Surgical Science and CHEST Mark 10 Years: Transforming Chest Medicine Competency through Simulation Training for Thousands of Clinicians

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Surgical Science, the global leader in simulation products for healthcare training, is marking its 10-year anniversary of the company's partnership with the American College of Chest Physicians® (CHEST). The teams are celebrating their decade-long partnership, the launch of a new simulated curriculum, and the importance of combining education with simulation technology at the CHEST 2026 Annual Meeting in Phoenix and throughout the year at the CHEST Simulation and Training Facility in Glenview, Illinois.

"Over the last decade, we've worked closely with CHEST to revolutionize the education and curriculum of thousands of clinicians before they start doing procedures on human patients," said Tom Englund, CEO of Surgical Science. "We believe this is a strong model for collaboration, combining global education programs with simulation to expand access to competency-based training for the benefit of clinicians and patients."

"Medical education is at the core of what we do at CHEST, and partnerships like this one help us meet the growing needs of our members," said Richard Schuch, Ed.D, Chief Learning Officer & Senior Vice President, Education at the American College of Chest Physicians. "Expanding our work with Surgical Science allows us to continually enhance our educational programs and widen the breadth of our courses contributing to improved patient care and outcomes."

Surgical Science and CHEST Joint Achievements

- CHEST uses more than 15 Surgical Science simulators at the CHEST center and at the annual event.

- BRONCH Express Simulator: The launch of a co-developed portable table-top version, focused on hands-on training for bronchoscopy skills and procedures.

- CHEST Standardized Simulated Bronchoscopy Curriculum: A program for developing and tracking essential bronchoscopic skills and diagnostic bronchoscopy.

- CHEST Simulated Curriculum for Critical Care TEE: Focused on the educational opportunity to learn and demonstrate transesophageal echocardiographic skills, awarding a Chest Certificate of Completion for performance.

Surgical Science and CHEST Future Roadmap

The teams continue to evolve training modules, including a future launch of the CHEST EBUS Curriculum, which will award CME points for a self-directed simulation performance.

About Surgical Science

Headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, Surgical Science is a global leader in evidence-based medical simulation. The company's virtual reality simulators and customized training solutions enable surgeons and healthcare professionals to practice and improve their skills outside the operating room, enhancing patient safety and clinical outcomes. Surgical Science also partners with medical technology and robotics companies to integrate tailor-made simulation technology into their devices, helping them accelerate innovation and gain a competitive edge. For more information, visit Surgical Science.

About the American College of Chest Physicians

The American College of Chest Physicians® (CHEST) is the global leader in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chest diseases. Its mission is to champion advanced clinical practice, education, communication, and research in chest medicine. It serves as an essential connection to clinical knowledge and resources for its 18,000+ members from around the world who provide patient care in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. For information about the American College of Chest Physicians and its family of journals, including the flagship journal CHEST®, visit chestnet.org.

SOURCE Surgical Science

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New 2027 health plan bundles deliver richer benefits to customers and help them find the right plan for their employees and health care budget

CANTON, Mass., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, a Point32Health company, has unveiled its 2027 health plan offerings for small businesses throughout the New England region, focused on delivering new options that meet the needs of their customers and members.

"As a local, independent, nonprofit health plan, we have a deep understanding of the New England region, and our customers' needs," said Jake Biscoglio, president of commercial markets & specialty. "We know health care affordability is top of mind for small businesses, and they are looking for new, more cost-effective ways to provide their employees with quality coverage without sacrificing benefits. Our 2027 plan offerings provide companies and their employees with broad, comprehensive coverage, and new value-added services to deliver a greater return on their health care investment."

Small Group Health Plan Bundles

To help small employers (companies with fewer than 50 employees) in Massachusetts and Maine balance affordability with broad access to care, Harvard Pilgrim developed new small group health plan bundles. These bundles offer comprehensive access, choice and value-added services that have historically been only offered to Harvard Pilgrim's larger employers. They also include value-driven offerings such as competitive plan designs, new tiered network products, expanded decision support tools and a no-fee Health Savings Account (HSA). These triple-plan bundles also help employers simplify their health care coverage decision-making while ensuring their employees have strong choices in 2027 plan options, all while benefitting from new support tools and resources.

EPO Expansion

Small employers in New Hampshire and Maine will also have access to a new EPO product. The EPO product requires members to use Harvard Pilgrim's broad, nationwide network of high-quality providers and clinicians for non-emergency services, but does not require referrals, or a dedicated primary care provider (PCP), offering members more freedom and empowering their health care decision making. While EPO products will continue to be offered in Massachusetts, small businesses in Maine and New Hampshire will now benefit from new flexibility and expanded care access for their employees and covered family members.

"Small businesses want to offer benefits that help them attract and retain talent, but they often face tighter budgets and fewer administrative resources," said Deanne Wherry, vice president, product strategy & innovation. "These new offerings pair affordable plan choices with tools, support and local expertise that help employees choose coverage confidently and use their benefits more effectively."

Product availability and eligibility requirements may vary by market.

About Point32Health

Point32Health, the parent company of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan, is a leading nonprofit health and well-being organization dedicated to delivering high-quality, affordable health care. Serving nearly 2 million members, our purpose is to guide and empower healthier lives.

Contact:

Kathleen Makela

[email protected] 

SOURCE Point32Health

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Script Portability shows consumers their pharmacy options before a prescription is sent, so they can choose based on price and convenience

NEW YORK, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- RVO Health today announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted the company its third U.S. patent in the Siegel family, strengthening its intellectual property portfolio and reinforcing its position as an innovative leader in the Consumer HealthTech space.

U.S. Patent No. 12,580,060 B2, along with U.S. Patents No. 11,651,843 and 12,119,098, two earlier patents within that same family, provide meaningful innovation around the Company's Script Portability technology, bolstering a set of capabilities that allow consumers to maximize choice in managing their prescriptions digitally. Script Portability reorders the traditional prescription experience, putting decision making into consumers hands. Rather than routing a prescription to a single pharmacy before the consumer has seen their options, the patented capability enables flexible integration that surfaces the prescription as a portable "master script." This allows consumers to decide where to send their prescriptions based on cost, convenience, and other information provided to them at any point in the prescription-writing and fulfillment journey—turning a process that once took days into one that takes minutes.

"Cost is a leading reason consumers abandon or delay filling prescriptions, but the moment to act on a better price is usually gone before consumers even see it," said David McSweeney, Executive Vice-President at RVO Health. "On-benefit pricing is often available, yet it typically isn't viewed until after a script has already been sent to a pharmacy, when switching to a lower cost option becomes much harder."

Cost isn't the only reason a script needs to move: travel, vacations, snowbirding, emergencies, convenience, pharmacy inventory issues, and coverage changes (like a pharmacy dropping out of network) all force consumers to fill somewhere new—and each of those moves is a point where adherence can break down.

When the system doesn't make these transfers easy, providers are left to pick up the slack, spending hours each week manually moving scripts between pharmacies. The consumer-side friction and the provider-side burden are the same problem: the process that unlocks savings and keeps consumers adherent is opaque, varies by pharmacy, and leaves everyone navigating it alone.

Script Portability is designed to close that gap, making savings actionable at the moment of decision and removing the manual work of moving a prescription whenever a consumer needs to fill it somewhere new. All done easily through our digital interfaces.

RVO Health will continue to invest in research and development in the areas of consumer choice, price transparency, and convenience in the health technology sector, with additional patent applications currently pending before the USPTO.

About RVO Health

RVO Health helps tens of millions of people a month get from a health question to something they can act on: trusted information, help finding a doctor, savings on prescriptions, and programs that help them manage their weight, quit tobacco, and stay healthy. Its brands include Healthline, Healthgrades, Medical News Today, and Psych Central, four of the most trusted names in digital health, along with Optum Perks, Wellos, Real Appeal, Quit For Life, and Fullspan Health. RVO Health is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Learn more at rvohealth.com.

SOURCE RVO Health, LLC

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STIHL Raises the Bar at Equip Expo 2026, Launching 90+ New Outdoor Products and Accessories for Homeowners and Professionals

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As STIHL Inc. celebrates its 100th anniversary, the company is expanding into new outdoor power equipment categories. Unveiled at Equip Expo 2026, the lineup includes the next-generation ALLPRO battery technology and AP series of tools; SFA 120 snow thrower, STIHL's first-ever snow thrower; the AZ Mower Series, the company's first gas-powered stand-on zero-turn mowers; HEXA™ technology chainsaw chain that stays sharp 50% longer than a full-chisel chain, and new value-priced homeowner battery-powered equipment and combo kits. Together, the introductions are designed to help professionals be more productive with less downtime across seasons and give homeowners a simpler approach to yard care.

"As we enter our second century, our focus remains on solving the challenges our customers face every day," said Ricky Cacchiotti, vice president of product management at STIHL Inc. "That means helping professional crews stay productive across demanding jobs and giving homeowners dependable tools that make caring for their property easier."

More Ways to Work Across the Seasons

The new SFA 120 battery-powered snow thrower marks STIHL's entry into snow removal, giving property owners another way to put their battery equipment to work throughout the year. Its 22-inch clearing width, 180-degree adjustable chute, rubber auger system, and a snow-throwing distance of up to 30 feet provide controlled clearing on driveways and other paved surfaces. When paired with the new ALLPRO AP 300.0 P battery, which features a cold-start function, the tool is ready for use in outdoor temperatures as low as -4°F.

More Mowing Options from STIHL

As landscaping professionals prepare for another busy growing season, STIHL is expanding its zero-turn mower lineup with the new AZ Series, its first gas-powered stand-on model. Powered by Kawasaki® engines and dual Hydro-Gear® drives, the series reaches speeds up to 9 mph, while a 7-gauge welded steel deck and reinforced frame stand up to daily professional use. An adjustable suspension platform padded thigh support, no-flat front tires and large rear tires help support operator comfort, stability and control across a variety of mowing conditions.

The new stand-on models join the STIHL RZ Professional 400 Series and RZ Professional 500 Series, giving crews more options to match their equipment to the property and job. Available with 54- or 60-inch mower decks, the ride-on zero-turn mowers pair rugged welded steel frames, fabricated decks and proven Kawasaki® engines with patented front and rear suspension designed to absorb impacts, maintain ground contact and reduce operator fatigue. With forward speeds up to 9 mph, the expanded lineup is built to keep commercial crews moving efficiently throughout the growing season.

Less Downtime for Professional Crews

The new ALLPRO Battery System is designed for professionals working across landscaping, forestry, agriculture, and construction. The AP 300.0 P battery delivers up to 60% higher peak power and 20% longer runtime than the previous-generation AP 300.0 S. Paired with the AL 1602 MO high-speed charger, it can reach an 80% charge in under 10 minutes and provide up to 3,000 charge cycles without noticeable performance loss. Because ALLPRO is compatible with more than 60 existing professional STIHL tools, crews can upgrade their battery performance without replacing their current equipment fleet.

STIHL is also helping tree care professionals spend more time cutting and less time charging or sharpening. The MSA 260 battery-powered chainsaw delivers performance comparable to the MS 261 gas chainsaw and up to 37 minutes of runtime with the AP 300.0 P battery. It joins a portfolio built for a range of professional applications, including the MSA 240 T for in-tree work, the MSA 300 and MSA 600 for day-to-day tree care, and the MS 400.1 for demanding felling. The new HEXA™ cutting system further helps professionals stay productive, offering up to 50% longer edge retention compared to a full-chisel chain and up to 20% more cuts per charge or tank than a semi-chisel chain, with easier sharpening in the field.

A Simpler Approach to Homeowner Yard Care

For homeowners, STIHL has reimagined its AK Battery System around the tools used for the most common outdoor tasks. The refreshed AK battery lineup combines the convenience of a shared battery platform with more affordable entry points on select models, making it easier than ever for homeowners to put more STIHL quality tools in their garage. The lineup includes solutions for trimming (FSA 60 R), blowing (BGA 50), hedge maintenance (HSA 50), cutting (MSA 70), and mowing (RMA 351 V).

The lineup also introduces the first STIHL combo kit, packaging the FSA 60 R trimmer, BGA 50 blower, battery, and charger together. The kit gives homeowners a convenient starting point for battery-powered yard care and an easy way to expand their equipment collection over time.

For more information, visit STIHLUSA.com and follow STIHL on Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok for updates coming out of Equip Expo 2026.

About STIHL Inc. 

As the #1 selling brand of gas- and battery-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America among U.S. professional landscapers*, STIHL is renowned for its legacy of innovation, durability, and performance. From chainsaws and trimmers to blowers and mowers, STIHL products are trusted by professionals and homeowners alike and are sold through a network of more than 10,000 authorized local STIHL Dealers—not big box stores. STIHL Inc., the U.S. affiliate of the global STIHL Group, employs more than 2,300 people and manufactures over 100 STIHL models at its 150-acre campus in Virginia Beach, VA.

*"Number one selling brand" is based on 2007-2025 syndicated and commissioned surveys and 2023-2025 surveys conducted by Irwin Broh Research of the U.S. professional landscaper and tree care markets.

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SOURCE STIHL Inc.

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DDL Expands GMP Laboratory Expertise with the Addition of Amy Miller and Bob Anderson

 New leadership strengthens scientific support and laboratory operations for the life sciences

industry and drug delivery testing

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- DDL, a third-party testing laboratory, is pleased to announce the addition of Amy Miller as Senior Director, Lab Support Services & Scientific Affairs, and Bob Anderson as Director, Lab Operations. Their combined expertise supports the continued expansion of DDL's GMP testing services and laboratory operations for the life sciences industry and drug delivery testing.

Amy brings 28 years of experience as a technical and strategic analytical and marketing leader in global pharmaceutical component and medical device manufacturing, service partnerships, and CDMO environments. Throughout her career, she has built and led high-performing global teams, simplified business processes, and aligned cross-functional stakeholders around strategic priorities. Her expertise in analytical services strategy will help DDL expand its testing services to address evolving pharmaceutical packaging and drug delivery needs.

Bob has 30 years of experience in pharmaceutical product development, analytical chemistry and cGMP laboratory operations. He has extensive experience building high-performing teams, forging client partnerships and delivering complex programs. Bob's analytical testing expertise has focused on inhalation, transdermal and microneedle delivery platforms from early-stage development through regulatory submission and post-approval support.

"Adding Amy and Bob strengthens the scientific expertise and operational leadership behind our growing GMP laboratory," said Jennifer Riter, Vice President of Analytical Testing Services at DDL. "Their experience will help us expand our capabilities and support customers facing complex pharmaceutical containment, packaging and drug delivery testing challenges."

The appointments build on DDL's investment in GMP testing and pharmaceutical consulting services. DDL offers GMP testing services in its FDA-registered laboratory in Minnetonka, MN (near its Eden Prairie, Minnesota headquarters). The facility provides ICH stability studies, functional and mechanical performance testing, container closure integrity testing (CCIT) and simulated distribution testing for products such as auto-injectors, prefilled syringes, inhalers, and other drug-device combination products strengthening DDL's ability to deliver regulatory-compliant testing services to pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device customers.

For further information regarding DDL's GMP testing and consulting services, or to request a quote, please visit www.DDLtesting.com or contact us directly at 800-229-4235.

About DDL

DDL is a third party independent testing facility that offers expertise in medical device, combination products, materials and package testing primarily serving the life sciences industry. DDL's testing laboratories are located in Eden Prairie, MN, Minnetonka, MN, Irvine, CA and Edison, NJ. Visit www.DDLTesting.com for more information about the testing services offered by DDL.

SOURCE DDL, INC.

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TORONTO, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- At Electricity Transformation Canada (ETC) 2026, held in Toronto, Hoymiles officially introduced its HiOne all-in-one residential energy storage system to the Canadian market. The company also presented the HoyUltra 261A commercial and industrial (C&I) energy storage system for the first time in North America, demonstrating Hoymiles' broad portfolio to meet the evolving energy needs of Canadian households and businesses.

As Canadian households seek greater energy independence, backup power and control over electricity costs, HiOne offers an integrated approach to residential energy management. Combining inverter, battery system and EMS in one unit, HiOne features a streamlined, home-friendly design and can be installed in as little as 15 minutes.

Designed for diverse rooftop conditions, HiOne is equipped with four MPPTs and supports a maximum input current of 20A, helping optimize solar generation across different roof orientations and shading conditions. Its seamless backup switching helps keep essential household loads powered during grid outages.

Safety is a key focus of HiOne's design. Alongside a comprehensive safety design certified by TÜV and VDE, HiOne also achieved UL 9540A compliance. In a system-level thermal runaway propagation test, thermal runaway remained confined to the triggered cell, with no propagation throughout the module and no fire observed in the system. The result demonstrates HiOne's dependable performance under the harshest conditions, reinforcing its safety credentials for residential energy storage applications.

For C&I applications, the HoyUltra 261A integrates battery storage, power conversion, liquid cooling and intelligent controls. Its adaptive liquid-cooling system adjusts operation based on ambient temperature, power output and system status to optimize thermal management in Canada's cold winters and wide seasonal temperature variations. The intelligent charge and discharge scheduling also helps businesses optimize energy use and reduce electricity costs through peak shaving and off-peak charging, where applicable.

Hoymiles also showcased its solar microinverter solutions, including the HMS single-phase and HMT three-phase series. They feature module-level MPPT for optimized solar generation and a low-voltage DC architecture for enhanced safety.

At ETC 2026, Hoymiles connected with industry partners and installers from across North America, showcasing solar and storage solutions for residential and C&I applications.

Hoymiles will continue to strengthen local partnerships and services, bringing reliable, efficient energy solutions to more homes and businesses across the region.

SOURCE Hoymiles Power Electronic Inc. USA

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New operation is part of M&M's multi-year expansion plans to better serve the global medical device industry.

EDISON, N.J., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- M&M International ("M&M"), a leading manufacturer of precision-engineered stainless-steel tubing primarily serving the medical device market and other high-tech applications, today announced it will open a new manufacturing facility in the Greenpark free-trade zone in Coyol, Costa Rica. Currently under construction, the plant will expand M&M's production capacity and diversify its manufacturing footprint, ensuring an enhanced supply chain for its customers. M&M is a portfolio company of Gainline Capital Partners.

Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2027, the new facility brings M&M manufacturing closer to its customers in the U.S. and Latin America. "Opening our third manufacturing facility increases our agility and ability to meet the evolving needs of our customers around the world," said Jeff Robertson, CEO of M&M. "We're pairing over three decades of manufacturing expertise with the talented workforce we will be hiring in Costa Rica."

Phase one of the new facility will encompass 40,000 square feet and will produce stainless steel medical tubing, a critical component of catheters, needles, robotics, and surgical instruments. "This new facility will be state of the art, providing all the various alloys, processes, and technical support for the challenging requirements our markets demand. As M&M continues to expand its reach and customer base, this new facility will be able to nearly double in size, providing additional capacity and processes to support our customers," stated Robertson.

Founded 33 years ago, M&M is a leading producer of 300 series, Inconel 625 and 17-7 stainless-steel small-diameter tubing for medical devices and other high-precision applications. The construction of the new manufacturing facility follows M&M's June acquisition of the South Korean stainless-steel tubing manufacturer KC Tech, which significantly expanded M&M's manufacturing capabilities and broadened its product portfolio.

About M&M International

Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Edison, NJ, M&M International operates manufacturing facilities in South Korea, serving a global customer base. The company supplies precision small-diameter metal alloy tubing for demanding medical and high-tech applications — delivering best-in-class quality, value, and service. For more information, visit the Company's website at https://mmtubing.com.

SOURCE M&M International

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TORONTO, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- i-80 GOLD CORP. (NYSE:IAUX) (TSX:IAU) ("i-80 Gold" or the "Company") is scheduled to release its financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2026, on Monday, November 2, 2026, after market close. The release will also include updates on the Company's development projects. Management will host a conference call and audio webcast the following morning to discuss the quarterly results and project activities. A question-and-answer session will follow.

The conference call and webcast can be accessed as follows:

i-80 Gold's quarterly report on Form 10-Q, including the unaudited consolidated financial statements and associated Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, will be available on the Company's website at www.i80gold.com, and under the Company's issuer profile on EDGAR at www.sec.gov and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

About i-80 Gold Corp.

i-80 Gold Corp. is a Nevada-focused mining company committed to building a mid-tier gold producer through a funded development plan to advance its high-quality asset portfolio. The Company is one of the largest mineral resource holders in the state with a pipeline of high-grade multi-stage projects strategically located in Nevada's most prolific gold-producing trends. Leveraging its central processing facility following an anticipated refurbishment, i-80 Gold is executing a hub-and-spoke regional mining and processing strategy to maximize efficiency and growth. i-80 Gold's shares are listed on the NYSE American (NYSE: IAUX) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: IAU). For more information, visit www.i80gold.com.

SOURCE i-80 Gold Corp

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- Rodeo highlights the skills Duke Energy lineworkers use every day to maintain and upgrade the grid, restore service after storms and outages and support growing communities

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy teams earned six awards at the International Lineman's Rodeo, one of the world's premier lineworker competitions, held Oct. 17 in Bonner Springs, Kansas.

Among the honors, Justin McCarson, Heath Burrell and Miles Bell placed second overall in the journeyman division, while Keith Griffin, Jay Tipton and Sandy Barnhill took first place in the journeyman seniors division.

The big picture

This year's International Lineman's Rodeo brought together approximately 1,250 competitors from around the world. Duke Energy sent 57 lineworkers who earned their spots by ranking among the top performers at the company's regional rodeos earlier in 2026.

For more than 40 years, the International Lineman's Rodeo has tested lineworkers in events modeled on the real-world tasks they perform to maintain the electric grid and restore power. Competitors are evaluated on speed, agility, technique and adherence to safety procedures.

Why it matters

Every day, Duke Energy lineworkers help keep power flowing to homes, businesses and critical services by maintaining and upgrading the electric grid, restoring power after severe weather and deploying advanced technologies that improve reliability.

Their work helps reduce the impact of outages, accelerate power restoration and support growing communities across Duke Energy's service territories. Lineworkers also play a key role in installing smart, self-healing technology that can detect outages, automatically reroute power and often restore service in less than a minute.

As energy needs continue to evolve, their expertise helps strengthen the grid and deliver long-term value for customers through safer, more reliable and more resilient service.

Our winners

Journeyman Mystery Event #1

- First place – Justin McCarson (Hendersonville, N.C.), Heath Burrell (Hendersonville, N.C.), Miles Bell (Tryon, N.C.)

Journeyman IOU

- Second place – Justin McCarson (Hendersonville, N.C.), Heath Burrell (Hendersonville, N.C.), Miles Bell (Tryon, N.C.)

- Fourth place – Tyler Nickols (Marion, N.C.), Joshua Buckner (Marion, N.C.), Tyler Manick (Old Fort, N.C.)

Journeyman Seniors

- First place – Keith Griffin (Marshall, N.C.), Jay Tipton (Marshall, N.C.), Sandy Barnhill (Fuquay Varina, N.C.)

- Second place – Matthew Clark (Benson, N.C.), Danny Haithcock (Timmonsville, N.C.), Hunter Boone (Southern Pines, N.C.)

Journeyman Overall

- Second place – Justin McCarson (Hendersonville, N.C.), Heath Burrell (Hendersonville, N.C.), Miles Bell (Tryon, N.C.)

What we're saying

Scott Batson, executive vice president and chief power grid officer for Duke Energy:

"We are incredibly proud of our competitors and the way they represent Duke Energy and the communities we serve. The skill, discipline and commitment they demonstrate at the International Lineman's Rodeo reflect the dedication all Duke Energy lineworkers bring to serving customers every day – strengthening reliability, responding when customers need us and delivering safe, dependable service."

Justin McCarson, senior engineering technologist, Hendersonville, N.C.:

"Competing at the International Lineman's Rodeo and bringing home an award is something I'm incredibly proud of, but it's bigger than any one person. This job takes teamwork, trust and looking out for the person working beside you. We bring that mindset to our work every day as we serve our customers and communities. That's what makes this job so rewarding."

Zoom out

As Duke Energy continues investing in grid modernization and resiliency improvements, highly trained lineworkers remain essential to delivering safe, reliable service, supporting economic growth and meeting the evolving energy needs of customers and communities.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,700 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an energy modernization strategy, keeping customer value at the forefront as it invests in electric grid upgrades and efficient generation resources to strengthen the system and serve growing energy needs. More information is available at duke-energy.com. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook for stories about the people and innovations powering its communities.

Contact: Zach Vavricka

24-Hour: 800.559.3853

SOURCE Duke Energy

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New offering helps growing equipment finance brokerages manage more opportunities, improve customer intake and keep deals moving from one connected workspace

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Solifi, a global leader in delivering the unified platform for secured finance, today announced the launch of Leasepath Broker Edition, a new offering designed specifically for small and growing equipment finance brokerages in the United States.

Why Equipment Finance Brokers Need Better Tools Now

Equipment finance brokers are the connective tissue between businesses seeking capital and lenders providing it. As transaction volumes increase, with the equipment finance market reaching $14.3 billion in July 2026, up 24.5% year-over-year, smaller brokerages face a capacity challenge: managing increasingly complex deals across disconnected spreadsheets, inboxes, shared files, and generic CRM systems.

As equipment finance brokers compete on relationships, responsiveness and their ability to move financing opportunities efficiently between customers and funding partners, additional administrative work makes it harder to maintain visibility across every active opportunity.

A Connected Workspace Built for Broker Workflows

Leasepath Broker Edition gives equipment finance brokers a connected workspace for managing customer relationships, opportunities, equipment information, pricing, quotes, documents and funder activity. Built around the day-to-day work of a brokerage, the offering helps smaller firms bring more structure and visibility to the transaction as their business grows.

Rather than requiring a smaller brokerage to adapt generic CRM software to equipment finance or adopt technology designed around lender servicing and portfolio management, Leasepath Broker Edition provides a right-sized environment built around the work behind the brokered transaction.

Leasepath Broker Edition combines relationship management with equipment-finance-specific deal workflows in an environment designed for broker owners, principals and originators. Key capabilities include:

- Lead, customer and opportunity management

- Broker-focused pipeline and task management

- Equipment and asset information

- Finance structuring and pricing workflows

- Quote and proposal support

- Deal documentation

- Funder submission preparation and response tracking

- Broker-focused dashboards and views

"Equipment finance brokers play a critical role in connecting businesses with the capital they need, but many smaller brokerages are still managing increasingly complex deal activity across disconnected tools," said Jeffrey Bilbrey, President & GM of Leasepath by Solifi. "Leasepath Broker Edition brings equipment finance context into the broker's everyday workflow, helping growing firms manage more opportunity without adding unnecessary operational complexity."

Extending Leasepath to the Broker Market

Leasepath by Solifi provides cloud-based technology for equipment finance organizations across the mid-market. Leasepath Broker Edition extends that equipment finance expertise to a segment that has historically had to choose between generic business software, disconnected point tools and platforms designed for larger lending organizations.

The launch also creates a strategic opportunity for existing Leasepath customers that rely on broker-originated business: they can now support and integrate with their smaller broker partners, creating a more cohesive ecosystem.

Equipment finance brokers interested in Leasepath Broker Edition can schedule a demonstration to see how the platform can support a typical transaction from customer and opportunity management through pricing, documentation and funder activity.

Learn more here: https://www.solifi.com/leasepath-by-solifi/broker-edition/

About Solifi

Solifi provides a unified platform for secured finance. Solifi connects originations, portfolio management, servicing, risk and compliance across the secured finance lifecycle. By unifying operations and data across one platform, Solifi replaces fragmented technology with connected secured finance operations, improves operational efficiency and maintains clear portfolio visibility for lenders and lessors. Solifi serves banks, captives, independent finance companies and other financial institutions across multiple asset classes and global markets.

SOURCE Solifi

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