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Case Study - Newspaper and Print Above the Standard Procurement Group, Inc.®, www.ATSPG.com

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Case Study - Newspaper and PrintJune 19, 2014

2www.ATSPG.com

Summary

Above The Standard Procurement Group®, Inc. staff has more than twenty-five years experience in handling consumables and negotiations with newspapers, printers, and their suppliers. This experience spans all consumables, software (including maintenance agreements and SaaS), capital projects (including press equipment), office supplies, telecommunications, delivery services, newsprint, and much more. Our staff has effectively managed complex, global projects and has worked with executives and world-renowned companies in the industry.

Specific Experience

Above the Standard has developed and implemented strategies for sourcing for a variety of newspaper and printing consumables and services. We have managed hundreds of millions (USD) in annual spend and have generated significant cost savings and value through development and execution of strategic sourcing initia-tives.

Real Results | Real Numbers

In just one specific example we were able to save our client newspaper thirteen percent on their printing plate spend. The client’s expectations were far exceeded as they had already been offered a 5% reduction from their vendor prior to their engagement with us. By utilizing the Above the Standard processes and formal Request for Proposal procedures, this newspaper is now enjoying a $342,879.00 savings over a three year contract term with $254,759.00 coming from their en-gagement with Above the Standard.

This one simple example demonstrates that when you engage with the right company, and their experts, how savings can be realized, even when you believe you have the best currently available price.

We have coordinated and provided oversight for the creation of source plans across multiple business units within a company to leverage spend and maximize savings. When creating source plans we strive to apply a variety of value levers in order to provide optimal solutions to meet the business needs.

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Case Study - Newspaper and PrintJune 19, 2014

3www.ATSPG.com

Above the Standard has developed processes, methodologies, tools, and Stan-dard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) specifically for the newspaper and printing market situations.

Our broad and in depth experience in the newspaper and printing arena allows us to effectively address any category or need in that space. The Above the Standard model empowers our clients with the final choice after utilizing our industry ex-perts. We can also help printers and newspapers with expert operational consult-ing including:

� Printing quality; � Operational SOP’s; � Commercial printing sales (including organizational structure); � Management training; and � Overall operational efficiencies and cost savings.

Summary

As you review this case study, please keep in mind that Above the Standard deliv-ers ten benefits and guarantees to you. They are:

� ATS conducts the work. � Your information is safe. � Invoice review not needed. � No time required by your staff. � We build long-term relationships. � You have no risk and no overhead. � You receive quality and best value. � Cost reduction projects are detailed. � Global procurement and finance firm. � You pay “0” unless we save you money