Jim Tierney

There has been considerable discussion about the Flats Sequencing System (FSS) that was set to revolutionize the efficiency of the U.S. Postal Service. Massive mail volume declines have contributed to the quite unspectacular performance so far in the brief FSS history.

During last month’s National Catalog Forum presented by the American Catalog Mailers Association, some ACMA members toured the Dulles (Va.) Processing and Distribution Center for an up close view of the FSS network. They reported back to membership their uninspiring findings. more

The Vietnam War has long been over, but the image and message from “Hanoi Jane” Fonda resonates enough today in the thoughts and minds of executives at the QVC home shopping network. The two-time Academy Award-winning actress was scheduled to appear on QVC over the weekend to promote a new book of hers, but apparently Fonda thinks her incendiary political views from yesteryear still haunt her.

According to Fonda, QVC banished her from the show due to her politics.

You be the judge.

Ninety-four people attended the fourth annual National Catalog Forum presented by the American Catalog Mailers Association June 21-22 in Washington, D.C. The good news is attendance rose 40%, including 45 first-timers, compared to last year.

The bad news? The figure represents about 2% of the catalogers in the U.S.

“I was surprised that so few of the catalogers in our industry have participated in the ACMA,” says Chris Smith, vice president of ecommerce and catalog for Jockey International. “I am not sure whether the association is too focused — other catalogers may be part of larger multichannel retailers and therefore work with more broad-based organizations — or if it’s an issue of lack of awareness. Either way, if you are mailing catalogs, the ACMA is helping you stay in business.” more

Most catalogers who attended the National Catalog Forum in Washington June 21-22 praised Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe after he told attendees he won’t push for an exigent rate increase for Standard Mail flats – the category affecting most catalogers.

Donahoe, who made his remarks at the fourth annual National Catalog Forum held by the American Catalog Mailers Association, earned high marks in the eyes of attendees. But catalogers remain cautiously optimistic. Here’s what some of the attendees said about Donahoe: more

Postmaster General Pat Donahoe admits he’s an eternal optimist. So much so that he firmly believes the U.S. Postal Service will emerge from its ongoing financial turmoil a leaner, more efficient and profitable agency.

During the fourth annual National Catalog Forum June 21-22 in Washington, D.C. – presented by the American Catalog Mailers Association – Donahoe shared a favorite joke of his that was Ronald Reagan’s favorite as well. more

Father’s Day presented a perfect — albeit on a smaller scale – example of customer service and how to successfully operate a business.

My wife, daughter, and I went out for breakfast where we live in Wallingford, CT to a place called “Dad’s”, appropriately named for the occasion. We have been there before and the food is excellent, but the service and welcome feeling you receive from the staff is what sets it apart. more