2023 USTR Notorious Markets List Issued

MIDLAND, one of the nation’s largest independent packaging and paper distributors, today announced the acquisition of J.Schmid, a full-service branding and creative agency headquartered in Kansas City. Though it’s widely known as a leader in sustainable packaging, e-commerce packaging, distribution automation, and publishing and printing paper supply, MIDLAND is also growing in the area of performance – specifically, direct-to-consumer marketing and strategic consulting. MIDLAND’s commitment to strategic consulting began in 2019 with the acquisition of CohereOne, a Californiabased multichannel consulting and strategic services firm. “We always had a vision to expand our services beyond paper and packaging products, so we made the bold move of acquiring CohereOne to complement our core product offering. Our goal was, and is, to ensure a client’s message reaches the right people in the right places with strategic planning, campaign execution, digital integration and analytics. MIDLAND is thrilled with the performance of CohereOne, and excited to take our strategic consulting business to the next level by bringing J.Schmid onboard,” said MIDLAND’s Co-Owner and Executive Vice President of Publishing & Consulting, Jim O’Toole.

Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) Chairman Robert G. Taub announced that Commissioner Ashley E. Poling has been unanimously elected as Vice Chairwoman of the Commission, succeeding Vice Chairman Michael Kubayanda. PRC regulations state that the Commission elect a member to serve as Vice Chairman for a term of one year. Chairman Taub said he is elated Commissioner Poling has agreed to serve in the capacity of Vice Chairwoman. “She has a unique understanding of the challenges at hand and understands the importance of the regulators' role as we navigate the complexities involved in making sure we have a vibrant postal system for years to come.”

Postmedia today announced the launch of a new app offering subscribers an integrated, streamlined and personalized experience, with seamless access to their preferred content across Postmedia’s brands. “Our readers have told us what they want and need in their online news and information experiences, and we’re delivering with the launch of our new app.” said Duncan Clark, Chief Content Officer at Postmedia. “The app combines a personalized experience with local curation and access to breaking news, as part of an intuitive design that makes it easier than ever to engage with our journalism.” Postmedia brands now available on both iOS and Android include: Montreal Gazette, Vancouver Sun, Calgary Herald, Ottawa Citizen, Edmonton Journal, The London Free Press, Regina Leader-Post, Saskatoon StarPhoenix, Windsor Star, National Post and Financial Post.