2nd annual catalog forum to be held in May

The second annual National Catalog Advocacy & Strategy Forum will be held in Washington, DC, May 20-21 in conjunction with the National Postal Forum.

The meeting, which is being held by the American Catalog Mailers Association, is intended as a place where industry representatives can collectively discuss and resolve issues prior to the implementation of new postal initiatives.

“Printed catalogs are critical for most multichannel retailers, yet postal policymakers don’t fully understand their importance to us and to the Postal Service,” said industry consultant Coy Clement, in a statement. “ The industry needs a strong, effective voice in postal affairs to avoid devastating rate increases and other ‘surprises.’  There is not much any one company can do, but ACMA’s industry-wide effort deserves our support.”

At last year’s meeting, USPS Postmaster General Jack Potter, Postal Regulatory Commission Chair Dan Blair and senior postal officials discussed ideas such as this year’s “summer sales” with catalogers.

“The entire industry must come together to mobilize,” said Hamilton Davison, executive director of ACMA, in a statement. “We have been given notice by the PRC that the historical cost calculation on USPS handling of our mail portends another large increase to postage few companies can absorb.  Fortunately, there is something we can do to avoid this but we must act now.” Coming to this year’s forum is a great way to start, he added.