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Consumer Cellular Expands SpeakEasy into Connected Care with New SpeakEasy Connect Care+

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Integrated directly into SpeakEasy phones, new connected-care experience helps older adults maintain their independence while giving families greater peace of mind

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Consumer Cellular today announced SpeakEasy Connect Care+, expanding its recently launched SpeakEasy brand beyond simplified wireless with a new connected-care experience designed to help adults 75 and older maintain their independence while giving families visibility built on what the customer chooses to share.

Approximately three-quarters of adults age 50 and older want to remain in their homes as they age, according to AARP. SpeakEasy Connect Care+ is designed around that preference, bringing the kind of family connectivity people are accustomed to using with their children and spouses into the aging-in-place experience, with the technology integrated into the phone the parent or loved one already carries.

Today’s launch builds on Consumer Cellular’s broader commitment to developing technology around the evolving needs of older adults, giving customers and their families more choice in how they stay connected, supported and independent.

“The goal is to give older adults more confidence to keep doing things on their own and make it easier for families to be there when they’re needed,” said Ed Evans, Chairman and CEO of Consumer Cellular. “SpeakEasy Connect Care+ was designed to provide reassurance without hovering so Mom or Dad can keep living life on their own terms while the people they trust have an easier way to know they’re doing okay.”

Consent sits with the SpeakEasy customer throughout. The SpeakEasy customer remains in control of what is shared and can adjust or turn off sharing at any time. Only the trusted contacts designated by the main customer can view shared activity.

Unlike traditional caregiver solutions that can require an older adult to adopt or manage an additional monitoring device, SpeakEasy Connect Care+ is custom-built on Smith Micro’s SafePath OS™ for Senior Phone platform and integrated directly into SpeakEasy Smart and SpeakEasy Flip. The SpeakEasy customer uses the connected-care features integrated into the SpeakEasy phone they already carry, while trusted contacts download the SpeakEasy Connected Care+ app on their own iOS or Android smartphones. Trusted contacts do not need a SpeakEasy device or Consumer Cellular wireless service to use the SpeakEasy Connect Care+ app.

SpeakEasy monthly service with the Connect Care+ app is available beginning today for $34.99 per month plus taxes and fees and includes unlimited talk, text, and 5GB of data. Customers purchasing a SpeakEasy phone receive two months of service free.

Through the SpeakEasy Care app, customers and their trusted contacts can choose the tools and notifications that are most useful to them.

Location visibility: Trusted contacts can see a customer’s shared location and follow location updates as they become available. The SpeakEasy customer can adjust or turn off location sharing at any time.Safety Areas and Scheduled Alerts: Create alerts around specific locations and times, such as knowing when a loved one arrives at or leaves a familiar location or receiving an update at a certain time of day.Activity and location history: View available profile activity and, on SpeakEasy Smart, location history and events for a selected day. Profile activity is visible only to the member’s designated trusted contacts.Check-ins: Customers can send a check-in to their trusted contacts, including their available location, through a simple prompt on their SpeakEasy phone.Mood Updates: Customers can share how they’re feeling with trusted contacts, offering a simple way for family to know how they’re doing without a call.Device information: View available device information, including battery status on supported SpeakEasy devices.Lost-device support: Ring a misplaced SpeakEasy device to help locate it.Trusted Contacts: Each Connect Care+ account supports up to two trusted contacts selected by the SpeakEasy customer.

SpeakEasy Connect Care+ capabilities vary by device. SpeakEasy Smart offers additional Connect Care+ capabilities, including a family location map showing the member’s latest available location, location history and timeline, and device battery information. SpeakEasy Flip provides a more basic map experience and more limited device-status functionality, bringing family connectivity to customers who prefer the familiarity and simplicity of a traditional flip phone.

About Consumer Cellular

Founded in 1995, Consumer Cellular is the first wireless provider built for Americans 50+. An approved wireless partner of AARP, the company is trusted by more than 4 million subscribers for affordable plans, popular devices, and nationwide coverage, all backed by 100% U.S.-based customer support. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, the company was ranked #1 in Network Coverage and #1 in Customer Satisfaction among wireless carriers from ACSI in 2024 and #1 in Customer Service from USA TODAY (2025-2026).

About SpeakEasy

SpeakEasy by Consumer Cellular is a wireless brand designed to deliver a simpler wireless experience for adults age 75 and older. Built around ease of use, affordability and uncomplicated technology, SpeakEasy combines easy-to-use devices, straightforward wireless plans and connected-care capabilities that help older adults maintain their independence while staying connected to the people who matter most. Learn more at SpeakEasyMobile.com.

Media Contact:
alana.kornfeld@consumercellular.com
Consumer Cellular | SpeakEasy

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SOURCE Consumer Cellular

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Parks Associates Spotlights DFW Multifamily Technology Market at Smart Spaces, September 15-16

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Executives from Pegasus Residential, Greystar, Madera Residential, RR Living, AT&T, Realpage, Chamberlain Group, Calix, Johnson Controls, DOOR, Wifinium, and more address AI and proptech investments

PLANO, Texas, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — International market research and consulting firm Parks Associates today announced the speaker lineup for its fourth annual Smart Spaces: Apartments, Hospitality, and Community Living, taking place September 15-16 at the Hilton Dallas/Plano Granite Park. The conference brings together industry leaders to explore how AI, connectivity, automation, and energy are transforming multifamily and senior living properties.

Jackie Ware, CEO, Pegasus Residential, will deliver the opening conference keynote, bringing the owner/operator perspective to discussions on technology strategy, operations, and the evolving needs of residents.

“Technology is now fundamental to the infrastructure for multifamily properties,” said Mindi Sue Sternblitz-Rubenstein, VP, Marketing, Parks Associates. “Owners and operators are looking beyond individual point solutions and focusing on how connectivity, access, security, energy, AI, and building systems work together.”

Smart Spaces features executives representing multifamily ownership and operations, senior living, broadband and managed Wi-Fi, proptech, smart building platforms, access control, security, energy, sustainability, and investment.

Sponsors include Chamberlain, Kwikset, Calix, Johnson Controls, Zentra, Realpage, DOOR, Gentex Corporation, Z-Wave Alliance, Zyxel Communications, Cambium Networks, and SkyBell Technologies.

Speakers:
Demetrios Barnes, CEO, 1VALET
Amy Barricelli, Executive VP, RR Living
Nate Beran, MDU Property Technology Products, AT&T
Paul Boethel, CEO, Watermark Retirement Communities
Victor Carrasco, Director, North America Strategic Accounts & US West Region Sales, Johnson Controls
Scott Carroll, Director of Multifamily Products & Devices, Xfinity Communities, Comcast
Chris Cholas, SVP, Product & Technology, Hotwire Communications
Chris Cordt, National Account Manager, Everon
Cecilia Cossio, CEO, NexGen Legacy Real Estate
Michael Doucette, VP Connected Venues, Blueport
Anne Ferguson, Head of Business Development, HomeLink Smart Home & Commercial Solutions, Gentex Corporation
Dave Gilles, CEO, Madera Residential
Adam Hepworth, CEO, Della Connect
Sandy Jack, VP of Strategic Relations – Multifamily, Vingcard ASSA ABLOY
Scott Jamison, EVP & Chief Experience Officer, WorldVue
Kyle Johnson, Director, Smart Building Technology, Greystar
Mitch Karren, Chief Product Officer, ElevateOS
Ed Keathley, VP, Product Strategy, Preiss x IRIS Technologies
Kevin Kirton, CEO, Buckhead Investment Partners
Jeanne Klein, Chief Sales Officer, VeriFast
Matt Knight, Executive Director, FIRE – Foundation for Innovation in Real Estate; Founder, PropTech Angel Group
Dennis Kyle, SVP, Smart Building, Realpage
Sean Landsberg, Co-founder and CEO, AppWork
Aaron Lee, Sr. Manager, MDU, Ruckus Wireless Belden
Chang Liu, Director of Growth and Innovation, RE Tech Advisors
Adam Lotia, Exec Leader, Wifinium
Jenniffer Mackey, VP, Strategic Accounts, Zyxel Communications
Alli Malliton, National Sales Director, Gigstreem
Mike McCourt, Subscriber Solutions Manager, SmartMDU, Calix
Char McCurdy, COO, Summit Property Management
Scott McGee, President, Connext Strategies
Sean Miller, Chief Revenue Officer, Lessen LLC
David Moss, CEO & Co-founder, Care Daily
Mary Nitschke, Director, Strategic Partnerships, Public Grid
Jess Parsons, AVP, Marketing, Calix
Ernest Perez, Director, Information Technology, CC Young Senior Living
Sebastián Ríos, Partner & US Business Development Director, Horus Automation
Mariam Rogers Walker, Sr. Director Community Sales, Chamberlain Group
David Rubin, VP, AEI Consultants
Ryan Salmons, Chief Product and Technology Officer, DOOR
Josh Siddon, Founder & Principal, ResiQ
Nate Sundloff, VP, Multifamily Sales, Groove Technology Solutions
Todd Thorpe, Director, Business Development, Cambium Networks
Antonio Torres, Zentra Business Development Manager, Allegion
Joesar Watkins, Digital Resident Engagement Manager, Atria Senior Living
Jeff Welch, Business Development Manager, HydroPoint
Taylor Wiederkehr, Founder & CEO, PropTech IQ
Ed Wolff, CEO, Aerwave

Registration is open to industry executives and market leaders. To schedule an interview with an analyst or to request specific data, please contact Mindi Sue Sternblitz-Rubenstein, 972-490-1113. 

About Smart Spaces

Smart Spaces, hosted by Parks Associates, brings together property owners, operators, and technology leaders to explore connected solutions for multifamily and hospitality environments. The event is grounded in Parks Associates’ research on broadband, managed Wi-Fi, smart home, and IoT technologies, providing insight into how integrated platforms and connectivity improve operations, reduce costs, and enhance resident experiences. These insights help industry stakeholders identify new revenue opportunities and implement more efficient, data-driven property strategies.

Parks Associates hosts Smart Spaces 2026 on September 15-16 at the Hilton Dallas/Plano Granite Park in Plano, Texas. www.smartspacesconference.com

Mindi Sue Sternblitz-Rubenstein
Parks Associates
972.490.1113
421901@email4pr.com 

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SOURCE Parks Associates

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Asendia USA Helps Retailers Navigate New EU Customs Rules with Free e-Book and Webinar

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PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — To help U.S. retailers navigate cross-border shipping challenges as international shipping regulations continue to evolve, Asendia has published a useful e-book, Customs: International Shipping Made Simple, along with an on-demand webinar, Understanding EU Customs in 2026.

Asendia’s complimentary resources cover major customs developments, including recent EU changes that removed the €150 duty-free threshold and introduced new duties on low-value imports. The e-book also provides guidance on customs compliance, duties and taxes, common causes of shipping delays, and best practices for improving the international customer experience.

Border delays and customs clearance are now the leading challenges retailers face when shipping internationally, highlighting the growing importance of customs expertise in global e-commerce.

Over the past several months, Asendia USA has worked closely with customers to help them adapt to changing EU customs requirements and continue shipping successfully to shoppers across the EU. The company’s e-book and webinar are designed to help retailers understand the latest developments, but navigating customs successfully requires staying ahead of ongoing regulatory changes. As peak season approaches, access to experienced customs and cross-border shipping expertise can play a critical role in maintaining delivery performance and customer satisfaction.

Retailers can download the free e-book and watch the webinar on demand at: https://www.asendiausa.com/customs-ebook-2026 

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SOURCE Asendia USA, Inc

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AAA® Welcomes 103 New Panelists Across Commercial, Construction, Consumer, Employment, and Labor Panels

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NEW YORK, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The American Arbitration Association® (AAA), the global leader in alternative dispute resolution (ADR), today announced it has strengthened its roster of experienced arbitrators and mediators across key areas of dispute resolution with the addition of 103 new panelists from January through July 2026.

Joining the AAA’s Commercial, Construction, Consumer, Employment, and Labor panels, the new panelists bring extensive legal, professional, and industry experience to disputes administered by the AAA. Their addition reflects the AAA’s ongoing commitment to maintaining panels of highly qualified neutrals equipped to address the evolving needs of businesses, individuals, counsel, and parties.

“AAA panelists are essential to the dispute resolution process,” said Eric Dill, SVP, chief people officer and head of panel relations at the AAA. “These accomplished professionals bring the experience, perspective, and industry knowledge needed to deliver fair, efficient outcomes for all parties. As disputes continue to grow in complexity, we continue to strengthen our panels so parties can find neutrals with the right expertise for their disputes.”

The new panelists include 47 joining the Commercial Panel, 23 joining the Construction Panel, 22 joining the Employment Panel, 9 joining the Labor Panel, and four joining the Consumer Panel. Their experience spans a broad range of business, construction, workplace, and consumer disputes, further expanding the industry and subject-matter knowledge available to parties through the AAA.

AAA panelists are selected through a rigorous review process based on professional accomplishments, subject-matter knowledge, dispute resolution experience, and other qualifications. In addition to the training AAA requires for arbitrators before they are made active on the AAA roster and an annual educational requirement, all panelists have access to ongoing education and resources to help them keep pace with developments in arbitration and mediation. AAA panelists are not employees of the AAA.

The new panelists, listed by AAA panel, are:

Commercial Panel

Michael Abate, KYHon. James (Jim) Abrams, NYEdward Allred, TXHon. James Bassett, NHAndrew Bonzani, NYRalph Cantafio, COMichael Cohen, NVEduardo Corretjer, PRVictoria Coyle, CTShashi Dholandas, NYKarl Dial, TXKatayoun Donnelly, COJames Fielder, ILHon. Jay Gandhi, CAMichael Granne, NYHilda Gurley, MIDaniel (Dan) Herling, CADavid Hoffman, PACraig Holden, CAHon. Robert Holzberg, CTJoshua Hyman, ILDavid Jonson, CAHon. Abdul Kallon, WAKaveh Kashef, MIAlan Lau, HIJames Loftis, TXMeryl Macklin, CARobin Main, RISimon Malko GABrant Martin, TXHon. Roslynn (Roz) Mauskopf, NYChristopher Melton, KYHon. Robert Miller, NYLisa Morgan, CAKenneth (Ken) Neuman, MIHon. Bill Pedersen, TXPaula Pendley, TXAllison Rich, NHHon. Diane Shelley, ILTiffany Shimada, UTDavid Shraga, CALeon Skornicki, NYMadeline Snider, NYBenjamin (Ben) Stewart, TXLee Straus, CAMichael Turrill, CAHon. Zuberi Williams, DE

Construction Panel

Tarek Abdalla, PAJeremy Baker, ILStephen Bialkowski, NJAaron Capps, TXJoseph Cooke, NYJason Ebe, AZMichael Jaffe, DCKafi Linville, MNRobert Lovein, TXG. Dwayne Maricle, LAJoshua (Josh) Marks, AZJerry Negrete, TXKenneth (Ken) Roberts, ILJ.R. Rothstein, FLTeresa Santin, OHStephen (Steve) Schemenauer, MNHon. David Shakes, COEric Singer, ILTony Starr, MAJennifer Therrien, MOZach Torres-Fowler, PAPhilip Watson, LAKendall Woods, IL

Consumer Panel

Andrew Knott, CTAlbert Pak, DCSamuel (Sam) Stone, WVIsaac Wannos, FL

Employment Panel

Julian Alwill, CAColleen Connelly, CAHarriet Cooperman, MDRobert (Rob) Gillette, WAStanley (Stan) Graham, TNWilmer Harris, CAGeoffrey (Geoff) Hash, CAMeredith Jeffries, NCJames (JJ) Johnston, CAAaron Kaufmann, CAPhyllis Kupferstein, CARuth Major, ILJoseph Moriarty, ILKathy Nemecheck, MOKathlyn Perez, LAGina Roccanova, CANicholas Roumel, MIHon. Ravi Sandill, TXGerald Sauer, CAAnthony Sciarrillo, NJJulia Simon, TXDaiquiri Steele, AL

Labor Panel

Carl Bosland, CAFrancis Connell, MAColleen Connelly, CA*Jerry Cutler, NYSteven Kramer, TNKimberly Moseley, VAGina Roccanova, CA*Mark Shank, TXLynne Stern, LA

*Also serves on the AAA Employment Panel.

The AAA welcomes the newest members of its panels and recognizes their commitment to advancing effective alternative dispute resolution.

For more information on the AAA roster of arbitrators and mediators, visit: https://www.adr.org/panel/about-our-panels/ 

About the American Arbitration Association  

The American Arbitration Association is the largest provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services in the world. Marking its centennial in 2026, the American Arbitration Association has transformed how legal issues are resolved for better since 1926, turning disputes worldwide into opportunities for understanding and progress. A not-for-profit organization, the American Arbitration Association’s mission is to deliver ADR services with integrity, transparency, and innovation. For more information, visit www.adr.org/.   

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SOURCE American Arbitration Association

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