Paperclips Blog | Pricing Results

10.22.2012
Potlatch Reports Third Quarter 2012 Results

Potlatch Corporation today reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2012.

"We are very pleased with our strong third quarter operating results, which exceeded our expectations. The stronger than anticipated demand for manufactured wood products that began in the first quarter has continued through the third quarter. Our Wood Products segment has now had two consecutive quarters of their highest quarterly operating income in over five years," said Michael Covey, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Potlatch Corporation. "The improved lumber markets are also having a positive effect on prices for our Resource segment, primarily in Idaho. The results from our Resource segment increased in the third quarter due to increased harvest levels related to seasonal factors, along with the improved prices. Our Real Estate segment continues to perform well, having closed 28 sales transactions during the third quarter and 124 on a year-to-date basis," concluded Mr. Covey.

Q3 2012 Financial Summary
• Total consolidated revenues for the quarter were $151.9 million, compared to $152.9 million in Q3 2011 and $117.5 million in Q2 2012.
• Net income for the quarter was $18.6 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, compared to $25.6 million, or $0.63 per diluted share in Q3 2011 and $5.1 million, or $0.13 per diluted share in Q2 2012.
• EBITDDA was $37.0 million for Q3 2012, compared to $44.8 million in Q3 2011 and $22.6 million in Q2 2012.

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10.22.2012
Gannett acquires Rovion

Gannett Co., Inc. today announced it acquired Rovion, a Boston-based, rich-media advertising company, which is owned by Local Corporation. Rovion's primary product, Ad Composer, includes a self-service technology platform that enables the full development and deployment of rich media and mobile HTML5 ads without requiring coding expertise.

Advertisers and agencies are increasingly demanding mobile rich media ad solutions and self-service ad creation tools, and the Rovion acquisition will enable Gannett's PointRoll, a leading provider of digital marketing solutions and technology, to expand their mobile and self-service platform capabilities.

Rovion will be part of the Gannett Digital organization under PointRoll, with all Gannett divisions leveraging the Rovion platform capabilities.

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10.19.2012
UPM Ranked in the Nordic Climate Change Disclosure Index with Top Scores

UPM has received high scores for its climate change disclosure in the Nordic Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index. The index is compiled annually by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). UPM was ranked in shared first place in the index with top scores: 98 points out of 100. UPM is featured in the index for the fourth consecutive year.

In the Nordic Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index high scores indicate good internal data management and understanding of climate change related issues affecting the company. The index highlights companies within the Nordic stock exchanges which have displayed the most professional approach to corporate governance in respect of climate change disclosure practices.

As the Biofore company, UPM provides sustainable products made from renewable and recyclable raw materials using low-carbon energy sources. UPM is constantly developing new solutions to respond the growing demand for carbon neutral products and renewable energy sources.

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10.19.2012
Industry Sales Growth Slowing in 2012, According to ‘Print Market Update’

According to Printing Industries of America’s 208 “Print Market Update” survey panelists, printing industry sales have increased by 2.3 percent year-to-date in 2012. By comparison, the U.S. Census Bureau reports year-to-date 2012 shipments on a nominal unadjusted basis declined 2.2 percent. While still a decline, that is an improvement from the first quarter’s 3.9 percent decline.

Since the first quarter of 2011, both our survey panel and the U.S. Census Bureau reported print sales weakening.

For the past few quarters, the majority of industry growth was generated from larger firms. When calculating the percent change in industry sales, Printing Industries of America panel members with more than 100 employees are give a higher weight because these firms generate more than 60 percent of industry sales.

Since the fourth quarter of 2011, there has been a noticeable a trend—larger firms reporting sales growth declining each quarter, from a high of 5.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011 to a low of 2.1 percent in the current quarter. This slowdown in sales growth rate for larger firms is the main reason why the panel’s year-to-date sales increase has declined from 2.6 percent last quarter to 2.3 percent this quarter.

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10.19.2012
Mag Bag: Ad Pages Continue To Fall

2012 is shaping up to be another lousy year for consumer magazines, at least as far as print advertising is concerned. According to the latest quarterly tally from the Publishers Information Bureau, total ad pages fell 8% to 36,059 in the third quarter of this year. That follows similar declines in the first and second quarters of the year; in the first nine months of 2012, ad pages are down 8.6% to 110,843.

Out of 216 titles tracked by PIB, 153 experienced declines in ad pages in the third quarter, including 88 which experienced declines of 10% or more, and 41 which experienced declines of 20% or more.

Women’s interest titles were especially hard hit. In the domestic category, Ladies’ Home Journal fell 33.3% to 155; Martha Stewart Living 32.3% to 153;Good Housekeeping 16% to 277; and Family Circle 12.2% to 299. In women’s lifestyles, Redbook fell 29.5% to 238, while Cosmopolitan slipped 10.8% to 355. In the celebrity category, In Touch Weekly fell 20.9% to 135; Life & Style Weekly 19% to 97; Entertainment Weekly 12.5% to 231; and People 11.7% to 719.Glamour was down 16.7% to 320, and shopping mag Lucky tumbled 27.4% to 214.

Newsweeklies also took their hits, with Time down 15.4% to 244, The Economist down 12.5% to 325, and Newsweek (whose print edition will close at the end of the year) down 9.4% to 165. Among business titles, Entrepreneur slid 15.7% to 171;Bloomberg Businessweek 14.3% to 292; Inc. 12.4% to 146; Fortune 11.7% to 371; and Money 11.4% to 123.
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10.19.2012
Glatfelter Comments on Mill Fire in Scaer, France

P. H. Glatfelter announced today that it has completed a preliminary assessment of the damage resulting from an October 14th fire at its paper mill in Scaer, France. The fire damaged the electrical system primarily servicing paper machine #3 and certain mill infrastructure. There were no injuries or environmental impact to report. While the initial inspection of the mill’s two paper machines indicates there was no damage, it may take several weeks to restart the machines following the restoration of electrical equipment and completion of clean up activities. Paper machine #4 is expected to be down approximately 3-4 weeks and paper machine #3 approximately 6-8 weeks.

The finishing and shipping operations were not impacted by the incident. Shipment of customer orders resumed within 24 hours and on site inventories are adequate to satisfy orders through mid-November. Given the flexibility of its assets and mill production systems, and available capacity at other Company facilities to meet production needs, the Company expects no interruption in its ability to supply customers.

An assessment of the costs for the impact of inventory loss, equipment damage, and clean up costs is underway. Based on its preliminary assessment, the Company expects no significant financial impact from this incident as it is expected to be covered by insurance, subject to a deductible of $0.5 million. However, there may be an impact to fourth quarter results due to downtime and the timing of recording costs associated with the fire versus recognition of the insurance recovery under the applicable accounting standards.

The Scaer mill produces specialty papers and wet-laid nonwovens on two inclined wire paper machines for the food and beverage markets as well as technical specialty paper grades. Approximately 130 Glatfelter employees work in this mill.

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10.19.2012
EFI Reports Third Quarter 2012 Results

Electronics For Imaging, Inc., a world leader in customer-focused digital printing innovation, today announced its results for the third quarter of 2012.

For the quarter ended September 30, 2012, the Company reported revenue of $154.1 million, up 5% compared to third quarter 2011 revenue of $147.3 million. Third quarter 2012 non-GAAP net income was $13.3 million or $0.28 per diluted share compared to non-GAAP net income of $11.6 million or $0.25 per diluted share for the same period in 2011. GAAP net income was $13.4 million or $0.28 per diluted share, compared to $6.1 million or $0.13 per diluted share for the same period in 2011.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company reported revenue of $478.0 million, up 12% year-over-year compared to $428.5 million for the same period in 2011. Non-GAAP net income was $41.7 million or $0.87 per diluted share, compared to non-GAAP net income of $36.4 million or $0.76 per diluted share for the same period in 2011. GAAP net income was $26.7 million or $0.56 per diluted share, compared to GAAP net income of $16.0 million or $0.34 per diluted share for the same period in 2011.
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10.19.2012
AAA Fuel Gage & Exchange Rates

AAA’s Fuel Gage Report as of 10/19/12
National Unleaded Regular:
Current Average - $3.715/gallon
Month Ago Average - $3.854/gallon
Year Ago Average - $3.474/gallon
Highest Recorded Average - $4.114/gallon on 7/17/08
Diesel:
Current Average - $4.131/gallon
Month Ago Average - $4.123/gallon
Year Ago Average - $3.838/gallon
Highest Recorded Average - $4.845/gallon on 7/17/08

Current Exchange Rates as of 10/19/12
American Dollar to Canadian Dollar = 1.012667
American Dollar to Chinese Yuan = 0.159885
American Dollar to Euro = 1.304319
American Dollar to Japanese Yen = 0.012630
American Dollar to Mexican Peso = 0.077734

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10.19.2012
Oil Heads for Weekly Gain as TransCanada Shuts Keystone

Oil headed for a second weekly gain in New York after TransCanada (TRP) Corp. shut its Keystone pipeline for repairs, disrupting crude supplies to the U.S. Midwest.

Futures rose as much as 0.2 percent, extending the longest run in more than a decade of daily price moves of less than 25 cents. Crude pared a decline of as much as 1.6 percent yesterday after TransCanada shut the 590,000 barrel-a-day link for three days, saying it found a “small anomaly” in a section running from Missouri to Illinois. Improving U.S. fuel demand is being met by rising local supplies, a government report this week showed. The latest U.S. growth data were mixed.

“The macro-economic side is not showing big enough figures to pull the market up significantly,” Thina Saltvedt, an analyst at Nordea Bank AB, said by telephone from Oslo. “Any move upwards will be driven by the political risk increasing or further supply disruptions such as the pipeline in the U.S. having to close for three days.”

Crude for November delivery was little changed at $92.09 a barrel, in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange at 12:09 p.m. London time.

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10.19.2012
Bertelsmann and Jahr Holding to Remain Joint Shareholders of Gruner + Jahr

Over the course of their discussions on the future direction of Gruner + Jahr, Bertelsmann and the Jahr holding have arrived at a mutual agreement that they will continue to jointly develop Europe's largest magazine publishing house going forward. The proportion of shares in the Gruner + Jahr AG & Co KG will remain unchanged.

Thomas Rabe, Bertelsmann's CEO, said: “Bertelsmann will continue its over 40 years of successful cooperation with the Jahr family. We will expand G+J’s strong position in the media business, promote the digitization of its content and brands, and provide the necessary resources. Bertelsmann remains committed to quality journalism as a core business.”

Winfried Steeger, Managing Director of Jahr Holding GmbH & Co. KG, says: “In our intensive and constructive talks with Bertelsmann, we came to the conclusion that the challenges ahead for G+J can best be mastered together. Both partners have known the publishing house for a long time, trust each other, and will lead G+J into a good and successful future.”

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10.19.2012
MWV Will Acquire Ruby Macons Ltd. to Accelerate India Growth Strategy

MeadWestvaco Corporation, a global leader in packaging and packaging solutions today announced a definitive agreement with Mr. Alibhai Nathani and family to purchase Ruby Macons Limited (“Ruby Macons”), India’s top producer of corrugated packaging materials and a leader in the country’s growing industrial packaging industry. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“The acquisition of Ruby Macons extends our participation in India, strengthening our presence in a market that we have targeted for profitable growth,” said John A. Luke, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer, MWV. “The Nathani family and the Ruby Macons leadership team have built a very successful business and established a best-in-class operation that boasts advantaged operational and technical leadership, strong brand awareness and reputation among converters and brand owners, a highly efficient capital model and an advantaged geographic location within India in Vapi, Gujarat. The addition of Ruby Macons boosts our ability to grow profitably in India by bringing their leading local position and capabilities in packaging materials together with our global expertise and innovation capabilities.”

“We are pleased to welcome Ruby Macons to the MWV family and are very excited about the profitable growth opportunities this acquisition creates,” concluded Luke.

Ruby Macons is the market leader in corrugated packaging materials in India, producing greater than 150,000 tons annually with significant capacity expansion underway. Founded and managed by the Nathani family since 1986, Ruby Macons’ revenues were approximately $80 million over the last 12 months with double digit operating margins and strong return on capital. The company has achieved greater than 20 percent average growth over the last several years and is poised for significant future profitable growth through the expansion plans underway.

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10.19.2012
'Newsweek' Kills Its Print Edition

Saying that "we have reached a tipping point at which we can most efficiently and effectively reach our readers in all-digital format," editor Tina Brown announced this morning that Newsweek's Dec. 31 issue will be its last print edition.

Going forward, she said: "Newsweek will expand its rapidly growing tablet and online presence, as well as its successful global partnerships and events business.

"Newsweek Global, as the all-digital publication will be named, will be a single, worldwide edition targeted for a highly mobile, opinion-leading audience who want to learn about world events in a sophisticated context. Newsweek Global will be supported by paid subscription and will be available through e-readers for both tablet and the Web, with select content available on The Daily Beast."

Brown closes by saying: "Exiting print is an extremely difficult moment for all of us who love the romance of print and the unique weekly camaraderie of those hectic hours before the close on Friday night. But as we head for the 80th anniversary of Newsweek next year we must sustain the journalism that gives the magazine its purpose—and embrace the all-digital future."

It was just two years ago that entrepreneur Sidney Harman bought Newsweek from The Washington Post Co. at effectively no cost. It was then merged with The Daily Beast. As news analyst James Fallows told NPR at the time, news magazines "were invented to fill a need that no longer exists — to try to connect readers across the country who didn't have access to good, daily newspapers."

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10.19.2012
Postal Service barred from borrowing more

The cash-strapped U.S. Postal Service has reached its $15 billion debt limit as capped by Congress and is barred from borrowing more.

The Postal Service hit the cap on Sept. 28, a spokesman confirmed, reinforcing the fact that its cash reserves are running dangerously low.

To run its business, the Postal Service can only borrow money from the U.S. Treasury, as opposed to private banks. Congress has barred the Treasury from lending it more than $15 billion at one time.

With people cutting back on snail mail, the post office has faced a survival crisis in recent years. If Congress doesn't act soon, the service could face insolvency this spring.

"Our liquidity concerns are ongoing now, and especially as we get into the second half of the current fiscal year," said David Partenheimer, a spokesman for the Postal Service. The crunch time could kick in sometime between next April through the end of September 2013.

The Postal Service has been borrowing billions of dollars from taxpayers in recent years to make up shortfalls caused by declining mail volumes and a 2006 congressional mandate to prefund retirement health care benefits. It reported a $5.2 billion loss for the quarter ended June 30.

The agency will have enough money to keep running and pay its employees and contractors for a few months due to the influx of election mail and holiday season mail.

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10.18.2012
UPM Kymi Mills New Sheeting Line Has Started

The expansion of UPM Kymi mill’s converting department has now been concluded, and the production of coated fine paper sheets has started. The new sheeting line was taken into use 25 September and the first sheets have already been delivered to customers.

The aim of the new sheeting line is to serve UPM’s customers in close-by markets faster, better and more flexibly than before, and to support the production efficiency of the integrated mill site. The investment has also positive employment effects since the new sheeting line has created 24 new jobs.

“Our customers value consistent quality, therefore the quality and the interchangeability with UPM Nordland paper mill’s products is crucial for Kymi mill’s new sheeting production. Also the wrapping is of great importance; it has to protect the paper during handling and transportation,” commented Matti Laaksonen, Production Director, UPM Kymi paper mill.

The product portfolio consists of UPM Finesse gloss, premium silk and silk in 90-150 g/m2. The coated UPM Finesse fine paper sheets are excellent for various graphic printing purposes, such as magazines, prestigious catalogues and advertising materials.

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10.18.2012
Sonoco Reports Third Quarter 2012 Results

Sonoco, one of the largest diversified global packaging companies, today reported financial results for its 2012 third quarter, ending September 30, 2012.

Third Quarter Highlights
•Third quarter 2012 GAAP earnings per diluted share were $.57, compared with $.76 in 2011.
•Third quarter 2012 GAAP results include a $.02 per diluted share net benefit stemming from gains on the sale of previously closed facilities and insurance recoveries, partially offset by charges related to previously announced restructuring activities. Third quarter 2011 GAAP results included a $.10 per diluted share gain from a net release of valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, partially offset by restructuring charges and acquisition expenses.
•Base net income attributable to Sonoco (base earnings) for third quarter 2012 was $.55 per diluted share, compared with $.66 in 2011. (See base earnings definition and reconciliation later in this release.) Sonoco previously provided reduced third quarter base earnings guidance of $.51 to $.53 per diluted share.
•Third quarter 2012 net sales were a record $1.20 billion, up 6 percent, compared with $1.12 billion in 2011.

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10.18.2012
Crown Holdings Reports Third Quarter 2012 Results

Crown Holdings, Inc. today announced its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2012.

Third Quarter Highlights: •Income per diluted share $2.20; Before Certain Items $1.00 •Global beverage can volumes up 5% •Beverage can production begins at new plant in Heshan, China

Net sales in the third quarter were $2,302 million compared to $2,423 million in the third quarter of 2011 and reflect a decrease of $106 million due to unfavorable currency translation.

Third quarter gross profit was $369 million compared to $396 million in the 2011 third quarter, reflecting $16 million of unfavorable foreign currency translation.

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10.18.2012
Global Paper and Board Production Reached Record Level in 2011

Positive growth in Asia, Latin America, Oceania and the Middle East allowed global paper and board production to reach a new record level of 399 million metric tonnes in 2011, despite declining production in North America, Europe and Africa, according to the 2012 Annual Review of Global Pulp & Paper Statistics published by RISI.

"For the third year in a row, China took the top spot for both demand and production of total paper and board, with the US remaining in second place. China accounted for 24% of world demand and 25% of global production of total paper and board in 2011," said Kevin Conley, Senior Economist of World Graphic Paper at RISI.

"In terms of pulp production, however, the United States remained the top pulp producing country in the world with 49.7 million metric tonnes in 2011. China came in second producing 19.5 million metric tonnes," Conley added.

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10.18.2012
NRF survey details holiday spending plans

Most consumers will take a conservative approach with their holiday gift-giving budgets, according to NRF’s holiday consumer spending survey conducted by BIGinsight. The average holiday shopper will spend $749.51 on gifts, décor, greeting cards and more, up slightly from the $740.57 they spent last year. NRF forecasts that holiday sales will increase 4.1% to $586.1 billion.

According to the survey, consumers will spend a considerable amount of time in stores and online this year looking for the best deal. Nearly two-thirds (65.3%) will shop at discount stores and more than half (57.8%) will shop at department stores. Clothing stores (36.2%), electronics stores (31.8%) and specialty stores (16.7%) will be popular with holiday shoppers as well. Grocery stores will also see increased foot traffic – 51.8% will shop at a grocery store for holiday items, up from 48.8% last year.

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10.18.2012
'Forbes' Reports 50% Of Revs From Digital

While the tipping point was predicted a few years ago, 2012 is the year. For the first time, half of Forbes, Inc.’s revenues will come from its digital businesses, according to Meredith Levien, the business media company’s chief revenue officer.

In a conversation at the American Magazine Conference, Levien was quick to point out that this proportional increase isn’t a result of shrinkage on the print side. Forbes' print revenues are also up, thanks to a 12.5% increase in ad pages in the first nine months of the year, per the Publishers Information Bureau.

That compares favorably with rivals in the business category like Fortune, down 2.4% in the same period; Inc., down 6%; and Money, down 6.4%. (For the magazine business as a whole, ad pages are down 8.6% in the first three quarters.)

Forbes’ digital revenues are up 27% through the month of August.
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10.18.2012
U.S. Postal Service will test same-day delivery for e-retailers

The U.S. Postal Service will test same-delivery of products from selected e-retailers, according to a recent filing with the Postal Regulatory Commission. The test of the Metro Post will take place in an undisclosed metropolitan area, start around Nov. 12 and could last a year or more.

To receive same-day deliveries, consumers would have to make purchases from participating online retailers between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., with USPS personnel picking up the packages after 3 p.m., the filing says. Delivery to consumers will take place between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. The filing says the postal service plans to deliver no more than 200 packages a day during the “initial period of the market test.” The USPS did not name the retailers that would participate.

Nor did the filing disclose pricing, but it did note that the charge would be more than $2.70, or six times the price of a first-class stamp, which is 45 cents. The filing also stated, “The prices offered by competitors for same-day delivery typically fall within the price range that the Postal Service intends to test.”
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10.18.2012
AMC Day 2: Reality Sets In Around Print Challenges

Despite the pains Mary Berner, the MPA’s new CEO, took to defend magazines' place in the content hierarchy, speakers on day two of the American Magazine Conference (AMC) offered a grim future for print.

One of the first speakers of the day—Ben Horowitz, technology entrepreneur and co-founder of venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz—suggested that print will likely vanish completely as today’s younger consumers become the dominant generation.

“Babies born now will never read anything in print,” he told the audience of publishing executives. “At the same time, people in their 40s and 50s will never stop reading print.”

“Face the reality that print will eventually go away," he added.

Horowitz, who was being interviewed by Norman Pearlstine, chief content officer for Bloomberg LP and chairman of Bloomberg Businessweek, said that older audiences are passing away and people born in 2012 and beyond, will never be print enthusiasts, essentially cementing the end of an era.

“There is going to be a new business for us,” said Horowitz. “Anytime you change businesses, or go into the innovation business, the horrifying thing about it is you think you’re right but you don’t really know—you may well fail.”

Due to the extreme rate of change, Horowitz said, there is a great deal of room for innovation, something the media industry is just beginning to grapple with, since, he says, there hasn’t been a large change in print media since the introduction of the printing press.

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10.18.2012
Crown Recognized for Metal Packaging Contributions to the Craft Brew Industry

CROWN Beverage Packaging North America, a business unit of Crown Holdings, Inc., received the ‘Most Cantacular Award’ for 2012, from Sly Fox Brewing Co., of Pottstown, PA. The award salutes the companies, people and places that help advance the packaging of craft beer in cans and was presented at the Sly Fox Brewing Company’s Can Jam festival.

“As craft brewing continues to expand in the United States, so do the opportunities brands have to use packaging to stand out on the shelf,” said Brian O’Reilly, Brewmaster, Sly Fox Brewing Company. “Cans enhance the quality of beer, and they give brewers a chance to differentiate their brand through packaging. Crown has demonstrated enthusiasm and professionalism when it comes to helping breweries convert to cans and leverage the format to create new drinking occasions and help grow sales.”

Sly Fox became the first craft brewery in the Mid-Atlantic region to package its beer in cans in 2006 and the awarding of a Gold Medal to Sly Fox Pikeland Pilsner at the 2007 Great American Beer Festival in Denver marked the first time a GABF medal of any sort was won by a canned craft beer.

Events like Cantacular reflect the craft brewing industry’s increasing awareness of the benefits that metal packaging has to offer. Cans do not shatter, providing better physical protection for the craft beer versus alternative formats, as well as protecting the flavor of the beer by not allowing light or air to enter the package. Cans help protect the integrity of the brand and are also easy to pack, portable, and take up less space than packaging alternatives. In addition, environmentally-conscious shoppers can rest easy, knowing that metal is 100% and infinitely recyclable.
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10.18.2012
Haynes Publishing sidesteps Amazon to independently publish its first range of eBooks

Haynes Publishing is launching its first range of eBooks, and interestingly is bypassing the ‘traditional’ means of selling them such as Amazon and Kobo, opting to sell them independently through its own website, reports The Bookseller.

While the UK-based publisher produces books across a broad range of subjects, it has carved a sizable niche for itself since the 1960s, with its range of illustrated Haynes Manuals aimed specifically at those seeking to do a little bit of DIY car-maintenance.

Now, the company will be coming into the 21st century with a range of titles published in the open eBook standard ePub format, and will see the books landing on iPads, Sony e-readers, Android and other compatible devices.

At launch, available titles will include Bernie Ecclestone biography, Bernie; and Formula 1 title Memories of Senna, though a range of non-fiction titles are available now.
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10.18.2012
Crude Trades Near 1-Week High on China Optimism

Oil traded close to a one week-high after industrial output and retail sales accelerated last month in China, the world’s second-biggest crude consumer.

West Texas Intermediate futures were little changed after closing at the highest since Oct. 9. China’s industrial production increased 9.2 percent in September and retail sales rose the most since March, the National Bureau of Statistics said in Beijing today. The physical oil market is tight, according to Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

“The China numbers are in line with what people expected, so that’s the good news,” said Andy Sommer, a senior oil analyst at Axpo Trading AG in Dietikon, Switzerland, who predicts Brent crude will trade at $112 a barrel by year-end. “Chinese officials suggested fourth-quarter growth would be better, which is hopeful for demand.”

Crude for November delivery was at $92.01 a barrel, down 11 cents, in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange at 11:34 a.m. London time. The contract closed yesterday at $92.12.

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10.18.2012
ABM Postal Counsel: Average periodical rate will increase 2.56% in 2013

In an email this week, Jack Widener, ABM’s postal counsel, advised that the Postal Service filed price changes for 2013 with the Postal Regulatory Commission, including an overall price increase of 2.56 percent for periodicals. The increase, pending approval, will take effect on Jan. 27. Widener notes that a publication’s actual increase will vary due to the more than 100 rate cells used to determine periodical postage (many cells receive different percentage increases).

Periodicals consist of two subclasses. The first subclass includes Outside County publications (increasing, on average, 2.55 percent), which Widener says most ABM members fall into. The second subclass includes Within County publications (which will report a 2.91 percent increase). To qualify for Within County rates, a publication must publish less than 10,000 copies or have more than 50 percent of its circulation distributed within the county of publication. Within County revenues account for only about $70 million of the $1.8 billion in periodical revenues.

“The Postal Service, in its rate filing to the Postal Regulatory Commission, recognized the value of periodicals to the public,” says Jack Widener. “They went on to say that in spite of being underwater (not covering its costs) the Postal Service was cognizant of periodicals’ value to the public when making its pricing decisions.”

The USPS is encouraging efficiency and containerization. Widener notes that smaller publications have more challenges using containerization, such as pallets, but says “USPS is being sensitive by keeping rate increases within a reasonable level for smaller publications who can’t fully utilize those efficiencies.”

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10.18.2012
Announcing Whispercast for Kindle–A Free Self-Service Tool for Schools and Businesses

Amazon.com, Inc. today announced “Whispercast for Kindle,” giving schools and business customers a simple, scalable online tool for deploying Kindle devices and Kindle content. Whispercast provides a single access point to easily purchase and distribute Kindle books and documents for educational, marketing and employee incentive programs across Kindle devices and free Kindle reading applications for iPad, iPhone, Android phones and tablets, PCs and Macs. In the coming months, Whispercast will support distribution of Kindle Fire applications. Whispercast works with Kindle e-readers and Kindle Fire tablets, including the recently announced $69 Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Paperwhite 3G, Kindle Fire, Kindle Fire HD, Kindle Fire HD 8.9” and Kindle Fire HD 8.9” 4G LTE. To learn more about Whispercast, visit http://whispercast.amazon.com.

“Hundreds of thousands of students around the world are already reading on Kindle,” said Dave Limp, Vice President, Amazon Kindle. “Today, we are announcing Whispercast, a free, scalable solution for school and business administrators to centrally manage thousands of Kindles and wirelessly distribute Kindle books as well as their own documents to their users. Organizations can also design bring-your-own-device programs at school or work using personally-owned Kindles, Kindle Fires, and other tablets using the free Kindle reading applications for receiving content.”

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10.18.2012
American Forest & Paper Association Releases September 2012 Containerboard Statistics Report

The American Forest & Paper Association released its September 2012 U. S. Containerboard Statistics Report today.

Containerboard production fell 4.8 percent over August 2012 and 2.2 percent compared to same month last year. The month-over-month average daily production decreased 1.6 percent. The containerboard operating rate for September 2012 lost 1.5 points over August 2012, decreasing from 97.5 percent to 96 percent.

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10.18.2012
American Forest & Paper Association Releases September 2012 Kraft Paper Sector Report

The American Forest & Paper Association has released its September 2012 Kraft Paper Sector Report.

Total Kraft paper shipments were approximately 130,100 tons, a decrease of 2.2 percent compared to the prior month. Total inventory was approximately 77,900 tons in September. Unbleached Kraft shipments decreased, but bleached Kraft shipments increased year over year for the eighth month in 2012.

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10.18.2012
RR Donnelley Awarded $25 Million Multi-Year Agreement by Parke-Bell Ltd, Inc.

R. R. Donnelley & Sons Company today announced that it has been awarded a $25 million multi-year agreement by Parke-Bell Ltd, Inc. to provide prepress, printing, binding, and logistics services for the company's Touch of Class catalogs. Touch of Class is a leading multi-channel merchant of home décor and furnishings products. The agreement renews and expands the companies' relationship.

"Our customers trust Touch of Class to present a broad array of high quality products that will enhance the beauty, convenience and functionality of each room in their homes, so color reproduction in our catalogs is especially important," said Fred Bell, the company's CEO. "We believe that RR Donnelley's craftsmanship, prepress expertise and logistics resources will deliver exceptional value to Touch of Class as they help us bring our distinctive offering to our customers."

Under the terms of the agreement RR Donnelley will help to drive postage efficiencies for Touch of Class through its co-binding and co-mailing capabilities, both of which are designed to help customers take maximum advantage of the discounts offered by the USPS.

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10.17.2012
Printing Industries of America responds to environmental claims

In response to the recent increase in reporting that electronic media is more environmentally friendly than print, Printing Industries of America is fighting back, rebutting these statements, and expanding its efforts to actively promote the value of print.

Now more than ever, it is vital to communicate that printed products are both environmentally and socially responsible. To advance the core message that printing is vital and a sustainable form of communication, Printing Industries of America has developed and provided information and resources to help increase awareness about print.

These tools and resources can be found on this website. Learn more about how Printing Industries of America is championing print by clicking the link.

http://value.printing.org/page/9052

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10.17.2012
Japs-Olson Expands Its Direct Mail Capabilities

Japs-Olson Co., one of the country’s leading commercial printing and direct mail production companies, has dramatically expanded its direct mail commingling and mail tracking capabilities. The expansion is part of the company’s postal logistics program designed to help clients reduce their postage costs and improve mail delivery.

Japs-Olson’s commingling postal optimization platform automatically combines multiple direct mail streams into a single mail stream to provide the best postal savings.

“Postage is the single largest cost of any direct mail program and our clients expect us to manage these costs in the most effective manner possible,” said Japs-Olson’s CEO Mike Beddor. “Our expanded postal optimization program will enable more clients to enjoy greater postal savings with greater saturation, enhanced speed-to-market and in-home delivery. We continue to improve our systems in order to track client mail through the postal system to the point of delivery.”

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10.17.2012
Eastern Bag and Paper Group Takes on New Identity

The Eastern Bag and Paper Group said that they have changed the company name and now operate as EBP Supply Solutions.

"The rebranding — which includes the renaming, a new logo and an all-new website, EBPsupply.com — was more than a year in the making," the company said in a statement.

"We evolved our name to better convey the broader scope of our product base and to underscore our dedication to provide a range of unique solutions that help businesses thrive," said Meredith Reuben, CEO of EBP.

The new brand platform reinforces the customer-centric approach that EBP focuses on making supplies work harder, so customers can work smarter. The company not only offers supplies, but delivery, consulting, training, and equipment repair services as well.

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10.17.2012
The Newark Group Announces 2020 Sustainability Goals

The Newark Group today announced its 2020 Sustainability Goals. The goals, part of the company’s sustainability project that began in late 2010, align The Newark Group with AF&PA's Better Practices Better Planet 2020 goal and with the company’s personal objectives.

“The Newark Group was founded on the concept of sustainability so it is only natural that we continue to do our part to align with the goals of the AF&PA as well as live up to our own standards,” said Frank Papa, President and CEO.

“Our commitment to sustainability is unwavering and encompasses not only the sustainability of the environment, but also a commitment to sustainable business practices,” Papa added.

Among the stated goals of The Newark Group are:

a 10% reduction in energy use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions;
a 12% reduction in Water Use; a 15% reduction in Solid Waste and;
a 30% reduction in Incident Rate to lead to improved employee safety.

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10.17.2012
Boise Inc. ceases uncoated freesheet production at St. Helens mill

Boise Inc. announced today it will permanently cease production on the company’s one remaining paper machine (H2) at its St. Helens, Oregon, paper mill. The decision will reduce Boise’s annual uncoated freesheet capacity by almost 60,000 tons and result in a loss of approximately 100 jobs, primarily at the mill.

"This is a difficult but necessary decision to focus our efforts and resources on the products and machines elsewhere in our system that drive the financial performance and cash flow of our paper operations," said Alexander Toeldte, president and chief executive officer of Boise Inc. "Despite the dedication and hard work of our employees, we have concluded the machine cannot compete in the marketplace over the long-term. We thank all of our employees, customers, suppliers, and the community who have supported this operation over so many years. We will work closely with our customers and suppliers to ensure a smooth transition."

The company expects to stop production on the machine by December 31, 2012. Eligible salaried employees will be offered severance packages and outplacement assistance. Negotiations will be scheduled with the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers Union (AWPPW) Local 1 to determine the effect for union employees.

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10.17.2012
Oil Trades Near One-Week High on Bailout Optimism, U.S. Economy

Oil traded near the highest level in a week in New York on signs Germany may ease its resistance to a Spanish bailout and after industrial production rose more than forecast in the U.S., the world’s biggest crude consumer.

Futures were little changed after rising as much as 0.7 percent today. Two German lawmakers said the country is open to Spain seeking a precautionary credit line. Output at U.S. factories, mines and utilities rose 0.4 percent in September, twice as much as the median forecast of economists surveyed by Bloomberg News, data from the Federal Reserve in Washington showed yesterday.

“All the measures taken to show some progress in the European debt crisis should improve sentiment for commodities and for crude as well,” said Hannes Loacker, an analyst at Raiffeisen Bank International AG in Vienna, who predicts Brent crude will trade at about $114 a barrel at the end of the year.

Crude for November delivery was at $92.25 a barrel, up 16 cents, in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange at 11:33 a.m. London time.

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10.17.2012
SourceMedia turns to virtual reality for latest offering

Last week, SourceMedia’s Health Data Management brand premiered the Healthcare Innovation Center, a virtual experience showcasing the latest products and stories on new healthcare technologies. The Center, simulating virtual games like The Sims, is initially presented as a floor plan of a typical hospital. Visitors can click on any of the eight hospital units (Patient Room, ICU Unit, Emergency Department, Radiology, Surgery, Administration, Medical Records and Data Room) and find fully equipped rooms with cutting-edge products. Users can then click on products to get an overview, read articles, watch videos and more. The resource aims to give Health Data Management’s readers -- senior-level administrators, clinicians and IT staff -- an engrossing yet non-intrusive look into the hospitals of tomorrow.

“As publishers, we have an obligation to our readers to always come up with engaging ways to present content,” says Rob Whitaker, a SourceMedia senior vice president and group publisher. “We wanted an immersive environment that would let our readers ‘experience’ content. Unfortunately, that platform didn’t exist, so we started building it by bringing together the folks who had experience in different areas.”
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10.17.2012
Stagnito acquires Private Label magazine

Stagnito Media has acquired Private Label magazine from E.W. Williams Publications Co. and will marry the magazine with its own Progressive Grocers Store Brands to form a new publication, Private Label Store Brands (PLSB). The newly formed print magazine will take advantage of the trend of more consumers purchasing store brand products.

"With this merger, we'll produce an exciting new publication for the market, one that will appeal to a wider range of retailers and industry suppliers," said Steven Lichtenstein, vice president and group publisher of Stagnito Media, in a video statement. "Store Brands' highly strategic approach will perfectly complement Private Label's statistical and private-based information."

Accompanying the new publication is the creation of the website plstorebrands.com. Stagnito will also up the frequency of its e-newsletter Store Brands Strategies from weekly to daily. Lichtenstein, who will head the entire group, says the new publication will focus on "the why and how" rather than the "who and what," targeting senior-level management, purchasing and merchandising executives. The acquisition also included other Private Label products, including Private Label International and Private Label China.

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10.17.2012
Pearson acquires EmbanetCompass: expands capacity and extends leadership in fast-growing market for online learning

Pearson, the world’s leading learning company, is announcing today the acquisition of EmbanetCompass from an investor group led by Technology Crossover Ventures and Knowledge Universe, for $650m in cash.

EmbanetCompass partners with leading non-profit colleges and universities in North America to provide fully online learning solutions for more than 100 university programmes. It provides a full range of services including: programme design and development, marketing and student recruitment, faculty training and support, data-driven student retention and learning analytics; student services (counselling, tutoring, mentoring), technology support and launch funding.

Institutional services are one of the fastest growing areas of the US higher education market. Out of 6,700 degree-granting institutions in the US, approximately 175 institutions engage third-party vendors to power online programmes. Of a total post-secondary student population of 22 million, 2.5 million participate in purely online programmes with over 6 million taking at least one online course. Pearson believes the number of students learning online and the number of institutions serving those students will grow rapidly, as academic institutions seek low-risk and cost-effective ways to better serve new and existing customers by boosting student access, affordability, achievement and retention.
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10.16.2012
Trade Sales Rose 13% in January-June Period, AAP Says

Trade sales for the first six months of 2012 rose 13.1%, to $2.33 billion, according to figures released this morning by the Association of American Publishers as part of its StatShot program. Total industry sales were up 4.4% in the period, to $5.79 billion. The figures come from data from 1,186 companies.

Within trade, which the AAP classifies as including adult, children’s, religion and university press, the children’s/young adult segment had the strongest gain with sales up 40.7% boosted by strong sales of the Hunger Games trilogy. Adult fiction and nonfiction sales rose 8.3%, with the Fifty Shades series leading the way. Sales in the religion category were down 9.2%, while university press sales rose 5.5%.

By format, adult e-book sales jumped 34.4%, to $621.3 million at companies that report to AAP, moving e-books ahead of hardcover as the second largest adult format. Hardcover sales were up 2.1% in the first six months, to $556.2 million. Trade paperback remained the largest segment as sales rose 5.2%, to $720.8 million. The size of the mass market paperback business continued to shrink, however, with sales off 20.3%, to $198.9 million.

In the children’s segment, hardcover led the way among print formats with sales up 37.1% followed by paperback and board books which had gains of 12.9% and 12.7%, respectively in the period. Sales of e-books jumped 251%, to $146.4 million, a figure that trailed hardcover (sales of $387.4 million) and paperback ($266.4 million).

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10.16.2012
Asia Pulp & Paper Group (APP) Advances Sustainability Goals with ISO 26000 Standard

Asia Pulp & Paper Group (APP) has received an Advanced level rating in SGS’s independent assessment for ISO 26000 social responsibility standards, making it the first in its sector in Asia-Pacific to receive this recognition from leading independent global industry auditor Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS).

ISO 26000 is a set of globally recognized best-practice guidelines on organisational governance, labor practices, the environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues, community involvement and development. IKT achieved a level four verification, out of a possible five, giving it an Advanced status. The assessment is based on the SGS Performance Standard on ISO 26000.

“The objective of the SGS Performance ISO 26000 method is to identify how organizations can improve their performance in various areas of social responsibility. We are pleased to see that a corporation such as APP has chosen our method, and values continuous improvement, demonstrating commitment to internal and external stakeholders. Benchmarks and best practices in sustainable fields were provided to APP to enable a path of ongoing improvement and evaluation of performance," stated Mr. Guy Escarfail, Managing Director, SGS Indonesia.

This new Advanced designation compliments the APP Sustainability Roadmap Vision 2020 launched on June 5th. The Roadmap details the company’s path forward towards social and environmental best practices in sustainability. ISO 26000 guidelines align with the goals of the sustainability roadmap including human rights, employee welfare, and community empowerment.

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10.16.2012
Gannett Co., Inc. Reports Third Quarter Results Including Total Revenue Growth of 3 Percent and Net Income Growth of 33 Percent

Gannett Co., Inc., a leading international media and marketing solutions company, today reported strong third quarter financial results. Earnings per diluted share, on a GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) basis were $0.56 for the third quarter of 2012 compared to $0.41 for the third quarter last year. Excluding special items in 2012 and 2011, third quarter earnings per diluted share were $0.56 this year compared to $0.44 for the third quarter of 2011.

Net income attributable to Gannett totaled $133.1 million in the third quarter of 2012. Net income attributable to Gannett on a non-GAAP basis was $130.9 million, an increase of 23.3 percent from 2011. Reported operating income was $217.2 million in the third quarter of 2012. Non-GAAP operating income totaled $231.9 million, 12.1 percent higher than the third quarter last year. Operating cash flow in the quarter (a non-GAAP term defined as operating income plus special items, depreciation and amortization) was $280.4 million compared to $255.8 million in the third quarter a year ago.

Total operating revenues for the company in the third quarter were 3.4 percent higher than the prior year and totaled $1.31 billion. Broadcasting revenues were substantially higher in the quarter increasing 36.0 percent driven by significantly higher ad demand associated with the Olympics and political spending. Digital segment revenues were up 4.7 percent due primarily to revenue growth at CareerBuilder. Publishing segment revenues were 3.0 percent lower reflecting softer advertising demand partially offset by a 5.6 percent increase in circulation revenue due to the positive impact of the all access content subscription model.

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10.16.2012
“Magazine-Media” Industry Optimistic on Publishing’s Future at AMC

Mary Berner, the new CEO of MPA, set a feisty tone for the 2012 AMC right from the start. “I’m pissed because we have others hijacking our narrative,” Berner said in opening remarks here Monday morning. “By letting others hijack our story, it has become one of doom and gloom, demise and even death. And that conversation is affecting our business.”

Instead, Berner said, the magazine industry is well positioned to thrive, if it has the “balls and the chutzpah” to prevail. Changing the conversation, she said, “has to be faster, louder and with one strong freakin’ voice.”

Berner took the audience of 200-plus attendees through a quiz in which each multiple-choice question had one answer that told a negative gloom-and-doom story, and another that had the often much-happier reality.

For example, total magazine-audience numbers have increased by 4 percent since 2010, and there has been a 57 percent spike in the number of brands advertising on magazine media platforms (tablet, online and print) since 2010.

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10.16.2012
FiberMark Launches DigiScape™ - The PVC Free Digital Print Wall Covering

FiberMark, a manufacturer of specialty cellulose and synthetic fiber-based printing media, announces the availability of DigiScape™ PVC Free Digitally Printable wall covering. DigiScape is an environmentally responsible alternative to PVC wall covering products.

DigiScape is a 17 mil thick, 350 gsm, latex saturated, wet strength, commercial wall covering product. DigiScape is manufactured with a combination of 30% post-consumer waste cellulose fibers, virgin fibers, and synthetic fibers, making it strong and durable.

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10.16.2012
Live from DMA2012: DMA launches institute to challenge regulation of consumer data

The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) announced the launch of the Data-Driven Marketing Institute (DDMI) – an initiative put forth to provide research, consumer education, and advocacy to stand up to data-regulating legislation.

“There seems to be a lot of fear-mongering out there that's just inaccurate. There's just no other way to say it,” said DMA acting CEO and president Linda Woolley. “When the chairman of the FTC talks about going online and buying a deep fryer and having consumers be afraid that they're going to be denied health insurance, that's just flat wrong. We decided that it's time to correct some of these mis-characterizations and misapprehensions.”

Woolley said the DMA aims to devote more than one million dollars to the program and intends to implement lobbying efforts, research on consumer attitudes and economic impact, and tools and education regarding consumer online behavior. Woolley listed DMAchoice, a tool that allows consumers to opt out of receiving advertising mail, as an example of DMA's consumer assistance.

“We believe that consumers absolutely have the right to know what's going on and opt out if they don't want it,” Woolley said.

Woolley maintained that marketing with consumer data is not only good for the economy, but is also a way of life for consumers.

“The use of consumer's personal data is…something they expect, something they want, and something that is so ingrained in their lives,” she said. “Lots of parts of the economy are not growing. Not so with direct marketing." Woolley said that if consumers were overly concerned about their privacy, they would take more action.

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10.16.2012
Brent Premium Rises to One-Year High; WTI Crude Declines

Brent crude traded at the highest premium in a year to futures in New York amid concern that supplies from the North Sea and the Middle East will be disrupted and speculation U.S. stockpiles are increasing.

Brent in London climbed to as high as $24.28 a barrel more than West Texas Intermediate as WTI remained little changed near a three-day low. The European Union tightened sanctions on Iran’s energy exports, while Nexen Inc. (NXY) declined to give a specific date for resuming its Buzzard field in the North Sea after maintenance. Crude inventories in the U.S., the world’s biggest oil user, rose 1.5 million barrels last week, according to a Bloomberg News survey before a government report tomorrow.

“The Brent market has been inflated by declining North Sea production and hiccups in that production, like the recent problems with Buzzard,” said Christopher Bellew, a senior broker at Jefferies Bache Ltd. in London. “The price of WTI is also being distorted by the huge increase in U.S. domestic oil production.”

Crude for November delivery fell 32 cents to $91.53 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange at 10:38 a.m. London time.

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10.16.2012
Packaging Corporation of America Reports Third Quarter 2012 Results

Packaging Corporation of America today reported third quarter 2012 net income of $40 million, or $0.41 per share, which included after-tax charges of $13 million, or $0.14 per share, from debt refinancing charges. Net income, excluding these charges, was $53 million, or $0.55 per share, compared to third quarter 2011 net income of $43 million, or $0.43 per share, which excludes energy project asset disposal charges.

The $0.12 per share earnings increase, excluding special items, was driven by higher containerboard and corrugated products volume ($0.07), and lower costs for energy ($0.05), recycled fiber ($0.04) and chemicals ($0.02). These items were partially offset by higher costs for labor and benefits ($0.03), interest ($0.02) and depreciation ($0.02).

Excluding special items, net income for the first nine months of 2012 was a record $142 million, or $1.45 per share, compared to $122 million, or $1.21 per share, in 2011. This earnings increase of $0.24 per share was driven by higher containerboard and corrugated products volume ($0.23), lower costs for energy ($0.14), recycled fiber ($0.08) and chemicals ($0.05) and a lower share count from share repurchases ($0.04). These items were partially offset by higher costs for labor and benefits ($0.09), depreciation ($0.07), interest ($0.06) and transportation ($0.04), and lower export pricing ($0.05).

Net sales were a record $723 million, up 8% compared to the third quarter of 2011, and year-to-date net sales were a record $2.1 billion, up 7% over 2011.

Corrugated products shipments per workday were up 5.7%, including 3.1% from acquisitions, and were up 4.0% in total with one less shipping day this year. Outside sales of containerboard were up 8,000 tons over last year’s third quarter. Containerboard production was 670,000 tons, up 20,000 tons over the third quarter of 2011. Containerboard inventories at the end of September were 9,000 tons below second quarter levels.

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10.16.2012
UPM Finesse’s quality consistency recognized in PrintStars 2012

UPM Finesse workbook was selected as a finalist in the prestigious printing industry competition "PrintStars 2012” described as the innovation award of the German printing industry. The event took place in Stuttgart, Germany on October 9 and featured more than 420 participants and 900 companies that showed their best printed products. UPM was a finalist among 12 within the flyers, leaflets and brochure category.

UPM participated in the event by creating a printed product denominated "True consistency," a brochure consisting of 52 pages of impressive artwork, conceptualized and produced in partnership with Münich-based agency Pantos. The final work showcased a sophisticated printed product that suggests a wide variety of printing techniques options for those in the printing industry.

The "True Consistency" brochure is made of UPM Finesse paper, an exclusive wood-free coated paper renowned industry-wide for its consistent high quality.

The position of UPM Finesse as a high-quality paper is highlighted on the brochure’s image reproduction and pre-press, and from printing and finishing to bookbinding. The paint technique was of the highest technical level; hot and cold foil, iridescent pigments, special colours, embossing and die cuts were used to create an original and attractive workbook.

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10.16.2012
Ahlstrom revises its outlook for 2012 net sales and operating profit

Ahlstrom's sales volume development during the remainder of the year is expected to be weaker than the company had earlier estimated due to lower than expected demand in key markets. Demand has been reduced due to the continued slowdown especially in the economies in Europe. In addition, recovery in China has been delayed.

Ahlstrom anticipates that its net sales and operating profit excluding non-recurring items for 2012 will be lower than the company had previously estimated.

The company now expects its net sales from continuing operations to be between EUR 1,550-1,630 million and operating profit excluding non-recurring items from continuing operations to be EUR 48-58 million. Ahlstrom had previously forecast its 2012 net sales to be EUR 1,575-1,735 million and operating profit excluding non-recurring items to be EUR 60-80 million for 2012.

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10.16.2012
Traditional Home Magazine Named To "A-List" By Advertising Age

Meredith Corporation, the leading media and marketing company serving American women, today announced that Traditional Home, the largest upscale shelter magazine in America which celebrates the union of timeless design with modern living, has been named to Advertising Age's 2012 Magazine A-List.

Advertising Age said the following about Traditional Home:

"There's no reason to lie down in the face of a tough economy or challenges to print publishing. Take a look at Traditional Home, which is finding younger and richer readers with TradHome, a shoppable online magazine it created last year with all-digital shelter mag Lonny, and expanded to two issues this year. But Traditional Home is also succeeding in print, where ad pages in its January through October issues increased 11.5% while monthlies as a whole slipped, according to MIN. Its October ad pages were the highest for that month since 2008. Traditional Home also increased single-copy sales in a difficult newsstand environment."

"This A-list win for Traditional Home is a true reflection of our A-team's dedication and hard work over the past two years," said publisher Beth Fuchs Brenner. "It speaks to the relevance of traditions in our family lives, and the home as the nucleus of all we hold dear. We couldn't be more excited."

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10.16.2012
New GNP to celebrate one-year anniversary on Oct. 25

Gov. Paul LePage and his forest products advisor Rosaire Pelletier are among the key players who will be invited to help the new Great Northern Paper Co. LLC celebrate its one-year anniversary on Oct. 25, the company’s spokesman said.

“It is a great achievement, and the mill and its workers have earned a moment of celebration — particularly the workers,” spokesman Scott Tranchemontagne said Friday. “This is about congratulating them for their hard work and for all the extra work and moments where they have gone above and beyond over the first year.”

Other federal and state leaders, plus leaders from the Katahdin region, are among the invited guests, Tranchemontagne said.

“It is not lost on us that a lot of people came together to reopen this mill, and they should be recognized,” he said.

Today employing 272 workers, the mill is on-track to produce about 160,000 tons of newsprint and telephone directory paper with its No. 5 and 6 machines in 2012, company officials have said.

LePage culminated weeks of hard and largely secret work by his staff and local leaders and announced on Sept. 17, 2011 that Cate Street Capital of Portsmouth, N.H., had purchased the Main Street and Millinocket paper mills on undisclosed terms.

The deal was made final on Sept. 28 and the East Millinocket mill restarted on Oct. 17, 2011, with 215 workers, though its initial restart stopped a day or two later and was postponed by about a week due to mechanical problems.

The mill had a full year of orders and as of today has a confirmed 38- to 42-day order backlog for No. 6 and customer commitments to buy paper every 30 days or so for the rest of the year. The No. 5 machine runs three days a week, officials have said. The Millinocket mill, which has been shut down since September 2008, remains shuttered and company officials are not optimistic about its restart possibilities.
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