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DirectLink Completes Service Area-Wide Fiber Expansion, Announces Fiber Fest Celebrations in Canby and Mt. Angel

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DirectLink – a member-owned telecommunications co-op serving the communities of Canby and Mt. Angel in Oregon’s Willamette Valley since 1904 – has completed its service area-wide fiber network expansion, bringing fiber internet access to homes and businesses throughout its serving territory. The milestone will be celebrated with Fiber Fest community events in Canby and Mt. Angel on September 2, 2026.

CANBY, Ore., Aug. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — DirectLink has reached a historic milestone with the completion of its service area-wide fiber expansion, making fiber internet available to homes and businesses throughout its cooperative service territory. To celebrate the achievement, DirectLink will host Fiber Fest community celebrations on September 2, 2026, in both Canby and Mt. Angel.

“As a member-owned co-op, we’ve always believed in investing for the long term. This achievement is the result of years of planning, substantial capital investment, and the unwavering commitment of our employees, board members, construction partners, and cooperative members.” – President Paul Hauer

The milestone represents the culmination of nearly two decades of investment in advanced broadband infrastructure. Since beginning its fiber deployment initiative in 2008, DirectLink has steadily expanded fiber connectivity across its service area, transforming the region into one of Oregon’s most connected communities.

Fiber-to-the-premises technology provides the speed, reliability, and capacity needed to support everything from remote work and telehealth to online learning, video streaming, smart home technology, and cloud-based business applications. By extending fiber availability throughout its service area, DirectLink has created a strong foundation for the communities’ future connectivity needs.

“Completing our fiber network across the entire service area is one of the most significant accomplishments in DirectLink’s history,” said Paul Hauer, President of DirectLink. “As a member-owned cooperative, we’ve always believed in investing for the long term. This achievement is the result of years of planning, substantial capital investment, and the unwavering commitment of our employees, board members, construction partners, and cooperative members. Together, we’ve built a communications network that will serve our communities for generations.”

The completed expansion marks the latest chapter in DirectLink’s long-standing leadership in broadband innovation. In 2014, the company became one of Oregon’s first Gigabit communities, introducing internet speeds up to 1 Gigabit per second to local residents and businesses. Just one year later, DirectLink – known as Canby Telcom at the time – earned the prestigious North American Gimme Fiber Award from the Fiber to the Home Council and was selected as the only U.S. host for the international Gimme Fiber Day celebration, showcasing the Canby community as an example of next-generation connectivity.

“Many communities across the country are still working toward widespread fiber access,” said Derrick Mottern, Chief Operations Officer at DirectLink. “Completing this expansion ensures that residents and businesses throughout our service area have access to the same advanced broadband capability, regardless of location. That consistency is especially important in a cooperative service area, where every member deserves access to reliable, high-quality connectivity.”

Today, DirectLink offers fiber internet speeds up to 1 Gigabit per second, with whole-home managed WiFi included with every residential internet speed tier. The cooperative also provides Outdoor WiFi solutions to extend connectivity beyond the home. For local businesses, DirectLink delivers fiber internet, hosted PBX phone systems, managed network solutions, and other technology services that power hundreds of organizations throughout the Canby and Mt. Angel areas.

The completion of the network was made possible through close collaboration among DirectLink’s internal teams and several key construction and engineering partners. North Sky Communications, JSI, and Mountain West played essential roles in network design, construction, and connecting addresses to fiber.

“Projects of this scale require strong partnerships and a shared commitment to excellence,” said Eric Kehler, Director of Plant and Field Operations at DirectLink. “We’re incredibly grateful for the work of North Sky Communications, JSI, and Mountain West, alongside our own talented employees. Together, we’ve spent years planning routes, placing fiber, completing installations, and connecting homes and businesses across our service area. This accomplishment reflects the dedication of everyone who helped make service area-wide fiber availability possible.”

In addition to delivering faster internet speeds, the fiber network strengthens the economic vitality of the communities DirectLink serves. Reliable broadband has become essential infrastructure for attracting employers, supporting entrepreneurs, enabling remote work opportunities, advancing education, and improving access to healthcare and public services. With universal fiber availability now complete, DirectLink’s service area is well-positioned to support future growth and innovation.

To commemorate the milestone, DirectLink will host Fiber Fest celebrations on September 2, 2026, in both Canby and Mt. Angel. The events will recognize the successful completion of the fiber project while bringing together cooperative members and neighbors, community leaders, business partners, and employees to celebrate the future of connectivity in the region.

“Fiber Fest is about more than a network project,” Hauer added. “It’s about celebrating what a community-owned cooperative can achieve when it remains focused on serving its members. This network was built for the communities we serve, and we’re excited to celebrate this milestone with everyone who helped make it possible.”

More information about the Fiber Fest Celebration can be found at www.directlink.coop/fiberfest.

About DirectLink

DirectLink is a member-owned telecommunications cooperative that has served the Canby and Mt. Angel areas of Oregon since 1904. The co-op provides internet, WiFi, and voice services to residents and organizations with a focus on local service, innovation, and community investment. DirectLink is committed to delivering reliable communications services that enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of the communities it serves.

Press Contact Information:

DirectLink

Conner Williams

conner.williams@cbsoregon.com

503-266-8275

www.directlink.coop

© 2026 DirectLink. All rights reserved. DirectLink and the DirectLink logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Canby Telephone Association dba DirectLink. All other product, font, and company names and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Media Contact

Conner Williams, DirectLink, 1 503-266-8275, conner.williams@cbsoregon.com, www.directlink.coop

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FULTON BANK INTRODUCES CASHFLOW CENTRAL PLATFORM TO EMPOWER SMALL BUSINESSES

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LANCASTER, Pa., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fulton Bank is now offering CashFlow Central® from Fiserv, a single, integrated payments hub, designed to help small businesses better manage accounts receivable and accounts payable in one digital experience.

Available through Fulton’s small business mobile and online platforms, CashFlow Central helps business owners streamline payment activities, improve visibility into cash flow, and spend less time on manual processes so they can focus on growing their businesses.

“With CashFlow Central, we’re delivering a more modern, efficient way for small businesses to manage their money,” said Phil Smith, Fulton Bank Director of Business Banking. “By bringing invoicing, payments, and reporting into a single hub, this service gives our customers the tools they need to stay organized, get paid faster, and operate with greater confidence.”

Key features of CashFlow Central include:

Consolidation of accounts payable and receivable in a single platform for invoicing, vendor payments and payment trackingEnablement of payments by bank transfer or business credit cardProvision of real‑time payment status and visibility to reduce manual trackingIntegration with widely used accounting software to streamline reconciliationEnhanced cash management capabilities with the Insights Dashboard, providing greater visibility into incoming and outgoing paymentsAccessible through mobile and online banking channels with scalable package options to support growing business needs

Fulton Bank collaborated with Fiserv, a global payments and financial technology company, to deliver this solution to small business customers via Fulton’s mobile and online banking platforms.

“CashFlow Central gives financial institutions a powerful way to extend their value beyond traditional banking by helping small businesses simplify how they manage and move money,” said Justin Jackson, Head of CashFlow Central, Fiserv. “By bringing payables, receivables and visibility into one experience, Fulton Bank is equipping its business clients with tools that reduce friction, improve cash flow insight and support day‑to‑day growth.”

The addition of CashFlow Central reflects Fulton Bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting small businesses with practical, digital solutions tailored to their evolving needs.

For more information, visit Fulton Bank’s website at www.fultonbank.com/cashflowcentral.

About Fulton Bank
Headquartered in Lancaster, Pa., Fulton Bank is a premier community bank in the Mid-Atlantic region. As a subsidiary of Fulton Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: FULT), a $34 billion financial services holding company, Fulton Bank offers a broad array of products and services at more than 200 financial centers across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. At Fulton Bank, we seek to change lives for the better by building strong customer relationships, providing significant community support and empowering more than 3,400 employees to do the same. Through the Fulton Forward® initiative, we’re helping build vibrant communities. Learn more at www.FultonBank.com. Fulton Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.

About Fiserv
Fiserv, Inc. (NASDAQ: FISV), a Fortune 500 company, is a global leader uniting commerce and finance. The company powers sustained growth and innovation at scale for financial institutions and businesses worldwide across payments, account processing, digital banking, merchant acquiring, network services, e-commerce, and Clover®, the all-in-one business management platform. Fiserv is a member of the S&P 500® Index and one of FORTUNE® America’s Most Innovative Companies. Visit fiserv.com and follow on social media for more information and the latest company news.

Media Contact:

Rachel Sharkey

(717) 291-2831

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fulton-bank-introduces-cashflow-central-platform-to-empower-small-businesses-302901375.html

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Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters to build national model for construction management degree at Slippery Rock University

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First online classes built on the foundation of apprenticeship learning begins Dec. 2026 

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Construction projects depend on people who understand how work happens in the field. A new degree launching in December 2026 is designed to help those workers prepare for the next stage of their careers by building a unique degree pathway that builds on what they have learned in the trade. 

The Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters have been primary architects of a unique curriculum for their members to earn a Bachelor of Applied Science in construction management, leveraging the national academic reputation of Slippery Rock University.

“This partnership complements and expands on the skills of people in the construction industry and provides leadership training for their long-term career growth,” said Nicole Dafoe, dean of the College of Engineering and Science at SRU. “Together we will create the next generation of construction managers whose impact will extend far beyond construction, helping build the schools, health care facilities, workplaces and community spaces that strengthen the region and improve everyday life for us all.” 

The jointly developed curriculum focuses on the career growth of apprentices and journey workers, as well as community college students and career and technical education graduates. It provides a pathway into construction management that also prepares them for increased leadership opportunities around safety and construction technology. 

“Our industry faces a significant workforce shortage and an increasing need for skilled craftspeople, project managers, project engineers, estimators, and other construction professionals. Addressing this challenge requires collaboration, innovation, and investment in the next generation of industry leaders,” said John Mascaro Jr., president and CEO of Mascaro Construction Company (MCC), a family-owned company that serves as a catalyst for growth by creating projects that generate lasting value for communities throughout western Pennsylvania. “This partnership between Slippery Rock University and The EAS Carpenters Union brings trade expertise and higher education together to help meet the needs of our Industry. This is the kind of practical innovation that earns our support by creating and growing skilled union workers while helping to develop the next generation of construction leaders.” MCC has been named to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s “Top Workplaces” for 10 consecutive years. 

The degree connects skilled trades learning with university coursework in construction leadership, safety and building technologies for apprentices, journey workers and other adults seeking to advance in the construction industry. 

“The concept of an either-or choice between trades education and higher education is outdated and represents a false dichotomy,” said Karen Riley, SRU president. “Both have tremendous value, and together they create greater opportunities for individuals, employers and our region. Bringing these pathways together allows us to respond more directly to what workers need to advance their careers and achieve their life goals, while also addressing what employers need to grow and strengthen the regional economy.”

For apprentices and journey workers, the path through higher education can be difficult to navigate. This program is designed to make that path clearer by connecting prior learning with coursework suited to working adults and a bachelor’s degree focused on the construction workforce. 

“The partnership rests on our mutual mission, education and excellence, and our combined dedication and contributions are essential to building the next generation of leaders,” said Alex Fulton, coordinator, EAS Carpenters Training Center. “The carpenters bring the technical expertise and experience from the job site and SRU has the experienced faculty with the demonstrated expertise needed to help our members take on new responsibilities as their careers develop.”

The degree includes three certificates in construction management, construction safety and construction technologies. Each gives students a focused area of study within the broader bachelor’s degree that also serves as progression milestones to their degree.

“The collaboration addresses a long-standing divide in how higher education and career choices are presented,” said Tim Slekar, associate provost for academic innovation at SRU. “The innovation here is bringing the skilled trades and higher education together in one connected pathway. By building university study on the foundation of apprenticeship learning, we’re combining the strengths of both to create new opportunities for workers and meet the needs of the construction industry.” 

“This program creates a continuum of learning and a clear pathway for career and professional development—from hands-on skills and technical expertise to the leadership and management capabilities needed to lead the next generation of the construction industry,” President Riley continued. “By connecting these educational pathways, we are not asking individuals to choose between trades and higher education; we are creating opportunities for them to build on both. ” 

Designed for adults balancing work and education, the program combines online coursework with in-person learning opportunities.

The first information session is scheduled to take place over Zoom on Monday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. To register visit sru.edu/BASTrade or contact Mike May, vice president for enrollment management, at 724.738.2015 or asktherock@sru.edu with questions.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eastern-atlantic-states-carpenters-to-build-national-model-for-construction-management-degree-at-slippery-rock-university-302901345.html

SOURCE Slippery Rock University

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Therap Services Hosts Virtual Event Addressing Fraud, Waste, and Abuse in LTSS and HCBS Programs

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TORRINGTON, Conn., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Therap Services, the national leader in HIPAA-compliant electronic documentation solutions for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), and Long-Term Services recently hosted a virtual event titled “Program Integrity for States and Providers: How to Identify and Avoid Fraud, Waste, and Abuse.”

More than 1,000 people registered for the event, including state directors, agency administrators and CEOs. The event focused on evolving Medicaid compliance requirements and strategies for identifying and avoiding fraud, waste, and abuse (FWA).

The event provided an opportunity for professionals across the IDD, HCBS, and LTSS sectors to learn about emerging compliance considerations, common FWA risks, and strategies for strengthening program integrity and accountability.

Key Topics Covered

Presenters discussed the changing Medicaid and HCBS regulatory landscape, state enforcement trends, the 2027 Medicaid Employment Mandate, provider enrollment moratoriums, and strategies for improving compliance and audit readiness through electronic documentation, EVV integration, AI-powered quality assurance, and governance controls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the primary focus of Therap’s Program Integrity solutions for LTSS and HCBS providers?

A: Therap provides automated guardrails, claim-to-documentation linking, and real-time quality assurance tools to help providers prevent billing errors, maintain compliance, and mitigate Medicaid Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA) risks.

Q: How does Therap help agencies prepare for state and federal audits?

A: Therap provides time-stamped audit logs, point-of-care Electronic Visit Verification (EVV), and reporting dashboards that help agencies verify service delivery and allows them to conduct self-audits before post-payment reviews.

Q: How can care providers protect themselves against payment holds or billing anomalies?

A: Providers can use role-based permissions, pre-billing automated checks, and Therap AI tools to identify missing notes and documentation gaps before claims are submitted to payers.

Looking Ahead

Therap Services’ 2026 Fall Showcase: Exploring New AI Analytics is scheduled for October 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST, featuring expanded AI analytics and Fatal Five functionality.

About Therap Services 
Therap provides HIPAA-compliant software for documentation, communication, reporting, EVV, and billing in human services settings.

Learn more: https://www.therapservices.net/

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/therap-services-hosts-virtual-event-addressing-fraud-waste-and-abuse-in-ltss-and-hcbs-programs-302901192.html

SOURCE Therap Services

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