Quick summary: ChurnZero CEO YouMon Tsang thought that AI could make the company’s CSP obsolete – but soon realized that any AI agent needs a solid customer success foundation to deliver meaningful results. In a recent episode of podcast Binary to Billions, the startup founder discussed what brought him to customer success, and what its future looks like with AI.

In November 2022, ChurnZero CEO and co-founder YouMon Tsang tried out the newly launched ChatGPT and thought it spelled doom for his company. The tool’s adaptability and fast-thinking capabilities, he initially thought, would quickly make any customer success platform (CSP) obsolete.

But instead of throwing in the towel, YouMon considered what it might take for an AI customer success solution to work. He realized that the CSP his company had built provides the necessary foundation that any AI tool would need before it could deliver meaningful results.

YouMon discussed his AI “oh no” moment recently on the Binary to Billions podcast with Rob Scott, along with the founder lessons he brought to ChurnZero, and how he identified the gap that ChurnZero was able to address.

A serial startup founder

YouMon came from a background in urban planning, but ended up leaving because years could go by before he might see any results. Software moved much faster. He’s now founded multiple tech companies – and if he ever left ChurnZero, he’d be starting another one.

“Something that [urban planners] do happens a decade, two decades from now. And I just didn’t … feel like I had the patience to wait that long … and so I went to business school in California and that’s when I was exposed to software and it was the exact opposite.” – YouMon Tsang

YouMon founded three software companies before coming to ChurnZero, and learned some important lessons at each:

- MilkTruck: A great product can still lose to a better business model.

- Biz360: Being first-to-market is incredibly challenging and requires deep pockets.

- Engine140: After an acquisition, founders should see where they fit in and provide spark to the existing culture, not try to take it over.

The customer growth gap that sparked ChurnZero

YouMon’s third company, Engine140, eventually got acquired by Vocus, with Tsang staying on as CMO. At Vocus, he had access to sophisticated tools for scoring marketing leads and sales prospects that enabled business growth.

But the customer success teams did not have the same level of analysis that sales and marketing did. In fact, they had next to nothing – just Salesforce and contact information for the customer. YouMon quickly identified a major gap in how customer success – which was integral to retaining and expanding customers – was treated.

“They had the worst technology in the whole go-to-market stack, and they really should have had the best, and I saw that as the gap … the technology we were building on the marketing side … transfers really well to really understanding customers and that was the origin of ChurnZero.” – YouMon Tsang

In 2015, YouMon and co-founder Mark Heys started ChurnZero in Washington, D.C. to bring SaaS companies the technology needed to drive better customer relationships. Since then, ChurnZero has never pivoted, and according to YouMon, the company’s initial pitch deck still holds up.

How ChurnZero can evolve and adapt with AI technology

Fast forward to November 2022: OpenAI released an early demo of ChatGPT to the public. YouMon started experimenting with the tool, and his immediate reaction was that ChurnZero would become obsolete and he’d have to go back to the drawing board.

“My first reaction was, ‘Oh, no. Oh, no.’ … I started the wrong company at the wrong time with the wrong people … it was just so obvious to me that this thing was going to change everything.” – YouMon Tsang

But then YouMon tried a thought experiment: he imagined that he was going to build an AI-based CSP to compete directly with ChurnZero. What would it need to have to put other CSPs out of business?

“I came to the realization that we would have to build at least 60% of what we’ve built today, which is the data integrations, the health scoring, surveying the customers. All those things would have to be built and then you would … apply AI on top of it.” – YouMon Tsang

In short, ChurnZero already had everything that a new AI solution would need to compete in the customer success market. The real shift, YouMon says, is that AI will take over busywork like taking notes and scheduling follow-ups, so that the CSM can act as a trusted guide and advisor for the customer. Eventually, this may lead to a smaller CS team managing a larger book of business.

Final lessons for tech startups

The podcast closed with some final lessons for tech startup founders:

You can’t predict every new development or tech disruption that comes along.

- First-time founders spend a lot of time on the fun work of building, but they also need to look at more of the mundane work that builds a long-term successful company.

- Founders should ask themselves once a month: does your company deserve to exist? The answer to that question can shape your future direction.

- For customer success leaders, the key question is: are your customers happy and getting good use out of your product? The answer must be yes for your company to survive.

Want to listen to the full podcast and learn more about the ins and outs of tech startups? Check out the full episode of Binary to Billions.

Sass brings more than 25 years of operational, market and team leadership to one of DPR's fastest-growing markets.

DURHAM, N.C., Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- DPR Construction, a forward-thinking, self-performing builder, announced Scott Sass as Raleigh-Durham business unit leader. Sass steps into the role during a period of significant growth in the Triangle region, with construction employment rising at one of the fastest rates in the country. Life sciences and healthcare are among DPR's strongest markets in the region, which continues to drive demand for skilled construction talent.

Sass, a construction industry veteran with 27 years at DPR, brings extensive experience leading complex projects and business operations, with a strong background in the life sciences sector and other highly technical industries. His expertise aligns closely with the Raleigh-Durham region's growing demand for innovative research, development and manufacturing facilities.

"Raleigh-Durham continues to be one of the country's most dynamic growth markets and our customers need trusted partners who can help them navigate increasing complexity while delivering greater certainty and value," said Sass. "DPR's Raleigh-Durham team has built a strong reputation for bringing together customers, design and trade partners early in the process to align goals, manage risk and drive better project outcomes. I'm excited to build on that foundation and continue to support projects that help our customers and communities thrive."

Since establishing roots in Raleigh-Durham in 2007, DPR Construction has partnered with customers throughout the region to deliver technically complex projects that support the Triangle's rapid development. Its local portfolio includes work for Genentech, Eli Lilly, United Therapeutics, Duke Health and Duke University across the life sciences, healthcare, higher education and advanced technology markets.

"Our long-term investment in Raleigh-Durham is reflected in the people and capabilities we've built," said Jay Stoda, DPR Southeast region co-leader. "The research and development and prefabrication assembly facility (PAF) in Raleigh gives our teams and partners space to test ideas and bring coordinated approaches to projects with more control over safety, quality and schedule. Scott will build on that foundation to help customers plan with greater confidence and deliver on what matters most."

About DPR Construction 

DPR Construction is a forward-thinking, self-performing general contractor and construction manager specializing in complex projects across the advanced technology, life sciences, healthcare, higher education, and commercial markets. Guided by our purposeâWe Exist to Build Great Things®âDPR's global portfolio spans large-scale new construction, tenant improvements and special projects.

Founded in 1990, DPR is one of the largest privately held, employee-owned companies in the US. We are strategically focused on building long-term partnerships and delivering more predictable outcomes for customers. We're advancing the industry by integrating the project lifecycle from design to delivery using innovative construction methods, prefabrication on more than 90% of new work, and a highly skilled craft workforce deployed on nearly all of our projects.

DPR consistently ranks among the top building contractors and employs more than 13,500 professionals across our family of companies worldwide. For more information, visit www.dpr.com.

For more information, please contact:

Jose Luis Dieppa

DPR Construction

Email: [email protected]

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BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hull Street Energy, LLC ("HSE"), a leading, power-focused U.S. investment firm, has completed its acquisition of FirstLight's U.S. platform ("FirstLight") from the Public Sector Pension Investment Board ("PSP Investments"). The acquired assets include a portfolio of nearly 1,400 MW of clean, reliable generation in the Northeast, including Northfield Mountain, a 1,168 MW pumped storage hydro project in Massachusetts that is the largest energy storage facility in New England, 14 hydroelectric stations located in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, and three operational solar and battery facilities in the Northeast.

"FirstLight represents an important addition to our portfolio and underscores our conviction that firm, clean resources like FirstLight's hydropower and energy storage facilities will play an increasingly vital role in the Northeast's evolving energy landscape," said Sarah Wright, Founder and Managing Partner of Hull Street Energy. "We see tremendous opportunity in the hydro sector and look forward to combining HSE's experience and expertise with FirstLight's high-quality assets and innovative team to deliver value to the communities and markets we serve."

"We are incredibly proud of the strong business our team has built at FirstLight through a commitment to operational excellence and a focus on delivering clean energy solutions that support grid reliability," said Justin Trudell, President and CEO of FirstLight. "We look forward to continuing to lead the business in the Northeast and build on our success in partnership with Hull Street Energy."

Troutman Pepper Locke and DLA Piper acted as legal counsel to HSE.

About Hull Street Energy, LLC

Hull Street Energy is a private equity firm that specializes in deploying capital into the power sector as it decarbonizes and grows. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, the Hull Street Energy team leverages decades of experience in North American electricity infrastructure, including generation, storage, transmission, distribution, and load-serving businesses to deliver value for stakeholders. For further information about Hull Street Energy, please see www.hullstreetenergy.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Media Contacts:

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FirstLight's Canadian business remains under PSP Investments ownership and becomes Caelo Energy

MONTREAL, Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments) today announced that it has completed the sale of FirstLight's U.S. operations, including the FirstLight brand, to Hull Street Energy, a private equity firm specializing in power infrastructure and energy transition investments. The U.S. portfolio comprises approximately 1.4 GW of installed capacity across hydroelectric generation, energy storage, and other clean energy assets in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

PSP Investments retains ownership of FirstLight's Canadian operations â a combination of legacy Hydromega and H2O Power portfolios â which going forward will operate as Caelo Energy ("Caelo"). Caelo operates 18 hydroelectric facilities across Quebec and Ontario totalling 202 MW of installed capacity and a development pipeline of nearly 1 GW of renewable energy and energy storage projects. FirstLight's Canada-based employees will remain with Caelo Energy.

Caelo Energy will continue to be a best-in-class operator of clean power assets while advancing its development pipeline and pursuing new opportunities in the Canadian power sector. This includes the 57.2 MW Fort Frances solar project in Ontario, which is being developed in partnership with the Lac Des Mille Lacs First Nation and was awarded a 20-year power purchase agreement through Ontario's Long-Term 2 (LT2) procurement process.

Patrick Gut has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Caelo Energy, bringing nearly a decade of experience at PSP Investments, where his primary focus was on investment and asset management in the power sector in the Americas and Europe. He has extensive knowledge of the business, having served as Interim President of H2O Power and as a board member of both H2O Power and FirstLight. Patrick also brings broader renewable investment experience through his involvement as a board member for Cubico Sustainable Investments, a developer and operator of renewable energy projects across Western Europe, Latin America and the United States.

"Completing this transaction concludes a successful decade of building FirstLight into a leading North American clean energy business, and we thank the U.S. team for everything they accomplished. In Canada, we are retaining a platform with long-term, inflation-linked operating cash flows, an attractive development pipeline and an experienced team positioned to pursue growth opportunities in Canada," said Andrew Alley, Managing Director and Global Head of Infrastructure Investments at PSP Investments. "Patrick has helped shape this portfolio for years as an investor and a board member, and we have every confidence in him to successfully lead Caelo Energy through this next chapter."

"I am honoured to lead Caelo Energy, and to do so alongside such a skilled and dedicated team who I have come to know well over many years," said Patrick Gut, CEO of Caelo Energy. "We start from a strong foundation â hydroelectric facilities that have served their communities for generations â and we are excited to build on that foundation as we shape Caelo's future. I want to thank PSP Investments for its confidence in Caelo and I am thrilled to continue to play a part in it."

About Caelo Energy

Caelo Energy is a Canadian clean energy company wholly owned by PSP Investments, formed from the combination of the legacy Hydromega and H2O Power businesses. Caelo Energy owns and operates 18 hydroelectric facilities in Quebec and Ontario and is advancing a nearly 1 GW development pipeline of wind, solar, hydro, and battery storage projects. Caelo Energy has offices in Montreal and Oshawa. For more information, visit caeloenergy.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

About PSP Investmentsâ¯

The Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments) is one ofâ¯Canada'sâ¯largest pension investors withâ¯$320.6 billionâ¯of net assets under management as ofâ¯March 31, 2026. It manages a diversified global portfolio composed of investments in capital markets, private equity, real estate, infrastructure, natural resources, and credit investments. Established in 1999, PSP Investments manages and invests amounts transferred to it by the Government ofâ¯Canadaâ¯for the pension plans of the federal public service, the Canadian Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Reserve Force. Headquartered inâ¯Ottawa, PSP Investments has its principal business office in Montréal and offices inâ¯New York,â¯Londonâ¯andâ¯Hong Kong. For more information, visitâ¯investpsp.comâ¯or follow us onâ¯LinkedIn.â¯â¯â¯ 

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NORTON INTRODUCES NEW 450 CC URBAN MOTORCYCLE, BRINGING ITS DISTINCTIVE CHARACTER TO A NEW GENERATION

- New 450 cc motorcycle marks the next phase of Norton's resurgence, extending the brand into a new category

- Brings Norton's defining principles of design, engineering and riding character together in a contemporary urban motorcycle

- 454 cc single-cylinder engine, aluminium frame and advanced rider technology combine to create a new expression of Norton

- Sales to begin in 2027, with the official model name to be announced ahead of launch

LONDON, Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Norton Motorcycles today announces its new 450 cc urban motorcycle, marking a significant step in the British brand's resurgence and introducing its distinctive approach to motorcycling to a new generation of riders.

The new motorcycle brings Norton's principles of design, dynamics and detail to a new category. Combining reductive design, engaging performance and modern technology, it represents an expansion of the Norton portfolio while preserving the character and craftsmanship that have defined the marque for more than a century.

Developed as part of Norton's ambitious new product strategy, the motorcycle is powered by a liquid-cooled 454 cc single-cylinder engine producing 45 Nm of torque, with an emphasis on responsive, accessible performance. An aluminium frame provides the foundation for agile, confidence-inspiring handling, while an 8-inch TFT touchscreen introduces a contemporary digital experience with advanced connectivity features.

Together, these elements create a motorcycle designed to bring the emotional appeal of Norton to a new generation of customers, combining usability with the distinctive presence and riding character expected from the brand.

A new expression of Norton

The new 450 cc motorcycle reflects Norton's belief that exceptional motorcycle design is not defined by just engine capacity or category, but by the experience and emotional connection it creates.

Its reductive design approach follows the unifying principles established by Norton's new generation of motorcycles: perfect proportions, a strong stance, sophisticated surfaces and razor-sharp attention to detail. Every element has been developed to contribute to a cohesive, distinctive and desirable motorcycle.

Sudarshan Venu, Chairman, TVS Motor Company, said:

"Norton has never been defined just by engine capacity or a particular category of motorcycle. It is defined by its character, its design, engineering and the emotional connection it creates with riders. Our vision is to bring this compelling experience forward to a new generation of customers while remaining true to the principles that define Norton now and into the future.

"With the Manx R, we demonstrated our reinterpretation of Norton for the modern era through uncompromising, modern design with distinctive performance. The new Norton 450 urban motorcycle carries the same approach into an entirely new category. It is not simply about extending our product range; it is about creating motorcycles with their own identity, each unmistakably Norton.

"Supported by TVS Motor Company's long-term commitment, global engineering capabilities and investment in the brand, we are building a new generation of Norton motorcycles for customers around the world. Our strategy is to establish Norton as one of the most desirable names in modern motorcycling, recognised for exceptional design, engaging performance and a truly discerning ownership experience."

Building a new generation of Norton motorcycles

The introduction of the new 450 cc motorcycle builds on the momentum of Norton's product resurgence.

At EICMA 2025, Norton unveiled four new-generation motorcycles: the Manx, Manx R, Atlas and Atlas GT. Deliveries of the Manx R and Atlas have started in European markets, with the Manx and Atlas GT to follow.

Norton's new design direction has already gained international recognition. The Manx R received the prestigious Red Dot: Best of the Best distinction at the 2026 Red Dot Award: Design Concept, following its success at the 2026 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA).

This commitment to design extends beyond the motorcycles themselves. In collaboration with Foster + Partners, Norton is developing a new global retail concept that is part of a holistic approach to deliver a cohesive and aspirational brand experience.

A long-term commitment to global growth

Norton's resurgence is supported by TVS Motor Company's long-term investment in the British marque, including the continued development of its Solihull, UK, facility as a centre for motorcycle design and engineering along with TVS Motor global engineering center in Italy and TVS Motor's R&D headquarters in India.

Bringing together British motorcycle expertise and international engineering talent, Norton is developing a growing portfolio of distinctive products, supported by advanced engineering capabilities and a commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

The company has established a retail network of more than 50 locations across 10 markets, including the UK, Italy, France, Germany and Spain. Preparations are also progressing for Norton's introduction into India and the United States.

The new 450cc urban motorcycle will form an important part of this international expansion, opening the Norton experience to new customers while strengthening the brand's presence across a wider range of motorcycle categories.

Sales will begin in 2027, with the motorcycle's official model name to be revealed ahead of launch.

About Norton Motorcycles

Norton Motorcycles was founded in 1898 and is one of Britain's most iconic motorcycle marques, with a heritage shaped by engineering innovation, racing success and distinctive design. Its name is closely associated with the Isle of Man TT and with celebrated models including the Manx, Commando, Dominator, Atlas, Navigator and 650SS.

Today, Norton is entering a new chapter under the ownership of TVS Motor Company, which acquired the brand in April 2020. Based at Norton's modern manufacturing facility in Solihull, West Midlands, the company builds British motorcycles in England using traditional hand-crafted techniques supported by modern engineering, advanced manufacturing processes and rigorous quality standards.

Norton's new generation of motorcycles combines British heritage with contemporary technology, emotional performance, precision detail and exclusivity. Guided by the principles of design, dynamics and detail, Norton is focused on creating motorcycles that honour its past while establishing a credible, high-quality and distinctive future.

About TVS Motor Company

TVS Motor Company (BSE:532343 and NSE: TVSMOTOR), part of TVS VENU, is a reputed two- and three-wheeler manufacturer globally, championing progress through sustainable mobility with four state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities located in India and Indonesia. Rooted in a 100-year legacy of trust, value, and passion for customers, it takes pride in making internationally accepted products of the highest quality through innovative and sustainable processes. TVS Motor is the only two-wheeler company to have won the prestigious Deming Prize. Its products lead in their respective categories in the J.D. Power IQS and APEAL surveys. TVS Motor has been ranked No. 1 Company in the J.D. Power Customer Service Satisfaction Survey for four consecutive years. Its group company Norton Motorcycles, based in the United Kingdom, is one of the most emotive motorcycle brands in the world. TVS Motor Company endeavours to deliver the most superior customer experience across 90 countries in which it operates.

Media site: https://nortonresurgence.com

Website: www.nortonmotorcycles.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NortonMotorcycles

Instagram: www.instagram.com/norton.motorcycles

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/norton-motorcycles

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CHICAGO, Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Smithbucklin has named Stephanie Yanecek and Jeremy Van Ek co-presidents of Association Management. Together, they will help associations translate their aspirations into outcomes, drawing on Smithbucklin's full range of capabilities to support growth and stronger performance. They will share accountability for association performance and client satisfaction.

Van Ek will lead Smithbucklin's association management centers of excellence, overseeing the expertise, tools, technology and processes needed to deliver consistent, high-quality performance as associations' needs evolve. Yanecek will lead Smithbucklin's core association client teams, working with executive directors and boards to understand their goals, set priorities and bring together the right expertise, resources and insight to deliver results.

"Our association management clients need a partner that understands their ambitions and can bring the right people, expertise and resources together to deliver," said Matt Sanderson, Smithbucklin president and CEO. "Jeremy's strengths in operations, technology and organizational change complement Stephanie's deep association expertise and longstanding client relationships. Together, they will help us anticipate associations' emerging needs and act with agility while preserving the quality and care that define our work."

Yanecek brings deep association experience and expertise in product development, branding, marketing strategy and communications. Most recently, she led Smithbucklin's marketing, content, communications, creative and editorial teams, helping associations strengthen their positioning, deepen member engagement and expand revenue opportunities. She holds a Master of Business Administration from DePaul University and a bachelor's degree in business administration from Loyola University Chicago.

Van Ek brings more than 25 years of experience in strategy, finance and operations across the association, marketing and professional services industries. Most recently, he served as chief operations officer, association management, for Smithbucklin. Previously, he served as chief operating officer at the American Marketing Association and held senior leadership roles at Edelman, Trisect, Arc Worldwide and Frankel. He holds a master's degree from the University at Buffalo and a bachelor's degree from Hope College.

About Smithbucklin

Smithbucklin is a professional services company that helps associations modernize, strengthen and advance to deliver better results for their members and missions. For more than 75 years, Smithbucklin has provided association management and capabilities in meetings and events, sponsorship and exhibit sales, education, marketing and technology. With nearly 650 employees in Chicago and Washington, D.C., Smithbucklin companies include 360 Live Media, The France Foundation, SDI Meetings and Incentives and McKinley Advisors. Learn more about Smithbucklin at www.smithbucklin.com.

SOURCE Smithbucklin

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New product automates P&ID digitization, including piping and connection detection, so plant staff can query their drawings in plain language through AtomAssist and other AI assistants.

PHOENIX, Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nuclearn, a leading AI solutions company built for the nuclear industry, today announced Nuclearn Link for P&IDs, a product that reads a plant's existing piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) and converts them into a connected, AI-ready model of the facility. Once a drawing set is loaded, staff can ask questions about it in plain language through Nuclearn's AtomAssist, other AI assistants, or an in-house agent.

Tracing P&IDs has long been manual work that consumes hundreds of hours of staff time. Many digitizing tools can recognize components, but reading the piping and connections between them remains a challenge. Nuclearn Link is designed to automate the bulk of that work. It reads both components and the connections between them to produce interactive P&IDs with a high degree of reliability and accuracy.

Works with the drawings plants already have. Nuclearn Link accepts PDFs, raster scans, images, MicroStation DGN files, and zip archives, including decades-old scans and aperture cards. No CAD redraw is required. It identifies the valves, pumps, tanks, instruments, and pipe and signal lines on every sheet, then joins sheets together at their off-page connectors.

One connected model, queryable by any AI assistant. Through Nuclearn's connectors, operators can ask AtomAssist, other AI assistants, or their own agents what a valve connects to, follow a line across sheets, or trace a system boundary. Results flag open ends and unconfirmed sheet links, so the assistant reports gaps in the drawing data instead of hiding them. Users can correct misread symbols directly, and every correction is logged and carried forward when drawings are re-read.

"Plants have invested decades in their drawings, but most of that knowledge is locked in static files that AI can't use," said Brad Fox, CEO of Nuclearn. "Nuclearn Link turns those drawings into something an AI can read, reason over, and answer questions about. That helps our customers scope work faster and answer questions about their systems with confidence."

Use cases include:

- Scoping clearances. Trace a component's isolation boundary across linked sheets, listing valves to close, drains and vents, relief paths, valves not credited as closing, and any open ends or unconfirmed sheet links, as a starting point for the clearance writer to check against the drawings.

- Scoping design changes. Find every component and line connected to a planned change, across sheets.

- Troubleshooting valves and pumps. See what a valve or pump connects to, upstream and downstream, including across sheet edges.

Built for nuclear security and compliance. Nuclearn Link is hosted by Nuclearn in its own datacenter on Nuclearn-owned hardware, not a public cloud. It uses Nuclearn platform sign-in and roles, supports 10 CFR Part 810 export-control requirements, and is backed by Nuclearn's ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification.

Availability. Nuclearn Link is available now. It is included for AtomAssist users, and the web app, API and MCP server are also offered on their own. To book a demo, visit https://nuclearn.ai/products/link-for-pids/.

About Nuclearn

Nuclearn builds AI software designed specifically for the nuclear industry. Founded in 2021 by industry veterans and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, the company's platform is built on AtomAssist, the plant AI. Nuclearn's products are used at more than 70 nuclear facilities across North America to automate the engineering, maintenance, and compliance work that drives operational backlogs. Customers include operating plants, advanced reactor developers, engineering firms, and construction firms, served through offerings that range from individual AI tools for nuclear's most complex problems to fully outsourced functions such as CAP as a managed service. The platform integrates with existing systems such as Maximo and SAP, is built for 10 CFR Part 810 export-control compliance, and is ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certified. Learn more at www.nuclearn.ai.

Media Contact

Brian Critchfield, Nuclearn

[email protected]

SOURCE Nuclearn.ai

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Bring your Swimsuit to Helsinki's Christmas Market, there will be a Sauna!

News provided by

Helsinki Partners

Nov 02, 2026, 10:56 ET

HELSINKI, 2 November 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As Christmas season descends across Europe, Helsinki offers visitors the unique experience to enjoy a traditional wood burning Finnish sauna in the midst of its Christmas Market. As the capital city of Santa Claus' home country, Helsinki is a must visit at Christmas time. Soft glowing lights christen the downtown core, and ice skating rinks weave between historic city facades and monuments. Located at the foot of the iconic Helsinki Cathedral's steps, Helsinki's Christmas Market 'Tuomaan Markkinat' opens from the 27th of November to the 22nd of December.

The Official Home of Santa Claus, and Sauna!

The EU has officially ruled that Finland is Santa Claus' home country, and UNESCO recognizes the Finnish sauna on its list of intangible cultural heritage. With the Christmas season soon upon us, travelers are eager for destinations that deeply immerse in the coziness of Christmas magic. This year, Helsinki combines Santa and sauna by bringing a traditional wood burning Finnish sauna right in its Christmas market.

In the EU's northernmost capital city embracing the warmth of Christmas magic is not only a celebration, but also a means of survival. Total darkness is nothing new for Helsinkians, and in fact, the winter season is when Helsinki truly comes alive, adorning streets with warm lighting, and embracing the centuries old traditions that have kept Helsinkians going through the darkness. Traditions such as Finland's Lucia bring community together and celebrate light and warmth. Summer hobbies are replaced by winter activities, and it's not uncommon to see cross-country skis on the Helsinki metro.

Every winter, over a million visitors head to the north of Europe, often passing through Helsinki as the host of Finland's busiest airport by far. Popular routes to Lapland either by domestic flight or overnight sleeper trains depart from Helsinki, giving tourists plenty of time to include a few nights in Helsinki before or after heading north. While in Helsinki, tourists can visit various museums or UNESCO world heritage sites such as the home and studio of legendary designer Alvar Aalto. Restaurants set the mood with candlelit meals, and many places offer seasonal Christmas lunches or Christmas tables, a great opportunity to try Finnish delicacies such as cured salmon, reindeer, and various casseroles.

Christmas Sauna

Finland is the birthplace of sauna, and it's no surprise then that Finland has over 3.2 million saunas in a country of just over 5 million. While Finns enjoy sauna year-round, there is a particular coziness to heating up the sauna to around 100 degrees Celsius, while temperatures outside drop below freezing. In fact, having a sauna on Christmas Eve, called 'joulusauna,' has been a tradition in Finnish households for centuries. It's common for families to heat up the sauna right before Christmas dinner, ushering in the holiday spirit with relaxation, wellness, and a clean start.

"One of the nicest ways Finns welcome people into their homes is by inviting them to enjoy a sauna," says Tea Lindberg, owner of Furuvik Saunas, responsible for bringing the authentic Finnish sauna experience to the Helsinki Christmas Market. "When people from all over the world come to Helsinki for Christmas, we want to welcome them with the same warmth and hospitality that we share with our own guests. What better way to do that than by offering them the chance to experience a real Finnish wood-fired sauna? It's a tradition that has been part of Finnish life for centuries, and we're excited to share it with visitors from around the world."

This year, the Helsinki Christmas Market will feature a real wood burning sauna. Between spoonfuls of warm Christmas porridge 'puuro' and sips of mulled wine 'glögi', guests are invited to warm up in the sauna. As tourists enjoy the lively atmosphere of Christmas Markets across Europe, taking a sauna in the middle of one definitely makes Helsinki' Christmas Market unique among the rest.

'Hittipuuro'

Every year, vendors at the Christmas Market have a tradition of aiming to create the hit dish of the market, coined the 'hittipuuro' in Finnish or the 'hit porridge,' as the dish has typically been a take on the classic Finnish Christmas porridge. Vendors might go the route of perfecting the classic and sticking to the basics of cinnamon, bronwed butter, and a lot of sugar - or then adding a spin with modern twists such as a previous year's miso brown butter caramel porridge. Either way, the jury are the visitors, and the long lines show which vendor has succeeded in winning the crowd's palate. Other food vendors might not even attempt to sell porridge, with previous vendors offering unique fusions such as Korean corndogs made of reindeer meat. The variety of dishes and the effort to create something that truly stands out is one of the hallmarks of the Helsinki Christmas market, and a reason large crowds gather year after year.

Notably, many of the vendors at Helsinki's Christmas Market are actually local restaurants. Restaurateurs in Helsinki use the Christmas Market to offer seasonal flavors, or introduce their beloved classics to a new audience. The strong local presence at Helsinki's Christmas Market brings a high level of authenticity and care to the products offered. If you like a particular stand in the Christmas Market, it's worth checking out the vendors' permanent location, for a proper meal from locally loved spots.

Ice Skating Takes Over

A block away from the Helsinki Christmas Market, lies Helsinki's bustling market square. This year, an ice skating rink will surround the famous 'Havis Amanda' statue. One of Helsinki's most iconic sites, this statue is where Finns gather after Finnish successes internationally, namely when Finland wins gold at the International Hockey Championships or at the Olympics, or when Finland won Eurovision in 2006.

Pedestrians fill this square at the entrance to Helsinki's Esplanade during summer, but will now fill with ice skaters during the winter. Skating rinks pop up across Helsinki neighborhoods in the winter, with one of the most picturesque lying below the soaring twin steeples of Johannes' Church in the Ullanlinna district. For local Helsinkians, ice skating and cross country skiing are great methods to keep up movement outdoors, even when snow covers usual running paths, and temperatures dip below zero. And even when the sea freezes to ice, Helsinkians break holes for ice swimming, in the Finnish tradition of 'avanto'.

When winter comes, Helsinki doesn't shelter, it embraces the darkness and cold. Locals revel at the opportunities to partake in winter activities that aren't possible any other time of the year. Perfecting an atmosphere of coziness becomes a national obsession, and restaurants drown in the soft glow illuminating from candles. Winter in Helsinki is like no other, with a magic that is distinct to the Northernmost capital city in the EU.

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Gideon Hagström

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Company showcases massive portfolio growth across key categories with additions in ride control, braking, sealing, and exhaust products.

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- DRiV arrives at AAPEX 2026 (Booth F13600 in the AAPEX Forum) with unmatched momentum, spotlighting 30,000+ new SKUs globallyâincluding the introduction of the Fel-Pro oil filter housing assemblyâto empower shop owners and distributors with the coverage they need.

"We're expanding our portfolio with solutions that address the evolving needs of our customers and the businesses that rely on our brands every day," said Rick Pack, VP of Global Product Management, Engineering & Procurement at DRiV. "AAPEX gives us an opportunity to showcase that work, from new products across our leading brands that help support success in the bay."

Major North American Product Expansion in 2026

Building on its commitment to comprehensive coverage, DRiV's 2026 North American expansion introduces thousands of new parts across light vehicle, commercial truck, and off-highway applications. With leading brandsâincluding Monroe®, Fel-Pro®, Walker®, Rancho®, Wagner®, and Abex®âDRiV delivers the reliable, high-performance solutions professionals need:

- Monroe®: 85 air compressors, 111 heavy-duty air springs, 97 heavy-duty torque rods, 102 ride height sensors, and 23 Restore⢠shocks and mounts

- Fel-Pro®: 70 oil filter and cap sets, and 1 oil filter housing assembly

- Walker®: 89 exhaust kits

- Rancho®: 114 RS9000XL struts

- Wagner® (Light Vehicle): 547 calipers, 1,557 ES pads and rotors, 6 brake bolt kits, and 1,065 premium rotors

- Wagner® HD: 40 heavy-duty mirrors and 65 heavy-duty wipers

- Abex®: 2 brake drums, 38 heavy-duty calipers, and 1 Essentials Stop Box Kit

At AAPEX 2026, attendees can explore the expanded portfolio through DRiV's Interactive Product Display and connect directly with product specialists through the debut of "Experts on Tap." DRiV will exhibit at Booth F13600 in the AAPEX Forum.

About DRiV

DRiV, a Tenneco business group, is a leading player in the automotive aftermarket, dedicated to enhancing vehicle performance through quality solutions and engineering excellence. With a portfolio of respected brands, including MOOG®, Monroe®, Wagner®, Fel-Pro®, FP Dieselâ¢, Walker® and more, DRiV focuses on delivering high-quality auto parts that ensure optimal functionality and reliability. Visit DRiV.com to learn more.

Media Contacts

DRiV

Jason Light

[email protected] 

Tiny Mighty Communications

Sydney Wagner

402-670-8559

[email protected]

SOURCE DRiV

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Hans-Gerd Bleckmann Informationssysteme GmbH & Co. KG

Bleckmann Informationssysteme auf der Sonepar Trend + Technik in Dortmund: Wie Büro, Baustelle und Großhandel digital zusammenspielen

Rees-Bienen (ots)

IT-Systemhaus und pds-Kompetenzpartner aus Rees zeigt am 10. November im Signal Iduna Park durchgängige Digitalisierung für Handwerksbetriebe

Die Bleckmann Informationssysteme GmbH, IT-Systemhaus und regionaler pds-Kompetenzpartner aus Rees am Niederrhein, stellt am 10. November 2026 auf der Trend + Technik des Elektrogroßhändlers Sonepar aus. Die Fachmesse findet von 9 bis 17 Uhr im Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund statt (Strobelallee 50, 44139 Dortmund). Bleckmann ist in Halle 4 am Stand 4.C66 zu finden. Im Mittelpunkt des Messeauftritts steht die durchgängige Digitalisierung von Prozessen im Handwerk mit der Handwerkersoftware pds.

Großhandel, Software und mobile Anwendungen verbinden

Am Stand zeigt Bleckmann, wie sich Medienbrüche im Betriebsalltag reduzieren lassen: Informationen aus Einkauf und Materialwirtschaft bleiben nicht isoliert, sondern fließen direkt in Projekt-, Service- und Abrechnungsprozesse ein. Ein Schwerpunkt ist das Zusammenspiel von Sonepar und pds, etwa bei Artikel-, Material- und Einkaufsprozessen.

Besucher erhalten unter anderem Einblicke in folgende Themen:

- kaufmännische Prozesse von Angebot und Kalkulation über Einkauf und Materialwirtschaft bis zur Abrechnung

- mobile Zeiterfassung direkt auf Projekte und Baustellen, auch offline

- digitale Serviceaufträge mit Zeiten, verbautem Material, Dokumentation und Kundenunterschrift, die direkt ins Büro zurückfließen

- mobiles Projektmanagement und digitales Bautagebuch

- Material-, Lager- und Werkzeugverwaltung über mobile Anwendungen

- digitale Schnittstellen zum Großhandel und offene Integrationsmöglichkeiten

- KI-Anbindungen und die künftige Nutzung strukturierter Unternehmensdaten für Assistenz- und Automatisierungsfunktionen

Bewährte Software, regionale Betreuung

pds ist seit über 50 Jahren auf IT-Lösungen für das Handwerk spezialisiert und wird heute von rund 52.000 Anwendern genutzt. Als regionaler Partner übernimmt Bleckmann Informationssysteme Beratung, Einführung und Betreuung der pds Software (Link: https://bleckmann.de/pds-software/) und ergänzt sie bei Bedarf über eigene Schnittstellenentwicklung.

"Für uns als regionaler pds Kompetenzpartner ist die Teilnahme an der Trend + Technik 2026 ein absolutes Muss. Wir wollen dort sein, wo das Handwerk ist, denn der direkte Austausch mit Betrieben aus der Region gehört für uns einfach dazu. Mit bereits über 10.000 Besuchern an den ersten zehn Standorten und insgesamt 13 Stationen bundesweit bietet die Roadshow die ideale Plattform, um Bestandskunden zu treffen, neue Kontakte zu knüpfen und mit qualifizierten Fachbesuchern ins Gespräch zu kommen. Besucher dürfen sich auf praxisnahe Lösungen rund um Digitalisierung, IT-Sicherheit und Unternehmenssoftware sowie auf persönliche Gespräche auf Augenhöhe freuen", sagt Palmiero Sibilio, Geschäftsführer der Bleckmann Informationssysteme GmbH.

Ansprechpartner vor Ort ist Simon Wischermann, Account Manager bei Bleckmann Informationssysteme.

Über Bleckmann Informationssysteme

Die Bleckmann Informationssysteme GmbH mit Sitz in Rees am Niederrhein unterstützt seit 1992 mittelständische Unternehmen und Handwerksbetriebe bei der Digitalisierung. Als pds-Partner berät, implementiert und betreut das IT-Systemhaus die Handwerkersoftware pds. Daneben bietet Bleckmann IT-Infrastruktur sowie ERP- und CRM-Lösungen auf Basis von mesonic WinLine. Weitere Standorte befinden sich in Mülheim an der Ruhr und Osnabrück. Geschäftsführer sind Palmiero Sibilio und Jan-Niklas Thomaskamp. Weitere Informationen: www.bleckmann.de

Pressekontakt:

Sherylin Mayadali

Teamassistenz Personal & Marketing

+49 176 19963034 · smayadali@bleckmann.de

Redaktionelle Anfragen:

redaktion@poosch-consulting.de

Original-Content von: Hans-Gerd Bleckmann Informationssysteme GmbH & Co. KG, übermittelt durch news aktuell