FRIDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2007

TRANSCONTINENTAL DEVELOPS U.S. PRESENCE
Transcontinental announced it has set up a division that will be responsible for developing its model for outsourced newspaper printing in North America and managing its U.S. plants in this niche. Ted Markle, formerly vice-president of development in the Newspaper Group, has been appointed senior vice-president of the new division. According to Luc Desjardins, president and CEO, “We are already one of the biggest suppliers of integrated direct marketing services, and we plan to become the same in newspaper printing through out unique outsourcing model.” With competition intensifying from other printers, Transcontinental will add value through marketing expertise in targeting newspaper content in addition to printing. Transcontinental’s main businesses include door-to-door advertising such as PUBLI-SAC, and newspaper inserts.
Learn more: www.transcontinental.com

NEW DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME: MINOR CONFUSION OR Y2K+
Daylight Saving Time (DST) starts three weeks earlier this year in an energy conservation effort, and clocks move forward the second Sunday in March, and are turned back in the fall one week earlier, on the first Sunday in November. The time difference between Europe and North America will change for a period of three weeks instead of one week, and will be opposite to past experience. According to IT experts, the new time change could confuse software and electronic devices that automatically adjust for daylight saving, from personal computers to company-wide networks. Challenges are also seen for global airline schedules, global business and travel functions, raising some comparisons toY2K. Reminder: DST begins the night of March 11-12 for the first time. Learn more: www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

USPS MEETING SET FOR MARCH 6
The NAMMU Canadian Mailers on-site meeting with the United States Postal Service (USPS) in Buffalo, New York, on March 6, will be hosted by Ms. Kimberly Peters, District Manager. Canadian mailers are appreciative of this positive response to their request for a meeting to discuss the business impact of USPS data access restrictions planned for August 2007. Jim Wiseman, Transcontinental (RBW-Owen Sound), has been instrumental in setting up this session and proposing the agenda to be covered. Discussion will also include address correction proposed changes beyond 2007, providing an opportunity for feedback on directional thinking. Registration is closed, however, interested NAMMU members may obtain highlights from this session by contacting: executive@nammu.org

KEY CHANGES: WOOD & ASSOCIATES DIRECT MARKETING SERVICES
Annabelle Wood, founder of Wood & Associates, is retiring from day-to-day business activities after 27 years in business. She will remain a major shareholder as well as Chairman of the Board, actively involved in the strategic business planning of the organization. Ralph Bain was officially appointed President and Chief Operating Officer in December 2006.Bain has been with Wood & Associates for seven years, first in the capacity of Director of Operations, moving on to Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer in 2002, when he and Wood became partners in the business.
Learn more: www.wood-and-associates.com

VAM COUNCIL STRONGLY SUPPORTS CPC INITIATIVE
NAMMU VAM Council Director, Laura Artibello, (Mailennium) had nothing but praise for the Canada Post Lettermail consultation initiative undertaken at the special VAM Council session held February 15. “This is what NAMMU VAM’s want, this is what the industry needs, and Canada Post will profit from initiating this important, consultative step.” noted Artibello following the discussion. Canada Post requested this working session with the NAMMU VAM Council, focused on simplification of specific aspects of Lettermail service, and intended to validate and prioritize ideas and changes to be effective in 2008. The VAM Council Director specifically thanked the CPC participants who hosted the session: Sheila Beehler-Walsh, Director, Customer/Operations; Joe Addeo, Director, Market Engagement; and Fiona Charlton, Manager, Customer/Operations, for their openness, and practical approach in the session.

NAMMU President, Kathleen Rowe, echoed Artibello’s comments, and added: “An important factor even beyond this initiative, is the Canada Post commitment to a follow-up session with the VAM Council, with a tentative date already proposed. I cannot think of a more positive action to strongly support the constructive tone of this meeting.” Artibello added: “The VAM Council members who took the opportunity to participate, all stated their appreciation of the ability to help shape direction.” All VAM Council members will receive a copy of the notes from this session, including the VAM Council Director’s comments on the topics and issues raised. Questions/comments: laura@mailenniumgroup.com

2007 MAILING INDUSTRY AWARDS
The 2007 NAMMU Awards, annually rewarding excellence in marketing through the mail medium, will take place November 7, at the Design Exchange. Call for entry closing dates and 2007 entry form will be available March 31 at www.nammu.org The Awards Event Committee is making big plans for the fifth year of the awards program, creative will be underway shortly, and sponsorship opportunities are being filled. Get involved with your industry’s premier awards event. Contact: topten@nammu.org
 

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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.