Newsroom

Official news releases and announcements from organizations worldwide, distributed by EZ Newswire.

October 22, 2026 9:42 AM
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LONDON, United Kingdom

London Gold Centre Launches Gold Price Calculator to Help Consumers Check the Value of Their Gold

LONDON, United Kingdom, October 22, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- London Gold Centre has launched a new online gold price calculator designed to help consumers check the current value of their gold using live market-linked prices. The new calculator allows users to enter the weight of their gold and select its purity to receive an instant estimate based on the latest gold price per gram.

Available through the London Gold Centre website, the tool covers gold from 9-carat through to 24-carat and is designed to help people researching the value of jewellery, scrap gold, coins, and bars before deciding whether to sell. The calculator uses live market data, with prices updating regularly as the gold market moves. Users can also view gold prices in different currencies and compare the value of different gold purities. The tool is intended to provide a straightforward starting point for people who may be unsure how much their gold is worth.

Gold value can vary depending on purity and weight. For example, 9-carat gold contains 37.5 per cent pure gold, compared with 75 per cent for 18-carat and 99.9 per cent for 24-carat gold. The company's new gold price per gram page also provides guidance on hallmarks, carat, weight, and how the market price of gold is converted from a troy ounce into a price per gram.

London Gold Centre said the calculator provides an estimate rather than a guaranteed final valuation, with final prices confirmed following testing and verification. The company, which has operated in the precious metals trade since 2001, is based at 5 Hatton Garden in London and buys and sells gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.

“Gold prices can move quickly, and many people simply don't know what their jewellery, coins or bullion may be worth," said Mohamed Aliya at London Gold Centre. "We wanted to make that information easier to access, so the new calculator gives people a straightforward way to check the indicative value of their gold based on its weight and purity. The calculator is designed to be a useful first step for anyone considering selling, buying, or simply understanding the value of gold they already own, before going on to get a professional valuation."

The calculator is part of London Gold Centre's wider online service, which allows customers to research precious metal prices, sell gold, and buy bullion. A separate online shop provides access to gold bars, gold coins, and other precious metals, with prices linked to live market movements.

The London Gold Centre gold price calculator is now available online.

About London Gold Centre

London Gold Centre is a Hatton Garden precious metals dealer that has been in the trade since 2001. Based at 5 Hatton Garden, London, the company buys and sells gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, alongside providing bullion and precious metals services. For more information, visit londongoldcentre.co.uk.

Disclaimer

The gold price calculator provides indicative estimates based on prevailing spot market prices and does not constitute a binding financial valuation, legal appraisal, or guaranteed purchase offer. Final valuation and offer prices are subject to physical inspection, testing, and verification. Precious metal prices fluctuate continuously and historical performance or live spot estimates are not guarantees of future trade values.

Media Contact

londongoldcentre@gmail.com

October 22, 2026 9:11 AM
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กทม, Thailand

CodeCoin Launches the World's First "Licensed Stablecoin + Quantum Encryption" Visa Consumer Card During the IMF Annual Meetings

กทม, Thailand, October 22, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- As the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank are held in Bangkok, this year's meetings, themed "Empowering People, Building Resilience," have focused in side events and policy dialogues on a multi-track path for future forms of money — the long-term coexistence of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), stablecoins, tokenized bank deposits, and traditional bank money. The key lies in interconnectivity, reducing cross-border settlement frictions, and building trust.

Against this backdrop, CodeCoin co-hosted a side event with the Reinventing Bretton Woods Committee (RBWC), BRICS Thailand, and the Centre for Business Technology & Innovation (CBIT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Representatives from financial regulators, international banking institutions, and the Web3 ecosystem gathered to discuss how licensed stablecoins can serve as auditable, spendable, and neutral clearing rails that truly connect to global merchant networks, responding to the Annual Meetings' core discussions on multi-rail interoperability and trust infrastructure.

In his keynote address, Benny Wong, founder and CEO of CodeCoin, emphasized that real payment services rest on a foundation of trust built on multi-jurisdiction licensing, fund segregation, and auditability. CodeCoin is committed to building neutral clearing rails that connect global and emerging markets, integrating licensed stablecoin rails into the global Visa merchant network to provide an auditable and spendable path for cross-border settlement and everyday consumption. Global stablecoin annual transaction volume has surpassed US$72.5 trillion. With regulatory frameworks now fully implemented across more than 40 jurisdictions — including the United States, Hong Kong, and the EU's MiCA — and surging demand from 1.3 billion unbanked people worldwide and AI agent payment needs, licensed stablecoins are entering a critical window of opportunity. Compliant on-chain infrastructure will become a core driver of AI agents and the future of digital finance.

Artificial intelligence was the most prominent cross-cutting theme of this year's Annual Meetings. AI was framed as both a "double-edged sword" and a major growth engine, with discussions covering AI agents, structural impacts on labor markets, and how practical AI applications can benefit more people. AI agents require programmable, real-time settleable, and auditable monetary rails — licensed stablecoins combined with real-time Visa settlement provide the underlying payment infrastructure for the agent economy. Two roundtable forums were held at the event. One focused on "How Blockchain Can Support the Agent Economy," and the other on "Sovereign Digital Currency Selection and Settlement Ecosystem Trends." Participants explored the practical value of stablecoins in payment efficiency, liquidity provision, and reducing intermediary costs, especially in cross-border and corporate transactions. Guests and attendees engaged in constructive dialogue on the coexistence of multiple forms of money, regulatory clarity, interoperability, and points of trust. CodeCoin also prepared a product launch in parallel with the roundtables, closing the loop between policy discussion and implementable solutions.

In addition, CodeCoin and the Centre for Business Technology & Innovation (CBIT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University jointly released the "Southeast Asia Fintech Policy Green Paper." The Green Paper systematically maps the regulatory landscape and strategic pathways for value capture across ASEAN, offering decision-making reference for the industry in an environment where regulatory lag and innovation opportunities coexist, and further deepening dialogue between academia and industry.

This year's Annual Meetings repeatedly emphasized resilience, buffers, trust, and fraud prevention. CodeCoin has always regarded security and compliance as the prerequisite for scaling digital finance. CodeCoin has built a multi-jurisdiction licensed operating system, officially holds a stablecoin issuer license from the AIFC in Kazakhstan, and is steadily advancing the compliant issuance of its self-developed stablecoin CUSD. License coverage in major global markets is already in place. The underlying technical architecture incorporates quantum encryption as a long-term security supplement, building post-quantum defenses for digital asset storage, settlement, and cross-border transmission.

On the product side, the newly launched CodeCoin Visa card enables users to top up and settle in real time with CUSD (compatible with USDC) directly in the app, bind Apple Pay and Google Pay with one click, and spend seamlessly online and at tens of millions of Visa-accepting merchants worldwide. This effectively connects the stablecoin rail to the world's largest merchant network, validating the feasibility of licensed stablecoins as everyday payment infrastructure. The launch event also introduced a triple cardholder benefits package, including a gift package worth up to US$1,000, up to 8% cashback on prepaid spending, and monthly lucky draws.

At the event, CodeCoin announced a Visa card technology integration partnership with fintech company Dune Fintech, enabling partners to rapidly gain the ability to deliver digital assets into global payment use cases. CodeCoin also signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Tiger Brokers and Dragon Rise Group to deepen cooperation on compliant digital asset clearing, crypto-asset-backed lending, and the connection between traditional finance and the Web3 ecosystem.

This launch marks a new stage in the practical implementation of the "licensed stablecoin + compliant clearing + Visa global payments" pathway, offering a tangible paradigm for the global Web3 payment ecosystem and financial inclusion. CodeCoin will continue to act as an industry practitioner and participant in the discussion, working with all parties to build bridges rather than barriers, and to enable digital assets to truly serve the real economy and inclusive finance.

About CodeCoin

CodeCoin is a Hong Kong-based global blockchain payment hub dedicated to building compliant, stable, and efficient multi-currency payment infrastructure for digital assets and global business settlement. For more information, visit codecoinx.com, and follow on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

Disclaimer

This content is a press release provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Mention of third-party organizations, including the IMF, World Bank, or Visa, does not imply official endorsement or formal partnership unless explicitly stated by those institutions. Digital assets and stablecoin products carry financial risks. Readers should conduct independent due diligence and review applicable local regulations before engaging with any crypto-asset services or promotional reward programs.

Media Contact

emmanueluzan@codecoin.hk

October 22, 2026 9:02 AM
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LONDON, United Kingdom

Sends CEO Alona Shevtsova Moderates Women in Business Lunch at Payments Leaders’ Summit in London

LONDON, United Kingdom, October 22, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Sends, a UK-based fintech company providing payment solutions for individuals and businesses, participated in the Payments Leaders’ Summit UK, held on Oct. 20–21 in London. As part of the event, Sends CEO Alona Shevtsova moderated the Women in Business Lunch, bringing together female leaders from across the financial services, technology, and business sectors to discuss leadership, career development and the future of women in the industry.

The discussion took place on Oct. 20 at the InterContinental London Park Lane and featured Maggie Bazemore, Systems Director at Mr & Mrs Smith, and Beatrice Andreea Sava, Senior Strategy Consultant at Edgar, Dunn & Company.

Moderated by Alona Shevtsova, the conversation explored the personal and professional experiences that shape leadership journeys, the importance of mentorship and professional networks, and the opportunities available to women building careers in traditionally male-dominated industries.

A central theme of the discussion was the evolving role of women in finance and technology. While female representation has progressed in recent years, the participants explored the challenges that remain, particularly in senior leadership and technical positions, and the changes needed to create more inclusive career opportunities.

"Leadership is not simply about reaching a certain position. It is about taking responsibility, creating opportunities for others and building an environment where people can grow. Discussions like this are important because they allow us to share real experiences, learn from one another and encourage more women to take an active role in shaping the future of financial services," said Alona Shevtsova, CEO of Sends.

Building on its participation in London, Sends plans to continue its collaboration with the Payments Leaders’ Summit organisers at their upcoming event in Dubai in February 2027. The company sees the Middle East as an important market for developing industry relationships and exploring new opportunities for international cooperation.

Sends continues to strengthen its position in the international payments industry. In October 2026, the company announced cooperation with UnionPay International to develop both card issuing and acquiring capabilities. The initiative aims to expand international payment opportunities for Sends customers while helping merchants reach a broader global audience, particularly across markets connected to Asia.

Alongside its international expansion initiatives, Sends remains focused on making financial services more accessible to small and medium-sized businesses in the UK. The company recently introduced a special autumn offer allowing eligible businesses opening a GBP Business Payment Account to add an EUR or USD account without an additional account-opening fee.

Related announcements:

About Sends

Sends is a UK-based fintech company offering digital financial services for individuals and businesses. Its solutions include personal and business payment accounts, international transfers, foreign exchange, payment cards, and merchant payment services. Through continuous product development and strategic partnerships, Sends aims to simplify everyday financial operations and support businesses operating across international markets. For more information, visit sends.co.

Disclaimer

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or professional advice, nor an offer or solicitation of any financial services or products. Product availability, terms, and promotion conditions (including the autumn business account fee waiver) are subject to eligibility, account opening criteria, and applicable terms and conditions. Sends is a trading name of Smartflow Payments (Company No. 11070048, registered in England and Wales). Certain statements in this press release regarding future plans, market expansion, international partnerships, or events (including proposed participation in future summits) constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and projections and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and changes in circumstances that could cause actual results or timelines to differ materially. Sends undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

Media Contact

Anastasiia Pervushyna
Marketing Department, Sends
contact@sends.co
+44 1273 004434

October 22, 2026 8:00 AM
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HOUSTON, TX

Inception Fertility Announces 40 Abstracts Accepted for Presentation at the 2026 ASRM Scientific Congress

HOUSTON, TX, October 22, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Inception Fertility™ (Inception), the largest provider of comprehensive fertility products and services in North America, announced today that 40 abstracts from its clinical network, The Prelude Network® (Prelude), have been accepted by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) to be presented at the 2026 ASRM Scientific Congress, taking place Oct. 24–28, 2026, in Baltimore, Maryland.

ASRM is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of reproductive medicine. Its annual Scientific Congress is a gathering of multi-disciplinary professionals who share the latest scientific breakthroughs and discoveries in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. 

"Research and innovation are at the heart of advancing fertility care and expanding what's possible for patients and families," said TJ Farnsworth, founder and CEO of Inception Fertility, the parent company of Prelude. "We’re proud to see 40 abstracts from across The Prelude Network recognized for presentation at this year's ASRM Scientific Congress, reflecting the dedication and expertise of our physicians and researchers. Their work continues to deepen our understanding of infertility and explore new approaches to improving treatment and outcomes for patients."

Physicians from across Prelude's global network, including NYU Langone Fertility Center, Reproductive Medicine Group, IVFMD, and Pacific Fertility Center will present findings that explore some of the field's most timely and complex questions, including age-related infertility, the impact of stress on IVF, LGBTQ+ family building, euploid embryos, oncofertility, and genetic testing.  

"Meaningful progress in reproductive medicine depends on research that advances our understanding of infertility and translates scientific discovery into better care for patients," said Dr. Jamie Grifo, Program Director at NYU Langone Fertility Center and Chief Executive Physician at Inception Fertility. "The breadth of research being presented by physicians across The Prelude Network reflects our collective commitment to advancing the field and addressing some of the most important challenges facing patients today. I'm proud of our colleagues for their contributions and look forward to the important conversations these studies will generate."

For media attending the 2026 ASRM Scientific Congress who would like to connect on-site with Prelude physicians to further discuss their abstracts, or for media interested in reporting in any one of these studies, please contact Mia Humphreys at MHumphreys@kruppagency.com. 

About Inception Fertility

Inception Fertility™ (Inception) is a family of fertility brands committed to helping patients build their own families. Built by patients for patients, Inception's purpose is to achieve the highest bar in experience, science, and medicine in an effort to enhance each patient's experience and achieve better outcomes.   

Inception's medical experts are leading pioneers in fertility care. Our doctors are some of the first to use breakthrough assisted reproductive technologies (ART) — including in vitro fertilization (IVF), preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), and fertility preservation services — and they continue to lead the industry by building on these technologies by through development, research, and thought leadership.  

Through its growing family of national organizations — which includes The Prelude Network®, the fastest-growing network of fertility clinics and largest provider of comprehensive fertility services in North America; MyEggBank®, one of the largest frozen donor egg banks in North America; BUNDL Fertility™, a multi-cycle fertility service bundling program; HavenCryo™, a long-term reproductive preservation and storage solution provider and NutraBloom®, a premium lifestyle brand with expertly formulated supplements to support individuals' health and wellness goals for preconception — Inception is working to deliver on its promise to push the envelope of what is possible for exceeding patient expectations.  

About The Prelude Network

The Prelude Network® (Prelude), the fastest-growing network of fertility clinics and largest provider of comprehensive fertility services in North America, is the clinic network of Inception Fertility™, a family of fertility brands that touches every part of the fertility journey, including diagnostics and treatment to financial accessibility.  

Each clinic, as part of Prelude, is committed to delivering the highest level of personalized fertility care by the nation's leading reproductive endocrinologists, embryologists, and practitioners by focusing on an excellence in science, medicine, and the patient experience.  The growing Prelude Network has more than 90 total locations nationwide, offering a wide range of fertility services including egg freezing, IVF, genetic testing, LGBTQ+ fertility options, and egg/embryo storage, among others.   

Those clinics within Prelude include Aspire Fertility Austin (Texas); Aspire Fertility Dallas (Texas); Aspire Fertility San Antonio (Texas); Aspire Fertility Houston (Texas); Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago (Illinois); Center for Reproductive Medicine (Florida); Indiana Fertility Institute (Indiana); IVFMD (Florida); Main Line Fertility (Pennsylvania); NYU Langone Fertility Center (New York); NYU Langone RSNY (New York); Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (Canada); Pacific Fertility Center (California); Regional Fertility Program (Canada); Reproductive Biology Associates (Georgia); Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey (New Jersey); Tennessee Fertility Institute (Tennessee), and The Reproductive Medicine Group (Florida).  

Media Contact

mhumphreys@kruppagency.com
+1 239-297-6592

October 21, 2026 10:44 PM
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BEIJING, China

Nobel Laureates Join China's Brain-Health Conversation: Michael Levitt and May-Britt Moser

BEIJING, China, October 21, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Michael Levitt and May-Britt Moser represent two distinct paths of scientific discovery. One traveled from Stanford to Beijing; the other joined remotely from Trondheim, Norway. On Oct. 20, the two Nobel laureates participated in different ways in a brain-science symposium and global new-product launch hosted by Chinese brand SynasWell.

Levitt, a recipient of the 2013 Nobel Prize in Chemistry and a pioneer in computational biology, uses computational models to explore complex molecular systems. Moser, a recipient of the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine and co-discoverer of grid cells, has helped explain how the brain knows where it is. Their research may appear far apart, yet it converges on a shared question: How does the brain manage energy, and how does that relate to its function?

That question became part of a brain-health conversation in China. On Oct. 20 in Beijing, "Dialogue with Nobel Laureates: Brain Science Innovation Symposium and SynasWell Global New Product Launch" brought their perspectives together. From molecular mechanisms to the intricate activity of neural circuits, a question relevant to everyday life emerged: How can scientific understanding of the brain become more closely connected with the way people live?

Levitt approaches the subject through computational biology. The multiscale modeling methods he helped develop enable researchers to combine descriptions at different scales to investigate molecular processes in complex chemical systems.

Moser approaches it through neuroscience. In 2005, she and Edvard Moser discovered grid cells: neurons that activate at multiple locations as an animal moves through its environment, with their firing locations forming a regular hexagonal grid. The discovery revealed a crucial component of the brain's spatial positioning system and helped make the "brain's internal GPS" a familiar scientific concept.

One path moves from computation toward biology; the other, from neural circuits toward cognition. In this discussion, they converged on the brain's energy metabolism and the maintenance of its function. A key molecule at that intersection was beta acid, or D3HB.

Beta acid, scientifically known as D-β-hydroxybutyric acid (D3HB/D-BHB), is an endogenous ketone body produced by the liver. It can cross the blood-brain barrier and provide the brain with an alternative energy source when glucose availability is limited. Beyond its role in energy supply, research has identified signaling properties involving histone modifications and the regulation of neuroinflammation.

Moser’s research offers important clues relevant to this field. The entorhinal cortex, where grid cells are found, is among the brain regions affected earliest in Alzheimer’s disease. Grid-cell dysfunction can precede cell death, suggesting that opportunities for intervention may arise much earlier.

D3HB has been studied for more than a century, but bringing ketone-based approaches into widespread everyday use has presented challenges. Traditional ketogenic diets can be difficult to sustain. Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) supplements produce relatively limited increases in blood ketones, while ketone salts and esters each have their own limitations.

"Science needs industry partners who can move quickly," said Moser. The remark helps explain the rationale for dialogue with industry: scientific discoveries need the capacity for translation if they are to move beyond papers and into people's lives.

SynasWell's scientific team has sought to address these challenges through sustained work in synthetic biology. Using a biosynthetic production pathway, the team has achieved manufacturing at the thousand-ton scale, advancing laboratory research toward affordable consumer products. The aim is to make high-purity exogenous beta acid accessible to more people in a form they can understand, afford, and incorporate into their routines.

Across decades in computational biology, Levitt has pursued a related challenge: how to make complex biological systems understandable, amenable to modeling, and open to intervention. When molecular-level research meets SynasWell’s exploration of beta acid products, a distinctive opportunity emerges for brain health: scientific understanding and everyday care can, for the first time, advance together on the same timeline.

As Nobel laureates engage with China’s brain-health sector, Levitt and Moser’s choice to join the conversation brings the country’s emerging industry into the Nobel spotlight. It marks a milestone in China’s move from catching up to competing alongside international peers in brain science.

About SynasWell

SynasWell was founded in Macao by Beta International and built on the synthetic-biology platform of its parent company, MedPHA. It turns the body's own endogenous molecule — beta acid — into an everyday brain nutrition anyone can enjoy.

Disclaimer

Statements made regarding SynasWell products, exogenous beta acid (D3HB/D-BHB), and related synthetic biology formulations have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), or other international regulatory health authorities. SynasWell products are intended solely as dietary, nutritional, and wellness supplements to support general body and brain energy metabolism.

This press release and the products described herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease, including Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other neurodegenerative or cognitive disorders. The inclusion of academic research findings and commentary by Nobel Laureates is for informational and scientific educational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement, clinical recommendation, or medical claim. Consumers should consult a qualified physician or healthcare professional before incorporating new dietary supplements into their health routines.

Media Contact

beta@medpha.cn

October 21, 2026 9:42 PM
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LAS VEGAS, NV

The Happy Camper Secures $2.5 Million to Advance RV Technology Platform

LAS VEGAS, NV, October 21, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- The Happy Camper announced that it has raised $2.5 million in seed funding to advance its RV technology platform, expand its customer care capabilities, and strengthen its national service network.

RV ownership should be about enjoying the journey, not navigating complicated service requests, disconnected support systems or uncertainty about where to turn when something goes wrong. Yet for many RV owners, manufacturers, and dealers, coordinating everything from roadside assistance to warranty and service needs remains a challenge.

The Happy Camper is working to make that experience easier through connected services, intelligent automation, and accessible customer care.

Backed by experienced leaders across the RV, insurance, and financial services industries, this investment represents an important step toward making RV ownership and support more connected, efficient, and accessible, the company said.

Behind every RV ownership experience is a network of manufacturers, dealers, service providers, warranty administrators, insurance companies, and other partners. Although each plays an important role, the systems connecting them don’t always communicate effectively. For RV owners, that can mean multiple phone calls, uncertainty about who handles a particular issue, or unnecessary delays in getting help. For manufacturers and dealers, disconnected workflows can make it harder to deliver timely support and maintain strong customer relationships.

The Happy Camper is addressing these challenges by bringing technology, customer care, and service coordination together into a more connected experience.

Rather than requiring owners to navigate separate systems and service providers independently, the platform is designed to help businesses coordinate the resources needed to resolve customer issues.

Strategic Investment in RV Technology and Infrastructure

The $2.5 million investment will accelerate development of the technology and services that support its growing network of RV manufacturers, dealers, and owners.

The platform combines AI-powered tools, software, 24/7 human customer care, and a national service network to simplify how ownership-related needs are managed.

Key solutions include:

  • Care Center: Centralizes customer care resources and helps businesses provide more accessible support throughout RV ownership
  • Smart Roadside: Helps coordinate roadside assistance and connect RV owners with support when unexpected issues arise
  • WheelAI: Uses artificial intelligence to help streamline customer interactions, automate workflows and improve access to relevant information and assistance
  • F&I Assist: Supports financial and protection product experiences, helping businesses and customers navigate important ownership services
  • WheelOS: Provides a connected technology layer to help businesses manage customer interactions, service coordination and operational workflows

Together, the solutions are designed to reduce friction between the many people, businesses, and services involved in RV ownership, the company said. The investment will also support continued engineering and product development, deeper integrations with manufacturers and dealers, and expansion of its North American service-provider network.

The company said it is proud to work with recognized recreation brands including Winnebago, Brinkley RV, Lance Camper, and Pebble as it continues developing solutions for the industry.

About The Happy Camper

The Happy Camper is building the infrastructure behind the recreation ownership experience. Its agentic platform combines AI, software, human care and a nationwide service network to help manufacturers, dealers and owners navigate customer care, roadside assistance, service, protection and other critical moments throughout the ownership journey. For more information, visit thehappycamper.com.

Media Contact

The Happy Camper
press@thehappycamper.com

October 21, 2026 9:31 PM
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TORONTO, Canada

Kaskade Enters a New Creative Era With ORIGIN // and First Concept-Driven Tour in Nearly a Decade

TORONTO, Canada, October 21, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Kaskade is exploring a new creative chapter with ORIGIN //, released on Sept. 25, 2026, and a headline tour now underway. The album brings together a younger generation of producers across electronic music genres, while the tour translates that collaborative spirit into an immersive live production.

ORIGIN //, a project first unveiled during Kaskade’s historic return to Coachella earlier this year, features a cast of collaborators from across electronic music, spanning techno, trance, and dubstep. Blending melodic house and heavier bass-driven sounds, the project brings together artists such as BUNT., Crankdat, GLOCKENBACH, Kaitlin Aragon, Layton Giordani, Natalie Jane, Wooli, and more. Across the 12-track album, the collaborations showcase artists with unique backgrounds and creative approaches to electronic music.

Despite more than 30 years in the industry, Kaskade continues to approach music as a student. Working with a younger generation of producers gives him opportunities to challenge his creative instincts and explore sounds beyond his established style. That willingness to learn through collaboration shapes ORIGIN //, with each partnership bringing a different perspective to the project.

According to Kaskade’s team, ORIGIN // has surpassed 22.5 million combined Spotify streams across its 12 tracks. “Meet Again” with Layton Giordani and Natalie Jane accounts for more than 7.4 million streams, followed by “Comes Back Around” with BUNT. at more than 7.3 million and “A Little Bit” with Crankdat at more than 2.9 million. These totals include streams accumulated by singles before the album’s release.

ORIGIN // features previously released singles that showcase the project’s range. “Meet Again,” featuring Layton Giordani and Natalie Jane, became the official anthem of EDC Las Vegas 2026 and reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Dance Airplay chart, marking Kaskade’s seventh career No. 1 on the chart.

The album’s other tracks include “Comes Back Around” with BUNT., “A Little Bit” with Crankdat, “Runaway” with GLOCKENBACH and Kaitlin Aragon, and most recently “Hear Me Now” with Wooli and MAXINE.

The release follows a landmark year of creative experimentation for Kaskade. In December 2025, he released his album undux, which emphasized introspective songwriting and emotional storytelling. While that project looked inward, ORIGIN // explores new directions through creative exchange with other artists. He debuted the ORIGIN // live concept four months after undux, introducing the collaborative project that would become his latest album.

From Coachella to the ORIGIN // Tour

Kaskade’s solo appearance at Coachella 2026 was his first in more than a decade, and he performed the closing set at the Sahara Stage across both festival weekends. His performances introduced the reimagined ORIGIN // live experience, featuring nine unreleased tracks, custom visuals, large-scale production, and appearances from collaborators. His return came 11 years after his 2015 Coachella performance, which attracted more than 90,000 attendees. 

Launched Sept. 3 at Pacha NYC, the ORIGIN // Tour is Kaskade’s first full-scale concept-driven headline run in nearly a decade. Tour stops have included New York, Santa Monica, and Miami. The tour continues with performances in Toronto, Chicago, and Austin.

Upcoming ORIGIN // Tour Dates:

  • Oct. 31: Rebel — Toronto, Canada
  • Nov. 6: Radius — Chicago
  • Nov. 20: The Concourse Project (Outdoors) — Austin, Texas

Ticket information and additional details are available at kaskadeorigin.com.

Kaskade has delivered more than 5,000 performances in 75 countries. He became the first-ever in-game DJ at the Super Bowl, performing for more than 123 million viewers. Other career milestones include becoming the first starting-grid DJ at Formula 1 Miami, the first electronic artist to headline Coachella, and the first solo electronic artist to headline SoFi Stadium. With ORIGIN //, he continues to explore new sounds through cross-genre collaborations and an expanded live production. 

About Kaskade

With a career spanning three decades, Kaskade, born Ryan Raddon, has become an influential figure in electronic music. An eight-time GRAMMY-nominated DJ and producer, he has continued to evolve as an artist and performer. He founded the independent record label Arkade in 2014 to create space for new artists and projects. For more information, visit kaskademusic.com and follow Kaskade on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Spotify.

October 21, 2026 7:09 PM
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL

Wojo Media's 'Scale Your Ads' Reaches 110 Events Across North America and the U.K.

DAYTONA BEACH, FL, October 21, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Jason Wojo, founder of digital advertising agency Wojo Media, reached a milestone for his business-development initiative, Scale Your Ads, which has now hosted 110 events across more than 25 cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom as of October 2026. Designed to challenge the traditional agency-first approach, the program teaches business owners to resolve operational problems before allocating capital toward advertising agencies.

What began three years ago as a series of free educational events has developed into a traveling business-development program, with tickets ranging from $47 to $197 in 2026.

The premise is straightforward: when an advertising campaign fails to produce the expected results, the advertising itself may not be the problem.

For Wojo, whose agency ranked No. 1,248 on the 2024 Inc. 5000, that distinction is central to how businesses should approach growth.

Why More Advertising Isn't Always the Answer

Wojo believes the traditional relationship between business owners and marketing agencies can create unrealistic expectations. Companies often hire external marketers expecting increased advertising activity to produce immediate growth, without first determining whether their own operations can support it.

In his view, effective advertising requires much more than compelling creative or a well-managed campaign.

A company might generate hundreds of qualified inquiries but lack the sales processes to convert them. Another might have a strong offer but struggle with hiring, leadership or the systems required to deliver its services as demand increases.

Spending more on advertising in either situation can expose those weaknesses rather than solve them.

"Ads will reveal the next constraint," Wojo explained. "It isn't always a marketing problem. Sometimes it's the offer, the sales process, the people or the systems behind the business."

This perspective has become a defining feature of Scale Your Ads, which teaches owners to examine their businesses before deciding whether greater advertising investment or additional outside support is appropriate.

Inside the 12-Stage Scale Your Ads Framework

Rather than positioning the events exclusively as paid advertising seminars, Wojo has structured Scale Your Ads around a 12-stage business-development framework.

Participants work through customized materials designed to identify constraints across six core areas: offers, marketing, sales, people, systems, and leadership.

The workshops address customer acquisition alongside conversion rates, sales performance, operational capacity, and other factors that influence whether a company can sustain growth.

For Wojo, the goal is to help entrepreneurs better understand the financial and operational mechanics of their businesses so they can make informed decisions about scaling.

He also challenges the assumption that outsourcing marketing should be an early priority for every growing company.

Wojo points to approximately $250,000 in monthly revenue as a benchmark at which businesses may begin developing the foundational hiring and operational systems necessary to support larger-scale outsourcing. He emphasizes that readiness ultimately depends on the company's circumstances rather than revenue alone.

The broader message is that business owners should understand their own growth constraints before expecting an outside agency to resolve them.

A Business That Needed Better Sales Systems, Not Another Agency

One example Wojo points to is Marzia, a business owner whose company was generating approximately $80,000 in monthly revenue while struggling with internal sales performance and plans to expand its team.

According to Wojo, Marzia initially considered bringing in additional marketing support. His team instead identified problems in the company's sales systems and appointment show rates that were limiting its ability to turn existing interest into revenue.

Addressing those constraints changed the order of operations.

Rather than immediately increasing advertising spending or relying on a new marketing agency, Marzia worked on improving the processes supporting customer acquisition and conversion.

Wojo reports that her business subsequently grew to approximately $215,000 in monthly revenue without engaging an additional marketing agency.

The example reflects the principle behind Scale Your Ads: increasing demand is most useful when the business can successfully manage and convert that demand. Individual business results vary, and the reported figures represent one client's experience rather than a guaranteed outcome.

An Agency Founder Questioning the Agency-First Approach

There is an apparent contradiction in Wojo's position. He owns a marketing agency while teaching business owners that hiring one may not be their immediate solution.

For him, the distinction is intentional.

Through Wojo Media, he has built a business around advertising strategy, customer acquisition and conversion optimization. The company reports having managed more than $34 million in advertising spend and supported over $145 million in client-attributed online sales.

That experience has also exposed Wojo to businesses that attempt to solve operational problems by spending more on marketing.

Scale Your Ads represents his effort to address those challenges through education and direct business-development work, rather than exclusively through agency services.

After three years and 110 reported events, the program's expansion reflects continued interest in a broader approach to growth, one that treats advertising as part of a functioning business rather than a substitute for one.

Wojo's position is that entrepreneurs become more capable of scaling when they understand the relationship between their marketing investments and the systems responsible for converting that investment into revenue.

And for the agency industry, his message is equally clear: sustainable client growth requires understanding the business behind the advertisement.

About Wojo Media

Founded in 2018, Wojo Media is a digital advertising and customer-acquisition company based in Daytona Beach, Florida. The company specializes in paid advertising, offer development, conversion optimization, and sales systems. Wojo Media ranked No. 1,248 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies. For more information, visit thewojomedia.com.

About Scale Your Ads

Founded by Jason Wojo, Scale Your Ads is an in-person business-development and advertising education program designed to help entrepreneurs identify growth constraints, strengthen customer-acquisition systems, and prepare their businesses for scaling. The program operates through live events and workshops across North America and other international markets. For more information, visit scaleyouradslive.com.

Media Contact

jason@thewojomedia.com

October 21, 2026 11:37 AM
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LONDON, United Kingdom

Complaix Launches Founding Pilot Cohort for Operational AI Governance to Address the Execution Gap

LONDON, United Kingdom, October 21, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Complaix announced the launch of its Founding Pilot Cohort and Early-Access Waitlist for organisations seeking a practical way to make operational AI governance part of everyday business operations.

AI adoption is accelerating across business functions. Yet governance can remain fragmented: one function may own policy, another technical controls, and another the business process. The result can be unclear ownership, disconnected decisions, and evidence that is difficult to locate when leaders need it.

Complaix addresses the operational AI governance execution gap: the space between AI policy, technical controls and the day-to-day business decisions that require clear ownership, practical controls and usable evidence. It provides a practical operating layer that helps organisations connect selected AI uses to named owners, accountable decisions, appropriate controls, and usable evidence.

Rather than replacing model governance, security, legal, privacy, risk or compliance disciplines, Complaix helps responsible teams work from a clearer shared operating record. The approach is business- and sector-agnostic, helping organisations make responsibility visible, coordinate human review and manage AI use as it develops.

The Complaix Founding Pilot Cohort is a bounded 14-calendar-day Proof of Value for up to five separately selected organisations. It is designed to help teams work through selected AI uses, named owners, governance decisions, risk and control prompts, and the evidence needed for human review. It is not certification, legal advice, a compliance guarantee, automated monitoring or a promise of a complete organisation-wide AI inventory.

“AI governance has to become part of how the business operates, not a disconnected exercise after adoption,” said Lucas Daidimos, Founder and CEO of Complaix. “Our aim is to make the essential operating questions easier to answer: what AI is being used, who owns it, what has been decided, what controls matter and what evidence supports review.”

Every organisation that applies first joins the Complaix Early-Access Waitlist. Complaix separately reviews applications for pilot fit. An application is an expression of interest only. It does not create an account, client workspace, pilot place, payment obligation, agreement, editing right or data-connection authority.

The selected Founding Pilot Cohort proposal is £1,250 plus applicable VAT for the 14-calendar-day scoped Proof of Value. No payment is required to apply. Where an eligible selected organisation later signs a separate continuation agreement, the following two weeks may be included without an additional pilot fee, followed by 15% off the first full month of the selected Complaix plan. Other eligible Early-Access Waitlist applicants will be considered for 20% off their first signed month, subject to separately agreed plan eligibility and terms.

Organisations can apply to the Early-Access Waitlist and express interest in the Founding Pilot Cohort at complaix.io/pilot-cohort.

About Complaix

Complaix Ltd is a UK-registered company building practical operational AI governance. COAGS® Methodology is the Complaix Operational AI Governance Standard. For more information, visit complaix.io.

Media Contact

Lucas Daidimos
Founder & CEO, Complaix
lucas@complaix.io

October 21, 2026 9:44 AM
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NEW YORK, NY

Yelophant Named Official Partner of the New York Knicks

NEW YORK, NY, October 21, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Yelophant, a modern frozen food brand bringing athlete-level nutritional standards into everyday foods for families, today was named an official partner and the official pre-packaged, ready-to-heat Asian breakfast product of the New York Knicks as part of a new partnership with Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (NYSE: MSGS).

The international partnership marks the first major partnership leveraging international marketing rights between the Knicks and a Chinese-based company, underlined by a unique week-long, first-of-its-kind community activation Presented by Yelophant to take place in China this Fall titled “Fuel the Future Week.” The week will aim to encourage and grow youth sports participation through programming and youth-based events inclusive of Knicks alumni appearances, a local basketball court refurbishment, and a Knicks game viewing party, transporting the energy of the Knicks to even more fans around the world.

The partnership reflects the growing importance of community-driven sports programming in China, particularly among younger fans and families. Together, Yelophant and the Knicks will use basketball, wellness, and shared cultural moments to build stronger connections with local communities, while creating new ways for fans to engage with the team beyond game day.

Additionally, at Madison Square Garden, Yelophant will be integrated at Knicks home games including through digital basket stanchion signage, select concourse activations, egress samplings, and curated menu integration across select hospitality spaces during select games.Through these opportunities, Yelophant will interact directly with guests at The Garden, introducing Knicks fans to a variety of Yelophant food samplings. Yelophant will also become the Presenting Partner of the Knicks Lunar New Year Theme Night, with brand inclusion across several elements of the occasion.

"This partnership with Yelophant marks a major milestone for the partnerships family at Madison Square Garden Sports," said Doug Jossem, Executive Vice President Global Sports and Entertainment Partnerships, MSG Entertainment. "Bringing the Knicks brand internationally to China this season, and Yelophant internationally to the United States and New York, will be invaluable for both brands in not only expanding awareness and introducing product to untapped audiences, but also providing new opportunities for existing ones."

"We’re honored to partner with the New York Knicks," said Roy Wang, founder of Yelophant. "For us, this partnership is really about the next generation and helping more young people and families live healthier, more active lives.We’re excited to bring the energy of Knicks basketball to more families and young people in China, and at the same time introduce Yelophant and Asian breakfast to more people at Madison Square Garden and beyond. As Yelophant grows in the U.S., we want to make good food that fits naturally into people’s everyday lives. Food and basketball are very different, but they both bring people together. That’s what makes this partnership meaningful to us."

About Yelophant

Yelophant is a next-generation nutrition brand bringing athlete-level nutritional standards into everyday foods for families. Founded in China in 2020 and expanded to the United States in 2025, Yelophant combines nutritional science with culinary innovation to create convenient, great-tasting foods designed for modern lifestyles, beginning with family breakfast. Yelophant has built a strong consumer following in China and is expanding in the United States through regional retail, e-commerce, and strategic partnerships. The brand is also an official sponsor and product provider of China’s National U16-U17 Men’s Basketball Team and U18 Ice Hockey Team, reflecting its long-term commitment to nutrition, sports, and the development of the next generation.

Guided by the belief that better nutrition should be part of everyday life, Yelophant is working to make high-quality nutrition more accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages, while building a trusted global brand for the next generation. More information is available at yelophant.com.

Media Contact

info@yelophant.com

October 21, 2026 4:00 AM
EDT
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LIMASSOL, Cyprus

New Documentary Traces José Mourinho’s Rise to the Top of World Football

LIMASSOL, Cyprus, October 21, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- GR8 TECH, an international iGaming technology provider, today announced the release of a new documentary, "Luck OFF. Preparation ON." produced in partnership with football manager José Mourinho, offering audiences an inside look at the mindset, methods, and experiences behind his rise to the top of world football.

Known around the world as “The Special One,” Mourinho has been described as a genius, a provocateur, and, at times, a lucky man. The documentary examines that final label by asking: how much of his extraordinary rise can truly be attributed to luck?

Beginning with Mourinho’s early years as a physical education teacher in Lisbon, the film follows his journey from an unexpected opportunity translating for Bobby Robson to working at Sporting CP, Porto, and Barcelona. It then charts his emergence as a head coach at Benfica and União de Leiria, his European breakthrough with Porto, and the moment he announced himself to English football at Chelsea.

Rather than presenting Mourinho’s achievements as a sequence of fortunate events, the documentary reveals the preparation behind each opportunity. Years of observation, tactical study, and experience allowed him to make the most of the chances that came his way and to create new ones for himself.

"There is a big dose of unpredictability in football, and as a coach I always try to reduce that unpredictability as much as possible," Mourinho says in the documentary.

From preparing for every possible match scenario to developing players capable of making decisions under pressure, Mourinho describes football as a system built through daily work.

“I’m not really a big fan of using the word ‘luck,’” he says. “I also think that many times there is a tendency to hide — not behind the word, but behind the feeling.”

The film also returns to the moments commonly remembered as lucky breaks, including Porto’s late equalizer against Manchester United at Old Trafford. While the world saw Mourinho sprinting down the touchline, the documentary looks at the decade of preparation that made the moment possible.

Mourinho challenges the idea that success and failure should be explained through fortune, pointing to his difficult history with penalty shootouts.

"I have missed and lost penalty shootouts in European finals, European semifinals, and cup finals. My record is awful, but I never looked at it as good luck or bad luck," he says. "My players were not strong enough for the occasion. Even the biggest players, on the biggest occasions, are human, and sometimes they collapse. We did. The other team didn’t. They deserved it more. So I never look at it in terms of luck."

At the heart of the documentary is Mourinho’s belief that every position prepares a person for the next one. His years beside leading coaches prepared him to become a manager; his first managerial roles prepared him for Porto; and his success in Portugal prepared him for the biggest jobs in England, Italy, and, ultimately, Spain.

The documentary offers a portrait of a manager who refuses to hide behind chance, whether he wins or loses. It’s the story of how knowledge, discipline, and preparation helped turn a teacher and translator into the man who would call himself “The Special One.”

The cameras are pointed at José Mourinho. Not out of luck.

About GR8_TECH

GR8 TECH is an international B2B provider of high-performance technology solutions for the iGaming industry. Built on decades of operational expertise, GR8 TECH offers scalable, custom-built platforms and CRM systems designed to drive operator growth and player engagement globally. For more information, visit gr8.tech.

Media Contact

GR8 TECH
INFO@GR8.TECH

October 20, 2026 3:22 PM
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LONDON, United Kingdom

Soft2Bet Recognised Across Technology, Operations, and Customer Experience at The European Global Business Awards 2026

LONDON, United Kingdom, October 20, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- At The European Global Business Awards 2026, Soft2Bet, a leading B2B provider of tech solutions, claimed three awards that highlight our commitment to advanced platform technology, seamless global operations, dedicated technical support, and cutting-edge gamification.

As technological innovation and comprehensive platform infrastructure continue to drive the evolution of the global entertainment industry, the seamless integration of advanced software and engaging user experiences has become essential for sustainable business growth. In recognition of its contributions to these technological advancements, Soft2Bet has received three awards at The European Global Business Awards 2026.

These categories reflect a vision that stretches far beyond conventional boundaries. Rather than operating within the confines of a single sector, Soft2Bet integrates tailored user experiences, global tech infrastructure, and casual gaming mechanics into a unified digital entertainment ecosystem. Soft2Bet's entertainment application and core platform thrive on cross-industry innovation. By bringing external technological advancements inward, Soft2Bet does not just support brands, it redefines the entire user experience, transforming everyday digital interactions into seamless entertainment journeys on a global scale.

Soft2Bet received the following three awards:

  • Global Excellence in Gamification Player Engagement 2026, recognising its gamification solution, MEGA, and Soft2Bet’s work on player journeys across all entertainment verticals
  • Outstanding Global Operations Customer Support 2026, highlighting the operational and support teams working with brands across multiple markets
  • Best iGaming Platform Technology Innovation 2026, recognising Soft2Bet’s B2B platform and in-house technology for all entertainment verticals

Reflecting on the awards, Ohad Straschnov, Vice President of Compliance at Soft2Bet, commented, "For Soft2Bet, this recognition proves that true innovation happens when you step outside conventional industry boundaries. Our core mission is to elevate the digital entertainment landscape by building experiences that have never been seen before. To achieve this, we are consistently drawing in the brightest minds, the strongest global partners, and the most advanced cross-industry technologies. This cross-pollination of ideas is what allows us to set entirely new standards in engagement, platform architecture, and operational excellence."

Charles Isitt, CEO of The European, added, "Soft2Bet is setting a new benchmark for the global entertainment sector. Their ability to deliver a flawless user journey through advanced gamification, backed by world-class platform technology and dedicated customer support, made them the clear choice for these awards. We are proud to recognize their outstanding contribution to the digital ecosystem.The European Global Business Awards 2026 reflect Soft2Bet’s continued work across product, technology and service delivery. For brands entering new markets or moving from older systems, Soft2Bet brings together its turnkey platform, MEGA integration, native app delivery and customer support teams. The company remains focused on product control, localisation and long-term engagement across iGaming."

About Soft2Bet

Soft2Bet is a leading provider of turnkey technology solutions, delivering high-quality software products and services for digital enterprises. The company is known for its MEGA, which is proven to enhance user retention and engagement. Soft2Bet has successfully powered numerous digital platforms and holds 23 regulatory licenses globally.

Media Contact

Soft2Bet Press Office
press.office@soft2bet.com

October 20, 2026 1:02 PM
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BARRINGTON HILLS, IL

Gateway for Cancer Research Celebrates 35 Years of Hope and Innovation at 2026 Cures Gala

BARRINGTON HILLS, IL, October 20, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Gateway for Cancer Research, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming cancer care, hosted its 35th Annual Cures Gala on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at a private residence in Barrington Hills, Illinois. Hosted by Gateway Founder and Chairman Richard J Stephenson and Vice-Chair Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson, the milestone event brought together philanthropists, researchers, advocates, and special guests for an evening celebrating the power of cancer research.

In celebration of its 35th anniversary, Gateway set a goal of raising $3.5 million and achieved it, helping advance promising Phase I and Phase II clinical trials and supporting the development of new cancer treatments.

The evening featured a lineup of entertainment, including Hugh Jackman, David Foster, Daniel Emmet, Loren Allred, Lee Greenwood, and Sydnie Christmas. Foster served as both emcee and musical director, leading an evening that celebrated Gateway’s 35-year commitment to funding clinical trials and expanding treatment possibilities for patients worldwide.

All ticket sales, sponsorships, and donations from the Cures Gala directly support Gateway’s mission, with an angel donor covering 100% of the evening’s expenses.

About Gateway for Cancer Research

Since its founding in 1991, Gateway for Cancer Research has raised more than $135 million and impacted more than 30,000 patients worldwide. The organization funds early-phase clinical trials that explore promising new approaches to cancer treatment, helping bring hopeful, life-changing therapies closer to the patients who need them most. Thanks to generous underwriting, 99 cents of every dollar received by Gateway directly funds Phase I and Phase II cancer clinical trials at leading research institutions across the country and abroad. For more information or to get involved, visit GatewayCR.org, follow Gateway for Cancer Research on Facebook at facebook.com/GatewayCancerResearch, on X at @GatewayforCR, and on Instagram at @GatewayforCR. Join the conversation using #BeAGateway.

Media Contact

rstewart@kruppagency.com

kcaputo@kruppagency.com

October 20, 2026 12:19 PM
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Terraton Issues First Carbon Removal Credits from Agricultural Waste, Signs Agreements with Climeworks Solutions, Climate Impact Partners, Carbonfuture, CUR8, and Terraset

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, October 20, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Terraton, a full-stack biochar platform for agribusiness operators, has issued its first carbon removal credits and signed agreements covering up to 97,240 tonnes of carbon removal purchase agreements with Climeworks Solutions, Climate Impact Partners, Carbonfuture, CUR8, and Terraset. These agreements include committed purchases, reserved volumes, and marketing rights. The company has also secured $1.5 million in debt financing from HSBC Ventures to build several new facilities.

The credits come from EcoFix Kenya, a nut processor in Nanyuki, Kenya, and were issued by Isometric just over a year after breaking ground on the project. Terraton made its final investment decision on EcoFix in August 2025, began producing biochar in May 2026, and received its first credits in October 2026. The EcoFix facility runs on nut shells already collected through its processing operation, and the biochar line required no change to the core business. The biochar produced by the facility is a key ingredient in high-quality compost, which is needed by farmers in light of massive disruption to fertilizer and fuel supply chains. The biochar also directly counters soil acidification by raising pH, a critical fix for depleted tropical soils throughout the region.

Terraton designed and financed the facility, and installed the equipment and sensors. Terraton’s smart facility management software collected and sent production data to Offstream’s dMRV platform, which ran accounting and quality checks before submitting thousands of data files to Isometric.

David Armstrong, Partnerships Manager at Isometric, said: “This is a major milestone for the Terraton and EcoFix Kenya teams: their first certificates backed by independent verification. It’s a testament to the work that goes into developing a high-quality carbon removal project, and marks the start of regular issuances. We’re looking forward to working with Terraton on their second project, Tupande.”

By standardizing financing, design, equipment, operating procedures, and data collection from the EcoFix site, Terraton plans to reduce the development timeline for its next sites to ten months. The company’s next facility, built with Tupande, One Acre Fund's Kenyan brand, is already being commissioned in Sagana, Kenya. Terraton has signed an additional 28 MOUs for future facilities, with more than 30 additional sites moving through the development pipeline across Africa, South America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Each will be built to the same facility design as EcoFix.

"The facility at EcoFix went from investment decision to issued credits in fourteen months, all while we were still building our software, structuring our credits, and learning the ins and outs of our equipment. Our next sites start with all of that experience in place, positioning us to deliver facilities and credits faster," said Kevin Gibbs, CEO of Terraton.

Climeworks Solutions signed an offtake agreement with Terraton covering 2,000 tonnes of committed purchases from EcoFix, with a further 14,000 tonnes reserved from future production across Terraton facilities.

Climate Impact Partners signed an agreement with Terraton for committed purchases from EcoFix, Terraton's second Kenya facility with Tupande by One Acre Fund, and facilities still in development.

“We see growing demand from corporate buyers for tech-based carbon removals, but scaling supply remains a major challenge,” said Chris Walters, Sourcing Manager at Climate Impact Partners. “Terraton's approach combines project development, financing, operations and carbon markets to deliver new biochar projects efficiently and at scale, which presents a valuable addition to our portfolio of carbon removal projects.”

Terraton has also expanded its relationship with nonprofit climate fund Terraset through a new seven-year offtake covering up to 14,000 tonnes of carbon removal from future Terraton facilities with annual purchase volumes confirmed in advance. The new Terraset agreement builds on a six-figure pre-purchase announced in July 2025 and provides an additional long-term source of demand for Terraton projects still in development.

"The focus of Terraset’s revolving fund is to be truly catalytic: providing philanthropic dollars that take on the risks commercial capital can't, bring other financing to the table, and enable more solutions to deliver and scale. Terraton is a wonderful example. They've built real facilities and delivered real carbon removal since our initial funding, and we're proud to support the projects still ahead of them,” said Adam Fraser, CEO at Terraset.

Through a partnership agreement with Carbonfuture, Terraton will bring up to 32,500 tonnes of carbon removal to market through 2031 on Carbonfuture's trust infrastructure.

Terraton has also secured a purchase of 240 tonnes of carbon removal through CUR8, expanding its customer base to include a leading global consumer brand.

Terraton also secured $1.5 million in debt financing from HSBC Ventures, which will fund facility development over the next two years. Terraton is developing a $25 million pooled financing vehicle designed to support approximately 20 additional biochar facilities. Because every Terraton facility uses the same design, equipment, and reporting, the fund can underwrite facilities as a portfolio, across operators and countries.

“Scaling carbon removal from biochar projects will require financing structures that can support repeatable deployment," said Helen Wang, VP of Climate & Deep Tech at HSBC Innovation Banking. “We are pleased to have supported Terraton in arranging debt financing through HSBC Ventures to help fund the development of additional biochar facilities.”

Terraton was recently named one of the ten winners of the World Economic Forum’s UpLink Scaling Carbon Dioxide Removal Challenge, run in collaboration with the Forum’s First Movers Coalition. The recognition highlights Terraton’s approach to making biochar facilities in emerging markets bankable and scalable by combining financing, software, and project development.

About Terraton

Terraton is a full-stack biochar platform that builds standardized carbon removal facilities with agribusiness operators. Operators turn crop waste they already handle, like cocoa pod husks and nut shells, into biochar and verified carbon credits. Terraton brings financing, vetted equipment, smart facility management software, operating playbooks, and access to credit buyers, so each facility runs the same way. Terraton was founded in 2024 by entrepreneurs with exits to Salesforce and IDT Corporation and experience in global agriculture supply chains through Dandelion Chocolate. The company raised $11.5 million in seed funding co-led by Lowercarbon Capital and Gigascale Capital. Learn more at terraton.ai.

Media Contact

Patrick Mahoney
press@terraton.ai

October 20, 2026 11:36 AM
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DENVER, CO

SambaSafety Releases 2026 Telematics Report Finding Distracted Driving Is a Top Threat to Commercial Auto Profitability

DENVER, CO, October 20, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- SambaSafety, a provider of cloud-based driver risk management solutions, has released its fourth annual Telematics Report. The report finds that 82% of insurers and 84% of brokers consider distracted driving a top threat to commercial auto profitability, putting it on par with litigation and nuclear verdicts. The figure rose roughly 10 percentage points in a single year. The findings are based on survey responses from 740 fleet, broker, and insurance professionals and an analysis of more than 135 million driver behavior events.

82% of insurers and 84% of brokers name distracted driving as a significant threat to profitability.

The growing threat didn’t happen overnight. What has long been treated as a driver behavior problem addressed through legislation or driver accountability is adding pressure to an already strained commercial auto landscape.

As a business risk that’s straining profitability and making roads less safe, distracted driving is also tied to some of the largest litigation losses in commercial auto. As insurers continue searching for ways to help customers manage risks to their people and profitability, distraction has moved higher on the list of risks demanding attention.

Why Distracted Driving Concerns Are Growing

Commercial auto insurers are facing pressure to deliver sustainable coverage options while helping protect drivers on the road. SambaSafety’s telematics data shows where distracted driving risk is concentrated across commercial auto fleets.

More than 40% of distracted driving events occur between 6 a.m. and noon, a window that aligns with the start of the workday. Greater driving exposure may contribute to the pattern, along with operational pressures and communication demands.

According to the American Transportation Research Institute’s (ATRI) December 2025 report, "Trucking Litigation: A Forensic Analysis," 67% of the cases in its dataset that alleged truck driver cell phone use resulted in awards of $10 million or more with a median award of approximately $25.4 million. ATRI notes that such cases were relatively rare in the sample. For insurers already facing profitability challenges in commercial auto, distracted driving is associated with losses that can have an outsized financial impact.

The report identifies distracted driving as a leading concern for both insurers and brokers. As one of the few risks consistently ranked near the top by both groups, it reinforces that distracted driving is not just a driver safety issue, but a broader challenge in the industry's effort to reduce losses.

That concern reflects a shift in the industry’s approach to driver risk. Hobie Bond, Head of Innovation, IoT and Telematics for Construction at Zurich U.S. and a contributor to the SambaSafety report, views telematics as a way to intervene earlier.

"Telematics has changed the conversation from reacting to losses to helping prevent them," said Bond. "The most successful fleets aren’t simply collecting GPS or vehicle data; they’re using telematics to identify risk, coach drivers, and strengthen safety culture before incidents occur."

As the industry faces distracted driving as a key profitability concern, the focus is shifting from merely identifying risks to actively preventing them.

Telematics Offers a Way to Stay Ahead 

For insurers, the challenge of distracted driving isn’t just responding to claims. It’s identifying and addressing the behavior before it contributes to a claim.

One reason distracted driving has been difficult for insurers to manage is that traditional underwriting data catches it too late or not at all. Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs) capture violations and license information, and claims history confirms a loss after the fact. Both can miss signals that appear before the behavior turns into a crash or a potential lawsuit.

Camera-based telematics helps close that gap by giving insurer loss control teams added visibility into distraction-related behavior before it becomes a claim. Fleets share the same advantage. Safety teams can use the data to identify which drivers, routes, or shifts carry the highest concentration of risk, then target coaching to those drivers rather than the entire workforce.

The distinction is significant. The value of telematics isn’t simply that it produces more data. It provides visibility into behaviors that have historically been difficult to identify early and consistently, something traditional data sources can’t do.

That visibility is becoming progressively important to insurers. In SambaSafety’s report, 77% of insurers view telematics as very or extremely important to the future profitability of commercial auto insurance. But identifying risk is only part of the equation that should encourage both fleets and insurers to act on what the data reveals.

Visibility Alone Isn’t Enough

Reducing the risk of distracted driving doesn’t stop with visibility. A broader theme emerging from the report is that access to telematics data and the ability to act on that information are two different things.

Identifying distraction is the first step. The opportunity exists in how fleets, brokers, and insurers respond to the insights the data reveals about driver behavior. That may include pairing telematics insights with targeted coaching and training. Among fleets that combine telematics with training, 78% report fewer crashes or claims, according to the report. Organizations can also examine whether operating practices and workplace expectations support the safety behaviors they expect from drivers.

As distracted driving continues to climb toward the top of the industry’s list of profitability threats, insurers and brokers who treat it as an urgent and shared priority will best be positioned to keep it from reshaping loss reserves.

The organizations that benefit most won’t simply be those that identify distracted driving sooner; they’ll be those that use insights to influence driver behavior before it impacts a future loss.

About SambaSafety

SambaSafety is a recognized innovator and leading provider of cloud-based risk management solutions for over 15,000 organizations with automotive mobility exposure. Employers and insurers benefit from SambaSafety’s continuous monitoring, intuitive insights, risk reduction tools, and configurable pricing solutions. Through the collection, correlation, and analysis of federal, state, local, and telematics data sources, our flexible, end-to-end capabilities enable businesses and insurers to evaluate better and mitigate driving risk, accelerate product development, reduce crashes, and foster safer communities. For more information, visit sambasafety.com.

Media Contact

Arissa Dimond
adimond@sambasafety.com
+1 720-994-3824

October 20, 2026 11:32 AM
EDT
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LONDON, United Kingdom

Subjektiv Introduces Innovative Pricing Model to Make Art More Accessible

LONDON, United Kingdom, October 20, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Subjektiv, an art objects exchange, announced the release of five pricing models designed to make artwork valuations more transparent for everyday buyers. The initiative introduces a structured methodology for understanding art prices with particular attention to buyers entering the market at accessible price points. Subjektiv aims to provide greater insight into how artwork prices are assessed and support broader participation in art ownership. Subjektiv notes that these models are provided strictly as informational reference tools for personal collecting rather than financial or investment advice.

The release addresses a common consideration for prospective art buyers: understanding the basis of an artwork’s price. When valuation methods are difficult to interpret and mostly rely on the gallerist's perceptions or narratives, buyers may have limited information to assess whether a listed price is a fair market price. This limits trust and precludes the overall art market development. According to an internal survey of thousands of prospective buyers conducted by Subjektiv, 46% of respondents say they don't trust current art market prices, which is the main factor for them not to buy art. Subjektiv’s pricing models are intended to provide a clearer reference for evaluating prices while leaving individual artistic preferences central to purchasing decisions.

Valuation models were developed under the leadership of Subjektiv founder Kateryna Goniuk, whose professional background includes a decade of work in financial markets, including structured equity derivatives and IPOs at UBS Investment Bank. Her experience with professional valuation frameworks informs the development of a methodology for the art market. The initiative applies asset pricing models to consumer art purchases, with the aim of making valuation information more accessible to people considering an artwork for personal ownership.

The pricing framework reflects Subjektiv’s distinction between the structured assessment of an artwork and its significance to an individual buyer. The platform’s focus is on supporting art ownership as a cultural and personal activity, with pricing information serving as a practical reference for purchasing decisions. The models are intended to give buyers additional context for evaluating prices while recognizing that personal taste remains an individual and primary consideration, and that art values, just as those of any other asset class, can fluctuate with no guaranteed market outcomes.

Subjektiv’s broader ownership model also accounts for changes in artistic preferences over time. Buyers may develop new interests as they encounter different artists, materials, and styles, influencing how they relate to works they already own. The platform supports resale, allowing owners to offer previously purchased artworks to new buyers. These features connect the initial transaction with subsequent ownership and the continued circulation of artworks.

In addition to buying and resale, Subjektiv provides a platform for artwork discovery and documentation. Owners can add information about provenance, exhibitions, and related editorial coverage, creating a record of an artwork’s history. The platform also facilitates direct sales between owners and buyers they already know. These functions form part of its wider framework for managing artwork ownership beyond the initial purchase.

The announcement also relates to questions of cultural access within the art market. Art ownership can be associated with established collecting practices and particular social environments, which may influence how prospective buyers perceive their eligibility to participate. Subjektiv’s model treats ownership as an option for people with varied backgrounds and levels of experience with transparent pricing intended to provide practical information for those considering their first purchase.

Physical engagement with artworks is another aspect of the platform’s broader focus. Digital channels allow buyers to discover works and review information remotely, while ownership provides opportunities to experience artworks in personal settings. Subjektiv’s community activities extend this engagement through events as well as printed Subjektiv Magazine that bring participants together around shared cultural interests. The platform is also developing a rental option for community members, which is intended to support additional ways of engaging with artworks.

Through the release of its pricing models, Subjektiv is making its approach to artwork valuation available for public consideration. The initiative establishes a defined component of the platform’s wider ownership framework, linking pricing information with purchasing, resale, and artwork documentation. Its objective is to help everyday buyers to trust artwork prices and make more informed decisions while supporting a market in which personal appreciation and conscious ownership decisions can coexist.

About Subjektiv

Subjektiv is an art exchange platform and infrastructure provider connecting buyers, sellers, and artists to trade physical artworks with verified digital documentation. Designed to bring transparency to the art market, Subjektiv offers direct sales tools, global logistics, and digital passports that protect artwork provenance and ongoing resale royalties. To learn more, visit subjektiv.art.

Media Contact

Kateryna Goniuk
kateryna@subjektiv.art

October 20, 2026 9:30 AM
EDT
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NEW YORK, NY

Rehearsals Launches Human Behavior Bench With Google DeepMind and Kaggle to Measure How Well AI Models Understand Humanity

NEW YORK, NY, October 20, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Rehearsals, the leading platform to predict marketing outcomes by simulating AI twins of real people, launched Human Behavior Bench in partnership with Google DeepMind and Kaggle. It is the first public benchmark to determine how well an AI model is able to predict and understand human preference and action.

Looking at where AI development is headed, coding and task completion-based agents are a nearly solved problem but alignment to humanity’s values is far off. When OpenAI, Anthropic, Google and SpaceXAI launch a new model, there hasn’t been a public benchmark that determines a model's understanding of humanity, until today.

“The industry focus of 2026 in AI was agents that complete long running tasks and mastering software engineering. Our bet for 2027 and beyond is a re-focus on values and cultural alignment to humanity as AI becomes more personal. This is the reason we co-created Human Behavior Bench with Google DeepMind,” said Liam Bolling, CEO and co-founder of Rehearsals.

This initial version of the benchmark was created using Rehearsals’ human research platform to collect interviews of 1,244 U.S. adults across 750 categories with 95,000 responses and an 80% private holdout group. At a high level, the benchmark exposed that today’s state of the art AI models miss critical categories of human understanding: health, habits, decision making and values. 

Here are the raw model results

Prediction System — Distribution Agreement (0 to 100):

  • Rehearsals Engram 1.0: 94.1
  • Gemini 4 Argon: 80.6
  • GPT-5.6 Sol: 79.5
  • Claude Opus 5.5: 79.3
  • Gemini 3.8 Flash: 79.1
  • GPT-6 Astra: 79.0
  • Grok 4.6: 76.2

The gaps between the scores show the assumptions AI models make about humanity. AI models think most people are less aware, universally frugal and generally lazier than they really are. A few examples:

  • AI thinks most people over 65 don’t watch short form videos. In reality: 80% did last week.
  • AI thinks only half of 55 to 64 year olds would keep their plan after a $4 hike. In reality: 70% do.
  • AI thinks 30% of parents with toddlers do the cooking. In reality: Around 66%.
  • AI thinks 5% of older Midwest shoppers tap their phone to pay. In reality: 25%.

More results, findings and updates are available on the interactive benchmark site: Rehearsals Human Behavior Bench. The benchmark is also hosted on Kaggle so any company or individual can score their latest model.

Rehearsals Engram 1.0

Rehearsals built the Human Behavior Bench as the scorecard for Rehearsals Engram, the company’s internal model, which it is previewing today with select partners. Rehearsals Engram is a large language model that has been trained on hundreds of thousands of hours of video and audio interviews to better understand and predict observed human decision making and stated reasoning, all curated from Rehearsals’ human research platform. 

Rehearsals Engram has not been trained on any benchmark content and was trained on a separate set of human data. Rehearsals Engram 1.0 powers the predictions Rehearsals’ customers rely on to make business decisions.

What’s next

This first version of the benchmark is limited to the US and a smaller audience. The next version will include more participants, across four more countries and a broader spectrum of focus areas. Rehearsals expects the new version to launch before the end of 2026.

About Rehearsals

Rehearsals (Deep Prediction Inc.) is an AI consumer research platform that predicts marketing outcomes by simulating AI twins of real people. It is the only simulation platform with its own foundation model, Rehearsals Engram, and its own first-party human panel. Marketing, consumer insights and product teams use Rehearsals to test pricing, messaging, ad creative and product concepts in 30 minutes. Rehearsals is backed by Andreessen Horowitz Speedrun, 25madison, Plug and Play Ventures and Factorial Fund, with angel investors from OpenAI, Google DeepMind and Scale AI. For more information, visit runrehearsals.com.

Disclaimer

The Human Behavior Bench leaderboard results and performance metrics reported were conducted publicly by Rehearsals (Deep Prediction Inc.) and DeepMind using the Kaggle platform. Kaggle allows the general public to see the benchmark data. A portion of the benchmark data is public while most is private to maintain the validity of the benchmark. This release contains forward-looking statements regarding planned product changes and international expansion goals, which are subject to change. All third-party company names, brand logos, and model names, including Google DeepMind, Kaggle, OpenAI, Anthropic, and SpaceXAI, are trademarks of their respective owners, and their inclusion in this release as well as the benchmark webpage does not constitute an endorsement, affiliation, or sponsorship of Rehearsals or its products.

Media Contact

Liam Bolling
CEO, Rehearsals
liam@deepprediction.ai

October 20, 2026 9:00 AM
EDT
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SAN JOSE, CA

100% PURE Named No. 1 Clean Beauty Brand in Newsweek’s 2026 Readers’ Choiceᵀᴹ Awards for 2026

SAN JOSE, CA, October 20, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- 100% PURE®, the clean beauty brand known for fruit-pigmented makeup and skincare made with botanical ingredients, announced today that it has been named No. 1 Clean Beauty Brand in the 2026 Newsweek Readers' Choice™ Awards. 

Founded in 1999, 100% PURE was started by Susie Wang, a cosmetic chemist who patented a way to stabilize Vitamin C so it stays potent. While making products for major cosmetic companies, she found that toxic chemicals were common and claims about animal testing were often misleading. She started 100% PURE to offer an honest alternative. 

Today, the brand colors its makeup with antioxidant-rich fruit and plant pigments instead of synthetic dyes. It also bans more than 2,870 ingredients, including all PFAS ("forever chemicals"), microplastics, and silicones. Every product is developed and tested in the company's own lab and manufacturing facility, which runs on solar power and is ISO 22716 certified. That gives the brand full control over quality from formula to finished product. 

"Every ingredient we use, every label we print and every product we make in our solar-powered lab is a choice to put people and the planet first," said Ric Kostick, CEO of 100% PURE. "That this recognition comes from Newsweek's readers, the people who use our products, makes it especially meaningful. Being voted the number one clean beauty brand tells us that customers care about what goes into their makeup and skincare. And it tells us they don't believe they should have to give up performance to get it." 

The Newsweek Readers’ Choice™ Awards recognize standout businesses, brands, and experiences across a wide range of consumer categories. Nominees are selected by Newsweek editors and panelists, with readers and consumers then invited to vote for their favorites. The results determine each nominee’s final placement within its respective category.

The 2026 program highlights leading companies across numerous industries, including the Best Clean Beauty Brand category, where 100% Pure ranked first.

"Each year, the Readers’ Choiceᵀᴹ Awards celebrate the best of the best, as chosen by the people who matter most — our readers," said Newsweek Editor-in-Chief Jennifer H. Cunningham. "We’re proud to recognize those organizations that continue to raise the bar for quality, innovation, and customer experience."

About 100% PURE

100% PURE® is a clean beauty brand based in San Jose, California, and was founded in 1999. The company makes fruit-pigmented makeup, skincare, hair care and body care. Its formulas are cruelty-free, mostly vegan and list every ingredient on the label. 100% PURE develops and makes its products in its own solar-powered facility. Its ingredient standard bans more than 2,870 substances, including all PFAS and microplastics. The company's mission is to create the healthiest products possible while protecting and benefiting animals and the environment. Learn more at 100percentpure.com.

About Newsweek

Newsweek is the global digital news organization built around the iconic 93-year-old American magazine. Newsweek reaches 100 million people monthly with its thought-provoking news, opinion, images, graphics, and video delivered across a dozen print and digital platforms. Headquartered in New York City, Newsweek also publishes international editions in EMEA and Asia. For more information, visit newsweek.com.

Media Contact

Loan Su
loan.su@puritycosmetics.com

October 20, 2026 9:00 AM
EDT
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CHICAGO, IL

Laura Geller Beauty Named Official Partner of NBA's Chicago Bulls

CHICAGO, IL, October 20, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Today, Laura Geller Beauty, the color cosmetics brand known for its makeup made for mature skin, announced a new partnership with the Chicago Bulls.

This partnership signifies the joining of two passionate, highly engaged communities, providing Laura Geller Beauty a chance to connect with consumers in one of its largest U.S. markets. Through the partnership, Laura Geller Beauty will have a season-long presence in the United Center during Bulls home games. Fans will see Laura Geller Beauty’s LED branding across the arena while also having the opportunity to take part in one of their three gameday activations during the season with fan experiences, product sampling, and more.

While professional basketball has long been marketed toward men, women represent an often-overlooked part of the NBA audience, making up roughly 40% of the league's total fanbase. This diverse engagement is especially visible for iconic franchises like the Chicago Bulls, who currently hold a 49% national popularity rating and rank as the most popular basketball team among women in the United States, according to YouGov's third-quarter 2026 data. This includes mature women, the core of Laura Geller Beauty's consumer base. Since 2021, Laura Geller has specifically marketed its products to this demographic and has featured women over 40 exclusively in its marketing campaigns, website content, and social media.

"Chicago has always been one of our biggest and most enthusiastic markets, and Bulls fans have an incredible sense of passion and loyalty that reminds me so much of our own community," says Laura Geller, the brand’s founder. "Women are passionate sports fans too, and that absolutely includes women over 40. I love that this partnership gives us an opportunity to show up for them in a space where they’re already so engaged."

Off the court, Laura Geller Beauty and the Bulls will appear on each other’s digital and social media channels throughout the season. Fans can expect co-branded content with the Swingin' Seniors — the Bulls’ iconic dance team consisting exclusively of women 60 or older. The brand will also be featured in videos starring the Bulls' mascot Benny The Bull, one of the most popular mascots in professional sports with nearly 6 million followers across TikTok and Instagram. Laura Geller Beauty will also host a digital sweepstakes offering the chance to win a VIP beauty experience at a home game, with other prizes, further connecting Bulls fans with the brand throughout the season.

"As a DTC-focused brand, so much of our growth has been driven by e-commerce and performance marketing, so opportunities to connect with our customers face-to-face are especially meaningful," adds Geller. "This partnership is an exciting step into a new kind of marketing for us and allows us to broaden our horizons while creating a more personal connection with the women we serve."

About Laura Geller Beauty

New York-based makeup artist Laura Geller launched her namesake brand in 1997 with a mission of demystifying the daily makeup routine and creating transformational products that bring joy back to beauty. The brand is a pioneer in artisan-crafted baked makeup, delivering exceptional coverage and finishes for all skin types. As the brand's foolproof, easy-to-use makeup is well-known for its remarkable ability to flatter and enhance mature skin, Laura Geller Beauty has exclusively featured women over 40 since 2021. Laura Geller Beauty products are available on QVC, LauraGeller.com, Amazon, Ulta.com, Sephora.com, Macys.com, and other select retailers. For more information, visit laurageller.com.

Media Contact

Alison Brod Marketing & Communications
laurageller@abmc-us.com

October 20, 2026 7:06 AM
EDT
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ST. LOUIS, MO

Amid Growing Threats to Health Care Access and Affordability, New Research Finds Consumers and Employers Agree: Vision Coverage Helps Keep Care Affordable and Should Be Protected

ST. LOUIS, MO, October 20, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Today, the Alliance for Affordable Vision Care (AAVC) released a report based on survey findings revealing broad agreement among consumers and employers on the value of vision coverage and the importance of keeping vision care affordable and accessible.

The report, "Keeping Vision Care Within Reach," shows how vision coverage helps consumers manage costs and access needed care, while employers view it as an important benefit that supports employee health and well-being and strengthens the overall workforce benefits package. At the same time, both groups expressed concern about potential legislative changes that could increase costs or undermine the benefits people value today.

"The report shows that while consumers and employers may view vision care from different perspectives, they reach the same conclusion: Vision coverage works. It helps keep care affordable and accessible, delivers real value to families and employers, and should be preserved," said Dr. Mary Anne Murphy, AAVC spokesperson. "As an optometrist and private practice owner for more than 20 years, I have seen firsthand how critical vision coverage is to connecting patients to the eye care they need while keeping costs within reach."

Vision Coverage Delivers Value While Supporting Overall Health

Consumers point to savings and health benefits, while employers value vision coverage as a benefit that supports employee well-being and delivers strong value.

Key Findings:

  • 90% of employers are satisfied with the value of vision benefits for employees.
  • 74% of employers rate their vision coverage as a good or excellent value relative to cost.
  • Overall, covered adults report high satisfaction across a spectrum of vision benefits offerings, including coverage meeting their needs (82%) and protection from full out-of-pocket costs (77%), suggesting that vision benefits deliver on what consumers value.
  • 80% of consumers say regular eye exams are important to maintaining overall health, and 67% are aware that eye exams can detect signs of chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.

When Vision Care Costs Rise, People Seek Less Care 

The report also highlights the important role affordability plays in whether people ultimately receive needed care. Cost remains a prominent barrier, particularly for adults without vision coverage.

Key Findings:

  • 89% of consumers with coverage say affordability matters to them, and 78% say vision coverage is important to their overall financial standing.
  • 84% of consumers without coverage who experienced an unmet vision need but did not seek care say cost was the main reason or a contributing factor.
  • Adults without vision coverage are twice as likely to skip an eye exam altogether as those with coverage due to cost.

The report points to a simple truth: people do not stop needing vision care when costs rise. In many cases, they delay or go without it. When care is postponed, treatable conditions may go undetected until they become more serious, leading to worse outcomes for patients and increased health care costs.

Consumers and Employers Want Affordable Coverage Preserved

Findings demonstrate that both consumers and employers are concerned about potential legislative or public policy changes that could increase costs, reduce access, or weaken the value that vision coverage provides today.

Key Findings:

  • 74% of consumers and 83% of employers say elected officials should prioritize keeping vision care affordable for working families.
  • 60% of covered adults are concerned that policy changes could increase out-of-pocket costs or narrow provider choice.
  • 56% of employers are concerned about policy changes that could increase their organization’s vision benefit costs.

"Employers of all sizes, along with their employees and families, are looking for ways to manage rising health care costs, and vision coverage is proving its value by helping keep care affordable and within reach," said Ruben Guerra, Board Chair of the Latin Business Association and AAVC member. "Yet legislation being considered in statehouses across the country puts affordability at risk for many. The research shows that consumers and employers alike recognize the value of vision coverage and do not want changes that could drive up costs or make care harder to access."

About the Report

"Keeping Vision Care Within Reach" is based on a consumer survey conducted online among 4,027 employed adults ages 21-64 enrolled in employer-sponsored insurance. The sample included 3,027 adults with vision coverage and 1,000 without vision coverage. The employer survey was conducted online among 201 benefits decision-makers at small and medium-sized employers that offer vision coverage. The sample included 100 respondents from businesses with 2-99 employees and 101 respondents from businesses with 100-999 employees. The surveys were conducted in July and August 2026 and commissioned by the Alliance for Affordable Vision Care, of which VSP Vision is a funder. The report, "Keeping Vision Care Within Reach," is available at affordablevisioncare.org/research.

About Alliance for Affordable Vision Care

The Alliance for Affordable Vision Care (AAVC) is a national coalition of organizations representing business, healthcare, labor, civic, and community interests dedicated to protecting access to affordable vision care for all Americans. The Alliance works to ensure that patients, employers, and families can make informed choices about their eye care, have access to strong provider networks, and advance health equity through preventive vision care. 

Media Contact

Patrick George
info@affordablevisioncare.org
+1 916-202-1982