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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 19, 2026 – As energy demand grows, American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) is exploring new ways to bring reliable power to the grid while prioritizing affordability for Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) customers and mitigating business risk. AEP today announced a joint development agreement with X-energy (Nasdaq: XE) to evaluate the feasibility of constructing a 960-megawatt (MW) advanced nuclear energy project at a former coal plant site in Sullivan County, Indiana. Amazon is supporting the project’s development through a funding agreement.

If the development project reaches a final investment decision and moves forward with construction and commercial operation, the completed facility would add safe, clean, reliable electricity to the grid using X-energy’s Xe-100 small modular reactor technology. Amazon intends to purchase the power under a long-term contract, covering the costs of the facility and its operations for the duration of the contract.

This collaboration combines AEP’s power generation and nuclear operating expertise, Amazon’s commitment to development capital and long-term power purchase, and X-energy’s advanced nuclear technology to explore the development of a clean, safe, long-term energy solution to benefit customers and foster economic development in Indiana.

“Advanced nuclear energy has the potential to provide dependable power for over half a century while supporting economic growth in our communities. With this development plan, we are working to bring together the resources to help meet unprecedented growth in energy demand with reliable baseload power while protecting affordability for existing customers,” said Bill Fehrman, AEP chairman, president and chief executive officer. “Our agreements with Amazon and X-energy will provide all necessary capital protections and financial safeguards that we have said are essential for any potential nuclear project to move forward.”

X-energy’s Xe-100 is an advanced nuclear technology designed to provide safe, reliable energy in a compact footprint. The initial project would include 12 Xe-100 units of 80 MW each, configured in groups of four, for a total of 960 MW.

The companies are evaluating the former site of I&M’s Breed Generating Station in Sullivan County, Indiana, as a location for the potential project. Sullivan County recently became part of the Indiana Advanced Nuclear Ready Communities Program that supports the opportunity for an advanced nuclear project.

Indiana Governor Mike Braun said, “Indiana is building an energy future that prioritizes affordability for Hoosier families and businesses while driving economic growth. The decision by I&M/AEP, Amazon and X-energy to explore this technology in one of Indiana’s counties represents the kind of innovation and investment that can deliver lasting benefits for our state. This project has the potential to create well-paying jobs in Sullivan County, strengthen our electric grid and further position Indiana as a national leader in advanced nuclear energy.”

Should the project advance beyond the development phase into construction and commercial operation, it is expected to create jobs, expand the local tax base and strengthen Indiana’s energy infrastructure for more than 60 years.

As the potential project moves forward, the companies are committed to working closely with local leaders, residents, regulators and other stakeholders.

“At Amazon, we are committed to serving the needs of our customers and achieving our Climate Pledge goal to be net-zero carbon across our operations by 2040,” said Josh Weissman, VP of Data Center Infrastructure Capacity Delivery at Amazon. “This collaboration with AEP and X-energy would enable us to make progress on both while ensuring that Indiana’s communities benefit. Together, we’re looking to develop nearly a gigawatt of carbon-free power for the regional grid and pay our full costs without passing them to others. This project would also create jobs and generate tax revenues to benefit Hoosier communities for decades to come.”

J. Clay Sell, CEO of X-energy, said, “This effort pairs AEP’s 50 years of excellence in nuclear operations with the world-class expertise of Amazon to chart a new course for Indiana’s energy future, powered by our Xe-100 small modular reactor. Together, we’re working to advance a clean, safe, reliable solution to meet growing energy demand and benefit Indiana and its communities for generations to come.”

ABOUT AEP

American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) is committed to improving our customers' lives with reliable, affordable power. We plan to invest $78 billion from 2026 through 2030 to enhance service for customers and support the growing energy needs of our communities. Our nearly 18,000 employees operate and maintain the nation's largest electric transmission system with 40,000 line miles, along with more than 252,000 miles of distribution lines to deliver energy to 5.6 million customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation's largest electricity producers with approximately 33,000 megawatts of diverse owned and contracted generating capacity. We are focused on safety and operational excellence, creating value for our stakeholders and bringing opportunity to our service territory through economic development and community engagement. Our family of companies includes AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Ohio Power Company, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, which provides innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. AEP is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. For more information, visit aep.com.

Five Norwegian Sites Selected to Host Hybrid-Electric Aircraft Demonstrations in 2027

- Locations represent three distinct operating environments: short-runway airports, larger aviation hubs, and novel landing sites.

- First demonstration flight planned for the third quarter of 2027.

- Results will help inform future infrastructure, operational, and regulatory requirements for hybrid-electric aviation.

OSLO, Norway, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bristow Group Inc., together with Electra, Avinor and the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway (CAA Norway), will conduct demonstration flights with Electra's hybrid-electric EL2 technology demonstrator at five locations across Norway. Capable of taking off and landing in approximately 50 meters, the aircraft combines electric propulsion with a turbogenerator powered by sustainable aviation fuel. The project aims to generate operational, regulatory, and market knowledge to support the introduction of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft.

Three distinct operating environments

Horvnes quay near Sandnessjøen and Kongsbergporten Business Park will be used to demonstrate operations at novel landing sites where no established runways exist today. Trondheim and Oslo airports will provide experience with integrating operations into larger airport environments. Mosjøen Airport has been selected as an example of a short-runway airport in Northern Norway where the aircraft's capabilities and new approach procedures can be assessed.

"What matters is not the individual location itself, but that we are able to test the technology under different conditions and in different parts of the aviation system. This will give us insight into what is required in terms of infrastructure, airspace, procedures and regulations when new types of aircraft are ready to enter service in Norway," says Karianne Helland Strand, Executive Vice President Sustainability and Infrastructure at Avinor.

"These locations will allow us to demonstrate the capabilities and operational flexibility of Electra's ultra-short takeoff and landing aircraft across a range of operating environments while helping us better understand what will be required to safely integrate these technologies into future operations," said Dave Stepanek, Bristow Executive Vice President, Chief Transformation Officer. "With the locations now selected, we can begin detailed planning for next year's flight demonstrations."

"Electra is showing how Ultra Short aircraft can expand regional travel, connecting cities and major airport hubs, with communities and destinations without traditional runways," said Diana Siegel, Vice President of Commercial Programs at Electra. "This series of demonstrations lays the groundwork for a Direct Aviation ecosystem, bringing together regulations, policy, infrastructure, and aircraft operations to make more direct travel a practical option for more people."

"When we test new aircraft technologies in such a range of different scenarios, we will be able to assess whether the existing regulatory framework is fit for purpose. It is also valuable for us to build knowledge about how a new type of aircraft with specific characteristics can be safely integrated with other air traffic," says Jan Petter Steinland, Director of Innovation, Research and Sustainability at CAA Norway.

Preparing for testing in 2027

The project is now entering its next phase. The partners will develop the detailed test program, obtain the necessary approvals, and prepare the locations. The first demonstration flight is planned for the third quarter of 2027.

About Norway's International Test Arena

Norway's international test arena for zero- and low-emission aviation is a government initiative led by Avinor and the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway, with financial support from the Norwegian Government. The test arena is intended to contribute to the faster and more predictable introduction of new zero- and low-emission technologies through practical testing and the development of regulatory frameworks.

About the Partners

Bristow Group Inc. is a leading global provider of mission-critical aviation services for government entities, offshore energy companies, and other customers around the world. Our business is comprised of three operating segments: Offshore Energy Services (OES), Government Services and Other Services. Through the use of helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and highly skilled personnel, we provide aviation services such as personnel transportation, offshore energy logistics, search and rescue (SAR), special missions, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, medevac, unmanned systems, on-demand cargo logistics (ODC) and other specialized aviation solutions. We are also involved in various advanced air mobility (AAM) initiatives and emerging next-generation aviation technologies.

Electra

Electra.aero, Inc. (Electra) is an advanced air mobility (AAM) company building hybrid-electric Ultra Short airplanes that deliver unprecedented performance advantages to fly people and cargo seamlessly without airports, emissions, or noise. With the EL9 Ultra Short, Electra is pioneering Direct Aviation, the next level of connectivity that brings air travel closer to where we live, work, and play. Electra's Ultra Short technology delivers 2.5x the payload and 10x longer range with 70% lower operating costs than helicopters and eVTOLs with significantly greater safety and far less certification risk.

Electra's team includes some of the most respected and successful entrepreneurs and engineers in novel aircraft design, with over 40 prior aircraft successfully developed and/or certified. Lockheed Martin Ventures, HoneywellAerospace, and Safran are among Electra's strategic investors along with Prysm Capital, the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC), and other private investors. Electra's contracted customers include the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Navy, and NASA along with over 2,200 letters of intent from 60+ commercial customers, including both airlines and helicopter operators.

Avinor

Avinor is a wholly state-owned company under the Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communications, responsible for 43 airports and Norway's air navigation services, enabling safe, efficient and more sustainable aviation.

Civil Aviation Authority Norway (Luftfartstilsynet)

The CAA's primary task is to ensure and improve safety in Norwegian aviation. CAA Norway has the responsibility to oversee and regulate all aspects of civil aviation in Norway, implementing and customising national and international legislation and regulations. We are also committed to working towards more sustainable and societally beneficial aviation.

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SOURCE Bristow Group

Released October 19, 2026