Federal legislation that would allow states
to make online retailers collect sales taxes has bipartisan support in Congress
and among state officials. It even has the support of Amazon, by far the
nation’s largest online retailer, in addition to backing from traditional
retailers such as Wal-Mart. What it doesn’t have, it appears, is a chance to
pass this year as part of any fiscal cliff compromise.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Quad/Graphics Depew Plant Sold
Former Quad/Graphics Plant in Depew Sold for $4.4 Million: An investment group is paying nearly $4.4 million for the former Quad/Graphics printing plant in Depew, with plans to subdivide the massive facility for a collection of manufacturing and distribution tenants. The purchase comes one year after Wisconsin-based Quad/Graphics closed the plant, putting 400 employees out of work.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Resolute Fort Frances PM Down Over Christmas
Resolute’s Fort Frances No. 7 machine will shut down briefly over Christmas: Resolute Forest Products shut down its remaining operating paper machine at its mill in Fort Frances, Ontario briefly over Christmas.The No. 7 paper machine was shut down on December 24 and 25.The downtime is being blamed on market conditions. No. 7 machine to shut briefly
NewPage Announces New Board Of Directors
NewPage Announces New Board Of Directors: NewPage Corporation announced today the members of its new Board of Directors. Mark A. Angelson, former Chicago Deputy Mayor and chief executive officer of RR Donnelley who also led World Color Press out of bankruptcy and guided its combination with Quad/Graphics, has been named chairman. He will be joined by paper industry leaders Robert M. Amen, former president of International Paper Company and John F. McGovern, former chief financial officer of Georgia Pacific Corporation. Robert J. Bass, a member of the audit committee of Groupon and a recently retired vice chairman of Deloitte LLP, also has been named to the board, along with Paul E. Huck, senior vice president and chief financial officer of Air Products & Chemicals, Inc., Lisa J. Donahue, managing director in the Turnaround and Restructuring Practice of AlixPartners LLC, and Eric D. Muller, managing director in the Principal Investment Area of Goldman Sachs. George F. Martin, chief executive officer for NewPage, is the only continuing member of the board.
NewPage Completes Financial Restructuring
NewPage Completes Financial Restructuring, Emerges from Chapter 11 With Sustainable Capital Structure: NewPage Corporation announced today that it has successfully completed its financial restructuring and has officially emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection pursuant to its Modified Fourth Amended Chapter 11 Plan confirmed on December 14, 2012, by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware in Wilmington. "This is an exciting day for all of us at NewPage," said George F. Martin, president and chief executive officer. "We have successfully completed our restructuring, and we have emerged as a financially sound company. This step helps to solidify our position as the leading North American producer of printing and specialty papers.
Tembec Kapuskasing-Power Rate Break
http://www.kapuskasingtimes.com/2012/12/20/tembec-kapuskasing-to-receive-break-on-power-rate
Tembec’s Kapuskasing operation will benefit from an initiative the provincial government says is designed to help large northern industrial companies improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, sustain jobs and maintain competitiveness. “This is something we’ve been advocating for, for a long time not to give us any sort of advantage but just to make it competitive,” said Mayor Alan Spacek. “Tembec has told us this pricing is critical to long-term stability and I am very pleased with this announcement as it will add certainty and stability for the future.” “Electricity continues to be a major operating cost for large northern forestry operations. Monday’s announced extension of this program will assist them in lowering costs, improving productivity and boosting competitiveness. We look forward to continue working with the provincial government to develop policies and programs that support a renewable industry so important to Ontario’s economy,” said Jamie Lim, President and CEO, Ontario Forest Industries Association.
Tembec’s Kapuskasing operation will benefit from an initiative the provincial government says is designed to help large northern industrial companies improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, sustain jobs and maintain competitiveness. “This is something we’ve been advocating for, for a long time not to give us any sort of advantage but just to make it competitive,” said Mayor Alan Spacek. “Tembec has told us this pricing is critical to long-term stability and I am very pleased with this announcement as it will add certainty and stability for the future.” “Electricity continues to be a major operating cost for large northern forestry operations. Monday’s announced extension of this program will assist them in lowering costs, improving productivity and boosting competitiveness. We look forward to continue working with the provincial government to develop policies and programs that support a renewable industry so important to Ontario’s economy,” said Jamie Lim, President and CEO, Ontario Forest Industries Association.
Twin Rivers Appts James Gehrman CEO
Twin Rivers Paper Company Appoints James Gehrman Chief Executive Officer: Twin Rivers Paper Company, a leader in lightweight specialty packaging, label and publishing papers today announced that James Gehrman,currently President, has been appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective December 31, 2012. He will replace Jeff Dutton who resigned from Twin Rivers Paper Company to accept the role of Senior Vice President at Brookfield Capital Partners. Mr. Gehrman has worked in the paper industry for nearly thirty years. For the past three years, he was Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing and was appointed President of the Company in March of 2012.
More Than 14,500 Dockworkers Could Strike Sunday
http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/12/26/2565791/more-than-14500-dockworkers-could.html
More than 300 shipyard workers in North Carolina could stop loading and unloading cargo ships as of midnight Saturday, the result of stalled contract talks that threaten to idle more than 14,500 dockworkers at 15 of the nation’s major shipping ports.The strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association, one of the nation’s most successful labor unions, threatens to disrupt the flow of electronics, clothing and other products in and out of the country. If the walkout drags on for weeks, it would force retailers in this part of the country to bring in consumer goods by rail from the West Coast at extra expense. The looming strike follows a breakdown in contract talks last week and would be the first walkout by dockyard workers on the East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico since 1977. With potentially serious economic consequences looming, retail lobbyists and the Republican governor of Florida, a state which has four ports, have asked President Barack Obama to invoke federal powers to force the striking longshoremen back to the waterfront and their lawyers back to the negotiating table if the walkout takes place.
More than 300 shipyard workers in North Carolina could stop loading and unloading cargo ships as of midnight Saturday, the result of stalled contract talks that threaten to idle more than 14,500 dockworkers at 15 of the nation’s major shipping ports.The strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association, one of the nation’s most successful labor unions, threatens to disrupt the flow of electronics, clothing and other products in and out of the country. If the walkout drags on for weeks, it would force retailers in this part of the country to bring in consumer goods by rail from the West Coast at extra expense. The looming strike follows a breakdown in contract talks last week and would be the first walkout by dockyard workers on the East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico since 1977. With potentially serious economic consequences looming, retail lobbyists and the Republican governor of Florida, a state which has four ports, have asked President Barack Obama to invoke federal powers to force the striking longshoremen back to the waterfront and their lawyers back to the negotiating table if the walkout takes place.
US Senators Crack Down On Canadian Trade Practices
http://klobuchar.senate.gov/newsreleases_detail.cfm?id=338166&
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Susan Collins (R-ME) today urged the administration to crack down on unfair Canadian trade practices in the paper market. In a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, Klobuchar and Collins, along with a bipartisan group of eight other senators, called on Ambassador Kirk to examine potentially illegal subsidies being provided by the provincial government of Nova Scotia to the Port Hawkesbury Paper (PHP) mill in Nova Scotia. A flood of illegally subsidized paper into the U.S. market would hurt Minnesota’s forest industry, which employs 30,000 people and contributes billions of dollars to the state economy. “Minnesota’s paper industry is a vital part of our state’s economy; supporting numerous jobs and communities across the state,” Klobuchar said.“American firms should not be asked to continue to compete on the unlevel playing created by unfair Canadian subsidies.” “Our state’s paper industry has a long history and remains a major economic engine in rural Maine, directly supporting thousands of good jobs,”said Senator Collins. “At a time when our mills are already struggling to retain jobs, we must protect against unfair Canadian subsidies before lasting damage is done to the U.S. paper industry.” The Port Hawkesbury Paper mill was closed last year due to its previous owners filing bankruptcy. However, current reports indicate that the plant has reopened with assistance from the Canadian provincial government, including grants, loans, and reductions on utility rates and property taxes.
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Susan Collins (R-ME) today urged the administration to crack down on unfair Canadian trade practices in the paper market. In a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, Klobuchar and Collins, along with a bipartisan group of eight other senators, called on Ambassador Kirk to examine potentially illegal subsidies being provided by the provincial government of Nova Scotia to the Port Hawkesbury Paper (PHP) mill in Nova Scotia. A flood of illegally subsidized paper into the U.S. market would hurt Minnesota’s forest industry, which employs 30,000 people and contributes billions of dollars to the state economy. “Minnesota’s paper industry is a vital part of our state’s economy; supporting numerous jobs and communities across the state,” Klobuchar said.“American firms should not be asked to continue to compete on the unlevel playing created by unfair Canadian subsidies.” “Our state’s paper industry has a long history and remains a major economic engine in rural Maine, directly supporting thousands of good jobs,”said Senator Collins. “At a time when our mills are already struggling to retain jobs, we must protect against unfair Canadian subsidies before lasting damage is done to the U.S. paper industry.” The Port Hawkesbury Paper mill was closed last year due to its previous owners filing bankruptcy. However, current reports indicate that the plant has reopened with assistance from the Canadian provincial government, including grants, loans, and reductions on utility rates and property taxes.
Cooking Light 1st To Make Every Recipe Scannable
http://www.magazine.org/industry-news/press-releases/member-press-releases/cooking-light-first-magazine-brand-make-every
Cooking Light, the nation’s
leading epicurean brand, today announced that its January/February 2013 issue
will use the Digimarc® Discover platform to digitally watermark all 79 recipes
in the issue, making it the first magazine brand to make every recipe in a
single issue scannable via this technology.
Following the January/February issue, Cooking Light will continue to
make every recipe in every issue scannable and interactive using the Digimarc
Discover platform. Using the Digimarc Discover app, a free download on the
iTunes App Store and Google Play, consumers can use their smartphones to scan
recipe photos to be automatically connected to the recipe page on sister-site,
MyRecipes.com. Once there, they can save
it to their recipe file, share favorites with friends, organize menus, and make
grocery shopping lists. The January/February 2013 issue of Cooking Light is
available on newsstands December 28, 2012.
The End of an Era-The Last (Print) Newsweek
http://adage.com/article/the-media-guy/print-newsweek-covers/238918/
You can grab the final print issue on a newsstand near you.
But you can mark this historic moment online too, of course; start by reading
the oral history of Newsweek compiled by Andrew Romano. oral history of Newsweek compiled by Andrew Romano.
For Magazines, 2012 A Year of Transition
http://www.medialifemagazine.com/for-magazines-another-year-of-transition/
The defining magazine story of 2012, the closure of the print edition of Newsweek, foreshadows what may be the most volatile year for magazines yet. More titles will shift to online-only, and even those that maintain their print editions will look increasingly to circulation and digital advertising to make up for the steep declines in print ads, which show no signs of slowdown. News and celebrity magazines look especially vulnerable, as the web threatens to make their format obsolete. Certainly it’s an alarm that’s been sounded before. But the demise of Newsweek, one of the best-known brands in magazines and one of the biggest to fall victim to the digital stampede, has emphasized the looming problem like never before. The industry is in deep flux. “Although people will always–hopefully–want to read what we now call a magazine, magazines have to stop thinking about themselves in the traditional way and have to start thinking of themselves more as content providers, with the content being distributed on the platform most suitable for the content itself–print, web, tablet, smartphone, etc.,” says Martin S. Walker, chairman at Walker Communications, a print consultancy. In the coming year, magazines will be focusing more and more on furthering their brands rather than simply selling a print product.
The defining magazine story of 2012, the closure of the print edition of Newsweek, foreshadows what may be the most volatile year for magazines yet. More titles will shift to online-only, and even those that maintain their print editions will look increasingly to circulation and digital advertising to make up for the steep declines in print ads, which show no signs of slowdown. News and celebrity magazines look especially vulnerable, as the web threatens to make their format obsolete. Certainly it’s an alarm that’s been sounded before. But the demise of Newsweek, one of the best-known brands in magazines and one of the biggest to fall victim to the digital stampede, has emphasized the looming problem like never before. The industry is in deep flux. “Although people will always–hopefully–want to read what we now call a magazine, magazines have to stop thinking about themselves in the traditional way and have to start thinking of themselves more as content providers, with the content being distributed on the platform most suitable for the content itself–print, web, tablet, smartphone, etc.,” says Martin S. Walker, chairman at Walker Communications, a print consultancy. In the coming year, magazines will be focusing more and more on furthering their brands rather than simply selling a print product.
TJX Acquires Sierra Trading Post
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/21/us-tjx-sierra-idUSBRE8BK0VA20121221?type=companyNews
TJX Cos Inc said it bought Sierra
Trading Post, an off-price Internet retailer, for about $200 million, the
latest brick-and-mortar store to try to attract customers who shop online via
smartphones and tablets. TJX, which sells designer clothing and home goods at lower
prices than department stores, said it expects the acquisition of Cheyenne,
Wyoming based Sierra Trading to add slightly to earnings beginning in fiscal
2014, "but that this impact will not be material to TJX's consolidated
financial statements. "Retailers across the board are boosting their online and
digital presence as they cater to an increasing number of shoppers who use
tablets and smartphones to buy stuff. A glitch-free and dependable internet
presence is now considered as important for sales as a good in-store
experience.
Intelligencer Printing New VP Operations
Intelligencer Printing Brings New Vice President of Operations On Board: Intelligencer Printing, a progressive print, marketing, mailing and fulfillment services company, announces the addition of a new vice president of operations, Joseph Schott, to lead the company forward.“Intelligencer is expanding into new markets, such as our In-line Hybrid Print technology, plus pursuing continued growth and expansion in the imaging, mailing and fulfillment areas.
Predictions for eBooks & Digital Pub In "13
Ten Bold Predictions for eBooks and Digital Publishing in 2013: Another exciting year for the publishing industry is in the books, so to speak. The eBook and digital publishing landscape changed drastically yet again. In 2012, Amazon and other retailers gained control over ebook pricing at three major publishers, ebook revenue growth hit an inflection point, and a parade of non-book-publishing companies entered the ebook business. Nobody saw it coming. Well, almost nobody. A team of publishing experts predicted in late 2011 some of the astounding developments we saw in 2012 for Digital Book World. See their original predictions here. Seeing as though 2012 is just about over, we’ve gathered more publishing experts to predict what extraordinary events are to come in book publishing in 2013.
Mondi Invests In Green Energy Projects
Mondi SCP Invests €128 million in Green Energy Projects at its Mill in Ružomberok, Slovakia: Mondi SCP announced plans to invest €128 million in green energy projects at its Ružomberok mill in Slovakia.This investment includes a new recovery boiler at the mill to increase pulp production, reduce the mill’s environmental footprint and improve the overall cost position. The projects will cover improvements in chemical recovery and green energy and heat production during the pulp production process. “Our objective is to increase pulp production, produce more green energy and further improve our CO2 footprint. The new recovery boiler will be constructed over a two year period with an expected start-up in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Friday, December 21, 2012
US Printing-Writing Shipments Down in Nov '12
American Forest & Paper Association Releases November 2012 Printing-Writing Paper Report:The American Forest & Paper Association has released its November 2012 Printing-Writing Paper Report. According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 4 percent in November compared to November 2011. Three out of the four major printing-writing grades posted decreases compared to last November, with coated free sheet posting the only year-over-year increase. November shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) papers increased year-over-year for the sixth time in the past 12 months. CFS shipments increased 1 percent when compared to November 2011 to 330,800 tons, the fourth highest total in 2012. While uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers shipments decreased 2 percent compared to November 2011 to 705,500 tons, October exports increased year-over-year for the third consecutive month. Year-to-date shipments of UFS paper are down 3 percent compared to the same months in 2011. Exports of UFS increased year-over-year in October, up 15 percent. Year-to-date UFS exports are up 11 percent in 2012 compared to same 10 months in 2011.
UPM & Taaleritehdas Agree To Trade Forestry Acres
UPM and Taaleritehdas Have Agreed to Trade 6,000 Acres of Forestry: UPM and Taaleritehdas have agreed to trade around 6000 acres of forestry. The farms are located in Central Finland in the following towns: Pyhäntä, Utajärvi, Kiuruvesi and Converter. At the same time the parties entered into a long-term timber sales and forest management agreement. The parties have agreed that the transaction will not be published. Taaleritehtaan new private equity fund Taaleritehtaan Forest is a completely new model of forest ownership, which Taaleritehdas provides investors with an easy and convenient way to purchase a piece of Finnish forest and enjoy the forest assets of regular income. Professional forest management, as well as the buying and selling to improve profits. Taaleritehtaan Forest now purchased premises for the timely management of the Fund forestry expert, together with UPM professionals.The investors in private equity funds are private Finnish investors as well as institutional investors and corporations.
Italy CWF Paper Producers Price Hikes in Q1
http://www.euwid-paper.com/news/singlenews/archive/2012/december/Artikel/cwf-paper-producers-aim-for-price-hikes-in-q1.html
Major suppliers join in the latest price round for coated woodfree paper in Italy. Despite a difficult market environment, many manufacturers of coated woodfree paper (CWF) appear to firmly believe that sales prices in Italy can be raised soon. After some producers already announced their pricing plans for the first quarter of 2013 back in October or November, in December two of the leading coated paper suppliers in Italy joined in the price round announcing hikes of 5-6% for all shipments effective mid-January or the beginning of February. If more manufacturers join in this movement, it would create a united front vis-á-vis paper buyers and they would have no other choice but to except higher prices at the beginning of next year, manufacturers stressed. Buyers from the printing industry as well as paper wholesalers were not surprised by supplier’s plans, but did not really believe price hikes for CWF paper could be successfully implemented. In December, it were paper manufacturers themselves approaching buyers and offering low prices in order to place orders and/or defend their market shares, several buyers reported.
Major suppliers join in the latest price round for coated woodfree paper in Italy. Despite a difficult market environment, many manufacturers of coated woodfree paper (CWF) appear to firmly believe that sales prices in Italy can be raised soon. After some producers already announced their pricing plans for the first quarter of 2013 back in October or November, in December two of the leading coated paper suppliers in Italy joined in the price round announcing hikes of 5-6% for all shipments effective mid-January or the beginning of February. If more manufacturers join in this movement, it would create a united front vis-á-vis paper buyers and they would have no other choice but to except higher prices at the beginning of next year, manufacturers stressed. Buyers from the printing industry as well as paper wholesalers were not surprised by supplier’s plans, but did not really believe price hikes for CWF paper could be successfully implemented. In December, it were paper manufacturers themselves approaching buyers and offering low prices in order to place orders and/or defend their market shares, several buyers reported.
Paper-Makers’ In India-Outlook Bright
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/papermakers-margins-crumpled-but-outlook-bright/article4218287.ece?homepage=true&ref=wl_home
From 2008 to 2010, the printing and writing paper industry in India expanded by more than 1.6 million tonnes, an increase of 30% to 40%. For paper manufacturers 2012 has been full of mixed blessings. They were faced with high input prices and pressure on margins, given their inability to pass on costs in a slow market. On a positive note, though, the market has absorbed the expanded capacities and new supplies in printing and writing paper, demand is set to pick up towards the year-end and things are not as bad as in 2011. A look at the stock prices of leading paper mills is an indicator of the trend. The financial results of most paper companies have been ‘troublesome.’ This has been primarily due to the unrelenting increase in cost of raw material and inputs, including coal and pulp wood. The costs could not adequately be recovered from the market. “The demand is OK, but the issue is more about input cost squeeze,” Singhania said.
From 2008 to 2010, the printing and writing paper industry in India expanded by more than 1.6 million tonnes, an increase of 30% to 40%. For paper manufacturers 2012 has been full of mixed blessings. They were faced with high input prices and pressure on margins, given their inability to pass on costs in a slow market. On a positive note, though, the market has absorbed the expanded capacities and new supplies in printing and writing paper, demand is set to pick up towards the year-end and things are not as bad as in 2011. A look at the stock prices of leading paper mills is an indicator of the trend. The financial results of most paper companies have been ‘troublesome.’ This has been primarily due to the unrelenting increase in cost of raw material and inputs, including coal and pulp wood. The costs could not adequately be recovered from the market. “The demand is OK, but the issue is more about input cost squeeze,” Singhania said.
Prevention Revamped For The New Year
http://www.adweek.com/news/press/new-year-new-look-prevention-magazine-146143
Rodale's Prevention magazine s kicking off 2013 with a cleaner design, better photography, an updated editorial focus, and a new cover price. Title continues to serve women ages 40s through 60s, but instead of talking to them as "Doctor Mom" as in the past, now focuses on the reader's personal needs with an "encouraging, uplifting, and almost indulgent" tone, says SVP, editorial director Anne Alexander. New tone apparent in new tagline (“Love your whole life”); cover lines (“27 days to a healthier, fitter, more energized you,” “13 trips to transform body and soul”); and new section titles (“Better Than Ever,” “Happiness News”). The January issue hits newsstands on Dec. 25, which marks a change in the magazine’s production schedule. (Like most monthlies, Prevention had typically gone on sale midway through the month.) The new newsstand date is intentionally later, says publisher Lori Burgess: “Readers were frustrated when an issue was coming out and it was a month ahead of the calendarized promotions.”
Rodale's Prevention magazine s kicking off 2013 with a cleaner design, better photography, an updated editorial focus, and a new cover price. Title continues to serve women ages 40s through 60s, but instead of talking to them as "Doctor Mom" as in the past, now focuses on the reader's personal needs with an "encouraging, uplifting, and almost indulgent" tone, says SVP, editorial director Anne Alexander. New tone apparent in new tagline (“Love your whole life”); cover lines (“27 days to a healthier, fitter, more energized you,” “13 trips to transform body and soul”); and new section titles (“Better Than Ever,” “Happiness News”). The January issue hits newsstands on Dec. 25, which marks a change in the magazine’s production schedule. (Like most monthlies, Prevention had typically gone on sale midway through the month.) The new newsstand date is intentionally later, says publisher Lori Burgess: “Readers were frustrated when an issue was coming out and it was a month ahead of the calendarized promotions.”
Wal-Mart Turns To Conde For Beauty Mag
http://www.wwd.com/media-news/publishing/wal-mart-turns-to-cond-nast-for-beauty-magazine-6552390
Although neither Wal-Mart or Conde Nast is talking about it (the collaboration is "secret"), Conde's custom publishing unit (the Media Group) has been creating entire issues of a new Walmart-branded beauty magazine, BeautyScoop, reports WWD. The initial plan called for five issues of a 12-page monthly with 500,000 copies in-store, and direct-mail run sent to 2.5M Wal-Mart customers, sources said. The store trademarked the name in June and the first issue appeared in July; the last, with the headline “Christmas Beauty,” is out now. The cost of the project is in the millions, sources said. The glossy magazine includes editorial features, "expert advice from the editors of Allure, Glamour and Lucky," but otherwise, Conde's name is not seen in its pages. Magazine is part of W-M's efforts to position itself more competitively in the beauty space, as a beauty authority. Piece mentions Time Inc.-published magazine All You, distributed only in W-M. Suggests W-M felt Conde was a more appropriate partner in the beauty sector--although W-M wants to steer clear of the new title being associated with Conde's upscale image, given W-M's everyday low-prices
Although neither Wal-Mart or Conde Nast is talking about it (the collaboration is "secret"), Conde's custom publishing unit (the Media Group) has been creating entire issues of a new Walmart-branded beauty magazine, BeautyScoop, reports WWD. The initial plan called for five issues of a 12-page monthly with 500,000 copies in-store, and direct-mail run sent to 2.5M Wal-Mart customers, sources said. The store trademarked the name in June and the first issue appeared in July; the last, with the headline “Christmas Beauty,” is out now. The cost of the project is in the millions, sources said. The glossy magazine includes editorial features, "expert advice from the editors of Allure, Glamour and Lucky," but otherwise, Conde's name is not seen in its pages. Magazine is part of W-M's efforts to position itself more competitively in the beauty space, as a beauty authority. Piece mentions Time Inc.-published magazine All You, distributed only in W-M. Suggests W-M felt Conde was a more appropriate partner in the beauty sector--although W-M wants to steer clear of the new title being associated with Conde's upscale image, given W-M's everyday low-prices
Meredith President Offers 2013 Outlook-Q&A
Q&A With Meredith National Media Group President Tom Harty: While it is a tough time to be a magazine publisher, it’s equally as exciting. It is true that the media environment is changing, but so are the companies that give it life.
90% of Mags & News Producing Mobile Content
90% of Magazine & Newspaper Publishers Producing Mobile Content: In 2009, 51% of publications had developed mobile-optimized content. Four years later, the number has jumped to 90%--with the remaining 10% expected to join suit within the next 12 months.The AAM survey finds publishers remain “pragmatic about their print publications.” Less than 15% plan to reduce their print publishing frequency and less than 3% think their publication will be digital-only in the next five years.
Publishing Leaders Perspectives
CEO Perspectives:
Nine publishing leaders reveal their new strategies for the year ahead. In more than a few of the cases collected here, publishing leaders are describing very different companies that are emerging from these new strategies. Some are focused on new, comprehensive ways to better connect buyers and sellers and others are citing major changes in audience behavior as an impetus for change. repositionings take hold.
Rachelle Considine
COO, Future US
John French
CEO, Cygnus Business Media
Peter Goldstone
CEO, Hanley Wood
Arianna Huffington
President and editor-in-chief, Huffington Post Media Group
Dave J. Iannone
CEO, Go>Forward Media
Knight Kiplinger
Editor-in-Chief and CEO, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and Kiplinger.com
Vincent LoVoi
Founder, Publisher, This Land Press
Marion Minor
President & CEO, M2MEDIA360
Steve Weitzner
CEO, Summit Business Media
Nine publishing leaders reveal their new strategies for the year ahead. In more than a few of the cases collected here, publishing leaders are describing very different companies that are emerging from these new strategies. Some are focused on new, comprehensive ways to better connect buyers and sellers and others are citing major changes in audience behavior as an impetus for change. repositionings take hold.
Rachelle Considine
COO, Future US
John French
CEO, Cygnus Business Media
Peter Goldstone
CEO, Hanley Wood
Arianna Huffington
President and editor-in-chief, Huffington Post Media Group
Dave J. Iannone
CEO, Go>Forward Media
Knight Kiplinger
Editor-in-Chief and CEO, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and Kiplinger.com
Vincent LoVoi
Founder, Publisher, This Land Press
Marion Minor
President & CEO, M2MEDIA360
Steve Weitzner
CEO, Summit Business Media
Hearst Names New CCO
http://www.thewrap.com/media/column-post/hearst-corporation-names-neeraj-khemlani-chief-creative-officer-70346
Hearst Corporation has promoted Neeraj Khemlani to chief creative officer, the media giant announced Thursday. Khemlani will oversee Hearst's creative teams, developing stronger digital product designs for the company's various media properties. Khemlani joined Hearst in March 2009 as vice president and special assistant to the CEO for digital media. He was appointed executive vice president and deputy group head of Hearst Entertainment & Syndication in 2001.
Hearst Corporation has promoted Neeraj Khemlani to chief creative officer, the media giant announced Thursday. Khemlani will oversee Hearst's creative teams, developing stronger digital product designs for the company's various media properties. Khemlani joined Hearst in March 2009 as vice president and special assistant to the CEO for digital media. He was appointed executive vice president and deputy group head of Hearst Entertainment & Syndication in 2001.
Kantar Media Acquires AdGooroo
Kantar Media acquires AdGooroo: Kantar Media, a unit of WPP's consultancy group Kantar, announced it has acquired AdGooroo, a provider of global digital media intelligence. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition will enhance Kantar's digital media measurement and analysis capabilities, particularly its insight into display, video, ad networks and paid-search advertising trends, the company said. AdGooroo has 4,000 marketer and agency clients worldwide. The company provides data on competitors' keywords, ad creative, backlink data, campaign statistics and budgets.
Vice Acquires British Fashion Mag i-D
Vice Acquires British Fashion Mag i-D: Bold and boastful hipster-targeted media conglomerate Vice is getting into fashion.
While the magazine has been on the edge of culture--including fashion--since inception, it's never been a fashion brand. The acquisition of British style title i-D brings them into that realm.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. "Vice is so excited to work with the guys at i-D magazine, one of the only fashion publications in the world we actually respect," says Andrew Creighton, president of Vice, in a release. "We know digital, i-D knows style, and together we're going to give the world the gift of eye-catching, mind-blowing, video-driven fashion content."
While the magazine has been on the edge of culture--including fashion--since inception, it's never been a fashion brand. The acquisition of British style title i-D brings them into that realm.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. "Vice is so excited to work with the guys at i-D magazine, one of the only fashion publications in the world we actually respect," says Andrew Creighton, president of Vice, in a release. "We know digital, i-D knows style, and together we're going to give the world the gift of eye-catching, mind-blowing, video-driven fashion content."
Tropical Pulp and German Children's Books
Tropical Pulp Still a Long Way From Fiction in German Children's Books: German book publishers have only marginally improved performance in excluding paper pulp sourced through destruction of tropical forests that are home to critically endangered elephants, tigers and orang-utans. A WWF-Germany survey of children's books found about 30 per cent of books contained significant amounts of mixed tropical hardwood fibres characteristic of natural forest destruction. A 2009 children's book survey found mixed tropical hardwood fibres in 40% of German children's books from one third of the publishing houses sampled. WWF attributes the low rate of improvement to increased production of books in China and large scale sourcing of pulp from deforestation in Indonesia and other tropical forest countries. Indonesia's largest pulp and paper company, Asia Pulp and Paper (APP), linked with its suppliers to the destruction of more than 2 million hectares of tropical forest in Sumatra, directly operates 20 pulp and paper mills in China with an annual production of eight million tonnes.
Penguin/Random Seek Clearance For Joint Venture
http://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=101519
Bertelsmann SE & Co. (owner of Random House) and Pearson plc (owner of Penguin) seek clearance to form a new jointly-owned company to be called Penguin Random House, which will acquire the retail book publishing businesses of Random House and Penguin. In considering the application, the Commission’s role is to determine whether the acquisition would harm competition in the market to the extent that there would be a substantial lessening of competition.
Bertelsmann SE & Co. (owner of Random House) and Pearson plc (owner of Penguin) seek clearance to form a new jointly-owned company to be called Penguin Random House, which will acquire the retail book publishing businesses of Random House and Penguin. In considering the application, the Commission’s role is to determine whether the acquisition would harm competition in the market to the extent that there would be a substantial lessening of competition.
Russian Baikal Pulp Mill Goes Bankrupt
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/mobile/article/baikal-pulp-mill-goes-bankrupt/473391.html
One of the major targets for environmentalists in the Baikal area has been declared bankrupt following a court hearing on Wednesday.The bankruptcy proceedings at the Baikal Pulp and Paper Mill will be completed by June 5, 2013, according to a ruling by the Irkutsk Region Arbitration Court. The mill's total debt is more than 2 billion rubles ($65 million), Vedomosti reported. Representatives of the World Wildlife Fund and Greenpeace welcomed the court's decision. They described this as an opportunity for the authorities to eventually close the plant, which has been a major source of pollution on the Baikal lake since it was founded in 1966.
One of the major targets for environmentalists in the Baikal area has been declared bankrupt following a court hearing on Wednesday.The bankruptcy proceedings at the Baikal Pulp and Paper Mill will be completed by June 5, 2013, according to a ruling by the Irkutsk Region Arbitration Court. The mill's total debt is more than 2 billion rubles ($65 million), Vedomosti reported. Representatives of the World Wildlife Fund and Greenpeace welcomed the court's decision. They described this as an opportunity for the authorities to eventually close the plant, which has been a major source of pollution on the Baikal lake since it was founded in 1966.
Mayr Melnhof To Acquire Södra's Pulp Mill
Mayr Melnhof Karton to acquire Södra's Follafoss mill
Södra and Mayr Melnhof Karton have signed a Letter of Intent where Mayr Melnhof Karton intends to purchase 100 per cent of the shares in Södra Cell Folla AS and thereby take over Södra's pulp mill in Follafoss. Mayr Melnhof Karton intends to resume operations at Folla as soon as possible, hopefully early in 2013. The parties' intention is to close the deal during the first quarter of next year. Södra's pulp mill in Follafoss, Norway, has a capacity of 105,000 tpy of CTMP pulp. Södra announced its intention to divest the mill earlier this year. Mayr Melnhof, based in Vienna, is a world leader in the field of coated, recycled cartonboard and Europe's leading manufacturer of folding cartons.
Södra and Mayr Melnhof Karton have signed a Letter of Intent where Mayr Melnhof Karton intends to purchase 100 per cent of the shares in Södra Cell Folla AS and thereby take over Södra's pulp mill in Follafoss. Mayr Melnhof Karton intends to resume operations at Folla as soon as possible, hopefully early in 2013. The parties' intention is to close the deal during the first quarter of next year. Södra's pulp mill in Follafoss, Norway, has a capacity of 105,000 tpy of CTMP pulp. Södra announced its intention to divest the mill earlier this year. Mayr Melnhof, based in Vienna, is a world leader in the field of coated, recycled cartonboard and Europe's leading manufacturer of folding cartons.
Heidelberg Acquisition Prompts Healeys
Heidelberg press acquisition prompts prepress spend at Healeys:
The Ipswch-based printer, which specialises in short-run high pagination work, has installed the Heidelberg Prinect workflow system to help meet the increased output speeds the company is anticipating following the installation of a new five-colour Heidelberg Speedmaster XL75 plus coater, that it bought at Drupa.
The machine, which replaces a five-year-old Heidelberg CD74 five-colour, is due to be installed after Christmas, while the prepress upgrade was installed last week with staff already undergoing training on the new system. Healeys' sales and marketing director Kelly Harris said the investment was needed to meet an anticipated boost in production and that the company now offered one of the best pre-media departments in the industry. Harris said that a major new contract win, which would begin in the New Year would see the company printing direct marketing materials that would require a "high spec pre-media department".
The Ipswch-based printer, which specialises in short-run high pagination work, has installed the Heidelberg Prinect workflow system to help meet the increased output speeds the company is anticipating following the installation of a new five-colour Heidelberg Speedmaster XL75 plus coater, that it bought at Drupa.
The machine, which replaces a five-year-old Heidelberg CD74 five-colour, is due to be installed after Christmas, while the prepress upgrade was installed last week with staff already undergoing training on the new system. Healeys' sales and marketing director Kelly Harris said the investment was needed to meet an anticipated boost in production and that the company now offered one of the best pre-media departments in the industry. Harris said that a major new contract win, which would begin in the New Year would see the company printing direct marketing materials that would require a "high spec pre-media department".
Voith To Supply New PM In Turkey
Voith to supply new PM to Modern Karton
The Turkish paper manufacturer Modern Karton has commissioned Voith to supply its new PM 5 for light-weight packaging paper for its plant in Corlu, Turkey. The PM 5 will be a particularly sustainable machine, especially as it consumes little fresh water. Using the technology supplied by Voith ensures that consumption of resources is kept as low as possible. The PM 5 is expected to start-up by the middle of 2015 at a speed of 1,500 m/min. It will have a wire width of 8,180 mm and produce around 400,000 metric tons of packaging paper with a basis weight of 70 to 160 g/m².
The Turkish paper manufacturer Modern Karton has commissioned Voith to supply its new PM 5 for light-weight packaging paper for its plant in Corlu, Turkey. The PM 5 will be a particularly sustainable machine, especially as it consumes little fresh water. Using the technology supplied by Voith ensures that consumption of resources is kept as low as possible. The PM 5 is expected to start-up by the middle of 2015 at a speed of 1,500 m/min. It will have a wire width of 8,180 mm and produce around 400,000 metric tons of packaging paper with a basis weight of 70 to 160 g/m².
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Verso Paper OSHA Fines
http://www.menafn.com/menafn/87d524e3-8b02-45f4-8dc6-4e11527b3864/OSHA-fines-Verso-Paper-Corp-over-2-violations?src=main
Verso Paper Corp. has been fined 39,200 by the Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration for two violations found in the wake of an explosion and fire in May that killed one employee and sent four others to the hospital at its Sartell paper mill.The company paid the fine without contesting it, and OSHA has closed its investigation into the incident, said James Honerman, communications director for the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. A state Fire marshal's investigation concluded that an overheated air compressor ignited oil vapors in the compressor and in an air receiving tank, which ruptured and exploded.
Verso Paper Corp. has been fined 39,200 by the Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration for two violations found in the wake of an explosion and fire in May that killed one employee and sent four others to the hospital at its Sartell paper mill.The company paid the fine without contesting it, and OSHA has closed its investigation into the incident, said James Honerman, communications director for the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. A state Fire marshal's investigation concluded that an overheated air compressor ignited oil vapors in the compressor and in an air receiving tank, which ruptured and exploded.
Catalyst Unable To Close Deal On Elk Falls Site
Catalyst Paper unable to close agreement to sell Elk Falls site:
Catalyst Paper announced that the sale of its Elk Falls site in Campbell River, British Columbia to Pacifica Deep Sea Terminals Incorporated did not close and the sale agreement has been terminated. The sale of the 400 acre industrial site and adjacent properties was initially expected to close on September 5, 2012. A non-refundable prepayment of a portion of the purchase price was received and the transaction timeline was extended multiple times up to the ultimate deadline of December 18, 2012. “It’s disappointing that this transaction with Pacifica could not be completed even with the extended timeline. This is a fully serviced property in an excellent location and we remain confident that the right fit between site and buyer will be found that will bring new jobs and opportunities to Campbell River,” said Kevin J. Clarke, Catalyst President and Chief Executive Officer. “In the meantime, site personnel are maintaining safety, security and environmental requirements and complying with all applicable legislation.”
Catalyst Paper announced that the sale of its Elk Falls site in Campbell River, British Columbia to Pacifica Deep Sea Terminals Incorporated did not close and the sale agreement has been terminated. The sale of the 400 acre industrial site and adjacent properties was initially expected to close on September 5, 2012. A non-refundable prepayment of a portion of the purchase price was received and the transaction timeline was extended multiple times up to the ultimate deadline of December 18, 2012. “It’s disappointing that this transaction with Pacifica could not be completed even with the extended timeline. This is a fully serviced property in an excellent location and we remain confident that the right fit between site and buyer will be found that will bring new jobs and opportunities to Campbell River,” said Kevin J. Clarke, Catalyst President and Chief Executive Officer. “In the meantime, site personnel are maintaining safety, security and environmental requirements and complying with all applicable legislation.”
SCA Efficiency Program
SCA Launches Efficiency Program at Forest Products: Against the backdrop of the prevailing economic and currency situation, SCA is introducing a comprehensive program to enhance the efficiency of its forest products operation. The program will generate annual earnings improvements of SEK 1,300m with full effect from 2015. Actions include the previously announced closures of the sawmills in Vilhelmina and Holmsund, and cutbacks at Ortviken paper mill, SCA Transforest’s terminals in Sundsvall and Umeå, and at SCA’s R&D Center. About 200 positions are affected, the majority of which have already been announced. The program includes a structured plan to reduce fixed and variable costs, income improvements by way of increased production and streamlining activities, and a changed product and market mix. This will be achieved through improved raw material yield at the sawmills, higher productivity in harvesting activities, an increased share of value-added publication papers and a larger share of container transportation.
Former Marathon Pulp Mill Sale May Be Imminent
Sale of former Marathon Pulp mill may be imminent: Green Investment Group Inc. of Illinois, USA is interested in taking over the former Marathon Pulp mill in Marathon, Ontario. Marathon Pulp closed in February 2009 and declared bankruptcy shortly after. The Marathon Pulp site is known to be contaminated. There were multiple chemical spills in 2009 and 2010 after the mill had closed, including a chemical plume on Lake Superior. The responsibility over the cleanup of the site was debated in court for 2 years. Tembec, as co-owner of the mill, was found responsible for all known and unknown environmental issues, including the remediation. Another former owner, Ball Packaging, was responsible for paying for a sand cap that was placed on contaminated sediment in the harbour.
To sell the property to Green Investment Group Inc., the Ontario Ministry of the Environment will have to approve the sale, and allow the environmental responsibility to be passed from Tembec to the new owner.
To sell the property to Green Investment Group Inc., the Ontario Ministry of the Environment will have to approve the sale, and allow the environmental responsibility to be passed from Tembec to the new owner.
AF&PA Nov '12 Recovered Fiber Statistics
American Forest & Paper Association Releases November 2012 Recovered Fiber Monthly Statistics Report: According to the report, total U.S. industry consumption of recovered paper in November was 2.36 million tons, 5 percent lower than in October 2012. Inventories increased for most grades. Year-to-date total consumption in 2012 is 4 percent lower than during the same period last year. U.S. exports of recovered paper showed strong gains across all grades, except for High Grade Deinking. Corrugated exports increased to levels not seen since April 2011. Year-to-date exports of recovered paper in 2012 are 6 percent lower than during the same period in 2011.
AF&PA Releases Nov 2012 Paperboard Stats
American Forest & Paper Association Releases November 2012 Paperboard Statistics Report: Total boxboard production increased by 2.1 percent compared to November 2011 and increased 1.7 percent from last month. Unbleached Kraft Boxboard production increased over the same month last year and increased compared to last month. Total Solid Bleached Boxboard & Liner production increased compared to November 2011 and increased compared to last month. The production of Recycled Boxboard increased compared to November 2011 but decreased when compared to last month.
AF&PA Nov '12 Containerboard Stats
American Forest & Paper Association Releases November 2012 Containerboard Statistics Report: The American Forest & Paper Association released its November 2012 U. S. Containerboard Statistics Report today. Containerboard production fell 1.5 percent over October 2012 but rose 1 percent over the same month last year. However, the month-over-month average daily production increased 1.7 percent. The containerboard operating rate for November 2012 gained 0.6 points over October 2012, from 96.3 percent to 96.9 percent.
Kodak Completes $525M Patent Sale
Kodak Announces the Sale of Its Digital Imaging Patents for $525 Million: Eastman Kodak has completed a series of agreements that successfully monetizes its digital imaging patents. Kodak’s monetization of intellectual property assets further builds on its momentum toward a successful emergence in the first half of 2013. Under the agreements, Kodak will receive approximately $525 million, a portion of which will be paid by a group of 12 intellectual property licensees organized by Intellectual Ventures and RPX Corp. Each licensee will receive rights with respect to the digital imaging patent portfolio and certain other Kodak patents. Another portion will be paid by Intellectual Ventures, which is acquiring the digital imaging patent portfolio subject to these new licenses, as well as previously existing licenses. According to published reports, Google, Apple and RIM are among the 12 patent licensees.
Netpage's App Raises Hope For Mags
Netpage's Digital Twin could be a boost for printed magazines:
Netpage's app, branded Digital Twin, has not only generated a buzz in the advertising world but also raised hopes of a traditional magazine revival. The patented platform enables smartphones users to download a digital replica of the Netpage-enabled printed page to their mobile device. The user moves the phone over the surface of the page, and the Digital Twin appears in the screen and tracks with the page, creating a 'glass-bottomed boat effect,' between the printed page and the user's smartphone, the company said. The technology formally launched in the US with Esquire's December issue and not only lets consumers store and save content on social media, it also lets them purchase items highlighted in the Esquire simply by moving their smartphone over the page and clicking "buy". Right now the only way to get the free Netpage app is by downloading from the iTunes Store and Morris was mum on whether the app could eventually be built into smartphones and other devices. But at least on the surface, there appears to be little downside to commercial printing from this technology, because it will not require any new press equipment to Netpage-enable a magazine or catalog. "One of the biggest advantages that we provide, in fact, is that we don't require any special coding, or watermarking on the printed page," Morris said. "Netpage doesn't impact the printing process in any way, which is something publishers prefer to avoid, since it requires additional time, costs and effort."
Netpage's app, branded Digital Twin, has not only generated a buzz in the advertising world but also raised hopes of a traditional magazine revival. The patented platform enables smartphones users to download a digital replica of the Netpage-enabled printed page to their mobile device. The user moves the phone over the surface of the page, and the Digital Twin appears in the screen and tracks with the page, creating a 'glass-bottomed boat effect,' between the printed page and the user's smartphone, the company said. The technology formally launched in the US with Esquire's December issue and not only lets consumers store and save content on social media, it also lets them purchase items highlighted in the Esquire simply by moving their smartphone over the page and clicking "buy". Right now the only way to get the free Netpage app is by downloading from the iTunes Store and Morris was mum on whether the app could eventually be built into smartphones and other devices. But at least on the surface, there appears to be little downside to commercial printing from this technology, because it will not require any new press equipment to Netpage-enable a magazine or catalog. "One of the biggest advantages that we provide, in fact, is that we don't require any special coding, or watermarking on the printed page," Morris said. "Netpage doesn't impact the printing process in any way, which is something publishers prefer to avoid, since it requires additional time, costs and effort."
Mobile Ad Spending Tops $4B In '12
US Mobile Ad Spending Tops $4B in 2012: The effectiveness of mobile advertising is still being debated, but media buyers are already going all-in while also increasing their presence on the Web. Mobile ad spending grew 180 percent to top $4 billion in 2012, according to the latest estimates from digital marketing research firm eMarketer. At the same time, the Interactive Advertising Bureau and PwC US report Internet ad revenues totaled $9.3 billion for the third quarter.
American Media Partners On New Platform
American Media, PixelMags Partner on New Newsstand: American Media is partnering with digital distributor PixelMags on a new "all-you-can-eat" subscription platform, Readr. The publisher's four flagship titles (Shape, Men's Fitness, Star and OK) will be made available on the tablet app. American Media, who does not use PixelMags for its digital edition conversions, joins Active Interest Media and Source Interlink who have each agreed to make their content available on Readr in the last several weeks. All told, the platform has about 130 participating publishers so far.
While traditional monthly or annual subscriptions are also available, Readr offers an all-access option akin to Netflix, says American Media manager of tablet production Chris Tarrow. Similar to the more exclusive Next Issue Media catalog, users can pay a fee to access a full catalog of magazines instead of specifying their content on a title-by-title basis.
While traditional monthly or annual subscriptions are also available, Readr offers an all-access option akin to Netflix, says American Media manager of tablet production Chris Tarrow. Similar to the more exclusive Next Issue Media catalog, users can pay a fee to access a full catalog of magazines instead of specifying their content on a title-by-title basis.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Södra And Other Pulp Increases
Södra will raise the price of its softwood pulp in Europe to US$840.00/tonne, effective January 1st 2013.
Al-Pac announced that it is increasing prices in January of NBHK pulp for NA to US$785.00/tonne and China to US$630.00/tonne. In addition its NBSK in NA will increase to US$900.00/tonne.
Canfor announced it is increasing prices January 1st in NA of NBSK to US$900.00/tonne and in Europe to $840.00/tonne.
Rottneros will increase effective January 1, 2013 its prices on NBSK to US$840.00/tonne
Al-Pac announced that it is increasing prices in January of NBHK pulp for NA to US$785.00/tonne and China to US$630.00/tonne. In addition its NBSK in NA will increase to US$900.00/tonne.
Canfor announced it is increasing prices January 1st in NA of NBSK to US$900.00/tonne and in Europe to $840.00/tonne.
Rottneros will increase effective January 1, 2013 its prices on NBSK to US$840.00/tonne
Stora Invests In PulpEye Analyzer
Stora Enso Skoghall Invests in PulpEye Online Analyzer with DotEye Module for Quality Control in CTMP mill: (Sweden) Skoghall Mill installs a PulpEye with fiber, shive, CSF and the new DotEye module. The DotEye module has in a short time been installed in several mills for pulp quality control. PulpEye replaces three old PQM inline analyzers. The PulpEye analyzer will be used for advanced close loop control of the CTMP refiners. PulpEye is based on latest technology and automatically performs accurate measurements at high frequency, which is a necessity to monitor and control the key quality characteristics of the pulp. The result is lower production costs and a more consistent quality.
SCA Divests Pub Paper Mill In Austria
SCA Divests Publication Paper Mill in Laakirchen: SCA is divesting its Austrian publication paper mill in Laakirchen to Heinzel Group. In conjunction with the divestment, SCA and Heinzel Group have concluded a sales cooperation agreement. In 2011 Laakirchen reported totaled sales of EUR 335m and had just over 500 employees. The annual capacity amounts to more than 500,000 tons. The initial purchase consideration is EUR 100m with a possible maximum additional purchase price of EUR 100m based on a two-year profit-sharing model. In conjunction with the transaction, an impairment of EUR 50m has been recognized, which will be charged to profit in the fourth quarter of 2012. The transaction is expected to be finalized in the first quarter of 2013 following approval by the relevant authorities.
Fortress Launches 1st Durasafe Paper
Fortress Paper launches first Durasafe paper-polymer-paper composite banknote for Morocco made at mill in Germany: Fortress Paper Ltd. is pleased to announce the launch of the world's first banknote printed on the Company's new Durasafe substrate, an innovative paper-polymer-paper composite produced at its Landqart mill. With the issuance of the new Moroccan 25 Dirhams scheduled for this month, Bank al Maghrib, Morocco's central bank, will become the first in the world to issue a banknote printed on Durasafe®.
The thread, like the watermark, is embedded inside the banknote yet visible behind a one-sided polymer window. It also has a fully transparent polymer window embossed with the King's royal crest.
Catalyst Accepts Bid For Snowflake Mill Assets
Catalyst Paper Accepts Bid for Snowflake Mill Assets: Catalyst Paper announced that it has accepted, subject to US Court approval, a binding bid from an acquisition vehicle organized by Hackman Capital and its affiliates to purchase the assets of the closed Snowflake facility and the shares of Apache Railway for US$13,460,000 and other non-monetary consideration. The buyer intends to continue to operate the Apache Railway as a going concern, and the transaction is supported by the Town of Snowflake and various local interests. "We are pleased that this transaction has progressed efficiently and that the community's interests have been considered through the process and in the successful bid," said President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin J. Clarke. "While paper manufacturing is part of Snowflake's past, this transaction puts the asset on a path to a new future that can continue to bring value to the region."
Resolute To Dismantle Sawmill
Resolute plans to dismantle Oakhill sawmill: CKBW, of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, is reporting that Resolute Forest Products is planning to dismantle the Oakhill sawmill that was not included in the land and asset sale to the province of Nova Scotia. Resolute will dismantle the sawmill and move the equipment out of the province to serve other operations within the company. The Oakhill sawmill has been idled since Bowater Mersey was shut down in June.100 people worked at the sawmill.
B-to-B Content Marketing Spend Is Up
B-to-B Content Marketing Spend Is Up, Despite Mixed Effectiveness:
If content is king, then content marketing is a king’s trade.
According to new research from the Content Marketing Institute and MarketingProfs, b-to-b marketers, on average, are spending 33 percent of their marketing budgets on content marketing—a 7 percent jump since 2011. About 54 percent say they plan on increasing content marketing spending next year. While more and more b-to-b marketers are turning to content marketing, just 36 percent of respondents say they believe they are effective at content marketing. The data saw a total of 1,416 respondents from North American companies and represented a full range of industries, functional areas and company sizes.
If content is king, then content marketing is a king’s trade.
According to new research from the Content Marketing Institute and MarketingProfs, b-to-b marketers, on average, are spending 33 percent of their marketing budgets on content marketing—a 7 percent jump since 2011. About 54 percent say they plan on increasing content marketing spending next year. While more and more b-to-b marketers are turning to content marketing, just 36 percent of respondents say they believe they are effective at content marketing. The data saw a total of 1,416 respondents from North American companies and represented a full range of industries, functional areas and company sizes.
MSLO CEO Lisa Gersh To Resign
MSLO CEO Lisa Gersh to Resign: Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia announced this morning that president and CEO Lisa Gersh, after a year and a half on the job, will be stepping down and that the company is already looking for a successor. A timeframe has not been put on the transition period, according to the announcement, but the changeover is signaling a expanded merchandising strategy. The company says it plans to expand into new product categories and add new distribution partners both domestically and internationally. In its fourth quarter earnings call, the company reported merchandising revenue will be 15 percent higher than the same period last year with EBITDA margins of 70 percent.
Mags Respond to Instagram
Magazines Respond to Instagram Terms of Service Fiasco:
Yesterday was not a good day for Instagram. Users and brands slammed the social network for changing its privacy policy and terms of service to include the following language: “You agree that a business or other entity may pay us to display your username, likeness, photos (along with any associated metadata), and/or actions you take, in connection with paid or sponsored content or promotions, without any compensation to you.” Several hours after announcing these changes, the Facebook-owned company back peddled, saying in a blog post that it would not go through with that or other actions.
Yesterday was not a good day for Instagram. Users and brands slammed the social network for changing its privacy policy and terms of service to include the following language: “You agree that a business or other entity may pay us to display your username, likeness, photos (along with any associated metadata), and/or actions you take, in connection with paid or sponsored content or promotions, without any compensation to you.” Several hours after announcing these changes, the Facebook-owned company back peddled, saying in a blog post that it would not go through with that or other actions.
Getting The Most Out of Action Codes
Getting The Most Out of Action Codes: Integrated action and experience codes within the pages of a magazine are just one of the many ways publishers are connecting print to digital. As the technology gets used more, publishers are identifying what works and what doesn’t. Bonnier’s Popular Science launched PopSci Interactive, which affords users the ability to engage with the print product through a free app. Instead of driving users to a Web page with something like a QR code, the PopSci Interactive app allows users to see specific print content come to life, like a video or photo slideshow.
QuantumDigital Publishes Marketing Guide
QuantumDigital Publishes Real Estate Marketing Guide: QuantumDigital Inc., a direct marketing company making direct mail simple and fast, announced the release of its latest whitepaper, “The One-Minute Real Estate Marketing Guide.” Top-performing real estate professionals have learned that methodical and well-focused postcard direct mail campaigns conducted on a continual basis can generate added commissions. What was discovered was that the agents who distributed an average of 250 direct mail postcards each month over a 12-month period acquired an additional two listings per year. Those supplementary listings resulted in an additional $12,000 in annual commissions.”
Voith Holds Its Own
Voith Holds Its Own in a Difficult Environment: The Voith Group has finished the fiscal year 2012 (ending September 30) satisfactorily in a challenging market environment. The globally active family-owned company increased its Group sales by 2 percent to EUR 5.7 billion compared to the record value of the previous year. All key figures are positive, although on a lower level than in the past year. Despite the declining sales for graphic paper machines in the Group Division Voith Paper, Voith was able to generate one of the best operational results in the history of the Group.
Two Austin Printing Firms Combine Operations
Two Leading Austin Printing Firms Combine Operations: Nationwide Argosy Solutions and The Whitley Group announce the combining of Cerqa LLC, a division of Nationwide, with The Whitley Group, a leading Austin, TX-based graphic-communications firm. TWG’s services include digital printing, sheetfed offset printing, fulfillment and database marketing. Cerqa is Nationwide’s largest fulfillment, small- and large-format digital, offset and ad-specialty distribution division in the southern U.S. region. The combined company will be named The Whitley Group (TWG). “Combining TWG and Cerqa is a great opportunity to build on our individual strengths by offering our customers a broader platform of services,” said Karl Kluetz, president of Cerqa. “We are pleased to have our teams come together to deliver full-service solutions to our significant customer base.”
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Another NBSK Pulp Price Increase
Billerud, a Swedish pulp manufacturer, has announced an increase for January deliveries for northern bleached softwood kraft (NBSK) to $840/tonne. They join Stora Enso, Metsa Fibre and Mercer Int'l who have made similar recent announcements.
IP Continues Strong Community Support
International Paper Touts Community Support:
The Memphis-Shelby County Industrial Development Board meets Wed., Dec. 19, to consider a request from International Paper Co. for government tax incentives to support an expansion of its headquarters here. Part of the presentation the company will make will include the millions of dollars spent and the significant amount of hours and resources IP commits to volunteer and charitable efforts in the Memphis area. On one hand, there is a financial incentive for local economic development officials to green-light the company’s request for incentives. In exchange for 15-year tax freezes on several buildings, IP would keep 2,274 jobs here, create 101 new jobs, keep its headquarters in Memphis and build a new 235,000-square-foot, 10-story building along with a new 470-car garage and two pedestrian bridges. On the other hand, the company will make as part of its presentation an appeal that the incentives will help it stay in Memphis and continue what it will argue is a strong tradition of corporate giving.
The Memphis-Shelby County Industrial Development Board meets Wed., Dec. 19, to consider a request from International Paper Co. for government tax incentives to support an expansion of its headquarters here. Part of the presentation the company will make will include the millions of dollars spent and the significant amount of hours and resources IP commits to volunteer and charitable efforts in the Memphis area. On one hand, there is a financial incentive for local economic development officials to green-light the company’s request for incentives. In exchange for 15-year tax freezes on several buildings, IP would keep 2,274 jobs here, create 101 new jobs, keep its headquarters in Memphis and build a new 235,000-square-foot, 10-story building along with a new 470-car garage and two pedestrian bridges. On the other hand, the company will make as part of its presentation an appeal that the incentives will help it stay in Memphis and continue what it will argue is a strong tradition of corporate giving.
Arctic Paper Boost From HarperCollins'
http://www.printweek.com/news/1164545/arctic-paper-gets-boost-harpercollins-bumper-hobbit-print-run/
Arctic Paper has shipped more than 400 tonnes of Arctic Silk 130gsm for the production of four different books from HarperCollins based on The Hobbit film trilogy. HarperCollins has published the Visual Companion and Official Movie Guide for The Hobbit, as well as children's books The Movie Story Book and The World of Hobbits to coincide with the cinema release of the first of three films based on the prequel to JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. Arctic Paper delivered 404 tonnes of Arctic Silk 130gsm to Italian book printer Rotolito Lombarda Spa for the 740,000 books that made up the initial print runs of the four titles, reprints of which are already in the pipeline. Adrian Sutcliffe, group production and purchasing manager of HarperCollins, said: "The books had to be produced on a silk coated with FSC accreditation, and they had to give excellent quality of print.
Arctic Paper has shipped more than 400 tonnes of Arctic Silk 130gsm for the production of four different books from HarperCollins based on The Hobbit film trilogy. HarperCollins has published the Visual Companion and Official Movie Guide for The Hobbit, as well as children's books The Movie Story Book and The World of Hobbits to coincide with the cinema release of the first of three films based on the prequel to JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. Arctic Paper delivered 404 tonnes of Arctic Silk 130gsm to Italian book printer Rotolito Lombarda Spa for the 740,000 books that made up the initial print runs of the four titles, reprints of which are already in the pipeline. Adrian Sutcliffe, group production and purchasing manager of HarperCollins, said: "The books had to be produced on a silk coated with FSC accreditation, and they had to give excellent quality of print.
AAM: Mobile & Digital Monetization To Rise
AAM Data: Mobile and Digital Monetization Expected to Rise:
Publishers might be finally getting a grasp on the changing media landscape, new data from the Alliance for Audited Media shows. A survey of 210 of its members reveals that by the end of 2014, 41 percent of publishers expect mobile to represent at least 10 percent of their overall circulation revenues. Similarly, within the next two years, 46 percent of publishers expect mobile to represent at least 10 percent of their overall advertising revenue. More than half—54 percent—say that mobile currently represents up to 9 percent of advertising revenue. About 56 percent say mobile represents 9 percent of their circulation revenue.
By the end of 2014, 20 percent of AAM media companies expect their portfolio of digital products—websites, mobile, social media—to account for at least 25 percent of their advertising revenue, up from about 4 percent now.
Publishers might be finally getting a grasp on the changing media landscape, new data from the Alliance for Audited Media shows. A survey of 210 of its members reveals that by the end of 2014, 41 percent of publishers expect mobile to represent at least 10 percent of their overall circulation revenues. Similarly, within the next two years, 46 percent of publishers expect mobile to represent at least 10 percent of their overall advertising revenue. More than half—54 percent—say that mobile currently represents up to 9 percent of advertising revenue. About 56 percent say mobile represents 9 percent of their circulation revenue.
By the end of 2014, 20 percent of AAM media companies expect their portfolio of digital products—websites, mobile, social media—to account for at least 25 percent of their advertising revenue, up from about 4 percent now.
Windows 8 Takes Over Mag Editorial
http://adage.com/article/media/microsoft-windows-8-takes-magazines-table-contents/238775/
Microsoft's sprawling Windows 8 campaign has taken new editorial territory in magazines: the table of contents. The January issues of magazines including Family Circle, Fitness, and Better Homes and Gardens each open to reveal a table of contents touting Windows 8, which Microsoft is promoting with traditional paid ads on the adjacent pages. The contents pages in Better Homes and Gardens, for example, look like Windows 8 Start screens and use the same color as the Windows 8 ads on the facing pages. Other titles participating include Every Day with Rachael Ray, Parents and Family Fun.
Microsoft's sprawling Windows 8 campaign has taken new editorial territory in magazines: the table of contents. The January issues of magazines including Family Circle, Fitness, and Better Homes and Gardens each open to reveal a table of contents touting Windows 8, which Microsoft is promoting with traditional paid ads on the adjacent pages. The contents pages in Better Homes and Gardens, for example, look like Windows 8 Start screens and use the same color as the Windows 8 ads on the facing pages. Other titles participating include Every Day with Rachael Ray, Parents and Family Fun.
Discover Mag Rebuilds Design Staff
Discover Magazine Rebuilds Entire Edit and Design Staff:
A move from New York to Wisconsin prompts a complete turnover.
After an acquisition, some staff turnover is expected. Privately-owned Kalmbach, picked up Discover two years ago. Less than a year later, Kalmbach outsourced the sales operation to James G. Elliott, Co., a partnership that's still in place. Which left the edit team still in New York. In August this year the company finally announced that it was closing the editorial offices and moving operations to Wisconsin. At the time, about 20 edit and design staff were faced with the decision on whether to move. All opted out—except former editor-in-chief Corey S. Powell, who was with the brand for 15 years and will continue as editor-at-large and columnist, and executive editor Pamela Weintraub, who remains in a consultative role. Today, Discover announced a completely rebuilt edit and design team. The magazine has hired 13 new staff members.
The magazine's new editor-in-chief is Stephen George, who was last with Reader's Digest at the Greendale, Wisconsin branch as its executive editor in the book and special publication group. Former managing editor of Kalmbach's Trains magazine will take the same title at Discover. From there, two senior editors, a photo editor, four associate editors, a senior graphic designer, staff writer, editorial assistant and copy editor have also come on board.
A move from New York to Wisconsin prompts a complete turnover.
After an acquisition, some staff turnover is expected. Privately-owned Kalmbach, picked up Discover two years ago. Less than a year later, Kalmbach outsourced the sales operation to James G. Elliott, Co., a partnership that's still in place. Which left the edit team still in New York. In August this year the company finally announced that it was closing the editorial offices and moving operations to Wisconsin. At the time, about 20 edit and design staff were faced with the decision on whether to move. All opted out—except former editor-in-chief Corey S. Powell, who was with the brand for 15 years and will continue as editor-at-large and columnist, and executive editor Pamela Weintraub, who remains in a consultative role. Today, Discover announced a completely rebuilt edit and design team. The magazine has hired 13 new staff members.
The magazine's new editor-in-chief is Stephen George, who was last with Reader's Digest at the Greendale, Wisconsin branch as its executive editor in the book and special publication group. Former managing editor of Kalmbach's Trains magazine will take the same title at Discover. From there, two senior editors, a photo editor, four associate editors, a senior graphic designer, staff writer, editorial assistant and copy editor have also come on board.
AF&PA Statement Regarding EPA's Standards
American Forest & Paper Association Statement Regarding EPA's Final PM NAAQS Standards: American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman released the following statement following the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) release of its final National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter (PM). “We are disappointed that EPA chose to lower the annual PM standard, imposing burdensome new restrictions on economic growth and ignoring the significant uncertainty in the underlying science. This lower annual PM standard means that businesses seeking air quality permits to construct new equipment or modify existing plants even in rural areas will find it very difficult to model compliance. We are concerned that manufacturing facilities may be forced to look at pollution controls that are technically infeasible or cost prohibitive, preventing expanded production and job growth. In setting this new PM NAAQS standard, EPA apparently relied on a few selected studies to support their hypothesis of health effects resulting from PM exposure, while discounting studies that showed no association.
“This is yet another example of where regulation by consent decree creates costly rules with huge scientific uncertainty and, in this case, at a time when the economy is struggling.”
“This is yet another example of where regulation by consent decree creates costly rules with huge scientific uncertainty and, in this case, at a time when the economy is struggling.”
Monday, December 17, 2012
Court Confirms NewPage Chapter 11 Plan
U.S. Bankruptcy Court Confirms NewPage Chapter 11 Plan:
NewPage Corporation (NewPage) announced today that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware in Wilmington has confirmed the Company's Chapter 11 Plan (the "Plan"). The Plan was accepted by the overwhelming majority of NewPage creditors entitled to vote. The Company will now proceed to close on the restructuring transactions contemplated by the Plan.
"We are pleased that the Court has confirmed our Chapter 11 Plan, clearing the way for us to officially exit bankruptcy, hopefully by the end of this year," said George Martin, president and chief executive officer for NewPage. "We will exit bankruptcy with substantially less debt and new financing at lower interest rates. NewPage will be well positioned to serve the needs of our customers and compete successfully in the North American paper industry."
NewPage Corporation (NewPage) announced today that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware in Wilmington has confirmed the Company's Chapter 11 Plan (the "Plan"). The Plan was accepted by the overwhelming majority of NewPage creditors entitled to vote. The Company will now proceed to close on the restructuring transactions contemplated by the Plan.
"We are pleased that the Court has confirmed our Chapter 11 Plan, clearing the way for us to officially exit bankruptcy, hopefully by the end of this year," said George Martin, president and chief executive officer for NewPage. "We will exit bankruptcy with substantially less debt and new financing at lower interest rates. NewPage will be well positioned to serve the needs of our customers and compete successfully in the North American paper industry."
Norske to Convert PM to LWC, Tasmania
Metso to supply grade conversion rebuild from newsprint to LWC grades for Norske Skog's PM 2 at Boyer mill in Tasmania: Metso will supply Norske Skog with a grade conversion rebuild from newsprint to lightweight coated (LWC) grades of their PM 2 machine at their Boyer mill in Tasmania, Australia. The rebuilt production line will be fully operational after several phases of rebuild during the first quarter of 2014. The value of the order will not be disclosed.
Resolute Increases Pulp Price
Resolute Forest Products told
North American customers that its softwood and hardwood kraft market pulp
prices will increase $30/tonne, effective January 1. Resolute is the second major pulp producer to slate a softwood increase
in the USA.
Lecta Second to Raise Coated Woodfree Price
Lecta, the second largest
European coated woodfree paper-manufacturing group, made up of Condat, Cartiere
del Garda and Torraspapel, wishes to inform its customers that the company will
implement a price increase of 5 to 6% on its CWF paper deliveries effective 14
January 2013.
Three Mills Raise NBSK Price
Stora
Enso today began informing its clients that it will increase its northern
bleached softwood kraft (NBSK) pulp prices to $840/tonne in the European
market, effective Jan. 1.
Metsä Fibre will announce a new
price of Botnia Nordic Pine (Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft) in Europe,
effective January 1, 2013 until further notice.
The new price is 840 USD, CIF
Metsä Fibre's usual European ports.
Mercer
International is in the process of advising customers that it will raise its
price for northern bleached softwood kraft (NBSK) pulp to $840/tonne from
January 1.
Neenah Buys Southworth Specialty Brand
Southworth Co. has sold its
venerable brand of business paper to Neenah Paper of Wisconsin in a move that
will see the company close its 120,000-square-foot converting facility in
Agawam and lay off 66 people sometime in 2013.
The company will maintain several other of its product lines, and will continue to operate its paper mill in Turners Falls.
"We are going to keep the paper machine going in Turners Falls," said David C. Southworth, company president and the fifth generation of his family to run the private company.
The company will maintain several other of its product lines, and will continue to operate its paper mill in Turners Falls.
"We are going to keep the paper machine going in Turners Falls," said David C. Southworth, company president and the fifth generation of his family to run the private company.
China Planning 2013 Closures
The Chinese government is
seeking data from the country's provincial authorities on the closure of old
capacity planned for 2013.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and the Ministry of Finance jointly issued a circular last week asking each province to submit its shutdown goals by January 28.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and the Ministry of Finance jointly issued a circular last week asking each province to submit its shutdown goals by January 28.
According
to the circular, each province is required to provide the capacity of every PM
and pulp line for the 2013 campaign.
On
the paper and board side, the following are mandated for closure: newsprint
machines with a capacity under 50,000 tonnes/yr; printing and writing PMs less
than 1.76 m wide and with a speed below 120 m/min; and cartonboard and recycled
containerboard units less than 2 m wide and slower than 80 m/min.
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HarperCollins Challenges RAN
HarperCollins challenged
Rainforest Action Network (RAN) methodology and an advisory that claimed that
some of HarperCollins' children's books contain paper harvested from
"vulnerable" Indonesian rainforests.
RAN
said that a November test of seven HarperCollins' titles found three with
"significant" quantities of acacia fiber that is mainly sourced from
Indonesian rainforest and trace amount in "several" others.
$120M Wood Pellet Project for Bastrop, LA
$120M wood pellet project planned in Bastrop, LA, where International Paper shut mill in 2008:
Today, Governor Bobby Jindal and Drax Biomass International Inc. CEO Chuck Davis announced a more than $120 million investment by the company in Louisiana, where Drax Biomass plans to build a wood pellet facility in Bastrop and a storage-and-shipping facility at the Port of Greater Baton Rouge.
Today, Governor Bobby Jindal and Drax Biomass International Inc. CEO Chuck Davis announced a more than $120 million investment by the company in Louisiana, where Drax Biomass plans to build a wood pellet facility in Bastrop and a storage-and-shipping facility at the Port of Greater Baton Rouge.
Saturday Evening Post Moves Back to Philadelphia
In
a surprise move, The Saturday Evening Post, the iconic magazine which
traces its roots to Benjamin Franklin's Pennsylvania Gazette, has
announced its return to Philadelphia after 42 years in Indianapolis.
The magazine's Philadelphia office will be the base of operations for editorial director and associate publisher Steve Slon, a managing editor, a reporter and Web editors. Business operations will remain in Indianapolis.
The magazine's Philadelphia office will be the base of operations for editorial director and associate publisher Steve Slon, a managing editor, a reporter and Web editors. Business operations will remain in Indianapolis.
NYT Launches Publishing Programs
The
New York Times today announced the launch of two publishing programs -- New
York Times short e-books co-published with the digital startup Byliner, and
TimesFiles with Vook.
A Look at Newspapers Turning a Profit; or Not
Despite
all the talk about newspapers being a dying business, plenty of them are profitable.
That includes the FT, according to Ian Whittaker, a media analyst at Liberum
Capital in London.
Some papers, however, have even
more to offer. We took a look at some.
Q3 Advertising Up 7.1%
Third-quarter advertising
expenditures totaled $34.5 billion, up 7.1% from the year-earlier period,
according to marketing information company Kantar Media. Spending for the first
nine months of the year grew 3.8% year-over-year, to $101.3 billion.
RRD Moves to MidCap 400 Index
Garmin to replace R.R. Donnelly in S & P 500:
Garmin Ltd., a maker of navigation devices, will join the benchmark S&P 500 index after the close of trading on Dec. 11.
Garmin is replacing R.R. Donnelley, which is moving to the MidCap 400 index.
Standard & Poor's said Wednesday that R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co. is replacing Medicis Pharmaceutical, which is being acquired by Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc.
R.R. Donnelley, which provides integrated communications services, has a market cap of about $1.68 billion. Garmin's market cap is about $7.78 billion.
Garmin Ltd., a maker of navigation devices, will join the benchmark S&P 500 index after the close of trading on Dec. 11.
Garmin is replacing R.R. Donnelley, which is moving to the MidCap 400 index.
Standard & Poor's said Wednesday that R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co. is replacing Medicis Pharmaceutical, which is being acquired by Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc.
R.R. Donnelley, which provides integrated communications services, has a market cap of about $1.68 billion. Garmin's market cap is about $7.78 billion.
Zinio Undergoes Executive Shuffle
Zinio Undergoes Executive Shuffle, New Strategic Focus:
Zinio, a digital magazine newsstand and reading platform, has shaken up its leadership team by naming a new CEO and president and forming a board of directors. The appointments come on the heels of a review done by investment bank Montgomery & Co. earlier this year and signal a strategic shift from a product-centric operation to a more customer-focused business plan.As a result of the changes, co-founder and CEO Rich Maggiotto has been named chief innovation officer. Meanwhile, Rusty Lewis will become CEO and Michelle Bottomley has been named president.
Zinio, a digital magazine newsstand and reading platform, has shaken up its leadership team by naming a new CEO and president and forming a board of directors. The appointments come on the heels of a review done by investment bank Montgomery & Co. earlier this year and signal a strategic shift from a product-centric operation to a more customer-focused business plan.As a result of the changes, co-founder and CEO Rich Maggiotto has been named chief innovation officer. Meanwhile, Rusty Lewis will become CEO and Michelle Bottomley has been named president.
Survey Respondents Support "Do Not Mail"
Survey Finds Majority of Americans Support "Do Not Mail": A survey 81% of Americans support a Do Not Mail initiative. The authors suggest their findings serve as a wake-up call to markets and the USPS to find ways to address consumers concerns while preserving the fundamental service provided by the USPS.
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