New loyalty program benefits, expanded redemption options, premium experiences, and fleetwide Starlink connectivity bring more value to Rapid Rewards

DALLAS, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) announced today the next evolution of its award-winning Rapid Rewards® program, making the loyalty program more rewarding for Customers throughout the travel journey.

Beginning January 1, 2027, Members will see a new lineup of Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers, new Milestone Rewards to earn along the way to status, more opportunities for Companion Pass® trips, and a faster path to tier status for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers. Additional enhancements will give Members new ways to earn and redeem points through international loyalty partners and to enjoy using points for seat selection and rental cars.

"Rapid Rewards was built on a simple idea: make it easy for Customers to earn and use rewards," said Nandika Suri, Vice President of Rapid Rewards at Southwest Airlines. "As our Members engage more with Southwest, they've told us they want Rapid Rewards to reward them in more meaningful ways, whether they're working toward status or using the points they've earned. These updates build on that feedback by rewarding Members throughout their Southwest experience, while keeping the simplicity and value that have always set our program apart."

More Rewards Along the Way

Rapid Rewards will continue to offer the hallmark benefits that Members value, including no blackout dates, points that don't expire, and flexible options to earn tier status through both Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) and qualifying flights. The airline is introducing new enhancements to build on that foundation, including:

- New Platinum status, with Unlimited Companion Pass

Southwest® is introducing a new three-tier structure to give Members more opportunities that unlock valuable benefits as their engagement grows.

Beginning in January 2027, A-List will become Silver and A-List Preferred will become Gold. In addition, Southwest is introducing a new tier to its program—Platinum. Platinum status will sit above Silver and Gold and will include unlimited Companion Pass trips1.

- New Milestone Rewards; Reach First Reward Before Reaching Silver Status

Starting in January 2027, Members will no longer have to wait until reaching a new tier to receive rewards. Southwest is adding Milestone Rewards along a Member's tier journey2.

- Before Members reach Silver, they'll be able to select rewards like Rapid Rewards points or seat certificates.

- Between Gold and Platinum, Members can qualify to receive three Companion Pass trips.

- A Faster Path to Tier Status

Beginning in January 2027, every Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember, including Plus Cardmembers, will earn one TQP for every dollar spent on purchases with a Rapid Rewards® Credit Card from Chase3. This change gives every Cardmember a simpler, faster path to tier status.

More Ways to Use Rapid Rewards Points

- New International Redemptions

In Spring 2027, Members will be able to earn and redeem Rapid Rewards points for travel through new international airline loyalty partnerships, initially with Icelandair, China Airlines, and Etihad Airways. These partnerships will give Customers access to popular destinations from Reykjavik to Paris, Taipei to Tokyo, and Abu Dhabi to Johannesburg.

- Use Points for Seats and Rental Cars

Later in 2027, Rapid Rewards Members will also be able to use points for seat selection on Southwest-operated flights, including Extra Legroom and Preferred seats4. Beginning in November 2026, Members can redeem Rapid Rewards points for rental cars across all participating car rental partners directly through cars.southwest.com.

A More Rewarding Travel Experience

In addition to new program rewards, Southwest is introducing new travel experiences:

- Southwest Icon Lounge™ - A New Way to Experience Southwest Hospitality

The airline is bringing its Hospitality to a new part of the journey in late 2027 with the Southwest Icon Lounge™ network, in partnership with Chase. The lounges will combine premium amenities, thoughtful and local design, and the warmth of Southwest's culture to create distinctive spaces where Customers can relax, get work done, or simply enjoy the lounge before they travel.

The Southwest Icon name celebrates Southwest's 55-year legacy—from Herb Kelleher's people-first philosophy to the Customers and Employees who continue to shape its story.

Access to the Southwest Icon Lounge network will be available through a new, premium, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card, issued by Chase, launching in 2027.

- Fleetwide Starlink Connectivity in 2027

Southwest is bringing the fastest WiFi in the sky, powered by Starlink, to its entire fleet. In fall 2027, Southwest expects to become the first major U.S. airline to complete a fleetwide rollout of Starlink, providing access to high-speed connectivity from takeoff to landing.

WiFi is available free to Rapid Rewards Members, thanks to T-Mobile®5.

Additional details on tiers, Companion Pass, Rapid Rewards points redemption, international loyalty partnerships, and more can be found at southwest.com/rapid-rewards/2027/.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 121 airports across 12 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline.6 By empowering its more than 73,0007  People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 134 million Customers carried in 2025. Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship.

1 Companion Pass benefits allow a Member to designate one Companion to fly with the Member on Southwest®-operated flights. A Companion's reservation must be booked through Southwest. Companion Pass travel has no blackout dates but is subject to availability. While there are no seat restrictions, a seat must be available on a flight for a Companion. For more information regarding Companion Pass benefits, please visit https://www.southwest.com/rapid-rewards/2027/companion-pass-changes/.

2 Eligible Rapid Rewards® Members who achieve a Milestone may select from available Milestone Rewards depending on the applicable Milestone level. Benefit selections are final. Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements, expiration dates, usage restrictions, and additional terms and conditions. Visit https://www.southwest.com/rapid-rewards/guides/milestone-rewards-explained/ for complete details.

3 Effective January 1, 2027, the earning of Tier Qualifying Points through credit card spend changes. Tier Qualifying Points are earned through flight purchases, the cash portion of a cash plus points reservation, points from spend on Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards at one Tier Qualifying Point earned per $1 spent on eligible purchases on the card, Getaways by Southwest purchases, Tier Qualifying Point bonus promotions, and buy Tier Qualifying Points promotions.

4 Rapid Rewards® Members may redeem points for available eligible seat selections on Southwest Airlines-operated flights after booking and ticketing and prior to check-in. Available seat types and the number of points required vary by flight and are subject to change until the seat selection is completed. Points may not be used to purchase seat selections at the airport, including at kiosks or the gate. Rapid Rewards terms and conditions apply.

5 Where available. Available only on WiFi-enabled designated aircraft.

6 Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey as of Q4 2025.

7 Fulltime-equivalent active Employees as of June 30, 2026.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Specific forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements related to (i) the Company's initiatives, strategic priorities, focus areas, core strengths, goals, and opportunities, including with respect to product offering enhancements; and (ii) the Company's expectations with respect to the timing of and Customer response to its product offering enhancements. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current estimates, intentions, beliefs, expectations, goals, strategies, and projections for the future and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by them.

Chubby Group Closes $50M Series A Led by Prysm Capital at $500M Valuation; Signs Deal to Purchase 47 GEN Korean BBQ Restaurants

The agreement with GEN Restaurant Group and Chubby's first institutional funding round position it as one of the largest Asian dining groups in the U.S.

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Chubby Group, the company behind Chubby Cattle, Wagyu House, The X Pot, NIKU X, Chubby Skewers, and Chubby Bowls, has announced a $50 million Series A led by Prysm Capital at a $500 million valuation to fund the growth of the portfolio. The company also announced it signed a letter of intent to acquire GEN Korean BBQ's 47 U.S. restaurants and four development sites from GEN Restaurant Group (Nasdaq: GENK) in a transaction valued at up to $100 million. The acquisition is expected to significantly expand Chubby's reach and footprint, positioning it as one of the largest Asian dining groups in the U.S.

Chubby has already transformed former GEN sites, growing unit revenue up to 6x by pairing its supply chain with elevated culinary standards, refreshed interiors, signature hospitality, and the Chubby Club experience. It now plans to roll out that playbook across all 47 restaurants.

Quality at the Source

Rather than buying cuts from distributors, Chubby buys whole cattle and whole chickens and runs direct seafood programs, processing and delivering everything through its own supply chain. Using the whole animal across its 25+ brands means higher-quality ingredients at more affordable prices, from wagyu omakase to fast-casual bowls cooked in tallow from its own cattle program. Those efficiencies translate into greater value for guests through Chubby Club, a membership ecosystem that brings benefits wherever members dine—across Chubby and partner brands or at home through delivery. 

"We've built Chubby by investing in better ingredients, hospitality and value for our guests, and our Chubby Club members have become our biggest champions," said David Zhao, co-founder of Chubby Group. "Prysm's investment and the addition of GEN's 47 restaurants to our ecosystem will let us do that at a much bigger scale and reinvest the efficiencies we gain in the guest experience."

Prysm Capital Leads First Institutional Round

The $50 million Series A, led by Prysm Capital, will fund expansion of Chubby's supply chain and new openings, including plans for 30 new locations across Mr. Chubby and Chubby Bowls in 2027. To date, Chubby's growth has been supported by operating cash flow and capital from its founders, local operating partners, supply chain partners, and family offices, with more than $90 million invested across its restaurants and supply chain.

"We've watched Chubby Group grow from 20 to 70 locations while staying profitable," said Matt Roberts, co-founder and partner at Prysm Capital. "They own everything from the supply chain to the in-house design to the loyalty program. Chubby Group turns this structural advantage into a fantastic experience at a great value for their customers, which is why they keep coming back. And now every additional restaurant expands this edge."

47 Restaurants, Four Phases, 12 Months

Chubby Group will acquire GEN Korean BBQ's 47 U.S. restaurants and four development sites from GEN Restaurant Group. Closing remains subject to definitive agreements, license and lease transfers, and regulatory approvals. As part of the consideration, GEN will hold a note convertible into Chubby Group equity at a $1.5 billion valuation, and Chubby will receive a perpetual license to the GEN brand.

Chubby will take over the restaurants in four phases over 12 months, with the first 12 locations targeted for November 1, 2026. It plans to move the portfolio onto its supply chain and Chubby Club ecosystem, relaunching each restaurant as GEN X, a wagyu-forward take on the Korean BBQ guests already know, or as one of the Chubby Club concepts. Chubby will fund the conversions from its own capital.

From One Restaurant to More Than 70

Chubby's growth comes as Asian restaurants outpace the broader industry. Outside the Asia-Pacific region, sales at Asian full- and limited-service restaurants grew at an 11% compound annual rate from 2020 to 2025, compared with 7% for the restaurant market overall, according to Euromonitor International.

Since opening its first restaurant in 2016, Chubby Group has grown to more than 70 locations, with plans to reach roughly 100 by year-end. Systemwide revenue has grown from $1.5 million in 2016 to $233 million in 2025, with $400 million projected for full-year 2026. The company also serves approximately 450,000 Chubby Club members.

About Chubby Group

Chubby Group is a U.S.-based restaurant and hospitality company behind Chubby Cattle, Wagyu House, The X Pot, NIKU X, Chubby Skewers, and Chubby Bowls. Its vertically integrated platform combines direct sourcing and supply chain operations with restaurant development, brand services, and the Chubby Club membership program. Across its portfolio of Asian-inspired dining concepts, Chubby Group focuses on delivering premium ingredients, compelling value, and distinctive guest experiences. For more information, visit chubbygroup.com.

About Prysm Capital

Prysm Capital seeks to partner with disruptive, generational companies at the inflection point of accelerated growth. With offices in New York, San Francisco, and Princeton, Prysm provides flexible growth capital to founders building category-defining technology and consumer businesses, including Replit, Rivian, Island, FieldAI, Fanatics, Fireworks, HappyRobot, Clear Street, ALSO, and Mind Robotics. For more information, visit www.prysmcapital.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Mary Magnani, CodePR

[email protected] 

SOURCE Chubby Group

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Q3 2026 Sales Reach $29.7 Billion, an 18% Increase From 2025

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) released data showing U.S.-based travel agency air ticket sales totaled $10.2 billion in September 2026, an 18% increase from September 2025.* Passenger trips reached 25.7 million in September 2026, a 2% year-over-year increase. Third-quarter 2026 sales totaled $29.7 billion, up 18% from $25.1 billion in the third quarter of 2025, while passenger trips for the quarter rose 3.5% to 77.4 million.

Results for September 2026 showed:

"Demand for travel remains strong despite geopolitical uncertainty and inflationary pressure, with over 77 million airline trips ticketed through travel agencies in the third-quarter. This reflects a 3.5% increase in trips from the same period in 2025," said Steve Solomon, ARC's Chief Commercial Officer. "Even as the summer season wound down, passenger volume held steady with September air ticket sales of $10.2 billion, up 4% from August. Overall, September capped an exceptional third-quarter."

NDC transactions accounted for 21.2% of total ARC-settled transactions in September 2026, which is a 7% increase from the previous year. In September 2026, 1,264 travel agencies reported NDC transactions.

More detailed information is available on ARC's sales statistics page.

About ARC:

ARC's platform is the intelligence behind air travel, connecting the industry and powering commercial decisions for airlines and their partners. Our trusted services fuel airline retailing, with ARC processing over $100 billion in U.S.-based agency air sales annually. ARC leads industry collaboration between airlines, agencies, corporate buyers and other partners to enable a thriving industry ecosystem. For more information, visit arccorp.com.

Contact:

ARC Media Team: [email protected]

Notes:

*Ticket Sales

- Results are based on monthly sales data ending September 30, 2026, from 9,863 U.S. retail and corporate travel agency locations and online travel agencies. Results do not include sales of tickets purchased directly from airlines.

- The average ticket price (USD) is for a round-trip ticket settled through ARC for an itinerary that included only U.S. domestic travel.

- Passenger trips include the total number of passengers traveling from one airport to another using direct or connecting flights. Newly issued trips are added, and refunded trips are deducted to provide a net view of traveling passengers.

- U.S. domestic passenger trips include the total number settled through ARC where the itinerary is wholly within the U.S. International passenger trips include the total number settled through ARC where some or all the travel occurs to airports outside the U.S. or originates outside the U.S.

- Total sales are equal to the total amount paid for a ticket, which includes taxes and fees.

**Average Economy Class Ticket Price

- Economy Class is defined as tickets for U.S. domestic travel purchased in September 2026 under fare codes excluding First Class, Business Class and Business Class Premium.

***Average Premium Class Ticket Price

- Premium Class is defined as tickets for U.S. domestic travel purchased in September 2026 under fare codes assigned to First Class, Business Class and Business Class Premium.

© Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC). All rights reserved.

SOURCE Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC)

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TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, TIME revealed its annual list of the Best Inventions, which features 300 extraordinary innovations changing our lives. Vital Lyfe's first generation watermaker, Access, has been named a TIME Best Invention in the Outdoors category.

Access is a user-friendly, cost-effective system that enables anyone to generate filtered water from all naturally occurring water sources, including seawater, through a simple, intuitive, push-button process. The system is designed for a wide range of applications and consumers, including off-grid exploration and communities, short- or long-term sailing, maritime environments, rural living, disaster relief organizations, and emergency response. Access is available now for pre-order and will begin shipping later this year.

To compile this year's list, TIME solicited nominations from its editors and correspondents around the world through an online application process, paying special attention to growing fields such as health care and AI. TIME then evaluated each contender on a number of key factors, including originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact.

"We are honored to receive this recognition from TIME, just as we're about to put Access into the hands of consumers and organizations around the world," said Jonathan Criss, CEO and Co-Founder of Vital Lyfe. "We focused on building a beautiful product that's easy to use and affordable, and it's awesome to see all that hard work recognized. For those dedicated to the outdoors, off-grid, and maritime environments, Access is a game-changer for self-sustainability and health. I'm incredibly proud of our whole team for achieving this honor."

"Water scarcity doesn't have to define our future. We believe the future of water is one where people have the power to make their own water, wherever they are. By putting water production into the hands of individuals and communities, decentralized infrastructure can make access to water more resilient and more universal. Access is just the beginning of that future," said Andrew Harner, COO and Co-Founder of Vital Lyfe.

See the full list of TIME's Best Inventions here: ti.me/best-inventions

About Vital Lyfe

Vital Lyfe is a water technology company that builds scalable, portable water filtration systems designed to increase global access to clean water. By combining advanced engineering, efficient manufacturing, and a mission driven approach, Vital Lyfe is working to redefine how fresh water is produced and distributed around the world. Learn more at https://www.vital-lyfe.com/.

Media Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Vital Lyfe

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From a Haunted Marg served with gummy worms to a Boneyard Brownie, guests canswing into spooky season at Topgolf Now through November 1

DALLAS, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Topgolf, the ultimate sports, entertainment and golf destination, is turning its venues into the place to celebrate Halloween. Now through November 1, guests can enjoy a limited-time lineup of Tricked Out Treats, Halloween music and decor, and special offers on gameplay and lessons.

"Halloween at Topgolf is all treats, no tricks," said David McKillips, CEO at Topgolf. "We've tricked out our menu, music and venues so guests can celebrate their way. Our team members have gone all out to make this season fun, and we can't wait to see the costumes and the competition."

Tricked Out Treats

Available now through Nov. 1 at participating venues, the limited-time Halloween menu includes:

Spooky Sips

- Haunted Marg: Ghost Spicy Blanco Tequila, blood orange and mango over ice, finished with a black lava salt rim, lime wedge and gummy worms.

- Frozen Faves, Made Spooky: Any Frozen drink (Lemonade, Piña Colada, Limeade or Margarita) with blackberry puree and gummy worms for a festive twist.

- Watermelon Patch: STARRY®, lime and Sour Patch Kids® Watermelon syrup.

- Vampire Transfusion: Tito's Handmade Vodka, Owen's Transfusion Mix and grenadine, served in a cocktail IV bag. Available at select venues: Madison, Austin, Canton, Katy, Schaumburg, Centennial, Orlando, Chesterfield, Parsippany, Ontario, Brooklyn Center and Las Vegas.

Bites and Sweets

- Boneyard Brownie: A warm chocolate brownie topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped topping, caramel sauce, gummy worms and Halloween sprinkles.

- Cookie Butter Apple Crumble: Cookie butter, caramelized apples and a cookie and oat crumble finished with an icing drizzle.

- Topgolf Donut Holes-In-One: Cinnamon sugar-dusted donut holes served with a limited-time Pumpkin Spice Injector.

Scary Good Deals

- BOO-GO*: Starting October 17, guests can use code "BOO" for 50% off gameplay on reservations made on October 31. Valid on reservations for one to two bays. See additional terms below.

- Lesson and Game Play Packages**: Golf swing looking a little scary? The first 600 guests who purchase a package using the code "SCARY" at checkout will receive a limited-edition Black Clover Halloween hat.

Halloween tracks were added to Topgolf Radio on October 1, and a custom Halloween DJ playlist arrives October 22. To reserve a bay, visit https://topgolf.com/us/plan-a-visit/

Menu items, pricing and promotions may vary by location and are available for a limited time while supplies last.

*BOO-GO Promo Terms: Coupon code BOO is valid for 50% off Topgolf game play for visits on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Redeemable for one (1) and two (2) bay reservations made through Topgolf's App or website only. Excludes walk-in visits as well as all event packages and products. Coupon must be applied at checkout when booking reservation (not valid for redemption at the bay). The 50% off game play is not redeemable towards any additional time, if available, purchased at the venue. For new Players, a Topgolf Account Activation Fee (one-time cost of $6) is required to redeem the game play coupon. Only one (1) game play coupon valid per bay. Limit one (1) game play coupon per person, cannot reuse once redeemed. Cannot be combined with any other game play coupon, offer, or promotion (except for Topgolf Nights price promos if available in market). No cash value. Offer valid at participating U.S. Topgolf venues only. Not valid at Lounge, Swing Suite or Toptracer Range locations. Offer is for game play only and excludes food, drinks, retail, and arcade games. Void where prohibited. Offer subject to change.

**Black Clover Promo Terms: From 10/5 to 10/31/2026, the first 600 guests to purchase a Topgolf Lesson and Game Play Package at topgolf.com/coachpackage and enter code SCARY at checkout will receive one (1) free Black Clover Halloween hat, while supplies last. Limit one (1) hat per Package. Hat will be shipped to address provided during checkout following scheduled lesson. No cash value; non-transferable. Void if Package is canceled or refunded. Valid only at participating U.S. Topgolf venues; excludes Akron, Augusta, Bryan, Chattanooga, Philadelphia, and Waco.

About Topgolf

Topgolf is the ultimate instigator of play. Thanks to our 100+ venues around the globe, which are powered by industry-leading Toptracer technology, we're leading the charge of modern golf. We offer a variety of tech-driven games, a top-tier food and drink menu, space to host large events, and a vibe focused on more play for all. To learn more, plan an event or make plans to come play around, visit www.topgolf.com.

Media Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Topgolf

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Annual customer conference will offer exclusive first access to major Kipu innovations and explore the business, technology and policy forces transforming behavioral healthcare

MIAMI, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As behavioral health organizations confront accelerating technological change, mounting financial pressure, and regulatory complexity, Kipu Health today announced ELEVATE 2027, its annual customer conference focused on helping industry leaders prepare for what comes next.

Hosted May 3–5, 2027, at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, ELEVATE 2027 – The Kipu Customer Conference will bring together behavioral health executives, operators, administrators, technology leaders and industry partners for three days of education, collaboration and connection.

Building on the momentum of ELEVATE 2026, next year's conference will offer an even broader look at the decisions shaping behavioral healthcare, from navigating reimbursement and regulatory change to strengthening financial performance, building a connected technology foundation and identifying where AI can deliver measurable value.

ELEVATE 2027 will give attendees exclusive first access to Kipu's newest innovations in agentic AI, care delivery, revenue management and patient acquisition. As a showcase for major Kipu releases, the conference will offer an early look at new capabilities, direct access to the teams behind them, and practical insight into how these innovations can support their organizations.

Preparing Leaders for a Changing Behavioral Health Landscape

Behavioral health organizations are being asked to expand access, improve outcomes and demonstrate greater operational and financial discipline, often with limited resources and increasing external pressure. At the same time, consolidation, emerging technology and changing payer expectations are creating new opportunities for organizations prepared to act.

"At Kipu, we have the privilege of working alongside the people navigating these challenges every day," said Carina Edwards, CEO of Kipu Health. "ELEVATE gives our customers an opportunity to step outside of the day-to-day, learn from one another and have candid conversations about the decisions that will shape their organizations and the future of behavioral healthcare."

ELEVATE 2027 will bring together leaders with firsthand experience addressing the industry's most consequential questions. Attendees will hear how executives are evaluating growth opportunities, preparing for investment and M&A activity, responding to payer and regulatory shifts, and protecting margins as labor, reimbursement and operating costs continue to pressure the business.

The conference will also look beyond the promise of artificial intelligence to examine what is delivering real value today, what is not and how organizations can adopt AI responsibly across connected workflows. Discussions will explore how leaders can move beyond isolated tools and experiments to create measurable improvements while managing governance, adoption and risk.

Practical Insight for Executives and Kipu Administrators

ELEVATE 2027 will offer dedicated experiences designed around the priorities of behavioral health executives and Kipu administrators. Executive programming will examine the strategic and operational forces influencing organizational performance and growth, while administrator sessions will provide hands-on education, peer learning and direct access to the teams building and supporting Kipu's technology.

Across both experiences, attendees will be able to learn from peers, explore the latest Kipu innovations and participate in conversations that connect technology decisions with real organizational and patient impact.

Advancing Behavioral Healthcare Through Community

At the heart of ELEVATE is the belief that behavioral healthcare moves forward when its leaders openly share what they are learning. The conference brings together people with different roles, experiences and perspectives to exchange ideas, discuss common challenges and identify practical ways to strengthen their organizations.

"ELEVATE was a great place for owners and C-suite leaders to connect and have honest conversations about the real issues facing our industry," said Glenn Hadley, Chief Growth Officer at JGHealthcare Solutions and Partner at Apt Financial. "I valued the opportunity to learn from one another, share what's working and talk through the challenges we're all navigating. I'm looking forward to continuing those conversations at ELEVATE 2027."

That spirit of shared learning will continue at ELEVATE 2027 through educational programming, networking opportunities, direct access to Kipu experts and partners, and signature experiences including the Kipu Cup golf tournament.

About ELEVATE 2027

ELEVATE 2027 will take place May 3–5, 2027, at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The annual Kipu customer conference brings together behavioral health executives, operators, administrators and technology partners for three days of education, collaboration and connection.

Registration for ELEVATE 2027 is open now: https://elevate.kipuhealth.com/.

About Kipu Health

Kipu Health is the leading technology partner for mental health and addiction service organizations. Designed as behavioral healthcare's intelligent operating system, Kipu connects the clinical, operational and financial workflows supporting the complete patient journey - from intake and admission through treatment, billing, compliance and ongoing engagement.

Today, Kipu powers more than 5 million episodes of care annually across 6,000 facilities and supports more than 150,000 users. Through connected technology, actionable intelligence and deep industry expertise, Kipu helps behavioral health organizations, teams and patients thrive.

SOURCE KIPU

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Acquisition expands LUX Infusion's ambulatory infusion center footprint and will provide additional care options for patients and providers across Colorado

PLANTATION, Fla., Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- LUX Infusion, a clinician-led infusion services company, today announced its acquisition of Suite Health, a trusted provider of specialty infusion therapy based in Loveland, Colorado. The acquisition marks LUX Infusion's entry into Colorado and expands the resources and care options available to Suite Health's patients and providers.

Founded with a focus on delivering high-quality, personalized infusion care, Suite Health has built a strong reputation within its local community. Its experienced clinical team has successfully combined attentive, patient support with responsive referral coordination, creating a strong culture of ownership and a welcoming environment for patients receiving complex and recurring therapies.

The combination brings together Suite Health's established local presence and patient-centered model with LUX Infusion's broader clinical, operational, and technological capabilities. Together, the organizations will seek to enhance the infusion experience, simplify access to care, and thoughtfully expand services throughout Colorado.

"We are incredibly excited to join the LUX Infusion family," said Kerre Valtierra, Co-Founder of Suite Health. "We've built something special by putting patient experience and local trust first, and we know partnering with LUX Infusion will help to scale that vision."

"Suite Health has built an exceptional experience around the needs of its patients and providers," said Ted Kramm, Chief Executive Officer of LUX Infusion. "Our role is to build on that foundation with additional resources while preserving the personalized approach that has made Suite Health successful. Together, we can make it easier for more patients to access the infusion care they need in the setting that works best for them."

About LUX Infusion

LUX Infusion is a U.S.-based, clinician-led infusion services company focused on delivering high-quality, coordinated care for patients who rely on complex infusion therapies. Built around a commitment to clinical expertise, clarity, and elevated patient experiences, LUX Infusion supports patients, providers, payors, and manufacturer partners across a growing national network.

LUX Infusion is a portfolio company of Frazier Healthcare Partners. To learn more, visit www.luxinfusion.com and follow the company on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

Tara Marchese

Senior Director of Marketing, LUX Infusion

Tel: 954-908-7636

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE LUX Infusion

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ST. LOUIS, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Graybar, a leading distributor of electrical, industrial, automation and connectivity products and provider of related supply chain management and logistics services, today announced that it has been recognized by Energage with four Top Workplaces Culture Excellence awards, three Featured awards and the Distribution Industry award. The 2026 honors include:

Culture Excellence Awards:

- Work-Life Flexibility: These organizations have built a culture that enables employees to meet the demands of their personal lives while maintaining a high performance.

- Purpose & Values: These organizations have successfully communicated the company mission and integrated those aspirations into the culture.

- Employee Well-Being: Employees at these companies believe their organization put health and wellness at the center of their workplace culture.

- Professional Development: These companies place a special focus on developing their employees' careers and enabling their people to grow professionally.

Featured Awards:

- Women-Led: Celebrates outstanding organizations whose most senior leader is a woman. These leaders have fostered and built stand-out workplace cultures that perform.

- Employee Appreciation: Recognizes companies that have created a standout experience where employees feel recognized and valued for their achievements.

- Frontline Workers: Honors companies that prioritize the needs, contributions, and workplace experience of their frontline staff.

Industry Award:

- Distribution Industry: Graybar was one of just three distributors with more than 2,500 employees recognized with this award.

"Employee ownership is at the heart of Graybar's culture," said Kathleen M. Mazzarella, Graybar's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "It gives our employees a personal connection to our company and a shared stake in our success. This recognition reflects the pride and commitment they bring to Graybar every day."

This marks the sixth consecutive year Graybar has received Top Workplaces Culture Excellence awards and the fifth consecutive year it has earned the Distribution Industry award. Earlier this year, Energage and USA TODAY named Graybar a 2026 Top Workplaces USA award winner for the sixth consecutive year.

Top Workplaces Culture Excellence awards recognize organizations that excel in specific areas of workplace culture. Winners are determined by confidential employee feedback gathered through the Energage Workplace Survey, which measures 15 culture drivers that research has shown to be predictive of organizational performance. Results are benchmarked against the Energage national database of employer responses.

"Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees," said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. "That's something to be proud of. In today's market, leaders must ensure they're allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That's paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends."

About Energage

Making the world a better place to work together.™

Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 20 years of culture research and the results from 30 million employees surveyed across more than 80,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

About Graybar

Graybar, a Fortune 500 corporation and one of the largest employee-owned companies in North America, is a leader in the distribution of high quality electrical, industrial, automation and connectivity products, and specializes in related supply chain management and logistics services. Through its network of 355 North American distribution facilities, it stocks and sells products from thousands of manufacturers, helping its customers power, network, automate and secure their facilities with speed, intelligence and efficiency. For more information, visit www.graybar.com or call 1-800-GRAYBAR.

Media Contact:

Tim Sommer

(314) 578-7672

[email protected]

SOURCE Graybar

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- Funding will expand access to workforce training, define skills needed for future jobs and connect more people to modern manufacturing careers

- Sanford Area Growth Alliance and Central Carolina Community College launch statewide workforce initiative in Sanford

IRVING, Texas, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) expanded its workforce commitment to North Carolina, the most recent investment for its five-year, $100 million Building the Future Workforce Initiative. With an allocation of up to $10 million, the funding aims to prepare current and future workers for jobs in modern manufacturing and industry technician roles.

"Investing in people is essential to building the workforce advanced manufacturing will need for the future," said Christy Pambianchi, Caterpillar's chief human resources officer. "North Carolina's growth creates an opportunity to help more people build the skills they need for careers in manufacturing and strengthen the workforce that will support the industry for years to come."

Why North Carolina?

As a critical manufacturing hub, North Carolina is a natural fit for this investment. Caterpillar employs more than 3,600 people in North Carolina, has a strong dealer network and works with 325 suppliers across the state.

"North Carolina is home to the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast, and Caterpillar recognizes what our state brings to the table," said North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein. "I thank Caterpillar for its long-standing partnership and look forward to more economic opportunity coming to Sanford."

Caterpillar recently announced plans to invest approximately $1 billion in North Carolina to expand manufacturing capacity for products that support its growing Cat Compact™ business, which provides compact equipment solutions for small contractors and growing businesses. The investment includes plans for a new modern manufacturing facility in Sanford, designed to increase production of compact track loaders and telehandlers to meet customer demand. The project supports the company's Cat Compact approach, focused on making its equipment and solutions easier for customers to access.

Also in North Carolina, Caterpillar's Clayton facility manufactures small wheel loaders and supports the distribution of backhoe loaders. Together, these operations help Caterpillar serve customers while advancing manufacturing excellence, innovation, workforce development and economic growth across the state.

Caterpillar is collaborating with leading North Carolina organizations, like Central Carolina Community College and the Sanford Area Growth Alliance, to advance the Building the Future Workforce Initiative. The program aims to expand hands-on manufacturing pathways for students, mobilize employer engagement across the region and provide individuals with access to affordable, relevant training that leads to career advancement.

This marks the sixth allocation for this initiative, which includes launches in Indiana, Texas, Illinois and Arkansas, as well as an innovation challenge. For more information on how these funds are upskilling talent for modern manufacturing and industry technician roles, and to stay up to date with future announcements, visit the Caterpillar Building the Workforce Initiative.

About Caterpillar

For more than a century, Caterpillar has built a better, more sustainable world. With 2025 sales and revenues of $67.6 billion, Caterpillar Inc. is shaping the future as the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. Backed by one of the largest independent global dealer networks and financing services through Cat Financial, the company's primary business segments: Power & Energy, Construction Industries and Resource Industries are solving customers' toughest challenges through commercial excellence and advanced technology, driven by a highly skilled, dedicated global team. Learn more at www.caterpillar.com.

SOURCE Caterpillar Inc.

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Agency delivers major deregulatory action under President Trump's agenda, eliminating costly requirements without weakening consumer safety protections

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today announced a major deregulatory action eliminating unnecessary federal requirements for fuel additives, saving American businesses up to an estimated $10.7 billion over 30 years while preserving existing consumer safety protections.

The action clarifies that fuel additives used to clean engines, improve performance, extend engine life, prevent weather-related effects, or stabilize fuel are not "flammable liquid fuels" under the Portable Fuel Container Safety Act. As a result, manufacturers will not be required to equip containers for these products with costly flame mitigation devices intended for gasoline cans and other portable fuel containers.

The action eliminates an estimated $545.7 million in annual regulatory costs and protects small businesses from disproportionate regulatory burdens. CPSC's economic analysis found that smaller manufacturers, many of which depend heavily on fuel additive sales, would have faced substantial packaging costs if they had to comply with requirements never intended for their products. The action also protects American consumers from unnecessary price increases and preserves access to widely used engine maintenance products.

"This is what meaningful deregulation looks like: eliminating billions of dollars in unnecessary costs while keeping consumer safety protections firmly in place," said Acting Chairman Peter A. Feldman. "Congress imposed these requirements on fuel containers, not products designed to clean and maintain engines. Washington should not force American businesses to spend billions complying with regulations that were never intended to apply to their products in the first place."

"President Trump has directed federal agencies to eliminate unnecessary regulatory burdens, and CPSC is delivering. The Supreme Court made clear in Loper Bright that agencies must follow the best reading of the law, not interpretations that expand their regulatory authority. A federal court has already recognized that these additives are not fuel. Today, we're putting that principle into practice, restoring regulatory clarity, and making clear that CPSC will not impose requirements beyond those authorized by Congress."

The action advances President Trump's Executive Order 14192, "Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation," and reinforces CPSC's commitment to ensuring that federal regulations are grounded in statutory authority, impose no unnecessary costs, and provide clear, predictable requirements for American businesses.

Existing flame mitigation requirements for gasoline cans and other covered portable fuel containers remain unchanged. CPSC has identified no reported flame-jetting incidents involving the fuel additives in containers covered by this action.

About CPSC

CPSC is the federal agency charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury associated with thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. Since the agency was established more than 50 years ago, CPSC has worked to ensure the safety of consumer products, contributing to a decline in related injuries.

Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission-ordered recall or to a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with CPSC.

Media Contact: Enrico Dinges, [email protected]

SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

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