Friday, November 19, 2010

MySpace who?

Labels: social media

posted by Michael Kertelits at 11:45 AM   0 comments

The outlook for cooperative databases

Last week’s Direct newsletter featured a broker roundtable discussion about the outlook for cooperative databases.

View the full article here

RMI Direct’s Kathy Duggan-Josephs and Debbie McLain provide some insight on this topic and its relation to the catalog and non-profit industries…

According to Vice President of Multi-Channel Marketing, Kathy Duggan-Josephs, who has vast experience working with catalog mailers, co-operative databases have spent a lot of time, money and brainpower in creating new and improved models for B2B and B2C catalogers over the past couple of years, just in time to make up for the shrinking universes on traditional lists.

“After two years of decreased prospecting, mailers are feeling a little more confident in getting back into prospecting mode, and are even reaching beyond their standard lists to try and find new customers,” observes Kathy.

“While the co-ops will continue to be an integral part of any catalogers circulation, we can only hope that the improving economy will help to start building individual lists for all of the catalogers,” she says. “It not only improves their bottom line, but they will have more names to contribute to the co-ops!”

Senior Vice President, Nonprofit Division, Debbie McLain has observed that while non-profits are relatively new to the cooperative database environment, the concept has caught on quickly. Different co-ops have different strengths, so she recommends testing all the major players.

“I find they are very eager to work with you and willing to be flexible. As list universes shrink, we can’t pass up any opportunity for new universes,” says Debbie.

Debbie also points out that another opportunity co-ops provide is cross-member models (applying your model to the names of another contributor on a list-by-list basis).

She notes, “this can help with some of those owed exchanges that you’re having trouble getting the list from to work or you’re taking a very tight select.”

posted by Casey Kaufman at 11:36 AM   0 comments

Good luck to mom-to-be Alicia!

Pink is in the house...

We are thrilled and excited for Alicia Gallagher and husband, Kenny, who are expecting their first baby girl next week!

To celebrate, RMI threw her a surprise baby shower at the office, complete with cake, punch, and baby-themed decor!

From everyone here at RMI - we wish her the best of luck and can't wait to see the little bundle of joy!!!

Labels: employees

posted by Casey Kaufman at 10:14 AM   0 comments

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Celebrating Veteran's Day and the work of the VFW

Every November 11th, we recognize Veterans Day but perhaps some of us don't know exactly how it originated...

During the First World War, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice between allied nations and Germany took effect and fighting ceased, inspiring the U.S. to recognize those who fought in the war on this day. Years later in May, 1938, an act made November 11th a legal holiday, at that time called “Armistice Day” to honor the veterans of WWI.

After World War II called for an even greater mobilization of soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen (in fact – the greatest mobilization effort in our country’s history) the act was amended so that the day would honor American veterans of ALL wars. It was renamed “Veterans Day.”

In recognition of Veterans Day, check out some of these special deals for veterans and servicemen that we found, like hotel discounts, free meals at popular restaurants, and complimentary park passes!

SportClips Haircuts: Will donate $1 to VFW Operation Uplink™ for every haircut on November 11th. Operation Uplink is a special program allowing troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait to make calls to the U.S. for a full 24 hours this Veterans Day.

Anheuser-Busch Parks: Free Admission

Applebee's: Complimentary Meal

Golden Corral: Complimentary Meal (On November 15, 2010)

National Parks: Free Admission to all National Parks on Veteran's Day, November 11, 2010, Plus Special Offers from Park Concessioners

Outback Steakhouse: Free Bloomin' Onion & Beverage

UNO Chicago Grill: Free Meal with Purchase (see details)

Interested in showing support for your country's veterans? Click here to contribute to a VFW program of choice, from the Military Assistance Program to VFW Youth Scholarships.

Please refer to the VFW homepage for additional listings.



Also, watch this cool video below to learn more about the VFW's most recent efforts to celebrate and advocate for our nation’s brave veterans! Or visit the new VFW website for more information.



*Please Note: VFW members are not available.

posted by Casey Kaufman at 9:17 AM   1 comments

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Congratulations to Dario Flores on Becoming a New Dad!

RMI is thrilled to congratulate Dario Flores and his wife Andrea on the birth of their baby boy, Xavier John Flores, who arrived on Friday, October 22nd.

To celebrate, we threw him a surprise party in the office with lots of cake and laughter!

Labels: employees

posted by Casey Kaufman at 9:24 AM   0 comments