Category: Business

Winter Storm Fern drove CenterPoint Energy Ohio’s February gas rate up 41.12%. Dayton customers can shop fixed-rate plans to avoid future price spikes.

DAYTON, OH, UNITED STATES, February 18, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Bitter January Cold to Drive February Gas Bills Higher

OHEnergyRatings.com is alerting Centerpoint Energy customers to a major jump in coming to February natural gas bills. On February 1, Centerpoint raised its default supply rate by 41.12%.

Find the full press here: https://www.ohenergyratings.com/about-us/press/centerpoint-energy-ohio-gas-rates-increase-41-percent-in-2026

When Winter Storm Fern swept across Ohio in late January, the extreme cold drove up demand for home heating and sent market prices soaring. Growing LNG exports and growing energy needs from data centers compounded energy demand further. By January 28, these combined pressures pushed natural gas prices sharply higher.

· The average natural gas spot market price nearly tripled, climbing to $9.03 per mmBTU.
· At regional gas market hubs in New York and New England, prices spiked above $40.
· The February NYMEX natural gas contract closed at $7.460 per mmBTU — nearly double January’s price.

Why Centerpoint Ohio Natural Gas Prices Spiked

In Ohio, a utility’s Price to Compare is a pass through price for the natural gas it buys from big suppliers. Because of the soaring gas price, all four of Ohio’s major gas utilities will be passing higher gas costs to their PTC customers. For Centerpoint Energy Ohio customers who remain on its Price to Compare, the new rate now stands at $1.0182 per ccf. That’s a 41.12% hike from the January rate of $0.7215 per ccf.

For a household on the PTC rate using 100 ccf in one month, it will pay about $101.82 in supply charges on the monthly bill. However, when customers add delivery charges and taxes —often over $100 — the total monthly bill can easily exceed $200. Some households in Dayton and other parts of western Ohio may pay even more.

What Centerpoint Ohio Gas Utility Customers Can Do

OHEnergyRates.com urges customers to get as far as possible from the CenterPoint Price to Compare rate. RUN, Do Not Walk! By shopping for a fixed-rate plan with a certified natural gas supplier, Centerpoint customers can often find lower prices. Some fixed rate offers are currently up to 35% less than the new PTC rate.

OHEnergyRatings.com provides an apples to apples Ohio comparison of certified natural gas suppliers, so customers can quickly find and lock in a better rate.

When customers lock in the best Dayton natural gas rates for 6 months or even longer they protect themselves from future price spikes. Not only does this help them avoid shocks from other storms this winter but also gas price spikes from LNG exports and data centers that may happen later this year.

OHEnergyRates.com is a website operated by Electricity Ratings, LLC.

Electricity Ratings, LLC operates a network of energy shopping websites serving 17 states and 56 utilities, providing our energy comparison and ratings service to over 80 million customers. We provide our customers with the power to choose the best providers through our consumer reviews platform which provides a reliable, unbiased source of valuable consumer insight. And we back that up by offering in-depth energy company service analysis, personalized recommendations, and practical advice. Our mission is to help consumers harness the power of information to find, compare, and buy electricity and energy services from the best providers.

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https://www.ohenergyratings.com
(866) 303-9147

Vernon Trollinger
OhEnergyRatings.com
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Luxury 80-unit development in Dillon secures financing after rapid USCIS approval, with construction set to begin spring 2026 and completion targeted for 2028

NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, February 18, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — CanAm Enterprises today announced the successful closing of a $56 million EB-5 loan for Waterview Residences, an 80-unit luxury condominium development located in downtown Dillon, Colorado, with views of Lake Dillon and the Rocky Mountains.

The closing marks an important milestone for the rural Targeted Employment Area project and follows the project’s USCIS Form I-956F approval in just over two months. This rapid approval reflects the strength of the project’s structure and CanAm’s experience operating under the post-RIA EB-5 framework.
Waterview Residences will feature approximately 79,600 net sellable square feet of residential space, along with ground-floor commercial space, and is designed to support economic growth in Summit County while meeting EB-5 job creation and sustainment requirements.

“This closing reflects CanAm’s continued commitment to delivering well-structured EB-5 investments that align immigration outcomes with high-quality development,” said Tom Rosenfeld, Founder and CEO of CanAm Enterprises. “Waterview Residences exemplifies the type of rural EB-5 project that benefits investors, local communities, and the broader economy.”

The financing structure reflects CanAm’s long-standing, conservative approach to EB-5 project execution and investor protection.

“Reaching this financing milestone reflects the disciplined underwriting and execution standards we apply across all CanAm projects,” said John Reid, Head of Investment Finance at CanAm Enterprises. “With the EB-5 loan now closed, the project is well positioned to move forward with construction in a manner that aligns with both investment and immigration objectives.”

Construction activity is expected to advance in the coming months, with major on-site work commencing in early spring. Project completion is currently anticipated in early 2028.

Waterview Residences further reflects CanAm’s long-standing leadership in the EB-5 industry. Since its founding in 1987, CanAm has established an industry-leading track record, including $2.5 billion in EB-5 capital repaid to investors, 53 projects fully repaid, more than 9,300 permanent green cards issued, and 3,008 I-829 approvals.

Waterview Residences reflects our focus on well-structured projects that align sound investment fundamentals with disciplined execution and long-term value,” Rosenfeld added.

About CanAm Enterprises

Founded in 1987, CanAm Enterprises is one of the longest-operating EB-5 Regional Center platforms in the United States. The firm is known for its conservative investment philosophy, institutional-quality project structuring, and longstanding commitment to investor transparency and success.

Lauren Zingre
CanAm Enterprises
+1 212-668-0690
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CALGARY, AB, CANADA, February 18, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Omnigence Corp. (“Omnigence”) announced today the release of its latest whitepaper, “Operational Excellence: How Lower Middle Market PE Firms Create Alpha Through Kaizen, Lean, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement,” detailing how operational value creation is reshaping the private equity playbook.

As purchase price multiples increase and leverage contributes less to returns, leading sponsors are building dedicated operating capabilities designed to drive measurable EBITDA growth, working capital efficiency, and sustained productivity gains within typical 3–7 year hold periods.

The whitepaper outlines how structured implementation of Kaizen, Lean, and Six Sigma methodologies can create durable enterprise value, particularly in the lower middle market where operational systems and data infrastructure are often underdeveloped. It further explores how continuous improvement programs, when embedded at the governance level, can accelerate performance improvement while strengthening competitive positioning at exit.

The full whitepaper is available on the Omnigence Insights page at https://omnigenceam.com/insights

About Omnigence Asset Management: Omnigence Asset Management is a Canadian alternative investment platform specializing in farmland, operational private equity, and secondaries. With offices in Toronto and Calgary, the firm is committed to helping investors preserve purchasing power and build durable portfolios in a structurally challenging macro environment. Omnigence has grown to over CA$1 billion in platform assets by focusing on what it describes as the neglected middle, investment opportunities that are too small or too operationally complex for large institutions and traditional alternative managers.

DISCLAIMER: Our reports, including this paper, express our opinions which have been based, in part, upon generally available public information and research as well as upon inferences and deductions made through our due diligence, research and analytical process. The information contained in this paper includes information from, or data derived from, public third-party sources including industry publications, reports and research papers. Although this third-party information and data is believed to be reliable, neither Omnigence Asset Management nor its agents (collectively “Omnigence”) have independently verified the accuracy, currency or completeness of any of the information and data contained in this paper which is derived from such third party sources and, therefore, there is no assurance or guarantee as to the accuracy or completeness of such included information and data. Omnigence and its agents hereby disclaim any liability whatsoever in respect of any third-party information or data, and the results derived from our utilization of that data in our analysis. While we have a good-faith belief in the accuracy of what we write, all such information is presented “as is,” without warranty of any kind, whether express or implied. The use made of the information and conclusions set forth in this paper is solely at the risk of the user of this information. This paper is intended only as general information presented for the convenience of the reader and should not in any way be construed as investment or other advice whatsoever. Omnigence is not registered as an investment dealer or advisor in any jurisdiction and this report does not represent investment advice of any kind. The reader should seek the advice of relevant professionals (including a registered investment professional) before making any investment decisions. The opinions and views expressed in this paper are subject to change or modification without notice, and Omnigence does not undertake to update or supplement this or any other of its reports or papers as a result of a change in opinion stated herein or otherwise.

Matt Barr
Omnigence Asset Management
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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, UNITED STATES, February 18, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Sal Salpietro and Stephanie Salpietro, Co-Founders of ATM UP, have received the Outstanding Service Award at the recent U.S. conference hosted by ATM Industry Association (ATMIA), recognizing long-term industry impact, excellence in service, leadership in best practices, and measurable results.

Together, the Salpietros built ATM UP on transparency and partnership, introducing clear buy-rate pricing and a Client Success Manager model powered by their proprietary ATMRev™ framework. Their service-first approach has transformed ATM processing from a transactional function into a true operational partnership.

That commitment has delivered measurable results. Between 2024 and 2025, ATM UP grew from $5 million to $15 million in annual revenue while expanding its processing network from 5,000 to 8,000 ATMs.

During the conference, Sal also delivered a keynote address focused on integrity, resilience, and raising service standards across the ATM ecosystem.

“I was overwhelmed by the number of operators who came up afterward to thank us for bringing real value back to the industry,” said Sal Salpietro. “At ATM UP, we believe transparency and service aren’t differentiators, they should be the standard. Hearing that our approach is making a meaningful difference is incredibly rewarding.”

Further demonstrating their commitment to the broader ATM community, ATM UP announced its sponsorship of ATMIA’s annual advocacy trip to Washington, D.C., encouraging operators and their families to attend and support access-to-cash legislation and industry representation at the national level.

“From the beginning, our mission has been to build lasting relationships rooted in trust and accountability,” added Stephanie Salpietro. “This award reflects not only our team’s work, but the operators who partner with us and share that vision.”

The Outstanding Service Award honors leaders whose dedication and innovation create lasting, tangible progress across the ATM industry. Through measurable growth, advocacy, and a service-driven philosophy, Sal and Stephanie Salpietro continue to elevate the standard for ATM processing partnerships.

About ATM UP
ATM UP is one of America’s fastest-growing ATM Independent Service Operators (ISO), co-founded by industry veteran Sal Salpietro and his wife, Stephanie Salpietro, in 2008, With over 8,000 terminals nationwide, ATM UP processes transactions for major national brands including Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott, and serves on government relations committees advocating for equal access to cash, operator rights and fair banking practices. The company is known for its transparent pricing, superior service, and proprietary ATMRev™ business optimization model. Learn more at atm-up.com.

Lori Jung
KWPR Group
+1 917-399-6962
email us here

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Growth Strategies for Independent Employee Benefit Agencies Highlighted During Winter Conference

CLEVELAND, OH, UNITED STATES, February 18, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Benefit Advisors Network (BAN), a network of progressive and visionary employee benefit brokers and consulting firms from across the United States and Canada, hosted it’s bi-annual national conference the first week of February. The multi-day event brought together agency leaders, producers, and strategic partners to address the evolving needs of employers amid growing complexity in employee benefits, compliance, and workforce solutions.

The central theme of the conference focused on helping independent agencies move beyond transactional selling and elevate their role as strategic advisors. Sessions emphasized the use of structured “stress test” frameworks designed to uncover client risks and opportunities, support more meaningful employer conversations, and reinforce consultative, long-term relationships.

“Employers are facing more pressure and complexity than ever before, and our member agencies are being called to step up as true advisors,” said Perry Braun, President of Benefit Advisors Network. “This conference was about equipping our members with practical frameworks, repeatable processes, and the confidence to lead smarter, more strategic conversations that ultimately drive better outcomes for their clients and sustainable growth for their businesses.”

Conference programming highlighted best practices for improving first-meeting success through stronger discovery, clearer positioning, and disciplined sales processes. Attendees explored ways to build consistency across their organizations while adopting consultative approaches that foster trust and long-term client relationships.

Dedicated sessions for agency owners and leaders focused on business models, scalability, and alignment between sales and service teams. Discussions centered on leveraging tools, creating operational consistency, and supporting sustainable growth without sacrificing service quality.

The conference also featured various speakers, including The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP) President, Susan Rider. A keynote address from leadership and culture expert Rachel Druckenmiller was presented as well. Druckenmiller delivered a powerful message centered on personal growth as a foundation for business success. Her session encouraged attendees to reflect on whom they are helping and why their work matters, prompting participants to share stories and express gratitude to colleagues who have supported their professional journeys.

“Another incredible BAN conference,” said Thomas Murphy, CEO of Sonus Benefits. “While I have been fortunate to be part of Benefit Advisors Network for nearly 20 years, it never ceases to amaze me how many talented members there are across North America. We all share a common goal of being the absolute best for our clients. BAN members are truly innovative thought leaders who continually strive to learn and deliver the most comprehensive and competitive solutions.”

Attendees and prospective members echoed that sentiment.

“Attending BAN’s Winter Conference as a guest was the perfect way to kick off 2026,” said attendee LaJoi McClendon, Chief Operating Officer, with Stone Tapert Insurance. “I left feeling energized, motivated, and empowered with a new level of confidence. I look forward to joining BAN and continuing to learn, grow, and contribute to the independent broker community.”

BAN intentionally limits its membership to the “best of the best” in their respective markets. Prospective members must pass a rigorous screening process that includes interaction with BAN members and its Board of Directors, along with a thorough review of business ethics, industry expertise, and commitment to delivering the highest quality client service.

About Benefit Advisors Network (BAN)
Founded in 2002, BAN is an exclusive, premier, international network of independent, employee benefit brokerage and consulting companies. BAN delivers industry leading tools, technology, and expertise to member firms so that they can deliver optimum results to their employee benefit customers. BAN intentionally limits membership because of the highly collaborative interactions. For companies looking to join BAN, please contact Steve Yarcusko at syarcusko@benefitadvisorsnetwork.com. For more information, visit: www.benefitadvisorsnetwork.com or follow them on LinkedIn.

Jessica Tiller
Pugh & Tiller PR
jtiller@pughandtillerpr.com
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MANTUA, OH, UNITED STATES, February 18, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Roundup Lake Campground has been recognized as one of the Top 5 Best Family Campgrounds in the United States as part of the Campspot Awards, a national awards program celebrating the best campgrounds across North America.

The Campspot Awards honor campgrounds that deliver exceptional guest experiences based on a combination of guest reviews, booking data, and overall excellence. Being named a Top 5 Family Campground places Roundup Lake among the most beloved family destinations in the country.

“Families come to Roundup Lake to disconnect from screens and reconnect with each other,” said [Spokesperson Name, Title]. “This recognition is incredibly meaningful because it reflects the experiences our guests have here every day—making memories, building traditions, and enjoying a safe, fun place to camp together.”

A Family Camping Destination Built for Memories
Located in Mantua, Ohio, Roundup Lake Campground has long been known as a family-first destination offering something for every age. The campground features:
• A large spring-fed swimming lake with sandy beach
• Water slides, splash areas, and swimming zones
• Daily activities, themed weekends, and family events
• Playgrounds, sports courts, and outdoor recreation
• Seasonal and overnight camping options for RVs and tents

The campground attracts families from across Northeast Ohio and beyond, many of whom return year after year.
“Roundup Lake is more than a campground—it’s a tradition for generations of families,” added Tom Ellsworth. “We’re proud to offer a place where kids can be kids, parents can relax, and everyone leaves with stories to tell.”

About the Campspot Awards
The Campspot Awards recognize standout campgrounds across the United States and Canada, highlighting destinations that consistently deliver memorable outdoor experiences. Winners are selected based on guest feedback, booking trends, and performance metrics across the Campspot platform.

About Roundup Lake Campground
Roundup Lake Campground is a premier family campground located in Mantua, Ohio, offering a fun-filled outdoor experience designed for all ages. With water attractions, daily activities, and a welcoming community atmosphere, Roundup Lake is a favorite destination for family camping adventures.

Laressa Gjonaj
Diamond Properties
+1 914-639-3813
email us here
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