WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 20, 2006

CANADIAN PAYMENTS ASSOCIATION – CONSULTATION
The Canadian Payments Association (CPA) is currently leading a transition to image-based clearing of cheques and other paper-based payment items. (Image friendly specifications for cheques were published in CPA Standard 006, available on the CPA site: www.cdnpay.ca) CPA is now proposing specifications for “image friendly” MICR-encoded gift certificates, store coupons, and paper Pre-Authorized Debits (PADs). Certain data elements will be considered mandatory on both the front and back of these items that will be processed through the clearing system. In addition, these items must be in compliance with the specifications found in sections 3 through 5 of Standard 006, Part A. Many of the specifications for cheques will also apply to these items, including minimum-maximum sizes, paper quality, and MICR printing.

The proposed specifications are posted on the site: www.cdnpay.ca and CPA is inviting interested parties to submit comments via email: consultation@cdnpay.ca by February 26, 2007. Following this consultation process, the specifications will be finalized and added to CPA Standard 006, in mid-2007.

ZIP.ca HITS MILESTONE
Canada’s largest online video rental service, Zip.ca, announced that Canada Post processed their 10 millionth DVD shipment (Performance, September/October.) President and CEO, Rick Anderson said: “We’re proud to share this latest milestone with our friends at Canada Post as we have staked our reputation in this emerging market on our selection and our ability to deliver DVDs quickly and efficiently to our members anywhere in Canada.” ZIP.ca won a NAMMU Award in 2005 for their DVD shipment program, developed and manufactured by npg envelope.

GOING GREEN
Dave Douglas, President, VisionQuest Environmental Strategies Corp., captured all workshop participants’ interest as soon as he said: “If your company is located in Ontario, your sales are $2 million or greater, and you generate or import packaging material that has the potential to end up in the Blue Box…..” The latest in a series of member information sessions on the Ontario Government’s Waste Diversion Act, Douglas’ not only brought up to date information and statistics for Ontario, but provided an overview of other provinces’ similar or intended legislation. Product packaging, the Blue Box, and business obligations are addressed clearly in his presentation.
Click here to view presentation:
Click here to view the media release for ECO Entreprises Quebec:
Your questions are welcomed at: VisionQuestESC@sympatico.ca and more information is
available at: www.visionquestenvironmental.com

TRANSCONTINENTAL WINS HBC CONTRACT
Hudson’s Bay Co.has reportedly awarded Transcontinental Inc. an exclusive five-year contract valued at $350 million, to print all advertising fliers for Zellers, The Bay, Home Outfitters and the Hbc loyalty programs. Transcontinental will also provide direct marketing services, including database analytics, custom publishing, and in select regions, flier distribution. The contract begins February 1, 2007 and brings Transcontinental approximately $75 million in new business. Read more: www.transcontinental.com

CANADA POST ANNOUNCES ADVERTISING AGENCIES
Cossette Communications and Foote Cone & Belding have been selected as Canada Post’s advertising agencies following an extensive RFP process. Cossette Communications will be Canada Post’s Agency of Record, with responsibilities for corporate brand development and advertising, direct marketing projects and all media buying. According to the December 13 announcement, Foote Cone & Belding (FCB) will, for the next five years, also handle direct marketing and advertising projects for Canada Post.
 

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