Newsroom

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

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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

October 20, 2026 3:00 AM
EDT
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Clinical Maestro Expands AI-Native Intelligence Platform With Launch of VISION Plus

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, October 20, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Clinical Maestro today announced the launch of VISION Plus, the second major release of its AI-native intelligence platform for pharmaceutical business operations, following the introduction of Source Plus in September 2026.

Building on the platform’s specialized AI architecture, proprietary pharmaceutical intelligence and differentiated data foundation, VISION Plus introduces comprehensive KPI automation, performance management and continuous vendor oversight for pharmaceutical companies and their external service providers.

Pharmaceutical companies increasingly depend on CROs and specialized providers, yet vendor performance management remains fragmented. KPIs are often collected in spreadsheets and manually assembled scorecards, while risks, audits, governance decisions and corrective actions are managed separately. VISION Plus connects these activities in one environment, integrating KPI management with vendor qualification, governance, risk, issues, audits, CAPAs and actions.

"A KPI turning red is only a signal. What matters is understanding why it changed, whether the pattern exists elsewhere, what risks or issues are connected to it, and what action followed," said Anca Copaescu, CEO of Clinical Maestro. "VISION Plus allows organizations to move beyond reporting KPIs toward understanding and governing vendor performance."

A Connected Approach to Vendor Performance

VISION Plus introduces standardized, version-controlled KPI libraries; configurable performance thresholds; automated data collection and review workflows; cross-vendor and cross-study analysis; and governance escalation capabilities. Sponsors gain greater consistency and traceability in oversight, while CROs benefit from a more structured and collaborative performance-management environment.

Maestro AI is embedded throughout these workflows, enabling users to investigate performance trends, analyze governance evidence, identify risks and generate Insight Reports, including Tier 1 Vendor Performance, CRO Category Risk Summary, Quarterly Governance Brief and Executive Vendor Health.

Expanding an AI-Native Intelligence Platform for Clinical Business Operations 

With Source Plus launched in September and now VISION Plus, Clinical Maestro is extending its AI-native intelligence architecture across the clinical outsourcing lifecycle. Built on nine years of specialized pharmaceutical business operations expertise, the platform combines proprietary AI agents, purpose-built data structures, accumulated industry knowledge, sourcing and governance methodologies, and benchmarking intelligence with customer-specific organizational data.

Unlike generic AI assistants added to traditional SaaS applications, Maestro AI is embedded directly into specialized business workflows, enabling users to interpret pharmaceutical-specific information, analyze complex relationships, identify patterns and generate actionable insights.

"Source Plus introduced our AI-native intelligence platform in September. With VISION Plus, just weeks later, we are demonstrating how that architecture extends across clinical business operations," said Paulo Carvalho, chief operating officer of Clinical Maestro. "Our differentiation is not simply AI. It is nine years of pharmaceutical expertise, specialized workflows and data intelligence, now activated through proprietary AI agents. We are building a fundamentally different kind of technology company."

About Clinical Maestro

Clinical Maestro is an AI-native intelligence technology company specializing in pharmaceutical business operations. Its platform combines proprietary AI agents, pharmaceutical expertise, specialized data intelligence and connected workflows to support clinical development planning, R&D sourcing, vendor governance and financial oversight. For more information about VISION Plus or to request a demonstration, visit clinicalmaestro.com.

Media Contact

Ema Hafner
Marketing Director
ehafner@clinicalmaestro.com

October 20, 2026 12:00 AM
EDT
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA

SILVERSIDE and Hyde Launch AtelierBench, Revealing AI Models Still Fall Short of Professional Design Standards

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, October 20, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- AI can generate an image in seconds. But can it produce work a professional designer would actually ship to a client?

AI innovation company SILVERSIDE and Hyde, an AI start up which brings model sovereignty to enterprises, have built AtelierBench, a first-of-its-kind benchmark designed to evaluate AI against the real-world judgment and workflows of professional creatives.

While most AI benchmarks score a single image against a short prompt or crowd taste, SILVERSIDE and Hyde test AI against real client briefs, expert judgment-based scoring criteria, and the multi-step workflows designers actually use. The goal is to answer a question that will become increasingly important as AI takes on a larger role in creative production: can AI meet the professional bar, rather than simply generate creative output?

"AI has gotten incredibly good at making things, but making something and knowing whether it’s good are two very different skills," said PJ Pereira, founder of SILVERSIDE. "Creative people make hundreds of decisions between receiving a brief and delivering the final work. We want to understand whether AI can learn to navigate those decisions too."

"Most AI evals are built around problems with a right answer," said Anirudh Sanga, co-founder and CEO of Hyde, "Creative work doesn't have one, and that's what makes it interesting. AtelierBench captures the judgment that separates good design work from great: can a model deliver an output, would a real design team actually ship it, and what did it cost to get there? That's a much more honest definition of 'great' at creative work, and once you can measure it, you can build models that are great at it."

AtelierBench shows professional design is far from saturated. Among the benchmark’s key findings:

  • None of the models tested meet the professional bar. Weaker models often fail to execute design workflows at all, while even the strongest models miss quality details that matter to brands. As Atelier scores across granular quality dimensions, we see that models are weakest on precision, especially text and logos and staying true to reference images. A misspelled tagline, distorted logo, or off-brand change can make an output unusable, however good the rest is.
  • Harness engineering improves performance to a degree, but after that gains plateau and costs keep rising. For instance, doubling the tool budget adds at most six percentage points of execution, and in some cases heavier setups cost more than 50% extra with no quality gain. Harnesses can actually make the strongest models worse.

For SILVERSIDE, which works with global brands to apply generative AI to commercial creative production, the benchmark addresses a practical challenge facing creative teams today. New models arrive constantly with technical scores and leaderboards, but those rankings reveal little about how well a model will perform against the realities of a professional creative brief.

For Hyde, the results reinforce the opportunities in continuous evals, model routing and post-training. Together, these can improve performance while giving enterprises more control over the models, data and IP that underpin their AI workflows.

"Ultimately, creatives don't need another score telling them how powerful a model is," Pereira added. "They need to know whether it can help them make better work."

About SILVERSIDE

SILVERSIDE is an AI innovation lab helping the world’s leading brands revolutionize their marketing ecosystems. Founded in San Francisco, SILVERSIDE brings together creative technologists, strategists and builders to combine human creativity with cutting-edge AI. The company partners with brands including Coca-Cola, Amazon, Sephora, Panasonic, BMW and others to create ambitious AI-powered content, build scalable creative systems and transform how marketing organizations work. Learn more at silverside.ai.

About Hyde

Hyde enables enterprises to transition from rented to sovereign AI. Through its training platform and forward-deployed approach, Hyde works with organizations to build private evaluations, and fine-tune and deploy specialized models using enterprise data and expertise. Models built using Hyde have outperformed the frontier on accuracy, latency and cost. Hyde is backed by Bain Capital Ventures and General Catalyst, with AI engineers from Palantir, Deepmind, and Optiver. Learn more at hyde.ai.

Media Contact

Emma Swanson
Daughter Comms
emma@daughtercomms.co
+1 716-225-1186

October 19, 2026 2:51 PM
EDT
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MODESTO, CA

Valley First Credit Union Provides Microloans Under $50,000 to Help Central Valley Small Businesses Grow

MODESTO, CA, October 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Valley First Credit Union, a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative serving more than 81,000 members across 12 counties in California’s Central Valley, provides commercial financing for local small businesses, including microloans of less than $50,000 to support smaller businesses with straightforward financing needs.

The Modesto-based credit union is certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), a U.S. Treasury Department designation for organizations that serve economically distressed communities, and is a U.S. Small Business Administration Preferred Lender. Valley First is also designated as a Juntos Avanzamos credit union, part of a national network focused on financial inclusion in Latino and immigrant communities. 

“The Central Valley is California’s best-kept secret,” said Kathryn Davis, president and CEO of Valley First Credit Union. “It’s one of the most rural parts of the state with lots of small farming communities. However, the area is growing rapidly because it’s less expensive, making it easier to do things like buy a home and raise a family. At the same time, there are not many banking options here for small businesses and low-to-moderate income consumers.”

Since 1949, Valley First has played a crucial role in the region’s economy, investing in the success of both its members and their communities. The credit union provides everyday financial products such as checking accounts, auto and home loans, and credit cards. Unlike a bank, however, any profits the credit union makes are reinvested to benefit its members.

“It’s not just about offering lower fees and better rates,” said Davis. “It’s about bringing more value into our members’ lives. As a member-owned cooperative, we’re not thinking about making more money for a few high net worth shareholders. We’re thinking about all of our members and how we can help someone who has $500 in their checking account.”

These deep community relationships have earned Valley First widespread recognition, including “Best Of” honors from readers of 209 Magazine, Modesto Bee, and other local publications. For Davis, it’s the real-life impact of these community connections that matters most.

“We’re in the people business,” said Davis. “When you wake up every morning knowing you’re going to do something that matters, it gives you a sense of purpose. We get to help our members and their communities every day.”

Growing the Central Valley Economy

The credit union’s commitment to strengthening local communities extends beyond consumer banking and into Valley First’s commercial lending efforts. The credit union provides a range of commercial banking and lending services to the region’s many small businesses.

“Business funding is important in every community, but it’s particularly needed in the Central Valley,” said Davis. “The big banks can be reluctant to extend credit to local businesses here, because they don’t see how all the pieces of these rural economies fit together. We live and work in these communities, and we understand what they need to thrive. We see the impact of these loans every day.”

About Valley First Credit Union

Valley First Credit Union is a $1.110 billion, member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative providing quality financial services to 80,000 members in the growing and diverse communities of Calaveras, Fresno, Kings, Kern, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Sacramento, Tulare, and Tuolumne Counties. With eight branches throughout the Central Valley, the credit union is committed to banking with a purpose — to better the financial lives of the people and businesses in the communities we call home. For more information, visit valleyfirstcu.org.

Media Contact

lsansen@valleyfirstcu.org

October 19, 2026 2:44 PM
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TULSA, OK

Oklahoma Central Credit Union Marks 85 Years Serving Oklahomans as Employee Volunteer Program Tops 2,600 Hours Annually

TULSA, OK, October 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Oklahoma Central Credit Union (OCCU) is marking 85 years of serving Oklahomans in 2026, continuing a community-focused approach that now includes an employee volunteer program averaging more than 2,600 hours of service annually.

Through the program, OCCU employees receive 40 paid hours to volunteer with organizations of their choosing. CEO Gina Wilson says approximately 85% to 90% of employees participate each year. The credit union also supports organizations including Children’s Miracle Network and Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma through fundraisers, donations and other outreach.

From Broken Arrow to Owasso, OCCU centers every decision on community well-being. CEO Gina Wilson believes this approach is the least she and her team can do for the people who support them.

“Our success comes from the communities we serve,” says Wilson, who served in about every position from teller to business developer before stepping into her current role in 2002. “We pay that back by improving the financial well-being of our members as well as the places they live and work. There’s nothing better than helping someone buy their first home or assisting a business owner in getting a small business loan.”

As a member-owned, not-for-profit institution, OCCU reinvests its resources into superior products catered to the unique needs of the Tulsa area. With low-interest lending, high-interest accounts, and more, individuals and businesses have access to the financial support they need. Through OCCU’s partnerships, members have access to even more offerings, such as financial planning via an alliance with LPL Financial.

This care is not confined to the individual level, with OCCU’s support extending to the surrounding communities where members live, work, and play. The credit union directly supports organizations like Children’s Miracle Network and Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma through outreach like fundraisers and donations.

When Wilson noticed one of her employees regularly using PTO to volunteer, she created a volunteer service program. Through the program, employees are provided 40 paid hours to volunteer with any organization of their choosing.

“About 85% to 90% of our employees are volunteering every year, and through this program, we’re averaging over 2,600 hours a year in community service,” says Wilson. “Our credit union is the first to be called if someone in the community needs us. We love this city, and somebody always steps up.”

From the Inside Out

What elevates the OCCU member experience above all else, says Wilson, is the warm welcome provided by the credit union’s employees. Prioritizing respect and open communication, the team provides each member with the personalized service they need to thrive in their financial lives.

Making this level of attention and care possible is the support team members receive from the credit union themselves. Wilson and her colleagues have crafted a culture that encourages participation and growth. No matter someone’s position at OCCU, their opinions and suggestions are all held to the same high regard. This has led to an extremely low turnover, which means members get to see the same familiar faces as the years go by.

“We’re always investing in our employees because they are who create an amazing experience for those we serve. When members do business with us, they are never just an account number,” says Wilson. “As we move into the future, we’re always looking for new ways to help our team, members, and communities thrive.”

“Our success comes from the communities we serve. We pay that back by improving the financial well-being of our members as well as the places they live and work,” said Gina Wilson, CEO of OCCU.

About Oklahoma Central Credit Union

The Mission of Oklahoma Central Credit Union (OCCU) is to make a difference in the lives of our employees, members and the communities we serve. OCCU has helped Oklahomans meet their financial goals, solve problems and turn opportunities into accomplishments since 1941. For more information, visit oklahomacentral.creditunion.

Disclaimer

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Oklahoma Central Credit Union (OCCU) and LPL Financial are separate entities. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are not NCUA insured, not credit union guaranteed, not credit union deposits or obligations, and may lose value.

Media Contact

Kathleen Manning
kmanning@occu.org

October 19, 2026 2:34 PM
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SAN DIEGO, CA

Mission Federal Credit Union Marks 65 Years Serving San Diego

SAN DIEGO, CA, October 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Mission Federal Credit Union (Mission Fed), the largest member-owned, not-for-profit, full-service financial institution exclusively serving San Diego County, is marking 65 years of serving the financial needs of San Diegans. The credit union has more than $7 billion in assets, over 330,000 members, and 34 local branches, according to the organization’s current company information.

Alongside its financial services, Mission Fed provides more than $1 million each year to community organizations throughout San Diego County and supports local causes through employee volunteerism. The organization’s community involvement includes educational institutions, the San Diego Food Bank, the San Diego Humane Society, Junior Achievement, Girl Scouts of San Diego, and so many more.

In San Diego, with its high cost of living, having a handle on financial matters is critical. Credit unions — not-for-profit organizations owned by members — can help bridge the gap by helping members manage debt, learn to build a budget, how to buy the right home, plus how to plan for Medicare and retirement.

“At Mission Fed, we focus on financial resilience so we can serve our members through good and bad times,” said Doug Wright, who became president and CEO in 2024 after serving as CFO for eight years. “We’re trying to provide the education, advice, and solutions to help people navigate a challenging economy where wages for many aren’t keeping up with costs like gas, food, and electricity.”

From standard offerings like checking and savings accounts, auto loans, and mortgages to full wealth management, insurance protection and legacy planning, Mission Fed serves members throughout the entirety of their lives. Wright believes that simplifying these complex financial matters is crucial to improving the financial lives of members. Whether members prefer to meet us in a branch or by phone, or a digital approach, all the information they need to make the best decision is provided in an informative and easy-to-understand way.

At the center of Wright’s strategic vision for Mission Fed is a people-centered culture, both for employees and members. When it comes to securing the best outcomes for each group, he believes that success for one is success for all.

“We are here to help members achieve what matters most to them, from everyday needs to lifelong dreams,” said Wright. “We strongly believe that our employees drive member success. By supporting our own people as much as we can, they can better help members achieve their goals.”

A Legacy of Giving Back

Every year, Mission Fed provides more than $1 million to community organizations throughout San Diego County. Support doesn’t end with a check, however, the donations of time and talent are equally prioritized. The team donates their time to support multiple causes.

On an individual level, Wright is also deeply committed to community causes. This can be traced to his parents, who shared a passion for community care with each of their children. Doug’s father, a small-town pediatrician, would not come home until late in the evening most days, something Wright didn’t understand as a child. He later learned that his father would spend his time outside of standard working hours serving migrant children, free of charge, who lived in farm labor camps. His mother also perceived a community need and started a school for kids experiencing developmental challenges.

Today, Wright utilizes his position as president and CEO to uplift members of his team, which translates to real change for members and the communities they live in.

“I can’t help but fall in love with every cause we support,” said Wright, who has been involved with a wide variety of community organizations from United Cerebral Palsy to Junior Achievement. “What inspires me is determining how I can support our team and how that translates into creating the most positive impact on our members’ lives and in the San Diego community.”

About Mission Federal Credit Union

Mission Federal Credit Union (Mission Fed) is the largest member-owned, not-for-profit, full-service financial institution exclusively serving San Diego County. Mission Fed enhances the lives of its members through financial education and services, with a focus on financial empowerment and fostering economic inclusion. Banking at Mission Fed means doing good for San Diego.

Mission Fed gives money back to our local communities, has helped hundreds of nonprofits and vital causes, and cultivates enduring relationships with community partners.

Mission Fed has served the financial needs of San Diegans for 65 years through checking, savings, loans, credit cards, investment and insurance services, and other financial offerings. Mission Fed has more than $7 billion in assets, over 330,000 members, 34 convenient local branches, 30,000 fee-free CO-OP ATMs nationwide, and free mobile and online banking services.

The credit union is regularly named a Top Workplaces USA winner and has placed in the top five California credit unions on Forbes’ Best-In-State Credit Unions list. Mission Fed is also the first San Diego-based credit union that received the “Juntos Avanzamos” designation, honoring its commitment to serving and empowering Hispanic consumers. Federally insured by NCUA and Equal Housing Lender. Must meet membership and account criteria. Loans subject to approval. To learn more, visit www.missionfed.com.

Media Contact

courtneyp@missionfed.com

October 19, 2026 2:28 PM
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MADISON, WI

Summit Credit Union Reports $87 Million in 2025 Member Financial Benefits, Advancing Longstanding Focus on Women’s Financial Security

MADISON, WI, October 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Summit Credit Union, a Wisconsin member-owned financial cooperative with $8.7 billion in assets, more than 284,445 members and 58 locations, reported $87 million in financial benefits to members for the 12 months ending December 31, 2025, compared with doing business with an average Wisconsin bank. That equates to about $676 per household, according to a customized analysis by America’s Credit Unions Economics & Statistics Department.

The 91-year-old credit union has also spent the past two decades focusing on helping women build financial security. Women are more likely to retire in poverty, not because of poor choices, but built-in barriers. Income disparities, caregiving responsibilities and longer lifespans all play a role [1]. And financial systems aren’t designed for the realities of women’s lives.

Designing Financial Progress Around Real Life

“Our purpose is to help women and their families build long-term financial security and avoid poverty in retirement,” says Kim Sponem, President and CEO of Summit. “It’s about so much more than access to products. It’s about having the clarity and trusted guidance to act with confidence and build the future they want.” 

Many people don’t realize how much their financial trajectory can change until they see a different path forward. For one Summit member, a single mother of six, that shift was life-changing. “Instead of feeling like I was drowning,” she shares, “Summit helped me feel something else — control. I wasn’t just taking control of my finances. I was taking control of me.” 

When people keep more of what they earn, momentum grows — and so do the possibilities available to them.

Last year, Summit returned $87 million [2] in financial benefits to members compared to doing business with an average Wisconsin bank — about $676 per household. The credit union is ranked first [3] in delivering more value back to its members than any other credit union in its asset group nationwide.

The real measure isn’t savings alone. It’s what those savings make possible.

Expanding Access to Wealth

“When women build wealth and create more opportunities for themselves, such as homeownership, the ripple effects show up everywhere — in families, businesses and communities,” says Sponem. 

Summit is the No. 1 Mortgage Lender in Wisconsin [4].

For many women, buying a home is about what comes next: stability, options and a stronger future. Yet women purchasing their first home typically make smaller down payments than men [5] and greater financial and personal sacrifices [6] to achieve it, in part because 80% [7] of single-parent households are led by women. 

For Jaclyn and her family, homeownership felt like a distant goal. Working with a Summit financial coach, they identified practical steps that turned it into something achievable. “We uncovered where we could make meaningful changes to own a home,” Jaclyn says. 

“We’re not just here for a transaction,” Sponem says. “When you design around how women move through life and experience money, you create better outcomes for everyone.” 

That impact extends to communities and local economies. Summit has been the No. 1 SBA Lender among credit unions in Wisconsin for 15 years [8].

After two decades of running a boutique, Christine faced rising rent, uncertainty and the possibility of closing her business. When her longtime bank denied financing to purchase a nearby property, she turned to Summit. She found something different: belief, respect and encouragement. With her daughter, she secured financing from Summit and purchased the property. She credits the experience with creating a new chapter for both her family and business — one built on ownership, stability and opportunity.  

The Ripple Effect of Financial Confidence

“Financial security isn’t built in a single moment,” Sponem says. “It’s built through the decisions people make over time and the opportunities they create for themselves along the way.”

For more than 90 years, Summit has helped members build wealth, achieve goals and strengthen long-term financial security. It’s a belief rooted in a simple idea: When more people see a path forward, more becomes possible.

Notes and Sources 

  1. “The Retirement Income Gap Leaves Women Aged 65+ at Higher Risk of Poverty than Men,” Institute for Women’s Policy Research, May 2024.
  2. Savings over the average cost of doing business with a for-profit banking institution in WI. Your savings may vary based on your creditworthiness and other factors. America’s Credit Unions Economics & Statistics Department, customized analysis of member benefits for Summit Credit Union, for 12 months ending December 31, 2025.
  3. Callahan & Associates Return of the Member report, Q1-Q4 2025.
  4. The Wisconsin’s #1 Mortgage Lender designation is based on the number of loans in 2024, gathered from the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data compiled annually by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The results of the data were obtained through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s website. LEI: 254900NTAC4H10MGSU23.
  5. “The housing gender gap: Why women still face roadblocks in buying homes and building home equity,” Bankrate, 2025.
  6. National Association of Realtors, 2026.
  7. United States Census Bureau, 2022.
  8. SBA Lender of the Year Award for Credit Unions as awarded by the Small Business Administration of Wisconsin in 2025.

About Summit Credit Union

Established in 1935, Summit Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative. Summit holds $8.7 billion in assets and has more than 284,445 members and 975 employees across 58 locations throughout Wisconsin. Since 2002, Kim Sponem has been CEO & President of Summit Credit Union, formerly known as CUNA Credit Union/Great Wisconsin Credit Union. For more information, visit summitcreditunion.com.

Media Contact

Mary Fanning-Penny
mary.fanning-penny@summitcreditunion.com

October 19, 2026 2:22 PM
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POCATELLO, ID

ICCU Marks 42,000 Volunteer Hours in 2025 as Community and Financial-Education Efforts Grow

POCATELLO, ID, October 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU) expanded its community and financial-education efforts in 2025, contributing more than 42,000 volunteer hours and participating in more than 2,500 community events across its growing footprint. More than 2,800 of those volunteer hours were dedicated specifically to financial literacy programs, and the credit union also provides an online financial-education platform free of charge to every high school within its footprint through a grant.

The activity reflects ICCU’s broader people-first philosophy as the credit union continues to grow beyond Idaho into Washington and Arizona. ICCU now supports more than 825,000 members with products and services ranging from checking and savings accounts to mortgage services, business banking, and wealth management.

Investing in Member Communities

As a not-for-profit, ICCU answers to its members, who are part owners in its success. Earnings are generally reinvested in the credit union, with dividends paid in the form of lower rates on loans, higher earnings on deposit accounts and fewer fees. But some earnings also make their way to external, philanthropic causes, particularly areas that help build stronger, more vibrant communities where members can flourish.

According to CEO Brenda Worrell, “Investing in our members means investing in the places they call home, and that can take many forms: sometimes it’s through volunteer work, sometimes through donations and sponsorships, and sometimes through education. We take a hard look at what people indicate they need and take our cues from there.”

That people-first philosophy has been part of ICCU since its Idaho inception in 1940 and has grown alongside the credit union’s geographic expansion. Its philanthropic support focuses on living essentials such as food, education, housing, and community experiences and spaces, while employees also contribute time through volunteer projects and community events.

Supporting Financial Literacy

While ICCU’s philanthropic support focuses on living essentials, the credit union also puts muscle behind financial literacy, where investments of time and expertise can reap benefits over the long term.

“Being able to make sound financial decisions is a critical life skill that contributes to stability for individuals and families and, by extension, their communities,” said Worrell. “It’s important to have a solid foundation, and it’s never too late to learn. I’m so grateful to our ‘Green Team’ for making financial education a priority.”

In 2025, the ICCU staff known affectionately as the “Green Team,” dedicated more than 2,800 volunteer hours to financial literacy programs. Such programs enable individuals to better understand their options and make informed decisions about money matters at every stage of life.

Additionally, as financial education is now a high school graduation requirement in some ICCU markets, the credit union is helping teachers access in-depth and engaging instructional materials. Through a grant, ICCU provides an online financial education program free of charge to every high school within its footprint.

Staying Engaged While Growing

ICCU has grown to support more than 825,000 members with personalized financial products and services including checking and savings accounts, mortgage services, business banking, and wealth management. As it has expanded, the credit union has continued building partnerships to address its communities’ needs, from advocating for accessible and affordable housing to assisting schools and nonprofits in achieving their goals, while its Green Team engages in random acts of kindness to spread smiles.

“ICCU has grown over the years,” Worrell noted, “and by always putting people first, we know we’re growing in the right direction.”

Learn more about ICCU and how its people-first philosophy shows through at iccu.com.

About Idaho Central Credit Union

Idaho Central Credit Union, known as ICCU, was organized as a state-chartered credit union in 1940 and has since grown to have over $15.8 billion in assets and serves over 840,000 members throughout Idaho, Washington and Arizona. ICCU offers a wide variety of financial products, including personal and business banking, mortgage services, wealth management, insurance, and more. ICCU is a full-service, federally insured financial institution and is ranked as a top credit union in the nation in returning value to its members. For an ICCU location near you, please visit iccu.com.

Media Contact

ICCU@finnpartners.com

October 19, 2026 2:02 PM
EDT
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CONROE, TX

The Bihm Firm, PLLC Emphasizes Trial-Ready Family Law Strategy and Cost-Conscious Client Representation

CONROE, TX, October 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- The Bihm Firm, PLLC, which represents clients in divorce and family law matters throughout Montgomery County and surrounding Texas counties, has built its approach around preparing clients for both negotiated resolutions and the possibility of trial.

Led by managing shareholder Kate Bihm, whose legal experience spans more than two decades across prosecution, criminal defense, and family law, the firm emphasizes practical guidance, courtroom preparation, and matching clients with the appropriate level of legal support.

That approach also extends to how cases are staffed. Bihm says the firm’s associate attorneys allow clients to receive representation suited to the needs of their matter while helping manage legal costs.

Few people hire a family law and divorce attorney on their best day. They’re facing difficult questions about their children, finances, future, and relationships. Emotions run high, advice comes from every direction, and the decisions made in the weeks and months ahead can have lasting consequences.

For attorney Kate Bihm, helping people navigate some of life’s most difficult moments begins with offering practical, relevant advice. For some families, the issues are relatively amicable. For others, the circumstances are far more complex. In either case, “I want people to understand what they’re getting and why,” she says. “After meeting with us, people will know what to expect in the process and next steps. Our goal is to avoid any surprises throughout the process.”

In many ways, she compares the work to that of an oncologist. Some situations require aggressive intervention. Others require reassurance, perspective, and a realistic understanding of what is at stake. Knowing the difference, says Bihm, is one of the most important parts of the job.

And while she believes every client deserves competent representation and trustworthy counsel, she also feels that not every matter requires the most experienced attorney in the office. That’s one reason she values the firm’s associate attorneys, who help provide high-quality representation while allowing clients to manage legal costs.

For the Record

Then there’s the topic of going to court. Although many family law matters are resolved through negotiation, Bihm says preparation for and a willingness to go to trial often create leverage long before a case ever reaches the courtroom.

“You don’t want to discover your attorney isn’t comfortable in the courtroom when the stakes involve your children and your financial future,” she says. “Our reputation for tenacity, thoroughness, and excellence in the courtroom is why people come to us and have great settlements.”

More than two decades into her career, Bihm remains fascinated by the human side of her work. While not being board-certified in family law she draws on her years of experience that span prosecution, criminal defense, and family law, and continues to study the relationships, emotions, and decision-making that bring people to her office. Despite her willfulness — or perhaps because of it — she never loses sight of client experiences.

“We look at cases with clear eyes and a heavy heart,” she says. “These are their children and life savings. They are making some of the most important decisions of their lives, and we are deeply honored that they have chosen us during this time of crisis.”

Bihm understands the emotional toll and realizes the decisions involved can have lasting consequences.

“Clients arrive carrying fear, frustration, and competing narratives,” says Bihm. “They want to know what happens next, what they should do about it, and who they can trust.”

Bihm encourages individuals to be inquisitive, understand their options, and become knowledgeable consumers of legal services. She also believes compatibility matters. Not every attorney is the right fit for a client, and not every client is a match for the attorney. In Bihm’s case, she’s candid and upfront. She even owns a T-shirt that says, “I’m not for everyone.” But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t care.

About The Bihm Firm, PLLC

At The Bihm Firm, PLLC, we represent clients in divorce and family law matters with a focus on practical guidance, responsive service, and strong advocacy. Our firm handles cases involving divorce, child custody, child support, property division, and other family law issues throughout Montgomery County, Texas, and the surrounding cities and counties. Visit bihmfirm.com for more information.

Media Contact

Kate Bihm
kate@bihmfirm.com

October 19, 2026 1:58 PM
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CARLSBAD, NM

Eddy Federal Credit Union Opens New 6,500-Plus-Square-Foot Branch in Carlsbad, NM

CARLSBAD, NM, October 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Eddy Federal Credit Union, a member-owned financial institution serving more than 5,600 members in New Mexico’s Eddy County and their immediate families, recently celebrated the grand opening of its new 6,500-plus-square-foot building at 901 W. Pierce St. in Carlsbad. The facility replaces the credit union’s original branch and was designed with improved functionality, efficiency, and member service in mind.

The new building follows nearly 10 years of planning and gives Eddy Federal Credit Union a modernized space spanning its front lobby, member-service areas, and back offices. CEO Donna Davis led much of the branch redesign, providing direction on details including the color palette, interior textural elements, and exterior stone.

Member-Owned Banking for Eddy County

For those who live or work in New Mexico’s Eddy County, as well as their immediate families, Eddy Federal Credit Union is providing them with the financial resources they need, putting power into the hands of the people. As of 2026, the credit union has more than 5,600 members, all who are part owners. Answering to members and their communities rather than shareholders makes all the difference, shares Davis.

“Because we are a nonprofit, we’re able to offer our members lower rates on loans and higher rates on certificates of deposit,” she stated. “Our members own this credit union. They’re the reason we’re here.”

When Donna joined Eddy Federal Credit Union in 2000 as a loan officer, the institution held approximately $9 million in total assets. Over the past 26 years, it has grown steadily in size with assets now totaling $63 million. As a nonprofit financial institution, the credit union reinvests growth into benefits for members and the community at large — with giveback initiatives including organizations like the local hospital and children’s sports teams.

From various loan options and mortgages to checking and savings accounts for all stages of life, Eddy Federal Credit Union designs its services around helping members reach their financial goals. This means considering the methods members prefer, with both convenient digital options and personalized face-to-face services available.

“Some people, especially the younger generation, want the opportunity to take care of everything online,” said Davis. “Other members want to come in person and tell you about their life, their grandkids, or anything else on their mind. We love both.”

Davis has embraced innovation and strives to implement multiple new ideas each year so the credit union doesn’t stagnate. As she prepares the team for her eventual retirement, she feels proud to leave her mark on the institution she loves so much.

“This is the best place in the whole world to work,” said Davis. “We can positively impact so many lives, whether that’s by providing a loan they really need or just giving them advice. We’re blessed to be able to answer that calling. Our members own this credit union. They’re the reason we’re here,” Davis concluded.

About Eddy Federal Credit Union

Eddy Federal Credit Union is committed to making available products and services that enable members to meet their financial needs and reach their financial goals. The credit union emphasizes protecting member information while providing competitive financial products and services. For more information, visit eddyfederalcu.com.

Media Contact

ddavis@eddyfederalcu.com

October 19, 2026 1:53 PM
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KALAMAZOO, MI

Advia Credit Union Invests More Than $1 Million Annually in Community Organizations Across the Midwest

KALAMAZOO, MI, October 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Advia Credit Union, a member-owned financial cooperative serving 200,000 members across Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin, annually donates more than $1 million to more than 250 local organizations, specifically those focused on housing, food access, transportation, financial education, youth development, and workforce support. In 2025 alone, Advia employees also donated more than 8,000 volunteer hours to uplift key areas of community support.

“Our time and money are not onetime donations or logo placements. These are relationships built around shared goals to help strengthen the communities we all serve,” said Jeff Bolser, Chief Retail Officer at Advia Credit Union. “Advia is not just another place to keep an account or get a loan. We are a financial partner in your corner, helping members and communities thrive.”

Personal Service at Scale

“Our best work starts with listening,” said Bolser, which serves 200,000 members across Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin. “We have the tools and technology to compete with large institutions, but our advantage is the ability to make banking feel personal.”

As a not-for-profit cooperative, Advia’s members are also its owners, leveraging their voices to help shape the future of the credit union. Whether a member seeks to reduce debt, build credit, purchase a home, plan for retirement, or achieve another financial goal, Advia professionals come to the table with a listening posture—poised to understand each member’s unique needs and offer solutions, not just products, to move them forward.

Real financial savings are created through opportunities such as the Advantage Plus Rewards program, which offers 5% on checking plus loan discounts, certificate of deposit premiums, and more. Members also save an average of $4,000 in lower interest payments on transferred loans.

Mortgage and home equity options are delivered with local servicing, no annual fees, and no prepayment penalties. First-time homebuyer programs may require little to no down payment. Credit card rewards come with up to 3% back on everyday purchases, strong fraud protection, and secure digital banking tools. Flexible savings options are designed to help members build stability and grow their money over time.

“The real value is not simply having a broad set of products; it’s helping members connect with the right solutions at the right times to maximize long-term financial well-being,” said Bolser. “For us, success is measured by whether our products help members save more, borrow smarter, and feel more confident about what comes next.”

Intentional Growth

With 34 locations — soon to be 37, with branches coming to Kenosha, Wisconsin, and Clinton Township and Portage, Michigan — Advia expands strategically to serve specific communities that can most benefit from its offerings.

Employee culture is designed to foster personal and professional growth alongside the organization, delivered through strong compensation and benefits packages, flexible work options, and paid volunteer time.

With Advia’s broad reach, members have access to more than 35,000 fee-free ATMs and service centers nationwide. New video teller technology provides access during extended hours to a live representative, all from the convenience of the member’s car.

“When we grow into a new market, opening the doors is only the beginning,” said Bolser. “The real work is building relationships with local nonprofits, schools, businesses, and community leaders so we can understand where we can be most useful.”

About Advia Credit Union

For nearly a century, Advia Credit Union has empowered members across Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois with competitive financial solutions, personalized service, and community-focused values. As a member-owned cooperative, its purpose is simple: help members achieve more. Visit adviacu.org for more information.

Media Contact

Nancy Loftis
nloftis@adviacu.org

October 19, 2026 1:48 PM
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LANCASTER, SC

Founders Federal Credit Union Expands Across the Carolinas While Keeping Lending Decisions Local

LANCASTER, SC, October 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Founders Federal Credit Union is expanding its presence across the Carolinas, including into larger metropolitan markets such as Spartanburg and Charlotte, while maintaining a local decision-making model designed to keep lending close to the communities it serves. Headquartered in Lancaster, South Carolina, Founders serves more than 294,000 members through a network of nearly 50 offices and reports more than $5.2 billion in total assets.

“Most of our growth happened in rural communities,” said Bruce Brumfield, CEO of Founders Federal Credit Union. “We take a lot of pride in continuing to serve those markets, even as other financial institutions have moved out of them. We want to give our members the same level of personal service and attention they would get from a small credit union. It doesn’t take a lot to show people that they matter.”

That approach reflects the credit union’s origins. Established in 1950 by employees at the Springs Mills cotton mill, Founders was formed to serve workers who often had limited access to traditional banking services. For more than 75 years, the credit union has built relationships with working families that often span generations.

“Helping people isn’t just our mission — it’s who we are,” said Brumfield. “We were formed to help folks that could not get banking services anywhere else because they were blue-collar textile workers. The heart and soul of our credit union is helping people.”

Much like a traditional bank, Founders provides everyday financial products such as checking accounts, credit cards, and auto and home loans. Unlike a bank, however, Founders is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative. Instead of passing its profits to shareholders, the credit union returns those earnings to members through better rates, lower fees, and enhanced services.

“There are those in the financial world who believe that you can’t make money while also helping people,” said Brumfield. “To them, all I can say is, ‘Look at our financial statements.’ Our structure works, and we’re never going to shy away from helping anyone.”

More Than Banking

As Founders has grown, its relationship-driven mission has expanded beyond traditional banking. Several years ago, the credit union learned that many members were struggling to find affordable options for Medicaid supplemental insurance. Those conversations resulted in the launch of Founders Insurance Services, whose dedicated agents help members evaluate life, health, auto, and homeowners coverage.

“Our financial planning division, Founders Wealth Management, started the same way,” said Brumfield. “We had members who needed help preparing for retirement and saving for college. We started looking for ways that we could make things easier for them. Now, we’re managing around $700 million in assets for those members.”

Brumfield says the purpose of these expanded services is to give members more resources to build stronger and more secure financial futures.

“We’re here to meet our members’ financial needs,” said Brumfield. “We want them to feel like they can relax because they’re with Founders.”

Local Decisions, Local Service

The same relationship-based approach extends to lending. Even as Founders moves into larger markets, the credit union says it has remained committed to keeping most loan decisions at the local-office level.

“We try to do everything at the local level, and almost every loan we make is reviewed and approved by the local office staff,” said Brumfield. “When someone’s AC breaks in the middle of a South Carolina summer, or they need to buy a new car to get to work, they can’t wait for someone in a corporate office to take a week to approve their loan. They need an answer now.”

That local approach is especially important for members who may have fewer conventional borrowing options. Roughly 35% of Founders’ loans are made to members with substandard credit. The credit union says those borrowers often benefit from having an established relationship with a local loan officer who understands their circumstances.

“Many of these folks are struggling with the day-to-day financial stuff,” said Brumfield. “To serve them effectively, you have to be there for them in person.”

Investing in Service

For Founders, local service and modern technology are complementary. The credit union continues to invest in mobile and online banking, its South Carolina-based contact center, and data-security tools intended to make service more accessible while protecting member information.

“We’re firm believers in meeting our members where they are,” said Brumfield. “If members prefer mobile or online banking, we want them to have the most secure and intuitive systems we can provide. If they need to call us for help, we want to make that process as smooth as possible. That’s why our contact center is located right here in South Carolina.”

Founders also uses AI-powered tools to help protect members from fraud and other security threats.

“Technology is one area where you can’t afford not to spend money,” said Brumfield. “If you fall behind, you’ll never catch back up.”

Founders extended that technology expertise beyond its own operations in 2020 by starting Founders Innovative Technology, which shares IT expertise with other credit unions and local businesses.

Giving Back

Helping members achieve financial security is only one part of Founders’ mission. The credit union also invests in the communities it serves through cash donations, volunteer support, financial education, and partnerships with local organizations.

“We believe that if you’re going to live and operate in a community, you have a social responsibility to do your part to make sure that community thrives,” said Brumfield. “That’s why we’re actively involved with community groups and local charities in every community that we serve.”

Founders supports causes and organizations across its footprint, from youth sports programs and local school districts to food banks, Habitat for Humanity, and Hospice and Community Care. The credit union is also a major sponsor of Camp Cole, a Columbia-based camp for children and teens with serious illnesses and disabilities.

The credit union also provides free financial literacy classes and other resources. Its outreach team works with audiences ranging from middle school students to college students, helping them build stronger financial habits and make informed financial decisions. Members who need personalized advice can also be connected with free financial counseling.

Whether through local lending, expanded financial services, technology, or community partnerships, Founders says each initiative reflects the same member-first philosophy that has guided the credit union for more than seven decades.

“We want to be the very best credit union that we can be, both for our current members and our future ones,” said Brumfield.

About Founders Federal Credit Union

The Founders Difference began in 1950 when a group of Springs Mills employees decided to do something to protect their colleagues from predatory loan sharks and moneymen, and improve the financial wellbeing of their neighbors. What began as an idea took root and flourished as the Springmaid Credit Union expanded throughout the tri-county area, helping our member-owners and their families save and borrow their way to financial security. Seventy years and a name change later, Founders Federal Credit Union is still proudly carrying on the tradition of looking out for our neighbors and working every day to ensure our communities are healthy and strong. Today, Founders serves over 295,000 members through 49 locations across two states and holds over $5 billion in assets. As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, we strive to provide our members with better rates on savings and loans, friendly and personalized service, and a commitment to supporting our communities through financial education, scholarships, and other giving. Stop by to say hello and find out what the Founders Difference can mean for you! For more information, visit foundersfcu.com.

Media Contact

Nicki Nash
nicki.nash@foundersfcu.com

October 19, 2026 1:43 PM
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ORLANDO, FL

Orlando Credit Union Marks 90 Years of Service, Expanding Financial Access Across Central Florida

ORLANDO, FL, October 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Orlando Credit Union, founded in 1936 by City of Orlando employees, is marking 90 years of service in 2026. The member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative operates an eight-branch network and serves more than 27,000 members throughout Florida. The credit union has also expanded its reach through O Financial, a second brand designed to serve new markets beyond the Orlando area.

"Our history has given us grit," said Suzanne Weinstein, president and CEO of Orlando Credit Union. "We were founded during the Great Depression, and for more than 90 years we’ve remained focused on helping people build stronger financial futures. That’s our mission, and it continues to guide everything we do."

Members enjoy the same everyday financial services offered by traditional financial institutions — from checking accounts and credit cards to mortgages and small business banking. As a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative, Orlando Credit Union returns its success to members through competitive rates, lower fees, enhanced technology, and expanded services.

The credit union’s greater purpose, however, is to build lifelong relationships by empowering financial momentum and helping members navigate every stage of their financial lives.

"People come to us when they’re planning for college, buying a home, starting a business, or preparing for retirement," said Weinstein. "They also come to us when life takes an unexpected turn. Our role is to stand beside our members through every season, helping them become financially knowledgeable, secure, and positioned to build generational wealth."

Strengthening Central Florida Businesses

The same community-first philosophy also shapes Orlando Credit Union’s approach to commercial banking. The credit union provides an array of small business solutions, from commercial real estate lending to account service solutions. Its experienced team serves as trusted advisors, connecting local businesses with strategic resources and community partnerships.

"We want our business members to see us as a trusted partner with deep local market expertise," said Weinstein. "We’re invested in their long-term success because when local businesses thrive, our communities thrive. That’s the advantage of having a financial partner that understands the local market."

Those relationships become especially important during hurricanes and other natural disasters, Weinstein notes, when communities rely on trusted local partners throughout the recovery process.

A Commitment to Community

Beyond supporting members during times of crisis, the credit union also works to strengthen communities over the long term. As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Orlando Credit Union can provide financial services designed to benefit underserved communities throughout the state.

"Our CDFI certification enables us to do more for our membership and our communities," said Weinstein. "We’re able to access grant money to create new programs that benefit groups and small businesses that often struggle to find support."

Through the Orlando Credit Union Charitable Foundation, the credit union supports a wide range of charities and nonprofits, focusing on financial education, health and wellness, affordable housing, and programs that strengthen local families and neighborhoods.

"Whether we’re partnering with Habitat for Humanity, supporting local food banks, or mentoring first-time homebuyers, we’re investing in people," said Weinstein. "Homeownership creates stability, opportunity, and generational wealth. Helping members achieve those milestones reflects who we are and why we’ve served this community for more than 90 years."

About Orlando Credit Union

Founded in 1936 by 32 City of Orlando employees, Orlando Credit Union began with an initial deposit of $160 and has grown into a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative serving Central Florida. Membership is available to people who live, work, or worship in Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Volusia, Brevard, Polk, and Hillsborough counties, as well as businesses in those communities. Orlando Credit Union reinvests earnings into member value through competitive rates, lower fees, technology, and financial services designed to help members pursue their goals. Its vision is financial well-being for all, and its mission centers on building lifelong member relationships by empowering financial momentum. Orlando Credit Union is also certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). For more information, visit orlandocreditunion.org.

Media Contact

marinao@orlandocreditunion.org