FRIDAY FEBRUARY 3, 2006

HBC BOARD ENDORSES OFFER
Hbc’s board of directors unanimously endorsed U.S. businessman, Jerry Zucker’s, estimated $1.7-billion bid for the historic Hudson’s Bay Co. Shareholders of Canada’s largest retailer and oldest corporation reportedly have until February 24 at 5:00 p.m. to approve the deal. Zucker is already the retailer’s largest stakeholder, holding an estimated 19 per cent of its stock. According to Zucker’s representatives, the objective is to relaunch and revitalize, with a much greater focus on operational excellence. Industry analysts say the company will have to slim down and give its stores a distinct identity.
Hbc owns Zellers, Home Outfitters (Deco Decouverte), and the Bay.

The sale of Hbc’s credit card division will go ahead as launched by the current management, and Zellers could be cut from 294 stores to 250, in keeping with the current management’s plans. No major layoffs are planned beyond the 800 announced last fall, and no decision has been taken about whether current management will stay. Some analysts speculate that Hbc’s loyalty program, Hbc Rewards, could also be spun off, much like Air Canada did with Aeroplan.

PUBLICATIONS MAIL COUNCIL FULLY ENGAGED
NAMMU Council co-chairs, Ernie Judd (Quebecor World) and Jim Wiseman (RBW – Transcontinental), will participate on the Publications Mail work team on February 16, addressing pre-sort strategy. Three groups have been formed by the Publications Mail Steering Committee headed by Dale Bemben, to address cost reduction initiatives: electrontic return to sender; pre-sort strategy; small circulation niche publishers’ issues. NAMMU publisher, printer and VAM members all share an interest in these topics as well as the outcome.

A new directive from CPC management limits participation on the Steering Committee to publishers at this point, a move of some concern to other vitally interested stakeholders. Ernie Judd, who represented the non-publisher constituencies on the Steering Committee, would like to see the role reinstated, and NAMMU supports this idea, as soon as the objective for limiting participation has been met. Dale Bemben acknowledges the important contribution made by Ernie and Jim Wiseman, and intends to fully engage their expertise through the work team activities. The NAMMU Publications Mail Council will support the work team initiatives and as well, continue a proactive agenda that reflects members’ needs. Activity reports will be provided through the Council newsletter and MailWorks.

Join NAMMU at 2006 MAGS UNIVERSITY in the Masthead Trade show, June 6-8, The Old Mill Inn, Toronto. Members interested in supplying material for the NAMMU booth may contact: executive@nammu.org

QUEBEC CITY MUNICIPAL AMALGAMATION
For those NAMMU members who have only recently become aware of the potential impact of the amalgamations for their address files, top line information is provided again with this eView. NOTE: Several members have expressed concern over implementation due to the lack of support of the new Quebec City mayor. The majority of city council members are expected to support the initiative in a meeting to be held early in February. Any concerns over implementation should be immediately addressed with your Canada Post representative to ensure no issues with the RVU. Canada Post has provided assurance delivery can be made to both the old address as well as the new.

On 16 January 2006, Québec City will harmonize street names throughout its territory to eliminate duplication. This operation involves changes to street names (587), civic numbers (3,000) and postal codes (1,600). At the same time, the name Québec will become official throughout the amalgamated territory. The names of former areas such as Beauport, Cap-Rouge, Charlesbourg, Lac-Saint-Charles, Loretteville, Sainte-Foy, Saint-Émile, Sillery, Vanier and Val-Bélair will no longer form part of mailing addresses.

Quebec City members have this action high on the agenda for the January 20th Chapter meeting and have been working closely with Canada Post and the municipalities to ensure as smooth a transition as possible. Celine Gagnon, Quebec Delivery Planning, Canada Post, prepared and circulated a more detailed write-up on specific changes.
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eView is the electronic bulletin of the National Association of Major Mail Users highlighting issues of interest to business mail communication and delivery professionals. Content: KMR Group. The information contained in eView is obtained from various sources and believed to be reliable but accuracy cannot be guaranteed.