NewPage Files Reorganization Plan

http://www.paperage.com/2012news/08_14_2012newpage_chapter_11.html

NewPage Corporation announced today that it has filed a Joint Chapter 11 Plan (the "Plan") with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The Company also requested an extension of time to file the disclosure statement related to the Plan.

"The filing of our plan of reorganization is an important and positive step forward to a successful completion of our financial reorganization," said George F. Martin, president and chief executive officer. "Discussions with and among our major creditor groups regarding the plan are ongoing. We are hopeful that these discussions will lead to broad support for our plan."

Verso Sartell; Still Operating Dam, Cause of Fire Reported

http://www.sctimes.com/article/20120812/NEWS01/308120039/Verso-makes-plans-security-dam-mill

Just because Verso Paper Corp. won't be cranking out any more product at its Sartell mill doesn't mean activity there ends.

There is the possibility of a federal agency operating the Mississippi River hydroelectric dam at the site. But at least for now, Verso will continue to operate it under a 40-year contract with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

St. Cloud Times - Overheated compressor led to Verso explosion, fire marshal says 

The Memorial Day explosion and fire at Verso paper mill that killed one employee and injured four others was caused by an overheated air compressor that ignited oil vapors in an air receiving tank, according to a report released today by the state fire marshal's office. Damage was $50M.

UPM Closes Sale of Papierfabrik Albbruck

UPM has completed the sale of its closed Papierfabrik Albbruck GmbH to the German Karl Group. UPM permanently ceased graphic paper production at the mill situated in Baden-Württemberg, Germany in January 2012.

The Karl Group, experienced in developing industrial sites, is planning to establish new businesses on the premises of the former paper mill within the next 3 to 5 years in agreement with the local authorities.

IP Closes TX Sheet Plant

http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/Company-cutting-129-jobs-in-S-A-3784305.php

Global paper and packing company International Paper Co. has issued pink slips to 129 employees in San Antonio.

The Memphis, Tenn.-based company notified the Texas Workforce Commission on Friday of the planned closing of its Texas Sheets plant at 3323 E. Commerce St. The move will affect 65 workers at the plant, where the company manufactures corrugated paper sheets.

Provinces Work to Control Pine Beetle Damage

Saskatchewan contributes $450,000 to mountain pine beetle control in Alberta:
Saskatchewan will contribute $450,000 to mountain pine beetle control efforts in Alberta as the two provinces work together to aggressively detect and remove infested trees at the leading edge of the infestation in eastern Alberta.
The mountain pine beetle outbreak has killed approximately 60% of British Columbia’s lodgepole pine forests.

Game Informer has Highest Circulation Jump

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-08-07/gamestop-magazine-s-growth-vaults-it-past-better-homes-and-gardens

Game Informer, a video-game publication owned by GameStop (GME) Corp., increased its paid circulation more than any other U.S. magazine in the past year by tying subscriptions to discounts with the retailer.

The monthly magazine’s circulation jumped 37 percent from a year earlier to 8.2 million copies as of June 30, pushing it past Better Homes & Gardens magazine to make it the third- largest magazine in the U.S., the Audit Bureau of Circulations said yesterday in a statement. Meredith Corp. (MDP)’s Family Circle saw the second-largest increase in circulation among the top 25 magazines, at 7.4 percent.

Q2 Online Sales Up 15%

http://www.comscore.com/Press_Events/Press_Releases/2012/8/comScore_Reports_43.2_Billion_in_Q2_2012_U.S._Retail_E-Commerce_Spending

comScore, Inc., a leader in measuring the digital world, today released its Q2 2012 U.S. retail e-commerce sales estimates, showing that online retail spending reached $43.2 billion for the quarter, up 15% versus year ago. This represents the eleventh consecutive quarter of positive year-over-year growth and seventh consecutive quarter of double-digit growth.

Foliomag.com Changes to Paid Access Model

Foliomag.com Changes to Metered Paid Access Model:
An announcement went out today, but if you haven't seen it, we've decided to put Foliomag.com on a metered paid-access model.
Our paid-access model begins immediately. Here's the way it will work: Each month, you'll get to read eight stories on a complementary basis. You'll be reminded as you get closer to the eighth report. After that, you'll be given the option of buying an annual subscription to Foliomag.com for $69.95. Alternatively, you can gain full access to the site on a monthly basis for $14.95.