THURSDAY APRIL 10, 2008

CASCADES LAUNCHES FRAGRANCE PAPER

In association with VEX Emotions and Ultra Ink, Cascades Fine Paper Group launched OLFAPRINT fragrance paper. A new patented technology allows scent to be integrated to paper. The fragrance is directly released from the paper, requiring no effort from the user, no need to scratch, rub or peel. According to Cascades, there is an increasing tendency in marketing to add fragrance to the consumer experience. Companies like Nike, Disney, Omni Hotels and many others are reportedly using scent to increase consumers’ sensitivity and retention. Fragrance helps to increase brand recognition. According to Marketing Director, Olfaprint for Cascades Fine Papers Group, Robert Boivin, the Olfaprint paper enables creativity to reach uncharted dimensions for printed communications. Boivin noted the designers who have seen and experienced the paper are impressed by the authenticity of the fragrances. Printers are already embracing the technology because it represents no change to existing production patterns. Learn more: www.cascades.com

RBC SELECTS PAY LINX FOR PREPAID BENEFIT CARDS
Pay Linx Financial Corporation has signed an agreement with the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) to provide prepaid debit card services through an electronic benefit payment card. The RBC QuickLinx Prepaid Benefit card is designed for government agencies as an alternative to issuing paper cheques. As RBC implements a prepaid platform for consumers, Pay Linx has been enlisted to provide back-end services, processing and customer support for RBC’s QuickLinx cardholders. Learn more: www.paylinx.ca

The cards have been tested in a pilot project with the Alberta government, which has been experimenting with offering social assistance payments on them. (The Globe and Mail, Financial Services, Tara Perkins, March 26) Recipients who choose to receive their payments on a prepaid card can use them at any store or bank machine that accepts debit cards, usually saving a high cheque cashing fee. RBC and Pay Linx are exploring new ways to use prepaid debit cards, such as insurance payments, corporate bonus programs, and travel cards.

RBC took notice of Pay Linx in early 2006 when the Alberta pilot project was getting underway, and in 2007 the bank bought 25 per cent of the TSX Venture Exchange-listed company. RBC is reportedly in the process of talking with just about all of the governments across Canada about electronic benefit payment cards.

QUEBECOR WORLD LAUNCHES IMCStm
Quebecor World recently announced the launch of its Integrated Multichannel Solutionstm (IMCS) program. IMCS is designed to help multi-channel marketers achieve maximum return on their marketing investment through integrated solutions that target an ever-changing consumer across multiple channels. Aimed at improving the effectiveness of multi-channel marketing, IMCS focuses on enhancing customer acquisition and retention, driving store traffic, increasing purchases per click on the Web, and revenue per response on direct marketing programs. IMCS will help multi-channel marketers leverage data intelligence, optimize media allocation, and integrate offline and online marketing programs, while simplifying the execution of multi-channel efforts. According to Quebecor World, they are transforming their business model to become a multi-channel marketing partner for their customers, leveraging their expertise in print, pre-media and logistic services to further integrate it with value-added solutions in interactive, print-to-web solutions and database marketing. Learn more: www.quebecorworldinc.com

CDS GLOBAL PARTNERS WITH FORMULA MEDIA GROUP
CDS Global, a strategic partner offering customer relationship management solutions to publishers around the world, announced a partnership with Formula Media Group for subscription fulfillment services. CDS Global will work with Formula Media Group to acquire and retain subscribers by managing their customer database, processing incoming mail and payments with image-based data capture and lockbox capabilities, supporting circulation audit requirements and providing inbound customer service.
Learn more: www.cds-global.com

NAMMU COUNCILS HOST MAIL CLINIC
The Publications Mail & Catalogue Council and VAM (Value Add Mailer) Council will host the popular and well frequented MAIL CLINIC at 2008 MAGS U, June 2-4, The Old Mill, Toronto. Want to qualify as a MAIL DOC? Send your application to executive@nammu.org All NAMMU members are welcome to display business material at the NAMMU Exhibit Booth 113 – contact executive@nammu.org by May 15th to reserve your place. NAMMU is celebrating its 25th anniversary all year long and one of the special events will be held during 2008 MAGS University. Stop by and celebrate with us!

THERE WILL BE GOLF!
The annual NAMMU Montreal Chapter Golf Tournament never disappoints, and this year will be hosting one of the NAMMU 25th anniversary special events – making this golf event even more special for its fans. Get your foursome ready for September 12th!

Golf and sponsorship details will be announced at the end of April. Can’t wait? Contact: jdg@videotron.ca