by Lee Green, vice president of communications and marketing at Cascale

Most sustainability systems are designed with outputs in mind.

Scores, benchmarks, disclosures, reports.

But if you want to understand where things are actually working or breaking down, it’s often more useful to look one step earlier. Not at the data itself, but at the questions people ask when they’re trying to produce it.

Over the past couple of months, we’ve been looking more closely at anonymized user questions submitted through a support feature within HowToHigg, designed to help users navigate Higg Index guidance more effectively.

HowToHigg supports users across the full suite of Higg Index tools, which are built on Cascale’s methodologies and framework, with the tools themselves being exclusively available via Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform.

From a communications and engagement perspective, these questions are particularly useful. They don’t necessarily reflect the issues users encounter once inside the tools, or the detailed feedback captured through formal channels. But they do highlight where guidance, interpretation, and understanding may need to be strengthened, often before or alongside direct tool use.

Across more than 400 user questions, a number of consistent themes started to emerge. Taken together, they offer a useful lens into where users are seeking clarity, and where interpretation may begin to diverge.

A large share of questions focused on Higg FEM verification procedures. How to select Verification Bodies, what deadlines apply, how verifier rotation works, and the difference between self-assessment and verified scores. These are not edge cases. They sit at the core of how data becomes credible and comparable.

We also saw frequent questions around data classification and reporting methodology. How to distinguish between hazardous and non-hazardous waste. How to classify water use. How energy sources align with GHG Protocol scopes. These are the kinds of decisions that seem small in isolation but have a direct impact on consistency when applied across thousands of facilities.

Another cluster of questions related to cadence, deadlines, and module access, including reporting timelines and purchasing requirements. Again, not complex in theory, but critical in practice when companies are managing reporting across multiple teams and regions.

Questions around scoring logic and weighting came up repeatedly as well. Whether Level 2 and Level 3 questions are scored. How sub-questions contribute to final scores. What happens when zero-tolerance issues are identified. These are the mechanics behind the numbers, and understanding them is key to interpreting results correctly.

Some questions also pointed to platform access and functionality, reinforcing the importance of close coordination between Cascale’s methodologies and guidance, and Worldly’s platform delivery.

It’s important to be clear about what this is, and what it isn’t.

These insights are not a substitute for the detailed feedback gathered through formal channels such as Zendesk, direct user engagement, or module-specific support. Those remain critical for identifying and resolving specific issues within the tools themselves.

What this layer of questions offers is something slightly different. An earlier view into how users approach Higg Index guidance, and where additional clarity may be needed before or alongside engaging directly with the tools.

As the primary guidance platform for the Higg Index, HowToHigg plays a critical role in shaping how methodologies are understood and applied. And in that context, the questions users ask are often the first indication of where interpretation may begin to diverge.

If we want consistent, comparable data, that layer matters.

Because even the most robust methodologies rely on consistent understanding in practice. And every unclear definition, every misinterpretation, and every point of confusion has the potential to show up downstream.

So the takeaway is a simple one.

Pay attention to the questions.

They don’t just reflect what users don’t know. They point to where we can make the system clearer, more accessible, and ultimately more consistent in how it’s applied.

Lee Green is vice president of communications and marketing at Cascale.

by Lee Green, vice president of communications and marketing at Cascale

Most sustainability systems are designed with outputs in mind.

Scores, benchmarks, disclosures, reports.

But if you want to understand where things are actually working or breaking down, it’s often more useful to look one step earlier. Not at the data itself, but at the questions people ask when they’re trying to produce it.

Over the past couple of months, we’ve been looking more closely at anonymized user questions submitted through a support feature within HowToHigg, designed to help users navigate Higg Index guidance more effectively.

HowToHigg supports users across the full suite of Higg Index tools, which are built on Cascale’s methodologies and framework, with the tools themselves being exclusively available via Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform.

From a communications and engagement perspective, these questions are particularly useful. They don’t necessarily reflect the issues users encounter once inside the tools, or the detailed feedback captured through formal channels. But they do highlight where guidance, interpretation, and understanding may need to be strengthened, often before or alongside direct tool use.

Across more than 400 user questions, a number of consistent themes started to emerge. Taken together, they offer a useful lens into where users are seeking clarity, and where interpretation may begin to diverge.

A large share of questions focused on Higg FEM verification procedures. How to select Verification Bodies, what deadlines apply, how verifier rotation works, and the difference between self-assessment and verified scores. These are not edge cases. They sit at the core of how data becomes credible and comparable.

We also saw frequent questions around data classification and reporting methodology. How to distinguish between hazardous and non-hazardous waste. How to classify water use. How energy sources align with GHG Protocol scopes. These are the kinds of decisions that seem small in isolation but have a direct impact on consistency when applied across thousands of facilities.

Another cluster of questions related to cadence, deadlines, and module access, including reporting timelines and purchasing requirements. Again, not complex in theory, but critical in practice when companies are managing reporting across multiple teams and regions.

Questions around scoring logic and weighting came up repeatedly as well. Whether Level 2 and Level 3 questions are scored. How sub-questions contribute to final scores. What happens when zero-tolerance issues are identified. These are the mechanics behind the numbers, and understanding them is key to interpreting results correctly.

Some questions also pointed to platform access and functionality, reinforcing the importance of close coordination between Cascale’s methodologies and guidance, and Worldly’s platform delivery.

It’s important to be clear about what this is, and what it isn’t.

These insights are not a substitute for the detailed feedback gathered through formal channels such as Zendesk, direct user engagement, or module-specific support. Those remain critical for identifying and resolving specific issues within the tools themselves.

What this layer of questions offers is something slightly different. An earlier view into how users approach Higg Index guidance, and where additional clarity may be needed before or alongside engaging directly with the tools.

As the primary guidance platform for the Higg Index, HowToHigg plays a critical role in shaping how methodologies are understood and applied. And in that context, the questions users ask are often the first indication of where interpretation may begin to diverge.

If we want consistent, comparable data, that layer matters.

Because even the most robust methodologies rely on consistent understanding in practice. And every unclear definition, every misinterpretation, and every point of confusion has the potential to show up downstream.

So the takeaway is a simple one.

Pay attention to the questions.

They don’t just reflect what users don’t know. They point to where we can make the system clearer, more accessible, and ultimately more consistent in how it’s applied.

Lee Green is vice president of communications and marketing at Cascale.

by Lee Green, vice president of communications and marketing at Cascale

Most sustainability systems are designed with outputs in mind.

Scores, benchmarks, disclosures, reports.

But if you want to understand where things are actually working or breaking down, it’s often more useful to look one step earlier. Not at the data itself, but at the questions people ask when they’re trying to produce it.

Over the past couple of months, we’ve been looking more closely at anonymized user questions submitted through a support feature within HowToHigg, designed to help users navigate Higg Index guidance more effectively.

HowToHigg supports users across the full suite of Higg Index tools, which are built on Cascale’s methodologies and framework, with the tools themselves being exclusively available via Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform.

From a communications and engagement perspective, these questions are particularly useful. They don’t necessarily reflect the issues users encounter once inside the tools, or the detailed feedback captured through formal channels. But they do highlight where guidance, interpretation, and understanding may need to be strengthened, often before or alongside direct tool use.

Across more than 400 user questions, a number of consistent themes started to emerge. Taken together, they offer a useful lens into where users are seeking clarity, and where interpretation may begin to diverge.

A large share of questions focused on Higg FEM verification procedures. How to select Verification Bodies, what deadlines apply, how verifier rotation works, and the difference between self-assessment and verified scores. These are not edge cases. They sit at the core of how data becomes credible and comparable.

We also saw frequent questions around data classification and reporting methodology. How to distinguish between hazardous and non-hazardous waste. How to classify water use. How energy sources align with GHG Protocol scopes. These are the kinds of decisions that seem small in isolation but have a direct impact on consistency when applied across thousands of facilities.

Another cluster of questions related to cadence, deadlines, and module access, including reporting timelines and purchasing requirements. Again, not complex in theory, but critical in practice when companies are managing reporting across multiple teams and regions.

Questions around scoring logic and weighting came up repeatedly as well. Whether Level 2 and Level 3 questions are scored. How sub-questions contribute to final scores. What happens when zero-tolerance issues are identified. These are the mechanics behind the numbers, and understanding them is key to interpreting results correctly.

Some questions also pointed to platform access and functionality, reinforcing the importance of close coordination between Cascale’s methodologies and guidance, and Worldly’s platform delivery.

It’s important to be clear about what this is, and what it isn’t.

These insights are not a substitute for the detailed feedback gathered through formal channels such as Zendesk, direct user engagement, or module-specific support. Those remain critical for identifying and resolving specific issues within the tools themselves.

What this layer of questions offers is something slightly different. An earlier view into how users approach Higg Index guidance, and where additional clarity may be needed before or alongside engaging directly with the tools.

As the primary guidance platform for the Higg Index, HowToHigg plays a critical role in shaping how methodologies are understood and applied. And in that context, the questions users ask are often the first indication of where interpretation may begin to diverge.

If we want consistent, comparable data, that layer matters.

Because even the most robust methodologies rely on consistent understanding in practice. And every unclear definition, every misinterpretation, and every point of confusion has the potential to show up downstream.

So the takeaway is a simple one.

Pay attention to the questions.

They don’t just reflect what users don’t know. They point to where we can make the system clearer, more accessible, and ultimately more consistent in how it’s applied.

Lee Green is vice president of communications and marketing at Cascale.

At Tapestry, innovation is woven into how we think, work, and challenge ourselves to do better.

During the last few years, we’ve used that spirit to advance sustainability across our organization — not through one big idea or single initiative, but in thousands of decisions made every day by teams across brands, functions, and regions.

What follows is a look at how we’re harnessing innovation to advance sustainability across our business.

A Strategy For Reduction

When it comes to climate change, our overall strategy is to focus on reducing emissions.

This includes looking at materials, agriculture, and manufacturing, plus investing in carbon removals and advancing traceable data.

Our heightened focus on emissions reduction affects all parts of our operations and value chain, from sourcing and product to finance and operations.

As outlined in our FY2025 Corporate Responsibility Report, Tapestry’s Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reduced 81% compared to our FY2022 baseline. We continue to advance toward our 2030 science-based target, driven primarily by ongoing investments in renewable energy across our own operations.

On-Site Efficiency

Within our physical locations, we are rethinking waste, energy use, and efficiency.

Take, for instance, Tapestry’s Las Vegas Fulfillment Center (LVFC), an 880,000 square foot facility sitting on about 15 acres of land. Facilities teams at LVFC tested new systems, piloted waste diversion models, and integrated several automated zero waste practices.

As a result, LVFC had a landfill diversion rate of 96% in 2025, meaning our facility reused, recycled, composted, and/or recovered 96% of waste.

That level of waste diversion in a 12-month period (along with a series of other requirements) earned our facility a Platinum-Level TRUE Zero Waste Certification, the highest level available. Next on the list, our Jacksonville, Fla. facility is pending for the Gold-level certification.

A Lightbulb Moment

In FY2025, we proudly announced that Tapestry achieved its goal of procuring 100% renewable electricity in our stores, offices, and fulfillment centers globally.

How did we do it? By building a portfolio of solutions, including a Collective Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (CVPPA) with the Fashion Pact in Spain, as well as a 15-year partnership with Pivot Energy, a community solar company in the United States.

The Pivot Energy partnership adapts renewable energy sourcing to fit our business. For instance, Tapestry supports a group of small solar projects that generate clean electricity in the United States. This long-term agreement allows us to leverage renewable energy without needing to own or install infrastructure at each location. It’s a more practical and scalable way to reduce emissions across a distributed footprint.

Looking ahead, we’ve set a new target of achieving 40% renewable energy within our supply chain by 2030.

To make it happen, our ESG team developed Renewable Electricity Sourcing Minimum Requirements and Guidelines for Tapestry’s suppliers and our own operations. The hope is to source reliable, credible, and impactful renewable energy. We’ll also continue to financially support solar panel rooftop assessments for strategic suppliers.

Ciao, Carbon

Tapestry has made its first purchase of carbon removals, accessing Climeworks’ most diversified carbon removal portfolio to date. The portfolio combines five high-quality carbon removal pathways, both engineered and nature-based, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation, risk diversification, and long-term climate impact.

As these solutions evolve, we’re proud to be an early industry participant in accelerating carbon removal development.

Rethinking Design for Sustainability

At our New York City Hudson Yards HQ, design teams are imagining how discarded and overlooked materials can become the latest fashion trend.

Coach’s Fall 2026 runway show brought this thinking to life, with the majority of denim pieces crafted with post-consumer garments, showing the possibilities of circular design.

After almost three years of experimentation, the Coach Repurposed Capsule from February 2026 (a partnership with second-hand wholesale supplier, Bank & Vogue) proved we could produce new garments from post-consumer materials at a large enough scale to support a full capsule collection.

At kate spade new york, the brand has introduced environmentally preferred materials to over 50 handbag styles. From the iconic Sam Bag mini tote to the ON PURPOSE tote bag, designers have traded up to use 100% recycled nylon and 100% recycled polyester on certain components. The Dash Taxi Canvas Tote, in addition to being made with a 100% regenerative cotton body, also features a recycled polyester lining.

Seeing Real Impact

In 2026, Tapestry was named on USA Today’s list of America’s Climate Leaders, which highlights companies with strong progress in reducing emissions and advancing climate strategy.

We’re both proud of this recognition and motivated to go further.

Because if there’s one thing Tapestry is proving, it’s that with an innovation-led approach to sustainability, progress doesn’t come from one single breakthrough.

Instead it’s about leading with action and intentionality, and doing business in a way that’s better for people and the planet.

At Tapestry, innovation is woven into how we think, work, and challenge ourselves to do better.

During the last few years, we’ve used that spirit to advance sustainability across our organization — not through one big idea or single initiative, but in thousands of decisions made every day by teams across brands, functions, and regions.

What follows is a look at how we’re harnessing innovation to advance sustainability across our business.

A Strategy For Reduction

When it comes to climate change, our overall strategy is to focus on reducing emissions.

This includes looking at materials, agriculture, and manufacturing, plus investing in carbon removals and advancing traceable data.

Our heightened focus on emissions reduction affects all parts of our operations and value chain, from sourcing and product to finance and operations.

As outlined in our FY2025 Corporate Responsibility Report, Tapestry’s Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reduced 81% compared to our FY2022 baseline. We continue to advance toward our 2030 science-based target, driven primarily by ongoing investments in renewable energy across our own operations.

On-Site Efficiency

Within our physical locations, we are rethinking waste, energy use, and efficiency.

Take, for instance, Tapestry’s Las Vegas Fulfillment Center (LVFC), an 880,000 square foot facility sitting on about 15 acres of land. Facilities teams at LVFC tested new systems, piloted waste diversion models, and integrated several automated zero waste practices.

As a result, LVFC had a landfill diversion rate of 96% in 2025, meaning our facility reused, recycled, composted, and/or recovered 96% of waste.

That level of waste diversion in a 12-month period (along with a series of other requirements) earned our facility a Platinum-Level TRUE Zero Waste Certification, the highest level available. Next on the list, our Jacksonville, Fla. facility is pending for the Gold-level certification.

A Lightbulb Moment

In FY2025, we proudly announced that Tapestry achieved its goal of procuring 100% renewable electricity in our stores, offices, and fulfillment centers globally.

How did we do it? By building a portfolio of solutions, including a Collective Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (CVPPA) with the Fashion Pact in Spain, as well as a 15-year partnership with Pivot Energy, a community solar company in the United States.

The Pivot Energy partnership adapts renewable energy sourcing to fit our business. For instance, Tapestry supports a group of small solar projects that generate clean electricity in the United States. This long-term agreement allows us to leverage renewable energy without needing to own or install infrastructure at each location. It’s a more practical and scalable way to reduce emissions across a distributed footprint.

Looking ahead, we’ve set a new target of achieving 40% renewable energy within our supply chain by 2030.

To make it happen, our ESG team developed Renewable Electricity Sourcing Minimum Requirements and Guidelines for Tapestry’s suppliers and our own operations. The hope is to source reliable, credible, and impactful renewable energy. We’ll also continue to financially support solar panel rooftop assessments for strategic suppliers.

Ciao, Carbon

Tapestry has made its first purchase of carbon removals, accessing Climeworks’ most diversified carbon removal portfolio to date. The portfolio combines five high-quality carbon removal pathways, both engineered and nature-based, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation, risk diversification, and long-term climate impact.

As these solutions evolve, we’re proud to be an early industry participant in accelerating carbon removal development.

Rethinking Design for Sustainability

At our New York City Hudson Yards HQ, design teams are imagining how discarded and overlooked materials can become the latest fashion trend.

Coach’s Fall 2026 runway show brought this thinking to life, with the majority of denim pieces crafted with post-consumer garments, showing the possibilities of circular design.

After almost three years of experimentation, the Coach Repurposed Capsule from February 2026 (a partnership with second-hand wholesale supplier, Bank & Vogue) proved we could produce new garments from post-consumer materials at a large enough scale to support a full capsule collection.

At kate spade new york, the brand has introduced environmentally preferred materials to over 50 handbag styles. From the iconic Sam Bag mini tote to the ON PURPOSE tote bag, designers have traded up to use 100% recycled nylon and 100% recycled polyester on certain components. The Dash Taxi Canvas Tote, in addition to being made with a 100% regenerative cotton body, also features a recycled polyester lining.

Seeing Real Impact

In 2026, Tapestry was named on USA Today’s list of America’s Climate Leaders, which highlights companies with strong progress in reducing emissions and advancing climate strategy.

We’re both proud of this recognition and motivated to go further.

Because if there’s one thing Tapestry is proving, it’s that with an innovation-led approach to sustainability, progress doesn’t come from one single breakthrough.

Instead it’s about leading with action and intentionality, and doing business in a way that’s better for people and the planet.

At Tapestry, innovation is woven into how we think, work, and challenge ourselves to do better.

During the last few years, we’ve used that spirit to advance sustainability across our organization — not through one big idea or single initiative, but in thousands of decisions made every day by teams across brands, functions, and regions.

What follows is a look at how we’re harnessing innovation to advance sustainability across our business.

A Strategy For Reduction

When it comes to climate change, our overall strategy is to focus on reducing emissions.

This includes looking at materials, agriculture, and manufacturing, plus investing in carbon removals and advancing traceable data.

Our heightened focus on emissions reduction affects all parts of our operations and value chain, from sourcing and product to finance and operations.

As outlined in our FY2025 Corporate Responsibility Report, Tapestry’s Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reduced 81% compared to our FY2022 baseline. We continue to advance toward our 2030 science-based target, driven primarily by ongoing investments in renewable energy across our own operations.

On-Site Efficiency

Within our physical locations, we are rethinking waste, energy use, and efficiency.

Take, for instance, Tapestry’s Las Vegas Fulfillment Center (LVFC), an 880,000 square foot facility sitting on about 15 acres of land. Facilities teams at LVFC tested new systems, piloted waste diversion models, and integrated several automated zero waste practices.

As a result, LVFC had a landfill diversion rate of 96% in 2025, meaning our facility reused, recycled, composted, and/or recovered 96% of waste.

That level of waste diversion in a 12-month period (along with a series of other requirements) earned our facility a Platinum-Level TRUE Zero Waste Certification, the highest level available. Next on the list, our Jacksonville, Fla. facility is pending for the Gold-level certification.

A Lightbulb Moment

In FY2025, we proudly announced that Tapestry achieved its goal of procuring 100% renewable electricity in our stores, offices, and fulfillment centers globally.

How did we do it? By building a portfolio of solutions, including a Collective Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (CVPPA) with the Fashion Pact in Spain, as well as a 15-year partnership with Pivot Energy, a community solar company in the United States.

The Pivot Energy partnership adapts renewable energy sourcing to fit our business. For instance, Tapestry supports a group of small solar projects that generate clean electricity in the United States. This long-term agreement allows us to leverage renewable energy without needing to own or install infrastructure at each location. It’s a more practical and scalable way to reduce emissions across a distributed footprint.

Looking ahead, we’ve set a new target of achieving 40% renewable energy within our supply chain by 2030.

To make it happen, our ESG team developed Renewable Electricity Sourcing Minimum Requirements and Guidelines for Tapestry’s suppliers and our own operations. The hope is to source reliable, credible, and impactful renewable energy. We’ll also continue to financially support solar panel rooftop assessments for strategic suppliers.

Ciao, Carbon

Tapestry has made its first purchase of carbon removals, accessing Climeworks’ most diversified carbon removal portfolio to date. The portfolio combines five high-quality carbon removal pathways, both engineered and nature-based, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation, risk diversification, and long-term climate impact.

As these solutions evolve, we’re proud to be an early industry participant in accelerating carbon removal development.

Rethinking Design for Sustainability

At our New York City Hudson Yards HQ, design teams are imagining how discarded and overlooked materials can become the latest fashion trend.

Coach’s Fall 2026 runway show brought this thinking to life, with the majority of denim pieces crafted with post-consumer garments, showing the possibilities of circular design.

After almost three years of experimentation, the Coach Repurposed Capsule from February 2026 (a partnership with second-hand wholesale supplier, Bank & Vogue) proved we could produce new garments from post-consumer materials at a large enough scale to support a full capsule collection.

At kate spade new york, the brand has introduced environmentally preferred materials to over 50 handbag styles. From the iconic Sam Bag mini tote to the ON PURPOSE tote bag, designers have traded up to use 100% recycled nylon and 100% recycled polyester on certain components. The Dash Taxi Canvas Tote, in addition to being made with a 100% regenerative cotton body, also features a recycled polyester lining.

Seeing Real Impact

In 2026, Tapestry was named on USA Today’s list of America’s Climate Leaders, which highlights companies with strong progress in reducing emissions and advancing climate strategy.

We’re both proud of this recognition and motivated to go further.

Because if there’s one thing Tapestry is proving, it’s that with an innovation-led approach to sustainability, progress doesn’t come from one single breakthrough.

Instead it’s about leading with action and intentionality, and doing business in a way that’s better for people and the planet.

Entergy has reached an important milestone in our work to build a stronger electric grid. Our self-healing networks are now helping improve power reliability for more than 500,000 customers across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

Self-healing networks use smart technology to detect problems on a power line and reroute electricity around the issue. This often happens in just seconds. When the electric system responds this quickly, fewer customers lose power and crews have more time to make safe repairs.

We began introducing this technology in early 2020. Since then, these self-healing networks have helped avoid thousands of customer interruptions and more than 50 million minutes of outages. These improvements are part of our long-term work to modernize the grid and reduce the number and length of outages our customers experience.

Today, we have nearly 400 self-healing networks in place. These networks include 1,483 reclosers and support 890 feeder circuits. Coverage continues to grow:

  • Arkansas: 101,900 customers
  • Louisiana: 256,223 customers
  • Mississippi: 86,217 customers
  • New Orleans: 42,507 customers
  • Texas: 32,591 customers

About 25% of our 3,600 circuits now include self-healing technology. Our teams are studying ways to add more networks in the coming years.

Self-healing networks improve reliability year-round but are especially helpful during major weather events.

  • During the January 2026 winter weather event, 19 automated transfers helped avoid more than 12,000 customer interruptions and 769,956 outage minutes.
  • In 2025, 293 events avoided 188,792 customer interruptions and 24.3 million outage minutes.
  • In 2024, 248 events avoided 167,569 customer interruptions and 13.4 million outage minutes.

These improvements reduce strain on our lineworker crews, improve restoration times and support a stronger, more resilient electric system for our customers.

The installation of self-healing networks is one part of our plan to build a smarter electric grid. We’re also strengthening poles and wires, upgrading substations, working closely with vegetation management and deploying tools that give operators better visibility into the electric system.

“Self-healing networks are helping us improve service for our customers and support our crews during storms,” said Taylor Edgens, director of grid technology. “This technology is an important part of our work to modernize the grid and increase reliability.”

This work requires seamless coordination across engineering, distribution operations, construction, vegetation management, grid technology, regulatory and many other teams. Their efforts help us deliver safer and more reliable service for the communities we serve.

View original content here.

CLEVELAND, May 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CrossCountry Mortgage (CCM), the nation’s number one retail mortgage lender for the third consecutive year, is proud to announce 182 loan officers were named to the 2026 Scotsman Guide Top Women Originators list — the most in company history and more than any other lender.

CCM announces record 182 loan officers named to Scotsman Guide’s Top Women List.

CCM has seen significant year-over-year growth in its presence on the list, increasing by 125% over the past three years — a trend that reflects the strength and momentum of women across the organization.

“We’re seeing more and more women across CCM perform at a high level and earn recognition for it,” said Ron Leonhardt, Founder and CEO, CrossCountry Mortgage. “That kind of consistency says a lot about this team and the role they play in what we’re building.”

In addition to its recognition on the Top Women Originators list, CCM had 661 loan officers named to Scotsman Guide’s 2026 Top Originators rankings — the most of any lender and the highest total in company history.

With more than 3,500 loan officers across over 800 branches nationwide, CCM continues to attract both borrowers and top mortgage professionals, driven by a culture built on innovation, opportunity and customer-focused solutions. That momentum translated into a record-setting 2025, with CCM financing 1 in 35 homes sold nationwide (by volume in Q4 2025), serving over 131,000 families and originating more than $51 billion in total volume.

About CrossCountry Mortgage
CrossCountry Mortgage (CCM) is the nation’s number one distributed retail mortgage lender with more than 8,000 employees operating over 700 branches and servicing loans across all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico. Our company has been recognized ten times on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private businesses and has received many awards for our standout culture. We offer more than 120 mortgage, refinance and home equity solutions — ranging from conventional and jumbo mortgages to government-insured programs from FHA and programs for Veterans and rural homebuyers — and we are a direct lender and approved seller and servicer by Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and Ginnie Mae NMLS #3029. Through our dedication to getting it done, we make every mortgage feel like a win.

Contact: Natalie Lonjak
Director, Corporate Communications
Natalie.Lonjak@ccm.com

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/record-182-ccm-originators-named-to-scotsman-guides-top-women-list-302760196.html

SOURCE CrossCountry Mortgage

By JANEL “JAYCEE” MILLER

Previously published by TAPinto Camden

person at a podium

Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen rattles off some results of the Buy Camden 1st initiative during a speech at Subaru of America’s headquarters on Wednesday. Photo Credit: Janel “Jaycee” Miller. Image courtesy of TAPinto Camden

The city government has responded to the small-business sector’s call for assistance with tremendous results, Mayor Victor Carstarphen said during a speech to a room of business and organizational representatives at Subaru of America’s headquarters in Camden on Wednesday. 

Continue reading here.

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas, May 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 9 (ESD9) presented yesterday new, state-of-the-art equipment for the Sam Bass Fire Department, strengthening its emergency response capabilities and wildfire readiness across the region.

Unveiled during a special event, the new resources represent the latest of ESD9’s strategic investments in wildfire preparedness across Williamson County. The deployment includes a Can-Am two-row UTV wildlands attack vehicle, a specialized wildlands 4X4 command plus support vehicle and a custom-built dual-purpose trailer designed for both the secure transport of specialized firefighting equipment and use as a firefighter recovery unit.

Together, these assets, along with the wildlands equipment presented to Round Rock Fire Department by ESD9 last year, are designed to improve rapid response, operational coordination and effectiveness in wildland and wildland-urban interface (WUI) environments.

The equipment was designed and built in collaboration with FarrWest, a premier provider of equipment, service and training to the First Responder industry.

“This investment gives our team a significant operational advantage as wildfire behavior becomes more unpredictable, and our community continues to expand,” said Chief James Shofner of the Sam Bass Fire Department. “Having the right tools in place directly impacts how quickly and effectively we can respond when every second matters.”

As one of the fastest-growing regions in Texas, Williamson County faces increasing pressure on its emergency response systems, particularly in areas where development meets natural landscape. These new tools will greatly enhance operational capacity, situational coordination and firefighter safety during wildland incidents.

“As ESD9 and Williamson County continues to grow, so does the complexity of our emergency response environment,” said ESD9 Commissioner Alan Forster. “ESD9 is committed to continue to supply resources to ensure our service providers are equipped not just to respond, but to operate effectively in increasingly challenging wildland-urban interface conditions.”

Through continued investment in training, technology and preparedness, ESD9 remains focused on ensuring its fire service partners are fully equipped to meet evolving wildfire challenges and emergency response demands.

About Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 9:

Williamson County ESD No. 9 provides emergency response and fire protection services to the residents and businesses of Williamson County. The district prioritizes readiness, innovation and community safety across all areas of operation.

About Sam Bass Fire Department

https://www.sambassfd.com/about.html

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/williamson-county-esd9-expands-wildfire-response-capabilities-with-new-specialized-equipment-for-the-sam-bass-fire-department-302760154.html

SOURCE Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 9

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