Hello Everyone, I am happy to report that TruVue is doing well and we are still here and still in the matboard business. I apologize about the email situation - Our plant is located next to a quarry here in Chicago and the explosions seem to have something to do with frequent power outages.
Unfortunately, a power outage Tuesday night knocked out our exchange server which services email. We were without email contact for 2 1/2 days and event hose of us who were using our laptops and personal email addresses to send mail were getting the "mailer-daemon" messages!
Jim Hayes is also still with us and can be reached at 708-485-5080 x3050. That's been his number for the past 2 years, since we moved from our old plant in downtown Chicago.
Finally, we ARE in the matboard business in Southern California. Contact Larson Juhl - they are carrying the full line as of a couple months ago. If you are in Southern California and need specific help, our rep is Elizabeth Licaudo, x 3107.
Regarding the supply issues - as you may or may not be aware, the paper manufacturers and the paper business has not been in good shape the past few years. Several plants have closed down and others have been in and out of Chapter 11. On top of this, environmental regulations have forced the manufacturers to change their dyes and pigments.
Fortunately, at Tru Vue, we have excellent relationships with many manufacturers so we can be assured of a consistent supply. Unfortunately, the environmental changes have caused some problems with being able to get the colors right. There have been a few issues over the past year where certain colors were affected by the manufacturer's problems in matching the old color with the new pigments. All the matboard companies who buy conservation quality paper will be having the same issues.
Outside of the 2 or 3 colors affected by this pigment problem, we have not had any supply problems.
I hope this clears up any questions - we're glad to be back on line!
Patti Dumbaugh
Director of Marketing
