In this, our 60th Anniversary year, the goal of our founding fathers and mothers is even more urgent today – to enable all involved with circulation, fulfillment and audience development for B2B media to have the knowledge necessary to perform their tasks – which are complex and rarely understood outside their immediate offices.

We are all aware of the technological advances we have had to embrace and enhance. No need to repeat them here. How do we keep on top? By tapping knowledgeable resources in print, via the Internet and live – the same channels we use to reach and grow audiences for the products we are responsible for.

And NTCFI provides this opportunity. Our organization continues to provide a forum to “eat, talk and learn,” as the historical overview below notes. It’s that simple. But beyond the monthly meetings, NTCFI offers you a way to connect with others whenever you have a question or problem. I have always found members willing to share their time and knowledge on an informal basis. We are all in this together and we can all learn from each other. It’s a win-win situation.

Take advantage of all that NTCFI and the trade circulation community have to offer. Check out our Resource Directory and upcoming events. Attend. Join. Get involved. Take your job and your personal growth to the next level.

NTCFI can help make it happen.

Jane D. Giles
President
National Trade Circulation Foundation Inc.
J_giles@cambeywest.com

 

The First 60 Years - a History of our Organization
In 1948, flush with our WWII victory and having the largest industrial base of any country in the world, America embarked on an unprecedented economic expansion. The business press kept pace.

The number of business publications keeping this economic expansion informed exploded. New business opportunities and discoveries created the need for up-to-date news and information. It was through this process that the modern circulation professional was born, but not without some hurdles.

In 1948 (and to a great degree still true today) there were no formal educational programs on the basics of circulation, no books, no seminars, no magazines dedicated to the subject, and online reference wasn't even a thought. Personal computers didn't exist. A few circulation professionals in New York City decided to do something to help themselves and their peers meet the new challenges in circulation. They organized a regular forum, a luncheon, and invited circulation professionals to “eat, talk and learn from each other.” The Business Publications Circulation Council (BPCC) was born.

For the next eighteen years, BPCC maintained a monthly forum for peers to meet, share job experiences and learn from guest speakers.

In 1966 BPCC changed its name to The National Business Circulation Association (NBCA) to reflect what had become a nationally-represented organization. For the next two decades business publishing, fueled by technology (computers were making their first appearance in circulation maintenance) and a rapidly expanding global economy, grew at record pace. And so did the membership of NBCA. From the handful of friends that met for lunch the organization grew to over 150 professionals by the early-80s.

Seeking to secure the long-term future of the association, in 1997 NBCA was re-organized on a non-profit status and was officially renamed The National Trade Circulation Foundation Inc. (NTCFI).

True to the original goals of the founding members, NTCFI continues to offer an environment that promotes the professionalism of those involved in business publishing circulation, providing education for those just entering the field and offering opportunities for all to exchange circulation ideas and trends in the publishing industry. Becoming a member of NTCFI is to become an active participant in ensuring that you remain on the cutting edge of this profession and garner the recognition you deserve as a part of the B2B publishing industry.