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OPENLANE, Inc. Reports 2023 Financial Results

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CARMEL, Ind., Feb. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — OPENLANE, Inc. (NYSE: KAR), today reported its fourth quarter and annual financial results for the period ended December 31, 2023.

“Our business made significant progress in 2023, and we are very pleased to deliver results that exceeded our guidance for the year,” said Peter Kelly, CEO of OPENLANE. “We are beginning to see the positive impacts of our strategic investments in innovation and technology, our brand simplification work, as well as our continued diligence around costs. Our solid execution in the fourth quarter and throughout 2023 delivered volume growth, revenue growth and margin expansion, results that I believe position OPENLANE for future growth and success.”

2023 Financial Highlights

Total revenue of $1,645 million, an increase of 8%Loss from continuing operations of $155 million, including a $251 million non-cash impairmentAdjusted EBITDA of $272 million, an increase of 18%, with Marketplace contributing approximately 40%Marketplace volumes increased 3% and 10% in the fourth quarter$237 million of cash flow from operating activities

2024 Guidance

Annual

Guidance

Income from continuing operations (in millions)

$74 – $88

Adjusted EBITDA (in millions)

$285 – $305

Income from continuing operations per share – diluted *

$0.20 – $0.30

Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations per share – diluted

$0.77 – $0.87

* The company uses the two-class method of calculating income from continuing operations per diluted share. Under the two-class method, income from continuing operations is adjusted for dividends and undistributed earnings (losses) to the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, and the weighted average diluted shares do not assume conversion of the preferred shares to common shares.

Earnings guidance does not contemplate future items such as business development activities, strategic developments (such as restructurings, spin-offs or dispositions of assets or investments), contingent purchase price adjustments, significant expenses related to litigation, tax adjustments and changes in applicable laws and regulations (including significant accounting and tax matters) and intangible impairments. The timing and amounts of these items are highly variable, difficult to predict, and of a potential size that could have a substantial impact on the company’s reported results for any given period. Prospective quantification of these items is generally not practicable. Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations per share excludes amortization expense associated with acquired intangible assets, as well as one-time charges, net of taxes. See reconciliations of the company’s guidance included below.

Earnings Conference Call Information
OPENLANE will be hosting an earnings conference call and webcast on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET. The call will be hosted by OPENLANE Chief Executive Officer Peter Kelly and Chief Financial Officer Brad Lakhia. The conference call may be accessed by calling 1-833-634-2155 and asking to join the OPENLANE call. A live webcast will be available at the investor relations section of corporate.openlane.com. Supplemental financial information for OPENLANE’s fourth quarter 2023 results is available at the investor relations section of corporate.openlane.com.

The archive of the webcast will be available following the call at the investor relations section of corporate.openlane.com for a limited time.

About OPENLANE
OPENLANE, Inc. (NYSE: KAR), provides sellers and buyers across the global wholesale used vehicle industry with innovative, technology-driven remarketing solutions. The company’s unique end-to-end platform supports whole car, financing, logistics and other ancillary and related services. Our integrated marketplaces reduce risk, improve transparency and streamline transactions for customers around the globe. Headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, the company has employees across the United States, Canada, Europe, Uruguay and the Philippines. For more information and the latest company news, visit corporate.openlane.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this release include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and which are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties. In particular, statements made that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements. Words such as “should,” “may,” “will,” “can,” “of the opinion,” “confident,” “is set,” “is on track,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “continues,” “outlook,” initiatives,” “goals,” “opportunities” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations, are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results projected, expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include but are not limited to risks and uncertainties regarding the impact of adverse market, economic and geopolitical conditions and those other matters disclosed in the company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the company’s annual and quarterly periodic reports. The company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

 

OPENLANE, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

(In millions) (Unaudited)

Three Months Ended
December 31,

Year Ended

December 31,

2023

2022

2023

2022

Operating revenues

Auction fees

$        90.0

$        80.8

$      395.3

$      370.3

Service revenue

144.5

146.3

619.7

590.3

Purchased vehicle sales

60.2

45.0

236.7

182.9

Finance-related revenue

96.6

100.7

393.4

375.9

Total operating revenues

391.3

372.8

1,645.1

1,519.4

Operating expenses

Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

204.8

202.0

867.6

834.3

Selling, general and administrative

103.8

93.0

430.4

445.1

Depreciation and amortization

25.3

24.0

101.5

100.2

Gain on sale of property

—

(33.9)

—

(33.9)

Goodwill and other intangibles impairment

—

—

250.8

—

Total operating expenses

333.9

285.1

1,650.3

1,345.7

Operating profit (loss)

57.4

87.7

(5.2)

173.7

Interest expense

39.3

35.4

155.8

119.2

Other (income) expense, net

(3.1)

(7.7)

(15.6)

(1.3)

Loss on extinguishment of debt

—

0.2

1.1

17.2

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

21.2

59.8

(146.5)

38.6

Income taxes

7.6

17.9

8.3

10.0

Income (loss) from continuing operations

13.6

41.9

(154.8)

28.6

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

0.7

(4.8)

0.7

212.6

Net income (loss)

$        14.3

$        37.1

$    (154.1)

$      241.2

Net income (loss) per share – basic

Income (loss) from continuing operations

$        0.02

$        0.21

$      (1.83)

$      (0.10)

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

—

(0.03)

0.01

1.40

Net income (loss) per share – basic

$        0.02

$        0.18

$      (1.82)

$        1.30

Net income (loss) per share – diluted

Income (loss) from continuing operations

$        0.02

$        0.21

$      (1.83)

$      (0.10)

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

—

(0.03)

0.01

1.40

Net income (loss) per share – diluted

$        0.02

$        0.18

$      (1.82)

$        1.30

 

OPENLANE, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In millions) (Unaudited)

December 31,

2023

December 31,

2022

Cash and cash equivalents

$                 93.5

$                225.7

Restricted cash

65.4

52.0

Trade receivables, net of allowances

291.8

270.7

Finance receivables, net of allowances

2,282.0

2,395.1

Other current assets

109.2

78.9

Total current assets

2,841.9

3,022.4

Goodwill

1,271.2

1,464.5

Customer relationships, net of accumulated amortization

136.1

135.9

Operating lease right-of-use assets

75.9

84.8

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

169.8

123.6

Intangible and other assets

231.4

288.6

Total assets

$             4,726.3

$             5,119.8

Current liabilities, excluding obligations collateralized by

     finance receivables and current maturities of debt

$                692.3

$                676.9

Obligations collateralized by finance receivables

1,631.9

1,677.6

Current maturities of debt

154.6

288.7

Total current liabilities

2,478.8

2,643.2

Long-term debt

202.4

205.3

Operating lease liabilities

70.4

79.7

Other non-current liabilities

35.2

60.8

Temporary equity

612.5

612.5

Stockholders’ equity

1,327.0

1,518.3

Total liabilities, temporary equity and stockholders’ equity

$             4,726.3

$             5,119.8

 

OPENLANE, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In millions) (Unaudited)

Year Ended

December 31,

2023

2022

Operating activities

Net income (loss)

$       (154.1)

$        241.2

Net income from discontinued operations

(0.7)

(212.6)

     Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

     Depreciation and amortization

101.5

100.2

     Provision for credit losses

59.2

18.6

     Deferred income taxes

(29.8)

(2.3)

     Amortization of debt issuance costs

8.7

10.7

     Stock-based compensation

16.5

16.6

     Contingent consideration adjustment

1.3

—

     Net change in unrealized (gain) loss on investment securities

—

7.1

     Investment and note receivable impairment

10.3

—

     Gain on sale of property

—

(33.9)

     Goodwill and other intangibles impairment

250.8

—

     Loss on extinguishment of debt

1.1

17.2

     Other non-cash, net

1.0

0.5

     Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

     Trade receivables and other assets

(66.0)

107.7

     Accounts payable and accrued expenses

39.8

(240.8)

     Payments of contingent consideration in excess of acquisition-date fair value

(2.6)

(26.1)

Net cash provided by operating activities – continuing operations

237.0

4.1

Net cash used by operating activities – discontinued operations

(1.6)

(459.1)

Investing activities

     Net decrease in finance receivables held for investment

64.8

97.9

     Acquisition of businesses (net of cash acquired)

(103.0)

(0.4)

     Purchases of property, equipment and computer software

(52.0)

(60.9)

     Investments in securities

(1.3)

(6.7)

     Proceeds from sale of investments

—

0.3

     Proceeds from note receivable

0.7

—

     Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment

0.3

39.8

Net cash (used by) provided by investing activities – continuing operations

(90.5)

70.0

Net cash provided by investing activities – discontinued operations

7.0

2,077.4

Financing activities

  Net decrease in book overdrafts

(2.3)

(5.7)

  Net borrowings from lines of credit

5.9

141.9

  Net (decrease) increase in obligations collateralized by finance receivables

(55.9)

1.5

     Payments for debt issuance costs/amendments

(6.7)

(11.6)

     Payments on long-term debt

—

(928.6)

     Payment for early extinguishment of debt

(140.1)

(606.3)

     Payments on finance leases

(1.9)

(3.9)

     Payments of contingent consideration and deferred acquisition costs

(12.4)

(3.5)

     Issuance of common stock under stock plans

2.7

1.4

     Tax withholding payments for vested RSUs

(2.6)

(2.7)

     Repurchase and retirement of common stock

(22.2)

(182.2)

     Dividends paid on Series A Preferred Stock

(44.4)

(22.2)

Net cash used by financing activities – continuing operations

(279.9)

(1,621.9)

Net cash provided by financing activities – discontinued operations

—

10.8

Net change in cash balances of discontinued operations

—

12.4

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

9.2

(19.4)

Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

(118.8)

74.3

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

277.7

203.4

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

$        158.9

$        277.7

Cash paid for interest, net of proceeds from interest rate derivatives

$        145.2

$        106.4

Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds – continuing operations

$          35.8

$          25.6

Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds – discontinued operations

$            1.5

$        378.1

OPENLANE, Inc.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, operating adjusted net income (loss) and operating adjusted net income (loss) per share as presented herein are supplemental measures of our performance that are not required by, or presented in accordance with, generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). They are not measurements of our financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as substitutes for net income (loss) or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP. Management believes that these measures provide investors additional meaningful methods to evaluate certain aspects of the company’s results period over period and for the other reasons set forth below.

EBITDA is defined as net income (loss), plus interest expense net of interest income, income tax provision (benefit), depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA adjusted for the items of income and expense and expected incremental revenue and cost savings as described in our senior secured credit agreement covenant calculations. Management believes that the inclusion of supplementary adjustments to EBITDA applied in presenting Adjusted EBITDA is appropriate to provide additional information to investors about one of the principal measures of performance used by our creditors. In addition, management uses EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate our performance.

Depreciation expense for property and equipment and amortization expense of capitalized internally developed software costs relate to ongoing capital expenditures; however, amortization expense associated with acquired intangible assets, such as customer relationships, software, tradenames and noncompete agreements are not representative of ongoing capital expenditures, but have a continuing effect on our reported results. Non-GAAP financial measures of operating adjusted net income (loss) and operating adjusted net income (loss) per share, in the opinion of the company, provide comparability of the company’s performance to other companies that may not have incurred these types of non-cash expenses or that report a similar measure. In addition, operating adjusted net income (loss) and operating adjusted net income (loss) per share may include adjustments for certain other charges.

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, operating adjusted net income (loss) and operating adjusted net income (loss) per share have limitations as analytical tools, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the results as reported under GAAP. These measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

The following tables reconcile EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to income (loss) from continuing operations for the periods presented:

Three Months Ended

December 31,

Year Ended

December 31,

(in millions), (unaudited)

2023

2022

2023

2022

Income (loss) from continuing operations

$      13.6

$      41.9

$   (154.8)

$      28.6

Add back:

Income taxes

7.6

17.9

8.3

10.0

Interest expense, net of interest income

38.9

34.9

152.3

116.5

Depreciation and amortization

25.3

24.0

101.5

100.2

EBITDA

85.4

118.7

107.3

255.3

Non-cash stock-based compensation

3.6

(5.7)

17.4

17.5

Loss on extinguishment of debt

—

0.2

1.1

17.2

Acquisition related costs

2.0

0.3

3.1

1.2

Securitization interest

(31.4)

(25.8)

(120.4)

(70.7)

Gain on sale of property

—

(33.9)

—

(33.9)

(Gain)/Loss on asset sales

—

—

—

(0.1)

Severance

2.1

4.2

5.5

12.4

Foreign currency (gains)/losses

(2.1)

(6.1)

(2.9)

2.5

Goodwill and other intangibles impairment

—

—

250.8

—

Contingent consideration adjustment

—

—

1.3

—

Net change in unrealized (gains) losses on investment securities

(0.4)

0.6

—

7.1

Professional fees related to business improvement efforts

2.1

3.1

6.6

15.2

Other

0.5

0.9

2.2

7.5

  Total addbacks/(deductions)

(23.6)

(62.2)

164.7

(24.1)

Adjusted EBITDA

$      61.8

$      56.5

$     272.0

$     231.2

 

Three Months Ended December 31, 2023

(Dollars in millions), (Unaudited)

Marketplace

Finance

Consolidated

Income (loss) from continuing operations

$          (17.7)

$           31.3

$           13.6

Add back:

Income taxes

(2.5)

10.1

7.6

Interest expense, net of interest income

4.9

34.0

38.9

Depreciation and amortization

22.7

2.6

25.3

Intercompany interest

9.8

(9.8)

—

EBITDA

17.2

68.2

85.4

Non-cash stock-based compensation

2.7

0.9

3.6

Acquisition related costs

2.0

—

2.0

Securitization interest

—

(31.4)

(31.4)

Severance

2.0

0.1

2.1

Foreign currency (gains)/losses

(2.1)

—

(2.1)

Net change in unrealized (gains) losses on investment securities

—

(0.4)

(0.4)

Professional fees related to business improvement efforts

1.7

0.4

2.1

Other

0.2

0.3

0.5

  Total addbacks/(deductions)

6.5

(30.1)

(23.6)

Adjusted EBITDA

$           23.7

$           38.1

$           61.8

Year Ended December 31, 2023

(Dollars in millions), (Unaudited)

Marketplace

Finance

Consolidated

Income (loss) from continuing operations

$        (277.5)

$          122.7

$        (154.8)

Add back:

Income taxes

(40.4)

48.7

8.3

Interest expense, net of interest income

21.7

130.6

152.3

Depreciation and amortization

92.2

9.3

101.5

Intercompany interest

33.9

(33.9)

—

EBITDA

(170.1)

277.4

107.3

Non-cash stock-based compensation

13.2

4.2

17.4

Loss on extinguishment of debt

1.1

—

1.1

Acquisition related costs

3.1

—

3.1

Securitization interest

—

(120.4)

(120.4)

Severance

5.1

0.4

5.5

Foreign currency (gains)/losses

(2.9)

—

(2.9)

Goodwill and other intangibles impairment

250.8

—

250.8

Contingent consideration adjustment

1.3

—

1.3

Professional fees related to business improvement efforts

5.4

1.2

6.6

Other

1.3

0.9

2.2

  Total addbacks/(deductions)

278.4

(113.7)

164.7

Adjusted EBITDA

$          108.3

$          163.7

$          272.0

The following table reconciles operating adjusted net income (loss) and operating adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share to net income (loss) for the periods presented:

Three Months Ended

December 31,

Year Ended

December 31,

(in millions, except per share amounts), (unaudited)

2023

2022

2023

2022

Net income (loss) from continuing operations (1)

$      13.6

$      41.9

$   (154.8)

$      28.6

   Acquired amortization expense

9.5

8.0

37.8

33.0

   Loss on extinguishment of debt

—

0.2

1.1

17.2

   Contingent consideration adjustment

—

—

1.3

—

   Goodwill and other intangibles impairment

—

—

250.8

—

   Income taxes (2)

(0.1)

(2.5)

(32.5)

(13.0)

Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations

$      23.0

$      47.6

$     103.7

$      65.8

Net income (loss) from discontinued operations

$        0.7

$       (4.8)

$        0.7

$     212.6

   Acquired amortization expense

—

—

—

5.9

   Income taxes (2)

—

—

—

(1.5)

Operating adjusted net income (loss) from discontinued operations

$        0.7

$       (4.8)

$        0.7

$     217.0

Operating adjusted net income

$      23.7

$      42.8

$     104.4

$     282.8

Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations per share – diluted

$      0.16

$      0.33

$      0.72

$      0.43

Operating adjusted net income (loss) from discontinued operations per share – diluted

—

(0.04)

—

1.43

Operating adjusted net income per share – diluted

$      0.16

$      0.29

$      0.72

$      1.86

Weighted average diluted shares – including assumed conversion of preferred shares

144.7

145.7

144.8

151.9

(1)

The Series A Preferred Stock dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities have not been included in the calculation of operating adjusted net income (loss) and operating adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share.

(2)

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2023, each tax deductible item was booked to the applicable statutory rate. The deferred tax benefits of $52.5 million and $6.5 million associated with the goodwill and tradename impairments, respectively, resulted in the U.S. being in a net deferred tax asset position. Due to the three year cumulative loss related to U.S. operations, we currently have a $36.4 million valuation allowance against the U.S. net deferred tax asset. For the three months and year ended December 31, 2022, the effective tax rate at the end of each period was used to determine the amount of income tax on the adjustments to net income.

The following table reconciles EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to income from continuing operations for the 2024 guidance presented:

2024 Guidance

(in millions), (unaudited)

Low

High

Income from continuing operations

$                74

$                88

Add back:

Income taxes

49

59

Interest expense, net of interest income

156

154

Depreciation and amortization

106

104

EBITDA

385

405

  Total addbacks/(deductions), net

(100)

(100)

Adjusted EBITDA

$              285

$              305

The following table reconciles operating adjusted net income from continuing operations and operating adjusted net income from continuing operations per diluted share to income from continuing operations for the 2024 guidance presented:

2024 Guidance

(in millions, except per share amounts), (unaudited)

Low

High

Income from continuing operations

$                74

$                88

   Acquired amortization expense

38

38

Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations

$              112

$              126

Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations per share – diluted

$             0.77

$             0.87

Weighted average diluted shares – including assumed conversion of preferred shares

145

145

 

Analyst Inquiries:

Media Inquiries:

Mike Eliason

Laurie Dippold 

(317) 249-4559

(317) 468-3900

mike.eliason@openlane.com

 laurie.dippold@openlane.com 

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/openlane-inc-reports-2023-financial-results-302066514.html

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COLUMBIA DISTRIBUTING COMPLETES ALASKA TRANSACTION WITH RNDC, ESTABLISHING A FOUR-STATE PACIFIC NORTHWEST TOTAL BEVERAGE PLATFORM

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WILSONVILLE, Ore., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Columbia Distributing today announced it has completed its transaction with Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) to acquire certain beverage distribution assets in Alaska, marking Columbia’s official entry into the state and completing the final component of the letter of intent announced by the companies in April.

The closing represents a major milestone in a long-term strategy Columbia set out to build: a multi-category, multi-state total beverage platform across the Pacific Northwest. With direct operations now spanning Alaska, Oregon, and Washington, along with its recently completed strategic partnership with Hayden Beverage in Idaho, Columbia has brought that vision to life, creating a connected four-state route to market and a more complete one-stop solution for supplier and retail partners across the region.

“This is a huge moment for Columbia because it represents exactly what we set out to build,” said Chris Steffanci, President and CEO of Columbia Distributing. “Our long-term vision has been to create the strongest total beverage platform in the Pacific Northwest—a multi-category, multi-state strategy that gives our partners a more complete solution across the region. With Alaska, that vision is now coming to life. We can offer suppliers and retailers a connected, capable, and increasingly seamless route to market across Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.”

The Alaska transaction expands Columbia’s direct service territory to more than 835,000 square miles and adds nearly 1,500 customer accounts. It also brings Columbia into a market with an experienced local team, strong customer relationships, and an established beverage distribution network.

Columbia sees significant untapped potential in the Alaska business and plans to bring renewed investment, leadership, resources, and market focus to the state. The company will pair the Alaska team’s local knowledge and relationships with the culture and ways of working that drive Columbia’s performance in its existing markets, empowering people, moving with urgency, holding one another accountable, and maintaining a relentless focus on customers, brands, and execution.

“What has impressed me most is the energy and ambition of the Alaska team,” Steffanci said. “They know the market, they believe in the brands, and they are hungry to grow, compete, and win. They do not need us to teach them Alaska. Our responsibility is to give them the leadership, investment, tools, and support to show what they can do.”

“At Columbia, we trust our people, empower the teams closest to the market, and expect everyone to take ownership of results,” Steffanci continued. “That culture and the way we work across our company will bring new energy and momentum to Alaska. We are not entering the market to maintain the status quo—we are here to build, grow, compete, and raise the standard. This team is ready to be unleashed, and I believe the market is going to feel the difference very quickly.”

The expansion is the latest step in the deliberate strategy Columbia has pursued to build a broader total beverage business across multiple categories and markets. On June 30, the company completed its acquisition of certain RNDC wine and spirits distribution rights in Oregon and Washington. In September, Columbia completed a strategic partnership with Hayden Beverage, creating long-term alignment with Idaho’s leading locally based beverage distributor. The Alaska transaction completes the geographic footprint Columbia envisioned across the four-state Pacific Northwest market.

Together, these transactions create a platform designed around what suppliers and retailers increasingly need: one partner capable of representing multiple beverage categories across multiple states while still maintaining the local knowledge, relationships, and market-level execution required to succeed in each community.

Columbia’s expanded platform spans beer, wine, spirits, cider, non-alcoholic beverages, and emerging beverage categories. For supplier partners, it provides greater regional scale, category expertise, operational capabilities, and a more cohesive route to market. For retailers, it provides access to a broader portfolio backed by strong sales, delivery, merchandising, revenue management, and account execution capabilities.

“This is what total beverage means to us,” Steffanci added. “It is not simply adding categories or adding geography. It is about building a one-stop solution that connects categories, capabilities, people, and markets in a way that creates more value for our partners. We now have the platform we envisioned across the Pacific Northwest, and our focus turns to executing against that opportunity.”

Columbia is working closely with the Alaska team, suppliers, customers, and business partners to support a smooth transition. Columbia will communicate additional information about the operational transition, portfolio, and go-live timing directly to affected stakeholders.

Columbia appreciates RNDC’s partnership and the work of teams across both organizations to complete the transaction. Financial terms were not disclosed.

About Columbia Distributing

Since 1935, Columbia Distributing has helped build some of the best-known brands in the beverage business. Today, Columbia is one of the nation’s leading total beverage distributors, with a portfolio spanning beer, wine, spirits, cider, non-alcoholic beverages, and emerging beverage categories.

Columbia’s more than 3,200 teammates serve approximately 24,000 retail customers and deliver more than 80 million cases annually. With direct operations across Alaska, Oregon, and Washington and a strategic partnership with Hayden Beverage in Idaho, Columbia offers supplier and retail partners a connected four-state, multi-category route to market across the Pacific Northwest.

Columbia’s success is built on its people, its brands, and a deep-rooted commitment to execution, service, and creating sustainable growth for its teammates, customers, suppliers, shareholders, and communities. For more information, visit www.coldist.com.

Contact: Steve Gibbs
Steve.Gibbs@coldist.com | 206-920-6799

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SOURCE Columbia Distributing

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Secretary of the State Thomas Highlights Record Protecting Connecticut Businesses as Scams Grow More Sophisticated

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As early voting enters its final week, Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas highlights her first-term record protecting Connecticut businesses, from fighting human trafficking and business hijacking to lowering fees and moving filings online, and pledges to keep business owners prepared as AI makes scams more sophisticated.

HARTFORD, Conn., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — As scams targeting Connecticut businesses grow more sophisticated, including recent emails impersonating state offices, Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas is highlighting the protections her team has put in place for the more than half a million businesses registered in Connecticut. She is seeking a second term to build on that work as AI-powered fraud creates new risks for business owners.

“If someone tries to steal your business, you’re not on your own. AI is making scams more sophisticated by the month, and I’ll keep making sure business owners know what to watch for.”

“Before I was Secretary of the State, I ran a small business, so I know how scarce time and money can be,” said Secretary Thomas. “That’s why our team cut fees and red tape, and why I fought for new laws that let my office investigate when fraudsters hijack a Connecticut business. If someone tries to steal your business, you’re not on your own. But the threats keep evolving. AI is making scams more sophisticated by the month, and I’ll keep making sure business owners know what to watch for. I’m not done delivering for Connecticut businesses, and I hope you’ll support me on November 3.”

Protecting Connecticut Businesses

Fighting human trafficking. Through Be a Light, Secretary Thomas made Connecticut the 7th state in the country and the first in the Northeast to help businesses identify, report and prevent human trafficking. Trafficking can reach any business through its customers, employees or supply chains. PreventHumanTraffickingCT.com gives owners practical guidance on what to watch for and what to do.

Stopping business hijacking. Fraudsters have stolen login credentials, changed a business’s listed owner and opened lines of credit in its name. Owners used to have only one remedy: hire a lawyer and go to court. Secretary Thomas brought the problem to the legislature. New laws now give her office the authority to investigate and the funding to build stronger protections, including screening that flags suspicious filings for human review.

Early warnings for owners. Business owners can turn on Follow Business alerts at Business.CT.gov to be notified whenever someone files a document for their business.

Lower costs, less red tape. Apostille fees are lower, and the entire process for authenticating documents for use abroad, used for about 40,000 documents a year, is now online. That makes Connecticut one of the first states to offer it. A new statewide trademark directory lets owners check a name before investing in it.

Help getting started and growing. A free monthly business newsletter gathers grants, funding and training opportunities in one place. A new Business Welcome Packet walks owners through their first steps, from tax IDs to fraud protection.

Early Voting Ends Sunday, Nov. 1

Early voting is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sunday, Nov. 1, with extended hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27 and Thursday, Oct. 29. There is no early voting on Monday, Nov. 2.

Every town has at least one early voting location. Voters can find theirs at MyVote.CT.gov or by contacting their town’s registrar of voters. Eligible residents who are not yet registered can register and vote the same day during early voting or on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, when polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

About Stephanie Thomas

Stephanie Thomas is Connecticut’s 75th Secretary of the State and the first Black person elected to the office. Since taking office in 2023, she has secured $20 million to modernize Connecticut’s election equipment, led the rollout of early in-person voting, expanded civic education through initiatives such as the Power of Civics platform and launched Be a Light, making Connecticut the first state in the Northeast to help businesses identify, report and prevent human trafficking.

Thomas is running for reelection in 2026. She serves on the Executive Board of the National Association of Secretaries of State and testified before Congress in 2025 about balancing voter access with election security.

Before becoming secretary, Thomas represented Norwalk, Wilton and Westport in the state legislature. She also ran a small business and spent nearly 30 years advising nonprofit organizations on strategy and fundraising.

Media Contact

Natasha Lopoukhine, Savvy Marketing Communications, 1 2039560920, natasha@igotsavvy.com, www.igotsavvy.com

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SOURCE Stephanie Thomas

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MNA: Berkshire VNA Nurses and Healthcare Professionals Deliver Petition Calling for a Fair Union Contract to Strengthen Patient Access to Home Care

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While there has been bargaining progress on early-career wages, clinicians are urging BVNA to invest in experienced staff to support safe patient care

PITTSFIELD, Mass., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Berkshire Visiting Nurse Association (BVNA) nurses and healthcare professionals, represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), delivered a petition to BVNA management at 4 p.m. Monday, October 26, calling for a fair contract that supports recruitment, retains experienced clinicians and protects the time needed to care for patients safely at home. The parties next meet for bargaining on October 28.

The petition comes as the bargaining unit has shrunk by approximately half over the past several years amid high turnover and challenges attracting new staff. BVNA clinicians are seeking to reverse that decline to strengthen access to home care, help patients recover in familiar surroundings, and support timely hospital discharges.

“We appreciate that management has made progress toward attracting new staff by moving on wages for nurses and healthcare professionals early in their careers,” said Tamaryn Clowdus, physical therapist, and Co-Chair of the MNA Bargaining Committee at Berkshire VNA. “We also need reasonable cost-of-living increases for the experienced clinicians who have stayed with the VNA through difficult years. Building a stable workforce and supporting our home care patients requires a focus on both recruitment and retention.”

BVNA nurses and healthcare professionals provide care that helps patients manage illness, recover after hospitalization and remain safely at home. Experienced clinicians bring clinical judgment, knowledge of their communities and familiarity with patients’ needs. These are important community assets that are difficult to replace when staff leave.

With Berkshire Medical Center experiencing high patient volume, sufficient levels of home care staffing matters more than just the patients receiving visits. Ready access to home care can help patients who are ready to leave the hospital return home with the support they need, making more hospital beds available for people requiring acute care.

“Berkshire Medical Center nurses stand with our BVNA colleagues in their efforts to secure a fair contract that strengthens home care in Berkshire County,” said Sarah Roberts, RN, MNA Co-Chair at Berkshire Medical Center. “We see every day how much our patients depend on having care available when they return home. Supporting the clinicians who provide that care helps patients leave the hospital safely and keeps beds available for others who need acute care.”

The BVNA petition also calls for reasonable and achievable productivity expectations developed with clinicians and grounded in the realities of home care. A visit involves more than time spent in a patient’s home. Clinicians must also document care, coordinate services, communicate with providers and families, and travel between patients.

MassNurses.org │ Facebook.com/MassNurses │ Twitter.com/MassNurses │ Instagram.com/MassNurses 

Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest union of registered nurses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its 26,000 members advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Legislature and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mna-berkshire-vna-nurses-and-healthcare-professionals-deliver-petition-calling-for-a-fair-union-contract-to-strengthen-patient-access-to-home-care-302919989.html

SOURCE Massachusetts Nurses Association

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