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Middle Market Advisory Firm Growth Operators® Names Molly Hiller, Chief Executive Officer

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Co-Founder Rick Nordvold to Continue as Executive Chairman and Lead North Partners™ as the Firm Expands Its Platform Across Strategy, Talent, Technology and AI

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Growth Operators® today announced that Co-Founder Molly Hiller has been named Chief Executive Officer (CEO), marking the next chapter for the middle-market consultancy she co-founded alongside former CEO Rick Nordvold in 2010. The announcement comes as the firm broadens its platform beyond the back office and marks a sixth consecutive year on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America.

The transition builds on Hiller’s more than 16 years helping shape Growth Operators, including serving as President, CFO and COO, and formalizes her leadership of the firm’s operations for the past two years. Nordvold will remain closely connected to Growth Operators as Executive Chairman while focusing on his role as Chairman and Managing Partner of North Partners™, the private investment partnership he co-founded with Hiller in 2026. As the long-term controlling owner of Growth Operators, along with the firm’s employee Partners, North Partners invests in and partners with companies and leaders to support leadership development and long-term value creation.

“Since the beginning, we have built Growth Operators alongside an incredibly talented team,” said Molly Hiller, Co-Founder and CEO of Growth Operators. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited for the opportunities ahead. We’ll continue building on that foundation, expanding our capabilities and finding new ways to support our clients as their needs evolve.”

As Growth Operators’ first female CEO, Hiller steps into the role at a moment of deliberate expansion. Over the past year, the firm has added capabilities in Strategy & Execution, Talent Intelligence, Strategic IT, and Decision Intelligence & AI, building an executable value creation agenda, aligning structure and talent to the growth plan, modernizing the platforms that power performance, and turning data into faster, better decisions. Each is delivered through the firm’s proprietary nextLEVEL® assessment and embedded model, pairing cross-functional teams with fractional and interim executives who step into leadership gaps and lead initiatives to completion alongside the business.

“Molly is a natural leader,” said Rick Nordvold, Co-Founder of Growth Operators and Executive Chairman. “I’ve seen her impact firsthand since we founded the firm, and her dedication to our employees and clients has been central to Growth Operators’ success. Through North Partners, along with our employee Partners, we’re committed to this firm and its people for the long term.”

The firm was named to the 2026 Inc. 5000 list for the sixth consecutive year, recognized for 51% three-year revenue growth, and has earned its third consecutive Minnesota Top Workplace recognition from the Minnesota Star Tribune along with a 2026 Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award.

Before co-founding Growth Operators, Hiller began her career at Arthur Andersen, held financial management roles at Target, and founded and led her own entrepreneurial venture. She earned her undergraduate degree in accounting from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.

Read more about Growth Operators’ next chapter here.

About Growth Operators®

Founded in 2010 by Rick Nordvold and Molly Hiller, Growth Operators® is an operator-led professional services and advisory firm that partners with private equity firms, their portfolio companies, and founder-led and other middle-market businesses to strengthen the operational and strategic capabilities that drive growth and long-term enterprise value. Its team of experienced executives and operators—known as “Growth Pros”—brings deep, hands-on operating expertise to help clients solve complex business challenges, scale efficiently, minimize risk, and enhance enterprise value.

Growth Operators provides expertise across Finance & Accounting, Human Resources, Transaction Advisory, Strategy & Execution, Talent Intelligence, Strategic IT, and Decision Intelligence & AI. From navigating complex transactions and closing leadership gaps to optimizing financial performance, modernizing technology, and turning data into clearer decisions, Growth Operators works alongside clients to deliver practical solutions tailored to their business needs.

For more information, please visit growthoperators.com

About North Partners™

North Partners™ is a private investment partnership co-founded in 2026 by Rick Nordvold and Molly Hiller. Together with Growth Operators’ employee Partners, North Partners is the long-term controlling owner of Growth Operators. The partnership invests in and partners with companies and leaders to support leadership development and long-term value creation. For more information, please visit northpartners7.com

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SOURCE Growth Operators

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ChoiceOne Bank Announces Official Opening of ChoiceOne Bank Trail at Silver Lake Road and Jennings Road in Fenton

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SPARTA, Mich., Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc., and ChoiceOne Bank (NASDAQ: COFS) (“ChoiceOne”) are pleased to announce the official opening of the ChoiceOne Bank Trail following a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the corner of Silver Lake Road and Jennings Road in Fenton.

“The ChoiceOne Bank Trail encourages people to get outside. It creates opportunities to explore our beautiful communities.” said ChoiceOne President Michael J. Burke, Jr. “It also serves as a reminder that we’re all connected. The communities along this trail each have their own unique character, and together they form something even stronger. We are honored that the ChoiceOne name will be part of that story.”

The ChoiceOne Bank Trail is part of the Genesee County Legacy Trails network, an initiative designed to connect more than 200 miles of trails throughout Flint and Genesee County. The Legacy Trails network will help connect residents to essential community destinations, including parks, schools, grocery stores and libraries.

“We are honored and excited to celebrate the official opening of the ChoiceOne Bank Trail,” said ChoiceOne Vice President Danielle Chateauvert. “ChoiceOne has collaborated with the LAFF Pathway over the years to help envision this important community project. Our involvement in the Legacy Trails network, including the naming of the ChoiceOne Bank Trail, reflects ChoiceOne’s commitment to investing in and supporting the communities we serve.”

The Genesee County five-year strategic trails plan establishes a unified vision for a safe, connected, and accessible nonmotorized trail network linking communities throughout the county. When completed, the Legacy Trails network is expected to place more than 180,000 people within one mile of a nonmotorized trail. The network will also connect 23 Genesee County communities, two state parks, 151 other parks, and 89 schools. To learn more about the Legacy Trails network, visit geneseetrails.com.

About ChoiceOne
ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. is a financial holding company headquartered in Sparta, Michigan, with assets of approximately $4.4 billion, and the parent corporation of ChoiceOne Bank. Member FDIC. ChoiceOne Bank operates 54 offices in West, Central and Southeast Michigan. ChoiceOne Bank offers insurance and investment products through its subsidiary, ChoiceOne Insurance Agencies, Inc. ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “COFS.” For more information, please visit Investor Relations at ChoiceOne’s website choiceone.bank.

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SOURCE ChoiceOne Bank

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INBLOOM AUTISM SERVICES EXPANDS IN CONNECTICUT WITH NEW LEARNING CENTERS IN WALLINGFORD AND EAST GRANBY

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New centers expand access to center-based ABA therapy for young children with autism as demand for specialized services continues to grow.

WALLINGFORD, Conn. and EAST GRANBY, Conn., Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — InBloom Autism Services is expanding its presence in Connecticut with the opening of two new Learning Centers in Wallingford and East Granby, bringing specialized autism services to more families in the region. 

According to data from the 2020–2021 National Survey of Children’s Health, 3.0% of Connecticut parents reported that their child, ages 3–17, had autism, compared with 2.9% nationally. The data underscores the ongoing need for accessible, specialized services for children and families across the state.

The new Learning Centers will serve children 18 months through 5 years old in autism friendly environments designed to support communication, social development, independence, and school readiness. Each center features play-based learning spaces, individual therapy rooms, sensory-friendly gym areas, and mock classrooms where children can build skills through age-appropriate activities. 

InBloom Autism Services is an in-network provider with many major insurance providers. Families interested in learning more about ABA therapy at the new centers can contact the InBloom Care Team at 888-754-0398 or visit inbloomautism.com.

Since 2019, InBloom has provided center-based ABA therapy to families in Connecticut and has continued to grow its presence across the state. The new locations extend that reach to families in the Wallingford and East Granby communities while providing additional opportunities for individualized care during the critical early childhood years.

“We don’t measure our growth simply by the number of doors we open,” said Tim Bohman, Chief Executive Officer at InBloom Autism Services. “We measure it by the quality of care we’re able to provide inside those doors. As we expand in Connecticut, we’re committed to finding and supporting the best clinicians across the state and building teams that are equipped to provide individualized, meaningful care to every child and family who walks through our doors.”

The new centers feature spaces designed around the way young children learn and develop, including:

Large playrooms that support naturalistic, play-based learning and social interactionIndividual therapy rooms for one-to-one instruction and skill developmentIndoor gyms with sensory-friendly activities that encourage movement and body awarenessMock classrooms where children can practice skills and routines that support the transition to kindergarten

InBloom’s ABA programs are individualized by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and incorporate play-based, naturalistic learning opportunities. Families also participate through ongoing communication and parent coaching designed to help children use newly developed skills at home and in their communities.

“We’re excited to bring InBloom’s model of individualized, center-based ABA therapy to more families in the region,” said Abigail Dunn, M.S., BCBA, LBA, Senior Vice President of Clinical and Operations at InBloom Autism Services. “Our Learning Centers are designed to give young children with autism opportunities to build communication, social, daily living, and school-readiness skills in an environment created specifically for their needs.”

In addition to ABA therapy, InBloom has expanded its services in Connecticut to include autism diagnostic evaluations for young children through an in-house licensed psychologist. This expansion gives families access to both diagnostic and therapeutic services within InBloom’s continuum of care.

A SPACE DESIGNED FOR EARLY LEARNING

Each InBloom Learning Center is designed with young children and their families in mind. Therapy takes place through engaging, age-appropriate activities that allow children to practice skills in environments that mirror everyday experiences.

Programs may address communication, social interaction, play, daily living skills, independence, and preparation for school. Treatment plans are individualized and updated as children progress.

The new Wallingford and East Granby Learning Centers are located at 860 North Main Street Ext, Suite 101A, Wallingford, CT 06492 and 2 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 110, East Granby, CT 06026, respectively.

ABOUT INBLOOM AUTISM SERVICES

Founded in 2015, InBloom Autism Services provides center-based ABA therapy for young children with autism. InBloom’s Learning Centers are designed to provide individualized, play-based therapy in environments created specifically for children with autism. The organization serves families across multiple states and is committed to helping children develop skills that support greater communication, independence, social connection, and participation in everyday life.

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SOURCE InBloom Autism Services

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Splitero Partners with the Anaheim Ducks as Official Home Equity Partner, Debuts Splitero Club at Honda Center

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The Partnership Marks Splitero’s Third Major Southern California Sports Partnership And Introduces A New Premium Fan Destination At Honda Center

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Splitero, the financial technology company that helps homeowners access their home equity, today announced a new partnership with the Anaheim Ducks, naming Splitero the team’s Official Home Equity Partner. The partnership with Honda Center includes Splitero Club, opening on October 1, 2026. The Splitero Club is a new members-only hospitality club that redefines the guest experience while giving fans direct access to home equity education.

The partnership expands Splitero’s growing presence in Southern California sports, building on successful partnerships with the Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Kings, and raising awareness of Splitero’s goal to educate Southern California homeowners about options for accessing their home equity. The partnership gives Splitero’s signature Orange Soda color a home base in the heart of Orange County. Unique to this partnership is the Splitero Club itself, a new premium club at Honda Center as part of Honda Center Encore, the arena’s $1 billion investment in the guest experience. The club will offer a luxury membership experience with bowl-facing views and dedicated wayfinding signage, creating a fully branded environment and go-to destination for guests. With year-round visibility across concerts, games, and other events, the Splitero Club establishes a bold, unmistakably orange presence in the heart of Orange County and gives the brand a home of its own within one of the region’s premier entertainment destinations.

“We are excited to announce our partnership with the Honda Center and the Anaheim Ducks, as it aligns with our mission to offer homeowners a smarter way to access their equity,” said Michael Gifford, CEO and Co-Founder of Splitero. “California is our home, and we are thrilled to introduce the Splitero Club, which will provide a premium experience for Ducks fans and visitors to the Honda Center.”

In addition to the Splitero Club, fans will see Splitero branding throughout Honda Center, including on the arena’s dual 360-degree LED Rings surrounding the bowl, the scoreboard, player and Zamboni tunnel LED displays, ARTIC marquees, and additional digital signage and dashboards throughout the venue.

“We’re proud to welcome Splitero to the Anaheim Ducks and Honda Center family and to introduce the Splitero Club as a new destination designed to elevate the guest experience,” said Graham Siderius, Senior Vice President and Chief Partnership Officer. “This partnership brings together a strong Southern California brand and premium hospitality destination, creating a distinctive environment for guests while giving Splitero a meaningful presence across Ducks games, concerts and events throughout the year.”

To see Splitero’s partnership with the Anaheim Ducks in action at the Honda Center, visit https://www.nhl.com/ducks/ to get tickets or visit premium.hondacenter.com/premium/splitero-club to learn more about the Splitero Club. To learn more about Splitero, visit https://www.splitero.com.

About Splitero

Splitero is a financial technology company that provides homeowners with better options to access their home equity with no monthly payments. Founded in San Diego in 2021 by real estate veterans, Michael Gifford and David Zvaifler, Splitero turns home equity into cash in exchange for a share of the home’s future value. The home equity investment (HEI) company has no income requirements for applicants, and homeowners keep their homes and existing mortgage rates. Splitero’s innovative Maturity Match™ aligns the HEI term length with the homeowner’s remaining primary mortgage timeline. Splitero can help homeowners in 17 states access their equity with no monthly payments. For more information, visit https://www.splitero.com.

Contact Information
Lauren Niday, Senior PR Director  
splitero@powerdigital.com

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SOURCE Splitero

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