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The Government of Canada announces significant investment to strengthen Canada’s electricity and forest products supply chains

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Investment will support Hitachi Energy’s new transformer insulation factory, Canada’s first pressboard manufacturing facility

LONDON, ON, Oct. 16, 2026 /CNW/ — Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, announced a total federal investment of $30 million in Hitachi Energy Canada Inc., supporting a $478.8 million dollar project to establish Canada’s first electrical-grade pressboard manufacturing facility in London, Ontario.

As growing power demand is being driven by grid modernization, electrification, renewable energy deployment and data centre expansion, the federal government is investing to position Canada as a strategic supplier within North America’s energy infrastructure supply chain and abroad. At the same time, it is supporting Canadian forest products amid unjustified tariffs and changing global pressures and the industry more broadly as it modernizes and transforms for long-term competitiveness.

The federal investment includes $20 million through the Strategic Response Fund and $10 million through the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation program. This investment will help Hitachi Energy implement innovative manufacturing technologies and automation in a state-of-the-art facility to enhance production efficiency and turn wood fibre into up to 20,000 tonnes annually of electrical-grade pressboard and laminated insulation materials for high-voltage transformers. The investment will not only strengthen domestic supply chain capabilities but also support the growth and competitiveness of Canada’s forest sector by creating new markets for Canadian forest products.

This project will generate significant economic benefits for Canadians. As part of its commitment to growth in Canada, Hitachi Energy will maintain its existing workforce of approximately 1,250 employees and grow its Canadian workforce to 1,765 employees. This includes the creation of more than 100 new jobs at its London facility. It will also create new business opportunities for domestic suppliers, including Canada’s forest products sector, by sourcing key inputs for transformer insulation materials locally.

The facility will be the first of its kind in Canada and will supply Hitachi Energy’s transformer manufacturing operations in Varennes, Quebec, and other transformer and insulation manufacturers in North American and global markets. The federal investment in Hitachi Energy’s project is advancing the National Electricity Strategy’s goals of building at scale and taking concrete steps to bolster Canada’s energy security by strengthening our domestic grid and power capacity with clean, affordable and reliable energy for generations to come. The project also advances the federal government’s efforts to support Canada’s forest products sector as it pivots to grow, including through the upcoming forest sector strategy. The strategy–the first ever for the sector led by the federal government–will focus on creating new opportunities for Canadian forest products, supporting advanced manufacturing and innovation, and strengthening domestic value chains that connect Canada’s forest sector to growing markets.

In a more complex and unpredictable world, the Government of Canada is investing strategically to build clean, affordable and reliable energy systems, create new market opportunities for domestic suppliers and support sustainable growth in the forest sector.

Quotes

“Canada is strengthening its electricity system to build a more connected, reliable and efficient grid. By investing in the critical infrastructure needed to power our future, we are supporting economic growth, creating well-paying jobs and strengthening Canada’s economic security. Our government’s investment in Hitachi Energy, along with the National Electricity Strategy, will deliver real results and help secure Canada’s energy future.”

– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

“This project demonstrates that there are high-value opportunities for forest products in critical energy infrastructure. By supporting innovative projects like this one, we are supporting Canadian manufacturing, strengthening Canada’s electricity supply chains and opening new markets for forest products. This project will help build a stronger and more resilient Canadian economy while advancing the visions set out in the National Electricity Strategy and the upcoming federal forest sector strategy.”

– The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“In the face of global economic uncertainty, our government continues to foster the competitive conditions needed for global companies to confidently expand their presence in Ontario and invest in long-term projects. We are proud to stand as a partner to Hitachi Energy’s latest investment, which will create new, high-value jobs for local workers and further position Ontario as a central hub for advanced manufacturing projects powering the economy and future.”

– The Honourable Vic Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

“London has long been a city of builders, innovators and skilled workers, and today’s announcement reinforces that proud tradition. This investment in Hitachi Energy’s new facility will create opportunities for local families, strengthen Canada’s energy infrastructure, and position our community at the forefront of the clean economy of the future. I am excited to welcome this investment to London and look forward to the benefits it will bring to our region for years to come.”

– The Honourable Arielle Kayabaga, Deputy Government House Leader and Member of Parliament for London West

“This investment is a significant milestone for London and an important step forward for Canada’s economy. By establishing Canada’s first electrical-grade pressboard manufacturing facility in our city, we are creating local opportunities, supporting skilled jobs and strengthening London’s manufacturing sector. Nationally, this project will bolster domestic supply chains, open new markets for Canadian forest products and help position Canada as a competitive leader in advanced manufacturing and energy infrastructure.”

– Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament for London Centre

“Today’s announcement marks a significant step forward for Canadian manufacturing and our country’s energy future. By establishing Canada’s first pressboard manufacturing line here in London, we are bringing a critical capability closer to home, strengthening domestic supply chains and supporting the infrastructure needed to meet growing electricity demand. This investment reflects our long-term commitment to Canadian industry, talent and innovation in an electric economy.”

– Carla Vicente, Country Managing Director, Canada, Hitachi Energy Canada Inc.

Quick facts

Hitachi Energy Canada Inc. is a federally incorporated corporation and a subsidiary of Hitachi Energy, based in Switzerland. Hitachi Energy operates in more than 60 countries and employs approximately 50,000 people worldwide. Its customers include electric utilities, industrial operators, renewable energy developers, transportation providers and data centre operators.Hitachi Energy Canada develops and supplies transformers, high-voltage equipment, grid automation systems, grid integration solutions and related services for utility, industrial, transportation, renewable energy and infrastructure customers.The Strategic Response Fund helps Canadian industries innovate, adapt and compete in a changing global economy. It supports large-scale, transformative projects that build economic resilience, strengthen supply chains and protect good jobs in key sectors such as steel, aluminum, automotive, forest products, artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.The IFIT program accelerates the adoption and commercialization of transformative technologies in Canada’s forest sector, improving competitiveness and sustainability while diversifying revenue streams. This includes supporting innovative pulp and paper products that replace non-renewable materials, improving fibre efficiency, scaling up mass timber and prefabrication, and strengthening domestic housing production and supply chain resilience.

Associated links

Strategic Response FundInvestments in Forest Industry TransformationHitachi Energy in CanadaCanada’s clean electricity future Draft Action Plan to Transform Canada’s Forest SectorCanada to invest in cutting-edge technology to modernize Canadian forest sector

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As AI Speeds Up Marketing, Louisville’s RedTag Bets on Strategy

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Independent agency unveils new brand and website, and co-hosts Louisville’s PROOF AI Workshop

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — RedTag, an independent Louisville-based marketing agency, this month unveiled new positioning, marking its evolution from a digital performance agency into a strategy-first marketing partner. The move comes as AI makes execution faster than ever, and RedTag is betting that strategy, not speed, is what will set businesses apart. Clients can now choose from outcome-based programs that best fit their marketing needs. 

“Clients don’t come to us needing more tactics. They come to us needing a path,” said Russ Renbarger, founder and CEO of RedTag. “Our new brand says out loud what our work has shown for years: We start with strategy and build everything on that foundation.”

RedTag built its reputation on high-performing paid digital campaigns. Over the years, the agency expanded into strategy, creative, video production and website development, giving clients one partner for the full scope of their marketing. Most recently, a team of automation specialists has integrated AI across the agency to speed up production and analysis, guided by an internal AI policy that keeps people accountable for quality. The time AI saves goes back into strategy: knowing what to say, who to say it to and why.

“Our best client relationships have always been partnerships, where we’re in the room when the big decisions get made,” said Alison Conway, chief client officer at RedTag. “This evolution is about bringing that strategic partnership to every client.”

On Oct. 14, RedTag co-hosted the PROOF AI Workshop with Slingshot, Vsimple and Advanced Business Solutions. The hands-on event gave Louisville business leaders practical experience applying AI to their own work. RedTag led the event’s AI in Marketing and Branding track, with four sessions ranging from AI search optimization to a playbook for adopting AI across an organization.

“AI can produce hundreds of ads in an afternoon, but it can’t tell you which one your brand actually needs and why,” Renbarger said. “The faster the tools get, the more valuable human-led strategy becomes.”

RedTag was named the agency of record for the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 2025. Its client list includes PGA of America, Castle & Key Distillery, Bourbon Barrel Foods, ShopCaterpillar and American Beverage Marketers. Since 2023, RedTag’s work has received two Emmy Awards and more than 35 ADDY and AIGA awards. The agency is a four-time Louisville Business First Fast 50 honoree and was named one of the 2026 Best Places to Work in Kentucky.

To learn more about its outcome-based programs, visit RedTag Programs

About RedTag

RedTag is an independent, strategy-first marketing agency based in Louisville, Kentucky. Established in 2008, the agency starts every engagement by understanding the goal before recommending tactics. With a foundation rooted in discovery, RedTag delivers full-scale marketing campaigns built around each client’s business goals. RedTag serves organizations across hospitality, sports, agriculture, government, retail and consumer packaged goods. Learn more at redtag.agency.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/as-ai-speeds-up-marketing-louisvilles-redtag-bets-on-strategy-302911869.html

SOURCE RED TAG LLC

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The National Association of Mortgage Brokers Announces its Launch of MORE, New Mortgage Education and Professional Development Platform

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NAMB MORE brings training, credentials, professional development and daily mortgage market information together in one place

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB) the first and only national volunteer-led and membership-driven organization representing the interests of mortgage brokers and home buyers since 1973, today announced the launch of NAMB MORE(Mortgage Originator Resources and Education), a new learning and professional development platform designed to give mortgage professionals the education, resources and information they need to grow throughout their careers.

MORE officially launches today during NAMB National 2026, being held October 16–19 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The platform is designed as a long-term resource for mortgage professionals at every career stage, bringing training, credentials, professional development and timely industry information together in one place.

Mortgage professionals can learn more and access the platform at nambhasmore.org. Access to MORE will be free through NAMB Focus, January 7–9, 2027. Users must have a NAMB member profile to access the learning management system.

“NAMB MORE represents a significant investment in the future of mortgage professionals and the continued advancement of our industry,” said Michael Farrell, President of NAMB. “We wanted to create more than a collection of courses; we wanted to build a resource that professionals can turn to throughout their careers. NAMB MORE delivers valuable education, professional development and practical information members can apply to their businesses daily. ‘NAMB has MORE’ is a mantra the entire organization embraces, reflecting our commitment to providing the industry with innovative tools that support professional growth, strengthen advocacy and help foster our members’ success. “MORE was developed with the mortgage industry in mind, with NAMB and subject-matter experts contributing to the platform’s educational content.”

The platform is designed to support mortgage professionals from their first year in the business through experienced production, management and leadership roles. Educational resources span foundational mortgage knowledge, loan origination, mortgage programs and products, business growth, sales and marketing, borrower experience, professional development and more.

The MORE course library includes content across core categories such as:

Business Strategy & GrowthLoan OriginationMortgage FoundationsMortgage Programs & ProductsProfessional Development & Workplace SkillsSales, Marketing & Borrower ExperienceGeneral

Additional learning resources and credentials are designed to help mortgage professionals continue developing their skills as their careers evolve.

A key component of the new platform is the MORE Daily Dashboard, which serves as the home screen members see when they log into MORE. Rather than requiring members to visit the platform only when completing a course or pursuing a credential, the Daily Dashboard is designed to give mortgage professionals a reason to return every day.

The Daily Dashboard currently features:

Mortgage Rate Alert Widget: Provides information about the factors affecting mortgage rates and refreshes at least hourly.Upcoming Events: Highlights NAMB events and opportunities so members can stay connected to the association and industry.Daily Access to MORE: Provides a central starting point for accessing education, professional development and other resources.

“The Daily Dashboard is an important part of what makes MORE different,” added Farrell. “We want MORE to become part of a mortgage professional’s daily routine. Whether someone is checking the latest rate information, looking for an upcoming NAMB event or continuing their professional education, MORE puts useful resources in one place.”

About NAMB: The National Association of Mortgage Brokers has been the only national volunteer-led and membership-driven organization representing the interests of mortgage professionals and homebuyers since 1973. NAMB provides mortgage professionals with advocacy, education, and rigorous certification programs to recognize members with the highest levels of professional knowledge and education. NAMB’s active lobbying and advocacy efforts focus on national and state issues, protecting the interests of its members and borrowers. As the leading national trade association for the mortgage industry, NAMB is affiliated with state associations throughout the country and represents the interests of more than 546,800 licensed and registered Mortgage Loan Originators and 49,100 licensed Mortgage Broker and Mortgage Lender businesses throughout the U.S. www.namb.org

Media Contact

Joshua Steinfeld, Steinfeld Consulting, 1 339-225-1581, steinfeldconsulting@gmail.com

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/the-national-association-of-mortgage-brokers-announces-its-launch-of-more-new-mortgage-education-and-professional-development-platform-302910967.html

SOURCE The National Association of Mortgage Brokers

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The United States Golf Association Selects Gupta Media as Paid Media Agency of Record

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The appointment comes as the USGA looks to continue to strengthen brand equity and increase awareness and engagement with golfers nationwide

BOSTON, Oct. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The USGA, the non-profit governing body of golf in the United States, has named Gupta Media its paid media agency of record following a competitive pitch process that began in February. Gupta Media will lead paid media strategy, planning, buying and reporting in support of the USGA’s Championship ticketing and broader commercial initiatives, while helping grow brand equity, awareness and engagement across the organization. Its work will span key USGA priorities, including golf’s official Handicap Index® and GHIN app; the Rules of Golf and the USGA’s governance of the game; Membership; and initiatives that advance golf through sustainability, research and innovation, and greater access and inclusion. The relationship expands beyond media execution to include audience strategy, first-party data integration, measurement and optimization.

“Gupta Media stood out for its ability to connect the dots between data, audience strategy, media and creative to real business outcomes, so we’re incredibly excited for this next chapter.”

The relationship comes at an important moment for the USGA, with the organization focused on continuing to expand its reach and deepening brand affinity across the ever-growing, diverse golf community. Gupta Media will help drive ticket sales for some of the sport’s biggest events, including the 2027 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links, the 2027 U.S. Women’s Open at Inverness Club, the 2028 U.S. Open at Winged Foot Golf Club and the 2028 U.S. Women’s Open at Oakmont Country Club. The agency will also support the USGA in creating greater awareness and brand recognition for its corporate Partners through co-branded content and paid media.

Golf has an enormous network of people who love the game, creating a growing opportunity to build a deeper, more direct relationship between golfers and the organization. That challenge is exactly what Gupta Media is built to strategically address — from growing membership and promoting ticket sales for major live events to reaching new audiences and understanding customer lifetime value. By bringing together audience insights, first-party data and media performance, Gupta Media will help the USGA create more relevant, effective marketing that drives measurable business results while strengthening its connection with the next generation of golfers.

“We were looking for an agency that could bring a deep understanding of our audiences, a genuine enthusiasm for our mission and the strategic expertise to work with us through this next phase of golf’s growth,” said Lynn LaRocca, USGA’s Managing Director of Brand & Marketing. “Gupta Media stood out for its ability to connect the dots between data, audience strategy, media and creative to real business outcomes, so we’re incredibly excited for this next chapter.”

“There’s a personal element to this partnership that makes it especially rewarding. My golf journey began 30 years ago when I first visited Pebble Beach as a teenager, long before I could imagine actually playing on the course,” said Gogi Gupta, Founder, Gupta Media. “To now have the opportunity to connect that lifelong passion for the game with the work we’ve spent years building and fine-tuning our agency to do feels like kismet. We’re eager to bring our proficiency to an organization that plays a leading role in the great game.”

The relationship brings together Gupta Media’s deep experience in sports marketing with its data-driven approach to audience strategy, media and creative. The agency has developed a specialized set of tools and processes to address data and analytics challenges of sports and live events, including TallyTickets.com, its proprietary ticketing analytics platform that helps teams understand sales trends, forecast demand and make more informed marketing and media decisions. Gupta Media’s experience spans sports, entertainment, premium events, and pop culture, giving the agency a comprehensive understanding of the audience models and fan behaviors that shape the industry.

About the USGA:

The USGA is a mission-based golf organization whose purpose is to unify the golf community through handicapping and grassroots programs; to showcase the game’s best talent through the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open, and 13 other national championships and our museum; to provide unbiased global governance with The R&A through the playing, equipment and Amateur Status rules; and to advance issues important to golf’s future, with a focus on driving sustainability.

About Gupta Media:

Gupta Media, a certified Minority Business Enterprise, is a strategic consultancy at the intersection of creative strategy, digital media, advanced analytics, and performance marketing. We drive growth for professional sports franchises, global tech leaders, DTC brands, major music labels, and other high-profile organizations by building intelligent media plans, best-in-class reporting tools, and custom enterprise technology. Founded 25 years ago by Cornell grad Gogi Gupta, the agency is known for developing new methods of maximizing advertising efficiency in a digital-first world. Harvard Business School’s case study on Gupta Media was taught to all incoming students for three years and is still taught around the globe.

Media Contact

Carly Carioli, Gupta Media, 1 617-682-3733, ccarioli@guptamedia.com, guptamedia.com

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/the-united-states-golf-association-selects-gupta-media-as-paid-media-agency-of-record-302911621.html

SOURCE Gupta Media

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