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HABRI ANNOUNCES HUMAN ANIMAL BOND INNOVATION AWARD WINNERS

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Dogs on Deployment, Public Service Category; The Arizona Pet Project, Public Service Category; Unspoken Bond Documentary, KTF Films and Jackie Ducci, Media Category; The City of Albuquerque, Animal Welfare Department, Pet-Inclusive Culture Category; Roehl Transport, Pet-Inclusive Infrastructure Category; Lovedogs 360 Foundation, International Category; Battersea Dogs & Cats Home,
International Category

LAS VEGAS, Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) today announced the winners of its annual Human Animal Bond Innovation Awards, recognizing those who offer innovative programs, policies and initiatives to advance the human-animal bond and create a more pet-friendly society.

The Human Animal Bond Innovation Awards recognizes innovative programs that advance the human-animal bond.

“PetSmart Charities is proud to support the Human Animal Bond Innovation Awards and celebrate the organizations that are expanding what’s possible for people and pets,” said Aimee Gilbreath, President of PetSmart Charities and Chair of the HABRI Board of Trustees. “This year’s honorees are demonstrating that innovative ideas can strengthen the human-animal bond and create meaningful impact.”

The 2026 Human Animal Bond Innovation Award winners are:

Public Service Category: Dogs on Deployment

Dogs on Deployment is a nonprofit organization that helps ensure U.S. service members never have to choose between their military service and their pets. Through its free nationwide Hero Pet Boarding Network and financial assistance programs, the organization supports military families during deployments, relocations, training assignments and other hardships. Since its founding, Dogs on Deployment has helped save more than 3,000 pets from unnecessary relinquishment, connected over 44,000 volunteer pet boarders and provided nearly $1 million in financial assistance. By protecting the bond between service members and their pets, the organization provides peace of mind while America’s heroes serve their country. Its innovative model has created a trusted support network for military families and their companion animals.

Public Service Category: The Arizona Pet Project

The Arizona Pet Project is transforming homelessness services by ensuring families never have to choose between accessing shelter and keeping their pets. Through a pioneering partnership with UMOM New Day Centers, the organization launched one of the nation’s first comprehensive pet-inclusive shelter models, providing veterinary care and pet support services directly within a family shelter. In its first year, the initiative supported 111 pet-owning families, helping keep people and their companion animals together during times of crisis. By demonstrating that preserving the human-animal bond strengthens family stability and access to services, The Arizona Pet Project has created a replicable model that is inspiring communities nationwide.

The Public Service category is sponsored by Zoetis.

Media Category: Unspoken Bond Documentary, KTF Films and Jackie Ducci

Unspoken Bond, created by Jackie Ducci and produced by KTF Films, is redefining how media can advance understanding of the human-animal bond. Through compelling stories of individuals whose relationships with animals have supported healing, resilience and recovery, the documentary demonstrates the profound impact of these connections on human well-being. Designed to spark dialogue beyond the screen, Unspoken Bond is engaging audiences to consider how the human-animal bond can strengthen mental health, healthcare and community support. By combining powerful storytelling with a vision for real-world application, this work is expanding recognition of the human-animal bond as a pathway to healing and connection.

The Media category is sponsored by DOGTV.

Pet-Inclusive Culture Category: The City of Albuquerque, Animal Welfare Department

The City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department is advancing pet-inclusive workplaces through its innovative Employee Pet Care Membership program. The voluntary benefit provides City employees with affordable access to preventive veterinary care, including spay and neuter services, vaccinations and annual wellness exams. As the first program of its kind, it reinvests membership dues into the City’s HEART fund to expand access to pet care for low- and moderate-income residents. By supporting both employee pets and the broader community, the initiative demonstrates how public-sector innovation can strengthen the human-animal bond and improve access to care.

The Pet-Inclusive Culture category is sponsored by Nestlé Purina PetCare.

Pet-Inclusive Infrastructure Category: Roehl Transport

Roehl Transport is redefining pet-inclusive workplaces by creating infrastructure that enables professional truck drivers to travel with their companion animals. Through its Pet Passport Program, the company combines pet-friendly policies with dedicated amenities, including pet run areas and waste stations, to support drivers and their pets on the road. By recognizing the role pets play in reducing isolation and promoting well-being, Roehl has integrated the human-animal bond into its driver support programs. This innovative, scalable approach demonstrates how employers can strengthen the health of its workforce by making it easier for people to remain with their pets throughout their careers.

International Category: Lovedogs 360 Foundation

Lovedogs 360 Foundation is expanding access to companion animal care across Kenya through a combination of education, media and technology. The organization promotes pet ownership through community training, culturally relevant storytelling and accessible veterinary resources that strengthen the human-animal bond. Its AI-powered Lovedogs 360 app uses nose-print biometric technology to provide affordable, lifelong dog identification while connecting pet owners to trusted support services. By developing inclusive, community-centered solutions, Lovedogs 360 Foundation is shaping a more pet-inclusive future and demonstrating how local innovation can improve the lives of both people and animals.

International Category: Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is advancing pet-inclusive housing for renters with pets in the United Kingdom by combining research, public engagement and policy advocacy to pass the landmark Renters’ Rights Act. The legislation, enacted this year, gives tenants the right to request permission to keep a pet, helping remove barriers to pet ownership for an estimated one million renters in England. By championing practical policy solutions that preserve the human-animal bond, Battersea is creating lasting change for people and their companion animals.

“HABRI is grateful to Presenting Sponsor: PetSmart Charities; Category Sponsors: DOGTIV, Purina and Zoetis; and Supporting Sponsors: the World Pet Association and Tito’s Handmade Vodka,” said HABRI President Steven Feldman. “These organizations play a critical role in bringing the Human Animal Bond Innovation Awards to life, enabling us to recognize and elevate the groundbreaking work being done to strengthen the bond between people and animals in communities around the world.”

For more information about these winners and the Human Animal Bond Innovation Awards, please visit www.habri.org/hab-innovation-awards

About HABRI
HABRI is a not-for-profit organization that funds innovative scientific research to document the health benefits of companion animals; educates the public about human-animal bond research; and advocates for the beneficial role of companion animals in society. For more information, please visit http://www.habri.org.

CONTACT: Hayley Maynard
hayleym@aboutinspire.com
614.701.8205

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SOURCE Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI)

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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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