TUESDAY AUGUST 8, 2006

NEW INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING SERVICE
Canada Post has announced “Light Packet”, a new international shipping service that facilitates the movement of light weight, low-value goods to the United States and other international destinations. Light Packet is designed to suit the needs of Canadian eBay members and other customers. The new service is priced 70 per cent below the Small Packet service for shipments of goods up to 100 grams, and is an investment by Canada Post to encourage Canadians to comply with existing customs and other regulatory requirements.

Last year, Canada Post became aware that small goods such as CD’s and DVD’s were being shipped via Letter-post, a product reportedly reserved by regulation for paper-based items only. The next available option of Small Packets was considered too expensive, and Canada Post extended US/International Letter-post rates to applicable Small Packets sold at retail outlets, until a definitive solution was found. The new product ensures that shipments to the US and other international destinations possess the appropriate customs documentation and complies with regulatory requirements. Effective August 21st, pricing will be equivalent to the corresponding Letter-post rates, and will continue to be linked to Letter-post pricing until further notice. In January 2007, Letter-post prices will increase by 4 per cent to $1.86 for 100g, and Light Packet will match that price. For the other weight steps, Canada Post will preserve the same cost per gram that currently exists on Letter-post items.

2007 RATE PACKAGE: INDUSTRY INFORMATION SESSION
Following the release of the comprehensive 2007 rate package information in July, NAMMU members began asking for clarification on several of the major initiatives. NAMMU is in the process of setting up an industry information session to have these questions answered, and as well, provide a forum for presentation and discussion of product direction. The session will take place in September and members will be advised shortly of timing and venue.

2006 NAMMU AWARDS CALL FOR ENTRIES
The Early Bird entry deadline has passed but there is still plenty of time to enter your best work in the 2006 Awards. The final call for entries is September 15 and you can download your entry form from www.nammu.org Tickets are also on sale for the Awards gala November 1, at the Design Exchange, available through the microsite.

Congratulations to Tim Klintsaris of TCP Direct, the winner of the PartyPack of 10 tickets to the mailing industry’s premier awards event of the year, the 2006 NAMMU Awards Gala, drawn at the DMAT Dave Taylor Annual Golf Tournament July 13th.

ROGERS PUBLISHING ACQUISITIONS
Rogers Publishing announced the acquisition of a minority interest in Sweetspot.ca, on online trendspotting newsletter, in late July. Since its launch in Toronto in June 2004, subscribers of Sweetspot.ca have received a daily does of insider advice with emailed “Sweet Nothings” from the editorial team. These daily tips and finds keep subscribers in the know about the latest trends, fashions and cool places to go in their city. This unique newsletter has grown to include sister versions in Montreal and Vancouver, with plans to launch in Calgary this fall. Marc Blondeau, Senior Vice-President of Consumer Publishing, (Rogers Publishing Limited), commented this new relationship strengthens Rogers’ leadership position in the Canadian women’s category.

In June, Rogers Publishing unveiled detailed plans for its new national shopping magazine for the home. Chocolat will be produced in both French and English with first editions landing in mailboxes and newsstands in September. Inspired by the success of LOULOU, Rogers’ shopping magazine, Chocolat will deliver 100 per cent Canadian content for readers looking to acquire accessible style for their living space. The circulation for Chocolat will include an exclusive list of 250,000 Canadians who have just moved, strategically selected from the 1 million Canada Post customers who pay for the change of address service every year. After receiving the magazine for one year, they can pay to continue to receive it.