Florida Newswire - Neotrope News Network

Class Valuation and Makena partner to help appraisers prepare for UAD 3.6

Class Valuation — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:00:13 +0000

FLORIDA NEWSWIRE (TROY, Mich. and NAPLES, Fla.) --- Class Valuation, a leading real estate appraisal management company, today announced a partnership with Makena, a next-generation property data platform designed to help enterprises collect accurate, structured and actionable property data at scale. Through the partnership, Class Valuation appraisers will gain access to InstaPlan(r), Makena's mobile data collection and floor plan application, as they prepare for the wide-scale UAD 3.6 mandate on November 2, 2026.

InstaPlan generates ANSI-compliant floor plans, including real-time GLA calculations, and captures discrete data points as appraisers move through a property. Unlike other mobile data collection apps, appraisers can stop and resume collection at any point and complete all required data fields before leaving the property, making it a practical tool for UAD 2.6 reports today and built for what UAD 3.6 will require. InstaPlan integrates directly with SFREP and supports MISMO-compliant exports for appraisers using other form providers.

"We're recommending InstaPlan to our appraisers because we've seen what it can do, and we're confident in the technology," said Chris Flynn, chief operating officer of Class Valuation. "UAD 3.6 is bringing meaningful changes to how appraisers collect and report property data, and we want our appraisers to have the right tools in hand before the mandate. This partnership is a direct expression of our commitment to supporting the appraisers who rely on Class Valuation."

Class Valuation appraisers using InstaPlan are already seeing meaningful time savings, with average inspection times dropping from 1.3 hours to less than 30 minutes for a standard 3,300 square foot property. Faster data collection reduces revision requests and accelerates report delivery.

"We built InstaPlan to take the complexity out of property data collection so appraisers can focus on their work, not the tools," said Anthony Guarascio, co-founder and chief executive officer of Makena. "Partnering with Class Valuation is a natural fit because they understand what appraisers need and share our commitment to bringing practical innovation to the industry."

"As UAD 3.6 preparations ramp up, appraisers need tools that make data collection faster, more consistent and easier to manage in the field," said Steve Yatko, co-founder and chief technology officer of Makena. "InstaPlan was designed to support that shift with a simple mobile workflow that captures floor plans, photos and room-level data in one pass."

InstaPlan is available now for iOS through the Apple App Store. Class appraisers can complete InstaPlan training at makenauniversity.com.

About Class Valuation

Class Valuation is a leading nationwide appraisal management company (AMC) known for fast turn times, exceptional quality, and strong client service. The company brings together skilled professionals, purpose-built products and advanced technology to support lenders across the country. Consistently recognized by top mortgage lenders for outstanding performance, Class Valuation has also earned recognition as a top workplace and received numerous industry awards. Founded in 2009, Class Valuation is headquartered in Troy, Michigan. For more information, visit https://www.classvaluation.com.

About Makena

Makena™ is a next-generation property data platform that helps enterprises collect accurate, structured and actionable property data at scale. Founded in 2022, Makena combines mobile data collection, 3D modeling, and AI-driven analysis on the devices field professionals already carry - serving the appraisal, insurance, construction and facilities management industries with a focus on accuracy, compliance readiness and ease of use in the field. Makena is headquartered in Naples, Fla. For more information, visit https://instaplan.ai.

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This version of news story was first published on and is Copr. © 2026 Florida Newswire (FloridaNewswire.com) - all rights reserved.

Dark Matter Technologies’ Wes Horbatuck named a 2026 HW Marketing Leader

Dark Matter Technologies — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 17:00:35 +0000

FLORIDA NEWSWIRE (JACKSONVILLE, Fla.) --- Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, today announced that Wes Horbatuck, senior vice president of marketing, has been named a 2026 HW Marketing Leader by HousingWire. The award recognizes marketing executives across the housing finance industry who have demonstrated measurable impact, strategic leadership and excellence in execution over the past 12 months.

Horbatuck, who was also recognized as a HousingWire Marketing Leader in 2024, has served as the architect of Dark Matter's external positioning at a pivotal moment in the company's evolution. Over the past year, he led go-to-market strategy for three major AI-driven product launches, directed the company's third annual Horizon user conference and led go-to-market execution for 15 new partner integrations through the Exchange℠ Service Network, including messaging alignment, asset development and partner coordination.

Horizon 2026, held in April in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, served as the launchpad for Ask Aiva®, a conversational AI embedded in the loan origination workflow; a Developer Platform expansion introducing model context protocol (MCP) connectivity, which enables lenders and partners to build integrations on top of the Empower® loan origination system through a published API layer; and the expansion of ElevateSM, the company's loan servicing and recapture solution. Horbatuck built the event narrative, led keynote and closing content, directed the stage experience and coordinated across product, engineering and executive leadership to position Dark Matter as an AI-first mortgage technology company with tangible solutions for the market.

Beyond the conference, Horbatuck built Dark Matter's LinkedIn presence from the ground up, generating more than 67,000 impressions and over 3,700 new organic followers in under 90 days with no paid media spend. He also created and hosts the Spotlight podcast, extending Dark Matter's voice directly to industry practitioners.

"People are kind enough to give me credit for being an ideas guy, but the truth is that ideas are the easy part. The hard part is turning them into reality," said Horbatuck. "I have the privilege of working with people who execute at an incredibly high level and aren't afraid to tell me when an idea needs work. Lyndsey Hearn, our director of growth marketing, Brenna Paquette, our creative director, and Tina Kisner, our events manager, are three of those people. I couldn't do this without them."

"HousingWire's Marketing Leaders represent the professionals shaping how housing companies connect, compete and grow in a constantly evolving market," said HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins. "We're proud to recognize the marketers driving meaningful impact across housing."

For a complete list of the 70 winners for this year, visit the HousingWire website.

ABOUT DARK MATTER TECHNOLOGIES:

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

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This version of news story was first published on and is Copr. © 2026 Florida Newswire (FloridaNewswire.com) - all rights reserved.

Black Friday Expands Beyond Retail into Media, AI Commerce, Advertising, and Entertainment Opportunities

Empire License Inc. — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:30:00 +0000

FLORIDA NEWSWIRE (MIAMI, Fla.) --- Black Friday, one of the most recognized names in global commerce, is continuing its evolution beyond traditional retail into a broader media, AI commerce, entertainment, advertising, and licensing opportunity, Empire License, Inc. announced today.

As media companies, streaming platforms, advertisers, and technology firms increasingly seek stronger consumer engagement ecosystems, Black Friday is uniquely positioned at the intersection of:

* Commerce

* Entertainment

* AI-powered shopping

* Advertising

* Holiday programming

* Consumer engagement

* Licensing

What was once viewed primarily as a shopping event has evolved into a global annual consumer attention platform generating billions in retail activity and worldwide cultural recognition.

The continued expansion of AI commerce and interactive shopping technologies is creating new opportunities for brands capable of connecting consumers directly to purchasing behavior. Black Friday Select, an AI-powered shopping assistant concept, was developed to help bridge that connection by enhancing product discovery, shopping recommendations, and customer engagement within existing retail ecosystems.

In addition, the Black Friday Loyalty Rewards Card concept is designed to help companies maintain year-round consumer interaction leading into the holiday shopping season, while creating additional engagement opportunities for retailers, financial institutions, and advertising partners.

The Black Friday ecosystem also includes opportunities involving:

* Animated holiday programming

* Streaming content

* Sponsorships

* Branded entertainment

* Plush toys and collectibles

* Licensing partnerships

* Interactive holiday campaigns

* Media integrations

Industry observers continue to note the growing convergence between media, AI, advertising, and commerce, as companies seek scalable consumer platforms capable of generating recurring annual engagement and monetization opportunities.

"Black Friday has become much larger than a single shopping day," said Emory Williams President and CEO of Empire License, Inc. "It now represents a globally recognized consumer engagement platform that naturally connects retail, AI commerce, entertainment, advertising, and media opportunities together."

With Black Friday continuing to expand internationally and digitally, the brand's long-term strategic potential across multiple industries is becoming increasingly apparent.

Very few consumer identities possess:

* Worldwide recognition

* Annual recurring relevance

* Built-in consumer urgency

* Commerce compatibility

* Entertainment potential

* Licensing scalability

Black Friday continues to demonstrate strength in all six areas.

As the worlds of media, commerce, artificial intelligence, and advertising continue to converge, Black Friday stands uniquely positioned as a consumer-facing platform capable of generating recurring engagement opportunities across multiple industries for years to come.

ABOUT EMPIRE LICENSE, INC.

Empire License, Inc. is the owner of the Black Friday Lifestyle portfolio, including Black Friday Select, the Black Friday Loyalty Rewards Card, Black Friday plush toys and cartoon character and related intellectual property developments focused on AI commerce, retail engagement, and consumer experiences.

Web: https://www.bfcharacter.com/

https://www.bflrewards.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@mynameisblackfriday

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This version of news story was first published on and is Copr. © 2026 Florida Newswire (FloridaNewswire.com) - all rights reserved.

Spodak Dental Group Recognized as a 2026 Sun Sentinel Top Workplace for the 10th Time

Spodak Dental Group — Thu, 28 May 2026 19:20:12 +0000

FLORIDA NEWSWIRE (DELRAY BEACH, Fla.) --- Spodak Dental Group is proud to announce its recognition as a 2026 Sun Sentinel Top Workplace, marking the 10th time the organization has received the prestigious honor. The organization was the only dental office to be recognized in the Small Business category.

The Top Workplaces awards are based entirely on feedback captured through a research-backed employee engagement survey, reflecting how team members experience the organization's culture. The award recognizes companies that foster exceptional workplace culture, employee engagement, leadership, and organizational excellence.

For Spodak Dental Group, the recognition reflects five decades of commitment to building a practice where both patients and team members feel genuinely cared for.

Founded in 1976, Spodak Dental Group has become known for delivering a more elevated, personalized dental experience rooted in advanced care, thoughtful service, and long-term relationships.

"At Spodak Dental Group, we've always believed that great dentistry starts with great people," said Erika Pusillo, CEO of Spodak Dental Group. "Receiving this recognition for the 10th time is incredibly meaningful because it reflects the culture our team has built together over many years. We are deeply committed to creating an environment where people feel supported, valued, challenged to grow, and inspired to deliver an exceptional patient experience every single day."

The practice's continued growth and recognition are rooted in a philosophy that has become central to the organization's identity, "Dentistry, Done Differently."

From minimally invasive treatment planning and advanced technology to hospitality-inspired patient care and ongoing team development, Spodak Dental Group continues to redefine what patients can expect from a dental experience.

The organization's approach is built on the understanding that "when results matter, where you go matters."

That philosophy has helped Spodak Dental Group earn the trust of generations of patients throughout South Florida while attracting top talent committed to excellence, compassion, and innovation.

Today, Spodak Dental Group remains focused on raising the standard for modern dentistry by creating an experience that feels more personal, more thoughtful, and more connected from the moment patients walk through the door.

For more information about Spodak Dental Group, career opportunities, or to schedule an appointment, please visit https://www.spodakdental.com/ or call/text (561) 303-2413.

About Spodak Dental Group:

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

99 New Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Healthcare Projects Drive Major Facility Investments in April 2026

Industrial SalesLeads Inc — Wed, 27 May 2026 12:00:04 +0000

FLORIDA NEWSWIRE (JACKSONVILLE, Fla.) --- Industrial manufacturing activity remained strong in April 2026, led by sustained investment from the pharmaceutical, medical device, biotechnology, and healthcare sectors. Industrial SalesLeads research team identified 60 pharmaceutical, medical device, and biotechnology projects, along with 39 healthcare-related projects, signaling continued demand for facility modernization, expansion, and operational upgrades across the U.S. and Canada.

The following are selected highlights on new Life Science industry news:

LIFE SCIENCES - BY PROJECT TYPE
Pharmaceutical, Medical Device, Biotechnology - 60
Healthcare - 39

LIFE SCIENCES - BY PROJECT LOCATION (TOP 5 STATES)
California - 12
Massachusetts - 11
Virginia - 10
Texas - 8
Michigan - 6

LIFE SCIENCES - BY PROJECT SCOPE/ACTIVITY
Renovation/Equipment Upgrade - 76
Relocation - 60
Expansion/Equipment Upgrade - 14
New Construction - 8

LIFE SCIENCES EQUIPMENT CATEGORIES IN DEMAND

In the month of April, identified life sciences project managers are procuring the following equipment:

80-89%: Lighting (85.9%), Networking/Security Equipment (82.8%)

40-49%: Building Renovation (47.5%)

10-19%: Compressed Air Systems, HVAC Equipment, Mechanical Construction, Fire Protection Equipment, Material Handling/Storage Equipment, Building Construction, Loading Dock Equipment, Conveyors, Heat Exchangers, Control Systems & Instrumentation

9%: Floor Coatings

7%: Air Emissions Control Equipment, Packaging Equipment, Tanks/Vessels - Stainless, Equipment Relocation

TOP 10 TRACKED LIFE SCIENCES PROJECTS

FLORIDA:
Healthcare provider is planning to invest $55 million for new construction of a 14,500sf medical and office in FL. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

GEORGIA:
Healthcare service provider has recently started a 317,000 sf expansion and renovation of their hospital in Cumming, GA. Completion is slated for late 2028.

OHIO:
Biotechnology company is planning to invest $18 million for the expansion and renovation of their warehouse, office, and laboratory facility in OH. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Construction is expected to start in Summer 2026.

MASSACHUSETTS:
Medical device manufacturer is planning for an expansion of their manufacturing facility in MA. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

MINNESOTA:
Pharmaceutical company is planning for the expansion and equipment upgrades on their processing facility in MN. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

MISSOURI:
Pharmaceutical company is planning for the construction of a processing facility in MO. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

NORTH CAROLINA:
Specialty healthcare service provider is planning to invest $2.7 million for the renovation of 10,000 sf of medical and office space in NC. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

NEW JERSEY:
Healthcare service provider is planning to invest $600 million for a 444,000 sf expansion of their hospital in NJ. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA:
Healthcare service provider is planning to invest $8 million for the renovation of a recently leased 39,000 sf of medical and office space at CA. They have recently received approval for the project.

NEW YORK:
Healthcare service provider is investing $21 million for the expansion and renovation of their medical and office facilities in NY. Completion is slated for late 2026.

LARGEST PLANNED PROJECT

The largest project is owned by Shine Technologies. Medical isotope technology company is constructing a processing facility in Janesville, WI. Completion is slated for Summer 2027.

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 at:

https://www.salesleadsinc.com/data-solutions/industrial-project-reports/

https://www.salesleadsinc.com/blog/