TUESDAY MARCH 7, 2006

AVON CONFIRMS GRANT
Avon Products Inc. confirmed receipt of official notification on being granted the first Direct Selling Business License in China. The Commerce Ministry of China stated Avon becomes the first company to resume direct sales after an eight-year ban. China banned direct sales in 1998, saying it was hard for consumers to tell the difference between legitimate sales networks and fraudulent pyramid schemes. The government issued rules to regulate direct sales in December, clearing the way for Avon and other companies to apply for licenses.

Andrea Jung, Chairman of The Board and CEO, Avon Products, Inc., remarked on the importance for Avon, stressing the commitment is to ensure the business model will be in-line with all government regulations. According to Jung, Avon will continue its focus on protecting the rights and interests of consumers and fair dealings with their distributors. Read more: www.avon.com

JOINT U.S. AND CANADIAN CAMPAIGN TARGETS FRAUD
The R.C.M.P., U.S. Federal Trade Commissioner, Ontario Provincial Police and other law enforcement and private sector groups are working together this month in a public education campaign sponsored by the Competition Bureau to spread the message that fraud is widespread, costs billions a year, and can affect anyone. Canadian lose billions of dollars each year to scammers who steal their credit and debit card information and, increasingly, their identities. Experts estimate fewer than 10 per cent of those affected ever report the crimes - either through embarrassment, or not noticing small amounts charged to their debit or credit cards - and this has prompted a massive campaign to fight what is becoming a global fraud epidemic.

U.S. officials are working with Canadian police to raise the profile of fraud crimes because more criminals are exploiting borders to rob people and get away with it, according to Wayne Watson, Chief Superintendent in the RCMP’s criminal crime branch. “These crimes have become increasingly transnational in nature as fraudsters use the borders to seal themselves from criminal prosecution.” He added that Internet fraud is a growing worry in Canada, with a growing number of unsuspecting people getting ripped off on-line after giving away personal information.

FOREST INDUSTRY ISSUES WARNING
According to Canadian Forest Products Association (FPAC) president, Avrim Lazar, The Canadian forest industry cannot survive a 40-per cent increase in the Canadian dollar and outperform competitors unless government addresses tax and regulatory policies that are discouraging capital investment. Lazar recently told a Vancouver forum on value added forestry that costs imposed by all levels of government he industry could afford in the past are now driving the industry out of business.

TWO NAMMU CHAPTERS CONFIRM GOLF DATES
Planning committess are well underway with popular NAMMU golf outings. The Quebec City tournament will be held Monday, June 5th. Information on sponsorship, foursome arrangements: jacques.gagne@csst.qc.ca The 15th Annual Montreal Chapter tournament is Friday, September 15th. Information on sponsorship, special 15th tournament anniversary activities, foursome arrangements: jgaumond@gazmetro.com

INTERNATIONAL MAIL
Local chapters have or will host information sessions as requested by impacted members on the subject of the International Exclusive Privilege for Lettermail items. These sessions in no way replace the national session intended to provide clarification on the ruling and application, they are simply to ensure communication is ongoing and impacted members continue to have the opportunity to voice any substantive issues. The national session, originally scheduled for February, is on hold and will be quickly re-scheduled once Canada Post is able to make comment. Information: executive@nammu.org

IT PAYS TO BE A NAMMU SPONSOR
Support mailing industry initiatives, create goodwill, raise the profile of your brand with existing and new customers. Contact sponsorship@nammu.org for 2006 opportunities in corporate and event sponsorship.

IT PAYS TO BE A NAMMU MEMBER
NAMMU delivers leadership, education and a platform for industry discussion, networking and influence. Know someone who needs to be a NAMMU member? Contact membership@nammu.org

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