I picked this up on a scan. Did you see this today?
Brief Q&A with Eternal Image Investor Relations
Thomas J. Catino
3/16/2007 9:55 AM EST
The following is a short Q&A with Tony Fazio of Cambridge Investor Services, investor relations spokesperson for Eternal Image Inc. (OTC: ETIM).
While we will not be breaking any news in this note, the IR referenced previous press releases in his comments, it will provide you with a good opportunity to catch up on the more recent developments since we last wrote on the company.
A few things to watch for; continued positive press coverage (ie; CBS news, New York Times, New York Post) that will only add to the current marketing plans for its customized caskets and urns ahead of opening day for Major League Baseball, updates on new distributors, and most importantly, financial reports and guidance on future sales (which have not yet been released).
Q: Eternal Image sold-out its first run of Major League Baseball urns through pre-orders by distributors and funeral homes. What kinds of numbers are we looking at and is the company planning to boost production, and to what level?
A: "Our pre-orders have been so strong that we have begun the next production run of the first eight urns a full two months early," said Clint Mytych. "We expect our next order to be available to distributors and funeral homes in mid-May - and we have more than doubled the production of the initial order. Eternal Image has just begun filling orders for the first run of urns to distributors and funeral homes this month." Source: March 15th press release
Exact figures have not been published but will be addressed in a future Press Release.
Q: Nick Popravsky, vice president of sales and marketing for Eternal Image said "the response to the Vatican line has been very strong, and we feel that as more core customers learn about it the volume can only continue to grow." Any update on the marketing campaign to reach Catholic priests, parishes and dioceses?
A: "Eternal Image ... today announced it is launching a direct marketing program designed to saturate the Catholic marketplace with information about its new line of Vatican Library Collection(TM) urns.†Source: March 6th press release
The direct mail program is directed at nearly 42,000 Catholic priests, parishes and diocese; as well as Catholic cemeteries, hospitals and nursing homes. It will begin mailing at the end of this month and reach the vast majority of U.S. outlet in these categories.
The direct mail piece is part of a coordinated launch program that includes print advertising in Catholic Digest Magazine and similar outlets. A public relations outreach program to Catholic media is resulting in interviews on radio programs and in print directed at these markets.
EI is currently seeking to expand its distribution overseas under its global licensing agreement. The agreement with Vatican Library Collection(TM) allows EI to market worldwide and the company is working to establish international distribution and expects to announce more details in the second quarter of this year.
Q: Any update on the results for February? Company previously reported it beat forecasted gross sales for February 2007 by 32-percent. What figures are we talking about here? Any guidance available?
A: I would refer you to the latest unaudited financials (January) as posted on the Eternal Image website. Further, we are still in the process of an ongoing Financial Audit which should be completed in the near future.
Q: Is EI going to be a fully reporting company moving to a higher exchange?
A: Eternal Image is seeking to make the move from Pink Sheets to the OTC:BB in the coming months. In the meantime, the company has begin selling its first Vatican Library Collection(TM) urns (the Li'Italiano Classico model) and pre-selling its American Kennel Club(TM) pet urns. Sales of both are strong. Additional products including the first eight Major League Baseball(TM) team urns will be available next month."
Q: What are the future plans for the product line and increasing the list of distributors?
A: "EI is currently seeking to expand its distribution overseas under its global licensing agreement. The agreement with Vatican Library Collection(TM) allows EI to market worldwide and the company is working to establish international distribution and expects to announce more details in the second quarter of this year." Source: March 6th press release
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