Miami businessman and arts leader joins blue ribbon panel of actors, philanthropists, writers and artists.

MIAMI, FL – November 10, 2009 – President Barack Obama has handpicked Miami businessman and arts leader Ricky Arriola to serve on his Committee on the Arts and Humanities, the nation’s preeminent body focused on arts and humanities education, cultural diplomacy and economic revitalization through the arts and humanities. A Miami native, Mr. Arriola currently serves as chair of Miami’s Performing Arts Center Trust, an independent body of business and civic leaders that oversees the nonprofit Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. He is also President and CEO of Inktel Direct, a national business process outsourcing company based in Miami.

The Committee serves as a liaison between The White House and federal cultural agencies, as well as civic, corporate, foundation and private funders that seek to further the nation’s investment in the arts and humanities. The 26-person panel is a veritable “who’s who” of the nation’s cultural landscape, including actors Sarah Jessica Parker, Forrest Whitaker, Alfre Woodard and Edward Norton, musician Yo Yo Ma, fashion luminary Anna Wintour, and philanthropist Teresa Heinz, among others. First Lady Michelle Obama serves as the Committee’s Honorary Chair.

“I am confident that these talented individuals will be valued additions to our administration and will offer wise counsel in their respective roles,” said President Obama, in a statement. “I look forward to working with them in the coming months and years.”

As chair of Miami’s 41-member Performing Arts Center Trust board of directors, Mr. Arriola has been a driving force in the Adrienne Arsht Center’s emergence as one of the nation’s leading performing arts organizations. Today, the Center serves as a model public-private partnership, having balanced its budget for the second-consecutive year, paid off its last remaining bank debt seven years early and elevated its role as a catalyst for economic development in Miami’s burgeoning urban core.

“Ricky Arriola is one of the Adrienne Arsht Center’s most valuable assets,” said M. John Richard, President and CEO of the Adrienne Arsht Center. “As chairman of our board, Ricky has demonstrated an innate ability to at once set a clear vision for our organization while rolling-up his sleeves and making a direct impact in Miami’s cultural community. I have no doubt that Ricky will apply the same degrees of leadership and passion as a member of the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities.”

Mr. Arriola’s appointment reflects South Florida’s evolution as one of the nation’s most dynamic arts communities. Home to cultural institutions such as the Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami Art Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art; festivals such as Art Basel and the Miami International Book Fair; and performance groups such as the Miami City Ballet, Florida Grand Opera and the New World Symphony, Miami has earned a spot on the global arts map.

While many communities struggle to fund cultural events and organizations in light of economic volatility, Miami’s commitment to the arts remains strong. The City’s base of individual and corporate donors continues to support the arts, and the public sector has provided funding for cultural organizations and capital projects, including a 29-acre waterfront park that will include new homes for the Miami Art Museum and the Miami Science Museum.

The President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities has served every president since 1982. Achievements include the origination of the Presidential Medals in the arts and humanities; groundbreaking cultural delegations to China and Mexico; and the creation of signature programs, such as “Save America’s Treasures,” the American Film Institute’s “Project: 20/20,” and the “Coming Up Taller” awards, which recognize exemplary after school arts and humanities programs for the nation’s youth.

About Inktel Direct

Inktel Direct is a leading business process outsourcer specializing in marketing and governmental services. As one of the top outsourcers in the United States, Inktel Direct provides Fulfillment, Contact Center, Direct Mail/Lettershop, E-commerce and Graphic Design solutions to many Fortune 500 companies, federal/state/local government agencies, not-for-profit agencies and other leading organizations. The rapidly growing organization has received multiple awards and recognition including the “Best Company to Work For” in all of Florida and the “Best Place to Work” in South Florida for two years in a row! Inktel Direct is headquartered in Miami, FL with additional operations in Chicago and Ft. Lauderdale. Company news and background information are available at http://www.inktel.com or call 305-523-1100.

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Inktel Direct, and the Inktel Direct logo are trademarks of Inktel Direct Corporation. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Media Contact:

Beatriz Alemar

Inktel Direct Corp.

(305) 523-1112

Beatriz.Alemar@inktel.com

Download the PDF here.

As October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month – draws to a close, I am once again reminded how important it is for corporations to give back and serve their community. Breast cancer affects millions of men and women each year. Coming together to show support and fundraising to find a cure brings hope to those affected.

This year, Inktel raised $2000 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to help find a cure and bring hope to patients, families and survivors. Our Miami location participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K in downtown Miami on Saturday, October 17th. We had over 30 people sign up for the race – each person had a different story of how breast cancer had touched their lives either through family or friends.

Sometimes we wonder if the little things we do actually matter. If donating just $1 or $2 makes a difference. I – for sure – know that it does. Inktel received this e-mail from Kathy Kozak, a breast cancer patient, describing how much our support meant to her and her fight against breast cancer:

Hi -

You don’t know me, but, I just want to thank Inktel for what you are doing here for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I can tell you that I have personally benefited from the progress that has been made in the fight against breast cancer. I was diagnosed with breast cancer on June 4th. I spent 2 months going for test after test prior to starting treatment. That was very upsetting to me because I wanted to start to fix the problem, not just go for tests! The treatment plan they had originally outlined for me was going to be very, very rough. However, during that 2 month delay before actually starting treatment on 8/21, my doctors were made aware of new information. This new information totally changed my treatment plan. It is nowhere near as bad as what I was originally scheduled to go through. It’s still a challenge, but, I am blessed because of new progress in combating this disease. It is very heartwarming to see a group of people like yourselves taking an interest in and doing something for this cause. Thanks again. I personally appreciate it!

Inktel came together as a corporation to show our support and restore faith in our community. As we continue through the rest of the quarter and into 2010, corporations need to remember how impactful their contributions – big or small – can be to their communities and customers. Let us all continue to strive harder and give back in the upcoming holiday season to help all the Kathys in our communities.

Photo Source: Flickr, Irargrich

Marketers now more than ever are being pressured to provide a definite ROI.  Everyone knows that direct marketing campaigns allow marketers to easily track their ROI.  But, do marketers know how to use the numbers generated by their direct marketing campaigns to actually calculate their ROI?

Today, while browsing my RSS feeds, I came across this article from the 60 Second Marketer Blog explaining how to determine various metrics such as total-cost-per-sale and response rate.  Go play the numbers game!

This afternoon, the United States Postal Service announced it would not increase the price of its market dominant products including First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, periodicals and single-piece parcel in 2010.

This announcement demonstrates the commitment the USPS has to their direct mail partners.  While they are concerned about their dwindling finances, they recognize “the value of mail and encouraging its continued use is essential for jobs, the economy and the future of both the Postal Service and the mailing industry.”

While I’m happy the Postal Service recognizes the importance of direct mail to their bottom line, you have to wonder what strategy they will use to stop their financial bleeding.  If they aren’t going to increase prices, how will they decrease their deficit?

The full announcement is below:

October 15, 2009

DMM Advisory

Pricing — keeping you informed about the prices and mailing standards of the United States Postal Service

To Postal Service Customers:

Many of you have expressed concerns regarding mailing costs for 2010.  The tough economic climate has presented significant challenges to all of us and pessimistic speculation has suggested that postal prices could increase by as much as 10 percent.

As we begin a new fiscal year and as many of you, our business clients, are preparing your 2010 operating budgets, we want to end all speculation.

The Postal Service will not increase prices for market dominant products in calendar year 2010.

Simply stated, there will not be a price increase for market dominant products including First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, periodicals, single-piece Parcel Post.  There will be no exigent price increase for these products.

This is the right decision at the right time for the right reason.  Promoting the value of mail and encouraging its continued use is essential for jobs, the economy, and the future of both the Postal Service and the mailing industry.

While increasing prices might have generated revenue for the Postal Service in the short term, the long term effect could drive additional mail out of the system.  We want mailers to continue to invest in mail to grow their business, communicate with valued customers, and maintain a strong presence in the marketplace.  Changes in pricing for our competitive products—Priority Mail, Express Mail, Parcel Select, and most international products—are under consideration.  We expect to announce a decision in November.

We are committed to working with customers to find ways to grow the mail through innovative incentives like the Summer Sale and contract pricing.  Mail is the most effective means of communication and advertising and we will continue to work together to increase the value of the mail.  Mail is a smart investment for the future.

Chicago, IL – October 12, 2009 - Dan Arriola, Executive Vice President of Inktel Direct, was featured in an article by Crain’s Chicago Business.  The article, The Just-bold-enough Move, describes the benefits of making bold business decisions to come out on top.

Read the full article here.  Excerpt below:

Dan Arriola’s Wood Dale-based Inktel Direct Corp., which he owns with his brother, had failed to win an account with a national charity when it was a young firm.

Right after the loss, Mr. Arriola was in Miami on business when he learned the head of the charity was there for a conference.

“I tracked him down at his hotel and called him to go to dinner,” Mr. Arriola says. “He said, ‘You know the job has gone to someone else, and we don’t plan on changing.’ I said I wanted to meet anyway.”

The two ate tapas, shared thoughts on business and parted ways. Nine months later, when the winning company failed to follow through, Mr. Arriola got a call. The two organizations have been doing business together for four years now.

“I think he thought I was a little crazy” to seemingly follow him to Miami, says Mr. Arriola, 33. “But in the long run, it made our relationship better because he saw our commitment.”

His firm has grown from a dozen employees to 100: “Before we landed this client, we had only a few non-profits. Today, we have over 20 non-profit clients, including some of the top charities in the Chicago area.”

Photo Source: Flickr, Contact Center Compliance

Since 2003, emphasis on contact center compliance has risen. The interest in regulation divided the industry into two distinct factions: one seeking to avoid the expense and fly under the radar to escape detection and the other complying to safeguard their image and client relationships. Professional contact centers have been forced to comply with an increase in regulation or face stiff fines and penalties from the government.

State and federal legislators assigned steep fines to the compliance laws to force call centers into compliance. For example, states prohibiting caller id blocks will enforce fines of $1,000 up to $25, 000 per incident. Craftmatic and its subsidiaries paid $4.4 million to settle sundry FTC telemarketing compliance charges. ADT agreed to pay more than $2 million for allowing non-compliant calls to consumers on the federal Do Not Call (DNC) list.

The fines are steep but it’s the operational limitations that accompany these fines that cost or hurt these organizations. The additional measures assigned to these settlements increase these companies’ cost of doing business, shrink their potential market and significantly impact response rate.

The announcement of these fines and limitations to market become a political platform to demonstrate the effectiveness of call compliance laws and regulations. While the FTC and FCC maintain different measures for complaints reaching “critical mass,” both administrations clearly want to portray themselves as the consumers’ advocate.

State Attorneys must present evidence of their job performance and will dip from the most popular and consumer passionate areas as often as they can to secure votes. These agencies offer consumers easy access to complaint forms and promote an estimated 2.5 minutes completion time to tout the simplicity of their forms. These combined techniques keep consumers engaged and willing to report offenders. Thereby, keeping the pool of potential violators stocked for future investigations and fines.

The FTC and FCC will only initiate a civil investigation when complaints against an organization reaches critical mass, while some states might chose to pursue violators for first complaints. Companies have no visibility to the number of complaints being generated by their telemarketing activities. Not only that but, the average consumer is ignorant of the laws and protections afforded them under these laws. Therefore, many complaints are filed for calls customers perceive to be in violation of their rights but often are permissible.

Companies are powerless and have zero control of the frequency of complaints against them and will never know when these will achieve critical mass at any level. This is why organizations consider compliance a full time job and often staff a compliance officer to ensure a “Safe Harbor.”

“Safe Harbor” is an organization’s ability to demonstrate that they employed the necessary processes and technology to comply with the laws and regulations as they apply to the organization. These costs include the purchase of or upgrading dialer, voice recorder and other technology capable of meeting the standards dictated by state and federal regulations. Additionally, someone with a legal background must comb through the maze of laws and regulations to provide accurate interpretation and guidance. On the other hand, the calling restrictions and compliance requirements drive production inefficiencies that cost companies revenue and performance bonuses.

So how does an organization avoid these fines while continuing to operate an effective and viable telemarketing program?

The answer is very simple: comply with the laws as best you can and position your organization to effectively and efficiently address any and every inquiry or civil investigation by establishing a “Safe Harbor.”