by Women In Trucking Staff, on Oct 20, 2026, 3:38:44 PM

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT — The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) Board of Directors has officially opened the search for the association’s next President & CEO.

The Board is seeking a visionary, mission-driven executive to lead WIT into its next phase of growth and influence. This is a full-time, remote position reporting to the Board of Directors.

Experience in trucking, transportation, or logistics is valued but not required. Interested candidates can view the full position description and apply here.

Lana Nichols continues to serve as interim President & CEO during the search.

We're always seeking fresh voices and thought leadership that inspire, inform, and promote women in the trucking industry. Submit your ideas for sponsored content which can include bylined guest editorials, press releases, case studies and best practices to be featured on our various channels.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in articles within the WIT Blog are those of the authors/submitters and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Women In Trucking Association.

AMTD IDEA's core businesses updates; and key highlights and achievements

PARIS and NEW YORK and SINGAPORE, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ --AMTD IDEA Group ("AMTD IDEA") (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB) announces that AMTD IDEA has successfully built its various core business lines to establish global positioning and presence, as well as achieve market significance by way of fundamental strengths and through strong global intellectual properties' ("IP")' power of influence and huge opportunities of IP extended businesses. In addition, AMTD IDEA has established a solid base of total assets and net assets through its ownership, alongside its subsidiaries, the global portfolio of hotels including both the underlying lands and buildings with over US$1 billion value.

To sum up, as an overall update:

- Global media and IPs: L'Officiel and The Art Newspaper, covering over 30 countries and major cities

- IP extended business to expand: L'Officiel Coffee & Bar's success in Tokyo and Macao paved the way for next location opening

- Global hotels network under AMTD brand approaching 1,000 rooms in over 4 continents

- Digital and tech investments to grow continuously: EleBank (one of the eight digital banks in Hong Kong), WeDoctor (China online healthcare and digital health infrastructure platform)

- Global entertainment to continue investing: supreme success in The Last Dance, Scare Out, Moscow Mission, etc., with pipelines including Raging Havoc.

AMTD IDEA is the consolidating company and the parent group of AMTD Digital Inc. (NYSE: HKD) and The Generation Essentials Group (NYSE: TGE; LSE: TGE).

About AMTD IDEA Group

AMTD IDEA Group (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB) represents a diversified institution and digital solutions conglomerate group, connecting companies and investors with global markets. Its comprehensive one-stop business services plus digital solutions platform addresses different clients' diverse and inter-connected business needs and digital requirements across all phases of their life cycles. AMTD IDEA Group is uniquely positioned as an active super connector between clients, business partners, investee companies, and investors, connecting the East and the West. For more information, please visit www.amtdinc.com or follow us on X (formerly known as "Twitter") at @AMTDGroup.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "aims," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "likely to," and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the beliefs, plans, and expectations of AMTD IDEA Group are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the filings of AMTD IDEA Group with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and AMTD IDEA Group does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

SOURCE AMTD IDEA Group

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Q3 diluted earnings per share were $3.14; Q3 adjusted diluted earnings per share1 were $2.54, within guidance despite a 62% increase in fuel expense

Q3 total operating revenue of $17.9 billion rose 17% year-over-year and set an all-time record; Q3 total revenue per available seat mile up 16% year-over-year, representing best quarterly unit revenue growth since the pandemic

United expects Q4 total operating revenue growth to accelerate versus Q3 and set another record with an over 20% year-over-year increase

Starlink Wi-Fi emerges as a meaningful differentiator, installed on more than 640 aircraft. Starlink is now available on about half of all United flights, including regional flights. Availability is expected to reach 61% by the end of 2026, 87% by June 1, and available fleet-wide by the end of 2027

United's newest aircraft, the Airbus A321XLR, named "Born to Explore," debuted with domestic service in September

United's operational momentum continued, posting the lowest seat cancellation rate among the three largest U.S. airlines during the quarter. United carried a record 49.5 million customers during Q3, recording six of its 10 highest-volume travel days for the year so far

CHICAGO, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines (UAL) today reported pre-tax earnings of $1.3 billion, with a pre-tax margin of 7.3%. Adjusted pre-tax earnings1 were $1.1 billion, with an adjusted pre-tax margin1 of 6.2%. Fuel expense was up $1.8 billion compared to third-quarter 2025 as jet fuel prices remained volatile.

"Our employees met the challenge of our ever-changing environment and our results prove the resilience of focusing on building a brand-loyal airline for customers," said United CEO Scott Kirby.

United continued to see broad-based strength across all revenue streams: compared to the third quarter of 2025, Premium revenue was up 17%, revenue from Basic Economy was up 16%, loyalty revenue was up 17% and cargo revenue was up 23%. Contracted business revenue was up 26% during the quarter compared to the third quarter of 2025, showing strong and resilient close-in demand across all industries. Economy cabin revenue grew for the third consecutive quarter, with unit revenue up 17% year-over-year.

United now offers Starlink on more than 640 aircraft, equipping approximately three more aircraft per day. United offers more daily Starlink flights now than the entire U.S. industry, further increasing United's competitive advantage. In September, more than 5.4 million United customers experienced Starlink. United expects it to be available fleet-wide by the end of 2027.

"We are winning new long-term, brand-loyal United customers because they are trying us for Starlink but staying with us for the industry-leading app, great service, on-board product and technology," Kirby said. "These advantages will persist long after the fast, low-Earth orbit Wi-Fi we are offering today becomes the industry standard. By then, United will be leading on the next innovation as we seek to sustain our lead with customers."

On September 17 United announced that travelers can now watch live professional and college football on their Starlink-enabled seatback screens, including live broadcasts from all networks that carry NFL games. Starlink is free for MileagePlus® members in every class of service.

Ongoing customer investments include the new concourse in Terminal B at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The United ClubSM in the new, three-level concourse is the largest airline club in the Americas, with seating for 800 people and an outdoor terrace. During the quarter United also unveiled modernization plans for Washington Dulles International Airport together with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and the U.S. Department of Transportation, with new and expanded airport facilities expected to support more flights.

For the third quarter of 2026, United achieved its highest third-quarter customer satisfaction rate as measured by net promoter score since 2022. Customer service scores on Starlink-equipped planes were nearly double those with other Wi-Fi service, and United achieved with the best scores in company history in a third quarter for inflight entertainment and Wi-Fi experience.

On October 16, United expanded its revolving credit facility, with available liquidity rising from $3 billion previously to $5 billion under the new facility. The favorable terms in this expanded revolving credit facility demonstrate United's continued focus on strengthening its balance sheet and achieving an investment-grade credit rating.

Third-Quarter Financial Results

- Capacity up 1.3% compared to third-quarter 2025.

- Total operating revenue of $17.9 billion, up 17.4% compared to third-quarter 2025.

- TRASM up 15.9% compared to third-quarter 2025.

- CASM up 17.3%, and CASM-ex1 up 7.8%, compared to third-quarter 2025.

- Pre-tax earnings of $1.3 billion, with a pre-tax margin of 7.3%; adjusted pre-tax earnings1 of $1.1 billion, with an adjusted pre-tax margin1 of 6.2%.

- Net income of $1.0 billion; adjusted net income1 of $833 million.

- Diluted earnings per share of $3.14; adjusted diluted earnings per share1 of $2.54.

- Average fuel price per gallon of $3.90.

- Ending available liquidity2 of $17.7 billion.

- Total debt, finance lease obligations and other financial liabilities of $26.4 billion at quarter end.

- Trailing twelve months net leverage1 of 2.4x.

Key Highlights

- Announced the largest-ever international network expansion with service to 10 new destinations planned to start in summer 2027, including Catania, Italy; Ibiza, Spain; Ljubljana, Slovenia; Luxembourg; Marseille, France; Okinawa, Japan; Olbia, Italy; Terceira, Portugal; Toulouse, France; and Valencia, Spain. All new routes are subject to government approval.

- Operated the largest domestic schedule in company history, serving 241 airports across the U.S. and Canada, the most of any carrier in the quarter.

- In an agreement with DISH, launched live TV streaming on aircraft with Starlink-enabled seatback screens, unlocking professional and college football viewership in the air.

- Made aviation and sports broadcast history in collaboration with Disney Advertising, with an ESPN Football Fantasy Draft livestream from a flight, powered by Starlink.

Customer Experience

- In August, United introduced 10 new, exclusive meals in United Polaris® cabins in collaboration with Chef's Table.

- Over 87% of customers used digital check-in — with the increase driven by international customers — thanks to continued enhancements such as Japanese language translations within the app.

- Awarded by Tom's Guide's for "Best of Travel" for the implementation of Starlink, which it called a "masterclass in passenger experience."

- Expanded digital travel notifications in 11 more international markets, bringing real-time trip communications to customers in 33 total markets in their preferred channels and languages.

- Worked with Aperture Cellars to blend a wine at 35,000 feet, expected to be featured on select flights in United Polaris in 2028.

- Launched Flight Finder, giving customers whose travel was disrupted more control over rebooking options and a faster path to recovery.

Operations

- Averaged approximately 538,000 daily customers during the quarter, recording six of its 10 highest-volume travel days for the year so far. United carried a record 49.5 million revenue customers during the quarter.

- Ranked among the most reliable U.S. carriers this summer, with the lowest seat cancellation rate among the three largest U.S. airlines as measured by available seat miles.

- Posted the best July on-time departure rate among the seven largest U.S. carriers despite historic weather disruptions. July was United's busiest month ever, with 18.4 million customers carried.

- Completed a four-year expansion of the Denver Flight Training Center, adding 40 flight simulators for a total of 86, and enabling training for 860 pilots daily.

- Transported more than 352 million pounds of cargo during the quarter, for the largest third quarter in company history.

Network

- Announced additional summer 2027 service on four international routes: Los Angeles-Osaka, Washington Dulles-Milan, Denver-Paris, and San Francisco-Tel Aviv.

- Resumed service from Newark to Tel Aviv in early September.

- Launched nonstop service from Newark to Seoul and four new domestic routes from Newark: Bentonville, Arkansas; Charlottesville, Virginia; Knoxville, Tennessee; and Omaha, Nebraska.

- Expanded 787-9 Elevated service from San Francisco to Zurich and Seoul, joining Singapore and London routes that were introduced in the second quarter of 2026. These premium configured aircraft features 99 total premium seats including 8 United Polaris Studio℠ suites and 56 United Polaris seats.

Employees, Communities and Investments

- Launched the "Wishes Snackbox" with Make-A-Wish, featuring original art and hand-selected snacks from Wish kids. United will donate $1 for each box sold, up to $250,000.

- Kicked off United's Season of Service, with 3,100 employees volunteering 9,000 hours at nonprofits worldwide and packing nearly 471,000 meals to commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

- Contributed more than 40 million donated MileagePlus miles, including 18 million for Airlink and World Central Kitchen, to support 20 global response and recovery efforts. With partners, transported more than 200 responders and 30,000 pounds of cargo, supported 43 NGOs, reached more than 722,000 people and saved the NGO community more than $410,000.

- United and its employees raised $1.3 million for Special Olympics through the annual Plane Pull competition.

- Invested in the future aviation workforce through United's inaugural Discovery Day, in collaboration with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, and annual Girls in Aviation Day.

Front Ventures' portfolio company Molfar Defence to attend Future Forces in Prague - radar system already in field testing

Front Ventures' portfolio company Molfar Defence Technologies will attend the Future Forces exhibition in Prague on 21–23 October. Molfar Defence is a Polish-Ukrainian company developing a tactical radar system for detecting low-altitude threats. Front Ventures was lead investor when the company raised EUR 1.5 million in June 2026.

STOCKHOLM, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Drones have become one of the most acute threats in modern warfare, and demand for reliable detection of low-altitude threats is growing rapidly. Molfar's radar system is being developed for precisely this need and is already undergoing field testing.

At Future Forces, Molfar Defence will meet potential customers and partners. The participation is a first step in an intensive period for the company, in which discussions with the market will be deepened as the field testing continues.

– Molfar is one of the companies in our portfolio that we have the greatest expectations for, and we have followed the company as lead investor from the start. The radar is already being tested in the field, and Prague is the beginning of an exciting period. This is just the detection. We look forward to showing what Molfar Defence has built and the capabilities the radar has once the field tests are completed, says Jonas Malmgren, CEO of Front Ventures.

– Each round of field testing helps us improve the radar and shape its capabilities around real operational needs. Future Forces is an opportunity to discuss how the system can fit into their existing defence capabilities and explore cooperation on future tests and integrations, says Maksym Dzherikhov, CSO and Co-Founder of Molfar Defence Technologies.

Front Ventures invests in defence technology companies that solve real problems at the front and have high scalability. Molfar Defence is a clear example of that strategy.

More detailed information about the radar system and its verified performance is planned once the field tests have been completed. Front Ventures will continue to inform the market about developments in the company.

Jonas Malmgren, CEO [email protected]

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U.S. FAA certifies Boeing 737-10, largest member of 737 MAX family

- Certification program included nearly 1,000 total test flights and extensive safety assessments and design reviews.

- Regulatory approval clears Boeing to deliver a single-aisle jet with the best seat economics and safety enhancements.

EVERETT, Wash., Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today certified the newest and largest Boeing 737 MAX airplane, the 737-10, clearing the way for Boeing [NYSE: BA] to begin delivering the airplane in the coming months.

The 737-10 completes the 737 MAX family, which offers airlines the most efficient and flexible single-aisle airplane lineup in aviation. The largest model builds on the family's common architecture while taking capabilities to a new level:

- Capacity to serve 230 passengers in maximum seating configuration

- Lowest per seat costs of any single-aisle airplane in service

- 365 nautical miles more range than competitors without auxiliary fuel tanks

The airplane also introduces safety enhancements, including an enhanced Angle-of-Attack system that will become standard across the 737 MAX family.

"Completing the certification program clears the path for us to deliver a Boeing airplane that will set a new standard in commercial aviation. The 737-10 offers greater capacity, longer range and the best seat economics in its class, a platform that will create more value and opportunities for airlines around the world," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are also delighted to complete the 737 MAX family and provide our customers the most-efficient and flexible single-aisle airplane portfolio in the industry."

More than 30 customers around the world have purchased the 737-10 model, with orders totaling 1,555 airplanes to date, or more than 30 percent of the 737 MAX program's current order book.

The 737-10 is the first commercial airplane to be certified to the full extent of the 2020 Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act (ACSAA), which mandated enhanced documentation of safety assessments and human factors evaluations.

In compliance with ACSAA and FAA certification requirements, Boeing completed a rigorous certification program for the 737-10, including:

- More than 2,000 total flight hours, plus 1,000 ground test hours.

- Tens of thousands of pages of documentation and many hours of formal meetings with the FAA.

"Our flight test team ran a disciplined, methodical campaign to validate every system. That rigor gives us confidence as we move toward deliveries," said Chris Payne, vice president and general manager of 737 Airplane Development Programs for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "I'm incredibly proud of the entire team for their focus and professionalism."

More information on 737 MAX family

The 737 MAX program offers a family of highly-efficient airplanes that offer 135-230 seats, providing a range of options that caters to an airline's unique network and fleet needs.

Customers have placed 7,350 orders for 737 MAX airplanes, of which nearly 2,500 have been delivered through the end of September 2026. The 737-10 represents more than 30 percent of unfilled 737 MAX orders.

The 737-10, the largest in the family, will typically accommodate between 185 to 210 passengers, in a two-class configuration, and have the range to fly up to 3,100 nautical miles (5,740 km). Technological advancements also result in a 20 percent reduction in CO2 emission and fuel use.

The 737-10 joins the 737-7, 737-8, 737-8-200, and 737-9, each with its unique capabilities, including:

- The 737-7 typically seats 135-160 passengers in a two-class configuration and offers a range of up to 3,800 nautical miles (7,040 km). The airplane is designed for exceptional performance for operators flying out of airports at high altitudes and hot climates. The FAA certified the 737-7 earlier this year.

- The 737-8 seats 160-180 passengers with a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km). It can profitably serve almost any short and medium-haul market.

- The 737-9 has three more seating rows than the 737-8 and serves 175-195 passengers with a range of up to 3,300 nautical miles (6,110 km).

For more information on Boeing commercial airplanes, visit Boeing.com.

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.

Boeing Media Relations

[email protected]

SOURCE Boeing

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The article compares stability, treatment costs, recovery timelines, and maintenance needs to help patients understand their options for replacing missing teeth.

REXBURG, Idaho, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- What is the difference between dental implants and partial dentures for missing teeth?

That question is answered in a HelloNation article featuring insights from Dental Experts Dr. Ryan Smith and Dr. Scott Wilkes of Dental Health Center in Rexburg, ID.

The article explains that missing teeth can affect eating, speaking, and everyday comfort. Understanding available tooth replacement options helps patients compare treatment requirements, long-term care, and expected results. Both approaches restore function, but they differ in how they are supported and maintained.

The HelloNation article describes dental implants as restorations supported by artificial roots placed into the jawbone. These posts integrate with surrounding bone and can support crowns, bridges, or other restorations. Unlike removable appliances, implants remain fixed during daily activities.

Partial dentures work differently because they replace one or several teeth using a removable framework. Artificial teeth attach to a structure that fits around remaining natural teeth. The article notes that partial dentures can restore function, although some movement may occur during chewing or speaking.

Stability is an important consideration when comparing these tooth replacement options. Implant-supported restorations generally provide firm support because they connect directly to the jawbone. Removable appliances offer another solution, but comfort and function depend on proper fit.

The article emphasizes that bone and gum conditions influence treatment decisions. Patients considering implants need sufficient jawbone support, while those with significant bone loss may require bone grafting. A dental examination helps identify whether additional procedures are necessary.

Bone grafting may increase treatment time and expenses when existing bone cannot adequately support an implant. The article also explains that untreated gum disease or other dental concerns may require attention before restoration begins. Evaluating these conditions supports long-term oral health.

Treatment timelines differ between the two approaches. Implant placement involves evaluation, surgery, healing, and final restoration, sometimes extending over several months. Removable appliances generally require fewer appointments because surgical placement is unnecessary.

Cost is another important factor when replacing missing teeth. Implant treatment typically involves higher initial expenses because of surgery, components, and custom restorations. Removable appliances may cost less upfront but can require adjustments, repairs, or replacement over time.

The HelloNation article also compares daily maintenance responsibilities. Dental implants require brushing, flossing, and professional care to protect surrounding tissues. Although implants cannot develop cavities, inflammation and bone loss can threaten their stability.

Removable appliances require regular cleaning to remove plaque and food particles. Patients must also follow instructions for removal and storage. Proper maintenance helps protect remaining natural teeth and supports continued oral health.

Chewing comfort and surrounding bone preservation are additional considerations. The article explains that implants transfer chewing forces into the jawbone, helping maintain bone near the replacement site. Removable appliances do not provide the same direct stimulation.

The number and location of missing teeth also affect treatment planning. A single gap may be restored with an implant-supported crown, while several gaps may require different arrangements. A dental examination helps determine which approach suits the patient's circumstances.

The article concludes that choosing between these treatments requires evaluating medical history, oral conditions, costs, and personal preferences. Understanding the responsibilities associated with replacing missing teeth helps patients make informed decisions about restoring comfortable function.

Dental Implants vs. Partial Dentures for Missing Teeth features insights from Dr. Ryan Smith and Dr. Scott Wilkes, Dental Experts of Rexburg, ID, 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.

SOURCE HelloNation

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The online tool compares dental benefits across 5,049 CY2027 plans, with CY2026 side by side.

DALLAS, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- NCD, a national leader in ancillary health insurance solutions, today announced its online Medicare Advantage Dental Comparison Tool that compares the dental benefits included in individual Medicare Advantage plans for CY2027 and CY2026. Conceived by CEO Sam Melamed and built on publicly available data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the tool gives independent agents transparent information to bring to renewal conversations with their clients.

Using the insights from the tool, NCD has identified how dental benefits included in individual Medicare Advantage plans are changing nationally for the upcoming year:

- 31% of Medicare Advantage members in 2026 are in plans that reduced the annual dental maximum for 2027, with a typical cut of $500, or about 30% of the previous maximum whereas 11% of members are in plans that increased the annual maximum.

- 15% of Medicare Advantage members in 2026 are in plans that raised coinsurance on at least one comprehensive service for 2027 whereas 2% of members are in plans that reduced coinsurance on at least one comprehensive service.

- 14% of Medicare Advantage members in 2026 are in plans that improved an aspect of their dental benefit without giving anything up, whereas 35% are in plans that decreased an aspect of their dental benefit without any additions, 10% in plans that had mixed changes, and 41% in plans that remained unchanged.

Consumers often say their Medicare Advantage plan includes dental, but few know the details of their coverage. A plan can keep its dental benefit and still lower the annual maximum, raise copays, or drop a category such as implants or dentures.

"There's always a ton of confusion over how embedded dental plans work and how they change each year. We wanted to empower agents who may not have the dental expertise to parse all the different changes, so they can really understand when a standalone plan makes sense for a Medicare Advantage customer who has significant limits on their embedded dental," said NCD CEO Sam Melamed.

The tool covers 5,049 CY2027 plans, including SNPs,and compares 16 dental categories, from preventive care to orthodontia. For each plan, agents can see changes to the dollar maximum, deductibles, cost sharing, frequency limits, and prior authorization, along with any categories added or dropped. Each plan is labeled as continuing, renamed, new for 2027, or not in the CY2027 filings, and the tool notes when a buy-up dental rider exists.

The filings show a lot of movement. Of the CY2026 plans, 1,039 do not appear in the CY2027 filings, and 994 plans are new for CY2027. Clients affected by these changes may be automatically moved to another plan or may need to choose new coverage. In either case, dental benefits are an important part of the comparison.

"When a client asks what their dental benefit really covers, their agent should have a clear answer," said Ben Harrison, Chief Revenue Officer at NCD. "That's why we built this tool: simple, transparent information from CMS data that helps agents prepare for renewal calls. We believe everyone benefits when plan information is easier to understand."

Agents can access the tool at NCD MA Dental Benefit Comparison Tool

No login is required.

HOW AGENTS CAN USE IT

Before a renewal call: look up a client's plan by ID or name and check what changed.

When a plan is ending: see how dental compares as clients choose a new plan.

For notes and sharing: print the comparison or share a direct link.

ABOUT THE DATA

The tool covers benefits included at no added premium, using CMS Plan Benefit Package data. It lists dental categories and does not show coverage for individual procedures. Use the zip code or state look-up to find plans available in that area. On dual-eligible plans, a $0 cost share often comes from Medicaid. Member counts are a September 2026 snapshot.

INDEPENDENT EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE

Provided by NCD for informational purposes only. NCD is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, CMS, or any Medicare Advantage organization, and does not offer, sell, or enroll individuals in the Medicare Advantage plans shown. Information is derived from publicly available CMS data (PBP and CPSC files) and is not a substitute for official plan documents. Not for use in making enrollment, disenrollment, or coverage decisions. Verify all benefits, service areas, and networks with the plan or Medicare.gov. Agents should follow their carrier and CMS marketing requirements when using this material with clients.

ABOUT NCD

NCD is a leading provider of innovative dental, vision, and supplemental health insurance solutions designed to enhance access to affordable, high-quality care for individuals and families nationwide. The company is recognized for delivering best-in-class customer service, developing forward-thinking benefit designs, and empowering groups, individuals and families to take control of their health. Learn more at www.ncd.com.

MEDIA CONTACT

Ariana Bacigalupo

Associate Director of Executive Services

[email protected]

SOURCE NCD

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Partner climbs 25 spots as demand grows for environmental risk management across real estate, infrastructure, and remediation projects.

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Partner Engineering and Science, Inc. (Partner) moved up 25 places on Engineering News-Record's 2026 Top 200 Environmental Firms list, marking its 14th consecutive year of recognition on this list.

Based on 2025 revenue, the jump in Partner's ranking reflects strong demand for environmental consulting and due diligence services, driven by ongoing commercial real estate transactions, a growing need for programmatic environmental health and safety consulting, infrastructure investment, environmental remediation projects, and increasing regulatory requirements. Partner also continued to expand its expertise in building efficiency, resilience, and renewable energy.

Growth was supported by our integrated service model, which enables clients to efficiently manage environmental risk throughout the entire real estate lifecycle, from acquisition and development through remediation and asset management. Continued investment in specialized technical expertise, national coverage, and bundled service offerings strengthened our ability to deliver complex environmental solutions while maintaining the responsiveness and consistency our clients expect.

ENR's ranking covers environmental work in categories including:

- Hazardous and solid waste cleanup and management

- Nuclear waste cleanup and management

- Air pollution control, renewable energy, and energy efficiency

- Water supply and treatment

- Environmental management

- Environmental sciences and natural resources

According to ENR, environmental firms continued to find opportunities amid shifts in federal policy, supported by investment in domestic manufacturing, emerging contaminant cleanup, and AI infrastructure. Partner sees these trends reflected in growing demand for life sciences and pharmaceutical sector support, PFAS investigation, and data center feasibility and compliance consulting.

While elevated interest rates, economic uncertainty, and shifting commercial real estate investment patterns may affect transaction volumes going forward, these conditions also create opportunities for investment to improve the performance of owned real estate, including remediation, compliance, and asset repositioning services.

"The institutionalization of real estate combined with challenging market conditions is driving greater scrutiny and heightened due diligence on real estate investments," noted Kathryn Peacock, Strategic Director of Environmental Services for Partner. "At the same time, owners are shifting funds toward asset improvements, including tackling some of the environmental challenges they've been meaning to get to. Partner's tech-enabled approach helps clients streamline these efforts and gain efficiencies across capital planning and ongoing environmental obligations."

Growth was supported by our integrated service model, which enables clients to efficiently manage environmental risk throughout the entire real estate lifecycle, from acquisition and development through remediation and asset management. Continued investment in specialized technical expertise, technology solutions, national coverage, and bundled service offerings strengthened our ability to deliver complex environmental solutions while maintaining the responsiveness and consistency our clients expect.

Partner's international platform, broad technical expertise, and integrated service offerings position the firm well to capitalize on a shifting real estate market and emerging growth sectors, while continuing to deliver sustainable long-term growth.

About Partner

Partner is the leading provider of engineering, environmental, energy, construction and valuation consulting for the commercial real estate (CRE) industry. Touching 1 in 5 CRE transactions in the U.S., Partner is widely recognized as the market-leading provider of 3rd party physical due diligence reports including Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, Property Condition Assessments, Seismic Risk Assessments, Zoning Reports, ALTA Land Title Surveys, Appraisals, and Construction Risk Management. Partner's connectedness to the CRE market gives it an unparalleled view into CRE trends and risk management insights.

Partner also provides a full suite of consulting services to support the entire real estate lifecycle, including: Geotechnical Consulting; Building Systems Consulting; Capital Management and Project Implementation Support; Asset Valuation and Financial Reporting; Environmental Health & Safety Consulting; Energy, Sustainability & Resilience Consulting; and Site Civil Engineering. With a responsive approach scaled for speed and agility, Partner helps clients manage risk, make smart investments, optimize asset performance, and win at their real estate investment strategies.

Based in Torrance, Calif., Partner has over 1,500 employees in 40 offices around the globe.

SOURCE Partner Engineering and Science, Inc.

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New embedded AI capabilities are helping businesses move beyond finding information to act on insights faster across everyday operational workflows.

CARY, N.C., Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Klipboard is accelerating the rollout of embedded and Agentic AI across its industry-specific business software, introducing intelligent capabilities designed to help users find information quickly, reduce manual work and act on operational insights faster within everyday workflows.

Rather than adding standalone AI tools alongside existing software, Klipboard is embedding AI directly into the systems businesses already use to manage customers, orders, inventory, finance, equipment, parts and other critical areas.

The approach has already delivered hundreds of AI capabilities across Klipboard's Distribution, Automotive and Rental software, with further agents and workflows in development.

From answers to action

Klipboard's AI strategy is focused on changing what businesses can expect from their operational software.

Embedded AI is already helping users interact more naturally with complex business information, asking questions and accessing relevant answers without navigating multiple screens or reports.

Agentic AI takes this further.

By combining AI with operational data, business rules and established workflows, Klipboard is developing and delivering semi-autonomous capabilities that can understand what a user is trying to achieve, determine the appropriate next step and act.

This could mean identifying an outstanding invoice and helping initiate the next stage of the payment process, understanding customer requirements and supporting the next sales action, or completing routine tasks that would previously have required several manual steps.

The result is a much simpler user journey: Ask. Understand. Act.

AI built around real operational work

Klipboard's AI capabilities are being developed around the industries and workflows its customers use every day:

Distribution: AI capabilities across ERP One and ERP Go give businesses quicker access to operational information and simplify everyday processes across areas including customers, orders, inventory and finance.

Automotive: Klipboard is applying AI across areas including parts identification, customer and vehicle information, shop operations and customer interactions. Klipboard's Autocat (parts catalog) and Autowork (shop management) solutions already demonstrate how AI can support everyday automotive workflows, with further connected and agentic capabilities being developed.

Rental: AI embedded within the OnRent Go equipment rental solution is helping users interact with rental-specific operational information more naturally, supporting greater visibility and faster access to the information teams need to keep work moving.

Together, these developments form part of a wider Klipboard strategy to bring intelligent, actionable AI into the heart of operational business software.

Building the intelligent ERP

AI is fundamentally changing ERP and business management software.

Traditional systems have largely relied on people to navigate software, retrieve information, interpret it and initiate the next action. Embedded and Agentic AI allow more of that journey to happen intelligently within the system itself.

DJ Jones, Chief Technology and Product Officer at Klipboard said: "We're changing what business software can do. AI that simply provides an answer is only the starting point. Our Agentic AI can understand what needs to happen next and help make it happen.

"This is a fundamental change in the role of ERP. The software can increasingly understand what's happening, recognize what needs to happen next and act."

This industry-specific context is particularly important as AI becomes more agentic, enabling intelligent agents to reason across relevant business information and take the appropriate next steps within operational workflows.

More agents. More workflows. More action.

Klipboard is continuing to expand its AI capabilities across its product portfolio, with additional agents and use cases in development.

The direction is clear: moving from software that primarily records and manages work towards intelligent business systems that can understand more, help people decide faster and get more work done.

Klipboard is building AI into the heart of its business software. The next generation isn't on the horizon. We're building it now.

About Klipboard

Klipboard delivers purpose-built, cloud-based software solutions designed for wholesale distribution, automotive aftermarket, rental and auto services. By combining powerful ERP technology with industry-specific features, Klipboard helps businesses streamline operations, improve visibility and drive growth. The company has been in business for over 50 years, offering a comprehensive solution-based business management system, with a wide range of supporting and managed services. Klipboard serves 55,000+ customers in 70+ countries and has over 1,600 team members globally. For more information, visit klipboard.com/en-us.

SOURCE Klipboard

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Deterministic readiness checks and locally hosted AI help assess mission-system health in disconnected and air-gapped environments

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- IESE Solutions, Inc. announced today that SQUID, its AI-assisted system assurance platform, has been assessed "Awardable" and listed on the Department of War's Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace.

SQUID helps government teams assess complex systems of systems across compute, networks, storage, Kubernetes, applications, and cybersecurity. Its adaptable test harness discovers available capabilities, collects approved read-only evidence, and compares observations with defined baselines to produce traceable findings on system health, configuration, and release readiness.

SQUID goes beyond dashboards and disconnected scanners by retaining the evidence behind every finding. Its deterministic comparator—not the AI—assigns PASS, FAIL, WARN, SKIP, ERROR, and BLOCKED results. Locally hosted AI explains the findings and supports follow-up investigation.

Built on IESE's IWS-GPT isolated-AI architecture, SQUID operates in restricted, disconnected, and air-gapped environments without external inference services. Authorized users approve the scope of each assessment. Collection follows approved read-only interfaces and role-based access, and signed artifacts are retained for review and comparison.

SQUID draws on IESE's integration, testing, and sustainment experience supporting the U.S. Space Force's Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) program. IESE's manual framework-level test and reporting workflow typically involved two to three specialists working approximately 18 hours each. In a demonstration on a similar representative framework, SQUID completed data collection, AI analysis, and specialist review in about 30 minutes. The comparison illustrates one workflow, not a guaranteed outcome for every deployment.

SQUID helps operators, engineers, cybersecurity personnel, test teams, and sustainers:

- Discover the environment and select relevant checks without extensive manual configuration

- Detect configuration drift, platform faults, missing coverage, and application dependencies

- Preserve signed evidence and run comparisons for integration, cyber, and readiness reviews

- Use local AI to interpret findings, correlate symptoms, and draft technical reports

- Track trends and compare baselines to support incident analysis and recovery verification

SQUID supports assessment and decision-making without making unsupervised changes to mission systems. Predictive maintenance, dynamic workload allocation, and controlled recovery are separate future development directions under IESE's ENDGAME concept, subject to further testing and authorization.

IESE tailors SQUID to mission environments and approved baselines. Services may include custom collectors and check catalogs, air-gap packaging, hardening, Risk Management Framework and security authorization support, deployment, benchmarking, and sustainment.

Programs can begin with a focused pilot and expand after validation. IESE assesses the current SQUID prototype at Technology Readiness Level 6. Mission-specific integration, representative-scale testing, AI benchmarking, and customer authorization remain prerequisites to operational use.

Government users can search for "SQUID" at www.tradewindai.com and work with their contracting activity or Tradewinds acquisition support team to pursue an award. The Marketplace features post-competition, readily awardable AI and digital solutions; "Awardable" status does not guarantee a contract award.

About IESE Solutions

Integrated Enterprise Systems Engineering Solutions, Inc., known as IESE Solutions, is a woman-owned small business providing systems engineering, software, integration, test, cybersecurity, and sustainment support to national security space and defense customers.

For more information, visit www.iesesolutions.com.

About the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace

The Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace is CDAO's digital repository of post-competition, readily awardable pitch videos addressing government challenges in artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital, and data analytics.

SOURCE IESE Solutions

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