Back Stage Back in Print

http://www.foliomag.com/2012/back-stage-plans-relaunch-expansion

Weekly magazine Back Stage is re-launching its print publication and website to better capture best practices for individuals actively seeking news, information and careers in the preforming-arts industries.

Forbes Media Launches App

http://www.pubexec.com/article/forbes-media-launches-lifetime-financial-planning-application/1

Forbes Media announces the launch of its Lifetime Financial Planning iPad application, available now at the iTunes App Store.

 

Hearst buys 50% Aspen Labs

http://www.btobonline.com/article/20120420/STRATEGY10/304209994/hearst-business-media-acquires-50-of-aspen-labs

Hearst Business Media's electronics group has acquired 50% of Aspen Labs, a business media company that operates the social media platform EEWeb. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Consolidated Graphics' JV in Japan

Consolidated Graphics Strengthens Its International Footprint Via Joint Venture: Consolidated Graphics announced the formation of a new joint venture with Asian printer Yamagata Corp. The investment comes as Consolidated Graphics experiences an increased focus on international growth to to service its multinational corporation customer base.

UPM Sells 11% Share of Metsä Fibre

http://www.upm.com/EN/MEDIA/All-news/Pages/UPM-sells-11-of-Mets%C3%A4-Fibre-shares-to-Mets%C3%A4liitto-001-Thu-19-Apr-2012-08-30.aspx

UPM will complete the sale and purchase of the shares in Metsä Fibre Oy (formerly Oy Metsä-Botnia Ab) on April 24. In the sale and purchase, UPM sells its 11% share in Metsä Fibre Oy to Metsäliitto Cooperative for EUR 150 million. 

Eighth NA Mill Raises Prices

Evergreen Packaging announced an increase of $3.00/cwt on coated mechanical paper, effective June 1. The company follows (at least) Verso, NewPage, UPM, Sappi, Appleton Coated, West Linn and Kruger in raising coated paper prices (and, for Verso, Supercalendered paper increases) on May, June or July 1.

Fibrek/Mercer Appeal Denied

Supreme Court of Canada refuses to hear Fibrek and Mercer appeal:
According to AbitibiBowater, doing business as Resolute Forest Products, the Supreme Court of Canada has refused to hear an appeal by Fibrek Inc. and Mercer International Inc. of the Québec Court of Appeal’s decision concerning Fibrek’s special warrants.

Americans' Time With Major Media

Americans Spend 11 Hours Per Day With Major Media: Data analysis conducted by eMarketer estimates U.S. adults "crammed more than 11 hours of media content into an average day in 2011."

Hearst's ELLE Trend Guide

ELLE Launches Social Commerce On Facebook: We had "e-commerce" then "m-commerce" and more recently "t-commerce" (tablet commerce for those still catching up). Get ready to add "S-Commerce" to the endless digital lexicon. Hearst Digital Media has given us “social commerce” this week via a new feature at ELLE magazine’s Facebook page.

Port Hawkesbury Union Votes Yes

Port Hawkesbury workers vote ‘yes’ to contract offer:
The unionized workers of the idled Port Hawkesbury paper mill in Nova Scotia have voted 85% in favour of their contract offer from Pacific West Commercial Corp.
This ‘yes’ vote brings the mill one step closer to reopening under its new owner and restarting the 400M stpy SC paper machine.
The company said it would work with Nova Scotia Power regarding energy supply and costs and with government regarding fibre supply and a forest management plan.
There is a hearing in late June or early July, with the possibility that the mill could reopen in August if all outstanding matters are settled.

Kruger Latest Mill to Increase Prices

Kruger asks for more time to repay underfunded pension plan:
Kruger will be increasing the transaction price on all coated paper grades by $2.00 cwt, effective with shipments on, or after July 1, 2012.  This will apply to all basis weights and brightness levels. Separately, it was reported that workers at Kruger's Corner Brook mill are meeting again today with management to discuss their pension plan.

1 in 5 U.S. Adults Not Online

One in 5 U.S. Adults Not Online, Thus Don't See Ads: The Pew Internet Project finds that one in five U.S. adults -- senior citizens, Spanish speakers and low-income families -- is not on the Internet. Simply said, these consumers are not part of the search, online, and social media advertising audience.

Nature Publishing Launches Data Platform

Nature Publishing Group Launches Linked Data Platform: Nature Publishing Group is trying to break into the future of scientific publishing with its new linked data platform—launched earlier this month; the new platform is designed to enrich search functions.

Farm Journal Starts Ad Network

Farm Journal’s AgWeb Launches Advertising Network: Farm Journal Media’s AgWeb debuted an advertising network for like-minded publishers and advertisers looking to grow their reach to farmers. The network adds another facet to AgWeb’s digital portfolio of e-newsletters, custom e-blasts and research solutions for advertisers.

Senate Debates Postal Bill

Senate Begins Debating the Future of U.S. Postal Service: The U.S. Senate moved Tuesday to consider legislation that would fundamentally reshape the U.S. Postal Service. Senators voted to proceed to debate on the bill, with less than a month left until postal officials say they plan to begin closing hundreds of post offices and processing facilities.

USPS Revenue from Every Door Direct

http://chiefmarketer.com/blog/sound-business-or-way-keep-post-offices-open

A year after the U.S. Postal Service launched its Every Door Direct Mail program, the USPS has pulled in more than $153 million in revenue from small local businesses it’s convinced to market through the mails. The program is a saturation mail service that charges as little as 14.5 cents per piece -- lower than comparable standard mail rates -- and lets small local companies send as many as 5,000 pieces per day without requiring a postal permit, according to the USPS.

Watermill Buys Mainistique

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/17/idUS200308+17-Apr-2012+BW20120417Manistique

The Watermill Group received court approval today to acquire Manistique Papers, the only company in North America producing high-value uncoated printing and writing paper exclusively from 100% recycled fiber. The purchase agreement was finalized following an auction and confidential bidding process. Watermill also owns FutureMark, maker of recycled coated mechanical paper.

Catalyst Creditors Meeting in May, Crofton Union Votes

Catalyst Paper reschedules meetings of creditors:

Catalyst Paper has announced that meetings of its secured and unsecured creditors to consider the plan of arrangement under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act have been changed from April 23, 2012 to May 2, 2012. 

http://hqcowichanvalley.com/home/local/news/Local/12/04/13/Crofton-union-votes-to-keep-contract

Separately, union workers at the Crofton Pulp and Paper (uncoated mechanical) mill have cemented in place their new collective agreements in the event Catalyst Paper loses ownership of its B.C. operations.

Resolute/Fibrek Fight Goes On

http://www.fibrek.com/en/media/

Fibrek Inc. reminded shareholders today that the $1.40 per share offer made by Mercer International Inc. ("Mercer") remains in force and Fibrek shareholders continue to have the ability and the right to tender their shares to this superior offer.

Direct Marketing Hiring Steady

Direct marketing hiring outlook stable: After a spike in first-quarter hiring of digital and direct marketers, companies plan to hold firm on staffing this spring. According to Bernhart's latest “Quarterly Digital and Direct Marketing Employment Report,” 50% of companies said they plan to add to staff in the second quarter,