FRIDAY JANUARY 14, 2005

ACT NOW: SAVE $200.!

NAMMU membership renewals are well underway and response way ahead of the curve. New member prospects are also being given the opportunity to join by January 31 and save $200. on the new Voting membership fee. NAMMU delivers leadership, information, education, influence and effective action on all postal, logistics and distribution issues; related government advocacy; marketing practices; public policy concerns; and the development of mailing industry best practices. Membership matters.

Know someone who needs to be a NAMMU member? membership@nammu.org

 

CPC WORKSHOP RESULTS SUPPORT NAMMU PHASE 1 REPORT

Just prior to Christmas, Canada Post issued to workshop participants an Executive Summary of the key issues tabled at the two sessions held November 18th at Gateway Mississauga. This Canada Post initiative grouped LVM’s and then VAM’s in workshops managed by a facilitator from Queen’s University, with anonymity assured by the use of computer technology for input. The result: no surprises, and certain validation of the NAMMU Phase 1 Report issued to CPC senior executive, the Minister Responsible for Canada Post, and the Canada Post Board of Directors via the Regulatory Affairs Officer, months earlier. This affirmation of the need to shape a new business model between Canada Post and the mailing industry, is also a ringing endorsement of the NAMMU initiatives tabled to date, and encouragement the mailing industry is all on the same page, seeking win-win business solutions.

Next steps announced by Canada Post: a review by senior executive of the workshop results, and moving ahead on those issues CPC sees as priorities. NAMMU is moving forward to complete the Phase II Report, which examines flaws in the Policy Framework approved by Parliament, the impact on the mailing industry, Canada Post and all Canadians, and provides insight to solutions. The report will be tabled in March.

Questions/Comments:
VAM Sector Workshop: laura@mailenniumgroup.com
LVM Sector Workshop: jgaumond@gazmet.com
NAMMU initiatives: executive@nammu.org

 

MARATHON – NOT A SPRINT

The mailing industry began receiving customer packages this week from Canada Post detailing the requirements entailed with the rate increases/product changes effective January 17th. The Canadian mailing industry - in fact, even individual Canadians- currently have no formal ability to impact the rates they pay for products covered by the Exclusive Privilege on a domestic basis. In July 2004, NAMMU launched a comprehensive initiative to study and table the fundamental flaws in the Corporation’s strategic plan, which negatively impact volume, profit, and mailing industry dynamics. One important component of the Policy Framework approved by Parliament which drives the Corporation’s strategic plan is the rate setting process. Changing this process “…. is a marathon, not a sprint” noted Kathleen Rowe, NAMMU President, in an interview late December 2004. “We need to stay the course, let the Treasury Board do its job and respond to questions of fairness and transparency from the mailing industry.” The NAMMU initiative to bring the rate setting process under close scrutiny by those who are in a position to change it, has met with indisputable success. NAMMU generated strong awareness and profile around the issue, and is now ensuring momentum will continue and bring about the resolution needed. According to Rowe, this is directly attributable to the mailing industry support and follow-through, every step of the way.

The business case was put forward at every possible juncture in the process: to the Regulatory Affairs Officer, Canada Post senior executive, the Minister Responsible for Canada Post, and finally the Treasury Board. Many NAMMU members also included their MP’s in their briefs and will continue to update their representatives until a satisfactory business conclusion is reached. More information: executive@nammu.org

 

PUBLICATIONS MAIL COUNCIL

The first meeting of 2005 for the NAMMU Publications Mail Council will be hosted by Ernie Judd, Quebecor, the week of January 31st. For meeting specifics and agenda items: executive@nammu.org The NAMMU Publications Mail council will focus on industry education, networking and sharing of best practices from within and outside Canada, that result in the cost efficient production and delivery of publications.