Technology

New RedThread Research Report Helps L&D Teams Maximize Frontline Impact with Limited Resources

Published

12 months ago

April 28, 2025

New report introduces a practical framework to help organizations target frontline development for core business functions, performance, and future readiness.

WOODSIDE, Calif., April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — RedThread Research today announced the availability of Developing Frontline Workers: Focus Where It Counts, a new report offering practical guidance for Learning & Development (L&D) teams looking to make smarter, more impactful decisions about frontline development.

L&D teams are stretched thin. To drive real business outcomes, they need to focus on what matters most.

The report introduces a practical, three-part framework to help organizations prioritize frontline development across three essential domains: core business functions (“license to operate”), current performance, and future readiness. Researchers Dani Johnson and Heather Gilmartin Adams found that most organizations over-invest in license-to-operate development while underinvesting in development that improves performance and builds longer-term skills — resulting in missed opportunities for both business and workforce growth.

The research, conducted through 4 months of qualitative research, a literary review of over 35 academic and business articles and reports, in-depth interviews with 22 L&D and HR leaders, and a research roundtable of 17 firms, centers on a key insight: frontline development tends to be out of balance. Many organizations over-index on “license to operate” efforts, leaving too few resources for development that improves current performance and future-readiness—two areas that are critical to long-term success.

“We know investing in frontline workers is good for business — that they are essential to the business — but that recognition hasn’t always led to focused, effective investment,” said Dani Johnson, Co-founder and Principal Analyst at RedThread Research. “L&D teams are stretched thin. To drive real business outcomes, they need to focus on what matters most.”

To guide those decisions, the report offers a practical framework. The research identifies three essential domains of frontline development: license to operate, current performance, and future readiness.

License to operate includes the foundational training needed to keep the business running—such as safety, regulatory compliance, and basic job proficiency. It’s non-negotiable and must be done well, but many organizations stop here.

Current performance focuses on solving critical business problems and improving near-term outcomes. It includes targeted development and support that helps frontline workers do their jobs more effectively right now.

Future readiness is about preparing workers for what’s next—developing skills that align with upcoming technology changes, strategic shifts, or evolving customer needs.

The report also outlines a clear goal and top priorities for L&D leaders in each domain, including questions to ask, options to consider, and data to examine.

“Our research shows that focused action is the key,” said Heather Gilmartin Adams, Senior Analyst and co-author. “We found that the most effective L&D leaders aren’t trying to cover everything. They’re making smart, strategic choices—and putting energy where it counts.”

With practical guidance, clear examples, and targeted reflection questions, Developing Frontline Workers: Focus Where It Counts equips L&D and HR leaders to prioritize with confidence. Rather than trying to do everything, leaders will walk away with a structure for what matters most in each domain, and a framework for putting limited resources to their highest and best use.

Developing Frontline Workers: Focus Where It Counts is available exclusively to RedThread members. Explore the full report — and RedThread’s full research library at www.redthreadresearch.com.

About RedThread Research

At RedThread Research, we get it.

Sure, we’re experts in performance, people analytics, learning, and D&I – and we’re well-versed in the technologies that support them. But we’re also truth-seekers and storytellers in an industry often short on substance, and too full of #!%. Our mission (indeed, our very reason for existing) is to cut through the noise, and amplify what’s good. We look for the connections (or red threads) between people, data, and ideas – even among seemingly unrelated concepts. The result is high-quality, unbiased, transformative foresight that helps you build a stronger business.

To learn more, visit http://www.redthreadresearch.com

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SOURCE RedThread Research

Technology

Register NOW for the Maynard Regional Training Series in partnership with Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications

Published

50 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

Maynard Regional Training Series for early-career and mid-level managers and editors features innovative frameworks, coaching and mentoring for career and newsroom development.

CHICAGO, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Robert C. Maynard Institute for Journalism Education will conduct its Maynard Regional Training Series with Northwestern University’s Medill Local News Initiative on June 4-5, 2026.

The Maynard Regional Training Series brings two days of onsite editing and management training to journalists across the United States. In partnership with universities, these sessions give editors and managers the tools they need amid the complexities of news leadership.

Award-winning journalists and Medill professors will lead the training with Maynard Institute faculty. This program is for editors and managers working in any platform, (print, broadcast, digital).

The training provides workshops, discussions and coaching to help emerging news leaders manage teams and news coverage. Northwestern will cover the standard registration fee on behalf of registrants. Two meals are provided each day, and limited discounted hotel rooms will be available.

“The Maynard Regional Training will deliver customized workshops designed to sharpen the craft and confidence of editors and newsroom managers,” said Odette Alcazaren-Keeley, director of the Maynard Regional Training Series. “Alongside hands-on coaching from award-winning editors, participants will grow our vital community of peer support.”

The Medill Local News Initiative and Accelerator work to spur a more inclusive and economically robust local news ecosystem by offering expertise and programs on topics including consumer research, content strategy, executive leadership and more. These offerings help local news outlets maximize Chicagoland residents’ access to the information they need to be civically engaged.

The deadline to register is 11:59 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, May 20.

Training schedule: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CDT June 4-5.

Technology

Columbia Bank Receives 2026 Best Bank Honors from Crisil Coalition Greenwich

Published

50 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

TACOMA, Wash., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Columbia Bank, a subsidiary of Columbia Banking System (Nasdaq: COLB), today announced it has been recognized by Crisil Coalition Greenwich with two regional Best Bank Awards for excellence in middle market banking. More than 500 banks worldwide were evaluated across small business and middle market categories, with only 47 banks receiving honors.

Crisil Coalition Greenwich recognized Columbia Bank in the following middle market banking categories for the U.S. West region:

Best Bank – Satisfaction in Cash Management for Middle Market Banking in the U.S. (West)Best Bank – Satisfaction with Relationship Manager for Middle Market Banking in the U.S. (West)

Source: Coalition Greenwich Voice of Client – 2025 U.S. Commercial Banking Study

Best Bank Awards are based on extensive client feedback. The 2026 middle market recognitions draw from more than 11,000 interviews with U.S.-based businesses generating $10 million to $500 million in annual sales.

“Columbia Bank’s recognition by Crisil Coalition Greenwich as a 2026 Best Bank is especially meaningful since it’s the result of customer testimonials. It reflects the priority we place on supporting middle market companies, as well as the dedication and expertise our bankers bring to the table every day for our customers,” said Tory Nixon, Columbia Bank President. “It’s a privilege to support so many outstanding middle market enterprises across the West, and we will continue to earn their trust and confidence.”

Additional 2026 Accolades
The Coalition Greenwich awards add to a growing list of honors Columbia Bank has received this year, including:

Forbes: America’s Best BanksGlobal Finance: Best Bank for Small and Midsize Enterprises, West Global Finance: Best Trade Finance Partner, West

About Columbia Bank
Columbia Bank is the largest bank headquartered in the Northwest and one of the largest banks headquartered in the West with offices in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington. Columbia Bank combines the resources, sophistication, and expertise of a national bank with a commitment to deliver superior, personalized service. The bank supports consumers and businesses through a full suite of services, including retail and commercial banking, Small Business Administration lending, institutional and corporate banking, and equipment leasing. Columbia Bank customers also have access to comprehensive investment and wealth management expertise as well as healthcare and private banking through Columbia Wealth Management. Columbia Bank is a subsidiary of Tacoma, Washington-based Columbia Banking System, Inc. (Nasdaq: COLB).

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SOURCE Columbia Banking System, Inc.

Technology

McLuck Sweepstakes Casino Celebrates 3rd Birthday with Week-Long Rewards

Published

50 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

McLuck Sweepstakes Casino announces its third-anniversary celebration, featuring community events and rewards from April 22nd through April 30th. The milestone will be marked by themed influencer live streams, and limited-time offers across McLuck’s official channels.

DOUGLAS, Isle of Man, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — McLuck, a premier online Sweepstakes casino in the US, is marking its third year with a week-long anniversary celebration. From April 22nd through April 30th, the social casino will host a variety of commemorative activities, including influencer giveaways and exclusive offers to recognize the milestone.

“Turning three is a major milestone, and we wanted to celebrate it alongside the players who made our growth possible,” said Joerg Nottebaum, spokesperson for McLuck. “Through April 30th, we are offering themed creator streams and exclusive rewards to mark this occasion with our community.”

Since its launch in 2023, McLuck has established a significant presence in the US Sweepstakes casino market, known for its extensive library of titles including online slots, live casino games, casual titles, and engaging seasonal offers. This anniversary week is designed to acknowledge the platform’s community growth through interactive content and birthday-themed rewards.

The anniversary celebration includes the following highlights:

Birthday-Themed Rewards: Throughout the week, the official McLuck website will feature limited-time bundles featuring Gold Coins, along with FREE Sweepstakes Coins and Free Spins.Influencer Live Streams: McLuck partner influencers will host custom birthday-themed sessions. These live streams will feature exclusive giveaways, providing viewers with opportunities to receive Free Spins and FREE Sweepstakes Coins.McLuck Blog Promo Code: The official McLuck blog will serve as a central resource, providing updates, and a unique anniversary promo code for blog readers.Social Media Challenges: McLuck’s verified channels on Instagram and Facebook will host anniversary-themed competitions and offers, bringing the party to the wider Sweepstakes casino community.

The celebrations are available to both new and existing players via the official McLuck website. For the latest updates and to stay informed on the week’s activities, players can engage with the official social channels and blog.

About McLuck

Established in 2023, McLuck is a leading social and Sweepstakes casino platform serving players across the United States and Canada. Dedicated to providing a premier free-to-play experience, McLuck offers a vast library of over 1,000 slots and live dealer games from top-tier providers including 3 Oaks Gaming, NetEnt, and Playson.

McLuck allows users to enjoy casino-style entertainment with no purchase necessary, while offering the opportunity to win real prizes. McLuck is committed to responsible social gaming, innovation, and player satisfaction.

For more information, visit www.mcluck.com.

No purchase necessary. 21+. Void where prohibited by law. See Terms of Service.

Media Contact

Joerg Nottebaum, McLuck, 350 54 093 606, pr@mcluck.com, https://www.mcluck.com/

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SOURCE McLuck