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Ignacio Esteban Receives 2026 Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award for Responsible Finance

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Opportunity Finance Network awards its highest honor to Esteban for his leadership and commitment to serving underserved communities in Florida

NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Opportunity Finance Network (OFN), the nation’s leading network and intermediary focused on community development finance, honored Ignacio Esteban with the 2026 Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award for Responsible Finance during The Opportunity Honors Award Ceremony and Reception Thursday evening at the 42nd annual OFN Conference in New Orleans. The Gramlich Award is the community development finance industry’s highest individual honor and recognizes people of distinction and their impact on the community development financial institution (CDFI) industry.

For nearly 30 years, Esteban devoted his leadership, vision, and commitment to Florida Community Loan Fund (FCLF). Under his guidance, FCLF grew into a leading community development financial institution serving low-income communities across Florida by providing flexible financing for nonprofit organizations and mission-based for-profit organizations that develop affordable housing, supportive housing, community facilities, and economic development projects. Esteban retired as FCLF’s chief executive officer in July 2026 after 26 years of service, having also served as development officer and interim executive director. He passed away the following month, leaving a legacy that extends beyond the institution he helped build to the colleagues, communities, and CDFI leaders he influenced across the country. 

“Ignacio Esteban understood that institutions matter because they can carry a purpose farther than any one leader can carry it alone,” said Harold Pettigrew, President and CEO of OFN. “For nearly three decades, he brought both seriousness to the work and generosity to the people doing it, building Florida Community Loan Fund into an enduring force for opportunity and strengthening our entire field. This award honors Ignacio’s extraordinary body of work and a legacy that will continue through the institutions, communities, and people he helped shape.”

Esteban helped build and lead Florida’s first statewide CDFI with $620 million in total assets currently under management. As FCLF’s CEO, he led $913.6 million in FCLF capital and an additional $1.76 billion leveraged through partnerships for 543 loans, strengthening nonprofits and communities across Florida and impacting over three million people annually. Under his leadership, FCLF secured $586 million in New Markets Tax Credits – the most in Florida. In 2024, FCLF received an unsolicited $10 million grant from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott and her Yield Giving charity, affirming FCLF’s strength and his exceptional leadership.  

“Ignacio dedicated his career to expanding access to capital and maximizing opportunities for people and communities,” said Tammy Thomas, Chief Financial Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer at Florida Community Loan Fund. “We are incredibly proud to see his life’s work honored with the Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award. This recognition is a fitting tribute to the impact of his leadership, not only at the Florida Community Loan Fund, but across the CDFI industry.”

Esteban previously served as OFN’s board chair, where he led the organization to develop a 15-year strategic plan, including a meeting with then-Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke. He also served as a board member for nine years, chaired the Finance and Nominating Committees, and served on the Policy Committee.

LEARN MORE | Ignacio Esteban and Florida Community Loan Fund | Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award for Responsible Finance | The Opportunity Honors

About the Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award for Responsible Finance

Established in 2007, the Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award for Responsible Finance is the community development finance industry’s highest individual honor. It is awarded annually at the OFN Conference to individuals whose careers exemplify leadership, integrity, and a deep commitment to expanding economic opportunity.

The spirit of the award is to celebrate people of distinction who have produced a body of work that sets them apart within the CDFI industry. These individuals have shaped the field through innovation, institution-building, and a relentless focus on impact—leaving a legacy that continues to influence the sector and the communities it serves.

The award is named for Ned Gramlich, a staunch, longtime advocate for responsible finance. As the former Board of Governors’ primary liaison to the Federal Reserve’s Consumer Advisory Council, Gramlich advised on community development and consumer finance policy matters. He was an outspoken voice against predatory lending and a strong defender of the Community Reinvestment Act. He served on the OFN Board of Directors from October 2006 until his death in 2007.

About Opportunity Finance Network

Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) is the nation’s leading network and intermediary focused on community development investment, managing more than $1 billion in total assets and a membership of nearly 500 community development financial institutions (CDFIs), which includes community development loan funds, credit unions, green banks, banks, minority depository institutions, and venture capital funds. Our network of CDFIs works to ensure communities left behind by mainstream finance have access to affordable, responsible financial products and services, with a deep focus on serving rural, urban, and Native communities across the United States. OFN is a trusted investment partner to the public, private, and philanthropic sectors – foundations, corporations, banks, government agencies, and others – and, for more than 40 years, has helped partners invest in communities to catalyze change and create economic opportunities for all.

Since its founding in 1986, OFN members have originated more than $136 billion in cumulative financing, helping to create or maintain nearly 3.8 million jobs, start or expand nearly 1.2 million businesses and microenterprises, and support the development or rehabilitation of nearly 3 million housing units and nearly 16,000 community facility projects.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ignacio-esteban-receives-2026-ned-gramlich-lifetime-achievement-award-for-responsible-finance-302917607.html

SOURCE Opportunity Finance Network

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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October 24, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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October 24, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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Club Offers for Travel Enthusiasts in Canada

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October 23, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO), the club for travel enthusiasts, announces three of many new Club Offers for Club Members in Canada.

Rigorously vetted and negotiated for us travel enthusiasts:

$799—COSTA RICA WEEK WITH FLIGHTS & CAR
We think fall is an ideal time to visit Costa Rica; the scenery is lush and the crowds are gone. Drive between volcanic Arenal and the idyllic beaches of Tamarindo on this seven-night trip. Since it’s not as busy, we were able to negotiate a price that saves members up to $648 on departures through mid-December.

$899—BARCELONA: 5 NIGHTS WITH FLIGHTS
Explore Barcelona’s world-class museums and architectural masterpieces in the quieter winter months to pack more into your trip. You won’t waste hours in lines and can access top restaurants that are fully booked in summer. We save $300 on travel this January and February, when temperatures are still spring-like. Roundtrip flights from Toronto, hotel and daily breakfast are included.

$999—ST. KITTS GETAWAY FOR 2, REG. $2083
Most visitors to St. Kitts book months in advance, but when we pointed out that travel enthusiasts are more spontaneous, this resort gave us a terrific rate for stays this November and December. Spend four nights in Frigate Bay and get an upgraded Oceanview room, too.

Are you a travel enthusiast? Join the club today: https://travelzoo.com

Who are we?
We, Travelzoo®, are the club for travel enthusiasts. We reach 30 million travellers. Club Members receive Club Offers negotiated and rigorously vetted by our deal experts around the globe. Our relationships with thousands of top travel companies give us access to irresistible deals. Our club and its benefits are built around the lifestyle of a modern travel enthusiast.

Media Contact: 
Amanda Ieraci – Toronto
+1 437 866 8540
aieraci@travelzoo.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/club-offers-for-travel-enthusiasts-in-canada-302918543.html

SOURCE Travelzoo

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