Lincoln, Neb.

Lee Enterprises’ efforts to increase efficiency and reduce costs received a big boost with the installation of Kodak’s Ink Optimizing Service at 12 of its daily newspapers. Since adding the capability over the last several months, the newspapers report reductions in ink expenses between 20 percent and 25 percent.

LINCOLN, NE—Oct. 2, 2006—MetroGroup, a leading national provider of direct marketing services, announced today that it has acquired Proficient Data, a leader in transaction document management, production and mailing services for more than 15 years. Founded in 1991 and maintaining offices in suburban Chicago and Milwaukee, Proficient Data provides comprehensive document output and distribution solutions for telecommunications, financial services, healthcare and insurance companies, as well as utilities, credit unions and collection agencies and companies seeking business-to-business direct marketing solutions. Managing, producing and distributing millions of sensitive, business-critical electronic and print documents such as invoices, checks, statements, direct marketing solicitations, and explanations of benefits, Proficient