach.

Authentic: A-Squared Marketing builds genuine relationships grounded in transparency and trust. From strategy to execution, the team delivers honest solutions that create meaningful, lasting impact for every client.

Accelerator: As a marketing accelerator, the agency drives progress through agility, innovation, and smart execution. The team works smarter, listens with fresh ears, embraces new tools and technologies, and rigorously tests and validates every strategy to produce proven, scalable results.

EXPANDED FEATURES

As part of the rebrand, A-Squared Marketing is introducing two new features to its clients that reflect the evolving demands of today's digital landscape:

* AEO & GEO Optimization for AI-Enabled Search: As artificial intelligence reshapes how consumers find information, A-Squared Marketing now offers specialized optimization for Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) - ensuring clients are visible and authoritative wherever AI-powered search is shaping buying decisions.

* Dashboard Reporting & Strategy: Clients will now have access to customized performance dashboards that deliver real-time visibility into campaign results, enabling faster, more data-informed strategic decisions.

These offerings complement the agency's full portfolio of marketing solutions, which includes:

* Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

* Paid Advertising

* Content Marketing & Blogging

* Website Services

* Persona Blueprints

"The marketing landscape is changing faster than ever, and our clients deserve an agency that doesn't just keep up, but leads the way," added Anderson. "Adding AI-driven search optimization and strategic dashboard reporting reflects our commitment to delivering tools and insights that genuinely move the needle."

CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS AND OPERATIONS CONTINUE SEAMLESSLY

All existing client engagements, contracts, and points of contact remain in place. The rebrand represents an evolution of the agency's identity and capabilities, not a disruption. To discover how the new A-Squared Marketing can support your business goals, visit https://www.a2marketing.com/ or contact us today for more information.

About A-Squared Marketing

A-Squared Marketing (formerly Art Unlimited) is a marketing agency dedicated to helping businesses grow through authentic strategy and accelerated execution. With expertise spanning SEO/AEO/GEO, paid advertising, content marketing, and data-driven reporting, the agency partners with clients to deliver measurable, meaningful results. Learn more at a2marketing.com.

News Source: A-Squared Marketing

Related link: https://www.a2marketing.com/

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/art-unlimited-rebrands-as-a-squared-marketing-signaling-bold-new-era-in-digital-and-ai-driven-strategy/

Pillar To Post Home Inspectors Honors Greater Augusta Owner Jeremiah Adell Jr. with Rookie of the Year Distinction

Pillar To Post Home Inspectors — Mon, 11 May 2026 09:45:21 +0000

AUGUSTA, Ga., May 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Pillar To Post® Home Inspectors has named Jeremiah Adell Jr., owner of Pillar To Post of Greater Augusta, its 2025 Rookie of the Year, an award presented recently in 2026 to recognize outstanding overall performance based on sales, market growth and contribution to the brand.

Adell, a retired U.S. Army captain, launched his business in January 2024 and quickly distinguished himself across the Pillar To Post network through powerful performance, perseverance, and a deep commitment to serving his community.

After 22 years in the military, Adell entered business ownership with many of the same qualities that shaped his Army career: leadership, discipline, accountability, and resilience. Originally from Rochester, New York, he enlisted just before 9/11 and later earned a business degree from Texas A&M University-Central Texas before commissioning as a Signal Officer. Over the course of his military career, he developed organizational, communication and critical thinking skills that would help prepare him for franchise ownership.

Before retiring from the Army in September 2023, Adell researched the home inspection industry and selected Pillar To Post Home Inspectors because of its established systems, powerful reputation, and service-oriented approach. He now serves homebuyers, sellers and real estate professionals across Richmond, Columbia, Lincoln, McDuffie, Jefferson, and Burke counties, as well as the broader Greater Augusta region.

"Adversity doesn't stop you - it strengthens you," said Adell. "In the Army, you learn to push through and lead through uncertainty. That same mindset carried over to business ownership."

His first year in business was marked by several challenges, including a torn bicep and the disruption caused by Hurricane Helene. Rather than lose momentum, Adell adapted. Collaborating with a local roofer, he began conducting post-storm roof inspections for displaced homeowners and veterans while continuing to build his business.

Adell's success has also been supported by his wife, Maria, a disabled Army veteran and his partner of 17 years. When his injury limited his ability to work, she stepped in to help with inspections and later took on marketing and Realtor outreach, helping the business strengthen local relationships and expand its presence in the market.

"We believed in the brand, trusted the process and kept trying until success came," said Maria Adell. "Our goal wasn't just to inspect houses - it was to build trust and help families make confident home decisions."

In addition to operating the business, Adell remains deeply involved in service. He volunteers as Properties & Structural Integrity Director for The Grace Project, a nonprofit that provides housing for homeless veterans, and serves as Associate Pastor for Reconcile Christian Ministries in Augusta.

The Rookie of the Year award is open to franchise business owners with new agreements who launched between November 2023 and October 2024. Adell's first-year results, leadership and contributions to the brand made him stand out among that group.

Learn more about Pillar To Post of Greater Augusta: https://theadellteam.pillartopost.com/

About Pillar To Post® Home Inspectors

Founded in 1994, Pillar To Post Home Inspectors is the largest home inspection company in North America with home offices in Toronto and Tampa. There are over 350 franchises located across the United States and Canada and 85,000 5-Star Google Reviews on record to date. For further information, please visit https://pillartopost.com/

News Source: Pillar To Post Home Inspectors

Related link: https://pillartopost.com/

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/pillar-to-post-home-inspectors-honors-greater-augusta-owner-jeremiah-adell-jr-with-rookie-of-the-year-distinction/

HitPaw VikPea V5.3.0 is Launched with Video Beauty, New AI Generative Models, and Next-Gen Video Generators

HitPaw — Fri, 08 May 2026 16:10:22 +0000

NEW YORK, N.Y., May 08, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- HitPaw, a leading innovator in multimedia software solutions, today announced the release of HitPaw VikPea V5.3.0, the latest update to its AI-powered video enhancement and generation platform. This release introduces a high-precision background removal model, a new video beauty module, upgraded AI generative models, and enhanced video generation with Kling 3.0 and Kling V3 Omni, enabling faster, smarter, and more accessible content creation for users of all levels.

WHAT'S NEW IN HITPAW VIKPEA V5.3.0

1 --- Video Beauty Module

The new Video Beauty module integrates face enhancement, effects, and makeup into a single, easy-to-use solution. With one-click optimization, users can quickly improve the look and feel of their videos.

Perfect for portrait footage and short-form content, this feature is designed for simplicity and efficiency. Even beginners can achieve polished, professional-looKling results without complex editing steps.

2 --- AI Generative Models (Natural & Sharpen)

HitPaw VikPea V5.3.0 introduces upgraded AI generative models with two modes: Natural and Sharpen. These models are built to enhance low-quality and older videos by restoring missing details and improving overall clarity.

They are especially useful for low-resolution content below 720P, as well as legacy formats such as film and VHS. Users can choose a natural restoration style or a sharper, more defined visual output depending on their preference.

3 --- Kling 3.0 & Kling V3 Omni Video Generator

The new generation engine includes Kling 3.0 and Kling V3 Omni, offering significant improvements in AI video creation.

Kling 3.0 focuses on smoother motion and more realistic dynamic performance, resulting in more lifelike generated videos. Kling V3 Omni expands creative possibilities with multimodal input support, allowing users to combine text, images, and audio to generate more complex and engaging content.

4 --- High-Precision Background Remover

The updated background remover features a high-precision model that enhances subject recognition and edge refinement. It cleanly separates subjects from complex backgrounds while preserving fine details like hair, limbs, and subtitles.

This makes it ideal for a wide range of creative scenarios, including video compositing, vlogs, family videos, and portrait background replacement. Even challenging scenes can be processed with clean, accurate results.

COMPATIBILITY AND PRICE

HitPaw VikPea is compatible with both Windows and macOS, ensuring accessibility for creators worldwide. Users can try the new features via a free trial, or purchase the full package starting from $43.19/month.

For more information: [OFFICIAL] HitPaw Video Enhancer - AI Video Enhancer: https://www.hitpaw.com/vikpea-video-enhancer.html

ABOUT HITPAW

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

To know more, visit: https://www.hitpaw.com/about.html and https://www.hitpaw.com/

Our Social Media

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

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

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

News Source: HitPaw

Related link: https://www.hitpaw.com/

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/hitpaw-vikpea-v5-3-0-is-launched-with-video-beauty-new-ai-generative-models-and-next-gen-video-generators/

Glancy Wine Education Foundation Releases 2026 Impact Report, Marking Six Years of Progress in Diversifying the Wine Industry

Glancy Wine Education Foundation — Fri, 08 May 2026 13:00:16 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 08, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Glancy Wine Education Foundation (GWEF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing diversity in the wine industry through scholarships for underserved professionals, today released its 2026 Impact Report. The report details the Foundation's cumulative work since its 2020 founding and introduces newly compiled data on the demographic communities GWEF serves.

Since inception, GWEF has awarded 303 scholarships and distributed more than $405,000 in grants directly to its wine school partners which include the founding San Francisco Wine School, the International Wine Center in New York and the American Wine School in the Midwest. The Foundation operates with a 9% overhead - less than half the average for U.S. nonprofits - thanks to an all-volunteer board of industry leaders. GWEF holds a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid.

Key Findings from the 2026 Impact Report

* Recipient demographics: 61% of GWEF scholarship recipients identify as non-Caucasian, 55.7% are female, 42.8% male, and 2% non-binary.

* Career outcomes: 67% of recipients have received a promotion following certification, and more than one-third are currently working full-time in the wine and hospitality industries.

* Earnings impact: Industry data shows that professional wine certification can yield 50-300% salary increases over a career, with sommeliers progressing from $45-60K at entry level to as much as $190K at the Master Sommelier level.

* Operational efficiency: Funds flow directly to wine school partners - no administrative layers between donors and scholarship recipients. The average GWEF scholarship is $1,477.

THE INDUSTRY GAP GWEF IS WORKING TO CLOSE

While Black, Indigenous, and People of Color make up 40% of the U.S. population, and more than half of Americans under 18 identify as a racial or ethnic minority, the wine industry remains markedly less diverse. Fewer than 1% of U.S. wineries are Black-owned (out of more than 11,000 total), fewer than 1% of winery owners or head winemakers are people of color, and roughly 2% of Black Americans hold leadership roles in wine, according to research from the Association of African American Vintners and Pronghorn Research. Hispanic/Latino professionals - who represent 18.7% of the U.S. population - hold just 4% of Fortune 500 executive officer roles, with comparable underrepresentation across wine. Only 14% of California bonded wineries have women as lead winemakers.

NEW DATA: THE AAPI OPPORTUNITY IN WINE

The 2026 report introduces newly gathered insights on the Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) wine consumer, according to the Asian Wine Association of America (AWAA). AAPI Americans represent 6.3% of the U.S. population but currently account for only 5% of wine consumption, even as roughly 50% of the AAPI population sits within the Millennial and Gen-X cohorts, with 39% drinking wine weekly, nearly on par with other demographics. Yet only 4% of wine industry executives identify as Asian, even as Asian markets are the fastest-growing demographic for WSET Global certification worldwide.

A MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDATION PRESIDENT

"The world of wine is a celebration of diversity, and yet the industry itself has been slow to reflect that truth," said Ana Keller, GWEF Foundation President. "At a moment when wine is competing harder than ever for the attention of younger, more diverse consumers, the case for inclusion has never been more urgent. The professionals who understand those communities, who come from them, are exactly who this industry needs."

Keller added: "Since 2020, we have funded more than 303 scholarships, and none of it happens without people who believe that those who will shape this industry's future deserve a real chance to get there. Every donation, at any level, goes directly to a scholarship and to someone whose career, and whose life, will be changed by it."

IN THE WORDS OF RECIPIENTS

"GWEF made it possible for me to receive the wine training and education I needed to become a Sommelier in a Michelin-starred restaurant," said Lily Yu, 2020 GWEF scholarship recipient and Private Event Sommelier, formerly of the sommelier team at The Modern in New York City.

"Thanks to GWEF's assistance and what I learned in the WSET 3, I took over as head sommelier and was soon promoted to Wine Director. I also am a winemaker now," said Oceano Ordonez, 2021, 2023 and 2024 GWEF scholarship recipient, Wine Director at Donato Enoteca, and GWEF Emeritus Board Member.

"GWEF has been a transformative experience that has profoundly impacted my personal and professional growth. Through GWEF I have gained networking opportunities resulting in great relationships and collaborations within the wine industry," said Cristian Medina, 2022 and 2024 GWEF scholarship recipient and Sommelier at Shelby's in Atherton, California.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE MISSION

GWEF welcomes contributions at every level - every dollar donated goes directly to scholarship funding. Corporate sponsorship tiers and named scholarship opportunities are also available, including scholarships established in honor or memory of industry colleagues. Wine schools, industry organizations, and nonprofit partners interested in collaboration are also encouraged to connect.

The full 2026 Impact Report is here (PDF): https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4983f8f6a5da1a611120b6/t/69f4dfdf91ec915960223769/1777655775460/GWEF+2026+Impact+Report.pdf

To donate, sponsor, or partner, visit https://www.glancywineeducationfoundation.org/.

ABOUT THE GLANCY WINE EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization established in 2020 and based in San Francisco, partnering nationally with three schools, the San Francisco Wine School, the International Wine Center and the American Wine School. GWEF is dedicated to assisting underserved communities with scholarships to further their professional wine education, with the goal of raising their earning power and increasing diversity in the wine industry. The Foundation holds a Four-Star Charity Navigator rating and Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency. Federal Tax ID #85-2516009. Learn more at https://www.glancywineeducationfoundation.org/ or follow @glancywineeducationfoundation on Instagram.

News Source: Glancy Wine Education Foundation

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/glancy-wine-education-foundation-releases-2026-impact-report-marking-six-years-of-progress-in-diversifying-the-wine-industry/