NORTIV 8 Unveils Treeline, a New APMA-Recognized Multi-Category Footwear Collection Featuring Wide-Toe-Box Design Across Trail Running Sneakers, Hiking Shoes, Tactical and Work Boots

Built around an APMA-recognized sole platform, the collection combines a roomy toe box and low drop geometry with purpose-built features for different terrains and activities.

NEW YORK, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- NORTIV 8 today announces Treeline, a multi-category footwear collection built around a shared sole platform recognized by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). Spanning trail running sneakers, hiking shoes and boots, tactical footwear, and work boots, the collection applies a consistent set of fit and underfoot design principles across footwear engineered for distinct environments. Its defining features include a roomy toe box designed to allow greater freedom of toe movement, a 5mm heel-to-toe drop that establishes a low drop profile, and a common sole platform that connects the collection's diverse categories through a unified technical foundation.

A Common Sole Platform, Engineered Across Categories

At the core of NORTIV 8 Treeline is an outsole-first design approach that places the sole at the center of fit, stability, cushioning, and ground interaction. The collection is built around three defining features: a roomy toe box that provides additional forefoot space for greater freedom of toe movement, a 5mm heel-to-toe drop that establishes a consistent low drop profile, and a sole platform recognized by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). Together, these elements establish a shared technical foundation across all ten styles, bringing a consistent approach to fit and underfoot design to footwear developed for distinct activities and environments.

Purpose Built for Different Environments

Treeline applies this common design foundation across trail running sneakers, hiking shoes and boots, tactical footwear, and composite toe work boots. Lightweight trail running styles prioritize mobility and traction across changing surfaces, while hiking shoes and boots incorporate features such as waterproof membranes, reinforced uppers, and lugged outsoles for outdoor conditions. Tactical and work styles add application-specific details, including easy on-and-off design and composite toe protection for occupational use. Each category builds on the collection's shared fit and underfoot design principles with functional features tailored to its intended environment. Guided by the idea of "Walk the Line. Feel the Freedom.", Treeline brings NORTIV 8's fit-focused design approach to a broad range of outdoor and occupational footwear, connecting a common technical foundation with the distinct functional requirements of each style.

Meet the Treeline Collection

The NORTIV 8 Treeline Collection brings together trail running sneakers, hiking shoes and boots, and work and tactical footwear under a shared approach to fit and underfoot design. A roomy toe box anchors the collection, while each style incorporates construction and performance features suited to its intended use, from traction across varied terrain to waterproof protection and composite toe safety for demanding work environments.

Composite-toe Work Boots & Tactical Boots

Katahdin-Nano Waterproof Composite-Toe Work Boots â Lightweight Safety with Multi-Condition Protection

Katahdin-Nano adapts Treeline's roomy fit for demanding work environments, combining a wide toe box and 5mm heel-to-toe drop with waterproof construction and lightweight composite-toe protection. Its non-metallic, non-magnetic Nano Composite Toe meets applicable ASTM F2413-24 impact and compression (I/C) requirements, while the boot also meets ASTM F2413-24 electrical hazard (EH) requirements. Designed to handle challenging jobsite conditions, it also features resistance to corrosion, heat, and cold. A waterproof membrane helps keep feet dry in wet conditions, while the durable leather-and-mesh upper balances durability with breathability. Underfoot, an EVA midsole cushions each step, and an MD-and-rubber outsole is designed to provide traction across uneven surfaces. Together, these features deliver a work boot that prioritizes essential safety protection, weather readiness, and lasting comfort for demanding shifts.

Pikes-Nano Composite-Toe Work Boots â Lightweight Safety with Quick-Access Convenience

Pikes-Nano extends the utility-driven design of Pikes into protective work footwear, pairing a non-metallic, non-magnetic Nano Composite Toe with practical features built for demanding shifts. The composite toe meets the specified ASTM F2413-24 I/75 impact and electrical hazard (EH) requirements, protecting against workplace impacts while offering an alternative to traditional steel-toe construction. Its non-metallic composition also helps reduce heat and cold transfer compared with metal. Treeline's wide toe box allows natural toe splay, while the 5mm heel-to-toe drop supports a more natural stride during extended wear. A durable leather-and-mesh upper balances durability with breathability, and a lightweight EVA midsole cushions each step. For added convenience, a smooth metal side zipper enables easy on-and-off wear, while a hook-and-loop strap helps secure the fit. A lugged rubber outsole provides traction across varied work surfaces and helps shed mud. Designed for construction, warehouse, factory, delivery, and security professionals, Pikes-Nano brings together composite-toe protection, quick-access functionality, and everyday jobsite practicality.

Pikes Tactical Boots â Side-Zip Convenience Meets Tactical Versatility

Pikes combines a rugged tactical design with practical features for demanding daily routines. A durable leather-and-nylon-mesh upper balances structure with breathability, while Treeline's wide toe box allows natural toe splay and the 5mm heel-to-toe drop supports a more natural walking gait. A lightweight EVA midsole absorbs impact for cushioned comfort, and a lugged rubber outsole provides grip across varied surfaces while helping minimize mud buildup. A metal side zipper allows for easy on-and-off wear, while a hook-and-loop strap keeps the zipper securely in place during movement. Designed for security personnel, delivery workers, warehouse teams, and others who need functional, easy-to-wear footwear, Pikes brings together quick-access convenience, dependable traction, and tactical-ready durability for long days on the move.

Trail Running Sneakers

Whitney Trail Running Sneakers â Lightweight Versatility from Trail to Town

Available in men's and women's versions, Whitney is designed for those who want the versatility of trail running footwear without limiting its use to the outdoors. A breathable jacquard mesh upper promotes airflow, while an arch-support insole and lightweight EVA midsole provides underfoot support and cushioning. The roomy toe box allows greater freedom of toe movement, and a rubber outsole with 4mm lugs is designed to deliver traction across dirt paths and paved surfaces while helping reduce mud buildup. Finished with a streamlined silhouette and contrasting color details, Whitney transitions naturally from outdoor routes to daily walks and everyday wear.

Rainier Trail Running Sneakers â Walking-First Comfort with Trail-Ready Traction

Rainier is built for everyday movement, from neighborhood walks to light trails and short hikes. Its roomy toe box and 5mm heel-to-toe drop create a spacious, low-drop profile, while breathable engineered mesh promotes airflow and TPU overlays add structure. A lightweight EVA midsole balances cushioning with a closer connection to the ground, and a removable insole allows flexibility in fit. Beneath the shoe, 4mm rubber traction lugs are designed to grip dirt, gravel, and other mixed surfaces, making Rainier a practical option for those who are seeking men's wide-toe-box trail running shoes for varied daily routines.

Hiking Shoes

Thielsen Waterproof Hiking Sneakers â Low-Cut Protection for Wet-Weather Adventures

Thielsen combines waterproof protection with the mobility of a low-cut hiking shoe, making it suited to wet-weather walks, light hikes, and travel. A waterproof membrane helps keep feet dry in changing conditions, while the leather-and-mesh upper balances durability with breathability. The roomy toe box provides additional forefoot space, complemented by a 5mm heel-to-toe drop and lightweight EVA midsole for a lower-profile feel with cushioned support. A rubber outsole featuring 4mm lugs is designed to provide traction across muddy paths and varied trails. For those who are seeking men's waterproof wide-toe-box hiking shoes without the bulk of a traditional high-cut boot, Thielsen offers a versatile alternative.

Mount Si Waterproof Hiking Sneakers â Durable Construction for City-to-Trail Transitions

Mount Si brings added durability to a versatile low-cut hiking design, built for routines that move between urban pavement and outdoor terrain. Its waterproof membrane helps protect against wet conditions, while an abrasion-resistant Oxford fabric upper and reinforced TPU toe and heel provide added protection and durability in high-contact areas. A roomy toe box and 5mm heel-to-toe drop maintain the collection's fit-focused approach, while a lightweight EVA midsole cushions each step. Underfoot, an MD-and-rubber outsole combines 4mm traction lugs with a segmented heel designed to support grip and flexibility across varied surfaces. The result is a practical option for those who want outdoor functionality in an everyday-wearable silhouette.

Snoqualmie Women's Waterproof Hiking Shoes â Barefoot-Inspired Comfort Meets Quick-Lace Design

Designed specifically for women, Snoqualmie combines a streamlined silhouette with weather-ready protection and convenient quick-lace adjustment.

Transaction reflects the successful execution of 5CP's value creation strategy and positions Radon for next phase of growth

CHICAGO, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 5th Century Partners ("5CP"), a purpose-driven private investment firm that partners with healthcare and business services companies that have outsized growth potential, today announced the completion of the sale of its portfolio company Radon Medical Imaging ("Radon") to Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. ("LGP" or "Leonard Green"). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Charleston, West Virginia, Radon is a leading medical imaging equipment maintenance and repair services company with an established presence across the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. The company is known for its diversified solutions, strong technical expertise and best-in-class customer service. Its customers include major hospital systems, clinics, specialist and primary care offices, emergency rooms and outpatient institutions.

"Radon represents exactly the type of partnership and value creation strategy that 5CP was built to pursue," said Marques Torbert, co-founder and managing partner of 5th Century Partners. "This transaction reflects the strength of Radon's leadership team, the dedication of its employees and the execution of a disciplined growth strategy."

Bruce Hampton, co-founder and managing partner at 5th Century Partners added, "We are incredibly proud of what the team has accomplished over the past four years and believe Radon is well-positioned for continued growth and success."

Since partnering with 5th Century Partners in 2022, Radon has evolved from a regional service organization into a scaled multi-state platform while maintaining its reputation for technical excellence and customer service. During 5CP's investment period, the company more than tripled revenue, expanded from five states to 26 states and grew its workforce to more than 220 employees, including over 135 highly trained field service technicians and engineers.

Radon's growth was supported by several strategic acquisitions, including Premier Imaging Medical Systems in 2022, Tristate Biomedical Solutions in 2023, Alpha Imaging in 2024 and Majestic Medical Solutions in 2025.

"5th Century Partners has been an invaluable partner in helping us scale the business while staying true to the culture and customer-first approach that have defined Radon for nearly five decades," said Andy Border, Founder and Executive Chairman at Radon. David Wilson, CEO at Radon commented, "Their support enabled us to expand our capabilities, enter new markets and complete strategic acquisitions that strengthened our platform. We are grateful for their partnership and excited to build on this momentum as we begin our next chapter with Leonard Green."

Houlihan Lokey served as financial advisor and DLA Piper served as legal advisor to Radon on the transaction.

About 5th Century Partners

5th Century Partners is a purpose-driven private investment firm that invests in lower middle-market companies within healthcare and business services that have outsized growth potential. The firm provides capital, operating expertise and strategic relationships that lead to sustainable growth, which in turn allows partner companies to realize their full potential and deliver positive outcomes to their stakeholders. Learn more at www.5cpartners.com.

About Radon

Radon Medical Imaging is a leading independent service organization that services, assembles, repairs, and sells new and refurbished medical imaging equipment including, but not limited to: MRI, PET/CT, fluoroscopy, mammography, cardiac cath lab, urology, digital DR and CR, C-arm, general radiographic (X-Ray) and select PACS systems. Radon Medical Imaging was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in Charleston, West Virginia, with additional corporate offices and 150,000+ square feet of warehouse space in Georgia, Louisiana, Ohio, South Carolina, and West Virginia. The company has more than 220 employees across 26 states and covers a service, asset management and sales region encompassing parts of the Midwest, the Mid-Atlantic and southeastern regions of the U.S.

About LGP

LGP is a leading private equity investment firm founded in 1989 and based in Los Angeles with over $75 billion of assets under management. The firm partners with experienced management teams and often with founders to invest in market-leading companies. Since inception, LGP has completed over 160 investments in the form of traditional buyouts, going-private transactions, recapitalizations, growth equity, and selective public equity and debt positions. The firm primarily focuses on services, including consumer, healthcare, and business services, as well as distribution and industrials. For more information, please visit www.leonardgreen.com. 

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Pioneer of prospective surveillance brings more than 25 years of research, health system implementation, policy leadership and clinical business experience to accelerate adoption of the SOZO® platform in cancer survivorship care pathways

CARLSBAD, Calif., Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ImpediMed, a leader in medical technologies for clinically monitoring fluid status and body composition, today announced that Nicole L. Stout, DPT, CLT-LANA, FAPTA, will join the company as Chief Clinical Innovation Officer, effective November 1, 2026. Dr. Stout will lead clinical strategy, research, medical affairs, and key opinion leader engagement, with a focus on accelerating the adoption of the SOZO® Digital Health Platform across care settings.

An internationally recognized authority in cancer rehabilitation and survivorship, Dr. Stout has spent more than 25 years helping oncology teams identify treatment-related complications early and intervene before they become disabling. She pairs that scientific record with years of experience putting new care models into practice inside health systems.

From Evidence to Clinical Practice

Dr. Stout's pioneering research helped establish the evidence base for the Prospective Surveillance Model (PSM). The approach pairs pretreatment baseline assessments with risk-stratified interval monitoring, then refers patients to supportive care when changes appear, so care teams can address the physical and functional effects of cancer and its treatment throughout the care continuum.

Dr. Stout has designed and implemented surveillance pathways in health systems, resulting in shortened time to intervention for cancer treatment-related conditions and improved clinical operations and service-line performance. She has won support from executive and clinical leaders, then built the business and operational plans that turn new care models into lasting programs.

Most recently, as Senior Director of Survivorship and Wellness at the American Cancer Society, Dr. Stout led a national portfolio of programs and initiatives addressing supportive care needs across the cancer continuum. Her earlier clinical, research, and leadership experience includes roles at the West Virginia University Cancer Institute and the NIH Clinical Center. She has also led strategic initiatives involving the National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization and has published more than 100 peer-reviewed and invited articles on survivorship care delivery.

Scaling Prospective Surveillance with SOZO

At ImpediMed, Dr. Stout will guide clinical strategies that help health systems accelerate the use of the SOZO Digital Health Platform across the oncology enterprise. The platform is already established in lymphedema assessment. The National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) Optimal Resources for Breast Care 2027 standards also name bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) as a method that meets Standard 5.8, its new lymphedema assessment requirement. In August of 2026, ImpediMed received FDA 510(k) clearance for sarcopenia risk assessment, enabling care teams to use the same scan to monitor muscle loss. Together, they give health systems a foundation for surveillance programs that extend across cancer types and treatment settings.

"Nicole brings a rare combination of scientific leadership and a proven ability to translate innovation into clinical practice," said Erik Anderson, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ImpediMed. "She has built surveillance programs, navigated complex health system operations, influenced policy, and earned the trust of leaders across the oncology space for over 25 years. At the top of her career, Nicole is choosing to join this team to help define the next chapter of growth for this company, bringing all of her experience to drive SOZO as a standard of care for cancer survivorship. We couldn't be more excited to welcome Nicole to the team."

"I am thrilled to be joining the team at this time. The evidence for early, proactive supportive care is compelling, but real impact depends on what health systems can consistently deliver," said Dr. Stout. "My career has focused on making prospective surveillance practical by connecting objective assessment with clinical workflows, timely intervention, and measurable outcomes. I have been following the SOZO platform and BIS technology over many years, and now is the time to bring together this platform along with my expertise in clinical evidence and implementation to help oncology teams adopt sustainable models of care in cancer survivorship programs."

About ImpediMed

ImpediMed is a global medical technology company that designs and manufactures bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) devices, providing clinicians with real-time insights for personalized patient care. The company's SOZO® Digital Health Platform using BIS technology supports noninvasive assessment of fluid status and tissue composition, including applications in cancer-related lymphedema surveillance and sarcopenia risk assessment. The platform also supports structured cancer survivorship and medical weight-management care pathways. For more information, visit www.impedimed.com.

Press Contact:

Jodi Perkins

Supreme Communications, on behalf of ImpediMed

[email protected]

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SEKISUI Diagnostics Announces 510(k) Clearance and Launch of the OSOM® COVID-19/Flu A&B Combo Test

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SEKISUI Diagnostics, a global medical diagnostics manufacturer, has announced the launch of a 510(k) cleared rapid test to detect COVID-19 and Flu A&B in professional healthcare settings.

The OSOM® COVID-19/Flu A&B Combo Test is a lateral flow immunochromatographic assay intended for the qualitative detection and differentiation of influenza A and influenza B nucleoprotein antigens and SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen directly in anterior nasal swab specimens from individuals with signs and symptoms of respiratory tract infection. CLIA-waived for point-of-care use, the OSOM COVID-19/Flu A&B Combo Test is manufactured in the USA and backed by an experienced technical services team of medical laboratory professionals.

The OSOM COVID-19/Flu A&B Combo Test includes QC Inside®, a unique feature which maximizes the value of every kit by eliminating separate Quality Control (QC) costs and provides two additional patient tests for external QC at no charge.

"With the Emergency Use Authorization ending, we know it is extremely important to continue to supply the market with the tools needed to diagnose respiratory infections quickly and accurately. We are pleased to be able to offer new customers and transition existing customers to a 510(k) cleared alternative as we enter the season, so they are well prepared before the termination takes effect." said Erica Blight, VP Strategy & Growth.

As COVID-19 and influenza continue to present with overlapping symptoms, multiplex testing provides the advantage of identifying and differentiating multiple respiratory viruses from a single patient sample, helping support timely clinical decisions.

SEKISUI Diagnostics is a well-known provider of many rapid diagnostic solutions to the professional and home testing markets through a portfolio of tests under the OSOM and Metrix® brands.

About SEKISUI Diagnostics:

With over 40 years of experience, SEKISUI Diagnostics' mission is to provide intelligent solutions to enhance life with science and improve the health of all people. We supply innovative medical diagnostics globally to physicians, hospitals, laboratories and alternate testing locations. Our product lines include clinical chemistry reagents, point-of-care tests, pre-analytic systems, contract design and manufacturing as well as enzymes and specialty biochemicals.

OSOM® and QC Inside® are registered trademarks of SEKISUI Diagnostics, LLC. Metrix® is a registered trademark of Aptitude Medical Systems Inc

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Renewal includes access to Raintree's IQ platform, including ScribeIQâ¢, NoteIQ⢠and SchedulerIQâ¢.

CHANDLER, Ariz., Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Raintree, an EMR platform for rehabilitation and physical therapy organizations, today announced that Upstream Rehabilitation has renewed its enterprise agreement with Raintree. Upstream is the largest dedicated outpatient physical therapy provider in the United States, with more than 1,200 clinics across 28 states.

The renewal continues a long-standing relationship between the two organizations. Upstream and Raintree will continue working together to improve the day-to-day experience for Upstream's clinicians, front-desk teams and patients.

Upstream has been using ScribeIQâ¢, Raintree's ambient AI scribe built for rehab therapy, which now supports more than 40% of evaluations Upstream documents in Raintree. The goal is more complete documentation, more accurate coding, and more time for clinicians to spend with patients.

Under the agreement, Upstream will have access to additional Raintree capabilities that it can evaluate and adopt over time, including:

- Pathways⢠for referral management that connects clinics with hospitals and health systems through secure data exchange.

- Plan of Care DocuSign integration to digitize plan-of-care signatures from referring physicians.

- Touchpoints⢠for patient self-scheduling, digital intake, kiosk check-in and payment collection.

- Gateways⢠for a self-service API hub to help Upstream's IT team connect partners and systems securely.

"When the largest outpatient physical therapy provider recommits to Raintree, the message is clear: No one else can operate at this scale and innovate at this pace." said Nick Hedges, CEO of Raintree. "Upstream has seen what our AI delivers: real dollars per visit and real time back for clinicians. Raintree isn't just keeping up with enterprise rehab therapy, we're defining it."

"Raintree has been with us through a lot of growth, and continuity matters for our clinicians and patients," said Anthony Mollica, CEO of Upstream Rehabilitation. "We're focused on working together to make documentation easier and put more time back into patient care."

Raintree powers more than 50 million patient visits a year across more than 8,500 clinics nationwide. In July, the company acquired voice AI developer Spike Technologies to expand AI capabilities in revenue cycle and patient engagement.

About Raintree

Raintree is an AI-native EMR platform for rehabilitation and physical therapy organizations, managing more than 50 million patient visits a year across more than 8,500 clinics. Its platform combines clinical documentation, scheduling, patient engagement, interoperability and revenue cycle management, along with agentic AI for the front desk and revenue cycle. Raintree is headquartered in Chandler, Arizona. Learn more at www.raintreeinc.com.

About Upstream Rehabilitation

Upstream Rehabilitation, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, is the largest dedicated outpatient physical therapy provider in the United States, with more than 1,200 clinics across 28 states. Its community of brands includes BenchMark Physical Therapy, Drayer Physical Therapy Institute, Results Physiotherapy, Peak Physical Therapy, SERC Physical Therapy, Integrity Rehab Group, Physiofit, and others. Learn more at www.urpt.com.

Media Contact:

Sorella Andersen

[email protected]

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Capacity introduces The Agentic Consumer Report to examine how AI is changing consumer

behavior, confidence and expectations of businesses

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Capacity, the agentic support automation platform, today announced the release of The Agentic Consumer Report, based on a survey of 1,000 U.S. consumers. As businesses deploy AI to improve the customer experience, consumers are also finding new ways to use their own AI tools and agents during customer service interactions. The report examines this emerging consumer behavior and its implications for business and contact center leaders.

The Agentic Consumer Report revealed that consumers, especially younger generations, are turning to personal AI tools more often during customer service interactions. These tools are also creating more empowered customers who feel increasingly comfortable pushing back on the responses they receive from customer service representatives and challenging their knowledge of company policy.

How are consumers using AI tools in customer service interactions?

The findings of the report highlight several ways AI tools are becoming a part of a consumer's customer service experience.

- Younger consumers lead personal AI agent use: While 35% of consumers surveyed have used an AI agent to handle a customer service request at least once, that figure rises to 49% among Gen Z and Millennial respondents.

- AI is introducing incorrect information into conversations: 55% of respondents have used an AI tool, such as an agent or LLM, to assist with a customer service request, but 44% said AI had contradicted a company representative or its policies.

- Consumers trust AI as much as a company representative: If AI were to give a consumer information that conflicted with what a customer representative had said, consumers are equally likely to trust either one.

- AI is changing how consumers challenge representatives: Among respondents, 34% said AI makes them ask more specific questions during customer service interactions, and 23% said they would ask representatives to explain or cite company policies because of AI.

- The escalation path is shifting: 20% of consumers said they would escalate issues more quickly when using AI tools, while 21% would trust their AI agent to connect them with a human representative, and then join the conversation.

"For years, customer service leaders have used AI to deliver faster answers and higher resolution rates. But as customers begin using the same technology to challenge those answers, the goal has to shift," said David Karandish, founder and CEO of Capacity. "Businesses need to rethink how they measure success, moving beyond speed and efficiency to consider whether their answers are accurate, their decisions are defensible and their customers can trust the outcome."

What does an AI-empowered customer mean for CX leaders?

Human representatives and AI agents must be prepared to support informed and assertive customers. As The Agentic Consumer Report highlights, consumers using AI are asking more specific questions, challenging answers and requesting policy explanations. Contact centers will need to equip representatives with accurate company information so they can address discrepancies and stand behind their decisions and responses with confidence.

Businesses must also prepare for interactions between customer-owned and company-deployed AI agents. Findings from The Agentic Consumer Report show that consumers are using AI to reach human representatives and feel more confident escalating issues when assisted by AI. Contact centers will need clear escalation processes and safeguards against repetitive AI-to-AI exchanges, ensuring routine requests remain automated while human representatives focus on complex issues.

"CX strategies need to adapt as consumer behavior shifts," said Karandish. "The best way to do so is with a continuous learning loop that recognizes when consumers are more likely to challenge an answer. Insights from those scenarios will be crucial to preparing both AI agents and human representatives for more complex, AI-assisted interactions."

The Agentic Consumer Report is available at: https://capacity.com/blog/agentic-consumer-report/

To learn more about Capacity, visit: https://capacity.com/

FAQs

How are consumers using AI to understand return, refund and cancellation policies?

The survey found that 36% of consumers would use AI to research return, refund or cancellation policies. With consumers turning to AI to understand their options before contacting a business, companies may face more informed customers who are prepared to question policies or challenge denied requests.

How does AI agent adoption differ across consumer demographics?

Nearly half of Gen Z and Millennials (49% each) have used a personal AI agent for customer service, compared with 35% of consumers overall. Adoption also differs among consumers with children at home. Among respondents with children ages 25 or younger living at home, 46% have used a personal AI agent, compared with 29% of those without children at home.

How might personal AI agents affect customer service during peak shopping seasons?

Holiday shopping and other high-volume periods could accelerate consumers' willingness to delegate customer service tasks to AI. The survey found that approximately 40% of consumers have used, would use or plan to use a personal AI agent during peak seasons with longer wait times. However, 30% say they still would not use an agent during these periods, suggesting businesses will need to accommodate both AI-assisted and traditional customer service interactions.

About Capacity

Founded in 2017, Capacity is the agentic support automation platform that powers every customer experience activity from a single AI knowledge orchestration layer. Capacity unifies omnichannel AI agents, real-time agent assist, automated quality assurance, conversational intelligence and proactive outbound WhatsApp, SMS and voice campaigns into a single platform so organizations can deliver faster, more consistent support. More than 20,000 organizations rely on Capacity to deflect repetitive inquiries, empower human agents, automate post-interaction work and proactively engage customers. To learn more about Capacity, visit Capacity.com.

Media Contact

PANBlast for Capacity

[email protected]

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New national partnership will help expand access to resources and programs that help millions of young people build practical life skills, grow their confidence and make lifestyle choices that support their long-term wellbeing

Key Information:

- Chomps is partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to support youth development through investments in health and wellness programming and nutrition education.

- The partnership advances Chomps' commitment to expanding access and opportunity in communities across the country, with the potential to impact more than 4 million young people annually across a nationwide network of 5,500 Clubs.

- Chomps employees will also engage with local Boys & Girls Clubs through volunteer opportunities that advance nutrition education and more nutritious eating habits.

CHICAGO, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Chomps, America's fastest-growing meat snack brand,1 announced a new national partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, a national youth development organization that provides safe, supportive environments for young people, to expand access to resources and programs that help them build skills, confidence and more nutritious eating habits.

As a national partner, Chomps will invest in health and wellness programming that helps young people build lifelong healthy habits, with the potential to impact more than 4 million young people annually across Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide while supporting the Club professionals who bring these experiences to life. The partnership will also include nutrition education, resources for Club professionals and opportunities for Chomps employees to engage with Clubs in their local communities.

"When we started Chomps, we saw an opportunity to challenge what was possible in a category that had overlooked a lot of consumers. That same thinking carries over into how we want to make a difference beyond our products," said Rashid Ali, co-founder and CEO of Chomps. "Every kid has potential, but not every kid has access to the same opportunities. Boys & Girls Clubs of America does incredible work helping close that gap by giving kids the support, confidence and skills they need to succeed. We're proud to be part of that effort and help create more opportunities for kids across the country."

The partnership builds on Chomps' purpose to make lives fuller, one better bite at a time, and its People, Planet and Communities impact strategy. Through its Communities pillar, Chomps is focused on expanding access and supporting organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs of America that help strengthen communities across the country. This partnership complements a broader portfolio of impact programs that are already delivering measurable outcomes for communities, such as the donation of 10.3 million meat sticks in 2025 to support communities in need with nutritionally valuable, Non-UPF Verified snacks.

"Young people deserve opportunities to grow into healthy, confident and successful adults," said Jim Clark, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "Every day, we see how the right resources, positive relationships and meaningful experiences can make a lasting difference. It's encouraging that 80% of Club kids say healthy eating is important to them, and we're committed to helping more kids and teens make choices that support their wellbeing and future success. We're grateful to partner with Chomps to expand opportunities for young people to lead healthier lives and build great futures."

Chomps' commitment will extend beyond its financial investment through employee engagement and volunteerism opportunities, beginning on November 4 with a volunteer event in Chicago. With Chomps employees based across the country, the partnership will unlock opportunities for Chomps team members to get involved in different Boys & Girls Clubs in their local communities, expanding the impact of the partnership one Club at a time.

To find out more about Chomps' impact initiatives, please visit www.chomps.com/pages/our-impact. To learn more about our partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, please visit https://www.bgca.org/about-us/our-partners/chomps/.

ABOUT CHOMPS

Chomps is America's fastest-growing meat snack brand, redefining convenient snacking with a commitment to real ingredients and bold, satisfying flavors. Crafted from 100% grass-fed, grass-finished beef and venison, along with antibiotic-free turkey and chicken, each Chomps meat stick delivers 10+ grams of high-quality protein without sugar, hormones, soy, dairy, artificial preservatives, artificial nitrates, or MSG. As a minority-owned, family-operated, and B Corporation-certified business and member of the 1% For The Planet network, Chomps prioritizes thoughtful sourcing and recently earned the nonâultra-processed food certification through the Non-GMO Project. Discover a new standard in snacking at www.chomps.com.

ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF AMERICA

For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Over 5,500 Clubs serve more than 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. The national headquarters is located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and LinkedIn.

1SPINS, L52 WE 7.12.26

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SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- MasterControl, a leading provider of quality and manufacturing software solutions for the life sciences industry, hosted the 2026 Masters Summit, an annual event that brings together manufacturing, quality, and asset management leaders. During the October event, MasterControl announced the winners of this year's Masters of Excellence Awards, which recognize outstanding achievements in quality management, manufacturing, asset excellence, and innovation. These annual awards honor MasterControl customers who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and excellence in their respective fields.

This year we recognized four individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions to advancing quality, compliance, and innovation across the life sciences industry. The award categories and winners are as follows:

Quality Champion: Anthony Contreras, Jamieson Wellness

Quality Champion award winner Anthony Contreras, quality system compliance director at Jamieson Wellness, has demonstrated outstanding leadership in advancing a culture of quality and compliance across the organization. He consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to excellence by ensuring quality systems not only meet regulatory standards but also improve continuously to drive operational efficiency.

With his expertise and strategic vision, Contreras has strengthened processes, improved audit readiness, and fostered cross-functional collaboration, enabling teams to uphold the highest standards of quality and integrity. His ability to translate complex compliance requirements into practical, sustainable solutions has had a measurable impact on both performance and organizational confidence, delivering consistent documentation and streamlined processes across eight departments using MasterControl. Beyond his technical contributions, Contreras is a trusted leader and mentor who empowers others, promotes accountability, and inspires a proactive approach to quality. He creates an environment where colleagues feel comfortable seeking guidance and collaboration, strengthening team cohesion and effectiveness. His dedication, professionalism, and results-driven mindset make him an exemplary representative of the MasterControl customer community.

Manufacturing Excellence: Thorne

Thorne received the Manufacturing Excellence Award for its progress in digitizing manufacturing operations. In 2026 alone, the company converted 80% of its paper batch records to electronic batch records (EBR) using MasterControl Manufacturing Excellence (Mx), with full implementation targeted by year-end and MasterControl Logbooks planned next. Over five years of working with MasterControl, Thorne has developed deep expertise in Mx, driving measurable improvements in right-first-time rates, record review and release times, and quality performance.

This progress builds on Thorne's strong quality foundation. The company simplified workflows while preserving the multiple inspections, process controls, and verification checks embedded in its robust master manufacturing records. System validation, controlled access, audit trails, and electronic signature controls supported compliance with applicable electronic recordkeeping and signature requirements.

Greater access to manufacturing and quality data helps teams identify trends earlier, streamline investigations and make informed decisions. Together, these capabilities support continuous improvement and growth while maintaining the rigorous standards practitioners and consumers expect.

Asset Excellence: NeoGenomics

NeoGenomics received the 2026 Asset Excellence recognition, represented by Systems & Implementation Supervisor Faizan Ahmed. As a long-standing customer and deeply engaged partner, NeoGenomics has significantly increased its investment over time, expanding its platform use across the organization in a way that reflects genuine confidence in the technology and a commitment to scaling quality operations the right way.

What truly sets the NeoGenomics team apart is their collaborative spirit. They have been an enthusiastic, on-the-ground partner in testing and validating new features and cutting-edge integrations, including Elemental Machines, ADF (Azure Data Factory), and Qualer Identity. Their engagement brings sharp, thoughtful feedback on current capabilities and forward-looking input on where the platform should go next. Ahmed, NeoGenomics' internal champion, is at the heart of this partnership, driving collaboration, maintaining open lines of communication, and consistently pushing to equip his team with richer data and more insightful reporting.

Innovation Excellence: Natera

Natera received the Innovation Excellence recognition for 2026, represented by Kathryn Bell, senior director, quality assurance, and Jacqueline Jaskula, vice president, regulatory affairs. Natera is transforming what's possible in precision medicine through its pioneering use of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) technology. With more than 400 peer-reviewed publications supporting its technology across women's health, oncology and organ health, Natera has built a significant library of evidence based on rigorous science.

Some of the company's groundbreaking products include: the Panorama⢠noninvasive prenatal test (NIPT), the Prospera⢠transplant assessment test, and the Signatera⢠molecular residual disease (MRD) test. Signatera detects circulating tumor DNA at the molecular level and is a foundational tool in modern cancer care. In 2026, Signatera received companion diagnostic approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer, became the first MRD test approved by Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), and was incorporated into the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) guideline recommendations for patients with bladder cancer. Together, these milestones reflect Natera's continued effort to set a new benchmark for how diagnostics can improve and extend lives â enabling earlier detection, more informed treatment decisions and better outcomes for patients.

The Masters of Excellence Awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of these individuals and organizations and their commitment to delivering life-changing products to people around the world.

"The Masters of Excellence award winners represent the best of what's possible when organizations commit to digital transformation, innovation, and excellence across quality and manufacturing," said MasterControl CEO David Edwards. "Their achievements set new benchmarks for the life sciences industry and demonstrate the real business impact that connected solutions can deliver, from data-driven quality cultures to advanced manufacturing capabilities and groundbreaking diagnostic innovations."

For more information about the Masters of Excellence Awards, the Masters Summit, and MasterControl's software solutions, please visit www.mastercontrol.com.

About MasterControl

MasterControl Solutions Inc. is the premier AI-fueled quality and manufacturing platform for life sciences and other regulated industries. For three decades, our mission has been the same as that of our customers â to bring life-changing products to more people sooner. MasterControl helps organizations digitize, automate, and connect manufacturing, quality, and asset management processes and has a proven track record of improving product quality, reducing costs, and accelerating time to market. Over 1,300 companies worldwide use MasterControl to streamline operations, maintain compliance, manage critical assets and equipment, easily analyze and interpret large amounts of data, and visualize business insights in real time.

For more information, visit www.mastercontrol.com.

SOURCE MasterControl

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FREMONT, Calif., Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Velo3D, Inc. (Nasdaq: VELO), a leading metal additive manufacturing technology company, today announced that it will release its third quarter 2026 financial results after the market close on November 10, 2026.

The company will host an earnings conference call and webcast to discuss its financial results at 2 p.m. Pacific Time / 5 p.m. Eastern Time the same day. The U.S. dial-in for the call is 877-704-2771 and 201-689-8732 for non-U.S. callers. Please ask to be joined to the Velo3D call.

The live webcast of the call can be accessed from the Events page of the Investor Relations section of Velo3D's website at ir.velo3d.com, along with the company's earnings press release and presentation which will be posted prior to the start of the conference call.

About Velo3D:

Velo3D is a metal 3D printing technology company that enables customers to build mission-critical metal parts. The fully integrated solution includes the Flow⢠print preparation software, the Sapphire® family of printers and the Assure⢠quality control system â all powered by Velo3D's Intelligent Fusion® manufacturing process. Learn more at velo3d.com.

Velo, Velo3D, Sapphire and Intelligent Fusion are registered trademarks of Velo3D, Inc. Flow and Assure are trademarks of Velo3D, Inc.

Investor Relations:

Hayden IR

James Carbonara, Managing Director

[email protected]

SOURCE Velo3D, Inc.

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Independent audit by MJD Advisors looked at Atombeam's controls for security, availability and confidentiality

MORAGA, Calif., Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Atombeam, an AI technology company that enables organizations to dramatically increase the bandwidth of their existing infrastructure with software alone, today announced that it has completed a SOC 2® Type 2 external examination covering its operations, systems, and managed services supporting the company's Neurpac solution. The audit, performed by independent firm MJD Advisors, demonstrates that Atombeam meets the stringent security commitments it has made to its customers.

SOC 2 is an auditing framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) for evaluating how a service organization manages and protects customer data. In a Type 2 audit, an independent auditor tests not only whether a company's controls are suitably designed, but also whether they operate effectively over the audit period.

"Customers rely on Atombeam to speed the movement of mission-critical data across their most vital networks and edge devices," said Charles Yeomans, CEO of Atombeam. "As organizations push to deliver services faster and more efficiently, they need confidence that the security protections behind those workloads are in place and operating effectively. Our SOC 2 Type 2 audit provides independent validation of our longstanding commitment to keep security central to everything we build as we grow."

Atombeam's Type 2 report covers the audit period from April 1 through August 31, 2026, evaluating the Security, Availability, and Confidentiality Trust Services Criteria. MJD Advisors assessed the suitability of the design and operating effectiveness of Atombeam's controls throughout that period. This milestone follows Atombeam's successful completion of a SOC 2 Type 1 audit earlier this year.

Completing this audit required cross-functional execution across security, IT, engineering, DevOps, human resources, legal, operations, and executive leadership teams to formalize policies, execute controls, and validate long-term compliance.

In addition, Neurpac also makes all data inherently more secure even before the addition of encryption by adding more variability than the letters and numerals used in traditional code. For more information visit: https://www.atombeamtech.com/products/neurpac.

About Atombeam

Atombeam is an AI technology company that uses AI to overcome the infrastructure challenges exacerbated by the stateless nature of Large Language Models (LLMs) and the dramatic growth of connected machines. The company's Neurpac solution enables organizations to shrink the size of all data, including file, block, SCADA and video by 75%. Neurpac also increases available bandwidth by up to 9x or more, strengthens security, and radically decreases network congestion with a software-only solution that can be deployed in existing stacks in just minutes. Enterprises gain the ability to do more with, and extend the life of, legacy infrastructure while simultaneously improving the performance of state-of-the-art wired, cellular and satellite networks. Atombeam is also developing the Persistent Cognitive Machine (PCM), a new AI architecture that supports continuous learning with real memory, delivering the understanding required for in-the-moment decision making in a solution light enough for chips and devices. For more information, visit www.atombeamtech.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook or YouTube.

Atombeam Media Contact:

Matthew Richardson

Guyer Group for Atombeam

P: 781-996-1866

E: [email protected] 

SOURCE Atombeam

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