Majority of Small Business Owners Rely on Their Businesses to Fund Their Future, New Survey Finds

Research reveals 57% are highly reliant on their business to reach their next stage of life, despite significant gaps in exit planning and valuation

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For many U.S. small business owners, their financial future depends heavily on the businesses they've built, yet new research reveals significant gaps in the planning and preparation needed to support a successful exit.

According to a new national survey conducted by Researchscape International on behalf of Exit Factor™, a business value enhancement and exit planning company, 57% of small business owners say they are very or completely reliant on their business, either through selling it or continuing to draw income from it, to reach their next stage of life. Nearly two-thirds (64%) also report having at least half of their personal net worth tied up in their business.

Despite that financial dependence, many owners have yet to take concrete steps to prepare for an eventual exit. While 52% say they are very or completely confident they could successfully exit their business if they needed to start the process tomorrow, one-third (33%) have taken no steps toward exit planning, only 23% have formally valued their business as part of their exit preparation, and just 18% have established a written timeline or target exit date.

The findings are part of Exit Factor's national survey of 1,104 U.S. small business owners, examining how entrepreneurs approach business value, exit planning, succession and life after ownership.

"Business owners spend years, often decades, building something valuable, but many don't give the same attention to how they'll eventually step away from it," said Peter Giese, president of Exit Factor. "Exit planning isn't about deciding that you're ready to sell tomorrow. It's about understanding what your business is worth today, identifying the factors that could increase or limit that value, and creating options for yourself long before you need them."

Financial Dependence Outpaces Exit Preparation

Despite the significant role their businesses play in their financial futures, many owners lack a clear understanding of what their companies are worth or a formal plan for an eventual exit. The survey reveals several gaps between financial reliance, confidence and actual preparation:

- Only 18% have a current professional business valuation they paid for, while 27% rely on their own rough estimate of their business's value.

- 28% have thought about exiting but haven't taken any steps, while another 26% have an informal or partial plan but nothing formal or written.

- 18% haven't thought about exit planning or aren't sure where they stand.

- Just 15% have a formal, written exit plan, while 13% are actively working with a paid exit planning advisor.

The findings underscore the potential risks of relying heavily on a business without fully understanding its value or having a strategy for transitioning ownership, particularly for owners who may depend on a sale or continued business income to support their next stage of life.

"When so much of an owner's financial future is tied to one asset, waiting until you're ready to sell to understand its value can leave very little time to address the issues that affect that value," Giese said. "The earlier owners understand where they stand, the more opportunity they have to strengthen the business and make decisions on their own terms."

For Many Owners, Exit Planning Still Feels Like a Problem for the Future

While financial readiness is a critical component of a successful exit, the survey also highlights the practical and emotional barriers that can prevent owners from planning ahead. Key findings include:

- 47% say it feels too early to think about an exit, while 29% are too busy managing day-to-day operations.

- 25% cite the emotional difficulty of letting go as a barrier to exit planning.

- 44% say uncertainty about who they would be or what they would do without their business has at least somewhat affected their planning.

- 45% say a health issue or scare would prompt them to begin or accelerate exit planning, followed by reaching a specific age or life milestone (35%) and experiencing burnout (32%).

The emotional ties to business ownership extend beyond planning. When asked what they would miss most about stepping away, owners ranked their sense of purpose or daily meaning highest overall, ahead of financial security and income.

"An exit is both a business transition and a personal transition," Giese said. "Owners need time not only to prepare the company, but to think through what they want their next chapter to look like. Starting earlier gives them the ability to build a business that can operate without them while also preparing themselves for whatever comes next."

To learn more, explore the findings from Exit Factor's The State of Exit Readiness study.

About the Survey

Researchscape International conducted an online survey of 1,104 U.S. small business owners on behalf of Exit Factor between August 24 and September 11, 2026. Respondents were sole owners/founders or co-owners with significant decision-making authority at businesses with 1–99 employees. Responses were not weighted.

About Exit Factor

Exit Factor® offers a proven method that helps small to mid-size business owners maximize their company's value. It's part of the United Franchise Group™ (UFG) family of affiliated brands and consultants representing the best of their industries. Through one-on-one consulting services and online programs, the trusted advisors at Exit Factor teach entrepreneurs how to successfully improve their company's efficiency, value and ultimately ability to exit. Following its franchise launch in 2024, the company was ranked #1 in the business coaching/services category on Entrepreneur's 2025 Top New & Emerging Franchises and was also named among Inc.'s 2025 Best Workplaces and 2025 Power Partners. In 2026, Inc. named Exit Factor to its list of Fastest-Growing Private Companies in the Southeast and founder Jessica Fialkovich to its Female Founders 500. For more information, visit www.ExitFactor.com and for more information on owning an Exit Factor franchise, visit www.exitfactorfranchise.com.

About United Franchise Group

Led by Chairman and CEO Ray Titus, United Franchise Group™ (UFG) is a globally recognized leader in franchising, home to an award-winning family of brands and franchise consulting services. With over 1,800 franchises and development in more than 60 countries, UFG empowers entrepreneurs through proven franchise systems, multi-unit growth opportunities, and industry-leading support. Its portfolio includes iconic brands like Signarama®, Fully Promoted®, Black Optix Tint®, Transworld Business Advisors®, Exit Factor®, Accurate Franchising™, Franchise Real Estate™, and thriving food concepts, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill® and Graze Craze®. With 40 years of franchising experience, UFG and its expert consultants have helped develop over 350 successful franchise brands, supporting thousands of franchisees worldwide. From B2B services to fast-casual dining, UFG offers scalable, high-demand business opportunities backed by comprehensive training, marketing, and operations support. Entrepreneurs choose UFG to lead in their local markets and grow with a trusted network that's driving the future of franchising. With a commitment to rapid growth, UFG continues to expand its global footprint, helping franchise owners thrive in local markets worldwide.

Media Contact: Media Relations, [email protected]

SOURCE Exit Factor

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A Decade of Data from the Marine Stewardship Council Underscores Americans Expect 'Sustainable' To Be the Default

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), a global environmental nonprofit focused on wild fisheries sustainability, today released 10 years of consumer insights showing how expectations around sustainability have moved from a niche consideration to a mainstream expectation, especially when it comes to seafood. The report, entitled, "A Decade of Change: Sustainability Now a Mainstream Concern of U.S. Seafood Consumers," underscores that consumers increasingly seek independent verification of environmental claims, and that economic realities continue to shape purchasing decisions.

"I am optimistic about U.S. consumer attitudes to our planet, the food they consume, and the concept of sustainability and preserving our planet for future generations," said Laura McDearis, U.S. Program Director, Marine Stewardship Council. "Ten years of consumer research has made it clear: sustainability is no longer a niche request for U.S. consumers; it's the expectation."

Conducted on behalf of the MSC by GlobeScan, an independent insights and advisory firm, the research tracks how consumers think about seafood, ocean sustainability, ecolabels, and the MSC program. 15,000 U.S. seafood consumers shared their perspectives dating back to 2016. The data shows that U.S. consumer support for sustainability has steadily climbed to match levels traditionally only seen among European consumers.

Report highlights include:

- Americans expect 'sustainable' seafood to be the default. Consumers view sustainability as built-in or integrated to products rather than added-on. The idea that sustainable sourcing is essential for protecting ocean health has become more mainstream.

- Independent verification has become more important. Consumers are increasingly looking for sustainability claims to be independently verified, reinforcing the value of credible third-party certification. Sustainability claims alone are not enough; consumers want evidence and proof.

- Health and sustainability are becoming more connected. Health is becoming more closely connected with perceptions of sustainable seafood, although the shift is gradual.

- Consumers increasingly believe their choices can protect seafood for the future. Consumers are likely to believe that their seafood purchases can make a positive difference by helping ensure healthy fish populations will be available for future generations.

To see all ten trends and read the report, access it at msc.org.

Healthy oceans are essential to life on Earth; according to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 71% of the Earth is made up of the ocean and 80% of biodiversity is contained in the ocean. When wild fisheries are managed sustainably, they are more resilient to climate change and maintain biodiverse marine ecosystems. Compared with terrestrial animal proteins, wild-caught seafood can provide highly nutritious food without extensive resources.

In the U.S., 90% of fisheries by volume are MSC certified and meet rigorous requirements for environmentally sustainable fishing practices, making the U.S. a leader in sustainable fisheries. A record 789 fisheries are now engaged in the MSC program around the world and certified fisheries have delivered hundreds of improvements in recent years benefiting fish populations, habitats, management, and vulnerable species, supporting overall marine biodiversity and ocean health.

"The global landscape presents so many challenges that compete every day for the headspace of the U.S. consumer," McDearis continued. "And yet, we are making incredible progress. As the public conversation around food continues to evolve - shaped by social, economic, technological, political, and environmental factors globally - seafood's story is not just about what is on the plate; it's about the role our ocean, fisheries, and seafood choices can play in building a more sustainable future for our food systems and our planet overall."

About the Marine Stewardship Council

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international nonprofit dedicated to dedicated to healthy oceans and seafood resources for the future. A pioneer in sustainable fishing standards, the MSC program sets environmental criteria to ensure healthy fish stocks, minimal harmful impacts on ocean ecosystems, and to promote effective management. The MSC program includes the MSC Fisheries Standard, the world's most widely used standard for environmentally sustainable wild-caught seafood, the Chain of Custody Standard for accountable supply chains, and the MSC blue fish ecolabel, which helps consumers identify seafood products that are independently verified for their sustainability claims. For more information, visit msc.org and follow MSC on LinkedIn.  

Note for editors: Photos available to accompany this press release here.

SOURCE Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

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- California Rises receives Award of Distinction from PR Daily Nonprofit Communications Awards

- Genesis STEAM program with Child Creativity Lab named winner in Ragan Communications CSR Awards

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Genesis has earned two national honors recognizing its commitment to strengthening communities and expanding access to educational opportunities. California Rises received an Award of Distinction in the Corporate/Nonprofit Partnership of the Year category in the 2026 PR Daily Nonprofit Communications Awards, while the Genesis STEAM program with Child Creativity Lab was named a winner in the Education or Scholarship Program category of the 2026 Ragan Communications Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Awards.

"At Genesis, we believe our responsibility goes beyond crafting world-class vehicles, and extends to supporting the communities we call home," said Tedros Mengiste, chief operating officer of Genesis Motor North America. "California Rises demonstrates the power of coming together when our neighbors need us most, while our STEAM program with Child Creativity Lab is helping young people see new possibilities for the future. These recognitions reinforce our commitment to building thoughtful partnerships that create meaningful and lasting impact in our communities."

Supporting Los Angeles Through California Rises

California Rises was recognized in the Corporate/Nonprofit Partnership of the Year category of the 2026 PR Daily Nonprofit Communications Awards. The recognition highlights the California Rises initiative associated with the Genesis Invitational.

Created in response to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, California Rises brought together Genesis and its partners to support recovery and rebuilding efforts across affected communities. Through the initiative, Genesis has worked to help restore vital community resources and create meaningful opportunities for employees and partners to participate directly in Los Angeles' long-term recovery.

The recognition reflects Genesis' commitment to standing with its home state of California and supporting communities not only in moments of immediate need, but throughout the longer journey of rebuilding and recovery.

Inspiring the Next Generation Through STEAM

Genesis was also named a winner in the Education or Scholarship Program category of the 2026 Ragan Communications CSR Awards.

Through Genesis Gives, the corporate social responsibility initiative of Genesis Motor America, Genesis has partnered with Child Creativity Lab since 2024 to provide hands-on science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) workshops for young people in under-resourced communities. The program combines creativity, sustainability and automotive innovation, giving students an introduction to automotive product development, an opportunity to experience Genesis vehicle technology and a hands-on challenge to design their own future mobility vehicles using upcycled materials.

Working with Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, schools and other youth-serving organizations, the program has reached hundreds of elementary through high school students across California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Texas.

By bringing the workshops directly into trusted community spaces, Genesis and Child Creativity Lab are helping reduce barriers to STEAM enrichment while encouraging creativity, design thinking and exploration of future career pathways.

"Our partnership with Genesis Motor America is a perfect example of what happens when corporate partners and community organizations come together to meet students exactly where they are," said Tracey Hill, chief executive officer, Child Creativity Lab. "By connecting automotive innovation with hands-on design through our 'Upcycled Vehicle' STEAM Challenge, GMA is giving young people an opportunity to see how their ideas can become something tangible and meaningful. When children get to apply their creativity to real-world experiences, that inspiration can extend far beyond the classroom, sparking career exploration, building confidence, and cultivating a lifelong love of learning. We are so proud of what we have built together and grateful to Genesis for believing in the power of creativity, connection and hands-on STEAM learning to expand what is possible for youth across the nation."

Together, the two recognitions underscore Genesis' approach to corporate social responsibility: building meaningful partnerships that respond to community needs while creating opportunities for lasting impact.

Genesis Gives

Genesis Gives is a corporate social responsibility initiative from Genesis Motor America. Expanding on the brand's commitment to the highest standards of performance and its athletic inspiration, Genesis Gives supports nonprofit organizations with the goal of improving access to, and performance in, youth sports and STEAM education in under-resourced communities.

Genesis Motor North America

Genesis is a new global automotive brand that delivers the highest standards of design, safety, refined performance, and innovation while looking towards a more sustainable future. Drawing from its cultural heritage and distinctly Korean hospitality, Genesis crafts experiences focused on customers as "Son-nim", or honored guests.

Genesis Motor North America offers a growing range of award-winning SUV, sedan, and electric models through its network of more than 190 independent U.S. retailers, in addition to its more than 30 Canadian agency distributors. Genesis now counts more than 100 standalone retail facilities across the North American region, with dozens more in development. Consumers can discover the brand through its many retail points, at Genesis House, the brand's flagship space in New York City, or online at www.genesis.com.

Please visit our media site for the latest news at www.genesisnewsusa.com (United States) and www.genesisnews.ca (Canada).

SOURCE Genesis Motor America

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Innovative New Markets Tax Credit financing addresses a longstanding challenge in modular construction, enabling developers to finance factory-built housing earlier and helping Model/Z scale production to meet growing demand.

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Model/Z, a housing innovation and volumetric modular manufacturing company based in Los Angeles, today announced the closing of a $32 million New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) transaction designed to finance the production of modular housing for affordable and workforce housing developments.

The financing addresses one of the most persistent barriers to scaling modular housing: how to finance homes while they are being built in a factory, before they are delivered to a construction site and permanently affixed to the land. One of modular construction's greatest advantages is its ability to manufacture housing in a controlled factory environment at the same time that foundations, utilities, and other site work are underway. By performing these activities in parallel rather than sequentially, developers can significantly shorten construction schedules, reduce costs, improve quality and limit waste.

Traditional construction financing, however, was largely designed around buildings constructed directly on real estate. As a result, many lenders are reluctant or unable to advance construction funds for modules while they are still inside a factory. This financing gap often forces developers or manufacturers to carry millions of dollars of production costs themselves — delaying projects, increasing costs, and undermining many of the efficiencies modular construction is intended to create.

Model/Z's new NMTC financing is designed to help bridge that gap.

The transaction provides Model/Z with a working capital line to begin manufacturing modules ahead of a project's on-site construction schedule on behalf of its clients. This allows developers to preserve the speed advantages of modular construction while enabling Model/Z to maintain more consistent factory production, improve efficiency and further reduce costs.

The financing is expected to support approximately 800 units of near-term orders scheduled for 2026–27 delivery and help facilitate Model/Z's broader pipeline of approximately 2,500 affordable and workforce housing units. The investment is also expected to create and retain more than 117 permanent jobs, which will be accessible to residents of Watts and surrounding South Los Angeles communities. Since opening its Watts factory in 2024, Model/Z has produced more than 500 housing modules.

Model/Z's factory is also helping create pathways into skilled careers, including plumbing, electrical work, manufacturing and assembly. These accessible jobs provide opportunities for workers without four-year college degrees and represent occupations that will become increasingly important as artificial intelligence (AI) transforms other sectors of the U.S. economy.

"Housing affordability remains one of the biggest challenges facing California, and unless we fundamentally reduce the cost and time required to build housing, we will never solve it," said Martin Muoto, founder of Model/Z. "Model/Z has focused on using technology, manufacturing and standardization to bring those costs down. This transaction represents yet another important innovation: creating a financing structure that allows affordable and workforce housing to move into production sooner while supporting hundreds of accessible jobs in historically disadvantaged communities."

"We are thrilled to work with New Markets Community Capital, Greenline Ventures and our other partners to reach this milestone," Muoto added. "We believe this financing can demonstrate a model that others can replicate and ultimately help unlock significantly more modular housing throughout California and beyond."

The financing is already supporting affordable housing developments using Model/Z units, including 105th & Central, a 90-unit affordable housing development being developed by Logos Faith Development on church-owned land in South Los Angeles. "We are proud to be one of the early beneficiaries of this New Markets Tax Credit transaction from Model/Z and their many innovations at our 105th & Central project," said Pastor Martin Porter, CEO of Logos Faith Development, a developer focused on transforming underutilized church-owned land into affordable housing. "Whenever mission, purpose and financing align, it's a match made in heaven."

Model/Z, an affiliate of SoLa Impact, combines manufacturing, standardization and AI-assisted design to reduce the cost and time required to develop housing. Its technology platform accelerates site feasibility, design, permitting and financial analysis—processes that traditionally can take months or years—while its Watts factory produces highly standardized, steel-frame volumetric housing units.

Model/Z has developed standardized configurations for affordable, LIHTC and student housing projects. Because units are designed around consistent specifications and manufacturing standards, modules can be deployed across multiple projects with limited customization. That interchangeability is an important component of the new financing model because it reduces the risk associated with financing modules before they are permanently installed at a specific project.

The $32 million NMTC allocation was provided by two Community Development Entities:

- Greenline Community Development Fund, an affiliate of Denver-based Greenline Ventures, which provides flexible capital to underserved businesses and communities, provided $18 million in NMTC allocation.

- New Markets Community Capital, a TELACU company that finances commercial, industrial and community development in low-income urban communities, provided $14 million in NMTC allocation.

The federal New Markets Tax Credit program is designed to encourage private investment in businesses and economic development projects located in economically distressed communities.

Dudley Ventures and Valley National Bank, through DV VNB Community Investment Fund, LLC, served as the tax credit investor. Dudley Ventures also participated in Model/Z's first NMTC transaction.

About Model/Z: Model/Z is a housing innovation company transforming how affordable housing is designed, financed and delivered. Built by leaders with experience in the aerospace, automotive and technology industries, Model/Z combines an AI-powered development platform with precision-engineered, steel-frame volumetric modular construction to dramatically reduce costs and compress development timelines. Its proprietary AI-enabled software helps move projects from site selection and feasibility through design and permitting in a fraction of the traditional time, while its factory in Watts, South Los Angeles, produces durable, all-electric, high-quality housing designed for rapid deployment. By partnering with affordable housing developers, municipalities, nonprofits and institutions, Model/Z is building a faster, more scalable and more cost-effective approach to addressing California's housing shortage

Pictures provided herein are property of Model/Z Inc and Logos Faith Development and may be used in any public press coverage. For high resolution images, please contact [email protected].

SOURCE SoLa Impact

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India's largest utility, NTPC, to deploy 247Solar's advanced solar thermal technology in its first commercial project

Signs 25-year Power Purchase Agreement for low-cost, round-the-clock clean power, as India seeks to cut its reliance on coal

GREAT FALLS, Va., Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- India's largest electric utility, NTPC Limited, formerly known as National Thermal Power Corporation, has signed a power purchase agreement with 247Solar, a Virginia-based company that has dramatically improved on the first generation of solar thermal technologies for generating round-the-clock clean electricity. The deployment will be 247Solar's initial commercial project, a critical milestone for overcoming the intermittency of conventional clean energy technologies.

India is racing to meet surging electricity demand, and its utilities have recently built coal capacity alongside solar and wind power to cover the gap left by photovoltaic panels when the sun sets and during bad weather. NTPC will test whether 247Solar's system can close that gap and reduce the utility's reliance on coal. With the success of this project, its backers expect the utility to look at expanding the technology more broadly across India.

"This new version of solar thermal solves the problem of intermittent solar and wind power, and avoids spending more on outdated, costly, and dirty coal plants," said Bruce Anderson, founder and CEO of 247Solar.

"India's rapid growth plainly requires more clean, reliable and affordable energy," Anderson added. "Our system can help meet that demand. I'm thrilled that after several years of deep due diligence, NTPC is working with us to bring this promising technology into wider use."

247Solar's technology removes the drawbacks of previous Concentrated Solar Power technology and brings it into the modern era. It still captures the sun's heat with mirrors focused on towers, but the system is simplified, modular, and scalable, and it simultaneously provides heat up to 1000oC (over 1800oF) for industrial processes.

The system stores heat for up to 20 hours in inexpensive ceramic pellets, using hot air to generate electricity around the clock with unique turbines that operate without combustion under normal conditions. If the stored heat runs low overnight or during extended cloudy weather, the same turbines can also run on liquid or gaseous fuels, including natural gas, green hydrogen, or diesel, so the plant can keep producing power without interruption.

Among 247Solar's benefits compared with traditional CSP technology:

- Lower cost

- Speed to power

- Simplicity of design and operation

- High reliability

- Grid independence

- Cost-effective baseload power

The NTPC project is a ~1MW hybrid, integrating one 400 kW modular 247Solar Plant™ with several hundred kilowatts of PV. It is being installed at Rajasthan's Bhadla Solar Park, already one of the world's largest solar energy hubs, in an arid region in northwestern India. The project is backed by the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited, which has approved preliminary studies, site surveys, and structural tests.

NTPC and 247Solar selected the location for its abundant sunshine, and for its easy interconnection for offtake.

The demonstration marks an early step toward round-the-clock clean power for industry and residents in India. Success will position Rajasthan as a proving ground for the technology and give NTPC a new tool as it works to meet the country's growing power demand while reducing reliance on coal, cutting costs and carbon emissions simultaneously.

Other countries facing similar problems with their electric grid will be watching India's roadmap for addressing off-grid and weak-grid industrial load demands and the intermittency gap of conventional PV solar, without coal.

About 247Solar

247Solar delivers modular, always-on renewable power and heat to industrial and infrastructure customers worldwide. Built on technology that originated at MIT and backed by a deep intellectual property portfolio, the company's systems help customers reach net-zero goals with strong economics and high reliability. Learn more at www.247solar.com. Watch 247Solar's "How it works" video here.

SOURCE 247Solar

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Wildhorse Resort & Casino Selects Seattle Entertainment Group to Lead Entertainment Strategy and Concert Programming

PENDLETON, Ore., Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ --

Key Expansion & Entertainment Highlights

- 325% increase in concert capacity, from approximately 400 to over 1,700 guests

- More than 410% increase in live concerts, from approximately 3.5 concerts annually to 18 or more.

- First Native American Casino and one of the first in the US to introduce a dynamic Multipurpose Hall by Gala Systems™.

- 40,000 sq. ft. event center offering a 110% increase in meeting rooms, with 13 more rentable breakout meeting rooms and additional VIP spaces.

- 105.9% increase in hotel room inventory, with the addition of 214 new guest rooms and suites, more than doubling Wildhorse's accommodations.

- Over $100 million in resort expansion investment.

Wildhorse Resort & Casino (Wildhorse) has selected Seattle Entertainment Group (SEG), a 100% Native-owned entertainment, production, and talent-buying company, to lead development of an entertainment strategy including national headliner programming and operational planning for the resort's major expansion and new event center scheduled to open in spring 2027.

Owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), Wildhorse establishes itself as Eastern Oregon's premier family and entertainment destination. Located four miles east of Pendleton, the property combines gaming, hospitality, dining, entertainment, and recreation in a single destination.

"The expansion will add a second hotel tower, expanded dining options, significant convention facilities, and an elevated entertainment venue capable of hosting more than 1,700 guests," said Diane Long, Marketing Director of Wildhorse.

"The expansion substantially increases our opportunity to provide amenities to our community members and support local businesses through vendor relationships, further reinforcing the pillars of our community," said Long.

Wildhorse prefers working with local and Native owned companies to supply many of its business services.

Featuring a 24-hour casino with more than 1,100 Vegas-style slot machines and 14 table games, along with poker, bingo and keno, the resort also offers twelve restaurants and eateries, hotel accommodations, an RV park and two 18-hole golf courses. The property also features a five-screen Cineplex and the locals' favorite Family FunPlex, which includes a 24-lane bowling center, arcade, and food court.

A New Entertainment Strategy

Seattle Entertainment Group will strengthen the depth and excitement of the Pendleton area by delivering a consistent lineup of entertainment offerings. Collectively, the expansion and intentional programming are designed to stimulate tourism by invigorating the local economy and further elevating employment opportunities.

Headliners already under consideration include Jay Leno, Aaron Lewis, Theresa Caputo, Jabbawockeez, Tyler Henry, Big & Rich, Stone Temple Pilots, David Spade, and The Price Is Right Live.

The innovative strategy will also explore international entertainment opportunities including K-pop, Canto-pop, Mando-pop, K-trot, Vietnamese and Filipino entertainment, as Wildhorse further connects regional and destination audiences.

Wildhorse will be the first Tribal Casino and one of the pioneers in the United States to feature the innovative Gala Venue® flooring and seating system, allowing Wildhorse to support a combination of seated concerts, general admission events, mixed martial arts, game shows, touring productions, conferences, banquets and specialty events, enriching overall entertainment amenities.

"There was substantial competition to fill this position for talent buying and production services, and I am happy for the opportunity to work with Wildhorse and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation," said Troy Wyatt, tech entrepreneur, CEO and founder of Seattle Entertainment Group and GetAvails.com.

Wyatt understood Wildhorse's mission: it was less about booking cool artists, and more about relationships, systems, production, infrastructure, operating procedures, and crafting a long-term strategy to solidify the position of the premier entertainment resort destination for Eastern Oregon and beyond.

Casino Operations and Experiential Entertainment

Beyond SEG's substantial ticketing, production, and entertainment experience, Wyatt is uniquely qualified given his proven operational aptitude, while maintaining a gaming license throughout a myriad of tribal gaming leadership roles historically.

Technology Beyond Typical Talent Buying

Wildhorse will also have access to GetAvails.com, an artificially intelligent entertainment booking project management software. Wildhorse gains access and leverage with a no-charge subscription, with premium features available on GetAvails.com. GetAvails is the only software platform to leverage proprietary, intuitive technology designed to identify available entertainment acts and available artists before a venue reveals its interest to agents or managers. The platform analyzes and combines audience and social media data, including Spotify listenership, social media followers, subscribers, as well as the top 10 geographic areas of interest within an artist's fan base. This data provides venues with compelling insight into an artist's reach and market potential, helping entertainment teams make more informed talent-buying and programming decisions and a lot more.

Native Ownership and Indigenous Entertainment

SEG, also known as one of the only 100% Native-owned entertainment companies, brings a history of working with Indigenous artists, Tribal organizations, and culturally focused programming.

SEG has an established reputation for leveraging culturally relevant performances with indigenous entertainers, including performers such as Supaman, Halluci Nation, The Wood Sisters, Stella Standingbear, Acosia, Drezus, David Boxley, and the Git-Hoan Dance Group, to name a few. This is important because venues outside of Indian Country severely lack equal opportunities for native performers.

Community Impact

Wildhorse's regional impact extends well beyond gaming and entertainment.

Established to formalize charitable giving on behalf of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Wildhorse Foundation has awarded more than $20 million in grants since 2001. Last year alone, the foundation awarded more than $1.8 million through 157 grants supporting public health, public safety, education and environmental protection across seven counties in Eastern Oregon and Southeast Washington, the homeland area of the CTUIR.

About Seattle Entertainment Group

SEG is a 100% Native-owned entertainment, talent-buying, production, and technology company working with artists, managers, talent agencies, promoters, tribal casinos, venues, and private event clients throughout North America and abroad.

SOURCE Seattle Entertainment Group

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TIME recognizes WeWard's innovative feature that helps users reduce screen time and prioritize daily movement

NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2026/PRNewswire/ -- WeWard, the free app backed by Venus Williams motivating more than 30M people to walk, today announced that its Walking Mode feature was named to TIME's Best Inventions of 2026 list in the Apps & Software category.

Launched in July 2026, Walking Mode was built around one simple idea: walk first, scroll later. The feature allows users to temporarily lock distracting apps, such as social media or games, until they reach a self-selected daily step goal. Once the goal is met, the apps automatically unlock, with restrictions resetting at midnight each day to encourage consistent movement.

"It's an incredible honor to be named to TIME's Best Inventions of 2026 List among such great company," said Yves Benchimol, CEO and Co-founder of WeWard. "We're proud of the way Walking Mode has resonated so strongly among our users and believe it's a clear reflection that we're addressing a very real need, which is that people want to be spending more time outside and moving."

For more than 25 years, TIME's Best Inventions list has recognized products, software and services that change how people live, work and play. TIME's editors, supported by expert contributors, evaluate each entry on originality, efficacy, ambition and impact. This year's list honors 300 innovations, plus 100 special mentions, across fields including health, AI, sustainability and transportation. Other honorees include Apple's iPhone Duo, the GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS, Brick and Divine.

Founded in 2019, WeWard is the free lifestyle app rewarding over 30M users for their daily walking activity, bringing a new kind of gamified approach to exercise motivation. Each day, users can track and redeem their daily steps for incentives like cash deposits, charity donations, or retail gifts, and partake in social challenges, such as leaderboards and collectibles. To date, the company has given $50M in cash back to users, $1.5M to charity partners, and helped save more than 750,000 tons of CO2 from walking activity generated.

This recognition comes during a time of rapid innovation and growth for the company, which crossed 5 million users in the U.S. this year.

Walking Mode is available now on iOS in the WeWard app, with Android coming soon.

About WeWard

Founded in 2019 by Yves Benchimol, WeWard is a free mobile app designed to make walking a more rewarding part of people's lives. Through gamifying and socializing the step count, the app rewards users for their daily walking activity through incentives such as cash deposits, gift purchases, charity donations, and a variety of social and community-based features. More than 30M users have signed up to join the platform, which has been shown to increase user walking time by nearly 25%. It is available in 29 countries across the globe. To learn more, visit

SOURCE WeWard

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LOS ANGELES, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- This November, 18 of the best female drivers in the world are returning to Las Vegas for the grand finale of F1 ACADEMY — and once again, Hello Kitty® and Friends will be there to celebrate with them! Global lifestyle brand Sanrio® invites fans to come and join their beloved characters for a weekend of fun, games, limited-edition merchandise and exciting photo opportunities starting Nov. 19 and continuing through the pulse-pounding finale on Nov. 21.

"We're excited to return to Las Vegas with F1 ACADEMY and continue a partnership that feels like such a natural fit for Hello Kitty and Friends," said Jill Koch, Chief Brand Officer at Sanrio, Inc. "At its heart, this collaboration is about celebrating individuality, friendship and the confidence to pursue your dreams which are all values that have long been part of what Hello Kitty and Friends represent. F1 ACADEMY is creating exciting opportunities for a new generation of female drivers, and we're proud to support that mission while bringing fans together to celebrate the incredible talent and passion behind the sport."

On and off the track, and all around Las Vegas, Hello Kitty and Friends' signature supercute aesthetic will be on display against the backdrop of the high stakes, hi-tech world of F1 ACADEMY racing.

THE FAN ZONE RETURNS

Located within the F1 ACADEMY Paddock, the Sanrio Fan Zone will be home to sights, sounds, flavors and unique fan experiences! Inside, visitors will have the chance to explore and play in Hello Kitty and Friends style.

- Hello Kitty Cafe Pit Stop - Whether it's their first stop or a quick refresh during the events, delicious treats await in the Hello Kitty Cafe Pit Stop. Ticketed visitors can indulge in cookies, other sweet baked goods, and creamy hot chocolate.

- Creative Garage - Rev up those creative juices, too, with the Creative Garage. Fans can design their own crown inspired by the world of Hello Kitty, cap off their race day look with temporary tattoos, and hit the friendship bracelet station to create shareable memories of the experience.

- Fun and Games: Anyone who thinks they have the reflexes of an F1 ACADEMY driver can put them to the test by trying to catch as many Hello Kitty bows as they can.

- Photo Ops: Fans can get their own F1 ACADEMY driver's license at our photo booths (and wear it proudly with a lanyard they can decorate). Strike a pose at the Hello Kitty and Friends photo wall, snap pics of our Hello Kitty, Kuromi™, and My Melody™ inspired race helmet display, and even have a chance to meet Hello Kitty and Kuromi when they visit the Fan Zone throughout race week.

EXPLORE THE HELLO KITTY CAFES

With three locations around Las Vegas, the Hello Kitty Cafe welcomes visitors and race fans to grab a sweet treat, a beverage and an unforgettable photo with Hello Kitty and Kuromi during race week. Fans can head to Fashion Show or Park MGM Las Vegas locations to grab a snack, or they can explore the newest elevated cafe experience at the Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace. During the festivities, the cafes will carry new food and beverage menu items along with select Hello Kitty x F1 ACADEMY merchandise for fans to enjoy. Follow @hellokitty, @sanrio, and @hellokittycafevegas for the latest updates and information.

Super speed meets supercute -- see you in Las Vegas!

ABOUT SANRIO®:

Sanrio® is the global lifestyle brand and home to Hello Kitty®, created in 1974, and beloved character brands including My Melody™, Kuromi™, LittleTwinStars™, Cinnamoroll™, Pompompurin™, gudetama™, Aggretsuko™, Chococat™, Badtz-Maru™ and Keroppi™. Founded on the philosophy that small gifts bring happiness and friendship, Sanrio has inspired quality products, services and activities promoting communication and unique consumer experiences worldwide since 1960. Today, Sanrio extends into entertainment with content series, gaming, and theme parks, offering products in over 130 countries. Learn more at www.sanrio.com and follow @sanrio and @hellokitty across social platforms.

Ashley Goncena, [email protected]

SOURCE Sanrio

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What began on a few porches is now a national tradition, with more households dropping spuds into the candy bowl

DENVER, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Halloween is all about the potato. For the last several years, kids have been reaching for potatoes instead of candy.

It's called Trick-or-Tater, the growing trend of handing out potatoes alongside the usual fun-size candy. Some families have been at it for more than a decade, and each Halloween, more join in. The Wall Street Journal said what "started as a lark has gained steam in recent years," and NBC Nightly News called potatoes "the new star of spooky season." This year, Potatoes USA is encouraging people to keep the tradition going and pair those potatoes with a fun lineup of "spooky spud" recipes to celebrate all month long.

"I wanted to offer something different from every other house on the street, so kids can choose a full-size candy bar, a small toy, or a potato," said Maren from Virginia. "I get asked 'why?' a lot, and I say, 'Why not?' I ran out of potatoes in our second year because word got around. Kids were yelling from the top of the driveway, 'Is this the potato house?' Last year we went through about 25 pounds of potatoes, up from 16 the year before. With Halloween on a Saturday this year, I'm planning for a lot of tater-or-treaters."

Spuds on the Stoop: Meet the Trick-or-Taters

That reaction has carried the trend well beyond any one porch. Videos of kids grabbing spuds off the stoop have racked up hundreds of thousands of views and inspired others to make the trend their own.

"We first tried Trick-or-Tater last year at the Halloween festival in downtown Houlton, Maine," said Dan Corey, a potato farmer with operations in Maine and Florida. "We brought out a tractor, filled an entire trailer with potato chips, and set out boxes of chips alongside it, and the kids came running! They climbed up on the tractor, pretended to drive it, and walked away with a bag of chips. It was such a hit that we're doing it again this year. Making it part of the festival turned it into something the whole community could share."

At home, Trick-or-Tater households tend to mix the spuds into the candy bowl, so trick-or-treaters can choose. Many families report that they even ran out of potatoes and plan to pick up more this year.

"As a music teacher, I love finding ways to get kids excited about reading music, so on Halloween I post a short rhythm on my front door," added Karen Crews Gregg, a band director in Lyons, Colorado. "Kids knock the rhythm, and if they get it right, they can choose candy or a potato. Last year I went through four bags of potatoes! My favorite part is listening to groups of kids practicing the rhythm together before they knock so they can earn a potato. Plus - now that I'm coaching cross country, too, I have even more reason to send kids home with a vegetable!"

Potatoes offer a welcome balance to the holiday's sweet treats. A nutrient-dense vegetable, one medium 5.3 oz skin-on potato has more potassium than a banana (620 mg vs. 422 mg) and is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the daily value).

Spooky Spud Recipes for Every Halloween Gathering

Whether you're hosting a monster bash or just fueling the family for a night of trick-or-treating, potatoes are hearty enough to anchor the table.

"Last year a two-year-old picked a potato, held it up to her mom and said, 'Mom, make mashed potato.' Then a group of high schoolers in a group costume all chose potatoes, circled up on the driveway, held them in the air and yelled, 'Power to the potato!' I wish I'd gotten it on camera," added Maren.

Potatoes USA's chefs have cooked up a new lineup of spooky spud recipes for the season:

- Spooky Spud Skulls: Crispy skull-shaped potatoes become the perfect base for cheese and pepperoni—a frightful appetizer everyone will love.

- Monster Mash: This monster mash features green mashed potatoes that are delicious and nutritious. Why not play with your food and eat it too?

- Mashed Potato Mummy Meatloaf Cupcakes: Perfect for a Halloween-inspired family dinner or a savory cupcake-decorating station at any spooky celebration.

Find more spooky spud inspiration at PotatoGoodness.com. Stocking the candy bowl with spuds this year? Tag us at @PotatoGoodness on Instagram and TikTok!

About Potatoes USA

As representatives of U.S. potato growers and importers, Potatoes USA's mission is to strengthen the demand for potatoes through marketing and research. By launching impactful marketing campaigns; coordinating regional, national, and international market and production research; and establishing new trade markets, Potatoes USA promotes the benefits of potatoes to audiences across the globe, including consumers, foodservice operators, retailers, and health professionals. For more information on America's Favorite Vegetable, please visit PotatoGoodness.com and PotatoesUSA.com.

Contact:

Erin Bracken

[email protected]

SOURCE Potatoes USA

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The partnership unites two organizations with a shared commitment to service

COLLEGE STATION, Texas and TYSONS, Va., Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas A&M Athletics and Aggie Sports Enterprises, a property of Playfly Sports, the multimedia rightsholder of Texas A&M Athletics, announced a new partnership with PenFed Credit Union (PenFed), naming PenFed the Official National Credit Union of Texas A&M Athletics.

The partnership will feature integrated branding, fan engagement opportunities and military appreciation initiatives that reflect Texas A&M's longstanding tradition of service.

"We are proud to welcome PenFed to the Texas A&M Athletics family as the Official National Credit Union of Texas A&M Athletics," said Tom Severino, General Manager of Aggie Sports Enterprises. "Texas A&M and PenFed share a deep commitment to service, leadership and supporting those who have served our country. That shared purpose makes this partnership a natural fit, and we look forward to creating meaningful experiences for the 12th Man that bring those values to life."

Founded in 1935, PenFed is one of the nation's largest federal credit unions, with a longstanding commitment to the military community. Through the partnership, PenFed will connect with Texas A&M's passionate fan base and support programs that recognize military service.

"PenFed is excited to partner with Texas A&M Athletics, an organization that shares our commitment to service and the military community at the core of our membership," said Scott Akers, PenFed Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. "Together, we can honor servicemembers, veterans and their families while strengthening PenFed's connection with millions of Aggie fans and potential members in Texas and across the nation."

The PenFed Entitlement Game against The Citadel on October 17 will showcase the partnership through special recognition of U.S. service members, veterans and their families.

The partnership was facilitated by Aggie Sports Enterprises, Playfly Sports' locally-based team representing Texas A&M Athletics' multimedia rights.

About PenFed Credit Union

Established in 1935, Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) is one of America's largest federal credit unions, serving nearly 2.8 million members worldwide with $29 billion in assets. PenFed Credit Union offers market-leading certificates, checking, credit cards, personal loans, mortgages, auto loans, student loans, and a wide range of other financial services with members' interests always in mind. PenFed Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA and is an Equal Housing Lender. To learn more about PenFed Credit Union, visit PenFed.org, like us on Facebook and follow @PenFed on Instagram. Interested in working for PenFed? Check us out on LinkedIn. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

About Playfly Sports

Playfly Sports, the sports industry's leading revenue maximization company, drives growth for its partners across the sports ecosystem – including 2,200+ brands, 100+ professional teams, 65+ college athletic departments, all U.S. local sports networks and associated streaming platforms, and other marquee properties. Its fan engagement platform allows its partners to reach and engage over 85% of all U.S sports fans. Playfly builds and implements custom strategies across media, sponsorship, premium experiences, ticketing and fan engagement offerings through proprietary data, innovative technology and compelling storytelling. Playfly operates an expansive portfolio of services with a data-driven and fan-focused approach to maximize revenue yield in key growth areas, such as media, sponsorship, ticketing, premium experiences and fan engagement offerings. Founded in September of 2020, Playfly Sports is now home to approximately 1,000 team members located across 43 U.S. states and internationally dedicated to maximizing the impact of highly passionate local sports fans. The company has been named a Best Place to Work in Sports by Sports Business Journal, Front Office Sports, and Newsweek. To learn more, follow Playfly Sports on social media platforms or visit www.Playfly.com.

SOURCE PenFed Credit Union

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