During Pink Month, the Populus corporate office employees and ACE Cash Express (ACE) employees raised over $236,411 for NBCF. ACE customers had the opportunity to donate to NBCF. For every $2 donation, customers received a "Join us in the fight" pink wristband to show support for those who have faced breast cancer and to spread awareness of the importance of early detection.

As part of the Pink Campaign, each time a Flare Account® Pink Debit Card1 or Pink ACE Elite® Visa® Prepaid Debit Card1 is used, Populus and Netspend donate to NBCF. Last year, that contribution totaled $340,219.

Additionally, for Porte® members who selected NBCF as their #DoorToChange charity in the Porte app, Populus Financial Group made contributions based on card usage at no additional cost to Porte members.2 Last year, that contribution totaled $15,100.

Throughout their 19-year partnership, Populus and Netspend have donated more than $10 million to NBCF. The money raised has helped provide 477,102 free breast health services to women in need such as screening and diagnostic services, patient navigation, education, and support services. Populus employees have also packed 1,200 HOPE Kits for women undergoing breast cancer treatment.

"Supporting National Breast Cancer Foundation has been one of the most meaningful ways our company, employees, and customers come together each year to make a difference," said Jay Shipowitz, CEO of Populus Financial Group. "We are proud that, through this 19-year partnership, Populus has helped provide critical breast health services to women in need and supported NBCF's mission of Helping Women Now."

"We are grateful to Populus and Netspend and their 19-year commitment to Helping Women Now," said Kevin Hail, CEO of National Breast Cancer Foundation. "Thanks to their long-term dedication, over $10 million has been raised to support our mission and make a profound difference in the lives of women impacted by breast cancer across the country."

For information about the Flare Account, visit www.flareaccount.com. For information about the Pink ACE Elite Visa Prepaid Debit Card, visit https://www.aceeliteprepaid.com/. For information about Porte's #DoorToChange charitable giving program, visit https://www.portefinance.com/debit/features/charitable-giving/.

1 ACE Cash Express and Netspend Corporation donate a percentage of every purchase transaction made with the Flare Account Pink Debit Card or Pink ACE Elite® Visa® Prepaid Debit Card (up to $350,000 per year) to National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization. Pathward®, N.A., and Visa are not affiliated in any way with the optional program and neither endorses nor sponsors it.

2After selecting a charity through your mobile app, Populus Financial Group will donate an amount equal to 0.05% of every debit card purchase transaction, subject to certain terms and conditions described in the mobile app, made with your Porte Debit Card to a charity selected by you through the mobile app. Netspend Corporation, Pathward, N.A., and Visa are not affiliated in any way with the optional program and neither endorses nor sponsors it.

The Flare Account® is a demand deposit account established by Pathward, N.A., Member FDIC, and the Flare Account Debit Card is issued by Pathward, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Netspend is a service provider to Pathward, N.A. Card can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.

The ACE Elite® Visa® Prepaid Debit Card is issued by Pathward, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Netspend is a registered agent of Pathward, N. A. Card can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Use of the Card Account is subject to activation, ID verification, and funds availability. Transaction fees, terms, and conditions apply to the use and reloading of the Card Account. See the Cardholder Agreement for details. Porte is a deposit account established by Pathward, N.A., Member FDIC, and the Porte Debit Card is issued by Pathward, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc.

About Populus Financial Group

Populus Financial Group® provides financial services through its family of brands including ACE Cash Express®, ACE Elite® Visa Prepaid Debit Card, Flare Account® and Porte®. Populus Financial Group delivers a broad range of financial products and services including short-term consumer loans, card services, check cashing, money transfers, bill payments and money orders. Visit PopulusFinancial.com for more information.

About National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. (NBCF)

Recognized as one of the leading breast cancer organizations in the world, NCBF is Helping Women Now® by providing early detection, education, and support services to those affected by breast cancer. A recipient of Charity Navigator's highest 4-star rating for 20 years, NBCF provides support through their National Mammography Program, Patient Navigation, breast health education, and patient support programs. For more information, please visit https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/.

About Netspend Corporation (Netspend)

Netspend is a global, vertically-integrated financial services and technology company dedicated to the delivery of innovative financial empowerment solutions to consumers worldwide. Netspend's financial products and services span prepaid, debit, cross-border payments, and loyalty solutions for consumers and enterprise partners. Since its founding in 1999 by industry pioneers Roy and Bertrand Sosa, Netspend products have processed almost a trillion dollars in transaction volume and served millions of customers worldwide. The company is headquartered in Austin, Texas with regional offices across the world. For more information, visit www.ouro.global.

About Pathward

Pathward®, N.A., a national bank, is a subsidiary of Pathward Financial, Inc. Pathward focuses on financial access and strives to increase financial availability, choice and opportunity through payments sponsorship and lending. Learn more at pathward.com.

SOURCE Populus Financial Group, Inc.

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Timekettle Enhances X1 Meeting's Real-Time Interpretation Accuracy With Custom Terminology Support

SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- New Custom Glossary improves speech recognition and translation accuracy for place names, specialized terms, and key expressions in real-time multilingual conversations.

Timekettle, known for its AI interpreter earbuds, has introduced a new Custom Glossary feature for its X1 Meeting Interpreter Hub, giving users greater control over how specific words are recognized and translated during real-time multilingual conversations. Now available as a free firmware update for all X1 Meeting users, the feature helps address recurring speech recognition errors and terminology inconsistencies that can disrupt international business meetings and cross-language communication.

While real-time AI interpretation has made conversations across languages more accessible, accurately recognizing what people say remains a challenge. Regional accents and pronunciation differences can cause speech recognition systems to mistake unfamiliar names or specialized terms for similar-sounding words. Lesser-known geographic locations, industry-specific vocabulary, and evolving local expressions can introduce further complexity.

In live conversations, these errors can carry through from speech recognition to translation, potentially changing the meaning of what the speaker intended to say. Participants may need to repeat themselves, explain unfamiliar terms, or interrupt discussions to correct misunderstandings.

Correcting Speech Recognition Errors Before Translation

X1 Meeting's new Custom Glossary feature allows users to address recurring recognition errors by linking commonly misrecognized words to their intended terms. Once configured, the device can apply these corrections to the recognized text before translating it into the listener's language, helping reduce the risk of the same errors affecting future interpretations.

Users can refine their glossaries based on errors encountered during actual meetings, making real-time interpretation better suited to the way they and their colleagues speak.

"Real-time interpretation isn't just about converting words from one language to another; it's about preserving the speaker's intended meaning," said Leal Tian, Founder and CEO of Timekettle. "Regional accents, unfamiliar names, and specialized terminology can all lead to misunderstandings in international business conversations. With this update, we're giving users a practical way to address recurring errors and make real-time communication more accurate."

Making Specialized Language Clear Across Multilingual Meetings

Even when speech is correctly recognized, unfamiliar place names, company names, technical terminology, and emerging expressions may still be translated incorrectly or inconsistently. Custom Glossary allows users to specify preferred translations for these terms, helping convey important details more accurately across languages.

For international business teams, this can make a difference when discussing product specifications, negotiating with overseas partners, or coordinating cross-border projects, where a misunderstood term can slow decision-making or require repeated clarification.

In multi-person multilingual meetings, one glossary setup can improve the interpretation experience for multiple participants. Meeting organizers can configure key terminology on the host device, allowing participating X1 Meeting devices using the same language direction to benefit from more consistent terminology without individual setup.

Advancing Real-Time Multilingual Communication

Launched in June 2026, the Timekettle X1 Meeting Interpreter Hub is designed for real-time, multi-person, multilingual communication. It enables participants to speak and listen in their preferred languages during international meetings, whether joining in person or remotely through a QR code or meeting link. Supporting up to five languages in a single meeting, the system accommodates up to 10 X1 Meeting devices for in-person speakers and up to 50 online participants.

Availability and Pricing

The Custom Glossary feature is now available to all X1 Meeting users as a free OTA (over-the-air) firmware update. Users can install the update by following the upgrade prompt displayed on their device upon powering on.

The Timekettle X1 Meeting Interpreter Hub is available for purchase at $849 through the official Timekettle website.

To learn more about the X1 Meeting Interpreter Hub, please visit: https://www.timekettle.co/products/x1-meeting-interpreter-hub

About Timekettle

Timekettle develops AI-powered interpreter earbuds and multilingual communication devices that help people connect across language barriers. Its products support real-time conversations for international business professionals, travelers, expatriates, and people navigating everyday life across languages. By combining speech recognition, AI translation, and innovative hardware, Timekettle works to make multilingual communication more natural and accessible.

Media Contact

Timekettle

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.timekettle.co/

Press Contact:

Livy Li

www.timekettle.co/

SOURCE Timekettle

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SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Platform9, the enterprise private cloud company, today announced it has been positioned as a Major Player in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Private Cloud Infrastructure Software Platforms 2026-2027 Vendor Assessment (doc # US54490426, October 2026).

The IDC MarketScape evaluates vendors based on both current capabilities and future strategy for delivering private cloud infrastructure software. The assessment examines how vendors support enterprise requirements including compute capabilities, storage architecture, networking options, cloud automation, security features, and compliance frameworks for regulated workloads.

This recognition comes amid growing enterprise demand for a modern lightweight private cloud that combines operational simplicity, infrastructure flexibility, and an open-standard model of sovereignty.

Founded by a team of VMware veterans, Platform9 helps organizations modernize private cloud infrastructure without requiring proprietary hardware, disruptive replatforming projects, or extensive retraining. Platform9 Private Cloud Director enables enterprises and service providers to operate virtualized and Kubernetes-based workloads through a familiar cloud operating model while retaining flexibility across hardware, storage, and networking choices.

"The cloud infrastructure management market is undergoing a major transformation, with many firms seeking to migrate virtualized workloads to more flexible alternatives to their incumbent options," said Nicole Silva, Vice President of Marketing at Platform9. "Heightened concerns around data sovereignty and other emerging compliance mandates have further complicated this process – and have in turn uniquely positioned Platform9's Private Cloud Director as a preferred option to support these transformations."

Platform9: Powering VMware Migrations without VDDK

Platform9 has emerged as a de facto option for organizations migrating from VMware. Unlike most alternatives, Platform9 can support migrations without access to the Virtual Disk Development Kit (VDDK). Via its vJailbreak offering, Platform9 is now offering organizations a 60-day guarantee: if they don't hit an agreed-upon production milestone in the first 60 days of a VM migration, they can walk away at zero cost or ongoing obligation. Learn more at https://platform9.com/60-day-production-guarantee/.

About Platform9

Platform9 is the enterprise private cloud company, delivering a modern, open, and SaaS-managed platform for running private clouds. Founded by a team of VMware veterans, Platform9 helps enterprises and service providers modernize infrastructure with speed and flexibility, without the complexity of traditional approaches. Its flagship offering, Private Cloud Director, enables organizations to migrate from legacy virtualization platforms and operate cloud infrastructure with a familiar, enterprise-ready experience.

About IDC MarketScape:

IDC MarketScape vendor assessment model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of technology and service suppliers in a given market. The research utilizes a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each supplier's position within a given market. IDC MarketScape provides a clear framework in which the product and service offerings, capabilities and strategies, and current and future market success factors of technology suppliers can be meaningfully compared. The framework also provides technology buyers with a 360-degree assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current and prospective suppliers.

Media Contact

Nicole Silva, VP of Marketing at Platform9

[email protected]

SOURCE Platform9 Systems, Inc.

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Marking National Substance Use Prevention Month, the collaboration expands access to the discreet, stigma-free accountability tool for individuals building lasting recovery.

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- During National Substance Use Prevention Month, Mindr, a national leader in substance detection and safety technology, today announced a new partnership between Keepr Alcohol Monitoring and the California DUI Lawyers Association (CDLA).

For many individuals in the criminal justice system, alcohol monitoring is a required condition of court supervision. Criminal defense attorneys frequently hear the same core concerns from clients about traditional wearable monitoring options, from the cost to the daily disruption. Keepr Alcohol Monitoring was developed specifically to address these challenges while providing reliable accountability.

According to the 2025 National Survey on Drug Use and Health from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an estimated 25.7 million people aged 12 and older had an alcohol use disorder in the past year. The survey also highlights positively that 22.3 million adults currently consider themselves to be in recovery or to have recovered from a substance use disorder.

A study published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine found that remote alcohol monitoring provides a successful deterrent to relapse when applied for at least 12 months during and after treatment services.

Unlike traditional wearable devices, Keepr Alcohol Monitoring allows individuals to meet supervision and court requirements without wearing a device on their body, helping reduce social stigma and minimize disruption to daily routines and responsibilities.

Keepr Alcohol Monitoring Features and Pricing

- Real-time breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) test results, securely transmitted through the Keepr app with built-in photo and location sharing for transparency and integrity.

- Customizable testing schedules, including randomized or fixed testing windows set by the user or assigned monitors.

- Detailed reporting with a secure digital chain of custody that meets documentation requirements for courts and legal professionals.

- Keepr Alcohol Monitoring starts at $79 a month, and the Keepr® Breathalyzer costs $149.

"Recovery is a journey, and it works best when people have the right support they can lean on along the way," said Kathy Boden Holland, CEO of Mindr. "That is what this partnership is about. The CDLA sits at a pivotal point in so many recovery journeys, and by providing attorneys, courts, probation departments and treatment providers with this tool, we can help more people access accountability that supports the ability to move forward in life."

The CDLA includes hundreds of attorneys across California who represent clients in criminal cases and regularly advise on monitoring options, including post-conviction monitoring. As its exclusive portable alcohol monitoring partner, Keepr will work directly with member attorneys to help them understand how BrAC monitoring can support their clients' sobriety goals.

Keepr Alcohol Monitoring is actively being evaluated and adopted by courts, probation departments, treatment providers and community supervision programs seeking flexible options that balance accountability with affordability and ease of use.

If you or someone you know is affected by alcohol use, SAMHSA's National Helpline offers free, confidential support 24/7 at 1-800-662-4357.

For more information on Keepr Alcohol Monitoring, visit https://yourkeepr.com/pages/keepr-alcohol-monitoring and watch how Keepr Alcohol Monitoring works.

About Keepr

Keepr® is a simple, stigma-free way to monitor breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) and securely track, store, and share results. Across its offerings - Keepr Breathalyzer, Keepr Alcohol Monitoring, and Keepr Drive - Keepr empowers users to make decisions grounded in data for personal accountability, safer driving, and compliance needs.

Keepr is owned and operated by Consumer Safety Technology, LLC, and is part of Mindr's portfolio of substance detection, monitoring, and safety solutions. Learn more about Keepr by visiting yourkeepr.com.

About Mindr

Mindr is a national leader in substance detection, monitoring, and safety solutions, helping make communities safer through innovative technologies for nearly 40 years.

Our portfolio of trusted brands includes Intoxalock, ADS, Breathe Easy Insurance, Keepr, DUI.org, and recenTHC.

As a trustworthy partner to consumers, state authorities, and employers, Mindr has been committed to safety for nearly four decades. Learn more about Mindr by visiting www.mindr.com.

Note: Broadcast-ready b-roll, photography, and logos are available here.

SOURCE Mindr

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Former Nike marketing leader to drive brand strategy and growth as FP Movement's first Global Head of Marketing

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On Monday, October 12, FP Movement, the high-growth activewear brand within the URBN family, announces the appointment of Kylee Clarke as its first-ever Global Head of Marketing. In this newly created role, Clarke will lead global brand strategy, marketing, and brand experience for FP Movement as the brand continues to accelerate its growth.

Clarke joins FP Movement after a decade at Nike, where she held a series of senior marketing leadership roles, including leading retail marketing for Sportswear in North America, the New York brand team, Running and Training Brand Marketing for North America, and most recently, Sports Brand Marketing across Football, Baseball, Golf, Tennis, Olympics, Leagues and College/NIL. During her tenure, Clarke led several high-profile initiatives, including the Kith x Nike pop-up, the opening of Nike's SoHo & House of Innovation doors, the brand's marathon activations for North America (NYC, Chicago, Portland), the launch of Nike's first NIL program, Blue Ribbon Elite, and the swoosh's re-launch of their women's half marathon, the After Dark Tour.

Prior to Nike, Clarke spent five years at David Yurman in global brand management and began her career at Lululemon, where she worked at the community level to expand the brand's retail footprint and build relationships with key business partners and athletes.

"Kylee is one of the most accomplished brand builders in sports and lifestyle marketing today," said Andrea Perez, Global President of FP Movement. "Her experience leading some of the most iconic marketing moments in recent times in the industry, paired with her deep understanding of community and global brand building, makes her exactly the right leader to shape the next chapter of FP Movement."

"I'm thrilled to join FP Movement at such an exciting moment for the brand," said Clarke. "There's a tremendous opportunity to build something meaningful here for women that love to move, and I'm looking forward to working with this team to bring FP Movement's story to an even broader community."

Clarke is a former Division 1 athlete and certified yoga instructor. She resides on the East Coast with her husband and three sons.

About FP Movement

Established in 2012 as a category on Free People, FP Movement has been at the forefront of redefining activewear, introducing performance-ready styles that extend beyond the gym. Rooted in community, individuality, and the spirit of #movingtogether. FP Movement's activewear for Hike, Run, Racquet, Studio, and Ski bridges the gap between fashion and function.

In 2020, FP Movement emerged as an independent brand, opening its first standalone store in Los Angeles. The brand currently has 97 stores nationwide, offers online shopping at fpmovement.com, and collaborates with wholesale partners such as DICK'S Sporting Goods and independent fitness studios.

SOURCE Free People

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From Canada to the Caribbean, CBC GEM and an expanding international broadcast network bring the tournament to fans across continents.

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With opening night just two days away, NCL GT20 is preparing to launch Caribbean Edition 2026 at Arnos Vale Stadium on Friday, October 23. Toronto Kings and Vancouver Guardians meet in the opening match at 7 p.m. St. Vincent and the Grenadines local time (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC−4), beginning an 18-match tournament that concludes with the championship final on November 2.

The league has announced an expanded international broadcast and streaming network, a lineup of commercial sponsors and its official fixtures, bringing Canadian-rooted cricket to the Caribbean stage while showcasing experienced players and emerging talent.

WHERE TO WATCH: INTERNATIONAL BROADCAST PARTNERS

Broadcast access and platform availability vary by territory. Fans should check local listings and official NCL GT20 channels for viewing information.

CANADIAN ROOTS. GLOBAL AMBITIONS.

The Caribbean Edition represents the next chapter in NCL GT20's international growth, connecting Canada's expanding cricket community with the Caribbean's longstanding sporting heritage. The league is positioning itself as a bridge between established cricket nations and emerging markets.

"Our focus is on building partnerships that take cricket beyond borders and create meaningful opportunities for the sport's future," said Gaurav Dewani, Head of Partnerships, NCL GT20. "Our Canadian roots remain central to our identity, and bringing the tournament to the Caribbean allows us to connect two important cricket communities while expanding our reach across international markets. These broadcast relationships are about more than distribution. They're about making cricket more accessible, creating greater visibility for emerging talent and building a platform that can continue to grow for years to come."

OFFICIAL MATCH FIXTURES | OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 2

All matches at Arnos Vale Stadium, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. All kickoff times are in St. Vincent and the Grenadines local time (Atlantic Standard Time, AST, UTC−4). October 27 is a rest day.

OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT SPONSORS

Dafabet | Coca-Cola | Powerade | Grace Good Move

A GLOBAL STAGE FOR CRICKET'S NEXT GENERATION

At the heart of NCL GT20's mission is a commitment to grassroots cricket development and creating opportunities for promising young players to compete alongside internationally recognized stars. The Caribbean Edition aims to provide competitive exposure, mentorship and visibility for emerging Canadian and Caribbean cricketers.

SPOTLIGHT ON ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

Hosting the tournament in St. Vincent and the Grenadines creates an opportunity to showcase the destination's cricket heritage, culture and natural beauty to international audiences, while generating activity for hospitality, tourism, transportation and event services.

ABOUT NCL GT20

NCL GT20 is an international T20 cricket league with Canadian roots, dedicated to delivering world-class cricket entertainment, developing emerging talent and expanding the sport's global reach. Through strategic partnerships, international competition and grassroots development, the league creates opportunities for the next generation of cricket stars.

MEDIA CONTACT NCL GT20 Global Communications | [email protected] | https://nclgt20.com

Website | Facebook | Instagram | X

SOURCE National Cricket League USA

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The activation was the idea of Molly Cruz, National Sales and Process Manager at Adams Elevator, who saw an opportunity to give the vertical transportation industry something it had never seen on a show floor. It builds on her track record of bringing new booth technology to NAEC. Adams co-branded SKYE for the show, making the robot part of the booth's identity rather than a standalone attraction.

SKYE also walked the show aisles carrying Adams-branded first aid kits, inviting attendees to take one, which drew people in for photos and gave them something useful to take home. What would usually be a routine booth visit became something people stopped to watch, photograph and share.

"Our booth has always been about giving contractors a reason to stop and talk with us, and SKYE did exactly that," said Molly Cruz, National Sales and Process Manager, Adams Elevator. "People lined up to meet SKYE, took photos and came back with colleagues. It was the most talked-about booth we've had at NAEC."

"Molly saw the potential to bring something new to the industry," said Randy Harju, founder of Metropolis Robotics. "Her forward thinking helped introduce SKYE to the elevator industry, demonstrating how an unexpected experience can draw people in, spark curiosity, and create opportunities for meaningful conversations."

The NAEC appearance follows SKYE activations at the 2026 National Restaurant Association Show and the 2026 Wisconsin State Fair. One week after NAEC, Metropolis Robotics partnered with Cognizant's Life Sciences consulting team to bring SKYE to a corporate town hall for a Fortune 500 pharmaceutical leader at The Westin Chicago North Shore in Wheeling, Ill. Metropolis Robotics will next demonstrate SKYE at IMEC's NextGen Manufacturing AI Summit on Nov. 12, 2026, in Downers Grove, Ill. To learn more about SKYE or book an activation, visit metropolisrobo.com/skye-humanoid-robot

About 3DL Design and Metropolis Robotics

Since 1985, Gurnee, Illinois-based 3DL Design, Inc. has designed and built custom trade show exhibits for clients nationwide. Its sister company, Metropolis Robotics, brings SKYE, its humanoid robot, to trade shows and corporate events. Together they deliver the booth and the attraction that draws the crowd. Learn more at 3dldesign.com and metropolisrobo.com.

Media Contact:

Ben Diamond, VP Sales | Metropolis Robotics | 224-789-7046 | [email protected]

SOURCE 3DL Design

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94% of buyers agree that having a real Christmas tree makes the holiday season feel more special

HOWELL, Mich., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ask people what buying a real Christmas tree means to them, and the answers go beyond a simple preference in décor. An annual consumer survey1 conducted by the Real Christmas Tree Board finds shoppers are drawn to real Christmas trees for the scent and the memory-making experience they offer.

"We love seeing families come out and embrace the experience of finding a real Christmas tree," said Marsha Gray, executive director of the Real Christmas Tree Board. "Picking out the perfect tree together as a family is just the start of making memories all season long."

The scent of a real Christmas tree is linked to emotions of joy and nostalgia.

Scent continues to be a key driver of real Christmas tree purchase. In this year's survey1, consumers overwhelmingly point to the positive feelings that the scent of a real Christmas tree evokes, including making a home feel festive (88%) and bringing joy to everyone who sees and smells it (85%).

Of those likely to purchase a real tree this year, 42% note that a real Christmas tree makes them feel nostalgic and 94% of those who purchased a real Christmas tree last year agree that having one makes the holiday season more special.

Real Christmas trees unlock a season of family traditions.

Survey1 respondents rank spending time with family as their favorite thing about Christmas and "making memories with my family" as one of the most appealing reasons to have a real Christmas tree.

96% of parents who bought a real Christmas tree indicate they want their kids to continue to experience the joy of having one and 83% of buyers said they wish they would have started getting one sooner. Making memories with children, including family traditions around picking out the tree, draws shoppers to retailers across the country – starting the day after Thanksgiving.

People switch to real Christmas trees for an authentic holiday experience.

Those considering switching to a real Christmas tree this year are not alone. As for what's motivating these buyers, the top reasons include the scent of a real Christmas tree (50%) and the authenticity that a real tree provides (46%). Parents planning to switch to a real Christmas tree this year say they want their children to have memories of a real Christmas tree (49%).

2026 real Christmas tree supply is strong, and trees will be easy to find.

Real Christmas trees can be found in a variety of types and sizes – from tabletop to full size – at choose-and-cut farms, seasonal lots, home improvement stores, garden centers, and other local retailers. Last year, 95% of consumers found a tree they loved and 91% reported no problem locating a place nearby to purchase their tree.2 Consumers can expect plenty of choices this year as well.

"The supply of real Christmas trees is strong, and families across the country have plenty of retail options available to fit their needs," said Gray. "No matter where you choose to buy, you can easily find the right real Christmas tree and buying experience for you."

Additionally, according to the board's grower survey released last month3, 91% of growers said they do not plan to raise wholesale prices, including those who may lower them. While the price that a consumer will pay varies and is set by retailers, 91% of shoppers who purchased a real Christmas tree last year said the price they paid was worth it and 56% said they paid less than they expected.2

Real Christmas trees are 100% recyclable and biodegradable. They're grown to be harvested and enjoyed for the holiday season. Plus, for every tree that is harvested, farmers plant at least one new tree.

Visit RealChristmasTrees.com for a retail locator and a buyer's guide featuring tree selection and care tips, tree types, and more.

SURVEY METHODOLOGY

1About the Pre-Season Consumer Survey: TRUE Global Intelligence (TGI), the in-house research practice of FleishmanHillard, fielded a survey of 1,500 Americans adults ages 21 to 54 years. All survey respondents buy or display a Christmas tree and decide or influence the decision of what Christmas tree to put up in their home each year. The survey was fielded August 27, 2026, to September 9, 2026. The survey has a margin of error of ±2.5% and higher for subgroups.

2About the Grower Survey: The Real Christmas Tree Board, in conjunction with FleishmanHillard, fielded a survey of 47 wholesale growers of real Christmas trees across the U.S. Each of the responding growers conducts business in one or more of the following regions: Northwest, West, Southwest, Mid-West, Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast. Combined, the respondents supply half-to-two-thirds of the country's real Christmas trees. The survey was fielded in August 2026; last year, the survey was fielded among 43 wholesale growers in August 2025.

3 About the Post-Season Consumer Survey: TRUE Global Intelligence (TGI), the in-house research practice of FleishmanHillard, fielded a survey of 1,500 Americans adults ages 21 to 54 years. All survey respondents either celebrate/observe Christmas or Noche Buena or display a Christmas tree. Respondents were required to either decide or influence the decision of what Christmas tree to put up in their home each year. The survey was fielded from December 26, 2025 to January 7, 2026. The survey has a margin of error of ±4.8% for respondents who purchased a real Christmas tree in 2025.

KNOW YOUR SOURCES

TRUST THOSE WHO GROW AND KNOW

The Real Christmas Tree Board (RCTB) is the media's expert resource for insights about farm-grown Christmas trees. Chartered in 2015 as the Christmas Tree Promotion Board and renamed in 2022, it is a national research and promotion program whose mission is to share the benefits of fresh Christmas trees with consumers through promotion and public relations, while engaging in research to better serve customers and growers. The USDA provides oversight of the RCTB to ensure transparency, accuracy, and fairness in its communications. The RCTB provides the media and public with accurate information, added insights, and the latest news and inspiration for the season. It represents real Christmas trees sold in the United States and is supported through annual assessments paid by any business growing or importing 500 or more real Christmas trees. This press release was developed and distributed by the RCTB. Search "Real Christmas Tree Board" online and visit RealChristmasTreeBoard.com.

National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA), founded in 1955, is the national trade association and advocacy organization for the farm-grown Christmas tree industry, leading its public policy/governmental affairs and serving as the "voice of the industry." NCTA represents hundreds of active member farms, 38 state and regional associations, and thousands of affiliated businesses that grow and sell Christmas trees or provide related services. Each year since 1966, an NCTA member has presented the official White House Christmas tree to the First Lady, which is displayed in the Blue Room. NCTA is also a trusted media resource on farm-grown Christmas trees.

Please note …

American Christmas Tree Association (ACTA) does not represent real Christmas trees or growers. It is a 501(c)(3) corporation established in 2009 and has no known members representing the real Christmas tree industry. Thomas Harman4 is CEO of ACTA and is also the founder and CEO of Balsam Hill, a seller of artificial Christmas trees.5 The majority of artificial Christmas trees are manufactured overseas.6

4 https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/cor/352342528_201912_990EO_2021042017972245.pdf

5 https://www.balsamhill.com/about-us

6 Data pulled from the U.S. Census Bureau's International Trade in Goods and Services report https://usatrade.census.gov 

MEDIA CONTACT:

[email protected]

SOURCE Real Christmas Tree Board

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Fanttik Celebrates Continued Partnership with the Houston Rockets for the 2026-27 NBA Season

A shared commitment to performance, precision, and innovation brings Fanttik and the Rockets together for another season of fan engagement.

HOUSTON, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Fanttik, a brand specializing in high-quality automotive tools, outdoor gear, and home-improvement tools, celebrates its continued partnership as the 2026-27 NBA season tips-off. Building on a partnership established in 2025, the collaboration will continue to engage Rockets fans through exclusive promotions, community outreach programs, and special events.

"Our partnership with the Houston Rockets is built on a shared commitment to innovation, quality and community," said Bo Du, Founder and CEO of Fanttik. "At Fanttik, we bring those values to life through thoughtfully designed tools that make everyday tasks easier and help people turn their ideas into action. We're excited to continue working with the Rockets, connect with their passionate fans and inspire more people to take on everyday projects with confidence."

Throughout the 2026-27 season, Fanttik and the Rockets plan to engage fans through a variety of exclusive promotions, community outreach programs, and special events. These initiatives will not only introduce more fans to Fanttik's expertly engineered products, but also showcase the brand's commitment to making everyday tasks easier ─ from car maintenance and home improvement to outdoor adventures.

This partnership will also extend to the Houston community. In 2026, Fanttik supported a volunteer initiative involving Rockets staff and volunteers at Houston ToolBank, contributing tools to help local nonprofit organizations carry out their work. Building on the success of last year's initiative, Fanttik and the Rockets look forward to building on these efforts for the upcoming 2026-27 season.

With the new season underway, Fanttik looks forward to another year of connecting with Rockets fans and supporting the Houston community, through its continued partnership with the team.

About Fanttik

Founded in 2020, Fanttik offers a wide range of thoughtfully designed products - including outdoor exploration gear, car maintenance, DIY home improvement, and woodworking tools - which embody a fusion of top-notch performance, convenience and style.

Fanttik specializes in high-quality automotive tools, durable outdoor gear, and easy-to-use home-improvement tools; all designed to make life easier and more enjoyable. Whether it's a family road trip, an outdoor adventure, a creative project, or everyday home repair- Fanttik is there. With innovation, durability, and modern design at its core, Fanttik turns ordinary projects into fantastic experiences.

Fanttik products are sold in more than 30 countries around the world through Amazon, Costco, TikTok Shop, and other retail partners. Fanttik equipment ranks among category best-sellers on Amazon in the United States and Germany. The brand's design has been recognized with multiple iF Design Awards and Red Dot Awards, including a 2025 Red Dot "Best of the Best."

For more information, visit fanttik.com.

About the Houston Rockets

In October 2017, Tilman J. Fertitta assumed ownership of the National Basketball Association's Houston Rockets and operation of the team's home arena, Toyota Center, located in downtown Houston. In May 2026, the Women's National Basketball Association approved the relocation of the Connecticut Sun to Houston for the 2027 season, marking the return of the Houston Comets. The Rockets, who originated in San Diego and moved to Houston in 1971, are entering their 60th season as an NBA franchise and won back-to-back championships in 1993–94 and 1994–95. The Comets were one of the original eight WNBA franchises and won the league's first four championships from 1997–2000. Through the Clutch City Foundation, the Rockets and Comets utilize the power of basketball to transform lives and positively impact the Houston community. For more information, please visit Rockets.com and HoustonComets.com.

SOURCE Fanttik

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Employers can now fund nutritious food stipends through Instacart for employees in True Rx's dietitian-led weight and diabetes programs

INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- True Rx Health Strategists, the family-owned, pharmacist-led pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) based in Indiana, today announced a first-to-market partnership with Instacart, a leading grocery technology company, that lets employers pay for healthy foods as part of the pharmacy benefit plan. Through Instacart Health Fresh Funds, employees with diabetes or weight management needs can receive monthly funds to spend on approved nutritious foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, seafood and dairy from grocers on Instacart. Participants partner with a True Rx dietitian to help select the foods to support their health goals.

Demand for GLP-1 medications continues to grow, and the cost of covering them for weight management is forcing employers into hard decisions about coverage. To help employees no matter what their employer decides, True Rx has expanded its True Outcomes: Weight Management program to anyone who wants to lose weight, whether or not their plan covers GLP-1s. FDA labeling for these medications calls for their use alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, so even employees on therapy need support beyond the prescription. Instacart Health Fresh Funds helps employers provide that support through category-specific stipends that can be used to shop from any grocer on Instacart, with the convenience of same-day delivery.

Instacart Health Fresh Funds and True Outcomes

This partnership is the latest step in True Rx's commitment to food as medicine, focused on the science of how healthy foods and medication, when appropriate, work to support better health. The Instacart Health Fresh Funds offering builds on True Rx's True Outcomes clinical programs for weight management and diabetes. Members work one-on-one with True Rx's own pharmacists, registered dietitians and clinicians, rather than an app or a call center, on personalized nutrition, lifestyle coaching and sustainable health improvements. In a six-month pilot of True Outcomes: Weight Management with members using GLP-1 medications, participants achieved weight loss of up to 15%, and 90% took part in monthly virtual visits.

How it works

After enrolling in a True Outcomes program and completing a qualifying session with a True Rx dietitian or clinician, members receive an Instacart Health Fresh Funds code to use with a new or existing Instacart account. Employers choose a monthly amount of $50 or $100 per member, and the balance is refilled each month for up to six months while the member stays enrolled. Because funds are tied to program participation, employer dollars go to members who are actively engaging with their care team.

The program is designed to close the gap between a meal plan and a grocery cart, one of the most common barriers to weight loss. True Rx dietitians build meal plans and share recipes with members, who can then shop for the ingredients on Instacart using their Fresh Funds stipend. Dietitians use what members buy using Fresh Funds to guide follow-up conversations and reinforce progress.

In keeping with True Rx's transparent pricing, employers are only billed for the funds members actually use. Aggregate utilization and clinical outcomes are tracked and reported to employers to demonstrate program success.

"As a pharmacist-led PBM, we're guided by the science of what improves member health and what delivers the best outcomes for employers," said Adrienne Williams LaBorwit, CEO of True Rx Health Strategists. "Medication plays an essential role, and so does nutrition. We can give a member excellent dietary guidance, but that guidance is more valuable when we also help make it actionable. By connecting clinical support with Instacart Health Fresh Funds, we're giving employers a practical way to build food as medicine into the pharmacy benefit."

"Helping people put nutrition guidance into practice starts with making the food they need easier to access," said Sarah Mastrorocco, vice president and general manager of Health at Instacart. "Through Fresh Funds and our network of trusted grocers, we're helping True Rx members use employer-funded dollars to shop for nutritious foods that support their health goals, with the convenience of delivery to their door. Working with True Rx, we're giving employers a practical, scalable, and measurable way to engage and support their employees' health."

True Rx announced the partnership today during its True Conversations webinar, "The Pharmacy Benefit's Missing Ingredient: Lessons from Blue Zones on Lowering Chronic Disease Costs," featuring Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner. To watch the full conversation, visit truerx.com.

Instacart Fresh Funds will be available in January 2027 to True Rx employer clients with members enrolled in True Outcomes: Weight Management or True Outcomes: Diabetes Management. Employers and brokers interested in adding Instacart Fresh Funds can learn more at truerx.com.

About True Rx Health Strategists

True Rx Health Strategists is a pharmacy benefit manager for self-funded plans nationwide who refuse to accept the health care paradox: spending more on pharmacy benefits while employees get sicker. As Health Strategists, True Rx delivers transparent pricing and proactive, pharmacist-led solutions guided by clinical expertise, not financial incentives. Through health innovation, True Rx addresses America's biggest health challenges including diabetes, obesity, and mental health. True Rx delivers the True Experience by going the extra mile for every employer and every patient with personalized support and exceptional care. True Rx is an Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Company. Learn more at truerx.com.

About Instacart

Instacart is a leading grocery technology company that partners with more than 2,200 retail banners – representing nearly 100,000 stores – to transform how people shop for the groceries they need from the retailers they trust, while creating flexible earning opportunities for shoppers. Through the Instacart Marketplace, Instacart Enterprise platform, and Instacart Ads ecosystem, the company powers ecommerce, fulfillment, in-store technology, AI offerings, and advertising for partners. For more information, visit www.instacart.com/company. Maplebear Inc. is the registered corporate name of Instacart.

SOURCE True Rx Health Strategists

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