HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock International was recognized as the Land-Based Operator of the Year at the 2026 Global Gaming Awards Americas in Las Vegas yesterday. One of the gaming industry's most respected honors, this marks the third time Hard Rock International has received the award, which recognizes the top-performing land-based casino operator for outstanding performance across its properties over the past year. All award winners were determined by a panel of 100 senior industry executives, and the voting process was independently adjudicated by KPMG US.

Judges underscored Hard Rock's exceptional growth and operational excellence over the past 12 months. Highlights included the successful opening of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, Hard Rock's first fully integrated resort in Canada, and continued progress at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon, which completed Phase One of development in Kern County, California, in November 2025. Looking ahead, Hard Rock continues to advance several transformative projects, including the iconic Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas featuring a new 42-story guitar-shaped hotel tower on the Strip; Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens, the company's landmark integrated resort development in one of Europe's premier gateway cities; and Hard Rock at Metropolitan Park in Queens, New York, in partnership with Steve Cohen.

"We're honored to once again be recognized by the Global Gaming Awards Americas. This recognition demonstrates how Hard Rock has built an unmatched gaming experience rooted in 55 years of music heritage and motivates us to keep raising the bar for our valued guests around the world," said Jeff Hook, Chief Operating Officer at Hard Rock International.

Hard Rock International was runner-up in two Global Gaming Awards categories: Responsible Business of the Year, recognizing the scale of Hard Rock's responsible gaming and social impact work; and Property of the Year for Hard Rock Casino Tejon, developed in partnership with the Tejon Indian Tribe, which opened last fall and features 150,000 square feet of gaming space just 90 minutes north of Los Angeles. The company also was shortlisted for awards in categories including Digital Operator for Hard Rock Bet and Customer Loyalty Program for Unity™ by Hard Rock, reflecting the breadth of the company's gaming operations.

About Hard Rock®

Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in nearly 80 countries spanning more than 300 venues including owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops®, Live Performance Locations and Cafes. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia with more than 89,000 pieces displayed at locations around the globe. The Unity™ by Hard Rock global loyalty program rewards members for doing the things they love across participating properties. In addition, Hard Rock Digital spotlights the sports betting and iGaming experience with products remixed in the spirit of Hard Rock for players worldwide.

HRI has received numerous industry, destination and workplace awards across the travel, hospitality, gaming, entertainment and food & beverage sectors. HRI currently holds investment grades from primary investment-grade rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB), Moody's Investors Service (Baa2), and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.

SOURCE Hard Rock International

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Africa Tech Festival 2026 puts the conversations shaping Africa's digital economy in focus

Africa Tech Festival returns to the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 16 to 19 November 2026, bringing together government, technology companies, telecoms operators, infrastructure providers, enterprise leaders, startups and investors from across the continent and beyond

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With a little over two months to go, anticipation is building for the 29th edition of Africa Tech Festival (https://AfricaTechFestival.com), the continent's longest running and most influential technology event. As the countdown continues, the programme is taking shape around some of the most pressing questions facing Africa's digital economy, from AI and the infrastructure needed to support it, to cybersecurity, connectivity and the changing investment environment for African technology businesses.

Africa Tech Festival returns to the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 16 to 19 November 2026, bringing together government, technology companies, telecoms operators, infrastructure providers, enterprise leaders, startups and investors from across the continent and beyond.

"The questions facing Africa's digital economy are becoming more interlinked, more complex and more urgent. It's no longer simply about whether businesses will adopt AI, move to the cloud or invest in new infrastructure, but about how those decisions are made, who benefits from them and what needs to be in place for them to deliver sustainable growth," said David Monaghan, VP, Africa Tech Festival. "This year's programme is designed to provide a platform for those conversations and give stakeholders a clearer view of the decisions, partnerships and investment priorities that will shape the next phase of Africa's digital development."

Artificial intelligence runs through much of the 2026 programme. A panel titled Beyond Adoption: What Will Make Africa an AI Producer, Not Just a Consumer? will examine what is required to build globally competitive AI capabilities in Africa. Sessions will explore the emergence of agentic AI in enterprise decision-making and how companies should prioritise investment across AI, cloud, data platforms and core systems as they modernise for growth.

That focus on capability extends to the infrastructure underpinning it. AI growth is inseparable from questions about data centres, cloud infrastructure and local compute capacity. The Next Wave of AI Infrastructure Growth panel will consider where new capacity should be built, the role of hyperscaler partnerships and the need for localised compute to meet data sovereignty requirements. Dedicated discussions will examine which African markets are attracting investment interest, how power availability and hyperscaler presence are shaping that interest, and how sovereignty, performance and cost are reshaping cloud architecture decisions.

Africa's next phase of digital growth also depends on extending reliable connectivity while keeping digital businesses and services secure. The Telecoms & Connectivity programme will examine fibre investment, 4G and 5G deployment and the growing role of satellite technology in reaching underserved communities.

All of these conversations point to a maturing digital economy, where competitiveness depends as much on enabling environments as on ambition, and where practical groundwork, compute, capital, skills and partnerships will determine who benefits from Africa's growth. This is what makes Africa Tech Festival such a highly anticipated fixture on the calendar: it is where these decisions are debated, tested and made, bringing together the people setting policy, developing infrastructure and allocating capital across the sector.

With just months to go, the excitement is building for three days of conversation, connection and insight into where Africa's digital future is heading. Registration for Africa Tech Festival 2026 is now open.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.

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About Africa Tech Festival:

Africa Tech Festival is the continent's leading platform for shaping the future of the digital economy. Taking place annually in Cape Town, the festival brings together the full technology ecosystem, from telecoms and infrastructure providers to enterprise leaders, startups, investors and policymakers.

Through six core pillars spanning connectivity, AI, cybersecurity, data centres, digital transformation and the startup ecosystem, Africa Tech Festival delivers a comprehensive view of the trends, challenges and opportunities defining Africa's digital landscape.

The festival combines high level content with large scale exhibition and networking, creating a space where strategy meets execution. Across three days, it convenes global technology leaders, decision makers and innovators to share insight, build partnerships and drive real business outcomes.

Africa Tech Festival is part of Informa Festivals, a division of Informa.

Contact:

[email protected]

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The article outlines key checking account features that can support everyday banking and long-term financial organization.

GREENVILLE, Texas, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- What should you look for in a checking account? A recent HelloNation article featuring insights from Financial Expert Brad Bailey, CEO of Red River Credit Union (RRCU), explores how consumers can evaluate account features that support everyday banking needs and financial organization.

The article explains that a checking account often serves as the foundation of daily money management. From receiving income and paying bills to making purchases and monitoring spending, the features attached to a checking account can influence how efficiently someone handles routine financial tasks. Because of this, the article encourages consumers to look beyond convenience alone and consider how an account fits their actual banking habits.

According to the article, one of the first steps in selecting a checking account is evaluating how money moves in and out of the account each month. Some consumers rely heavily on digital tools, while others prefer occasional branch visits. Understanding personal banking habits can help identify which features will provide the greatest value over time.

The HelloNation article notes that direct deposit remains one of the most important features for many account holders. A checking account that supports direct deposit can provide faster access to income while reducing the need to deposit paper checks. The article explains that automatic deposits may also make budgeting easier by creating a more consistent flow of funds into an account.

Another consideration discussed in the article is debit card access. Because many consumers use a debit card for purchases, bill payments, and daily expenses, reliable access to funds is essential. The article notes that understanding card features and transaction options can help account holders avoid inconvenience and maintain better awareness of available balances.

The article also examines the growing role of mobile banking in everyday financial management. Many consumers now use mobile banking to review account balances, transfer funds, monitor transactions, and deposit checks remotely. A checking account with strong mobile banking capabilities can make account management more convenient while helping users stay informed about spending activity throughout the month.

Fees are another area the article encourages consumers to review carefully. Different financial institutions may structure fees differently, including maintenance fees, overdraft charges, and other account-related costs. The article explains that reviewing fee disclosures before opening a checking account can help consumers better understand potential expenses and avoid surprises later.

ATM access is also highlighted as an important feature. Although many financial transactions occur digitally, access to cash remains necessary in certain situations. The article notes that a checking account with convenient ATM access can simplify withdrawals and help consumers avoid unnecessary charges when accessing their funds.

In addition, the article discusses the role a checking account plays in managing recurring expenses. Many households use a checking account for utilities, insurance premiums, subscriptions, and loan payments. A checking account that works efficiently with electronic bill payment systems can help streamline monthly responsibilities while providing a clearer view of overall cash flow.

The article concludes that choosing a checking account involves evaluating a combination of features, including direct deposit, debit card access, mobile banking, fees, ATM access, and bill payment capabilities. By reviewing these factors carefully, consumers can select an account that supports their everyday banking needs and adapts to changing financial habits over time.

Choosing a Checking Account That Fits Daily Life features insights from Brad Bailey, Financial Expert of Greenville, Texas, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America's Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative "edvertising" approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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FROM GREEN WASTE TO GARDENS: OCWR HOSTS FREE COMPOST GIVEAWAY OCTOBER 3

Residents Can Pickup Free Compost in Brea, Irvine and San Juan Capistrano

SANTA ANA, Calif., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) invites Orange County residents to a countywide Community Compost Giveaway on Saturday, October 3, from 7:30 a.m. to noon, while supplies last. The event offers free, ready-to-use compost produced from green waste collected from homes throughout Orange County.

"This giveaway brings recycling full circle: Green waste collected from Orange County homes is turned into compost and returned to residents for their yards and gardens," said Tom Koutroulis, Director of OC Waste & Recycling. "Instead of ending up in a landfill, those materials return to our communities as compost that provides nutrients to the soil."

Free compost will be available at three OCWR locations:

- Bee Canyon Greenery (Frank R. Bowerman Landfill)

11002 Bee Canyon Access Rd., Irvine

- Valencia Greenery (Olinda Alpha Landfill)

1942 N. Valencia Ave., Brea

- Capistrano Greenery (Prima Deshecha Landfill)

32250 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano

At the Irvine and San Juan Capistrano locations, residents should bring their own containers or heavy-duty yard waste bags and a shovel to load compost. At the Brea location, prefilled bags will be distributed and limited to four bags per household, while supplies last.

OCWR's compost carries the Seal of Testing Assurance (STA) from the U.S. Composting Council, confirming that it meets strict safety and quality standards. OCWR compost and mulch are also certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) and are OMRI Listed, confirming compliance with the USDA National Organic Program. The material is also licensed as Organic Input Materials (OIM) by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).

Composting organic material returns valuable nutrients to the soil while reducing waste sent to landfills and helping preserve valuable landfill capacity for the County's long-term waste management needs.

Residents can learn more about recycling and proper disposal options for common and hard-to-recycle items by visiting OCrecycleguide.com.

Orange County residents are also encouraged to safely dispose of hazardous household materials, such as batteries, paint, and household cleaners, at the County's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers in Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Irvine, and San Juan Capistrano. The centers are open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information about the Community Compost Giveaway, visit OClandfills.com. The event is subject to weather and compost is available while supplies last.

About OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR)

OCWR serves the County's solid waste disposal needs through resource recovery, operating public landfills, protecting the local environment, investing in renewable energy enterprises and promoting recycling to ensure a safe and healthy community for current and future generations. The department manages one of the nation's premier solid waste disposal systems and three composting greenery sites, all serving residents and businesses in the County's 34 cities and its unincorporated areas. OCWR's three active landfills and compost greeneries reflect environmental engineering at its best. For more information on our compost and mulch program, please visit our website at OClandfills.com/green2u.

SOURCE Orange County - OC Waste & Recycling

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Former House Majority Leader and global business executive brings decades of public policy and private-sector experience to lead the industry at a pivotal moment for American medical innovation

WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) today announced that Eric Cantor has been named the organization's next president and chief executive officer, bringing decades of experience at the intersection of business and public policy to lead the organization at a pivotal moment for America's biopharmaceutical industry. He will assume the President & CEO role effective November 9.

"Eric is well respected among policy leaders in Washington and around the world, with a long track record of working effectively across the political spectrum to achieve important outcomes that have a lasting impact," said Rob Davis, chairman and chief executive officer of Merck and chair of the PhRMA Board of Directors. "Eric's unique combination of global business acumen coupled with policy and political experience at the highest levels of government make him an ideal person to lead PhRMA during this critical next chapter. The Board looks forward to working with him to advance policies that strengthen American biopharmaceutical innovation and expand access to medicines for patients."

Cantor represented Virginia in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2000 to 2014, serving as House Majority Leader from 2011 to 2014. During his time in Congress, he led the bipartisan enactment of the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act, which prioritized federal support for pediatric disease research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and was instrumental in building support for legislation that established Medicare Part D, expanding access to drug coverage for seniors and people with disabilities. He also laid the groundwork for the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act, a landmark bill with bipartisan support that provided a significant increase in funding for the NIH and included Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reforms designed to speed medicine approvals to get them to patients faster.

Since leaving Congress, Cantor has served as Vice Chairman and Managing Director at Moelis & Company where he advised organizations and executives on business strategy, mergers and acquisitions, public policy, and the global economic landscape. He has also served as a member of its Board of Directors, a role in which he will continue to serve while in his new position at PhRMA.

"The American biopharmaceutical industry leads the world," said Cantor. "PhRMA's member companies operate at the cutting edge of science and technology seeking novel treatments and cures for both chronic and rare diseases. I'm honored to join in the industry's efforts to expand patient access, leverage the promise of AI to speed discovery, and be a champion for the hundreds of thousands of Americans working in the biopharmaceutical industry whose science improves, extends, and saves lives."

Cantor will succeed Stephen J. Ubl, who has led PhRMA since 2015. Ubl has worked closely with the PhRMA Board of Directors to ensure a smooth and stable transition, and he will continue to serve as a strategic advisor to PhRMA until January 15, 2027. Davis thanked Ubl for his decade of leadership at PhRMA:

"On behalf of the entire Board, I want to express our deep appreciation to Steve for a decade of exceptional leadership and service to our industry," Davis said. "During a period of tremendous change in health care and public policy, Steve has been a tireless advocate for patients, innovation and the researchers working every day to develop new medicines. We are grateful for his leadership and the lasting impact he has made."

About PhRMA 

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country's leading innovative biopharmaceutical research companies, which are focused on developing innovative medicines that transform lives and create a healthier world. Together, we are fighting for solutions to ensure patients can access and afford medicines that prevent, treat and cure disease. PhRMA member companies have invested more than $850 billion in the search for new treatments and cures over the last decade, supporting nearly five million jobs in the United States. 

Contact: Alex Schriver

[email protected]

202-835-3460

SOURCE PhRMA

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2026 International Day of Older Persons: Dimora Medical Supports Dignified Longevity with Advanced Home Wound Care

NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As the world observes the 2026 United Nations International Day of Older Persons under the theme "The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives," global attention is turning toward how societies can adapt to support healthier, more dignified aging. Longer lives bring unprecedented opportunities, yet they also demand a fundamental rethinking of how health systems, home care, and public policies support people throughout the life course. Against this backdrop, Dimora Medical, a pioneer in professional wound care, is making home care easy through innovation, empowering elderly wound care with professional, convenient solutions that enhance the quality and dignity of daily wound management for seniors.

Addressing Home Care Challenges for Older Persons

Elderly individuals often face fragile skin, reduced mobility, and complex health conditions that make them highly susceptible to pressure ulcers and chronic wounds. For caregivers and family members, managing these conditions at home is fraught with challenges. Traditional wound dressings frequently fail to handle moderate to heavy exudate, leading to leakage, maceration of surrounding healthy skin, and painful dressing changes that cause further trauma to vulnerable tissue. These issues not only prolong recovery but also diminish the quality of life and dignity of older persons.

Dimora Medical responds to these challenges with its silicone foam dressing powered by the MegaSorb™ Dual‑Action Absorption System, a versatile wound care solution designed for moderate to high exudate wounds, precisely matching the needs of common elderly conditions such as pressure ulcers and chronic wounds.

- High-absorption, dual-action mechanism: The system uses MegaSorb™ Foam, an innovative high-porosity polymer material with an open-cell structure reaching up to 90%, capable of absorbing up to 15 times its own weight in wound exudate.

- Lock-in within one second: Exudate is rapidly and stably retained within the dressing in as little as one second, effectively reducing the risk of leakage and backflow.

- Protecting fragile skin: By minimizing leakage and backflow, the system significantly lowers the risk of skin irritation and infection associated with conventional dressing changes, while its gentle silicone adhesive enables painless removal.

Supporting A Dignified Life for Older Persons

Dimora Medical is dedicated to making home wound care more manageable for older adults and their caregivers. Through its MegaSorb™ technology, the brand aims to reduce the challenges associated with wound management while supporting greater comfort and quality of life.

As the global community strives to build age-inclusive systems, Dimora Medical remains committed to its mission of making home care easy. By providing professional, convenient, and scientifically backed products, Dimora Medical helps alleviate the physical and emotional burden on both patients and caregivers. This International Day of Older Persons, Dimora Medical stands with families worldwide to ensure that every elder can enjoy a later life filled with health, participation, and unwavering dignity, truly embodying the promise of dignified longevity.

For more information, please visit: https://dimoramedical.com/.

Media Contact

Dimora Medical

[email protected]

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NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- MSIG USA today announced the appointment of Oscar Aguilar as head of excess and surplus property. Aguilar brings more than two decades of underwriting and leadership experience in the property market, with deep expertise in E&S, shared and layered property, and complex commercial risks.

Aguilar joins MSIG USA from Liberty Mutual Insurance, where he most recently served as senior vice president and national manager of major accounts property, shared and layered. He previously led U.S. retail property for Liberty Mutual and spent six years at Ironshore Insurance, where he managed wholesale property across the Western and South Central regions.

Earlier in his career, Aguilar served as senior vice president at Brit Insurance, leading E&S property underwriting and support teams with responsibility for building a profitable portfolio, developing talent and advancing product capabilities. He also held underwriting and leadership roles at Maiden Reinsurance North America, GMAC RE, SRO Napa, St. Paul Companies and Sherwood Insurance. His experience spans retail and wholesale distribution, primary and excess property, facultative reinsurance, and middle-market and large commercial accounts.

"Oscar brings the depth of underwriting expertise and market perspective that are essential to building a differentiated E&S property business," said Peter McKenna, CEO of MSIG USA. "He has spent his career navigating complex property risks while building strong relationships across both the retail and wholesale markets. That combination of technical discipline, market knowledge and leadership will be important as we expand our capabilities and create a platform that brokers can rely on for expertise, responsiveness and thoughtful solutions."

As head of excess and surplus property, Aguilar will lead the strategy and development of MSIG USA's E&S property business, with a focus on disciplined underwriting, portfolio performance and sustainable growth. He will work closely with underwriting and distribution leadership to build capabilities that respond to the evolving needs of brokers and clients while leveraging data and technology to support more informed decision-making and efficient execution.

Aguilar holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from California Coast University.

About MSIG USA

MSIG USA is the marketing term used to refer to MSIG Holdings (U.S.A.), Inc. ("MSIGH"), its insurance subsidiaries, and their manager. MSIGH's insurers are Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company of America, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance USA Inc., MSIG Specialty Insurance USA Inc. and MSIG Specialty Insurance America, Inc. The insurers are managed by Mitsui Sumitomo Marine Management (U.S.A.), Inc. MSIGH is a subsidiary of MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc., one of the world's top P&C carriers with a 350-year heritage, A+, Class 15 ratings, and a global reach that spans 48 countries and regions. MSIG USA brings the financial strength, underwriting expertise, exceptional claims management, global footprint, and innovation necessary to offer commercial insurance solutions that address the unique risks businesses face in today's market. Its nationwide network of professionals provides responsive and personalized service for clients and brokers. The U.S.-based insurance subsidiaries are admitted in all P&C lines in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Not all insurers do business in all jurisdictions. Actual coverage is subject to the language of the policies as issued. To learn more, visit www.msigusa.com.

SOURCE MSIG USA

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Award-winning digital proofing for metal packaging delivers precise color and opacity matching on actual cans, helping brands achieve target colors, reduce proofing cycles, and accelerate approvals.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- X-Rite Pantone, Sun Chemical, and CMA Imaging today announced the commercial availability of the CanJET digital proofing ecosystem for North America. Designed for beverage brands, can makers, and packaging converters, the connected workflow brings measurable color and opacity matching to actual cans, offering a faster, more flexible alternative to conventional pilot-line proofing and prototyping. The solution helps packaging teams reduce iterations and accelerate design approvals before production begins.

Recognized with the Bronze Innovation Award at METPACK 2026, the CanJET workflow brings together CMA Imaging's CanJET printing system, Sun Chemical extended color gamut inks, PantoneLIVE™ digital color references, and X-Rite measurement technology.

"On metal, matching a color also means matching its opacity, because the reflective surface contributes to the final appearance," said Gerardo Cerros, Founder and CEO of CMA Imaging. "By bringing together our patented reflective technology and AI-powered color matching with PantoneLIVE, X-Rite color measurement and Sun Chemical's ink expertise, CanJET transforms a traditionally complex, equipment-intensive proofing process into a connected digital workflow. Brands can measure, refine, and validate both color and opacity directly on the can against shared digital targets, reducing repeated sampling and enabling faster, more confident design decisions."

"We use the CanJET digital proofing workflow because we need accurate proofs and flexibility in color development. It allows us to explore new color references with brands and assess Pantone® colors directly on metal cans, making color research part of the design and printability conversation," said Renaud van Cauter, Operations Director, KCP Connexion (KCP), a global packaging design and premedia company headquartered in Belgium.

Connecting Color from Target to Approval

PantoneLIVE metal decoration libraries provide more than 4,000 achievable color options across metal packaging formats and finishes, giving brands and their supply chain partners objective digital targets for color development. Using spectral data captured with the X-Rite Ci64 handheld spectrophotometer, Colorportal's cloud-based platform enables remote proofing and uses AI-powered color matching to optimize color and opacity against PantoneLIVE references or customers' own brand color libraries. CanJET then combines high-resolution direct-to-can printing with Sun Chemical extended color gamut inks to produce proofs and prototypes directly on open, closed, and necked cans. Packaging teams can assess appearance on the actual can before it goes into production, supporting faster, more confident approvals.

Powered by Sun Chemical inks and color expertise, CanJET forms part of Sun Chemical's SunDigiProof service within SunColorBox, its integrated color management toolkit. SunDigiProof enables color-accurate inkjet swatches and mock-ups to be printed onsite and on demand, allowing brands and supply chain partners to explore color and design options and verify achievability.

"PantoneLIVE provides a shared digital color target based on what can realistically be achieved in metal decoration," said Jason Campbell, Product Manager, X-Rite Pantone. "When paired with spectral measurement and direct-to-can proofing, it helps align design intent with production expectations."

"As part of our SunDigiProof service, CanJET helps packaging producers reduce trial work, improve control over color approval and protect their customers' brand equity," said Richard Hayden, Sales and Business Development Manager, Sun Chemical.

See the Digital Proofing Workflow at IMDPA

The companies will introduce the commercially available CanJET proofing ecosystem at the IMDPA Annual Conference, September 29 to October 1, 2026, in Itasca, Illinois.

Raf Mulla, Metal Packaging Specialist at X-Rite, will present "Advances in Managing Digital Color for the Metal Dec Sector" during the October 1 general session.

About CMA Imaging

CMA Imaging develops patented color-management, digital proofing and process-control technologies for the printing and packaging industries, with particular expertise in metal decoration. With 20 years of experience, the company combines color science, software engineering, and artificial intelligence through Colorportal® and integrated hardware solutions including CanJET. Its technologies help brands, ink suppliers, prepress, and printing companies specify, predict, reproduce and verify color across the packaging supply chain. CMA Imaging is ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certified. For more information, visit www.cmaimaging.com

About Sun Chemical

Sun Chemical, a member of the DIC Group, is a leading producer of packaging and graphic solutions, color and display technologies, functional products, electronic materials, and products for the automotive and healthcare industries. Together with DIC, Sun Chemical is continuously working to promote and develop sustainable solutions to exceed customer expectations and better the world around us. With combined annual sales of more than $8.5 billion and 22,000+ employees worldwide, the DIC Group companies support a diverse collection of global customers.

Sun Chemical Corporation is a subsidiary of Sun Chemical Group Coöperatief U.A., the Netherlands, and is headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, U.S.A. For more information, please visit our website at www.sunchemical.com or connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram.

About X-Rite Pantone

Founded in 1958, X-Rite Pantone is a global leader in the science and technology of color and appearance. Together with its Pantone business, X-Rite Pantone employs more than 800 people in 11 countries. The company's corporate headquarters are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, with regional headquarters in Europe and Asia and service centers across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. X-Rite Pantone offers a full range of solutions used by manufacturers, retailers, printers, and graphic design houses to achieve precise management and communication of color and appearance throughout their processes. X-Rite Pantone products and services are recognized standards in the printing, packaging, graphic design, automotive, paints, plastics, and textiles. For further information, please visit www.xrite.com. For the latest news, information, connect with X-Rite Pantone on LinkedIn and Facebook.

©2026 X-Rite, Inc. All rights reserved.

SOURCE X-Rite

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Safe Truck Parking adds more than 5,750 spaces across 25 locations

PHOENIX, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Trucker Path, providers of the most comprehensive and relied upon mobile app for North American truckers, today announced that Safe Truck Parking has joined their Reserved Parking Network, adding more than 5,750 spaces across 25 locations, including two new locations opening this month.

"The addition of Safe Truck Parking to the Trucker Path Reserved Parking Network continues our efforts to ensure truck drivers can efficiently locate daily and long-term parking," said Chris Oliver, CMO at Trucker Path. "Truck parking availability is estimated at only one parking space for every 11 trucks on the road, and cargo theft incidents are continuing to rise. Access to bookable parking assures drivers that they can find safe and secure parking, giving them certainty and improving their quality of life on the road."

The latest expansion of the Trucker Path Reserved Parking Network adds to the more than 70,000 reservable truck parking spots in the Trucker Path app. In addition to reservable parking at Safe Truck Parking and other locations, the more than one million Trucker Path app users can continue to access free parking availability throughout the U.S. and Canada. Parking availability information is provided using crowdsourced data from app users and through predictive analytics based on historical utilization and time-of-day patterns.

Safe Truck Parking, a Dallas-based company, provides daily, short- and long-term parking in assigned spots. The company's truck parking locations feature gated access with license plate readers, surveillance cameras, secure fencing and lighting, restrooms, and on-site staff and regular patrols.

ABOUT TRUCKER PATH

Phoenix-based Trucker Path is the provider of a wide range of truck driver-centric mobility products. The Trucker Path app is currently used regularly by over 1 million professional truck drivers. Offering best-in-class navigation with truck-specific routing, the Trucker Path app also provides access to vital up-to-date information about truck stops, real-time parking availability, fuel prices and discounts, weigh station statuses, and truck scales and wash locations. Trucker Path Deals offers an expansive list of products and services that fulfill the company's commitment to helping truckers reduce costs and make life on the road a little easier. The company also offers TruckLoads, a digital freight exchange that connects drivers, carriers and brokers and Trucker Path Insurance, a digitally-enabled retail insurance agency designed to connect insurance carriers with truck drivers and small fleets. For more information, visit www.truckerpath.com.

ABOUT SAFE TRUCK PARKING

Safe Truck Parking provides secure, convenient parking and storage for semi-trucks, trailers and other commercial equipment. Its growing network of locations across the United States offers spacious, assigned parking spaces, gated access and 24/7 video surveillance. Drivers and fleets can quickly find and reserve daily or monthly parking through the Safe Truck Parking mobile app. For more information or to view available locations, visit www.safetruckparking.com.

SOURCE Trucker Path

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Research From More Than 8,300 Family Members Reveals How Trust, Relevant Communication, and Visible Student Impact Can Strengthen Engagement and Philanthropy

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Encoura®, an industry-leading educational technology, marketing, and research organization, and CampusESP, a leading provider of AI-powered parent and family engagement solutions for higher education, today announced the release of Drivers of Family Giving: The 2026 National Study, a new research report showing that family philanthropy is rooted in student success, trust, and meaningful relationships — not simply in receiving a fundraising appeal.

Conducted in May 2026 through CampusESP's parent and family engagement platform, the study includes responses from 8,353 family members across 77 colleges and universities. It examines how communication, engagement, and the student experience influence families' connection to an institution and their willingness to give.

Key Insights:

"We went straight to the source to uncover what families really want from the colleges and universities their students attend," said Sarah Kleeberger, senior vice president of consulting fundraising management at Encoura. "More than 8,300 family members told us what they value, what builds trust and connection, and what can lead to deeper engagement and giving. Their message is clear: when institutions help families see that students are supported and succeeding, they create the foundation for lasting relationships."

"Family giving doesn't start with a fundraising appeal. It starts with student success," said Dave Becker, CEO of CampusESP. "When families see their student thriving and feel informed and connected along the way, colleges build the kind of relationship that can naturally lead to giving."

The study translates the findings into a checklist for institutions: build trust before asking for engagement or gifts; lead with student outcomes; communicate for relevance rather than volume; create opportunities to participate beyond writing a check; tailor engagement for distinct family audiences; and focus on "not yet" families who may be open to a future relationship.

The research also reinforces that family engagement extends beyond enrollment and does not end at commencement. By sharing meaningful student outcomes, showing the impact of support, and creating authentic opportunities to participate, institutions can make giving a natural extension of an established relationship built on a shared commitment to student and alumni success.

The full study can be downloaded from Encoura's website: https://www.encoura.org/resources/papers/2026-drivers-of-family-giving-report/.

Members of the media who would like to speak to the author of this report can contact Todd Boullion at [email protected].

About Encoura, LLC

Encoura is an educational technology, marketing, and research organization serving thousands of higher education institutions across the nation. Since 1972, Encoura has been a leading provider of strategic consulting, data science, and engagement solutions that connect institutions to the communities they serve. In 2025 and 2026, Encoura expanded its capabilities with its acquisition of Ruffalo Noel Levitz (RNL) and Anthology's Lifecycle Engagement and Student Success portfolio. This combined expertise now spans enrollment, marketing, student success, alumni relations, and advancement, providing institutions with comprehensive solutions to achieve their goals throughout the student lifecycle.

For more information, visit https://encoura.org.

About CampusESP

CampusESP helps colleges and universities engage the parents, families, and supporters who help students succeed. More than 500 institutions use CampusESP's platform, AI, and family engagement expertise to connect with over 7.5 million families throughout the student lifecycle, from enrollment and orientation through student success and advancement. Learn more about CampusESP and explore its research on today's college families at CampusESP.com.

Members of the media can contact Todd Boullion at [email protected].

SOURCE Encoura

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