Bauer’s bet on making print a major part of the e-commerce funnel (thedrum.com)

Today the Postal Regulatory Commission approved the Postal Service’s planned price adjustments for First-Class Mail, USPS Marketing Mail, Periodicals, Package Services, and Special Services products. The Commission determined that the rates and related mail classification changes proposed by the Postal Service are consistent with 39 U.S.C. §§ 3622(d) and 3622(e), and may take effect as planned. The new prices, scheduled to take effect January 21, 2018, include a one-cent price increase for the Forever stamp from 49 cents to 50 cents. Postcards and metered letters will also increase by one cent from 34 cents to 35 cents and from 46 cents to 47 cents respectively. A complete listing of approved pricing and classification changes may be found on the Commission’s website, www.prc.gov in Docket No. R2018-1, Order No. 4215

The Great Lakes Graphics urges all industry members to read this message, act, and share with your industry network. These programs are critical to the future of the printing industry. The undergraduate Graphic Communications (GCOM) program at the University of Wisconsin-Stout prepares students for careers in the graphic communications industry. The hands-on major and minor cover the fundamentals of print production, including pre-press/premedia; color management; offset, digital, flexo and gravure print technologies; post-press/finishing processes; project management and estimating; marketing techniques; and business practices. UW-Stout campus leaders recently have announced the suspension of new admissions to the GCOM program for incoming freshmen effective Fall 2022. The GCOM program website now states the following: Admission to this program is suspended effective Fall 2022. A group of industry professionals, faculty and higher education consultants are working on revising the current curriculum to meet the printing industry needs. Courses for currently enrolled students who are pursuing a GCOM major or minor will continue to be offered.

Meredith Corporation announced its intention to raise $710 million aggregate principal amount of proposed new secured debt, subject to market and other conditions. A combination of cash on hand and proceeds of the new debt will be used to redeem all of its outstanding Series A preferred stock ("Series A Preferred Stock") and pay fees and expenses incurred in connection with the financing and redemption transactions. The company also announced it has secured an amendment with its revolving line of credit lenders allowing for greater access to the credit facility. "We believe these steps will create significant benefits for all of our stakeholders as we pursue our previously communicated strategy to ensure ample liquidity and enhance our financial flexibility," said Meredith President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Harty.