Big Mill, Big Changes... Meet the new Mohawk!

Was anyone else starting to feel like Mohawk had a million offerings? Well, they noticed too, and took time to make things easier for all of us... Introducing the new and improved Mohawk! They even have a new logo (get it, paper moves around cylinders in both papermaking and print) and a new website - www.mohawkconnects.com.

I'm not going to mention any names here, but some people have a tough time with change... Mohawk gets that too! They've made the transition process practically effortless with this awesome streamline tool that you can find here: http://www.mohawkconnects.com/streamline/finder. Tell it which Mohawk product you love and it will tell you which one to choose moving forward.

If that wasn't enough, wait until your CMP sales rep drops off your new swatch books. The days of eighteen inches of cabinet space are over, and you will find that simple and straightforward chip charts have taken their place. Oh, and don't worry, they didn't print the colors or anything, these chip charts are actual samples of the 'real deal' paper!

This last part isn't new to Mohawk, but it might be new to you; have you checked out the Mohawk Make Ready site? You can find all kinds of tools, articles, videos and presentations about digital print... If you haven't yet, click here: http://www.mohawkmakeready.com.

Hopefully this was helpful, and as always, suggestions are welcome!

New Blogger at CMP

Before I post our super-exciting CMP news, I want to take a second to introduce myself... As most of you know by now, Terri Spaulding is no longer with CMP. She made the jump to print sales at Diversified Data Services, and we wish her the best in her new adventure! You have all followed her for the past few years as the virtual face of CMP, and those are pretty big shoes to fill, but I will do my best!

My name is Danielle Parker, and I have been with CMP for exactly 6 years. I spent the first 5 1/2 in the sample department and I am now working in outside sales. One of my new customers summed it up pretty well by saying that professionally, CMP has raised me. One thing Terri and I definitley have in common is that like her, I am also a paper dork... From day one on the job, I have loved all things paper!

On the home front, I am a relatively new mother to an amazing 14 month old little girl :) A couple of years ago I would've had all kinds of hobbies and interests to list, but now things are a little different: Running > Jogging with a stroller; Music interests > Silly Songs & Sing Alongs; Making ceramics > Scribbling with crayons; James Patterson novels > Dr. Seuss books... You get the idea, and I couldn't be happier with my "new" life!

I look forward to keeping you in the loop about changes and news here at CMP and in the paper/print world! Suggestions for topics are always appreciated, as this is for you, so feel free to email me with ideas at DanielleP@cmpaper.com !

White Ink Technology. So What?

What is white ink technology and why do I care?

If you've ever asked yourself this question, let me make it simple for you. You care because you can now specify colored paper, as in dark, rich, beautiful, colored paper, for digital printers who have white ink technology.

Yes I said colored paper, with white ink. And you can print it digitally. See, it does matter to you.

When digital printing came into our world, those of us who love colored paper, heaved one collective sign of dismay. Gone were the days of using rich, bold colored paper to spread your message, especially if that message involved a small printed quantity. Everything digital since has been viewed by designers as having to think about putting color on white paper. Well, not any more. Not with white ink capabilities.

Times, they are a changing

With the availability of white ink technology in West Michigan, you now have the option to create an impression with colored paper.  Here is a link to a recent article in Print Magazine, explaining things from a designers point of view. For more information, and white ink technology tips, check with your local digital printer. When you are ready to choose some paper for your next digital job using white ink technology, contact us.

We would love to hook you up with the perfect colored paper for your next job!

Paper is vital.

paper is

There are some things we think a person should never be without, paper is one of them. Paper plays a vital role in our personal and professional lives. Think about how many times a day paper impacts your life. From cereal boxes to paper towels, tissues to catalogs, “to do” lists to thank you notes, permission slips to recipes, and those are just at home! At work there are daily uses for paper like; copies, faxes, brochures, notepads, invoices and other correspondence. The list goes on and on.

Paper makes our lives easier. It provides us with the information we need to live. As long as we use it responsibly, it will continue to impact your life positively. Don’t let the greenwashing get to you. Paper is sustainable, made from renewable resources and easily recycled.

Paper is here to stay.

The "paper is" printed on our CMP notepads and other giveaway items is our way of gently reminding you that paper is vital, necessary, and essential to our lives. No to mention, it can be pretty darn inspiring.

So think about it, paper is what to you? We'd love to add your word(s) to our list.

Make your mark on paper.

Write your own story.

Paper shapes our lives.

Familiar Faces, New Places

We have some people on the move...and thought it was about time we shared the good news!

Danielle Parker, Outside Sales

Danielle Parker, formerly of our sample and inside sales departments, is now hitting the streets to help spread the word about CMP and the products we carry. In this age of  "non traditional customers" owning and operating digital printing equipment, and having a need for paper, there is no shortage of places for her to visit. We certainly will miss her knowledge and smiling face in the sample department, but are happy more of you will have the opportunity to interact with her. Good luck, Danielle.

Steve Blackport: Inside Sales & Sample Department

And stepping over part time into Danielle's shoes, from his inside sales position, is Steve Blackport. He will "hold down the fort" for Rachel on the days she is not in the office, and when time allows, will work with her to keep things moving. Steve's always been a handy guy, but we are putting him to the test as he learns to make dummies, envelopes, pocket folders and whatever else is needed. You may notice from the picture above, that he always comes prepared!

Looking ahead, and to keep things a bit more consistent, we have added a samples@cmpaper.com email address which will be checked by whomever is manning the sample department. Please switch over to using the new email address. Responses will come from Sample Dept at CMP and the person handling your request will add their name at the bottom, in case you need to reach someone via the phone.

We are lucky to be a small company with a huge pool of talent to draw from. We'd like to think that makes using CMP for all your paper needs a win/win situation for everyone.

Way to keep it fresh by mixing things up CMP.

The Only Thing Missing Was The Paparazzi/ My Trip With Brian French

It's okay to be a little envious of me.

I recently made calls with Brian French in beautiful Traverse City.

Not only did I get to walk around downtown T.C., but I was with Brian French.

He's famous. People ask for his autograph. They really do. (They did the day I was with him).

For those of you not aware of who he is, Brian is 6th generation French. Son of Jerry, Grandson of Ed, of the French Paper Company fame.

Who doesn't love French Paper? Especially around here. After all they are located in Niles, Michigan. That makes them family owned, "local", Michigan based, and American made.

I experienced the "Brian phenomenon" with my own eyes.

Everyone wants to see him. It just so happens he is the fresh face of a 140 year old super cool company. An instant "in" around these parts. Funny thing is, he's just a regular guy. Brian's been known to answer the phone at French Paper Company when the receptionist is busy, he periodically has to clean out the basement at the mill, and when traveling for work he even sleeps on the floor at a friend's cottage to save money on hotel fees.

Told you he was just a regular guy.

Adding to his coolness factor, is the fact that he brought along French Swag on our trip, including the new French envelope promotion.

Have you seen it yet?

The New French Paper Envelope Promotion.

Although the info is not yet on their website:

French is now stocking  9 x 12 catalog

 envelopes in 8 different colors!

Yiiiiiiiiiiippppppppppppeeeeeeeeeeee. Bring on the color choices, no more white only.

The 9 x 12's come in Kraft Speckletone and 7 PopTone colors, including (Berrylicious, Black Licorice, Gumdrop Green, Hot Fudge, Orange Fizz, Razzleberry, Sour Apple).

And, it gets even better!

They are also stocking 6 x 6 Square envelopes in all colors of Construction, Poptone and Speckletone.

Yes, you heard me right.

You can get envelopes in super small quantities off the French website or, in boxes of 500 (for the catalogs) and 250 (for the squares) from CMP. Keep in mind they are not on our warehouse floor so there may be a  1-2 day wait for them.

Since I hadn't quite grasped another little tidbit, until my trip wth Brian, I thought I'd pass it along in case you missed it, too.

French stocks 4-Bars (aka A-1's) /3.62 x 5.12 in all colors. That is the smallest size envelope mailable without extra postage required, and it fits quite nicely into an A-6 as a reply card.

Ask for your French Envelope Promo today! Because French is not able to sample their envelopes, it gives you a great working tool with examples of the real thing.

FUN FACT:  Brian calls legendary designer Charles Spencer Anderson, Uncle Chuck.

P.S. If I would have been on my game, I'd have taken a picture of him myself.

Get Clipping! Boise Adds Box Tops For Education Labels To X-9 Multipurpose Ream Wraps

A pretty cool announcement was made back in May that slipped right past without the fanfare it deserved.....one of our suppliers, Boise®, joined up with Box Tops for Education!

Such a great idea.

Quite by accident one afternoon I noticed that the current copy machine paper we were using here at CMP (we switch them around a lot) Boise® X-9 20# had actual box tops you can clip and save on the ream wraps. Interestingly enough there is also a QR Code included that takes you to a website explaining how and why they partnered up with Box Tops for Education).

Here's more info on this great program which includes Boise Fireworx and HD:P branded papers as well : http://scr.bi/nXQuRr.

We think it is such a great idea that CMP would like to take it one step further....if your company would like to save the Box Tops off the reams of the X-9 you use for your copier, CMP will collect them and turn them into a local school for you.

If you are already into clipping and collecting them, and would like to turn them in yourself, by all means go for it! But if you 'd like some help following through with actually turning them in, we volunteer for the job.

I am personally one of those people who cannot throw away any kind of package that has the Box Tops label on it without clipping it, but then I throw it in a drawer and forget to turn them all in. Well, until that drawer gets cleaned, that is. (Which at my house, isn't very often).

CMP would like to make sure the clipped box tops off the reams of X-9 actually make it to a school where they can make a difference for students. 

So, if you save them, we'll collect them. We'll also save ours here and turn them all into a school in need (hopefully in one large batch where the collective contribution will make an impact).

If you would like, we will happily pass along your company name to the school chosen to give you credit for your efforts, and will give you a "shout out" on our CMP Facebook and Twitter pages.
We might even be able to give some CMP swag (slang for CMP promotional items) for your Box Top saving efforts.

If you are interested in helping a local school out by saving the Boise® Box Tops for Education labels, contact Terri Spaulding via email at terris@cmpaper.com or call 616-676-9203 x 242. We appreciate your purchasing Boise® X-9 Multipurpose Paper from CMP, and for doing your part for education!

Additional links of interest:

http://www.boiseinc.com/products/imaging/BoxTops4Education.html
https://www.facebook.com/BoxTopsForEducation#!/BoxTopsForEducation
http://www.boisex9.com/

Cascades Paper: The Mill That Walks The Talk

Terri Spaulding recently visited the Cascades Paper Mill located just outside of Montreal. This is her personal wrap up of the event. Warning: it is photo heavy!

The specification seminar attendees.
We called ourselves the paper dolls!

I visited the Cascades Paper Mill in St. Jerome, Quebec a few weeks ago for their first ever Specification Seminar. Cascades has long been one of my favorite mills, because they have a fantastic environmental story, but I found out during my visit just how fantastic the mill and its people really are.

The local landfill

We started our visit by stopping at the local landfill where methane gas (normally burned off and released into the atmosphere), is now delivered by pipeline to the paper mill. It powers 95% of their manufacturing! Talk about reducing your carbon footprint.  

Our guide.

I learned something about landfills...they don't stink if managed properly. In fact, as we exited the van we caught a whiff of a stinky smell, which we all assumed came from the landfill. However, our guide was quick to point out that the smell was not coming from the landfill itself, it was coming from a customer's container for their garbage. Ick--it was stinky!

The pipeline from the landfill that delivers
the methane to the paper mill.

Lovely landfill attire. That's CMP's Cascades
mill rep, Dave Beebe, second from the left.

When properly managed, a landfill does not stink. If the methane were allowed to just build up and and the gas were to release on its own, then it would. However, when a system is in place to capture the gas, it can be piped to where it will be used, or in the case of excess amounts produced, burned off. Burning off methane does not smell either, who knew? The pipeline system to the Cascades Mill is in my opinion, genius.

View of the Cascades Paper mill from
the guesthouse. Peaceful and quaint.

Our next stop was the Cascades guest house, right on the grounds of the mill, where the seven of us attending the seminar were staying for the two nights. It is a lovely old house, complete with seven bedrooms and is located across the river from the mill. It used to be the Rolland Family home (original owners of the mill), before it was converted into a guest house. Charming. I wish we would have had more time to just chill in it, but they kept us pretty busy.

The guesthouse.

After several inspiring presentations from key employees of the mill, we began to get a sense of how special this mill really is. Did you know the Lemaire brothers who bought the Rolland Paper mill and started Cascades Paper in 1964, began in the recycling business? As children they learned to salvage to survive, and from there it evolved into a business. This entrepreneurial and environmental spirit has grown Cascades Paper into a 4 billion dollar company that employs 12,500 people. Awesome!

Me in my lovely mill touring attire.

What other paper mill do you know who is powered by landfill gas, who limits their distribution area to reduce effects on the environment from diesel emissions, who founded their own deinking facility back in 1995 to ensure quality pulp for their recycled paper, who's trucks collect curbside paper waste from areas in New York, Maine and Canada, and who's employees are always looking for ways to take their sustainability to the next level? None, that I can think of. Which is what makes Cascades Paper so unique!

The headbox of Cascades small paper machine.

Fun fact: Sophie, who manages the Cascades Sample Department, recycles the pieces of plastic wrap she collects when unwrapping the printed pieces she receives and personally takes that box of plastic to a recycler. It makes me want to be better at recycling even more than I already do at work and at home. 

Piles of recycled paper scraps that go into
making 100% recycled paper!

Hooray for Cascades Paper, a mill that produces an awesome group of products, at awesome prices....while striving to ensure they leave as small a mark as possible on the environment. Personally it made me rethink my own sustainability efforts (why can no one else in my house unplug devices not in use?) Grrrrr.

I want to walk the talk like Cascades Paper.

For more information, visit the Cascades website  http://www.cascades.com/papers/.
Be sure to check out their updated environmental calculator!

Direct Mail Is Where It's At

The latest Fold Factory 60 second super cool fold of the week certainly demonstrates that your folds don't have to be fancy to be effective. Direct mail, when combined with the right message, the right audience and the right design.....can achieve some fantastic results. Add in some variable data for personalization, and those results can be over the top.

A few direct mail facts courtesy of PaperBecause.com (Domtar) and Down To Earth (International Paper) :

• 75% of people have made a purchase as a result of direct mail
• Those who received a printed catalog from a retailer were twice as likely to buy online as consumers who did not
• 56% of people say they enjoy reading mail
• Campaigns combining direct mail and Internet yield up to an additional 25% response rate
• Nearly 80% of households either read or scan advertising mail sent to their household

And be sure to check out these awesome articles, courtesy of Deliver Magazine, which offer great tips for getting the most out of your direct mail campaign.

 http://www.delivermagazine.com/2010/12/5-steps-for-making-an-offer/

 http://www.delivermagazine.com/2010/12/10-direct-mail-mistakes-to-avoid/

http://www.delivermagazine.com/2010/12/integrate-mail-with-other-media/

http://www.delivermagazine.com/2011/05/what%e2%80%99s-a-good-response-2/

We are always willing to help you select the perfect paper for your next direct mail piece. Contact your CMP sales rep or email terris@cmpaper.com.

We "heart" paper. And we believe in the power of print.

Augmented Reality: Keeping Print Relevant

“There exist limitless opportunities in every industry. Where there is an open mind, there will always be a frontier.”  --Charles F. Kettering, American engineer, inventor of the electric starter

I'm old.

So it goes without saying that I am a little slow to catch onto new things.

I thought I was keeping up with technology. In a short while I have attempted to learn social media, delved into understanding digital printing, embraced blogging, acknowledged that there are things like PURL's and Variable data, heck I finally just figured out QR codes.

And then comes.... augmented reality. Huh?

I'm fairly certain I do not fully understand this concept yet, but I did a little preliminary research and I have to say the application is ....cool beans. Check out this link that was most helpful to me in understanding the concept.

Why does it seem that my mind keeps getting blown away by the advancements becoming available to us in the not so distant future?

Don't say it, I know what you are thinking... because I'm old. But being old does not mean I can't have an open mind.

So, thank you Print Media Centr for opening my eyes to the latest and greatest new technology available for companies to incorporate into their printed materials to make them both relevant and current. And for use in other printed applications as well. Places like text books, t-shirts, movie posters, and oh my, the list might just be endless.

Please check out this post from Print Media Centr, which gives examples of  how augmented reality is currently being used in print campaigns. And be sure to follow along to the conclusion of the article Deb Corn references from the Marsid M & M Group Blog. They also share a ton of useful information and examples.

I'm not sure who said this first, but I personally love it: Print is not Dying, it’s Evolving!

Amen to that. ---Terri

It's Kind of Like A Cooking Show...Only About Paper

Well, more specifically... this time, it's about envelopes.

Welcome to the first in our "CMP How To" video series.

In the video below Danielle will show you the proper way to use your CMP envelope templates to create hand made envelopes.

The CMP Envelope kit contains envelope templates for #10, #10 policy, A-2, A-6 & A-7 envelopes. They are perfect for printing identity system mockups for your clients (on the actual paper you are specifying). Or, for those of you sustainable folks, these can also be used for making fun envelopes out of repurposed paper, like wrapping paper or old posters.

Let your imagination go wild with possibilities. 

The templates are printed on Robeco printable plastic 20 pt and are available from the CMP sample department by calling 676-9203, through your CMP sales rep, or you can e-mail terris@cmpaper.com.

What do you think our next "How To" video should be about? 




P.S. A big thank you to Danielle for being the first "How To" CMP video host, and to John Haney for the video production assistance.

Domtar's Lynx Opaque: Smooth Finish/Great Price

If Lynx Opaque Ultra were a beer, it would be a darn good one! Or so claims the latest Domtar promotion printed on Lynx Opaque.

smooth finish

great price

Always ready. Always satisfying. Made by Domtar, people who know how to make it.

The promotion is fun, printed on an offset press in 4 color process with match yellow, and filled with great images. Not to mention it's about beer. And has its own coasters inside.

   

Chicks Dig Paper Cuts

Real Printers Use Lynx

Will Work For Lynx

  

Lynx Opaque works for both offset and digital printing, making it a perfect sheet for both your small or large quantity paper needs.



Lynx Digital items are now guaranteed for:

• Xerox iGen
• Kodak NexPress
• Canon imagePRESS Series
• Konica Minolta bizhub Series
• HP Indigo 5500 & 7000 Presses

Don't forget to check out Domtar's awesome PAPERbecause campaign. (The Paper Is Dead video might provide a nice chuckle.)

A Little CMP News & Notes Blog Love Is Needed

If you are reading this post right now, then CMP needs your help!

Considerable time has been spent with the start up of this blog, as a resource for you, our customers. We are hoping it will serve as an additional means of communication about paper, promotions, about our industry, and about CMP and its people.

While it appears that people are reading this, and we have had some face to face confirmation that people like what they read...we need just a bit more reassurance.

Is this blog helpful? Shall we continue on...

Do any posts assist you in specifying or purchasing paper from CMP? What would you like to see more of? Less of?

We're feeling the need for a little blog love.

If what we are doing is not effective, then we need to know this, and spend our time and resources elsewhere. If it is, we need to hear that as well, so we can continue on with all the contests and giveaways and future product posts we have planned.

Please take a moment to comment at the bottom of this post. A suggestion. A thatta girl. A story about how this inspired you to specify or use our paper. Anything....

Dialogue from our readers and customers is necessary to continue with this effort and channel of communication. We appreciate your help and support and, I suppose if we don't hear any responses...we will have our answer.

Many thanks to those reading. I hope to hear from you.

Terri Spaulding

Wausau Royal Metallics Goes Digital

Wausau Paper announces that three colors in their Royal Metallics line have gone digital.

You can now get digitally sized metallic paper in:

White Gold
White Silver
Champagne Pearl

Specifics:
86# cover only
18 x 12 sheets
250 in a carton

Features:

• Enhanced surface for exceptional digital performance
• HP Indigo 3-star certified, including photo applications
• Suitable for toner based equipment including the Xerox I-Gen & Kodak Nexpress
• Metallic finish on 2 sides
• 30% post consumer recycled fiber
• FSC & Green Seal certified
• Acid-free

What's not to love? Check it out for your next print job.

Get On the Digital Train, Or Get Off the Track



Photo Courtesy of Mollie Kwiek Photography
https://www.facebook.com/molliekwiekphotography



47% of all print volume will be projects under 2,000 finished pieces.--Taken from a recent NewPage Digital Presentation by Michelle Garrett

I've been on a mission lately, to learn more about digital printing.

I figured I better get on the digital knowledge train, or get off the track altogether. So this blogpost is the first in a series of posts to share with you what I have learned. Even though some of it may be things you already know. I figure there might be some of you out there who have also resisted change and who were clinging to the hope that someday offset printing would rebound and be restored to its former glory. Like I was.

But change is good. Knowledge is good. And, you can teach an old dog, new tricks.

With that in mind, I have traveled and toured two places so far. Both were gracious and welcoming and answered all my (dumb) questions. Yes, I admit some of mine were a little out there.

While there are many players in the digital arena, I learned there are basically three big ones: HP Indigo, Kodak Nexpress and the Xerox I-Gen. I also learned that of the three, two use a dry toner/heat based process...the Nexpress and the I-Gen, and the Indigo uses a liquid ink/cold process.

Why is that important? Well, because it affects the paper selection. And because heat melts and paper curls. So proper paper selection is important. So proper grain direction is important. So sheet sizes are important. (Certain equipment has maximum sheet sizes and for digital sizes we aren't talking 25 x 38 or 23 x 35, we are talking, the largest sheets are 13 x 19, 14 x 20, or smaller. )

When Indigo presses first came out, they needed a special sapphire treated paper. Now mills are introducing digital options that are HP Indigo certified (without the need for the sapphire treatment and without the short shelf life it had) and most of those will also work in the other equipment. Yay!

That means....you now have choices for the paper used for your digital print job.

When digital presses first came to the forefront I was of little help in suggesting paper for digital jobs. Mostly because the machines were so new that printers were only using papers recommended by the manufacturer of the press. But I am happy to say that things are different now.  The paper industry has caught up (somewhat) and you now have choices, sized appropriately, and with the proper grain direction. 

And now that you do, I have already heard rumors to the effect that the cost of the job goes up, if you choose your own paper. Please don't let anyone tell you that, as a general rule, choosing your own paper is the reason the cost of a job goes up. If you are switching from an uncoated cover to a pearlescent cover, then Yes, the cost will most likely go up. But apples to apples, No, it most likely will not.

Keep in mind that paper for a digital printing job is only a small portion of the overall cost of that job. It might be worth it to pay a little more for a unique paper that gets your piece noticed.

The list of paper options for digital printing is growing (almost weekly)...let's discover together what works for your next job.

I will, as usual, ask you a lot of questions.
I will, as usual, dash some of your paper hopes.
I will, as usual, help you to make the best selection I can.

Stay tuned....more digital knowledge to come.

Productolith Points Is Now HP Indigo Certified

Productolith Pts. Digital® C1S & C2S just got even better! We can add HP Indigo certified to its list of attributes.

Now available in:

10, 12 & 14 pt C1S
10 & 12 pt C2S
18 x 12, 19 x 13 & 20 x 14 sheets

Here is more information about Productolith Points taken from the New Page  Website.

Attributes:

• Versatility; optimal performance on dry and liquid toner printers, color and black & white laser printers and digital offset technologies
• Coated cover trusted for digital
• Matching coated one- and two-sided options
• Exceptionally smooth, semi-gloss finish
• Contains 10% post-consumer recycled fiber

Guaranteed for digital offset and production laser equipment:

• Xerox iGen guaranteed
• HP Indigo certified by Rochester Institute of Technology on both the coated and uncoated sides
• Kodak NexPress qualified by the Rochester Institute of Technology
• Matching web, sheets and digital items
• Consistent brightness and shade to standard Productolith and Sterling® Ultra offset papers
• Superior toner adhesion for better image reproduction
• Precision cut to prevent paper edge bonding jams and duplex registration issues
• Caliper and PPI guaranteed
• Strict quality control yields ultra-clean paper, reducing paper dust contamination and increasing productivity and equipment life
• Vapor barrier wrapping to prevent moisture absorption that can lead to curling and jamming
• Manufactured in North America

Environmental Certifications:

• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
• "The Independent Assurance for Responsible Forest Management."
• Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)

NewPage mills utilize environmentally friendly Elemental Chlorine-Free (ECF) papermaking for enhanced permanence.

Ask your CMP sales representative for more information or for samples.

CMP Introduces the LunchAbout

You’ve heard of a Walkabout right?

Crocodile Dundee made it famous in 1986 when Mick Dundee, who is from "Walkabout Creek", uses the term "walkabout" in the movie's dialogue. Random house defines it as an Australian noun meaning: a brief, informal leave from work, taken by an Aborigine to wander the bush, visit relatives, or return to native life; or as an absence from work.

Well CMP is introducing a LunchAbout.

No, we are not asking you to take time off from work to take a walk in the Australian bush (although that does sound kind of fun), instead we’re offering to help you learn.

LunchAbout is a chance for you to learn more about….whatever industry topics interest you, all while eating lunch, our treat!

We can schedule a LunchAbout at your office or here in our CMP conference room covering any topic(s) that interest you. Whether you want to learn more about the latest in paper, industry trends, digital printing, sustainability in paper, paper basics, greenwashing or getting started in social media.…we can help.

If we don’t have an expert here at CMP, we’ll find one! CMP has access to a variety of industry experts, on a variety of current topics. So put us to work for you.

Contact your CMP representative and learn the details of scheduling a LunchAbout right quick mate.

676-9203 or 1-800-632-4910

Why Technology Hasn't Killed Direct Mail......An excerpt from Deliver Magazine

Have you checked out this publication yet?

Deliver Magazine. It's a USPS® publication that features marketing research, news and commentary. It is an awesome resource for me. But then, I sell paper, so I believe in the power of print and direct mail. And I am always looking for facts to use to promote their effectiveness.

Bet you could use some information to convince your clients that print is definitely not dead and that it should remain a vital and relevant part of their marketing campaign, right?

So, I'm sharing the links. Click here to check out Deliver Magazine and here to subscribe to it.

Most of you reading our CMP News & Notes Blog make your living in this industry. Let's work together to keep paper and print alive & well in West Michigan. Spread the word.

****************************************************

The following excerpt was taken from a Deliver Magazine article posted August 24, 2010

Why Technology Hasn't Killed Direct Mail

Look at recent developments, and it becomes clear we’re witnessing a new age of direct mail.

Long an effective marketing device, mail is now being linked with new technologies in astounding ways that improve its effectiveness and bring a new engagement. Such advancements ensure it will last several more generations, and will likely launch mail into a new era of viability.

It wasn’t supposed to be this way. The explosion of digital technology was supposed to be the death knell for direct mail. The medium was expected to take what direct had done, and do it better, faster and cheaper.

Consider the irony then that far from killing it off, digital is helping usher in this new era of direct mail.

Of course, direct mail and digital have always been buddies. Mail was the primary way most of us learned about the Internet. (Remember those ubiquitous disks from a major online company?)

Catalogers have always known that mail can drive additional sales and online visits, and many digital entrepreneurs have turned to the mailbox to drive people to the inbox.

The difference today is that marketers are now finding methods for combining digital technology with mail to increase the power of the message. Mail is no longer the carrier, the device you use to drive someone online. It’s the beginning of a conversation that carries on once the customer logs on.

Full article here: http://www.delivermagazine.com/2010/08/why-technology-hasnt-killed-direct-mail

New Mohawk Product Announcement

Introducing ....Everyday Digital!

Not every project’s budget allows for the use of a really unique paper. And that is why, at times, a trusted house sheet is key. Engineered by the team that introduced premium papers for digital color, Mohawk Everyday Digital is an affordable collection of uncoated and coated papers specifically engineered for digital color production printing presses and certified for use in the HP Indigo.

“Mohawk Everyday Digital house sheet will give printers fantastic results while maximizing both productivity and their bottom line,” says Chris Harrold, Mohawk's Vice President of Business Development, Digital Technologies Group.

Everyday Digital Uncoated

• 98-bright, white 
• Available 60# text to 120# cover, including 12 pt. smooth and 14 pt. vellum

Everyday Digital Coated

• 95-bright, white
• Available 80# text to 130# dtc silk

Mohawk Everyday Digital house sheets are FSC certified, manufactured with windpower and are electronic printing guaranteed.

Click here for an Everyday Digital product chart which shows sizes and carton quantities.

Mohawk Everyday Digital is featured in the new Mohawk HP Indigo Guide (pictured at right), which also features The New Mohawk Studio Collection, a line of pastel, mid-range and deep shades specifically developed for white ink applications on HP Indigo presses. HP Indigo’s new white ink technology allows the use of white type and full-color printing on colored stocks by providing an opaque printing base.

I heard we already have a printer in GR using this cutting edge technology. Awesome!

Our sample department is expecting Everyday Digital swatches to arrive soon and inventory is already arriving in our warehouse.

P.S. Please send in your awesome printed samples so we can build our CMP library!

Please Cease and Desist With The Greenwashing

So in response to my blogpost yesterday I received a cease and desist e-mail from the company I mentioned in it. I guess I must have made a point or two. So the good news is that people are reading my blog. But after thinking about it, I decided to drop all reference to that company's name from my blogpost. What I say about the misuse of the facts about paper, trees and the environment can be said about many companies who are confused about the information relating to the paper industry, why should I single out just one.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Here is the edited blogpost without the names of any company referenced.

I saw a tweet come across my Tweetdeck and felt compelled to respond to it. Here is what it said:

"Going #paperless or at least reducing #paper is our goal. We aim to help in doing what we can as retailers. Going #green always feels good."

I checked out the company. They sell a software program for retailers.The premise is that retailers who purchase and install this program of emailing receipts to customers, (instead of handing one to you with your purchase), will instantly save time, money and, it implies, the environment.

This company believes that the software program will save money for business owners instantly by reducing their paper costs by a 3:1 ratio. Apparently paper costs have increased so much it is causing retailers to raise prices and shrink their profit margins. When did providing a receipt to customers who make a purchase from you become an extra, not a given?

If I follow along with the idea that a receipt is not a necessity, then I also have to accept that the costs involved in printing out that receipt for my records, are now my responsibility. But my printer takes 8.5 x 11 sized paper---a cash register receipt is usually a small strip of 3 x (however many items you purchase) sized lightweight piece of paper. Which of these options ultimately then creates less waste?

The company video is well produced and hits all the heartstrings. It encourages businesses to do their part for the environment. It implies that by not using paper you are impacting the world in a good way for yourself, your children and your children's children. That's great stuff. If only it were true.

If we stop using paper, there may not be any environment left for our children's children. No paper use equals no new tree plantings; which in turn means no oxygen, no carbon sequestration, no wildlife habitats from those trees. If we stop using paper, our children's children may not even have forests, instead they will see endless strip malls and developments. http://www.internationalpaper.com/apps/gopaper/index.html

I do understand that this company wants to sell product. Just like we want to sell paper. But let's make sure we don't mistake greenwashing, for facts. The paper industry is sustainable and renewable. Using paper is not a bad thing, nor is being smart about times not to use it. The truth is that banks save money when they don't have to mail us our statements, phone companies save money when they don't have to print and mail our bills, and bottom line...stores save money when they don't have to print our receipts.

So let's just quit with the greenwashing. From my point of view, a more valid point for this company to make to a consumer like me, is that it is more convenient to not have to store and hang onto that receipt after a purchase, especially if it is an item you think you will not need to return. I can relate to that.

I believe in being sustainable. I believe in recycling. I believe in using recycled paper. But I also believe in the facts. No one is going to convince me that e-mailing a receipt to someone (who will more likely still print that receipt) is "greener" than having the store hand you one. And what about the negative environmental impact or the costs involved in maintaining all those servers which store the receipt data? Not to mention they get your e-mail address.

Seems backwards to me. I would stop frequenting a store that put the burden on me, the customer to print my own receipt at home. But then, I am also offended when any company asks me to go paperless to "save trees".

I sell paper. My husband works for the United States Postal Service.
You are barking up the wrong tree.