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FirstComm Expands Cloud Communications Portfolio with Launch of Hosted Hospitality Solution for Hotels and Resorts

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Purpose-built cloud communications platform integrates with leading Property Management Systems to elevate guest experiences, improve staff efficiency, and modernize hotel operations.

AKRON, Ohio, Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — FirstComm, a leading provider of advanced communications and managed technology services, today announced the launch of FirstComm Hosted Hospitality, a cloud-based communications platform purpose-built for hotels, resorts, and multi-property hospitality organizations.

As hotels continue replacing aging PBX systems and investing in digital guest experiences, the need for modern, hospitality-focused communications has never been greater. FirstComm Hosted Hospitality combines enterprise-grade cloud communications with seamless Property Management System (PMS) integration, enabling hospitality organizations to automate guest interactions, simplify staff communications, and improve operational efficiency from check-in through check-out.

“At FirstComm, everything we do begins with our commitment to our customers,” said Paul Van Hyfte, Chief Executive Officer of FirstComm. “Hosted Hospitality is another example of how we’re investing in solutions that help our customers deliver exceptional experiences while simplifying their day-to-day operations. By listening to the evolving needs of the hospitality industry, we’re able to provide innovative, reliable technology backed by the responsive service and support our customers have come to expect from FirstComm.”

Unlike traditional hotel phone systems that often require expensive hardware and ongoing maintenance, FirstComm Hosted Hospitality delivers a cloud-based solution that is easy to deploy, manage, and scale across single properties or entire hotel portfolios.

Key capabilities include:

Personalized guest communicationsAutomated welcome announcementsGuest or staff-scheduled wake-up callsGuest and staff messagingVoicemail and voicemail-to-emailMulti-language support in 18 languagesSeamless room phone activation during check-in and check-outWeb-based administrationHousekeeping room status updatesMaid and housekeeping codesMinibar reportingAutomated attendantOptional call accountingMulti-property support

By connecting communications directly with PMS workflows, hotel staff can spend less time managing technology and more time delivering memorable guest experiences.

Hosted Hospitality joins FirstComm’s growing portfolio of cloud communications and managed technology solutions, including Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS), Microsoft Teams Direct Routing, Internet Connectivity, SD-WAN, Managed Security, and POTS Replacement.

Hospitality organizations interested in learning more or scheduling a personalized demonstration can visit www.firstcomm.com or contact FirstComm at (800) 860-2934.

About FirstComm

FirstComm is a leading provider of communication solutions and managed technology services for businesses across the United States. With a focus on reliability, service quality, and customer success, FirstComm delivers cloud communications, connectivity, managed security, and advanced networking solutions that help organizations operate more efficiently and securely.

For more information, visit www.firstcomm.com.

Media Contact

marketing@firstcomm.com
(800) 860-2934
www.firstcomm.com

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Made4net Appoints Rishabh Narang as Vice President of Product and Market Strategy

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Former Gartner supply chain technology analyst and warehouse management systems expert joins Made4net to help drive product innovation and market strategy

TEANECK, N.J., Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Made4net, a leading provider of cloud-based warehouse management systems (WMS) and end-to-end supply chain execution software, today announced that Rishabh Narang, former Gartner supply chain technology analyst and warehouse management systems expert, has joined the company as Vice President of Product and Market Strategy.

Narang brings nearly 15 years of experience in the warehouse management systems industry, with expertise spanning software implementations, system selection initiatives, pre-sales consulting, and solution demonstrations. Throughout his career, he has worked with organizations evaluating and deploying warehousing technologies across a wide range of operational environments, while also contributing to product roadmap assessments and competitive evaluations of warehouse technology providers.

Most recently, Narang spent five years as an industry analyst at Gartner, where his research focused on supply chain technology, including warehouse management systems, labor management systems, yard management systems, and emerging technologies such as agentic AI in logistics and supply chain operations. In that role, he tracked how supply chain technologies are evolving and how companies evaluate, select, and adopt solutions to meet changing business needs.

“Rishabh brings a unique combination of hands-on operational experience, deep product knowledge, and broad market perspective,” said Duff Davidson, CEO at Made4net. “His experience advising organizations on warehouse technology strategies and evaluating the industry’s leading solutions gives him an exceptional understanding of customer requirements, market trends, and emerging opportunities. We are excited to welcome him to Made4net as we continue to invest in innovation and strengthen our market leadership.”

In his new role, Narang will help drive Made4net’s product and market strategy, working closely with customers, partners, and internal teams to align product innovation with evolving market demands. He will play a key role in shaping the company’s vision, advancing product positioning, evaluating market opportunities, and helping ensure Made4net’s solutions continue to address the increasingly complex needs of modern supply chain operations.

“Supply chains are being reshaped by rising operational complexity, the demand for real-time visibility, and technologies like AI that are changing how platforms are built and prioritized,” said Narang. “Having evaluated these systems as an analyst, and implemented them firsthand before that, I’ve watched the industry shift away from rigid, packaged solutions toward more adaptive, intelligence-driven platforms. Made4net’s configurability and innovation track record put it in a strong position to lead that shift, and I’m looking forward to helping shape both the product roadmap and how we position it in the market.”

About Made4net

Made4net is a global leader in WMS (warehouse management system) and supply chain execution software, delivering best-in-class, cloud-based WMS and 3PL WMS solutions. Our adaptable and scalable platform empowers organizations of all sizes to improve efficiency, visibility, and control across their supply chain.

Made4net’s end-to-end SCExpert™ platform offers a robust WMS solution that enables real-time inventory visibility, labor management, and equipment productivity with performance analytics that drive faster, more accurate order fulfillment and improved supply chain efficiency. In addition to the best-of-breed WMS, the platform offers integrated yard management, dynamic route management, proof of delivery and warehouse automation solutions that deliver a true supply chain convergence. Made4net is proud to be recognized by analysts and industry experts as a global leader in warehouse management software, including the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Warehouse Management Systems.

For more information, visit www.made4net.com.

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SOURCE Made4net, LLC

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In HelloNation, Tax Planning & Bookkeeping Experts Jake Flader & Jonathan Williams Share Why Tax Planning Should Be a Year-Round Business Strategy

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The article explains how proactive financial planning helps business owners manage taxes, cash flow, and long-term growth.

MIDLAND, Texas, Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Why should business owners think about tax planning all year instead of only during tax season?

HelloNation answers that question in an article featuring insights from Tax Planning & Bookkeeping Experts Jake Flader and Jonathan Williams of Flader & Williams in Midland, TX. The article explains that tax planning is most effective when it becomes an ongoing business practice rather than a seasonal task, helping owners make informed financial decisions throughout the year.

The HelloNation article explains that the foundation of successful tax planning is accurate bookkeeping. Every financial decision depends on reliable financial records that reflect the true condition of the business. Recording income, expenses, payroll, and other transactions consistently creates organized financial records that support both day-to-day operations and long-term planning. Current bookkeeping also allows business owners to spend less time searching for documents and more time using accurate information to guide important decisions.

According to the article, maintaining organized bookkeeping also improves visibility into business performance. Up-to-date financial records make it easier to monitor revenue, control expenses, and identify developing trends before they become larger concerns. Rather than relying on estimates or outdated reports, business owners can evaluate current performance using accurate information that supports both operational decisions and ongoing tax planning.

The article also highlights the close relationship between tax planning and cash flow. Tax obligations influence many aspects of business operations, making it important to understand how upcoming payments fit within the company’s overall financial picture. Monitoring cash flow throughout the year allows owners to prepare for estimated tax payments while avoiding situations where tax obligations compete with payroll or other financial commitments. Careful planning provides greater confidence than reacting to deadlines as they approach.

Another important benefit discussed in the article is that year-round tax planning provides a clearer understanding of future obligations. Regularly reviewing income, deductible expenses, equipment purchases, and other financial activity gives business owners time to estimate potential tax liabilities and evaluate available strategies before filing season arrives. This proactive approach reduces unexpected surprises and makes tax preparation a smoother process.

The article explains that financial planning extends beyond taxes alone. Decisions involving equipment purchases, hiring employees, expanding operations, or investing in technology all influence both business performance and future tax obligations. Tax Planning & Bookkeeping Experts Jake Flader and Jonathan Williams’ featured insights emphasize that combining thoughtful financial planning with current financial records allows business owners to evaluate opportunities with greater confidence while understanding how today’s decisions may affect tomorrow’s financial position.

Consistent communication with accounting professionals is another key recommendation. Rather than meeting only once each year, ongoing conversations create opportunities to discuss changing business conditions, review financial performance, and adjust strategies as circumstances evolve. This collaborative approach strengthens financial planning while supporting more informed business decisions throughout the year.

The article also notes that organized financial records help businesses respond more effectively to changing economic conditions, unexpected expenses, or new growth opportunities. Current information allows owners to adjust plans based on reliable data instead of assumptions while maintaining a stronger understanding of cash flow and overall business performance.

The article concludes that effective tax planning is an ongoing management tool rather than a once-a-year obligation. By maintaining accurate bookkeeping, organizing financial records, monitoring cash flow, prioritizing financial planning, and approaching tax preparation as the final step in a year-round process, business owners can reduce stress, avoid unnecessary surprises, and make more confident decisions that support long-term success.

Tax Planning Is a Year-Round Business Tool features insights from Jake Flader and Jonathan Williams, Tax Planning & Bookkeeping Experts of Midland, TX, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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SOURCE HelloNation

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LESS THAN HALF OF OPPORTUNITY ZONES POST ANNUAL HOME PRICE GROWTH

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Median home prices grew year-over-year in 46.3 percent of Opportunity Zone census tracts, compared to 49.8 percent of tracts outside the zones; Tracts outside the zones were more likely to see double-digit home price growth year-over-year

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ATTOM, the leading provider of property data, AI-powered intelligence, and real estate analytics solutions, today released its second-quarter 2026 report analyzing qualified low-income Opportunity Zones targeted by Congress for economic redevelopment in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (see full methodology below). In this report, ATTOM looked at 4,183 census tracts in Opportunity Zones around the United States with sufficient data to analyze, meaning they had at least five home sales in the second quarter of the year.

The analysis shows that median single-family home and condo prices rose quarter-over-quarter in 51.8 percent (1,626) of the 3,141 Opportunity Zone census tracts with sufficient data to analyze in the first and second quarters of 2026. Year-over-year, median home values rose in 46.3 percent (1,639) of the 3,541 Opportunity Zone census tracts with sufficient data to analyze for the second quarters of 2025 and 2026.

Outside of designated Opportunity Zones, median home prices rose year-over-year in 49.8 percent (28,115) of the 56,432 census tracts with sufficient data to analyze in the respective quarters, meaning home value growth was more common outside the zones than in them.

In the second quarter of 2026, 10.7 percent (449) of all 4,183 Opportunity Zone census tracts included in the analysis posted their highest median home value since the beginning of the Great Recession in 2008 and 1,064 experienced at least 10 percent growth in home values year-over-year.

“We have generally seen Opportunity Zones move in step with the broader housing market, and that remains largely true today,” said Rob Barber, CEO of ATTOM. “The second quarter suggests some cooling in these areas relative to the rest of the country, but the difference is still narrow enough that we’ll be watching future quarters for confirmation before drawing broader conclusions.”

Despite similar likelihoods to experience home price growth, the actual values of homes inside Opportunity Zones tend to be much lower. The national median single-family home price was $360,000 in the first quarter of 2026, the most recent data available. Inside Opportunity Zones, only 21.8 percent of tracts had typical home values that exceeded the national median. Outside of the zones, 49.6 percent of tracts exceeded the national median.

Due to the small number of sales in many Opportunity Zones, median price measurements can be volatile. The typical median sales prices rose or fell by more than 5 percent quarter-over-quarter in 81 percent of the 3,141 tracts with sufficient data to analyze.

Major findings from the report:

Median single-family home and condo prices rose quarter-over-quarter in 51.8 percent (1,626) of the 3,141 Opportunity Zone census tracts with sufficient data to analyze.Year-over-year, median home values rose in 46.3 percent (1,639) of the 3,541 Opportunity Zone census tracts with sufficient data to analyze.Outside of designated Opportunity Zones, median home prices rose year-over-year in 49.8 percent (28,115) of the 56,432 census tracts with sufficient data to analyze.Areas outside Opportunity Zones were more likely to see double-digit year-over-year home price growth in the second quarter. Median home prices grew by at least 10 percent in 28.1 percent of census tracts outside the zones, compared to 30 percent of tracts inside the zones.Among states with at least 25 Opportunity Zone census tracts with sufficient data to analyze, Oregon had the largest share that experienced year-over-year median home price growth (57 percent), followed by Maine (54 percent), South Carolina (52 percent), Indiana (52 percent), and Oklahoma (50 percent).For the first time, ATTOM’s second quarter 2026 Opportunity Zone report incorporates ResiScores, AI-derived neighborhood rankings based on projected home price appreciation. Several Opportunity Zones ranked among the highest-scoring neighborhoods in the nation’s largest metro areas, including zones in Chicago (ResiScore 98), New York (99), Los Angeles (96), Dallas (97), and Houston (99), indicating projected housing market performance that exceeds most other census tracts in their respective metros.

Conclusion

ATTOM’s second quarter 2026 Opportunity Zones report showed that areas outside the zones experienced median home price growth at a greater rate than areas inside the zones. Areas outside the zones were also more likely to see double-digit price growth and continue to have significantly higher median home values.

Report methodology

The ATTOM Opportunity Zones analysis is based on home sales price data derived from recorded sales deeds. Statistics for previous quarters are revised when each new report is issued as more deed data becomes available. ATTOM’s analysis compared median home prices in census tracts designated as Opportunity Zones by the Internal Revenue Service. Except where noted, tracts were used for the analysis if they had at least five sales in the first quarter of 2026. Median household income data for tracts and counties comes from surveys taken by the U.S. Census Bureau (www.census.gov) from 2020 through 2024. The list of designated Qualified Opportunity Zones is located at U.S. Department of the Treasury. Regions are based on designations by the Census Bureau. Hawaii and Alaska, which the bureau designates as part of the Pacific region, were included in the West region for this report.

The report also included a ResiScore for each tract with sufficient data. The AI-powered scores combine housing market indicators including trends, appreciation, acceleration, forecast strength, and volatility into a single number between 0 and 100 that indicates the relative strength of a census tract’s housing market compared to other tracts in the same metropolitan area.

About ATTOM
ATTOM delivers AI-driven property intelligence built on one of the nation’s most trusted property data assets, covering 160 million U.S. properties—99% of the population. Our engineered, multi-sourced real estate data spans property tax, deeds, mortgages, foreclosure, environmental risk, property conditions, natural hazards, neighborhood insights, and geospatial boundaries, rigorously validated for advanced analytics. ATTOM supports analytics and AI-driven applications through flexible delivery options including APIs, bulk licensing, cloud delivery, and the MCP Server for AI-powered, agentic access to engineered property data—enabling organizations to automate analysis and scale property intelligence across industries.

Media Contact:
Megan Hunt
megan.hunt@attomdata.com 

Data and Report Licensing:
949.502.8313
datareports@attomdata.com 

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SOURCE ATTOM

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