Janice Sand

AUSTIN, Texas /New York Netwire - National News/ -- FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, announced today a new partnership with Stewart Lender Services, a division of Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE: STC), that enhances FirstClose's Order Management System (OMS) with expanded home equity fulfillment capabilities.

TROY, Mich. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Class Valuation, a leading real estate appraisal management company (AMC), announced today that Daniel A. Busch has joined the company as its chief financial officer (CFO). Busch brings more than two decades of financial leadership experience to the role, including extensive work in private equity environments, business transformation and data-driven operational performance.

PLANO, Texas /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Optimal Blue today released its November 2025 Market Advantage mortgage data report, which found that total mortgage rate-lock activity declined with normal late fall seasonality, yet still marked the strongest November in four years. Total lock volume fell 25% month over month (MoM) from October but remained up 17% year over year (YoY), buoyed by historically strong refinance demand and mortgage rates holding near 6%.

NEW YORK, N.Y. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- HitPaw, a leader in AI-powered multimedia solutions, announces the launch of HitPaw VikPea V5.1.0. This release introduces groundbreaking features including the highly anticipated AI Video Generator, AI Generative Model and enhanced Frame Interpolation Model, all designed to elevate video enhancement and creative workflows.

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Selected as one of the top applications from over 1,600 submissions, LearnWise AI wins the Bronze Award in the AI in Education category, recognized for its innovation, impact, and scalability in transforming the student experience for its all-in-one, integrated approach to student support, tutoring, and assessment.

PLANO, Texas /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Optimal Blue today announced the promotion of Lanny Rogers III, CPA, to chief financial officer (CFO) and Jeremy Moreno to chief revenue officer (CRO). Their combined experience and long track records of leadership position the company to advance its next stage of growth and client success with a dedicated financial strategy function and strengthened revenue oversight.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Privacy concerns in public restrooms continue to grow, with 72% of Americans reporting discomfort due to visible gaps between stall doors and frames. Whether at work, school, restaurants, airports, or entertainment venues, restroom privacy has become a personal safety issue affecting millions every day. "Two hundred million people use a public restroom every week," says Bob Kodner, president of StallPlus-Go.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Dr. MaryAnn Wilkey announces the release of her compassionate new children's book, "Juny the Butterfly Boy: A Story of Loss and Love" (ISBN: 978-1779629081; released November 30 by Tellwell Publishing). Blending gentle fantasy with emotional truth, the book offers young readers and families an accessible way to understand grief, memory, and the lasting power of love.

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Informative Research (IR), a leading technology provider of data-driven credit and verification solutions for the lending industry, today announced that Software Developer Sriranjini "Sri" Prabhakara has been named to National Mortgage Professional Magazine's 2025 40 Under 40 list. The annual recognition highlights emerging professionals whose work is helping shape the future of the mortgage sector.

LADNER, B.C., Canada /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Author Hugh Greer announces the release of his new book, "2,300 Days of Travel: From Roughing it to Luxury Cruising" (ISBN: 978-1834183879), a witty and self-deprecating chronicle of his journeys from camping in the 1950s to luxury riverboats and ocean cruises later in life.

BOULDER, Colo. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Floify, the mortgage industry's leading point-of-sale (POS) solution, today announced that Head of Product Sydney Barber, 32, has been recognized by National Mortgage Professional magazine as one of its 2025 "40 Under 40" award winners. The award acknowledges rising leaders who are making a significant impact on the mortgage industry and is presented to each recipient only once.

ATLANTA, Ga. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced that Tim Higginson, partner solutions specialist, has been named to National Mortgage Professional Magazine's 40 Under 40 list for 2025.

NEW YORK, N.Y. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- HitPaw Edimakor has officially released V4.5.0 - marking a new era of digital innovation. This major upgrade introduces two powerful breakthroughs - the Multi-Avatar Dialogue System and the enhanced NanoBanana Pro AI Image Generator. Together, they push digital creation beyond static visuals and into the world of intelligent, dynamic interaction. With this update - Edimakor continues to redefine what creators can achieve through AI-driven content.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- As the holidays bring moments of connection, AgingIN is recognizing the caregivers and elders who preserve the comfort and continuity of home in long-term care. AgingIN, home to THE GREEN HOUSE® Project and Pioneer Network, celebrates these families and the AgingIN-associated professional care teams that are built for person-directed living.

AVE MARIA, Fla. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Nick and Joan Cerami announce their growing presence in Southwest Florida as owners of Pillar To Post Home Inspectors - the Cerami Team, marking the next chapter in a professional journey that has spanned four decades and two industries. After more than 30 years each in marketing and advertising - often working in tandem as client and agency partner, the couple now share business ownership.

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Industrial SalesLeads today announced the findings of its November 2025 report on planned capital project spending within the North American Industrial Manufacturing sector. The firm's research, which tracks new plant construction, facility expansions, and significant equipment modernization, identified 154 new projects. Capital project activity remains stable, with 154 new projects in November, nearly matching the 155 projects tracked in October.

AUSTIN, Texas /New York Netwire - National News/ -- FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, today announced the appointment of Alex Sirpis as vice president of sales. In this role, Sirpis will lead the company's sales organization, refine the go-to-market strategy and drive revenue growth as FirstClose continues expanding its presence with mortgage and home equity lenders across the country.

LAKE ZURICH, Ill. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Dovenmuehle Mortgage, Inc. (DMI), a leading mortgage subservicing company, announced today that Rivermark Community Credit Union has expanded its partnership with DMI. Under this expanded relationship, Dovenmuehle will provide subservicing for Rivermark's growing portfolio of mortgage loans, supporting the credit union's expanding membership base and ensuring an exceptional servicing experience for members.

CLEVELAND, Ohio /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Top mortgage industry webcast The Big Picture, broadcast live every Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, announced a December lineup of trailblazing figures in loan origination technology, real estate and housing finance advocacy. Co-hosted by mortgage business consultant and executive coach Rich Swerbinsky and capital markets authority Rob Chrisman.

LONG BEACH, Calif. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- New Cadence Healthcare is excited to welcome Dr. Jasia Hu, M.D., who officially joined our team on December 1, 2025. A board-certified family medicine physician who has cared for the Long Beach community since 2010, Dr. Hu brings deep experience in preventive care, chronic disease management, and patient education.