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Ohio Bankers League Announces Sara McCarty as Recipient of the 2026 Next Generation Leadership Award

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COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Ohio Bankers League (OBL) is proud to announce Sara McCarty, Vice President of Commercial Lending at Portage Community Bank, as the recipient of the 2026 Next Generation Leadership Award.

Presented annually at the OBL Next Gen Conference, the award recognizes an emerging leader in Ohio’s banking industry who exemplifies innovation, integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to shaping the future of banking. The honor celebrates professionals who not only excel in their own roles but also inspire others through leadership, service, and a dedication to developing the next generation of industry talent.

Since joining Portage Community Bank in 2019, McCarty has distinguished herself as a rising leader both within her organization and throughout Ohio’s banking community. She has played an important role in advancing the bank’s strategic goals, mentoring new team members, and strengthening relationships throughout the communities the bank serves.

In nominating McCarty for the award, colleague Robert Standardi highlighted her ability to embrace challenges, adapt to change, and consistently seek opportunities to grow as a leader. He noted that her commitment to Portage Community Bank extends beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, as she continually invests in the institution’s future while modeling the ownership mindset and leadership qualities essential to community banking.

McCarty’s leadership and service have earned recognition throughout the industry. In 2024, she was named Lending Advocate of the Year by Alloy Development Co. for her outstanding support of businesses utilizing the SBA 504 program. She is actively engaged in her local community through service on the City of Kent Revolving Loan Fund and participation on the Alloy Project Review Committee.

Her commitment to advancing Ohio’s banking industry is equally evident through her involvement with the Ohio Bankers League. McCarty currently serves as Chair of the OBL Next Generation Advisory Board and served as moderator of the 2026 OBL Next Gen Conference. She is also a graduate of the 2023 OBL Bank Leadership Institute and the 2022 Leadership Portage County program.

Upon accepting the award, McCarty expressed gratitude to the many colleagues, mentors, and peers who have supported her throughout her career. She made special mention of the late Eric Decker, crediting him with much of her professional success and for encouraging her involvement with the Ohio Bankers League.

“Sara represents the very best of community banking’s future,” said Michael Adelman, President and CEO of the Ohio Bankers League. “Her passion for serving customers, developing others, and giving back to both her community and our industry embodies the spirit of this award. We are proud to recognize her accomplishments and look forward to the continued impact she will have on Ohio banking.”

“Sara is a shining star in community banking and a true inspiration for the next generation of bank leadership,” said Standardi. “Her unwavering leadership, industry service, and commitment to developing others make her a deserving recipient of the OBL Next Generation Leadership Award.”

The Ohio Bankers League congratulates Sara McCarty on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for the leadership and vision she brings to Ohio’s banking industry.

About the Ohio Bankers League
The OBL is the trade association for the Ohio banking industry – and is Ohio’s only organization focused on meeting the needs of all banks and thrifts in the Buckeye State. The OBL is the voice of the Ohio banking industry fostering a cooperation that has made it one of the strongest and most reputable financial trade associations in the country.

By linking banks, bankers, and industry experts – and by pooling their intellectual and capital resources – the OBL serves as a powerful creator of knowledge and collective resources. The non-profit association is comprised of 170-plus FDIC-insured financial institutions including commercial banks, savings banks, and savings and loan associations ranging in size from just over $13 million in assets to more than $3.5 trillion.

About Portage Community Bank
Portage Community Bank is dedicated to providing commercial and personal banking solutions and fostering growth within our communities, embodying the philosophy of “Neighbors Serving Neighbors.” With a focus on customer service and community engagement, we strive to meet the financial needs of our customers while contributing to the economic vitality of our community. Portage Community Bank is an equal housing lender and member FDIC. More information about Portage Community Bank can be found on PCB’s website at www.PortageCommunity.Bank.

OBL Contact:
Audra Johnson, Director of Communications
Ohio Bankers League
614.340.7621
ajohnson@ohiobankersleague.com

Bank Contact:
Connie M. Bennett, Chief Executive Officer
Portage Community Bank
330.296.8080
cbennett@portagecommunity.bank

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ohio-bankers-league-announces-sara-mccarty-as-recipient-of-the-2026-next-generation-leadership-award-302808146.html

SOURCE Portage Community Bank

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America’s Largest Political Group Is Getting Its Own Election Night

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A record 45% of Americans identify with neither party. On November 3, they get the first nationally televised Election Night built around the independent voter bloc, presented by United Independents, the organization behind the Independent National Convention, in partnership with DeFiance Media.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Can the country’s largest bloc of voters turn identity into representation? Independents now make up 45% of U.S. adults, a record high in Gallup’s 2025 data, yet partisan coverage continues to dominate mainstream mediums. On November 3, one broadcast will cover the election from the Independent point of view.

Broadcast live from the National Press Club’s television studio in Washington, D.C. Election Night 2026: Independent Edition is an eight-hour program hosted by Christopher Life, founder and CEO of United Independents, and Macy Gunnell, NewsForce’s White House correspondent. DeFiance Media will be producing and streaming the broadcast.

Built on live election data from The Associated Press (AP), the program will call the national races as the returns come in. Then it goes where other broadcasts don’t: race-by-race coverage of independent candidates in consequential congressional contests, and guest conversations with the strategists and organizers behind them.

Built for the Voters Both Parties Are Chasing

Two generations of Americans have come of age as independent voters, and in 74 years of nationally televised Election Night broadcasts, not one has been built around them. This one is: national results and the balance of power, dedicated coverage of the independent candidates who could tip the next Congress, and a live chat with selected viewer questions put to the hosts and guests on air.

Open to Every Newsroom

Television pool feed. U.S. television outlets, including local stations, can carry the program live, in full or in part, separate from DeFiance Media’s full-program streaming.Social streaming. The broadcast streams through participating social media partners. Channels that want to carry it can sign up at Election2026.live.Live clips and excerpts. Newsrooms, commentators, and creators can pull portions of the program for reporting and social distribution while the broadcast is underway.

Request access through the Media & Distribution Access Form at Election2026.live.

Free and Accessible Nationwide

Going live Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026, from 6 PM- 2 AM ET. Updates, guest announcements, and viewing instructions: Election2026.live.

Media Contact

Shaun Saunders
shaun@graffiticreativegroup.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/americas-largest-political-group-is-getting-its-own-election-night-302919753.html

SOURCE DeFiance Media

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Pianist Michael Weinstein Wins Best Social Media Music Collaborations at the 2026 Vega Awards

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With more than a million followers across social media, Weinstein’s piano collaborations bring together vocalists from around the world to create unique musical performances and reach new audiences.

SOUTH SALEM, N.Y., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Pianist, entrepreneur and social media creator Michael Weinstein has been recognized at the 2026 Vega Digital Awards in the Social Media Collaboration category for his music collaboration series, Piano Sessions: Bringing Voices Together Through Music.

“I love collaborating with talented singers including building friendships that have become just as meaningful as the music itself.”

Weinstein has built a social media audience of more than a million followers across TikTok, Instagram and other platforms by sharing piano performances and collaborations with singers from around the world. His videos feature vocalists performing alongside his piano accompaniment, creating intimate musical performances that showcase each artist’s individual talent and style.

While Weinstein has spent much of his professional career building businesses and marketing consumer brands, music has always remained one of his greatest passions.

“Music has always been a huge part of my life and one of the things I enjoy most is collaborating with other musicians,” said Weinstein. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many incredibly talented singers and I love being able to play alongside them and create something special together. It’s also rewarding to introduce these artists to new audiences while building relationships and friendships that have become just as meaningful as the music itself.”

An accomplished pianist and keyboardist, Weinstein has collaborated with an impressive range of vocalists, including artists who have performed and recorded with Maroon 5, Sting, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Usher, Lauryn Hill and Jill Scott. He has also collaborated with standout performers from American Idol, America’s Got Talent and The Voice.

Weinstein is also planning a live concert in New York City in 2027, bringing together several of the talented vocalists featured on his social media channels for a special collaborative performance. Additional details will be announced in the coming months.

Outside of music, Weinstein is the Founder and CEO of JAM Direct, a marketing and advertising agency, and former Chief Marketing Officer of Allstar Products Group, where he was responsible for marketing some of the most successful products in “As Seen On TV” history, including the Snuggie, ShamWow and Shake Weight.

Watch Michael Weinstein’s performances here:

https://linktr.ee/mweinsteinmusic

About the Vega Digital Awards

The Vega Digital Awards is an international competition recognizing excellence in social media, digital marketing and brand strategy. Judged by the International Awards Associate (IAA), the competition honors work that demonstrates innovation, effectiveness and measurable impact across the global marketing landscape.

Media Contact

Michael Weinstein, JAM Direct, 1 9146610053, mw@jamdirect.com, https://michaelweinstein.me/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/pianist-michael-weinstein-wins-best-social-media-music-collaborations-at-the-2026-vega-awards-302919551.html

SOURCE JAM Direct

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Landis+Gyr Secures Major Contract with Leading US Utility

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CHAM, Switzerland and ALPHARETTA, Ga., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Landis+Gyr Group AG (SIX: LAND), a global energy technology leader driving intelligent innovation across the grid, today announced that it has secured a major contract with a leading US investor-owned electric utility. The agreement covers more than 3 million advanced metering endpoints.

Under the agreement, Landis+Gyr will provide Revelo meters and associated network and head-end system technologies, complemented by advanced security solutions, premium support, and software maintenance and services. The deployment is expected to advance the utility’s grid modernization objectives by enhancing security, grid visibility and operational performance.

“This important win reflects the strong momentum of our Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio and the trust customers place in Landis+Gyr to support large-scale grid modernization programs. By combining advanced metering, integrated technology, security and support capabilities, we look forward to helping this utility enhance grid visibility, reliability and operational performance,” said Peter Mainz, Chief Executive Officer of Landis+Gyr.

About Landis+Gyr

Landis+Gyr is a global energy technology leader, delivering intelligent solutions that connect devices, data, and decisions across the grid. Trusted by more than 2,000 utilities worldwide, we transform traditional devices into intelligent, networked sensors, giving utilities real-time grid visibility and system control. With these combined insights, electric, gas, and water companies can anticipate demand, optimize operations, and deliver energy that’s more reliable, resilient, accessible, safe, and sustainable for everyone. For more information, please visit our website www.landisgyr.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/landisgyr-secures-major-contract-with-leading-us-utility-302919687.html

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