Business
Glancy Wine Education Foundation Releases 2026 Impact Report, Marking Six Years of Progress in Diversifying the Wine Industry
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 8, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Glancy Wine Education Foundation (GWEF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing diversity in the wine industry through scholarships for underserved professionals, today released its 2026 Impact Report. The report details the Foundation’s cumulative work since its 2020 founding and introduces newly compiled data on the demographic communities GWEF serves.
Image caption: The Glancy Wine Education Foundation (GWEF).
Since inception, GWEF has awarded 303 scholarships and distributed more than $405,000 in grants directly to its wine school partners which include the founding San Francisco Wine School, the International Wine Center in New York and the American Wine School in the Midwest. The Foundation operates with a 9% overhead — less than half the average for U.S. nonprofits — thanks to an all-volunteer board of industry leaders. GWEF holds a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid.
Key Findings from the 2026 Impact Report
- Recipient demographics: 61% of GWEF scholarship recipients identify as non-Caucasian, 55.7% are female, 42.8% male, and 2% non-binary.
- Career outcomes: 67% of recipients have received a promotion following certification, and more than one-third are currently working full-time in the wine and hospitality industries.
- Earnings impact: Industry data shows that professional wine certification can yield 50–300% salary increases over a career, with sommeliers progressing from $45–60K at entry level to as much as $190K at the Master Sommelier level.
- Operational efficiency: Funds flow directly to wine school partners — no administrative layers between donors and scholarship recipients. The average GWEF scholarship is $1,477.
THE INDUSTRY GAP GWEF IS WORKING TO CLOSE
While Black, Indigenous, and People of Color make up 40% of the U.S. population, and more than half of Americans under 18 identify as a racial or ethnic minority, the wine industry remains markedly less diverse. Fewer than 1% of U.S. wineries are Black-owned (out of more than 11,000 total), fewer than 1% of winery owners or head winemakers are people of color, and roughly 2% of Black Americans hold leadership roles in wine, according to research from the Association of African American Vintners and Pronghorn Research. Hispanic/Latino professionals — who represent 18.7% of the U.S. population — hold just 4% of Fortune 500 executive officer roles, with comparable underrepresentation across wine. Only 14% of California bonded wineries have women as lead winemakers.
NEW DATA: THE AAPI OPPORTUNITY IN WINE
The 2026 report introduces newly gathered insights on the Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) wine consumer, according to the Asian Wine Association of America (AWAA). AAPI Americans represent 6.3% of the U.S. population but currently account for only 5% of wine consumption, even as roughly 50% of the AAPI population sits within the Millennial and Gen-X cohorts, with 39% drinking wine weekly, nearly on par with other demographics. Yet only 4% of wine industry executives identify as Asian, even as Asian markets are the fastest-growing demographic for WSET Global certification worldwide.
A MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDATION PRESIDENT
“The world of wine is a celebration of diversity, and yet the industry itself has been slow to reflect that truth,” said Ana Keller, GWEF Foundation President. “At a moment when wine is competing harder than ever for the attention of younger, more diverse consumers, the case for inclusion has never been more urgent. The professionals who understand those communities, who come from them, are exactly who this industry needs.”
Keller added: “Since 2020, we have funded more than 303 scholarships, and none of it happens without people who believe that those who will shape this industry’s future deserve a real chance to get there. Every donation, at any level, goes directly to a scholarship and to someone whose career, and whose life, will be changed by it.”
IN THE WORDS OF RECIPIENTS
“GWEF made it possible for me to receive the wine training and education I needed to become a Sommelier in a Michelin-starred restaurant,” said Lily Yu, 2020 GWEF scholarship recipient and Private Event Sommelier, formerly of the sommelier team at The Modern in New York City.
“Thanks to GWEF’s assistance and what I learned in the WSET 3, I took over as head sommelier and was soon promoted to Wine Director. I also am a winemaker now,” said Oceano Ordonez, 2021, 2023 and 2024 GWEF scholarship recipient, Wine Director at Donato Enoteca, and GWEF Emeritus Board Member.
“GWEF has been a transformative experience that has profoundly impacted my personal and professional growth. Through GWEF I have gained networking opportunities resulting in great relationships and collaborations within the wine industry,” said Cristian Medina, 2022 and 2024 GWEF scholarship recipient and Sommelier at Shelby’s in Atherton, California.
HOW TO SUPPORT THE MISSION
GWEF welcomes contributions at every level — every dollar donated goes directly to scholarship funding. Corporate sponsorship tiers and named scholarship opportunities are also available, including scholarships established in honor or memory of industry colleagues. Wine schools, industry organizations, and nonprofit partners interested in collaboration are also encouraged to connect.
The full 2026 Impact Report is here.
To donate, sponsor, or partner, visit https://www.glancywineeducationfoundation.org/.
ABOUT THE GLANCY WINE EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization established in 2020 and based in San Francisco, partnering nationally with three schools, the San Francisco Wine School, the International Wine Center and the American Wine School. GWEF is dedicated to assisting underserved communities with scholarships to further their professional wine education, with the goal of raising their earning power and increasing diversity in the wine industry. The Foundation holds a Four-Star Charity Navigator rating and Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency. Federal Tax ID #85-2516009. Learn more at https://www.glancywineeducationfoundation.org/ or follow @glancywineeducationfoundation on Instagram.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET | Charles Communications Associates
kimberly@glancywineeducationfoundation.org 415-701-WINE (9463)
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News Source: Glancy Wine Education Foundation
To view the original post, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/glancy-wine-education-foundation-releases-2026-impact-report-marking-six-years-of-progress-in-diversifying-the-wine-industry/.
This press release was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy. www.send2press.com.
Business
Click n’ Close expands Whole Loan Trading division with engagement of Christy Soukhamneut and Launch Point Advisory Group
Business
NewFed Mortgage leverages Friday Harbor to boost fulfillment productivity by 35%
SEATTLE, Wash., May 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — NewFed Mortgage Corp., a full-service residential mortgage lender operating across more than 20 states, today announced the companywide rollout of Friday Harbor’s AI pre-underwriting platform following a successful pilot program that demonstrated measurable gains in fulfillment productivity and underwriting throughput. Since implementing Friday Harbor, NewFed processors handle 36% more files per month while underwriters review 35% more loans. Those productivity gains enabled the company to fund nearly $170 million more in loan volume in 2025 than in 2024 without expanding its fulfillment team.
Image caption: NewFed Mortgage leverages Friday Harbor to boost fulfillment productivity by 35%.
“Removing low-value, repetitive work is what allows people to focus on the decisions that actually matter,” said Rob Jewett, chief operating officer at NewFed Mortgage. “I have seen so much technology in this industry, and to me, this is the single best piece of tech I’ve ever worked with.”
Friday Harbor reviews loan files as they’re being built, catching missing documentation and income discrepancies before they become underwriting conditions. By applying investor requirements and lender-specific overlays during file assembly rather than at the underwriting desk, the platform helps teams correct issues when they’re still manageable instead of costly.
“When Rob and I first met, he was looking to grow NewFed’s capacity for a predicted increase in volume without over-hiring or draining his people,” said Friday Harbor Founder and CEO Theo Ellis. “Friday Harbor removes the burden of sit-and-stare tasks by flagging potential issues, so teams can focus on the work that actually requires judgment instead of just hunting for missing documents.”
The operational impact has extended across multiple areas of NewFed’s business. Application-to-funded cycle times compressed from 32 days to 26 days. Funded-to-purchase timelines dropped from 23 days to 18 days, moving capital off the balance sheet faster after closing. Friday Harbor has also proven valuable for training, helping new processors learn from actual loan files rather than relying solely on classroom scenarios.
NewFed uses Friday Harbor through its integration with the Encompass® loan origination system from ICE Mortgage Technology, allowing loan data, documents and conditions to remain synchronized throughout the origination process. As an early design partner, NewFed worked closely with Friday Harbor to help shape the platform around real-world fulfillment workflows, operational realities and production-scale lending environments. That collaboration helped Friday Harbor refine how the platform surfaces underwriting issues earlier, supports fulfillment staff productivity and fits into existing lender operations without disrupting established processes.
To learn more about how NewFed and Friday Harbor are working together, download the case study: https://fridayharbor.ai/fh-newfed-case-study-2026-02-25.pdf
About Friday Harbor
Friday Harbor is an AI-powered platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time. The company combines deep fintech expertise with cutting-edge artificial intelligence to remove complexity, slash origination costs and deliver a better borrower experience. For more information, visit https://fridayharbor.ai/.
Tags: #mortgagetech #AI #fintech @newfedmtg
News Source: Friday Harbor
To view the original post, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/newfed-mortgage-leverages-friday-harbor-to-boost-fulfillment-productivity-by-35/.
This press release was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy. www.send2press.com.
Business
The UPSHOT League Announces Expansive Multi-Platform Media Distribution for Inaugural 2026 Basketball Season
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The UPSHOT League will launch its inaugural 2026 season with one of the most comprehensive media distribution strategies ever assembled for a startup women’s sports league, combining the national Scripps Sports Network FAST channel, global streaming with YouTube and local over-the-air television distribution, including in all four Upshot League markets (Greensboro, Savannah, Charlotte and Jacksonville).
Image caption: The UPSHOT League – Women’s Basketball.
UPSHOT League games will reach fans through a combination of live local broadcasts, delayed broadcasts, national distribution, and worldwide streaming access.
— COVERAGE HIGHLIGHTS —
100% Game Coverage
Every UPSHOT League game will be available live globally via the official UPSHOT League YouTube Channel.
Fans worldwide will have free digital access to every regular season game
NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION
A 15-game national schedule will air on Scripps’ new FAST channel platform, providing additional national visibility and accessibility for fans and advertisers.
LOCAL TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION
UPSHOT League games will air across multiple over-the-air broadcast partners in key regional markets, including in the four UPSHOT local markets and other select Scripps local television markets.
Coverage includes live home and away games, delayed broadcasts, and in-market television partnerships.
— BY THE NUMBERS —
LOCAL MARKET REACH
- The 4 UPSHOT regional media markets, plus potentially several Scripps local markets.
- Multiple broadcast station partners across Sinclair, Bahakel, Graham Media Group and Scripps.
- Extensive over-the-air television accessibility
LOCAL MARKET COVERAGE DETAILS
:: CHARLOTTE COVERAGE
WCCB (Channel 18)
- 34 total games carried
- 24 live broadcasts
- 10 delayed broadcasts
- Exclusive in-market broadcaster status
:: GREENSBORO COVERAGE
WMYV (Channel 48)
- 7 live broadcasts
- Includes home opener coverage
:: JACKSONVILLE COVERAGE
WXJT (Channel 4) & WCWJ (Channel 17)
- 9 scheduled broadcasts
- Home opener live
- Additional live away game coverage
:: SAVANNAH COVERAGE
WJCL (Channel 22) & WRDW (Channel 22.2)
- 4 regional broadcasts
- Combination of live and delayed coverage
- Key summer showcase dates included
EXPANDING VISIBILITY FOR WOMEN’S SPORTS
By combining global free streaming access, over-the-air television distribution, and Scripps Sports Network FAST channel national exposure, the league is creating multiple entry points for fans to engage with teams, players, and communities throughout the inaugural season.
The distribution strategy also provides significant opportunities for sponsors, advertisers, and community partners seeking to align with the continued growth of women’s sports and emerging women’s professional basketball platforms.
COMMISSIONER STATEMENT
“The UPSHOT League is entering the national women’s sports conversation with a bold media strategy that delivers unmatched accessibility, visibility, and reach. Fueled by global live streaming, national FAST channel exposure through Scripps Sports Network, and a powerful network of local broadcast partners, UPSHOT is not simply joining the women’s sports movement, it is positioning itself as a major new platform built to elevate women’s basketball on a national and global stage.”
2026 DISTRIBUTION SNAPSHOT
| 2026 Distribution Snapshot | Coverage |
| YouTube Global Streaming | Every game live worldwide |
| Scripps Sports Network FAST Channel | 15-game national schedule |
| Local OTA Broadcast Markets | Charlotte, Greensboro, Jacksonville, Savannah, and potentially several other Scripps local TV markets |
| Total Regional Broadcast Inventory | 50+ local television windows |
| Distribution Model | Local + National + Global |
The FUTURE is UP.
Learn more at: https://upshotleague.com/
MEDIA CONTACT
LeslieAnne Wade
(917)751-7693
UPSHOT@UPSHOTLEAGUE.COM
News Source: The UPSHOT League
To view the original post, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/the-upshot-league-announces-expansive-multi-platform-media-distribution-for-inaugural-2026-basketball-season/.
This press release was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy. www.send2press.com.
Business
Gutscheine7 Announces Launch of Germany Travel Savings Platform to Enhance Experience for U.S. Visitors
NEW YORK, N.Y., May 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Gutscheine7 (Gutscheine7.de), a Germany-focused coupon platform, today highlighted how its service helps U.S. travelers save money while shopping in Germany by providing access to localized discounts, real-time promotions, and easy-to-navigate deal listings. As international travel continues to rebound, American tourists are increasingly looking for practical ways to manage spending in unfamiliar retail environments.
Image caption: Gutscheine7 Announces Launch of Germany Travel Savings Platform to Enhance Experience for U.S. Visitors.
Gutscheine7 aggregates a wide range of offers from German retailers and brands, covering categories such as fashion, electronics, home goods, and pharmacy products. Unlike the U.S., where promo codes are dominant, Germany’s discount landscape often includes direct price reductions, seasonal sales, and store-specific promotions. The platform organizes these offers into a clear and structured format, allowing U.S. visitors to quickly understand and take advantage of local deal types without confusion.
Before making a purchase, travelers can use Gutscheine7 to browse current offers by brand or category, helping them compare options and identify the best available savings. The platform is continuously updated to reflect the latest promotions, reducing the likelihood of encountering expired or invalid discounts at checkout. This focus on usability and accuracy helps eliminate the trial-and-error experience that often comes with using coupons in a foreign market.
Gutscheine7 is designed with simplicity in mind, featuring a streamlined interface and intuitive navigation that make it accessible even for first-time users. Whether shopping online or visiting physical stores, U.S. travelers can quickly find relevant deals and make more informed purchasing decisions during their trip.
“Our goal is to make local savings accessible to everyone, regardless of where they are from,” said Lukas Schneider, Head of International Growth at Gutscheine7. “For U.S. travelers visiting Germany, understanding how discounts work locally can be a challenge. Gutscheine7 helps bridge that gap by providing clear, up-to-date, and practical savings information.”
As cross-border travel and shopping continue to grow, platforms that simplify access to local deals are becoming increasingly valuable. Gutscheine7’s focus on German market expertise positions it as a useful tool for international visitors looking to maximize value during their stay.
Learn more at: https://www.gutscheine7.de/
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News Source: Gutscheine7
To view the original post, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/gutscheine7-announces-launch-of-germany-travel-savings-platform-to-enhance-experience-for-u-s-visitors/.
This press release was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy. www.send2press.com.
Business
Neurotech Reports Announces Thomas Stieglitz, Ph.D., as Keynote Speaker for the Second Annual Neurotech Leaders Forum imec
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Neurotech Reports today announced that Thomas Stieglitz, Ph.D., a globally recognized expert in neural engineering and implantable neurotechnology, will keynote the Second Annual Neurotech Leaders Forum imec, taking place June 23-24, 2026, in Leuven, Belgium.
Photo caption: Thomas Stieglitz, Ph.D., will keynote the Second Annual Neurotech Leaders Forum imec.
The Neurotech Leaders Forum brings together senior executives, investors, researchers, clinicians, and technology developers working at the forefront of neurotechnology, bioelectronic medicine, and brain-computer interface innovation. The event serves as a platform for examining emerging technologies, commercialization trends, investment activity, and the evolving direction of the neurotech industry across Europe and internationally.
“Dr. Thomas Stieglitz represents the kind of visionary leadership that continues to drive the neurotechnology field forward,” said James Cavuoto, editor and publisher of Neurotech Reports. “His perspective on the convergence of engineering, neuroscience, and clinical application will provide tremendous value for attendees from across the neurotech ecosystem.”
“Advances in neural interfaces and bioelectronic medicine are creating entirely new possibilities for treating neurological disorders and restoring function,” said Dr. Stieglitz. “I am honored to participate in this year’s Neurotech Leaders Forum imec and contribute to the conversation about the future of neurotechnology.”
Dr. Stieglitz is widely recognized for his contributions to neural interface technologies and implantable systems aimed at restoring and modulating nervous system function. Throughout his career, he has combined academic leadership with entrepreneurial innovation, co-founding companies focused on neural implants and neuromodulation therapies. He has authored more than 200 scientific journal articles, contributed extensively to conference literature, and is named on dozens of patents spanning neurotechnology and biomedical engineering.
Launched in 2025, the Neurotech Leaders Forum imec has quickly become a key meeting point for neurotechnology executives, researchers, and investors from across Europe and North America. The 2026 Forum will bring together leaders in neurostimulation, brain-computer technologies, implantable devices, AI-enabled neurotechnology, and investment at imec, one of Europe’s leading research and innovation centers.
Additional information and registration details are available at: https://www.neurotechreports.com/pages/leadersforum-europe.html
More information about imec is available at: https://www.imec-int.com/
ABOUT NEUROTECH REPORTS
Neurotech Reports, part of Cambridge Innovation Institute, is a leading source of market research, industry analysis, and business news covering neurotechnology, neuromodulation, and bioelectronic medicine. Through its publications and executive conferences, the company provides insights into emerging technologies, commercial trends, and investment activity shaping the global neurotech industry. Learn more: https://www.neurotechreports.com/
MULTIMEDIA:
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Photo caption: Thomas Stieglitz, Ph.D., will keynote the Second Annual Neurotech Leaders Forum imec
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News Source: Neurotech Reports
To view the original post, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/neurotech-reports-announces-thomas-stieglitz-ph-d-as-keynote-speaker-for-the-second-annual-neurotech-leaders-forum-imec/.
This press release was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy. www.send2press.com.
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