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.