Chris Lien Becomes New BCC President

ROCHESTER, NY—07/21/10—BCC Software, a BÖWE BELL + HOWELL company and a leading developer of postal and data-quality technology solutions that optimize client communications, announces the promotion of Christopher Lien to BCC President. He replaced BCC founder and former President K. Jon Runstrom, whose retirement took effect June 30.

“Our current and future customers face increasing challenges in their application of postal and other technology solutions that achieve their business goals. BCC is uniquely positioned to be a true partner to our clients in these exciting and evolving times,” Lien said. “I’m honored to help continue this company’s proud heritage of innovation, service and support.”

“No one is better prepared than Chris Lien to help BCC Software meet and exceed the company’s goals in the years ahead,” said Mike Swift, President of Software and Postal Sorting for BCC parent company BÖWE BELL + HOWELL. “His vision, knowledge, and influence will help shape this company—and indeed, the industry—for years to come. We’re thrilled to have him on the BÖWE BELL + HOWELL team.”

An active member of the U.S. mailing industry for more than 15 years, Lien has authored several software solutions utilizing Mail.dat for electronic auditing, distribution and logistics planning, palletization, and electronic postage payment. His commitment to the betterment of the industry is evident in his involvement in such groups as the Association for Postal Commerce, the Mailing & Fulfillment Service Association, IDEAlliance and the Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers. He is the IDEAlliance representative to the Mailers Technical Advisory Committee (MTAC), and was most recently elected industry focus group leader for address accuracy in MTAC.

Lien is a sought-after speaker at mailing-related conferences and events, and frequently delivers presentations at the National Postal Forum, MAILCOM, Graph Expo, and many regional Postal Customer Councils. He has written numerous industry articles related to address quality and Intelligent Mail, and hosted many online webinars on those topics and others.

As President, Lien will offer perspective and guidance with regard to the ongoing development of BCC’s array of postal and data quality technology solutions. He will also continue to represent the company at industry conferences and events, and to offer his perspective on industry issues in trade articles and on the BCC blog, http://bccsoftware.wordpress.com/.

Lien holds a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from the University of Minnesota. He and his family live in Rochester, NY.

Q&A with Chris Lien

1. BCC is already going through some growth and change as a company. How does this executive transition factor into that, and in what ways do these changes influence BCC’s future?

BCC is indeed growing, both in terms of new solutions and services as well as new associates. This growth is a direct reflection of the innovation and dedication to our customers and the mailing industry. I am personally excited to be part of such a dynamic and growing organization where I can apply my nearly two decades of mailing industry knowledge and experience in areas of growth such as Intelligent Mail, commingled mail sortation, and best practices in address and data quality methodologies.

2. BCC’s success has involved constancy—principles upon which customers have come to rely: Things like unlimited customer support, continuous product innovation and reliable updates, and overall customer satisfaction. How do you plan to carry on these principles for current and future customers as the company’s new President?

BCC was founded on a simple, but very important concept: How Can We Help? That guiding principle of excellence in customer service is the foundation of BCC’s continued success and you can be assured that BCC will always stay true to providing outstanding, live, and unlimited customer support.

Our unwavering dedication to the industry is evidenced by the continuous innovation being delivered today. Our support for Intelligent Mail barcodes encompasses not only software to support Basic and Full Service, but also Track N Trace services for enhanced mail visibility, and quality assurance devices, such as our Mail Verifier Plus for USPS compliance and accountability. We are also excited about the many commingling options available today for mailers who are interested in co-mailing and co-palletization opportunities as an effective way to mitigate postage increases.

3. What would you say are the key industry issues facing mailers today, and how is BCC positioned to deal with those issues?

The mailing industry is facing a number of key issues these days: unprecedented declines in mail volume, a USPS in financial peril, the implementation of Intelligent Mail, and direct competition from alternative forms to direct mail. I cannot recall a more challenging time in the last decade.

As a full service provider of software solutions and services, BCC is well positioned to help our customers and the industry not only weather this difficult time, but to also aid in a transformation of mail. Today’s direct mail is all about quality versus quantity. It’s about transforming Intelligent Mail barcodes from a tracking mechanism into a conduit for enhanced customer communication. And it’s also about data content management to create and deliver precise and personal communication via a multitude of messaging channels as a complement to the direct mail piece.

4. BCC has been known over the years for its ability to anticipate and adapt to industry changes, while continuing to respond to customer needs with diligence and speed. With the company’s recent announcement of a projected increase in staff of almost 50 percent over the next five years, what’s being done to manage BCC’s growth, and maintain the responsiveness that has proven so valuable to so many customers?

BCC is proud to be a growing and dynamic organization. Many of our associates are highly tenured subject matter experts, and we welcome our new associates as we continue to build out essential departments such as Customer Support, Product Management, Project Management, and our Development teams. We’ve opened a new office near La Crosse, WI, and expanded and remodeled our Rochester, NY, offices. These changes have enabled growth in new services such as our 24/7 Premium Support offering that recognizes the needs of our full production clients.

5. With the five-year anniversary of BCC’s merger with BOWE BELL + HOWELL, and the yearlong executive transition coming to a conclusion, where do you see the company five years from now under your leadership?

BCC is proud to be part of BÖWE BELL+HOWELL, a company well known for its dedication to the mailing industry and to excellent sorting and inserting hardware and software technology. We are excited about the combined solutions that BCC and BBH will provide to further enhance mail, improve sortation, and effectively leverage USPS workshare discounts.

BCC is also excited about expanding our data services capabilities, as organizations continue to recognize the importance of data quality. We recognize that mail is an important foundation for effective customer communication and you can be assured that BCC will continue to provide innovative solutions to improve the value of mail, enable multi-channel messaging, and provide a standard of excellence as we continue to ask: How Can We Help?

About BCC Software
For over 30 years BCC Software Inc has offered high-performance software and solutions that enhance communications between clients and end-users. The company is committed to providing the highest levels of customer service and technology training. Current BCC clients include Harvard University, The Miami Herald, Wal-Mart, Papa John’s, R.R. Donnelley, K/P Corporation and the U.S. House of Representatives. In 2005, BCC became a BÖWE BELL + HOWELL company. For more information about BCC products and services, visit www.bccsoftware.com or call (800) 453-3130.