FRIDAY MARCH 24, 2006

INDUCTION DEMYSTIFIED
The April 7 Super Session delivers answers on two vital interface topics: RVU and CRM. You will learn current processes and participate in a national workshop that also previews future initiatives. Workshop leaders invite your questions and feedback on current operations as well as potential developments. As an added bonus: Preview an update on EST for Unaddressed Admail. Discussion leaders include: Gerald Gervais, General Manager, Customer Service & Internet Channel; Susan Jahudka, Director, Order Acceptance Process; Steven Dineen, Director Commercial Service; Joe Addeo, Director Transaction Mail. Don’t miss this Super Session – register now. Click here for workshop information and registration.

SEARS HOLDING CORP EXTENDS BID
Sears Holdings Corp. has extended its bid for the minority stake in Sears Canada Inc. to March 31. Chicago-based Sears Holdings is reportedly trying to scoop up the remaining 46.2 per cent of Sears Canada that it does not currently own. The privatization move would cement full control over its Canadian division and give it more flexibility to streamline the subsidiary and restructure its finances, or even sell it to another retailer as part of a bigger deal. Sears Holdings has also initiated a search for three independent directors to replace the current independent directors of Sears Canada who will not be serving beyond the next annual meeting. Several other directors who are either Sears Holdings or Sears Canada employees will also be nominated. According to the recent announcement, in the event that Sears Holdings does not acquire a majority of the minority shares of Sears Canada, the Canadian division will face the increasingly competitive Canadian retail environment without the financial and operating benefits of 100 per cent ownership by Sears Holdings. Read more: www.searsholdings.com

MAIL ORDER GRENADE SHIPMENTS – BAN PROPOSED
Canada Post has asked to have shipments of deactivated grenades and munitions banned through the mail. According to the regulatory submission, the number of “inert” munitions shipments, which are automatically handled as “live” by the Canada Border Services Agency that does the screening for Canada Post, is increasing. Reasons for the dramatic increase are not fully known, however the internet probably facilitates the purchases. The flow of these items through the mail has led to an increasing number of evacuations in shared Canada Post/Canada Border Services Agency “exchange offices”, most notably the Toronto-area branch in Mississauga. In addition to the lost time and stress of these evacuations, the Peel Regional Police are also called to the scene. For comparison, reportedly there were six evacuations in 2001 at the Mississauga facility, 32 in 2005, and six during the first two months of 2006.

TRANSCONTINENTAL EYES U.S. EXPANSION
Transcontinental Inc. wants to capitalize on the likely continued rise of the Canadian dollar by making acquisitions in the United States. According to chief executive, Luc Desjardins, speaking at a news conference prior to the annual meeting, the expansion could be in all of its sectors, but especially in direct marketing. Chairman, Remi Marcoux, also noted that Transcontinental is negotiating a strategic alliance with a major American magazine publisher. Targeted niches for growth in the United States include outsourcing newspaper printing and the short-run printing of books and catalogues. Read more: www.transcontinental.com

NAMMU TORONTO CHAPTER MEETING
Mark your calendars for April 27th, and watch for details of the next Toronto Chapter meeting to be held at the Metropolitan Hotel, Vancouver Room. Leading edge information for decisions you need to make – Craig Porter (Manulife Financial), Toronto Chapter Director, invites all members to attend. Agenda and registration information will be circulated shortly.

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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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.