Amazon opens new robotic fulfillment center (chainstoreage.com)

Meredith Corp. is launching a company-wide, cross-platform editorial initiative this fall in response to the difficult events this year, called “Reasons for Hope in America.” The project will focus on the “inspiring stories of community, giving thanks, inspiring change and reflecting on what matters most,” according to the publisher. "Reasons for Hope in America" — which will span across print, digital, video, broadcast and social — is inspired by the People franchise “100 Reasons to Love America.”

Looking more closely at Meredith's fiscal 2018 first quarter compared to the prior-year period: •Local Media Group revenues were $154 million, operating profit was $41 million and EBITDA was $49 million, all record highs for a non-political first quarter. Non-political advertising revenues increased 4 percent to $88 million, led by growth in the Atlanta, Phoenix and St. Louis markets. Digital advertising revenues grew 14 percent. Other revenues increased 24 percent, primarily due to growth in retransmission-related revenues. •National Media Group revenues were $239 million. Operating profit grew 17 percent to $28 million. Excluding the special item in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, operating profit grew 4 percent to $25 million, driven primarily by lower operating expenses in Meredith's magazine business. Circulation revenues grew slightly compared to the prior-year period. •Total Company digital advertising revenues were a fiscal first quarter record. Traffic across Meredith's digital properties increased to 83 million average monthly unique visitors. National Media Group digital advertising revenues accounted for 30 percent of National Media Group advertising revenues. Click Read More below for additional information.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman issued the following statement regarding the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Proposed Rule 30e-3 in light of the agency’s recent hacking announcement. The rule would eliminate the current default requirement for financial companies to transmit information to their investors in paper form. “Government agencies have a responsibility to protect citizen’s right to choose how to receive information and services, particularly when it involves a person’s finances. The SEC’s own survey confirmed that the majority of investors prefer to receive financial information in printed form. Investors must be able to receive important financial documents easily and securely. Paper provides the broadest access to all investors, and therefore, should continue to be the default method of delivery.”