BEREA, Ky., May 15, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Fahe, a regional nonprofit network and Community Development Financial Institution dedicated to building thriving communities across Appalachia, today announced the launch of a digital advertising campaign introducing Housing Can't Wait(r) to donors, investors, philanthropic advisors, donor-advised fund professionals, and private wealth advisors seeking measurable, place-based impact.

Running in May and June, the campaign is designed to increase awareness of Fahe's role as a trusted Appalachian housing network and financial intermediary capable of moving capital into community-led housing solutions.

Across Appalachia, housing shortages are constraining workforce stability, family wellbeing, and long-term economic growth. Communities are ready to build and rehabilitate more homes, but many need aligned capital, flexible funding, and trusted local implementation partners to move solutions forward.

Housing Can't Wait connects urgent housing needs with investment-ready strategies to accelerate production and strengthen communities across Appalachia.

"Housing is economic infrastructure," said Jim King, CEO of Fahe. "For donors and investors looking for durable impact, Appalachia offers a powerful opportunity. Fahe and our Member network have the local relationships, financial tools, and execution capacity to help turn philanthropic and investment capital into measurable housing and community outcomes."

The national campaign will focus on two priority audiences. The first includes current and prospective funders already aligned with housing, community development, rural resilience, poverty reduction, workforce stability, and economic opportunity. The second includes philanthropic advisors, private wealth advisors, donor-advised fund teams, family office advisors, and impact investing professionals who help high-net-worth households determine where charitable and mission-aligned capital can do meaningful work.

The campaign's message is direct: Appalachia has housing solutions ready to scale, and Fahe has the network, CDFI capacity, and local Member reach to help deploy capital where it can make a lasting difference.

Digital placements will drive audiences to the Housing Can't Wait Funder/Investor Resource Center, where donors, funders, and investors can learn more about the housing challenge, Fahe's regional strategy, and opportunities to support community-led solutions.

The campaign builds on Fahe's broader Housing Can't Wait initiative, a regional performance challenge to build or preserve 60,000 homes and impact one million people across Appalachia by 2030.

"Housing Can't Wait helps donors and investors understand why housing is economic infrastructure in Appalachia," said Fahe President Sara Morgan. "It connects the case for investment with real examples of community-led solutions, a regional network ready to move capital into implementation, and Fahe's CDFI and intermediary capacity. For partners looking for measurable rural impact, this is a practical pathway to engage."

With this national campaign, Fahe is expanding visibility for Housing Can't Wait among philanthropic and investment audiences positioned to help close rural housing gaps and strengthen Appalachian communities.

ABOUT FAHE:

Fahe unites people, organizations, and resources to build homes, strengthen communities, and create a thriving Appalachia. Since 1980, Fahe and its Members have invested nearly $5 billion, improving life for more than one million people through housing and community development. Fahe is leading a regional performance challenge with our 50+ Member organizations to double housing production across Appalachia by 2030.

Learn more at https://fahe.org/ and https://www.housingcantwait.org/.

RELATED LINKS:
https://www.housingcantwait.org/funder-investor-resource-center/

News Source: Fahe

Related link: https://fahe.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/fahe-launches-national-digital-campaign-to-attract-donors-and-investors-to-housing-cant-wait/

SEATTLE, Wash., May 15, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Friday Harbor, an AI pre-underwriting platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time, is the first mortgage technology provider to receive an AI governance compliance attestation from mortgage banking and financial services law firm Brody Gapp LLP.

The attestation follows a formal compliance review of Friday Harbor's platform, which uses AI to analyze borrower documents, appraisal files and product guidelines to calculate qualifying income, identify potential issues and guide resolution paths before loans reach underwriting. Brody Gapp's review included analysis of fair lending applicability, adverse action considerations, model governance, vendor risk management, data governance, internal controls and examination readiness.

As lenders rapidly adopt artificial intelligence across the origination process, many are still developing frameworks to evaluate how these tools fit within existing compliance, risk management and vendor oversight expectations. Brody Gapp's attestation introduces a new approach for governing AI-driven mortgage technologies as these capabilities become increasingly embedded across mortgage platforms and workflows.

"AI is being deployed across the mortgage lifecycle faster than most institutions can evaluate it," said James Brody, founder and managing partner of Brody Gapp LLP. "Our goal is to help lenders and technology providers establish stronger governance, documentation and compliance readiness as these tools become more widely adopted."

For lenders, the attestation provides an additional layer of assurance when assessing AI vendors. For Friday Harbor, it reinforces the company's position as an early leader in applying AI to improve loan quality and operational efficiency while supporting compliant lending practices. The attestation is expected to serve as a model for future AI governance reviews across the mortgage industry.

"Lenders don't just need innovation. They need confidence that the technology they're adopting will stand up to regulatory scrutiny," said Theo Ellis, founder and CEO of Friday Harbor. "Being first to complete this process gives our customers a clear signal that Friday Harbor is built with that standard in mind."

About Friday Harbor

Friday Harbor is an AI pre-underwriting platform that helps lenders identify and resolve potential issues earlier in the origination process. By analyzing borrower documents, appraisals and income calculations against investor guidelines and lender overlays, the platform helps teams deliver cleaner files, achieve fewer underwriting touches and improve individual productivity. For more information, visit https://fridayharbor.ai/.

About Brody Gapp LLP

Brody Gapp LLP is a national law firm serving mortgage banks, credit unions, servicers, brokers and financial services companies. The firm provides legal and compliance counsel across mortgage regulation, litigation, risk management, audit response, licensing and corporate governance. Founded by attorneys James Brody, Ron Gapp and Ashley Jumpp, Brody Gapp LLP combines deep industry experience with a practical, business-focused approach to helping clients navigate an evolving regulatory landscape. For more information, visit www.brodygapp.com.

News Source: Friday Harbor

Related link: https://fridayharbor.ai/

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/friday-harbor-becomes-first-mortgage-technology-provider-to-receive-ai-governance-compliance-attestation-from-brody-gapp/

JONESBORO, Ga., May 15, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Samba Recovery Atlanta today announced it will officially open its Jonesboro facility to patients on May 18, 2026, expanding access to medically supervised detox and structured residential addiction treatment in Clayton County. Local leaders and community members previously gathered on April 13, 2026, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house to mark the completion of the facility.

The opening arrives at a critical juncture for the south Atlanta region. According to recent public health data and Southern Regional Medical Center's Community Health Needs Assessment, Clayton County faces unique vulnerabilities that compound substance use disorders:

* OVERDOSE RATES: A statewide opioid continuum-of-care assessment placed Clayton County among the top 15 Georgia counties for total opioid overdose deaths in 2022.

* AT-RISK POPULATIONS: The county currently ranks 47th among Georgia counties for nonmedical drug use and 46th for mental distress.

* THE TREATMENT GAP: Compounded by above-average unemployment and high rates of underinsured residents, local options for the immersive residential treatment required for severe addiction have been very limited, often forcing families to travel long distances for immediate help.

"On behalf of Clayton County, I'm proud to welcome Samba Recovery Atlanta to our community," said Clayton County Commissioner DeMont Davis. "The need for compassionate, high-quality treatment has never been greater, and this facility represents exactly the kind of resource Clayton County needs. Samba Recovery Atlanta will give individuals and families a place to find support, healing, and hope close to home."

The project also represents a physical revitalization of the community. Samba Recovery transformed a formerly distressed, bankrupt property into a modern healing environment, an investment that has also created local jobs.

"Our mission is to transform lives through compassionate, evidence-based care, restoring hope, health, and connection for individuals and families impacted by addiction and mental health," said Josh Bamberger, CEO of Samba Recovery. "We cherish the partnerships we have formed here. Let's make today the start of something extraordinary as we work toward the common goal of lasting recovery."

ABOUT SAMBA RECOVERY ATLANTA

Located in Jonesboro, Georgia, Samba Recovery Atlanta provides compassionate, evidence-based addiction treatment for the greater south Atlanta area. Part of the broader Samba Recovery network, the facility offers medically supervised detox, residential care, and ongoing recovery support designed to help clients rebuild their lives with dignity, structure, and hope.

For more information, visit: https://sambarecovery.com/ and https://sambarecovery.com/addiction-treatment-programs-georgia/inpatient-rehab-atlanta/

News Source: Samba Recovery

Related link: https://sambarecovery.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/new-residential-facility-opens-in-clayton-county-bringing-much-needed-addiction-treatment-access-to-south-atlanta/

ADDISON, Texas, May 15, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Click n' Close, a multi-state mortgage lender, announced strategic engagement of Christy Soukhamneut and Launch Point Advisory Group to support the expansion of its Whole Loan Trading division. The move is part of a broader initiative to grow Click n' Close's secondary market presence and offer whole loan trading opportunities across its government and specialty loan programs.

Click n' Close has built a secondary market platform supported by direct relationships with Ginnie Mae and private investors, in-house servicing and a diversified product mix that includes FHA, VA, USDA, One-Time Close construction and Section 184 loans. The Whole Loan Trading expansion is designed to deepen those capabilities, broaden the company's institutional and correspondent investor network and create more consistent execution options for its partners.

"Growing our Whole Loan Trading business is an important component to the future growth of Click n' Close," said Ian Kimball, president of Click n' Close. "We have the loan programs, the investor relationships and the operational infrastructure to support meaningful volume. This engagement is about putting the right expertise in place to accelerate that growth and make Click n' Close a go-to whole loan trading partner in the government market."

Soukhamneut will work directly with Click n' Close's leadership team to drive the whole loan trading initiative, focusing on expanding correspondent relationships, identifying whole loan execution opportunities across CNC's product mix and developing the infrastructure needed to scale volume. Launch Point Advisory Group will support the broader strategic effort by bringing additional resources and secondary-market expertise to the engagement.

"Click n' Close has the right pieces in place to build a strong whole loan trading business," Soukhamneut said. "The product breadth, investor access and operational foundation are there. The opportunity is in connecting those assets with the right buyers and creating a consistent, scalable execution process. That's where I'm focused."

Soukhamneut brings nearly three decades of mortgage banking experience. She has held senior leadership roles at Flagstar Bank, Texas Capital Bank, Certainty Home Loans and Bank of America and has provided advisory and board-level service to STRATMOR Group, Freddie Mac, Voxtur and TRAiNED. Most recently, she served as chief lending officer at University Federal Credit Union, overseeing the institution's entire lending operation. Recognized as a thought leader in correspondent lending and secondary market strategy, Soukhamneut currently serves on the board of directors of the Mortgage Bankers Association of Texas and has previously served on Freddie Mac's Board of Advisors.

Correspondent lenders and secondary market partners interested in whole loan trading opportunities with Click n' Close are encouraged to connect with Christy Soukhamneut at Christy@clicknclose.com or their Click n' Close Correspondent Account Executive at clicknclosecorrespondent.com/about.

About Click n' Close, Inc.

Click n' Close, Inc. is a multi-state mortgage lender serving consumers and originators through its wholesale, correspondent and retail channels. The company is an industry leader in proprietary down payment assistance (DPA) programs and a recognized leader in One-Time Close construction lending across conventional, FHA, VA, USDA and Section 184 programs. Through its 1st Tribal Lending division-the nation's largest originator and servicer of Section 184 home loans for Native Americans-Click n' Close extends its commitment to expanding homeownership opportunities nationwide.

In operation since 1959, Click n' Close has remained at the forefront of mortgage innovation, pioneering the adoption of eClosings and eNotes. Backed by a strong financial foundation, Click n' Close has the balance sheet and warehouse capacity to support and scale its specialized loan programs, providing consistent access to capital and reliable execution for its partners. By maintaining direct relationships with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae and private investors and servicing its loan programs in-house, the company delivers dependable liquidity, loan salability and an enhanced borrower experience.

Learn more at https://clicknclose.com.

News Source: Click n' Close Inc.

Related link: https://www.clicknclose.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/click-n-close-expands-whole-loan-trading-division-with-engagement-of-christy-soukhamneut-and-launch-point-advisory-group/

SEATTLE, Wash., May 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- NewFed Mortgage Corp., a full-service residential mortgage lender operating across more than 20 states, today announced the companywide rollout of Friday Harbor's AI pre-underwriting platform following a successful pilot program that demonstrated measurable gains in fulfillment productivity and underwriting throughput. Since implementing Friday Harbor, NewFed processors handle 36% more files per month while underwriters review 35% more loans. Those productivity gains enabled the company to fund nearly $170 million more in loan volume in 2025 than in 2024 without expanding its fulfillment team.

"Removing low-value, repetitive work is what allows people to focus on the decisions that actually matter," said Rob Jewett, chief operating officer at NewFed Mortgage. "I have seen so much technology in this industry, and to me, this is the single best piece of tech I've ever worked with."

Friday Harbor reviews loan files as they're being built, catching missing documentation and income discrepancies before they become underwriting conditions. By applying investor requirements and lender-specific overlays during file assembly rather than at the underwriting desk, the platform helps teams correct issues when they're still manageable instead of costly.

"When Rob and I first met, he was looking to grow NewFed's capacity for a predicted increase in volume without over-hiring or draining his people," said Friday Harbor Founder and CEO Theo Ellis. "Friday Harbor removes the burden of sit-and-stare tasks by flagging potential issues, so teams can focus on the work that actually requires judgment instead of just hunting for missing documents."

The operational impact has extended across multiple areas of NewFed's business. Application-to-funded cycle times compressed from 32 days to 26 days. Funded-to-purchase timelines dropped from 23 days to 18 days, moving capital off the balance sheet faster after closing. Friday Harbor has also proven valuable for training, helping new processors learn from actual loan files rather than relying solely on classroom scenarios.

NewFed uses Friday Harbor through its integration with the Encompass(r) loan origination system from ICE Mortgage Technology, allowing loan data, documents and conditions to remain synchronized throughout the origination process. As an early design partner, NewFed worked closely with Friday Harbor to help shape the platform around real-world fulfillment workflows, operational realities and production-scale lending environments. That collaboration helped Friday Harbor refine how the platform surfaces underwriting issues earlier, supports fulfillment staff productivity and fits into existing lender operations without disrupting established processes.

To learn more about how NewFed and Friday Harbor are working together, download the case study: https://fridayharbor.ai/fh-newfed-case-study-2026-02-25.pdf

About Friday Harbor

Friday Harbor is an AI-powered platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time. The company combines deep fintech expertise with cutting-edge artificial intelligence to remove complexity, slash origination costs and deliver a better borrower experience. For more information, visit https://fridayharbor.ai/.

News Source: Friday Harbor

Related link: https://fridayharbor.ai/

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/newfed-mortgage-leverages-friday-harbor-to-boost-fulfillment-productivity-by-35/

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

UPSHOT League games will reach fans through a combination of live local broadcasts, delayed broadcasts, national distribution, and worldwide streaming access.

--- COVERAGE HIGHLIGHTS ---

100% Game Coverage

Every UPSHOT League game will be available live globally via the official UPSHOT League YouTube Channel.

Fans worldwide will have free digital access to every regular season game

NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION

A 15-game national schedule will air on Scripps' new FAST channel platform, providing additional national visibility and accessibility for fans and advertisers.

LOCAL TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION

UPSHOT League games will air across multiple over-the-air broadcast partners in key regional markets, including in the four UPSHOT local markets and other select Scripps local television markets.

Coverage includes live home and away games, delayed broadcasts, and in-market television partnerships.

--- BY THE NUMBERS ---

LOCAL MARKET REACH

* The 4 UPSHOT regional media markets, plus potentially several Scripps local markets.

* Multiple broadcast station partners across Sinclair, Bahakel, Graham Media Group and Scripps.

* Extensive over-the-air television accessibility

LOCAL MARKET COVERAGE DETAILS

:: CHARLOTTE COVERAGE
WCCB (Channel 18)
* 34 total games carried
* 24 live broadcasts
* 10 delayed broadcasts
* Exclusive in-market broadcaster status

:: GREENSBORO COVERAGE
WMYV (Channel 48)
* 7 live broadcasts
* Includes home opener coverage

:: JACKSONVILLE COVERAGE
WXJT (Channel 4) & WCWJ (Channel 17)
* 9 scheduled broadcasts
* Home opener live
* Additional live away game coverage

:: SAVANNAH COVERAGE
WJCL (Channel 22) & WRDW (Channel 22.2)
* 4 regional broadcasts
* Combination of live and delayed coverage
* Key summer showcase dates included

EXPANDING VISIBILITY FOR WOMEN'S SPORTS

By combining global free streaming access, over-the-air television distribution, and Scripps Sports Network FAST channel national exposure, the league is creating multiple entry points for fans to engage with teams, players, and communities throughout the inaugural season.

The distribution strategy also provides significant opportunities for sponsors, advertisers, and community partners seeking to align with the continued growth of women's sports and emerging women's professional basketball platforms.

COMMISSIONER STATEMENT

"The UPSHOT League is entering the national women's sports conversation with a bold media strategy that delivers unmatched accessibility, visibility, and reach. Fueled by global live streaming, national FAST channel exposure through Scripps Sports Network, and a powerful network of local broadcast partners, UPSHOT is not simply joining the women's sports movement, it is positioning itself as a major new platform built to elevate women's basketball on a national and global stage."

2026 DISTRIBUTION SNAPSHOT

2026 Distribution Snapshot	Coverage
YouTube Global Streaming	Every game live worldwide
Scripps Sports Network FAST Channel	15-game national schedule
Local OTA Broadcast Markets	Charlotte, Greensboro, Jacksonville, Savannah, and potentially several other Scripps local TV markets
Total Regional Broadcast Inventory	50+ local television windows
Distribution Model	Local + National + Global

The FUTURE is UP.

Learn more at: 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-expansive-multi-platform-media-distribution-for-inaugural-2026-basketball-season/

NEW YORK, N.Y., May 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Gutscheine7 (Gutscheine7.de), a Germany-focused coupon platform, today highlighted how its service helps U.S. travelers save money while shopping in Germany by providing access to localized discounts, real-time promotions, and easy-to-navigate deal listings. As international travel continues to rebound, American tourists are increasingly looking for practical ways to manage spending in unfamiliar retail environments.

Gutscheine7 aggregates a wide range of offers from German retailers and brands, covering categories such as fashion, electronics, home goods, and pharmacy products. Unlike the U.S., where promo codes are dominant, Germany's discount landscape often includes direct price reductions, seasonal sales, and store-specific promotions. The platform organizes these offers into a clear and structured format, allowing U.S. visitors to quickly understand and take advantage of local deal types without confusion.

Before making a purchase, travelers can use Gutscheine7 to browse current offers by brand or category, helping them compare options and identify the best available savings. The platform is continuously updated to reflect the latest promotions, reducing the likelihood of encountering expired or invalid discounts at checkout. This focus on usability and accuracy helps eliminate the trial-and-error experience that often comes with using coupons in a foreign market.

Gutscheine7 is designed with simplicity in mind, featuring a streamlined interface and intuitive navigation that make it accessible even for first-time users. Whether shopping online or visiting physical stores, U.S. travelers can quickly find relevant deals and make more informed purchasing decisions during their trip.

"Our goal is to make local savings accessible to everyone, regardless of where they are from," said Lukas Schneider, Head of International Growth at Gutscheine7. "For U.S. travelers visiting Germany, understanding how discounts work locally can be a challenge. Gutscheine7 helps bridge that gap by providing clear, up-to-date, and practical savings information."

As cross-border travel and shopping continue to grow, platforms that simplify access to local deals are becoming increasingly valuable. Gutscheine7's focus on German market expertise positions it as a useful tool for international visitors looking to maximize value during their stay.

Learn more at: https://www.gutscheine7.de/

News Source: Gutscheine7

Related link: https://www.gutscheine7.de/

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/gutscheine7-announces-launch-of-germany-travel-savings-platform-to-enhance-experience-for-u-s-visitors/

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Neurotech Reports today announced that Thomas Stieglitz, Ph.D., a globally recognized expert in neural engineering and implantable neurotechnology, will keynote the Second Annual Neurotech Leaders Forum imec, taking place June 23-24, 2026, in Leuven, Belgium.

The Neurotech Leaders Forum brings together senior executives, investors, researchers, clinicians, and technology developers working at the forefront of neurotechnology, bioelectronic medicine, and brain-computer interface innovation. The event serves as a platform for examining emerging technologies, commercialization trends, investment activity, and the evolving direction of the neurotech industry across Europe and internationally.

"Dr. Thomas Stieglitz represents the kind of visionary leadership that continues to drive the neurotechnology field forward," said James Cavuoto, editor and publisher of Neurotech Reports. "His perspective on the convergence of engineering, neuroscience, and clinical application will provide tremendous value for attendees from across the neurotech ecosystem."

"Advances in neural interfaces and bioelectronic medicine are creating entirely new possibilities for treating neurological disorders and restoring function," said Dr. Stieglitz. "I am honored to participate in this year's Neurotech Leaders Forum imec and contribute to the conversation about the future of neurotechnology."

Dr. Stieglitz is widely recognized for his contributions to neural interface technologies and implantable systems aimed at restoring and modulating nervous system function. Throughout his career, he has combined academic leadership with entrepreneurial innovation, co-founding companies focused on neural implants and neuromodulation therapies. He has authored more than 200 scientific journal articles, contributed extensively to conference literature, and is named on dozens of patents spanning neurotechnology and biomedical engineering.

Launched in 2025, the Neurotech Leaders Forum imec has quickly become a key meeting point for neurotechnology executives, researchers, and investors from across Europe and North America. The 2026 Forum will bring together leaders in neurostimulation, brain-computer technologies, implantable devices, AI-enabled neurotechnology, and investment at imec, one of Europe's leading research and innovation centers.

Additional information and registration details are available at: https://www.neurotechreports.com/pages/leadersforum-europe.html

More information about imec is available at: https://www.imec-int.com/

ABOUT NEUROTECH REPORTS

Neurotech Reports, part of Cambridge Innovation Institute, is a leading source of market research, industry analysis, and business news covering neurotechnology, neuromodulation, and bioelectronic medicine. Through its publications and executive conferences, the company provides insights into emerging technologies, commercial trends, and investment activity shaping the global neurotech industry. Learn more: https://www.neurotechreports.com/

News Source: Neurotech Reports

Related link: https://www.neurotechreports.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/neurotech-reports-announces-thomas-stieglitz-ph-d-as-keynote-speaker-for-the-second-annual-neurotech-leaders-forum-imec/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/