BROOKVILLE, N.Y., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Long Island University welcomed New York Islanders Co-Owner Jon Ledecky to campus today as part of the University's Centennial CEO Speaker Series, bringing hundreds of LIU students together for a conversation on leadership, career development and the business of professional sports.

Ledecky shared his career trajectory, lessons on leadership and his innovative approach to leading the New York Islanders. The conversation was moderated by LIU alumnus and ESPN personality Alan Hahn and concluded with a student question-and-answer session.

"Our partnership with the New York Islanders and UBS Arena is creating extraordinary opportunities for our students," said LIU President Kimberly R. Cline. "Welcoming Jon Ledecky to campus to share his leadership and experience is a great example of that partnership in action."

Ledecky was introduced by the captains of LIU's Division I men's and women's ice hockey teams. Following the program, LIU student-athletes presented him with a personalized LIU Sharks jersey and named him Honorary Captain of LIU Hockey for the 2026–27 season.

"This was a unique opportunity for our students to learn directly from a leader at the highest levels of sports and business," said LIU Women's Ice Hockey Head Coach Kelly Nash. "These are the experiences that make an LIU education so special."

Ledecky's visit builds on the five-year strategic partnership announced earlier this year between Long Island University, the New York Islanders and UBS Arena to advance the growth and development of hockey throughout Long Island and New York City.

LIU is home to the only NCAA Division I men's and women's ice hockey programs in the New York City and Long Island region, with both teams playing their home games at Northwell Health Ice Center, the official practice facility of the New York Islanders. LIU maintains permanent, state-of-the-art facilities at the arena, including dedicated locker rooms, coaching offices and player spaces for its Division I hockey programs.

"Long Island is a hockey community, and LIU is proud to represent this region at the Division I level," said LIU Men's Ice Hockey Head Coach Brendan Riley. "Having Jon on campus shows the strength of our partnership with the Islanders and our shared commitment to growing the game."

A centerpiece of the partnership is the Empire State Holiday Invitational, an annual Division I men's hockey tournament at UBS Arena. LIU will serve as the host institution and compete in the tournament each year, with the inaugural event scheduled for December 28–29, 2026.

The partnership also extends beyond competition. LIU supports the Islanders' Learn to Play program, which introduces children throughout the region to hockey, while LIU students gain expanded opportunities for experiences with the Islanders, UBS Arena and leaders across the sports and entertainment industries.

The Centennial CEO Speaker Series is part of Long Island University's yearlong celebration of its 100th anniversary, bringing prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators to campus to share their experiences and insights with the next generation of leaders.

About Long Island University

Long Island University, founded in 1926, is a leading research and teaching university that continues to redefine higher education by providing high-quality academic instruction by world-class faculty, serving more than 16,000 students from its Long Island and Brooklyn campuses. Recognized by Forbes for its emphasis on experiential learning and by the Brookings Institution for its "value added" to student outcomes, the University is ranked in the top 7% of national research universities. LIU has a network of over 285,000 alumni, including industry leaders and entrepreneurs around the globe. Visit www.liu.edu for more information

About the New York Islanders

The New York Islanders Hockey Club is the proud winner of four Stanley Cup Championships and record nineteen consecutive playoff series victories. The Islanders play in the National Hockey League's Eastern Conference, and have eight players, two general managers and one coach inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

The Islanders Children's Foundation has helped countless youngsters in need around the world since its inception. Donations are raised through the efforts of our players, management, and employees, along with our fans and partners.

UBS Arena is the team's state-of-the-art home and features world class premium hospitality, great sightlines from every seat, and a loud and intimate bowl. Isles Lab, the official team store of the New York Islanders, offers fans traditional NHL merchandise, unique collaborations and exclusive products. Isles Lab is located inside UBS Arena or can be shopped online at IslesLab.com.

SOURCE Long Island University

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The project includes the installation of TechnoAlpin TT10 tower-mounted fan guns providing permanent snowmaking coverage on Waltz and the full length of Serenity, along with new TR10 mobile fan guns that can be deployed elsewhere across the mountain. The expansion adds snowmaking to more than twenty percent of Tamarack's existing terrain. "One of our top priorities is to provide guests with the longest winter season possible, and our investment in snowmaking will continue to ensure we can do that", remarked Tamarack COO Kara Finley.

The automated system addresses one of the biggest challenges of early-season snowmaking: taking advantage of short windows of favorable temperatures. Tamarack typically experiences approximately 200 hours of snowmaking temperatures before Thanksgiving, but mobile snowguns require crews to transport, position, connect and operate equipment manually. During short two- to four-hour cold spells, the setup time can make those windows difficult to utilize.

The new automated TT10 guns can begin operating as soon as conditions allow, enabling Tamarack to capture snowmaking opportunities that previously may have been too short to use effectively.

Tamarack President Scott Turlington stated: "We've always had the water and the cold nights. What we haven't had is the ability to use them everywhere we need to. This investment allows us to take advantage of more of those early-season windows and gives our mountain operations team significantly more flexibility across the resort."

Waltz and Serenity were selected because of the important roles they play in the Tamarack mountain experience. Waltz is the resort's primary beginner run and an important progression area for new skiers and riders. The trail was widened last season to provide additional space for learning and progression. Serenity provides top-to-bottom terrain from the upper mountain, and the new system will allow Tamarack to produce more consistent coverage along the full run.

Permanent infrastructure on those trails also creates benefits elsewhere. Instead of dedicating mobile snowguns and crew time to Waltz and Serenity, Tamarack can redeploy its growing mobile fleet to other priority areas, including Discovery, Showtime and the resort's terrain parks.

The TT10 represents the latest generation of automated snowmaking technology from TechnoAlpin. Its elevated design provides high snow output across a large effective radius, while individually controlled nozzle valves and updated cooling technology allow the system to operate more effectively during borderline snowmaking temperatures.

The project extends well beyond the snowguns themselves. Tamarack is installing approximately 1,515 feet of ductile iron water pipeline, 1,600 feet of buried electrical cable, six hydrants with above-ground electrical pedestals and 12 reinforced pits, with TechnoAlpin technicians supporting installation and commissioning every step of the way.

The investment is part of Tamarack's continued effort to strengthen the mountain experience and provide more consistent conditions throughout the winter. Automated snowmaking will complement—not replace—the robust natural snowfall that defines skiing and riding at Tamarack while providing Mountain Operations with another tool to prepare terrain when temperatures allow.

About Tamarack Resort

Tamarack Resort is America's only ski, golf, and lake resort. Located 90 miles north of Boise, Idaho, the all-season destination spans 4,400 acres. Within its master-planned community, Tamarack offers recreation, real estate, vacation rentals, event space, and a vibrant alpine-style village. Winter features 2,800 vertical feet across 2,000 mountain acres. Summer amenities include championship golf, mountain biking, hiking, ziplining, boating and watersports on Lake Cascade. For more information, visit tamarackidaho.com.

Zander Smith, [email protected], 406-381-6743

SOURCE TAMARACK RESORT

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- At its regular meeting held today, the Board of Directors of TXNM Energy, Inc. (NYSE: TXNM) declared the regular quarterly dividend of $0.4225 per share on the company's common stock. The dividend is payable November 13, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business October 23, 2026.

Background:

TXNM Energy (NYSE: TXNM), an energy holding company based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, delivers energy to more than 800,000 homes and businesses across Texas and New Mexico through its regulated utilities, TNMP and PNM. For more information, visit the company's website at www.TXNMEnergy.com.

SOURCE TXNM Energy, Inc.

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SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Snorkel AI, the frontier AI data lab, today announced it raised $350 million at a valuation of $3.5B in a round co-led by Insight Partners and S32, with significant participation from existing investor Addition. The round included new investors March Capital, Blumberg Capital, Allegis Capital, Frontline, Standard, and Third Point Ventures, along with existing investors Greylock, Lightspeed, GV, Factory, Prosperity7, Walden Catalyst, and Wells Fargo. The investment will expand Snorkel's agentic data factory, which supplies the data and environments behind the world's most advanced AI lab systems.

The raise comes amid a fundamental phase shift in AI data. Building AI in the Data 1.0 era meant simple labeling tasks, a volume problem solved with headcount. Today's frontier and agentic systems demand Data 2.0: expert agentic tasks, environments, and rubrics that take even the most qualified humans hours or days to construct. Designing them well is research work, where quality and complexity determine value.

Meeting that bar requires a wholly new paradigm for data development, which is partly why Snorkel has grown rapidly since launching its expert Data-as-a-Service offering in September 2025. The company works with leading AI labs and enterprises on the data behind frontier model evaluation and training. The work is a natural outgrowth of Snorkel's roots: the company grew out of the Stanford AI Lab nearly a decade ago with a founding team that pioneered the field of data-centric AI and continues to contribute science on data at the jagged frontier of AI development. That body of work spans 250+ peer-reviewed papers cited more than 25,000 times.

"The teams pushing the frontier want a research data partner who pioneers the science of data development," said Alex Ratner, co-founder and CEO of Snorkel AI. "That's what Snorkel was built to be: the frontier lab for agentic data, combining human excellence with over a decade of research and technology."

"Snorkel's research-grade approach to AI data, environments, and measurement is becoming an increasingly important ingredient in building capable and reliable AI systems – and their demonstrated growth at scale reflects that," said Lonne Jaffe, Managing Director at Insight Partners. "We're excited to back Alex and the team as they continue to bring their frontier AI data factory capabilities to longer-running, complex work in high value industries like healthcare, law, and software engineering."

"Snorkel's expert-agentic environments create a unique flywheel between human expertise and AI, delivering data at the speed and quality that enables a new era of efficiency and accuracy for model development," said Andy Harrison, CEO and General Partner of S32. "Working with Snorkel ensures the highest frontier model success rate and creates a true partnership between model developer and data provider."

Snorkel plans to use the funding to grow the capacity of its agentic data factory to meet demand, accelerate investment in vertical and enterprise AI, and extend its core research and technology into new domains and modalities. The company will also deepen its investment in open research, building on programs like its Open Benchmarks Grants initiative.

About Snorkel AI

Snorkel AI is the frontier AI data lab, helping teams build the data and environments behind high-performing frontier and agentic AI. We combine technology with research-driven AI data development to create datasets, benchmarks, evals, and custom solutions for real-world AI systems. Founded out of the Stanford AI Lab in 2019, Snorkel works with leading AI labs and enterprises to move from better data to better outcomes.

About Insight Partners

Insight Partners is a global software investor partnering with high-growth technology, software, and Internet startup and ScaleUp companies that are driving transformative change in their industries. As of December 31, 2025, the firm has over $90B in regulatory assets under management. Insight Partners has invested in more than 900 companies worldwide and has seen over 55 portfolio companies achieve an IPO. Headquartered in New York City, Insight has a global presence with leadership in London, Tel Aviv, and the Bay Area. Insight's mission is to find, fund, and work successfully with visionary executives, providing them with tailored, hands-on software expertise along their growth journey, from their first investment to IPO. For more information on Insight and all its investments, visit insightpartners.com or follow us on X @insightpartners.

Media Contact [email protected]

SOURCE Snorkel AI

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NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nuveen, LLC ("Nuveen") announced today the pricing of (1) an offering (the "GBP Offering") of £550 million aggregate principal amount of 6.052% Senior Notes due 2031 (the "2031 GBP Notes"), and (2) an offering (the "USD Offering") of $2 billion aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes which were offered in three series: (i) a series of 5.572% Senior Notes due 2029 in an aggregate principal amount of $750 million (the "2029 USD Notes"), (ii) a series of 5.738% Senior Notes due 2031 in an aggregate principal amount of $750 million (the "2031 USD Notes") and (iii) a series of 6.063% Senior Notes due 2036 in an aggregate principal amount of $500 million (the "2036 USD Notes" and, together with the 2031 GBP Notes, the 2029 USD Notes and the 2031 USD Notes, the "Notes").

Nuveen intends to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, which may include, among other things, to fund a portion of the cash consideration for Nuveen's acquisition (the "Acquisition") of Schroders plc and to pay fees and expenses related to the Acquisition and to this offering.

The Notes will be unsecured, senior obligations of Nuveen. The 2031 GBP Notes will mature on September 25, 2031, the 2029 USD Notes will mature on September 25, 2029, the 2031 USD Notes will mature on September 25, 2031 and the 2036 USD Notes will mature on September 25, 2036.

The closing of the GBP Offering is not contingent on the closing of the USD Offering, nor is the closing of the USD Offering contingent on the closing of GBP Offering.

The Notes were offered only to (i) persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and (ii) certain non-U.S. persons outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and therefore may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes, nor shall it constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful.

About Nuveen

Nuveen, a TIAA Company, is a global investment leader, managing $1.4 trillion in public and private assets for clients around the world, as of June 30, 2026. With broad expertise across income and alternatives, we invest in the growth of businesses, real estate, infrastructure, and natural capital, providing clients with the reliability, access, and foresight unique to our 125+ year heritage. Our prevailing perspective on the future drives our ambition to innovate and adapt our business to the changing needs of investors — all to pursue lasting performance for our clients, our communities, and our global economy.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements that may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical or present facts or conditions, included herein are "forward-looking statements." Included among "forward- looking statements" are, among other things, statements regarding Nuveen's business strategy, plans and objectives, including the use of proceeds from the offering. Though Nuveen believes that the expectations reflected in these "forward-looking statements" are reasonable, they are inherently uncertain and involve a number of risks and uncertainties beyond Nuveen's control. In addition, assumptions may prove to be inaccurate. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated or implied in "forward-looking statements" as a result of a variety of factors. These "forward-looking statements" speak only as of the date made, and other than as required by law, Nuveen undertakes no obligation to update or revise any "forward-looking statement" or provide reasons why actual results may differ, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Media Contact

Sally Lyden | [email protected]

SOURCE Nuveen

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Avidex Industries, L.L.C, allegedly failed to provide employees with accurate wages due to missed meals and break breaks. This allegedly resulted in violations of various California Labor Codes.

**THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT**

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The San Diego employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action complaint alleging that Avidex Industries, L.L.C, violated the California Labor Code. The Avidex Industries, L.L.C, class action lawsuit, Case No. 26CU042844C, is currently pending in the San Diego County Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here.

According to the lawsuit filed, Avidex Industries, L.L.C, allegedly (a) failed to pay minimum wages, (b) failed to pay overtime wages, (c) failed to provide legally required meal and rest periods, (d) failed to provide accurate itemized wage statements, (e) failed to reimburse for required expenses, (f) failed to pay sick wages, and (g) failed to provide wages when due, all in violation of the applicable Labor Code sections listed in California Labor Code Sections 201-203, 226, 226.7, 233, 246, 510, 512, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 2802, and the applicable Wage Order(s), and thereby gives rise to civil penalties as a result of such alleged conduct.

Everon, LLC allegedly required Plaintiff to work on their meal and break periods which should have been Plaintiff's off-duty meal breaks. Resulting in Defendant rounding the meal period time to avoid paying penalties to Plaintiff. As a result of their rigorous work schedules, employees were required from time to time to perform work as ordered by Defendant for more than five (5) hours during some shifts without receiving a meal break. Defendant violated Cal. Lab. Code §§ 1194, 1197, and 1197.1 .

For more information about the class action lawsuit against Avidex Industries, L.L.C, call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today.

Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is an employment law firm with offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside and Chicago that dedicates its practice to helping employees, investors and consumers fight back against unfair business practices, including violations of the California Labor Code and Fair Labor Standards Act. If you need help in collecting unpaid overtime wages, unpaid commissions, being wrongfully terminated from work, and other employment law claims, contact one of their attorneys today.

**THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT**

Media Contact

Nicholas De Blouw

Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP

(800) 568-8020

[email protected]

https://www.bamlawca.com/ 

SOURCE Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP

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TULSA, Okla., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Tulsa is ranked a Top 75 private research university, according to the 2027 U.S. News & World Report's Best College report released Tuesday. The publication also ranks UTulsa the No. 1 best value for higher education in the state of Oklahoma.

UTulsa advanced 10 places in overall rank for national universities, increased 16 spots in undergraduate engineering programs, jumped 57 positions in undergraduate computer science programs, climbed 26 places in undergraduate business programs and rose eight spots among the best colleges for veterans.

The University of Tulsa remained No. 3 for undergraduate petroleum engineering programs among all national universities and No. 1 in Oklahoma.

Earlier this year, UTulsa took the bold step to increase access to academic excellence by announcing that the annual undergraduate rate for tuition and required fees will be set at $25,000 beginning in fall 2027. Additionally, new undergraduates will have that rate locked in for at least four years. And once students factor in merit- and need-based financial aid, most will pay even less than the published cost. This move makes The University of Tulsa the most affordable private research university in the nation's heartland.

U.S. News collected data for the 2027 report before UTulsa made its tuition announcement, signaling that future best value rankings will continue an upward trajectory once the new pricing structure is fully considered.

Tuesday's rankings news is just the latest of many accolades UTulsa has acquired this year, including:

- Named No. 11 in the country for best student experience by the Wall Street Journal

- Rated the top university in Oklahoma by WalletHub

- Recognized by Money magazine for highest median income for recent grads in Oklahoma

According to Niche.com, students who receive a bachelor's degree from The University of Tulsa report a median starting salary of $58,279.

"While student experience and post-graduation outcomes will always be our primary focus, these and other rankings confirm that we are a university on the rise. We are on the right track and poised for growth and more significant impact in the near and long term," said President Stacy Leeds. "Today's announcement highlights the outstanding achievements of our students, the dedication of our faculty and staff and the generosity of donors who provide opportunity at every turn."

SOURCE The University of Tulsa

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GENOMMA LAB INTERNACIONAL ANNOUNCES SEVENTEENTH DIVIDEND PAYMENT

MEXICO CITY, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Genomma Lab Internacional, S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: LABB) ("Genomma Lab" or "the Company"), one of the leading pharmaceutical and personal care product companies in Mexico with an expanding international presence, informs that the Company filed a Notice of Rights with the Mexican Stock Exchange (Bolsa Mexicana de Valores) declaring a cash dividend of $0.200000 Mexican pesos per share on its common stock representing a total amount of $200,000,000.00 M.N. (two hundred million pesos 00/100 National Currency), based on the total number of LABB shares outstanding.

This amount per share is based on the total LABB shares currently outstanding. Genomma's Board of Directors, exercising the powers delegated at the Annual General Shareholders Meeting held on April 24, 2025 ("AGSM"), have therefore deemed it appropriate to make this announced dividend payment.

Subject to the terms and conditions established by the AGSM, the Company has the intention to make dividend payments on a Quarterly basis.

 About Genomma Lab Internacional

Genomma Lab Internacional, S.A.B. de C.V. is one of the fastest growing pharmaceutical and personal care products companies in Latin America. Genomma Lab develops, sells and markets a broad range of Premium branded products, many of which are leaders in the categories in which they compete in terms of sales and market share. The Company has a sound business model through a unique combination of a new product development process, consumer oriented marketing, a broad retail distribution network and a low‐cost, highly flexible supply chain operating model. For more information visit: www.genommalab.com 

Genomma Lab's shares are listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange under the ticker "LABB" (Bloomberg: LABB:MM).

Note on Forward-Looking Statements

This report may contain certain forward-looking statements and information relating to the Company that reflect the current views and/or expectations of the Company and its management with respect to its performance, business and future events. Forward looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance or achievements, and may contain words like "believe," "anticipate," "expect," "envisages," "will likely result," or any other words or phrases of similar meaning. Such statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We caution you that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in this presentation and in oral statements made by authorized officers of the Company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: risks related to the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic, such as the scope and duration of the outbreak, government actions and restrictive measures implemented in response, material delays, supply chain disruptions and other impacts to the business, or on the Company's ability to execute business continuity plans as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic factors, such as interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; competition, including technological advances, new products attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development; the ability of the Company to successfully execute strategic plans; the impact of business combinations and divestitures; manufacturing difficulties or delays, internally or within the supply chain; significant adverse litigation or government action, including related to product liability claims; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including tax laws; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of products and services; financial instability of international economies and legal systems and sovereign risk. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found within the Company's related filings with the Bolsa Mexicana de Valores. Any forward-looking statement made in this release speaks only as of the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Genomma Lab Internacional, S.A.B. de C.V.

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Jackson Hole architecture firm earns 2026 national recognition during its 30th anniversary year

JACKSON, Wyo., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ward | Blake Architects, an award-winning architecture firm based in Jackson, Wyoming, has been named to Forbes' America's Best-in-State Residential Architects 2026, marking the firm's second consecutive year receiving the national recognition.

The honor arrives during a milestone year for Ward | Blake Architects, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026. Founded in Jackson in 1996 by Thomas E. Ward, AIA, and Mitchell T. Blake, AIA, the firm has spent three decades developing an architectural practice rooted in place, environmental responsibility, material authenticity and meaningful connections between people and the natural world.

"To be recognized by Forbes for a second consecutive year—and to receive this honor during our 30th anniversary—is especially meaningful," said Mitchell T. Blake, AIA, co-founder and principal of Ward | Blake Architects. "For three decades, we have worked to create architecture that responds honestly to its setting and strengthens the relationship between people and place. This recognition reflects not only the work itself, but the clients, collaborators, craftspeople and team members who have helped shape Ward | Blake over the past 30 years."

For its 2026 architecture lists, Forbes reassessed every practice, including firms recognized the previous year. Firms were evaluated by Forbes editors and an advisory board of architecture and design authorities based on a submitted residence and each practice's broader body of work. The Forbes Architecture System of Evaluation considers factors including quality of work, environmental and cultural responsiveness, sustainability, siting and local context, architectural form, materials and craft. Forbes states that there is no fee to participate.

Ward | Blake's approach begins with a careful analysis of each site, considering climate, topography, views, vegetation, water and solar orientation rather than applying a predetermined architectural style. Its work frequently incorporates biophilic design principles, passive and active solar strategies, high-performance building envelopes, natural materials, daylighting and carefully considered relationships between interior and exterior spaces.

The firm's residential portfolio includes Ridge 52 Residence, Freedom Residence, ChaChe Residence, ChaChe Guest House and Hay Shed Residence, along with private residences throughout the Mountain West.

The 2026 Forbes recognition adds another milestone to Ward | Blake's 30-year history and reinforces the philosophy that has guided the practice since 1996: Provocative in thought. Flexible in nature. Disciplined in execution.

About Ward | Blake Architects

Founded in 1996, Ward | Blake Architects is an award-winning architecture firm based in Jackson, Wyoming, specializing in custom residential, commercial, hospitality, educational and community architecture. For 30 years, the firm has created architecture grounded in site-specific analysis, environmental responsibility, biophilic design and material authenticity.

Explore the firm's work at wardblake.com.

View Forbes' America's Best-in-State Residential Architects 2026.

SOURCE Ward Blake Architects, LLC

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- DEWALT® surveys 500 WorldSkills competitors across 60+ countries and regions on the future of skilled careers, workforce readiness and training

- Survey identified gap between improving perception of skilled trades and their contribution to the economy and encouragement to enter vocational careers

- President and CEO of Stanley Black & Decker, Chris Nelson, to discuss the essential role skilled tradespeople play in today's economy and how to support next generation of skilled trades at WorldSkills Shanghai Competition 2026

TOWSON, Md., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ahead of WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, the world's premier skilled trades competition, DEWALT®, a Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) brand, surveyed over 500 WorldSkills competitors representing more than 60 countries and regions about the future of skilled careers, workforce readiness and training.

The survey revealed that the next generation of trades professionals recognize their importance and contributions to the global economy, but simultaneously also perceive a disconnect between the importance of their work and the pathways available to enter the field. According to the survey results, 76% of respondents say technical and vocational skills are increasingly important to the global economy, yet 51% believe too few young people are entering the trades. 71% of respondents also noted that while the public image of technical and vocational careers has improved, 52% were still encouraged toward more traditional academic paths, compared to just 14% who were encouraged toward technical and vocational careers.

"The real economy runs on skilled labor - across housing, transportation, manufacturing, energy, and digital infrastructure - and global demand for these professionals continues to rise. As an industry, we have a responsibility not only to celebrate the people who power these essential sectors, but also to invest in creating pathways into the skilled trades," said Chris Nelson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Stanley Black & Decker. "Through DEWALT's Grow the Trades program and partnerships with organizations like WorldSkills, we are working to raise awareness of these rewarding careers and expand access for the next generation of skilled tradespeople."

Key Survey Takeaways

- The future is being built by skilled workers. Three-quarters (76%) of respondents say technical and vocational skills are increasingly important to the global economy, yet 51% believe too few young people are entering the trades. Respondents point to barriers that begin early: 45% say young people are not exposed to skilled career opportunities soon enough, while 53% say they felt pressure to pursue a university or traditional academic career.

- The perception of skilled careers is improving, but the pathways into the trades have not caught up. While 71% said the public image of technical and vocational careers has improved, 52% were still encouraged toward more traditional academic paths, compared to just 14% who were encouraged toward technical and vocational careers.

- Growing the pipeline starts with earlier exposure and more accessible routes in. When asked how to encourage more young people to pursue skilled careers, 45% selected more opportunities to try skilled work firsthand and 38% selected more paid apprenticeships or earn-while-you-learn pathways. Additionally, 88% of respondents said financial assistance is important to making technical or vocational education more attainable.

"Skilled careers are the engine of economies everywhere, and this generation of competitors understands that. They are not waiting to be told trades matter – they are proving it, with new technology as one more set of tools in their hands," said David Hoey, CEO of WorldSkills International.

Supporting American Skilled Trades at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

As a premium partner and tools sponsor for WorldSkills International, and platinum sponsor of WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, DEWALT is proud to support its mission to equip the next generation of skilled professionals with the training, experience and opportunities needed to succeed.

DEWALT is sponsoring two Team USA competitors at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, Charles "Charlie" Goede, a 19-year-old plumbing apprentice from Connecticut, and Tristan Coates, a 22-year-old business owner and residential builder from Florida. DEWALT has provided both young professionals with tools and resources throughout their training as they prepare to compete on the global stage. This sponsorship complements DEWALT's Grow the Trades program which is focused on recruiting more people into the trades and by increasing awareness and pathways into the skilled trades, and making vocations careers more accessible.

Chris Nelson, President and CEO of Stanley Black & Decker, will also participate in a fireside chat at the event, where he will discuss the critical role skilled trade workers play in driving innovation, growth and progress around the world.

Follow DEWALT on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for updates on WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 taking place between September 22 – 27, 2026.

About DEWALT 

DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, is a leader in total jobsite solutions. For more than 100 years, DEWALT has been powering the future of construction with tools and technologies that have been designed, built and tested to help deliver safety and productivity on every jobsite. For more information, visit www.dewalt.com or follow DEWALT on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About Stanley Black & Decker

Founded in 1843 and headquartered in the USA, Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) is a worldwide leader in Tools and Outdoor, operating manufacturing facilities globally. The Company's approximately 43,500 employees produce innovative end-user inspired power tools, hand tools, storage, digital jobsite solutions, outdoor and lifestyle products, and engineered fasteners to support the world's builders, tradespeople and DIYers. The Company's world class portfolio of trusted brands includes DEWALT®, CRAFTSMAN®, STANLEY®, BLACK+DECKER®, and Cub Cadet®. To learn more, visit www.stanleyblackanddecker.com or follow Stanley Black & Decker on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.  

About WorldSkills

Since 1950, WorldSkills has come to symbolize the pinnacle of excellence in vocational training. It provides a unique means of exchange and comparison of world-class competency standards in the industrial trades and service sectors of the global economy. The continued growth of WorldSkills attests to the fact that traditional trade and craft skills, along with newer technology's multi-skilled occupations, make an essential contribution to the economic and social well-being of people everywhere. For more information, go to: www.worldskills.org.

Methodology

DEWALT conducted an online survey of WorldSkills competitors from August 18–28, 2026. The survey was distributed to more than 1,000 competitors, with n=534 respondents participating across 60+ countries and regions. Base sizes vary by question, as not all respondents answered every question.

SOURCE DEWALT

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