Next-generation solution combines innovative software with NCQA-certified verification service to simplify and streamline the credentialing process for healthcare providers

CHICAGO, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- RLDatix, a leading global provider of healthcare operations software and services, today announced the launch of RLD360™ Credentialing, a new intelligent RLDatix credentialing hybrid offering to help health systems manage the provider credentialing process in the way that best fits their organization. Combining software with built-in automation and National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)-certified verification services, the offering is designed to reduce the time it takes to credential a provider and give health systems one verified record of each provider.

Lengthy provider onboarding delays access to care. According to the Association for Advancing Physician and Provider Recruitment 2026 Physician and Provider Recruitment Benchmarking Report, the typical physician start date occurs 229 days after a position is posted, a span that includes credentialing, privileging, licensing and onboarding. Delays in credentialing impact providers as well as staff and delay patient access to care, which limits the ability of healthcare organizations to meet growing demand. Health systems are looking for a more efficient approach that helps them maintain rigorous standards while accelerating provider readiness.

A more flexible approach to credentialing and provider management

Building on RLDatix's established credentialing services, the expanded offering introduces advanced software capabilities that give health systems greater ownership and control of credentialing functions. Combined with RLDatix's managed provider library and expertise, this creates a more flexible, integrated model that enables health systems to manage more of the credentialing process directly. It helps health systems:

- Reduce the time it takes to process applications, with built-in automation that also helps remove errors and improve data quality.

- Collect provider applications through a secure online application that supports both medical staff credentialing and provider enrollment.

- Gain data transparency and reporting from one instance of each provider, reducing siloed work.

- Increase operational capacity without adding administrative headcount, and support growth and consistency as networks expand.

RLDatix is an NCQA-certified credentials verification organization, and its skilled, certified credentialing specialists add a layer of quality and partnership to the process. Because the expanded RLD360 Credentialing solution is a module of the RLD360 platform, each credentialed provider has a verified provider record that connects workflows across a customer's RLDatix solutions, such as payer enrollment, peer review, safety and compliance. Medical staff can work from a single, trusted source of provider information instead of managing siloed data in separate places throughout a health system.

"Credentialing and privileging are fundamental to patient access, ensuring providers are qualified and available to deliver the quality-of-care patients depend on," said Dan Michelson, CEO of RLDatix. "Healthcare organizations are tasked with onboarding providers while navigating workforce shortages, growing patient demand, and increasing operational pressures. We worked closely with our customers to develop a new approach to credentialing that combines technology and verification expertise into a single solution, giving health systems the ability to reliably transition providers to patient care more efficiently."

Building on industry-leading validation

Customers have consistently highlighted RLDatix's partnership, responsiveness and operational support. As one medical staff office leader noted in recent KLAS Research customer feedback for RLDatix Credentialing (Primarily Services), "The platform and the white-glove service RLDatix provides make the workflow in our office really seamless. It has totally transformed what used to be an all-paper, very manual process into something that supports the medical staff office well. RLDatix is doing the legwork, the time-consuming portions, the automated emails for licensing and expiring records, and the chasing down of verifications. All of that allows us to focus more on the quality side of the credentialing and on payer enrollment."

RLD360 Credentialing will be showcased at the NAMSS 50th Annual Conference in New Orleans, Oct. 18–21. To learn more, visit www.rldatix.com.

About RLDatix

The mission of RLDatix is to help raise the standard of care…everywhere. The company's software and service solutions are used by over 10,000 health and care organizations across the world to deliver safe, efficient, high-quality care. To learn more, visit us at www.rldatix.com.

Media Contact

RLDatix Media Relations

[email protected] 

SOURCE RLDatix

Share this article

Partnership will create new pathways through early college coursework,

industry credentials and career-connected learning

BRIDGEPORT, Conn., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- University of Bridgeport (UB) is expanding early college opportunities through a new national partnership with CYBER.ORG designed to help high school students earn college credit and industry-recognized credentials while exploring pathways to cybersecurity careers.

This initiative brings together UB's established expertise in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and early college education with CYBER.ORG's K-12 cybersecurity curriculum and workforce expertise. Together, UB and CYBER.ORG will develop an early college model that connects cybersecurity education in high school with college credit, industry-recognized credentials and pathways into higher education and the workforce.

Through this partnership, UB faculty and academic leaders will work with CYBER.ORG to adapt existing cybersecurity curricula into college-level coursework and create the academic framework. The program builds on UB's established expertise in technology-focused education through its Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)-accredited School of Engineering, including programs in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as hands-on learning through the Interdisciplinary Emerging Technologies (IET) Lab.

"Early college should be about more than collecting credits. It should help students begin to see where those credits can take them," said Danielle Wilken, Ed.D., president of University of Bridgeport. "UB has been preparing students for careers in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies for years, including launching Connecticut's first master's degree in artificial intelligence. This partnership allows us to bring that academic experience to students earlier while pairing it with CYBER.ORG's K-12 expertise. Together, we can create a pathway that begins in high school and can continue into college, additional credentials and ultimately a career."

This partnership marks the first time CYBER.ORG's curriculum will be paired with a university partner to create an early college pathway. While many concurrent enrollment programs focus on general education coursework, this program is centered on career-connected learning. Students will be able to build cybersecurity skills, and work toward industry credentials and begin building an academic record that can support their next step after high school.

The model is designed to serve public, private and charter schools, including those that may not currently have access to an early college partnership with a college or university.

"Students should not have to wait until college to recognize that cybersecurity is a career they can see themselves pursuing," said Charlene Cooper, director of CYBER.ORG. "At CYBER.ORG, it has always been our primary goal to plant those seeds early by empowering the future cybersecurity workforce with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. This partnership with University of Bridgeport furthers that goal by giving students an earlier opportunity to build relevant skills, earn credentials and college credit and better understand the different paths available to them after high school."

Building on CYBER.ORG's "Cyber Interstate" vision, which recognizes that there is no single route into cybersecurity careers, this partnership gives students an earlier on ramp to those opportunities. The program allows students to pursue a two-year or four-year degree, industry credentials or another related path.

As the partnership develops, UB and CYBER.ORG will also explore additional ways for students to build on their early college experience, including future certificate programs and opportunities to continue their education at UB.

To learn more about UB's college cybersecurity pathway with CYBER.ORG, visit bridgeport.edu/cyber.

About University of Bridgeport

University of Bridgeport offers career-oriented undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees and programs for people seeking personal and professional growth. The University promotes academic excellence, personal responsibility and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse and supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world. The University is independent and non-sectarian. www.bridgeport.edu

About CYBER.ORG

CYBER.ORG, the academic and workforce initiative of the Cyber Innovation Center, is dedicated to advancing cybersecurity education and workforce development across K–12 and higher education. Supported in part by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), CYBER.ORG provides curriculum written to industry certification objectives, professional development, and hands-on resources to teach cybersecurity education to K-12 students nationwide. With content used in over 10,000 schools in all 50 states by over 48,000 educators, CYBER.ORG empowers students with real-world skills and career-connected learning pathways. By 2029, CYBER.ORG aims to support over 50,000 educators and impact six million students, helping shape a future-ready cybersecurity workforce. For more information, please visit CYBER.ORG.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Abby Levandoski

Assistant Director of Communications and Content Strategy

University of Bridgeport

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 203-576-4151 

SOURCE University of Bridgeport

Share this article

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Mastech Digital, Inc. (NYSE American: MHH) ("Mastech"), a leading provider of Digital Transformation IT Services, today announced the date for the release of its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026.

Mastech will report its financial results for the third quarter 2026 before the open of U.S. financial markets on Friday, October 30, 2026. Management will host a conference call that day at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time to review the Company's financial performance and operating results.

To join the call telephonically, please register at https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI4057cc455c3848bf9bfdb0cf25216dc7. Once registered, participants will receive the dial-in information and a unique PIN to access the call. The dial-in information and unique PIN will be sent to the email used to register for the call. The unique PIN is exclusive to the registrant and can only be used by one person at a time.

A live audio webcast of the conference call can be accessed through the Mastech investor relations website at https://investors.mastech.com, and a webcast replay will be accessible for a limited time following the scheduled call.

About Mastech Digital, Inc.

Founded in 1986, Mastech (NYSE American: MHH) helps organizations transform their unique enterprise knowledge into business advantage by unlocking the value embedded across their people, operations, data, and systems. Through our expertise in AI, data modernization, cloud and data platforms, and specialized technology talent, we enable enterprises to innovate faster, make smarter decisions, and achieve meaningful business outcomes. By combining trusted data foundations, AI-powered solutions, modern platforms, and expert talent, we help organizations accelerate transformation and thrive in a constantly evolving business environment. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mastech serves more than 250 enterprise customers globally, delivering the data foundations, AI-powered solutions, and specialized talent needed to help modern, future-ready organizations Thrive on What's Next.

Investor Relations Contact:

[email protected] 

SOURCE Mastech Digital, Inc.

Share this article

Unanet to Connect with AEC Industry Leaders at Fall Events, Highlighting Innovations in Customer-Centric Solutions for Profitable Growth

Unanet experts will lead sessions exploring how agentic AI is transforming the project lifecycle, showcasing recent ChampAI innovations that help AEC firms move beyond tracking their business to driving it

DULLES, Va., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Unanet, the leader in AI-first ERP and growth software for architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) firms, will be on the ground at several AEC conferences this fall, including sessions led by Unanet subject matter experts. As an AI-first company, Unanet continues to build innovation around how project-driven organizations work, but also values time spent face-to-face with customers, partners and industry peers. These events provide an opportunity for Unanet to connect with industry leaders, exchange ideas and better understand how AEC firms are navigating key challenges, including accelerating AI adoption, persistent talent shortages, rising proposal volumes and growing client expectations, as highlighted in Unanet's 2026 AEC Inspire Report

At each event, Unanet will showcase recent innovations designed to help AEC firms move beyond tracking their business to driving it, including:

- Champ Assist: Embedded AI intelligence within Unanet's applications that help surface insights and streamline workflows for better decision making.

- Champ Agents, powered by Wyatt: Unanet's agentic AI platform that connects Unanet with other systems, bringing business context together to help automate end-to-end processes and get work done.

Sessions will focus on using AI to improve project outcomes, profitably, and growth.

"AI innovation is in our DNA, but technology alone isn't why AEC firms choose Unanet. It's also our commitment to serving our customers and building long-term relationships," said Lucas Hayden, Unanet's senior director of AEC strategy. "Connecting directly with customers at these events helps us understand their challenges and what they need from their technology partners. That feedback fuels our innovation and sets us apart from other providers that don't place the same priority on customer relationships."

Where AEC Firms Can Find Unanet This Fall

- Procore Groundbreak 2026 in Orlando, Fla., October 21–22, booth 2924

- PSMJ AEC THRIVE in Scottsdale, Ariz., October 21-23, booth 12

- Speaking session: The AI-First Project Lifecycle: What Changes When Your Business Systems Start Working for You, Friday, October 23, at 9:45 a.m., presented by Lucas Hayden

- ACEC Fall Conference in Phoenix, October 25-28, booth 501

- Speaking session: Beyond the Prompt – 5 Engineering Firm Workflows Ready for Agentic AI, Tuesday, October 27, at 2:15 p.m., presented by Lucas Hayden

- Design-Build Conference & Expo (DBIA) in Cleveland, November 4-6, booth 434

- Trimble Dimensions in Las Vegas, November 9–11, booth 2117

- Speaking session: From CRM to Get Work: How Construction Firms Can Turn Disconnected Signals into Guided Growth, Tuesday, November 10, at 1:30 p.m., presented by Luke Keller, vice president of AI products for Unanet.

- SAME SBC 2026 in Charlotte, November 4-6, booth 1802

- AEC AI Summit in Austin, November 18-20

Media interested in scheduling an interview or meeting with Unanet executives at these events can contact [email protected].

About Unanet

Unanet is the leader in AI-first ERP and growth software for project-based businesses. Trusted by more than 4,200 government contractor, architecture, engineering, and construction firms, Unanet unifies pursuits, projects, people, and financials with built-in automation and compliance features—all supported by a dedicated customer success team. This empowers leaders to make confident, real-time decisions that drive growth from pursuit to profit. Learn more at unanet.com.

SOURCE Unanet

Share this article

Athena Technology Solutions Expands into Europe and Opens Its First European Office in Portugal

PORTO, Portugal, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Athena Technology Solutions, a Fremont, California-based Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) implementation specialist founded in 2011 with about 200 people in the U.S. and India, is expanding into Europe and opens its first European office in Porto.

Porto will host sales, project delivery, customer support and leadership for the European operation. Athena starts with six employees in Portugal, plans to reach 20 within its first year and aims to build a team of 100 within five years. The company aims to secure at least five clients by the end of its fiscal year in December.

"Europe is a natural next step for Athena. MES business happens in the U.S., Europe and Asia, and we need to be where the business is," said Senthil Ranganathan, Athena founder and CEO. "In Porto, we found the talent to start quickly, a technology ecosystem that fits the industries we serve and our partners within easy reach. This is where our European operation starts, and where it will be run from."

Sachi Javli, managing director and head of global delivery, leads the European operation. Athena is recruiting project managers, program managers, developers and sales professionals in Portugal and other European markets.

From Porto, Athena provides MES selection, implementation, integration and support, as well as PLM, ERP and Managed Services, to large, multi-site, multinational manufacturers in semiconductors, electronics, medical devices, solar, batteries and other high-tech discrete manufacturing. Its technology partners include Critical Manufacturing, of which it is a Premier Services Partner; Siemens, for which it is an Alliance Partner on the Opcenter MES platform; and Twinzo, as an Authorized Reseller.

Athena will also bring FabOrchestrator.AI™, the agentic AI orchestration layer for manufacturing operations it introduced this year, to European manufacturers.

"Manufacturers don't invest in an MES for the software. They invest in it to hit their quality, throughput, compliance and performance goals," said Javli. "With a team in Porto, close to our partners and to the manufacturers we want to serve, and with our delivery centers in India behind us, we are fully capable from day one for any project or proposal."

Athena may open a satellite office in Germany as the business grows.

Susana Esteves | [email protected] | +351919819460

Share this article

Inaugural report highlights an 8% lift in net collections, 32% fewer preventable coding issues and opportunities to reduce administrative costs

BURLINGAME, Calif., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of Healthcare Quality Week this week, Ember AI, the AI-powered revenue integrity platform that helps healthcare organizations collect every dollar they've earned, today introduced the inaugural Ember Revenue Integrity Index, a new annual report examining the financial and operational impact of proactive revenue integrity across healthcare organizations.

Drawing on performance data from customer deployments, the inaugural Index highlights a 57% reduction in predicted preventable denials, 32% fewer preventable coding issues and an 8% lift in net collection rates. The findings demonstrate how identifying coding, documentation and reimbursement issues earlier in the revenue cycle can help healthcare organizations protect revenue, reduce administrative burden and strengthen the financial foundation of patient care.

For healthcare organizations managing increasingly complex payer requirements, traditional revenue cycle management often means dedicating significant resources to correcting problems after claims have been submitted. Ember AI takes a different approach, analyzing every patient encounter before claim submission to identify documentation gaps, coding inconsistencies, reimbursement risks and payer requirements that could lead to denials or underpayments.

"Delivering quality patient care requires more than clinical excellence. Healthcare organizations also need the financial stability and operational capacity to support it," said Charlene Wang, CEO and co-founder of Ember AI. "When providers spend time and resources correcting preventable denials or chasing revenue they've already earned, it takes away from other priorities. These results show how a more proactive approach to revenue integrity can help practices protect revenue, reduce administrative burden and focus more resources on patient care."

Additional findings from the inaugural Ember Revenue Integrity Index include:

- Revenue protection and recovery: A customer deployment achieved a 41% reduction in preventable denials, while another identified $1.5 million in revenue opportunities during its initial deployment. In a live deployment, Ember AI achieved a recovery rate exceeding 31% on payer-resolved claims.

- Coding accuracy and costs: In addition to reducing preventable coding issues by 32%, validated workflows demonstrated up to an 80% reduction in coding costs per case.

- Operational efficiency: Ember AI helped save more than 600 estimated staff hours in a live deployment, with 90% of cases handled without human escalation.

- Appeals and follow-up: In a validated appeal cohort, 100% of actionable claims that received a payer decision were successfully adjudicated. The platform also identifies claims that have already been paid, correctly adjudicated or are no longer actionable, helping teams avoid unnecessary follow-up.

"One of the biggest challenges in revenue cycle management is having the visibility to understand where revenue opportunities exist and where reimbursement may be falling short," said Catherine Roman, Senior Director of Platinum Dermatology Partners. "Having better data and insights allows us to be more proactive, make informed decisions, and identify opportunities to strengthen our financial performance."

The Ember Revenue Integrity Index is designed to track emerging trends in revenue leakage, denial prevention, coding accuracy and reimbursement performance, providing healthcare organizations with insights into opportunities to strengthen their revenue cycle operations. Future editions will build on these findings to examine patterns across medical specialties, payer requirements and reimbursement challenges.

As Healthcare Quality Week brings attention to the people and processes behind high-quality care, the inaugural Index underscores the importance of operational and financial efficiency in supporting healthcare delivery. By helping organizations prevent avoidable revenue loss and reduce manual administrative work, proactive revenue integrity can give healthcare teams greater capacity to focus on patients while building more sustainable operations.

To learn more or request a demo, visit embercopilot.ai.

About Ember AI

Ember AI is the AI-powered revenue integrity platform that helps healthcare organizations collect every dollar they've earned. Built for the unique challenges of specialty healthcare, Ember AI combines AI with proven reimbursement expertise to level the playing field between providers and payers. By analyzing every encounter before the claim goes out the door, Ember AI proactively identifies coding issues, reimbursement risks, payer inconsistencies, and policy and rate opportunities — taking corrective actions that help organizations reduce risk and increase net revenue. Ember AI seamlessly integrates into existing workflows, allowing organizations to move quickly from implementation to measurable results. With cleaner claims, fewer denials, and no more appeal backlogs, Ember AI helps healthcare organizations create a more efficient, scalable revenue cycle, so clinics can focus on patient care.

SOURCE Ember AI

Share this article

Personalized coaching helps adults prepare for 'phased retirement,' including changes in identity, relationships, purpose and daily life

CHICAGO, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ama La Vida, a women-owned coaching company, announced the launch of retirement coaching to help adults prepare for the emotional, personal and lifestyle changes that come with retirement. The offering—a phased retirement approach—helps people explore what they want their next chapter to look like and develop a personalized plan to pursue it.

Financial planning helps people determine whether they can afford to retire. Ama La Vida's retirement coaching addresses another important question: What are they retiring to? Clients explore who they are beyond their job title, which relationships they want to nurture, how they will spend their days and what will give this next chapter meaning.

While traditional retirement planning focuses primarily on financial security, research shows a critical gap in personal and emotional readiness. Oath Financial's Survey Report stated that 72% of pre-retirees feel financially prepared, yet fewer than 35% have a structured plan for their daily lives, identity, and personal relationships post-career. Ama La Vida's coaching program directly bridges this readiness gap, addressing identity, relationships, daily structure, and the sense of contribution that many individuals lose when stepping away from full-time work.

"Retirement is one of the biggest transitions people will ever make, and it deserves the same thoughtful planning we bring to a career change," said Nicole Wood, Co-Founder of Ama La Vida. "Our goal is to help people move toward something meaningful, not just away from work."

The coaching is designed for people preparing to retire as well as those who have already retired and are exploring what comes next. Depending on their goals, clients may consider an encore career, entrepreneurship, volunteering, new interests or a different daily routine. Coaching complements financial planning by focusing on the personal side of the transition.

Ama La Vida's Retirement Transition Map provides a framework that coaches tailor to each client's goals, needs and timeline. Clients clarify their priorities, explore their purpose and relationships, and determine a path forward. They then build a practical plan, test possibilities and adjust their approach with ongoing coaching and accountability.

The process helps clients answer questions such as:

- Who am I beyond work?

- Which relationships do I want to nurture?

- What do I want my typical day and week to look like?

- What will bring me fulfillment, and what role, if any, will work play?

People can begin exploring their approach to retirement through Ama La Vida's Retirement Readiness Style quiz, available on its retirement coaching page. The page also provides information about the offering and how to book a free consultation.

About Ama La Vida

Ama La Vida is a women-owned coaching company founded in 2016. The company offers career, retirement and executive coaching, as well as corporate solutions including leadership workshops, outplacement coaching and team facilitation. Its mission is to democratize coaching and make it more accessible to everyone who needs it.

Learn more at alvcoaching.com.

Media Contact

Johana Goxhaj

[email protected]

(773) 453-2444

SOURCE Ama La Vida

Share this article

Dickinson Brands Inc. Celebrates Sixth Annual National Witch Hazel Day With Multi-Brand Consumer Sweepstakes

Sister Brands T.N. Dickinson's Witch Hazel and Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Join Forces to Celebrate the Enduring Versatility of Genuine Witch Hazel

EAST HAMPTON, Conn., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 21, Dickinson Brands Inc. will celebrate the sixth annual National Witch Hazel Day, honoring their time-tested, versatile ingredient deeply rooted in New England heritage that continues to find new relevance in skincare, personal care, first aid and everyday life.

Established by Dickinson Brands Inc. in 2021, National Witch Hazel Day celebrates the history and versatility of genuine witch hazel. This year, sister brands T.N. Dickinson's Witch Hazel First Aid and Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel skincare are inviting consumers to join the celebration with a social media sweepstakes launching on National Witch Hazel Day, October 21st, giving fans the chance to win exclusive brand merchandise and products while discovering the many ways witch hazel can fit into their routines.

Beginning October 21, consumers can join the National Witch Hazel Day celebration through the T.N. Dickinson's Witch Hazel and Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel social media channels for a chance to win a prize pack including products from both brands.

"National Witch Hazel Day is a celebration of an ingredient that is at the heart of who we are as a company," said Bryan Jackowitz, President of Dickinson Brands Inc. "Our connection to witch hazel spans more than 150 years, from its New England roots to Autumn, when the leaves fall, and dormant witch hazel plants are selectively harvested for their therapeutic properties. Through T.N. Dickinson's Witch Hazel, Dickinson's Original Witch Haze and Humphreys, we're proud to carry this legacy forward while continuing to highlight the versatility of genuine witch hazel and its many uses today."

The connection between Dickinson Brands Inc. and witch hazel dates back to 1866, when the Dickinson family began producing witch hazel in Connecticut. Today, the tradition is carried forward with witch hazel harvested in New England and transformed into an efficacious product found in medicine cabinets, bathrooms, gym bags, postpartum care kits, camping backpacks, school nurse supplies, skincare routines, among other uses.

T.N. Dickinson's Witch Hazel builds on its longstanding clinical grade first aid expertise by bringing the cleansing, soothing and treatment benefits of witch hazel to everyday care. In 2026, the brand extended its reach through a partnership with professional NASCAR driver Natalie Decker, connecting T.N. Dickinson's Witch Hazel with active, on-the-go consumers in an entirely new setting.

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel continues to bring its iconic skincare essentials to today's beauty consumer. Through ongoing collaborations with influencers and creators, the brand shows how witch hazel can be incorporated into modern skincare routines that extend beyond facial care while staying true to the simple, effective approach that has long defined Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel.

Humphreys Witch Hazel offers certified natural and organic skincare products designed for consumers seeking effective solutions without compromise.

From October 19–25, consumers can receive 25% off sitewide at Dickinsons.com, TNDickinsons.com and Humphreysusa.com with promo code NWHD2026, plus free shipping on orders over $20 at Dickinsons.com and TNDickinsons.com and orders over $25 at Humphreys.com.

About Dickinson Brands Inc.

Dickinson Brands Inc., makers of T.N. Dickinson's Witch Hazel and Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel, is a family-owned company with over 150 years of expertise in producing products always made with 100% genuine witch hazel. With deep roots in manufacturing, the company delivers high-quality formulations across skincare, first aid and personal care categories.

Committed to harvesting using sustainable methods, Dickinson Brands Inc. uses eco-conscious practices from harvest to distillation. All products maintain clean labels, free from soaps, dyes, parabens, sulfates, phthalates and gluten.

Founded in 1866, the company continues to honor its New England heritage while embracing innovation—offering trusted products grounded in authenticity and sustainability, bringing consumers products they can trust and feel good about choosing.

For media inquiries, contact Rebel Gail Communications:

Stephanie Channell | [email protected] | 212.675.8555

SOURCE Dickinson Brands Inc.

Share this article

The Scottsdale, Arizona team, overseeing approximately $250 million in client assets, joins RFP from LPL Financial for a platform built from the ground up around AI

CHICAGO, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rothschild Financial Partners ("RFP"), the wealth management firm formed by Rothschild Wealth Partners and Singularity Financial Partners, today announced that Alpha Rising Wealth Management has joined the firm. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Alpha Rising oversees approximately $250 million in client assets and joins RFP from LPL Financial.

Alpha Rising was founded by Dustin Lester and grew into the firm it is today through the shared leadership of Dustin Lester and Jeremiah Butout. Both join Rothschild Financial Partners as Managing Directors and Partners. The team serves individuals, families and business owners with a focus on long-term, relationship-driven financial planning and investment management.

"Choosing where to serve my clients for the next decade was the most important decision I could make, and I needed a firm that truly invests in its clients through its investment platform, technology infrastructure and security," said Dustin Lester, Managing Director & Partner, Rothschild Financial Partners. "RFP is that firm."

Jeremiah Butout, also a Managing Director & Partner, added, "Dustin and I share the same vision. As a truly independent firm, RFP gives us far more investment options for our clients, an enhanced planning team and real help with estate planning. And collaborating and sharing ideas with the Rothschild team every day is great. I get to keep the autonomy to run my practice but gain a deep bench of experts. I am excited for both myself and my clients."

Three partner firms have joined Rothschild Financial Partners over the past two months.

"Dustin and Jeremiah have built a practice around exactly the kind of long-term client relationships we look for in a partner firm. Their move from LPL into RFP is a strong vote of confidence in the platform we've built," said Mac O'Brien, Chief Growth Officer, Rothschild Financial Partners.

A Platform Built for What's Next

Alpha Rising joins at a pivotal moment for RFP.

"Most of the industry is retrofitting AI onto platforms designed twenty years ago. We built Rothschild Financial Partners as a new firm so the technology could be designed around AI from the first line of code: real-time insight into every client account, an integrated bench of estate, tax, insurance, succession and retirement specialists, and a level of personalization a bolted-on system wasn't built to deliver. Dustin and Jeremiah are exactly the advisors that platform was built for, and their clients will feel the difference quickly," said Michael Roth, CEO of Rothschild Financial Partners.

It is a rare combination: the security and trust of a 118-year-old institution, paired with technology built from scratch for the way wealth management works now.

For Alpha Rising's clients, that means the same advisors they have always trusted, now backed by a dramatically more capable platform.

About Rothschild Financial Partners

Rothschild Financial Partners is a registered investment adviser with 118 years of institutional history behind it, operational infrastructure for RIAs inside it, and ownership in the hands of its partners: Rothschild Wealth Partners, Singularity Financial Partners and the advisors who join.

About Rothschild Wealth Partners

Rothschild Wealth Partners is a Chicago-based wealth management firm whose roots trace to Rothschild Investment Corporation, founded in Chicago in 1908 by Monroe Rothschild. The firm advises on more than $10 billion in combined enterprise wide assets and is owned by its clients, advisors and executives.

About Singularity Financial Partners

Singularity Financial Partners is the operations and infrastructure for RIAs. Headquartered in Henderson, Nevada, Singularity comes in alongside the principals of established RIAs and operates the firm with them, strengthening operations, technology, talent and growth.

Media Contact:

Rachel Walters

PR Assistant

Beyond AUM

800-583-2315

[email protected]

https://beyondaum.com/ 

SOURCE Rothschild Wealth Partners

Share this article

BALTIMORE, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Richard Huffman, President and CEO of Celebree School, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the International Franchise Association (IFA), the largest organization representing franchising worldwide. Huffman will formally take his seat at the 2027 IFA Annual Convention in February and serve a three-year term. He joins a select group of franchise leaders who set the direction of the association that advocates for more than 832,000 franchise businesses across the United States.

"Richie brings invaluable experience to the IFA Board of Directors with a firsthand understanding of how franchising helps build thriving brands and supports local business ownership and jobs across the country and around the world," said Matt Haller, IFA President and CEO. "I am grateful for his commitment to IFA's mission to strengthen the franchise model at a time when the organization continues to grow and evolve."

Huffman founded Celebree School in 1994 with the guidance of his mother, an experienced early childhood educator, and spent the next 25 years building a network of company-owned schools before launching the Celebree franchise opportunity in 2019. Since then, the brand has grown rapidly. In 2024, Huffman formed Huffman Family Brands, a multi-brand parent company that unites Celebree School and its affiliated concepts under one platform. Celebree serves children from six weeks through school age with infant and toddler care, preschool, before- and after-school programs and summer camp across more than 60 locations.

That operating track record is a key reason entrepreneurs are choosing Celebree. According to Celebree School's Franchise Disclosure Document, company-operated schools open and operating throughout 2025 reported an average unit volume of $2.26 million.*

"Richie is dedicated to the betterment of the franchise business model, and his experience will provide a unique perspective to the IFA Board of Directors after years of pivotal growth for the association," said Sam Ballas, Chair of the IFA Board of Directors and CEO and Co-Founder of East Coast Wings + Grill and Sammy's Sliders. "His leadership will help IFA continue its work to advance the franchise model and expand business ownership opportunities worldwide."

Huffman's board service keeps Celebree directly connected to the national policy, legal, and industry discussions that affect franchise owners, giving the brand an informed view of the issues shaping franchising today and in the years ahead.

"Franchising gave me the chance to share something I've spent my life building with entrepreneurs who want to make a real difference in their communities, and I don't take that responsibility lightly," said Huffman. "Serving on the IFA Board is an opportunity to give back to the industry that made Celebree's growth possible and to help shape the policies that protect every franchise owner's ability to succeed. Our franchisees are small business owners first, and I'll be bringing their perspective, and the perspective of early education, to every conversation at the table."

The 2027 IFA Board of Directors brings together leaders from a wide range of businesses and professional backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of franchising and IFA's membership. According to IFA data, more than 832,000 franchise businesses in the U.S. employ nearly 9 million people and generate more than $900 billion in economic output. Franchising spans more than 300 industries and reaches nearly every community across the country.

The 2027 IFA Board of Directors brings together leaders from more than 300 industries that franchising spans, reflecting the breadth of a sector that, according to IFA data, employs nearly 9 million people in the U.S. and generates more than $900 billion in economic output.

Entrepreneurs interested in joining the Celebree School franchise system can learn more at franchise.celebree.com.

About Celebree School

Founded in 1994, Celebree School is a leader in early childhood education, offering infant and toddler care, preschool, and summer camp programs. With a mission to Grow People Big and Small™, Celebree School believes success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and connection. Each school employs a customized program that addresses the physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of children and follows applicable state guidelines. In 2019, Celebree School launched its franchise offering. In 2024, Celebree School's founder, Richard Huffman, launched a new parent company called Huffman Family Brands, merging Celebree affiliated concepts under one multi-brand company structure. Learn more about how we grow confident children who are prepared for school and life at Celebree.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

*Based on annual financial performance results for the 26 Company-Operated Schools across Maryland and Delaware that were considered "mature" and that were operated by our affiliates that were open and operating throughout 2025. A mature school is defined as a School that has been open for at least 24 months. This information is presented in Item 19 of our April 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document along with additional financial performance data related to the performance of our outlets. If you purchase a franchise, your results may differ from the represented performance. We can't guarantee the success of any franchise and you must accept the risk of not doing as well.

About the International Franchise Association

Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the more than 832,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.8 million direct jobs, $907.3 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.

SOURCE Celebree School

Share this article