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Sound Credit Union and University of Washington Tacoma to Host Second Annual Hackathon

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sound Credit Union (Sound) and the University of Washington Tacoma Milgard Center for Business Analytics (UWT) have announced the return of HuskyHack: Turning Innovation into Trust, a financial technology (FinTech) innovation event that invites college students from across Washington State to develop solutions that improve financial confidence and enhance the user experience.

The second annual hackathon will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the University of Washington Tacoma. Students from colleges and universities throughout the state will have the opportunity to innovate, design, and pitch FinTech solutions that address real-world challenges facing consumers and financial institutions.

“We are thrilled to host the second annual HuskyHack,” said Jennifer Reed, Vice President of Public Relations at Sound Credit Union. “Last year, we didn’t know what to expect. To say we were impressed by the innovation, collaboration, and dedication demonstrated by the participants would be an understatement. The students exceeded our expectations and developed creative solutions to real financial challenges. We are excited to see what this year’s participants will create.”

Participants may compete individually or in teams and will have 24 hours to develop a product, prototype, or concept that empowers consumers to manage their financial lives with greater confidence while strengthening trust in financial services. The specific challenge participants will be tasked with addressing will be revealed during the opening ceremonies of HuskyHack on October 17.

Participants may compete individually or as teams and will spend 24 hours developing a product, prototype, or concept designed to help consumers manage their financial lives with greater confidence while strengthening trust in financial services.

The competition will unfold in two phases. During Phase One, students will build and present their initial concepts to a panel of judges. The top three submissions will each receive a $1,000 award in recognition of their innovation and progress. Participants will then continue refining their projects before submitting final solutions for evaluation.

In Phase Two, a panel of judges – that consist of business leaders, mentors, and industry experts will evaluate submissions based on technical execution, functionality, user experience, scalability, and presentation quality. The team behind the top overall project will receive a $15,000 grand prize, along with mentorship opportunities, expert coaching, a six-month membership to CoMotion Labs, and the opportunity to explore potential partnerships that could help bring their ideas to life.

“HuskyHack gives students a unique opportunity to move beyond the classroom and apply their skills to complex, real-world challenges,” said Michael Turek, Director of the Milgard Center for Business Analytics at the University of Washington Tacoma. “By bringing together students, industry professionals, and mentors, we’re creating an environment where students can experiment, collaborate, and turn innovative ideas into solutions with real potential to improve people’s financial lives. We’re excited to partner with Sound Credit Union again to provide this kind of experiential learning opportunity for students across Washington.”

Beyond competition, HuskyHack provides students with hands-on experience in product development, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with business leaders, credit union professionals, and technology experts while gaining valuable experience in what it takes to build and pitch a fintech solution from the ground up.

Registration and additional event details are available on the event website

About Sound Credit Union
Sound Credit Union was founded in 1940 and today is one of Washington State’s largest credit unions. With 26 full-service branch locations throughout the Puget Sound area, Sound provides their over 185,000 members with authentic and trusted financial support and services. Sound is driven by the purpose of standing with members, employees and the community through all waves of life.

About University of Washington Tacoma Center for Business Analytics
The Center for Business Analytics (CBA) in the Milgard School of Business at University of Washington Tacoma serves as a catalyst for research, education and innovation. It advances the use of “analytics”, “big data” and “smart machines” for actionable insights and business decision-making. The CBA draws on the expertise of the Milgard School’s faculty in Accounting, Business Analytics & Operations, Economics, Finance, Management and Marketing. The Center works directly with corporate partners to identify, frame and study critical business issues and opportunities. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sound-credit-union-and-university-of-washington-tacoma-to-host-second-annual-hackathon-302877954.html

SOURCE Sound Credit Union

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KAIJU NO. 8 THE GAME 1st Anniversary in Full Swing!

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Suited joins with the power of Kaiju A! “Narumi’s Week at Work” Premiere Login Bonus now live!

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KAIJU NO. 8 THE GAME, co-produced by Akatsuki Games, TOHO, and Production I.G, today continues its 1st Anniversary celebration with the release of a new playable character and original short anime tie-in campaign. Starting today, the new ★5 character [Unorthodox Pursuit] Suited enters the fray, utilizing power derived from Dimensional Identified Kaiju A. Additionally, to commemorate the release of the second episode of Narumi’s Week at Work, a special login bonus campaign is currently underway in-game through September 26 JST (UTC+9).

◆ New ★5 Character [Unorthodox Pursuit] Suited

With the power of Dimensional Identified Kaiju A, Suited joins the game as a playable character on September 14!

Suited wears a prosthetic eye crafted from Kaiju A’s uniorgan. The resulting Kaiju A cell corruption has even altered her hair color. While this places immense physical strain on her body and is by no means a recommended practice, she herself is quite fond of this state and seemingly has no intention of giving it up, no matter what anyone says.

■ New ★5 Character
[Unorthodox Pursuit] Suited (Optimal weapon type: Hammer)

■ New ★5 Weapon
HM-Spolcyc (Hammer)

■ Pickup Character Trailer: [Unorthodox Pursuit] Suited

https://youtu.be/SagK6RHmNxM

◆ “Narumi’s Week at Work” Premiere Login Bonus

To celebrate the release of “Narumi’s Week at Work” Day 2 “The Vice-Captain’s Troubles” episode, a special login bonus is now underway!

*Event Period: Now through September 26, 2026 at 3:59 AM JST (UTC+9)
*For more details, please refer to the in-game announcement.

▼Stream “Narumi’s Week at Work” on the TOHO animation Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@TOHOanimation

■ About KAIJU NO. 8 THE GAME

Title: Kaiju No. 8 THE GAME

Planning & Production: Akatsuki Games Inc., TOHO CO., LTD., Production I.G, Inc.

Development & Operation: Akatsuki Games Inc.

Publicity Cooperation: TOHO CO., LTD., Production I.G, Inc.

Distribution: Akatsuki Games Inc.

Available Platforms: App Store, Google Play Store, Steam®

Supported Languages: Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean, French

Price: Free-to-play (with in-app purchases)

Copyright Notice:

© JAKDF 3rd Division © Naoya Matsumoto/SHUEISHA

© Akatsuki Games Inc./TOHO CO., LTD./Production I.G

Official Game Website: https://kj8-thegame.com/en/

Official Game X: https://x.com/kj8_TheGame_EN

Official Game YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kj8-TheGame-EN

App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/kaiju-no-8-the-game/id6742088839

Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.aktsk.games.kaiju_no8_the_game

Steam®: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3393070 

■ About Anime Kaiju No. 8
Based on the popular manga series by Naoya Matsumoto, serialized on Shonen Jump+ (Shueisha) since 2020, the anime Kaiju No. 8 portrays intense battles between the Japan Defense Force, tasked with eliminating Kaiju, and the monstrous creatures that routinely threaten human lives. In Japan, the original manga has surpassed 19 million copies in circulation (including digital editions), with 16 volumes published to date (as of September 4, 2025).

The Anime Season 1, which aired from April to June 2024, quickly gained massive popularity, ranking No. 1 on domestic daily rankings across major streaming platforms in Japan. Building on that momentum, a theatrical compilation of Season 1, including the side story Hoshina’s Day Off, premiered in Japan on March 28, 2025. Subsequently, the Anime Season 2 aired from July to September 2025. While anticipation continues to build following the announcement of the Final Chapter’s production, the four-episode original short anime Narumi’s Week at Work is now streaming, with new episodes releasing every Saturday at 8:00 PM JST since September 5, 2026, continuing to draw a huge global response.

Official Website: https://kaiju-no8.net/

Official X: https://x.com/KaijuNo8_O

■ Company Overview: Akatsuki Games Inc.
It is our mission to connect the emotions of people around the world by putting our beliefs and “why” into games. We challenge ourselves to create global hits as a world-class game company with the highest standards of development and operation in Japan.

In addition to the experience of operating games such as Dragon Ball Z Dokkan Battle (published by BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.) and Romancing SaGa Re; Universe (published by SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.), we are taking on the challenges of using high-end 3D graphics display and development on multiple devices. We will deliver the highest quality games for everyone around the world to enjoy.

Official Website: https://games.aktsk.jp/en/

Founded: December 2021

Representative: CEO Yuki Totsuka

Headquarters: 8F oak meguro, 2-13-30 Kamiosaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Business Activities: Game Development & Operations

Please be sure to include the following copyright notice when publishing articles or images related to this release:

© JAKDF 3rd Division © Naoya Matsumoto/SHUEISHA
© Akatsuki Games Inc./TOHO CO., LTD./Production I.G

Additional Assets: HERE

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SOURCE Akatsuki Games Inc.

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CEO Coaching International Celebrates 22 Clients and Partners for Ranking on the Prestigious 2026 Inc. 5000 List

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MIAMI, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CEO Coaching International, the leading CEO coaching firm for growth-focused CEOs and entrepreneurs globally, is proud to congratulate 19 of its clients and 3 of its Strategic Partners for earning a coveted spot on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s most successful independent and entrepreneurial businesses. The list recognizes companies that have achieved remarkable growth while driving innovation, creating jobs, and shaping the future of the economy.

This year’s Inc. 5000 recognizes a new class of companies redefining what growth looks like. From AI and advanced manufacturing to healthcare, consumer products, and professional services, these businesses are expanding their impact, creating jobs, and proving that entrepreneurial ambition continues to fuel the U.S. economy. Among the 5,000 companies on the list, the median three-year revenue growth rate was 130%, and those companies have collectively added more than 627,208 jobs to the U.S. economy over the past three years.

“Making the Inc. 5000 is hard. Building a company that can sustain this level of growth takes an exceptional CEO, a strong leadership team, and the ability to execute relentlessly as the business gets bigger and more complex,” said Randy Dewey, CEO of CEO Coaching International. “That’s why I’m so proud to see 19 of our clients and three of our Strategic Partners recognized this year. And Paek Management Group’s No. 12 ranking, with 12,520% three-year growth, is simply extraordinary. These are ambitious leaders building exceptional companies, creating real economic impact, and showing what it means to Make BIG Happen.”

Clients and Strategic Partners Recognized on the 2026 Inc. 5000

The following CEO Coaching International clients and Strategic Partners are included on the 2026 Inc. 5000, alongside their rank, industry, growth rate, and years recognized on the list:

Rank

Company

Industry

3-Yr. Growth

Yrs. on List

12

Paek Management Group

Automotive

12520 %

1

178

Dhanani Private Equity Group

Real Estate

1904 %

7

1,136

Techjays

Artificial
Intelligence &
Data

308 %

1

1,603

Premier Metal Roof Mfg.

Manufacturing

218 %

3

1,888

Pioneer Aero Supply

Logistics &
Transportation

183 %

5

1,913

512Financial

Financial Services

179 %

1

2,137

DojoNetworks

 IT Services

158 %

2

2,322

AffordaCare Insurance

Insurance

145 %

1

2,371

Carson Group

Financial Services

141 %

8

2,910

Spohn Ranch, Inc.

Construction

107 %

9

3,289

Michaels Energy

Energy

89 %

4

3,470

Get Staffed Up

Human
Resources

82 %

5

3,476

Abstrax Tech

Manufacturing

82 %

3

3,767

Threat Tec

Government
Services

70 %

6

4,212

Rapido Solutions Group

Human
Resources

52 %

2

4,222

RBW Logistics

Logistics &
Transportation

52 %

1

4,282

Fire-Dex

Manufacturing

49 %

6

4,538

iSupport Worldwide

Business &
Corporate
Services

39 %

4

4,615

Victory Transportation

Logistics &
Transportation

34 %

1

4,644

Gorilla Commerce

Consumer Products

34 %

1

4,951

Serve You Rx

Healthcare &
Medical

15 %

1

4,995

Victra Wireless

Consumer
Products

12 %

13

“Every company on the Inc. 5000 has a story of perseverance, smart decision making, and a refusal to sit still,” says Mike Hofman, editor-in-chief of Inc. “Their growth reflects more than strong financial performance — it reflects creativity, resilience, and the customer focus required to build companies that make a lasting impact. We congratulate all honorees on this significant achievement.”

Inc. will celebrate the honorees at the 2026 Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala, taking place October 14–16 in Dallas, Texas, and the top 500 will be listed in the Fall issue of Inc. Magazine.

For the full Inc. 5000 list, honoree company profiles, and a searchable database by industry and location, please visit: www.inc.com/inc5000.

For more information about CEO Coaching International and to schedule a complimentary coaching call, please visit: https://ceocoachinginternational.com/contact/

Inc. 5000 List Methodology 

Companies on the 2026 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2022 to 2025. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2022. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2025. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2022 is $100,000; the minimum for 2025 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons.

About Inc. 

Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

About CEO Coaching International

CEO Coaching International works with CEOs and their leadership teams to achieve extraordinary results quarter after quarter, year after year. Known globally for its success in coaching growth-focused entrepreneurs to meaningful exits, the firm has coached more than 3,500 CEOs and entrepreneurs across 160+ industries and 94 countries. Its coaches—former CEOs, presidents, and executives—have led businesses ranging from startups to over $10 billion, driving double-digit sales and profit growth, many culminating in eight, nine, or ten-figure exits.

Companies that have worked with CEO Coaching International for two years or more have achieved an average revenue CAGR of 22.8%, nearly 2X the U.S. average, and an average EBITDA CAGR of 37.5%, nearly 3X the national benchmark.

Discover how coaching can transform your leadership journey at ceocoachinginternational.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ceo-coaching-international-celebrates-22-clients-and-partners-for-ranking-on-the-prestigious-2026-inc-5000-list-302877998.html

SOURCE CEO Coaching International

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PrideStaff Financial Celebrates Accounting and Finance Professionals During National Staffing Employee Week

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FRESNO, Calif., Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — PrideStaff Financial, a division of PrideStaff specializing in accounting and finance staffing, is celebrating National Staffing Employee Week, Sept. 14-20, by recognizing the contract professionals who help businesses keep essential financial functions running smoothly.

National Staffing Employee Week, an annual initiative of the American Staffing Association (ASA), shines a spotlight on the millions of temporary and contract professionals who contribute their skills to U.S. businesses while building experience and advancing their careers through staffing.

From financial reporting and budgeting to payroll, audits, and compliance, accounting and finance professionals perform work that is fundamental to business operations. PrideStaff Financial places professionals in these critical roles, helping employers maintain continuity, meet important deadlines, and access the skills they need during periods of increased demand, transition, or growth.

“Behind every deadline met, report completed, and financial decision made are talented professionals who understand how much their work matters,” said Tammi Heaton, Co-CEO of PrideStaff. “We see firsthand the knowledge and commitment our associates bring to their roles, often joining teams at pivotal moments and quickly becoming trusted contributors. This week is about celebrating them and the difference they make for our clients every day,” added PrideStaff Co-CEO Mike Aprile.

Contract work also gives accounting and finance professionals the opportunity to apply their expertise in different business environments, broaden their experience, and pursue assignments that fit their career goals. At the same time, employers gain access to skilled professionals who can help keep financial priorities on track when workloads or staffing needs shift.

About PrideStaff Financial
A division of PrideStaff, PrideStaff Financial specializes in accounting and financial staffing. The parent company was founded in the 1970s as 100% company-owned units and began franchising in 1995. They operate offices in North America to serve thousands of clients. With 45-plus years in the staffing business, headquartered in Central California, all PrideStaff brands offer the resources and expertise of a national firm with the spirit, dedication, and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. For more information on PrideStaff Financial services, visit our website.

PrideStaff and PrideStaff Financial’s shared mission: Consistently provide client experiences focused on what they value most.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pridestaff-financial-celebrates-accounting-and-finance-professionals-during-national-staffing-employee-week-302877993.html

SOURCE PrideStaff

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