At AFP ICON, Blackbaud Will Host Educational Sessions and Learning Labs Around Human-Centered AI and Fundraising

CHARLESTON, S.C., April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the leading provider of software for powering social impact, is proud to once again be the presenting sponsor of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) ICON conference, taking place April 27-29 in Seattle this year.

AFP ICON is the largest gathering of fundraising professionals in the world, attracting thousands of attendees each year. At this year’s conference, which will celebrate the theme of “Elevating Impact,” Blackbaud will host several educational sessions and learning labs focused on human-centric fundraising, including topics like building donor trust through fundraising and finance collaboration, engaging peers and volunteers for deeper impact, and leveraging a human-AI partnership to focus on relationship building. Attendees can also stop by the Blackbaud booth to demo product features and updates, including a sneak peek at the soon-to-be-released Constant Contact integration for Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT® that will streamline digital marketing efforts and allow fundraisers to connect with donors more effectively.

“It’s a privilege to continue our partnership with AFP to promote effective and ethical fundraising globally,” said Catherine LaCour, chief marketing officer, Blackbaud. “By offering scholarships, leadership development, educational programs, and insights, we aim to empower fundraisers in their mission to improve the world. While we stay connected with our customers and support AFP throughout the year, the energy of gathering in person is truly special, making this event a highlight for us.”

Blackbaud has been a prominent supporter of AFP for several years, supporting leadership development within the fundraising community. Through the Blackbaud Development Fund, the AFP Foundation has been able to provide scholarships to fundraisers from underrepresented groups to attend events such as AFP LEAD and AFP ICON. Blackbaud has also provided support for AFP’s Emerging Leaders Mentor Program, which connects young professionals and those new to the profession with mentors to help develop leadership skills and create an inclusive and equitable future for the profession.

“Blackbaud’s continued partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation, equity, and leadership development in the fundraising profession,” said Chris Amos, senior director of business development at AFP. “Their support of AFP ICON, AFP LEAD, and cornerstone programs like the Emerging Leaders Mentor Program demonstrates a meaningful investment in both the present and future of fundraising. We’re proud to partner with Blackbaud again in 2025, and we deeply value their role in helping us elevate impact across the global fundraising community.”

AFP ICON attendees can learn more by visiting Blackbaud at booth #911.

About Blackbaud
Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the leading software provider exclusively dedicated to powering social impact. Serving the nonprofit and education sectors, companies committed to social responsibility and individual change makers, Blackbaud’s essential software is built to accelerate impact in fundraising, nonprofit financial management, digital giving, grantmaking, corporate social responsibility and education management. With millions of users and over $100 billion raised, granted or managed through Blackbaud platforms every year, Blackbaud’s solutions are unleashing the potential of the people and organizations who change the world. Blackbaud has been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies, Quartz’s list of Best Companies for Remote Workers, and Forbes’ list of America’s Best Employers. A remote-first company, Blackbaud has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, India and the United Kingdom, supporting users in 100+ countries. Learn more at www.blackbaud.com or follow us on X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

About AFP
Since 1960, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) has been the standard-bearer for professionalism in fundraising. The association works to advance effective and ethical philanthropy by providing advocacy, research, education, mentoring, collaboration and technology opportunities for the world’s largest network of professional fundraisers. AFP’s 26,000 members in more than 240 chapters raise over $100 billion annually for a wide variety of charitable organizations and causes across the globe. For more information, go to www.afpglobal.org.

About the AFP Partners Program
The AFP Partners Program provides participating organizations with year-round opportunities to engage the fundraising community and pursue corporate social responsibility through tangential support of the causes for which they work. Through thought leadership, marketing, content, and professional development channels, AFP Partners position themselves as industry leaders committed to advancing philanthropy and ethical fundraising worldwide. Their financial and programmatic support also enables AFP to develop highly competent fundraisers and educate the public on the industry’s ability to fuel societal change in critical arenas like education, healthcare, community development, equity and inclusion, and countless other missions. 

Media Inquiries
media@blackbaud.com

Forward-looking Statements
Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding expected benefits of products and product features. Although Blackbaud attempts to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors that could cause results to differ materially include the following: general economic risks; uncertainty regarding increased business and renewals from existing customers; continued success in sales growth; management of integration of acquired companies and other risks associated with acquisitions; risks associated with successful implementation of multiple integrated software products; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; risks associated with management of growth; lengthy sales and implementation cycles, particularly in larger organization; technological changes that make our products and services less competitive; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in the SEC filings for Blackbaud, copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or upon request from Blackbaud’s investor relations department. All Blackbaud product names appearing herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blackbaud, Inc.

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SOURCE Blackbaud

April’s new-vehicle sales pace is forecast to reach approximately 16.4 million, up 0.4 million from last April’s 16 million pace but down from March’s surprising 17.8 million level.The new-vehicle sales volume is expected to reach 1.395 million in April, up 4.6% year over year but down 12% from last month.A surge in “pre-tariff” buying is negatively impacting inventory levels, which will likely push prices higher in April and keep stronger sales growth in check.

ATLANTA, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Likely motivated by concerns about tariffs and future higher prices, new-vehicle shoppers were out in force early in April and, according to the Cox Automotive forecast released today, helped keep the new-vehicle sales pace relatively strong, although down from March’s surprising market surge.

The April seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), or sales pace, is forecasted by Cox Automotive to reach approximately 16.4 million. This result would be higher than April 2024’s 16 million pace and the best April since 2021. However, the sales pace in April is forecast to be far lower than March’s 17.8 million level, as the second half of the month showed signs of cooling after a very fast start. New-vehicle sales volume is expected to be higher by 4.6% year over year but lower by 12% from March’s total. April has 26 selling days, the same as last month and one more than last year.

“Forecasting sales in this volatile market is quite challenging, and that is what we have right now, a market being steered by headlines coming from the White House,” said Charlie Chesbrough, senior economist at Cox Automotive. “Concerns about potential future vehicle prices due to tariffs led to a surge in March sales, and April began with similar robustness. However, inventory levels have declined substantially over recent weeks, likely pushing vehicle prices higher, so the end of April may not be as strong. With economic concerns rising and consumer confidence declining, the outlook for new auto sales from here is more troubling. If current policy holds, prices in the new-vehicle market will be noticeably higher in the coming months as more costly products replace pre-tariff inventory.”

According to Cox Automotive’s vAuto Live Market View, new-vehicle inventory across the U.S. at the start of March was nearly 3 million units, with a measured days’ supply at 89. By the beginning of April, inventory had declined to 2.7 million units, and days’ supply was at 70, thanks partly to the hotter sales pace. And new-vehicle inventory continued to slip through early April, with days’ supply falling to near 60 at a mid-month measure. The official April inventory level will be released in the first part of May. 

About Cox Automotive
Cox Automotive is the world’s largest automotive services and technology provider. Fueled by the largest breadth of first-party data fed by 2.3 billion online interactions a year, Cox Automotive tailors leading solutions for car shoppers, auto manufacturers, dealers, lenders and fleets. The company has 29,000+ employees on five continents and a portfolio of industry-leading brands that include Autotrader®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, vAuto®, Dealertrack®, NextGear Capital™, CentralDispatch® and FleetNet America®. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately owned, Atlanta-based company with $22 billion in annual revenue. Visit coxautoinc.com or connect via @CoxAutomotive on X, CoxAutoInc on Facebook or Cox-Automotive-Inc on LinkedIn.

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SOURCE Cox Automotive

LOS ANGELES, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A La Carte Solutions, Inc. (ALC), a leading provider of integrated finance and HR solutions for small to mid-sized businesses, is celebrating 15 years of exceptional service and impact. Founded in 2010 by Shirley Wiliani, CPA, MBA, ALC has grown from a solo consultancy to an industry innovator with a mission to create stable and happy workplaces for American businesses.

“When I started ALC 15 years ago, I saw small- and mid-sized business owners struggling with back-office operations that were draining their resources and energy,” said Wiliani, CEO of ALC. “I believed there was a better way to approach finance and HR—one that transforms these functions from necessary burdens into powerful competitive advantages that drive profitability and workplace satisfaction.”

Impressive Growth Through Word-of-Mouth Success

ALC’s revolutionary approach to back-office operations has fueled remarkable growth, with the company achieving 400% year-over-year organic growth through client referrals alone. This exceptional performance is matched by an impressive 91% employee engagement rate and an industry-leading 85% client satisfaction Net Promoter Score.

“Our growth metrics tell a powerful story,” explains Sean Morse, CPA, MSAT, President of ALC. “When you deliver truly exceptional service that transforms businesses, clients become your biggest advocates. Our 400% organic growth is a testament to the tangible results we’ve achieved for our clients.”

A Unique Three-Pillar Approach That Sets ALC Apart

ALC stands apart in the industry through its distinctive three-pillar approach, embodied in its brand promise to “WOW professionally and CARE personally.” This methodology combines:

Custom-Tailored Solutions: ALC operates as a seamless extension of each client’s team, delivering solutions precisely aligned with their unique challenges and opportunities. The company’s dedicated teams implement best-in-class solutions that address complex challenges while avoiding the cost of over-hiring.

People-Centric Service: At ALC, the human behind the business always comes first. This people-first approach builds lasting relationships based on trust and delivers a deeper level of support and personalized service that makes clients feel understood and valued.

Expert Guidance: ALC’s highly credentialed US-based team brings industry-specific expertise and deep operational experience to every client engagement, ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery that guarantees accurate financial management, optimized operations, and sustained business success.

“We’re not just solving technical problems—we’re transforming how businesses operate and how people experience their workplaces,” said Shelsie Greenfield, Director of HR Client Services. “Our approach combines rigorous attention to detail with an engaging and welcoming style that makes every interaction memorable.”

“At the heart of ALC’s success is our unwavering commitment to people,” added Charley Stone, Chief People Officer. “We understand that behind every spreadsheet and policy is a human being seeking stability and fulfillment. By focusing on creating workplaces where employees feel valued and engaged, we’re not just improving business metrics—we’re enhancing lives.”

Michael Thibodeau, CPA, MS, Chief Experience Officer of ALC, emphasizes the impact of their integrated approach: “The magic happens when finance and HR work in harmony. Our clients experience transformative results because we address both the financial foundation and the human element of their business simultaneously, creating systems that are not only efficient but also empowering for everyone involved.”

The ALC Origin Story: From Vision to Industry Leader

ALC’s journey began when Wiliani, after more than 20 years in leadership roles at fast-growing organizations, identified a critical gap in the market. Small- and mid-sized businesses lacked access to the high-level finance and HR expertise needed to scale effectively without the prohibitive cost of building internal departments.

Drawing on her extensive experience as a CPA with an MBA, Wiliani founded ALC with a mission to provide owners of small and mid-sized businesses with cost-effective, best-in-class finance and HR support, allowing them to grow and scale while creating stable and happy workplaces.

“Employee engagement has hit an 11-year low, with only 30% of U.S. employees highly involved and enthusiastic about their work,” Wiliani notes. “This unhappiness, combined with financial instability, creates a devastating impact on both employees and employers. Our vision is to bring happiness and stability back to the American workforce by ensuring stable and happy workplaces for 10,000 U.S. employees.”

Under Wiliani’s leadership, ALC has expanded its service offerings to provide comprehensive finance and HR solutions, including CFO Advisory, full-service outsourced accounting, financial reporting and analysis, HR consulting and advisory, payroll processing, talent acquisition, performance management, and more.

Looking Forward: The Next 15 Years

As ALC celebrates this milestone anniversary, the company remains focused on its core mission while expanding its reach and impact.

“We’re just getting started,” Wiliani states. “The next 15 years will be about scaling our impact while maintaining the personalized approach that has been key to our success. We’re committed to proving that back-office excellence isn’t just about compliance and numbers—it’s about creating workplaces where people thrive and businesses flourish.”

About ALC

ALC provides personable, integrated, adaptable, and expert financial and HR services tailored to the unique needs of small to mid-sized businesses. With a team of highly credentialed professionals including CPAs, MBAs, and SHRM-certified experts, ALC helps business owners profit from experience, clear out confusion, gain clarity, and feel confident in the decisions they need to make to achieve business growth, operational efficiency, and strategic success. For more information about ALC and its services, visit www.alacarte-solutions.com or call 844.925.2227.

Media Contact:
Alacarte@feareygroup.com

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SOURCE A La Carte Solutions