Media Centre

February 2, 2010

Contac Acquires Assets of Forum Productions Inc.

Contac announced its further expansion into print with the acquisition of certain printing assets from Forum Productions Inc. ("Forum"), a commercial printer located in Delta, B.C.
Full Press Release

January 21, 2010

Transat Distribution Canada Latest Industry Leader to Enhance Guest Experience with Contac’s eConcierge™ Program

Contac is pleased to announce the launch of its eConcierge™ platform with Transat Distribution Canada. Beginning in January, each Marlin Travel guest will receive a dynamically generated personalized website, or PURL, tailored to their specific trip itinerary.
Full Press Release

January 19, 2010

Contac Launches Revolutionary New Supply Chain Procurement Platform

Contac is pleased to introduce Contac Procurement Platforms to the marketplace. Created to facilitate supply chain management, procurement, print and logistics in one centralized forum, Contac Procurement Platforms have been embraced by clients both within and outside of the travel industry.
Full Press Release

January 14, 2010

Contac Expands to European Market with Newly Established London, UK Facility

Contac Services Inc., Canada’s largest direct marketing, print and fulfillment company, is pleased to announce its expansion into Europe. With a new, state-of-the-art facility in London, UK, Contac offers warehousing, distribution, logistics, printing and marketing services to its worldwide client base.
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December 11, 2009

Contac Introduces Contac Photo Books

Contac Services Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of Contac Photo Books, the newest in an expanding line of service offerings from Canada’s largest direct marketing, print and fulfillment company. A simple online platform, www.mycontacphotobook.com enables users to create customized photo books and send them directly to print in Contac’s national print centres, leveraging both the company’s print and distribution expertise.
Full Press Release

November 5th, 2009

Contac's eConcierge™ to Enhance Crystal Ball Experience

Contac Services Inc., Canada's largest direct marketing, print and fulfillment company, is proud to be one of the Production Sponsors for the 23rd annual Crystal Ball, benefiting BC Children's Hospital Foundation. eConcierge™ is a revolutionary platform that offers guests of Vancouver's premier fundraising gala a convenient, customized forum to interact with the charity event.
Full Press Release

August 19th, 2009

Sears Travel Adopts Contac’s eConcierge™ Program to Enhance Guest Experience

Contac Services Inc., Canada’s largest direct marketing print and fulfillment company, is pleased to announce the addition of Sears Travel to its growing list of prominent eConcierge™ clients. eConcierge, a revolutionary platform that offers guests added convenience, connectivity and information about every aspect of their vacation packages, was initially launched in March 2009 with WestJet Vacations.
Full Press Release

August 7th, 2009

Contac and Grand & Toy Expand Strategic Partnership

Contac Services Inc., Canada's largest direct marketing, print and fulfillment company, and Grand & Toy, the nation's largest business to business solutions provider, have expanded their existing strategic partnership with the launch of the Online Brand Manager (OBM). This web-based technology platform aims to bring value to Canadian businesses of all sizes by centralizing the procurement of branded stationery, promotional products and marketing tools.
Full Press Release

July 31 2009

Contac's eConcierge Program Gains Momentum with Brewster Vacations Canada

Contac Services Inc., Canada's largest direct marketing, print and fulfillment company has added Brewster Vacations Canada to its growing list of eConcierge™ clients. eConcierge is an interactive online service that offers travelers added value by integrating all aspects of their vacation package into one centralized location.
Full Press Release

July 14 2009

Contac's CEO named finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year award

Contac Services Inc. is pleased to announce that its Chief Executive Officer, Riaz Pisani, has been named a finalist for the 2009 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, Pacific Region.
Full Press Release

May 21 2009

Contac to provide personalized websites for athletes participating in 2009 World Police and Fire Games

The 2009 World Police & Fire Games and Contac will embark on a creative collaboration that promises to enhance one-to-one athlete communications and promote online marketing engagement opportunities leading up to and during the Games. The two organizations will work together to develop personalized websites (PURLs) for each athlete, setting a new standard for how athletes interact and obtain competition and travel-related information.
Full Press Release

May 14 2009

WestJet Vacations enhances guest experience with Contac's revolutionary eConcierge™ program

WestJet Vacations will become the first Canadian vacation provider to create automatically-generated customized travel websites and booklets for guests who book vacation packages.
Full Press Release

March 18 2009

TPI Teams with Contac

Travel Professionals International (TPI), Canada's largest network of independent travel consultants, is launching a new online store for the procurement of print and marketing materials using the proprietary technology of Contac, Canada's largest direct marketing, print and fulfillment company specializing in personalized 1to1 marketing communications that build brand and customer loyalty.
Full Press Release

December 09 2008

Contac announces global expansion

Contac, Canada's largest direct marketing, print and fulfillment services company, announced today its expansion into the European and Asian markets with the opening of offices in London, Dusseldorf and Beijing. The three new offices are part of Contac's strategy to establish a strong local presence in major markets outside North America and to increase international business for the company's personalized direct marketing production and distribution services in the travel, entertainment, automotive and gift card market sectors.
Full Press Release

Novermber 03 2008

Contac's printing gets greener, company wins enviro award

Contac, Canada's largest direct marketing, print and fulfillment company, has been steadily building its reputation as an environmentally-sensitive printer. And now Contac is a recognized recipient of the GreenWorks Environmental Recognition Award, a special green initiative developed by Agfa Graphics, a world leading imaging and technology company.
Full Press Release

October 22 2008

Contac donates portion of greeting card sales to Heart and Stroke Foundation

Contac, a world leading provider of direct marketing, print and fulfillment solutions for the corporate market, is pleased to participate in a one-year program where it will donate 7.5 per cent of all greeting card sales to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon from October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2009. Donations will benefit heart disease and stroke research, education and advocacy.
Full Press Release

October 20 2008

Contac unveils custom marketing 'revolution'
1 to 1 communications comes to the desktop

Travel industry personnel can now produce custom-made marketing collateral on demand and at their own desks thanks to a new service by Contac.

Dubbed "1 to 1 communications," the new Web2Print self-service portal allows customers to order custom and static stationery, brochures and other marketing materials through a streamlined order process while centralizing company-branded marketing templates to ensure brand consistency.

"It revolutionizes how our customers build relationships with their contacts," says Riaz Pisani, president of the Vancouver-based direct marketing, print and fulfillment company, adding, "Our clients are not just buying print, they are buying custom content, client loyalty and business retention."
Full Press Release

October 20 2008

Contac launches Web2Print self-service portal

New website simplifies order process for customers.
Full Press Release

June 15 2007

Riaz Pisani Nominated for 2007 Pacific Region Entrepreneur of the Year

Contac Services president and Chief Executive Officer Riaz Pisani has demonstrated how his entrepreneurialism, leadership and innovation can take a company to new heights. He has an impressive track record, growing Contac from a local company to a diverse corporation spanning international markets; a record that has earned him the nod as one of five nominees in the Business to Business and Information Technology categories for the prestigious 14th annual Ernst & Young's 2007 Entrepreneur of the Year (Pacific Region).

"It is such an honor to be nominated for such an esteemed award. Winning would just be a bonus," said Riaz. "This nomination is the result of the dedication and commitment of our employees who consistently provide exceptional customer service every day to our growing base of international customers."

Once a finalist has been selected from each industry category by a panel of judges, one will be named Pacific Entrepreneur of the Year. This individual will be eligible for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2007 national program, which culminates in an annual awards gala held in November in Palm Springs, California.

Riaz has been part of Contac's board of directors for more than 15 years. In 2004, he acquired an interest in the company and a year later, took over the helm as its chief executive officer. Since then, Riaz has facilitated the growth of the company in many new markets, which has resulted in Contac assuming a world leadership position in the distribution, fulfillment, and marketing industries.

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year program has been saluting entrepreneurs since 1993. Pacific Canada, which includes B.C., Nunavut, Northwest Territories, is one of five regions to participate in the Canada-wide event. The others include: the Prairies; Ontario; Quebec; and Atlantic Canada. The annual awards program is international in scope, celebrating the achievements of entrepreneurs in 30 countries who demonstrate drive, entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. The World Entrepreneur of the Year takes place later in Monte Carlo to recognize and encourage entrepreneurship throughout the world.

January 19 2007

New Joint Venture formed for Variable Data Print (VDP) in North America

An exciting new partnership between two of the world's most innovative companies was announced today. Contac Services Inc. one of North America's leading providers of distribution and fulfillment services has teamed up with UK based dsi group, a globally recognized specialist in personalized print and communication, to form dsi contac.

The new joint venture company will enable clients to take advantage of the exciting and rapidly developing sector of variable data digital print which is in hot demand across a wide range of markets. dsi is increasingly using and developing such applications with its clients in order to achieve and maintain a competitive sales and marketing edge.

Contac's client base will be offered the facility to utilize dsi group's development expertise for producing variable output, which will then be produced on Contac's state-of-the-art Xerox® iGen3™ colour digital presses. Additionally, with dsi group having their own significant production facilities in the UK, clients will also be offered the opportunity to produce integrated campaigns for print and distribution in both North America and Europe, along with associated fulfillment and distribution services.

Riaz Pisani, President and CEO of Contac Services said, "This is an exciting partnership for both companies, allowing us to provide innovative communication solutions to the travel, financial services, automotive, government and pharmaceutical sectors. dsi has won numerous awards for their work in these sectors and we look forward to providing these applications to the North American market. We will be targeting similar sectors with a number of unique applications, including personalized holiday guides and highly focused direct marketing and communication programs to deliver clients repeat business and up-sell opportunities".

Andy Young, dsi group's Group Managing Director, added "Contac has an impressive client base that will no doubt benefit from some of the award winning applications that we have already successfully implemented in the UK. Additionally, their team is also very forward thinking regarding how the latest digital print technology can be utilized to deliver new and unique applications that will produce considerable return on investment for their customers. Both companies has an innovative approach to business and we are already enjoying working together on a number of exciting initiatives. The joint venture between the companies will additionally help deliver clients integrated solutions in what is becoming an increasingly global market".

For further information contact Salima Mitha at (905) 564 8688.

February 10, 2010 – Baxter Travel Media

Contac Opens New YVR Offices

Baxter's travelpress.com reported that executive staff from Contac Services Inc. gathered for a photo during a recent open house celebrating the debut of new company offices in downtown Vancouver.
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November 3, 2009 – Kodak News & Media

KODAK NEXPRESS Presses Help Contac Services Expand Digital Print Capabilities and Increase ROI

Canada’s largest direct marketing, print and fulfillment company, Contac Services, is better meeting the needs of its clients with two newly added KODAK NEXPRESS S3000 Digital Production Color Presses and KODAK NEXPRESS Glossing Units, and Dimensional Printing available as part of KODAK NEXPRESS Fifth Imaging Unit Solutions. The company is helping deliver its clients’ messages via high-quality one-to-one communications and marketing materials through its "Corporate Store Program," enabled by KODAK Unified Workflow Solutions.
Full Article

October 10, 2009 – National Post

National Post Coverage of Ernst & Young 2009 Pacific Entrepreneur Of the Year Awards

Ernst & Young honours West Coast innovators at a gala event in Vancouver on October 8, 2009. Riaz Pisani, President and CEO, Contac Services Inc. and 2009 finalist in the business-to-business category poses with daughter, Asiyya Pisani and Jonathan Rhone, President and CEO, Nexterra Energy Corporation.
Full Article

October 8, 2009 – BC Business Magazine

BC Business Magazine Features President and CEO, Riaz Pisani of Contac Services

BC Business Magazine interviews Ernst & Young 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year Award finalist Riaz Pisani of Contac Services in the B2B Products and Services category. This up close look explains Riaz's unique approach to creating new markets and revenue streams for his clients that has led to Contac's success.
Full Article

August 17, 2009 – Canadian Travel Press

Earn more on Contac agent site

Contac has launched an eContac web site for agents. The new site, (www.e-contac.com), offers improvements in functionality, ordering process and search capabilities, and gives travel agents the ability to order event tickets and travel gear to enhance their clients' bookings and vacation experiences.
Full Article

August 10, 2009 – Backbone Magazine

Contac and Grand and Toy Expand Strategic Partnership

Vancouver, Canada — Contac Services Inc., Canada’s largest direct marketing, print and fulfillment company, and Grand & Toy, the nation’s largest business to business solutions provider, have expanded their existing strategic partnership with the launch of the Online Brand Manager (OBM). This web-based technology platform aims to bring value to Canadian businesses of all sizes by centralizing the procurement of branded stationery, promotional products and marketing tools.
Full Article

July 7, 2009 – CNW Group

Ernst & Young celebrates Pacific finalists for 2009 Entrepreneur Of The Year

Entrepreneurial-minded companies are growing with incredible speed and quickly entering into the ranks of the world's largest corporations, Ernst & Young said today when unveiling this year's Pacific finalists for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. Riaz Pisani of Contac Services is announced as a Pacific Region Finalist.
Full Article

May 28 2009 – Travel Courier

eConcierge ‘PURL’ gives new lustre to WestJet Vacations

Basic and value-added service to travellers are seemingly on a decline, so a new no-charge travel application is being welcomed as an innovative pearl – or rather PURL.

Passengers with WestJet Vacations are the first to get the new PURL – or personal URL – as a suite of value-added services now being rolled out by the company.

In totality, these services have been dubbed "eConcierge." It gives customers a double shot of added-value amenities, including a personal website and a personalized trip information booklet.
Full Article

May 15, 2009 – Media in Canada

WestJet Vacations launches PURL

WestJet Vacations (WJV) has launched a new, more personalized marketing touchpoint to engage its travelers. Using Vancouver-based Contac's eConcierge technology platform, it's offering its guests automatically-generated personalized websites known as PURLs, containing tailored information on flights, transfers, hotel, tours, destination and attractions information and discount coupons. Users can also upload photos, share their vacation details on social networks and email their PURL to friends and family.
Full Article

December 22 2008 – Business in Vancouver

Direct marketing goes digital and gets personal

By keeping pace with technology and personalizing its offerings, Vancouver's Contac Services is hoping to convince customers that direct marketing still has a place in company marketing tool kits.

In the age of the paperless online experience, direct marketing might be consid-ered by some as an archaic and impersonal way to reach an audience.

However, Contac Services Inc., a 30-year-old Vancouver company that spent its first 25 years providing distribution and warehousing support to the travel industry, is capital-izing on new direct marketing technologies to connect with consumers.
Full Article

October 27 2008

Five Questions with Riaz Pisani – Editorial Press Release

1. B2B and B2C are pretty common terms nowadays, Riaz, but please explain "1 to 1 communications"?
1 to 1 communications, sometimes called personalized marketing, is all about customizing communications for each customer based on his or her unique needs and interests. 1 to 1 communications is far more personalized and makes customers take notice. More importantly, it differentiates a company, product or service from the competition and increases customer loyalty because they feel their travel agent has gone the extra mile.

2. How does it apply to your new Web2Print initiative?
Web2Print provides travel agents with the ability to manage their direct marketing collateral needs in one convenient place and customize materials as needed with text, images and graphics. For example, if a travel agent wants to send out two brochures, one to a family, the other to a single man, he or she selects an image and message tailored to each. We use sophisticated variable data technology that gives travel agents the option to send out static or personalized content in their marketing materials - both digital and print.

3. You've described the service as ‘revolutionizing' how your customers can build relationships with their contacts. How so? Personalized communications are far more compelling than static material, and it builds customer excitement, which in turn translates to an increased return on investment for travel agents. With ongoing competition in the travel sector, travel agents tell us they are workinq harder to build their business and retain customers, many of whom are becoming increasingly more budget conscious and shopping around for travel deals.

4. Many in the travel industry know Contac as a travel fulfillment company; what prompted you to pursue this path? First, we already have long-standing relationships with the travel industry that go back 30 years. Second, because of our close ties with the sector, we saw an opportunity to help travel agents succeed better by improving the way they interact with each other.

We developed niche products and services for the travel sector that would streamline business processes and also win back customers. With our state-of-the-art warehouse and distribution infrastructure in place across Canada, Contac was in a position to become the single source provider, which, ultimately, creates more efficiencies and gives travel agents more control.

5. There are more interesting developments to come. Can you give us a sneak peak? Contac will be launching eConcierge, a turnkey customer service and marketing program for travel agencies and independent travel agents that improves their customer marketing-ROI, while reducing their overall marketing expense. eConcierge is a multi-touch program comprised of a travel booklet, preloaded Visa card and PURL or personalized website. Each component reinforces travel customers to purchase trip-related products and services and creates additional revenue sources for agents.

April 26 2008

Contac attends the Heart of Gold Ball 2008

A spectacular time was had by all in attendance at the Heart of Gold Ball 2008 in Alameda, California on April 26th. Contac Services were delighted to be one of the sponsors at this extravagant event.
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