Dear Circulation Friends:

Happy New Year! Now that vacations, holidays and busy time are over, it's time to start thinking about 1999. This New Year brings with it thoughts of next year as well - the millennium. I'm sure you're all making plans for that event. If you're not, you should be.

Let's bring attention back to this year. Specifically, NYSCMA's 83rd annual Sales and Marketing Conference. Mark your calendars now: Sunday, May 16 through Wednesday, May 19. Will Kustyn has enclosed the outline for the program in its entirety. Changes to this agenda should be few. I think you'll agree that both speakers and topics are too enticing to pass up, for you and all your staff members. We'll be kicking off the conference at the famous Canfield Casino in the heart of Saratoga Springs, The beautiful casino will provide the perfect atmosphere for greeting new friends and catching up with "old" ones.

In last month's bulletin there was a survey requesting information about our annual Carrier Day. If you did not participate last month, please take a few minutes right now to fill it out and drop it in the mail to Paul Felicissimo at The Journal News. Please note on this form an additional question about how many adult carriers you have. Thanks in advance for your much-needed help.

Well, for most of us, winter is here in a big way. We were spoiled in December. I think you will need a big break by about March. There's no better way than to attend one of Mark's training seminars featuring Ron Anderson. Customer service is key in our business - check for details regarding this session inside. Duane Rivona (Utica Observer-Dispatch) will be greeting you there as he'll be filling in for Mark, who will be at API. he will also be filling Mark's position as director of training on NYSCMA's board because of Will Kustyn's change from Rome to Syracuse. As you know, one of our bylaws states that no more than two members from any one paper are allowed to serve on the board at one time. Mark remains a chairperson, however, and will continue to be a valuable asset to out association. As always, I look forward to hearing from any of you wishing to become involved.

That's all for now - talk to you soon!

Best Regards,

Nancy L. Breault
Your President

NYSCMA welcomes back Jack Saunders to Middletown Times Herald. Good to have you back in the state - we look forward to working with you again.

Next NYSCMA Training Session March 19

Nationally known circulation executive Ron Anderson - of Anderson, Randles and Associates circulation consulting firm - will conduct a one-day seminar for NYSCMA on March 19, 1999.
The training session is designed for district and sales managers and will cover a wide range of topics, including: time management, route analysis, carrier retention, recruitment, sales, carrier orientation, service and goal setting.
The session will be hosted by the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Syracuse. It begins at 8:30 a.m. and concludes at 4:30 p.m. Look for a flyer and registration information soon. Meanwhile, call NYSCMA Training Director Mark Vinciguerra at (315) 470-3114 for more information.

Buyer's Guide Deadline Set

The deadline to buy an ad in this year's annual Conference Buyer's Guide is March 16, 1999. Your support is needed as printing costs rise yearly and advertising - requiring just a small amount of time and money on your part - is a great way to reach out to all of our members. Call me to make your space reservations, or with any questions, at 1-800-724-2543, ext. 3283. Watch for your advertising packet and thank you for your support.

Michelle Giorgianni
Buyer's Guide Chairperson

Jim Smith Promoted to
National Sales Manager

Steel City Corporation of Youngstown, OH, recently announced the promotion of Jim Smith to national sales manager, circulation supplies department.
Smith is a graduate of Kent State University and holds a B.S. degree. He has successfully completed additional graduate studies in the research/statistics field. He joined Steel City Corporation in 1991 as a territory manager serving the Midwest and Pacific Northwest. He is now responsible for the Central, Interstate and Northeast territories as well as assuring additional marketing and administrative duties.
Jim and his wife, Cathy, currently reside with their children in Wisconsin and are in the process of moving to Youngstown.

NYSCMA
PROMOTION
AWARDS

Big News -
Big Changes

We need promotion award entries!
This year there will be a $25 discount (per newspaper) for submitting at least one promotion by the deadline.
This year we ask that promotion entries be mailed in for judging prior to the event (April).
This year we need some volunteers to visit us in Syracuse and judge all awards (looking for four judges).
This year we want to showcase these promotion awards and create the "Book of New York State's Newspapers' Best Ideas."
This year we need everyone's best ideas (at least one)!

1999 Promotion Awards

CLASSIFICATIONS

• Under 20,000
• 20,000 - 100,000
• 100,000+

CATEGORIES

1. Subscription Sales & Promotion
2. Retention
3. Single Copy
4. NIE
5. Special Projects

You'll all be receiving promotion awards info later this month!

Thank you,
Julie Cardinali
Promotions Chairman

THE RACE

is on
for the
1998-99
NYSCMA

Promotion Awards
Competition

Call for entries
The New York State Circulation Managers Association is inviting you to participate in the annual competition at the 83rd annual sales conference in Saratoga Springs May 16-19.

Judging
All judging will be done in advance of the conference. NO ON-SITE JUDGING. Information will be coming next month ...
but mark these dates and get thinking promotions!

• FEBRUARY 15, 1999
  You'll receive the complete info package with category info, class info, entry forms and rules.
• APRIL 2, 1999
  ALL ENTRIES MUST BE MAILED IN. This is the deadline date - mail entries to the address listed in the info packet. No judging will be done at the conference!

ALL ENTRIES ON DISPLAY AT CONFERENCE
Competition this year will be within four classes (according to circulation size). Categories ranging from subscription sales and promotion to special projects, from retention to NIE - all designed to highlight your circulation efforts.

START THINKING
and you'll be ready to enter.

If you need more info or have questions, call Julie Cardinali, promotions chair, at 315-470-3122.

Competition for NYSCMA members only.
For membership info, call Bill Sara at
518-792-3131, extension 3231.