[CH] OT Candian canning news

Leslie Mandic (rnonrun3@bellsouth.net)
Mon, 27 Jan 2003 17:02:00 -0500 

>     From: "RVeters" <ricjuvet@telus.net>
> Subject: Fw: Update from Gem Lids Website - January 27, 2003
>
> Here is another update.  It is getting interestinger, and 
> interestinger.  :)
>
> in His love,
> Juana in BC
>
>
> Hi again Everyone,
>
> I had to send another update out as believe it or not, there
> have been a few interesting developments since the update of
> January 23 and some important points made by several individuals.
>
> First, Canadian Home Canning Inc issued a press release on
> Thursday, January 23, 2003 stating their intent to produce
> the lids. A copy of this press release is for your viewing
> on the website under the "Letters" topic. Click here for that
> link - (   http://members.shaw.ca/gemlids/Letters.htm    )
>
> Second, now Bernardin/Alltrista/Jarden has indicated they
> have plans to make the lids on a continual basis. How very
> interesting. From no lids, to a one-time production and now
> onto a continual basis. What are they really planning to do ?
> Are they just saying this because they know this is what we
> want - the lids to be there from year-to-year. Where were
> they last fall ? Can they be trusted ?
>
> Sorry to berate a point, but Bernardin had many chances to
> recant its decision to stop producing the lids. There was
> a flurry of activity during canning season 2002 as thousand
> of us sent emails, letters or phoned the company. They
> apparently had to hire additional staff to handle the volume !
> And what about the various media items and interviews. They
> were aware of the demand and outcry about these lids. They
> refused to listen and change their decision. What about when
> the petitions were presented to Jack Metz in Indianna and the
> ones sent to Martin E. Franklin (CEO of Jarden) in New York ?
> No change in position.
>
> Now all of a sudden, competition has appeared onto the market.
> Competition that was willing to produce the lids for us, when
> we had none. Competition that is much needed for us
> homecanning consumers. Now all of a sudden, Bernardin can
> make the lids ?! Unbelievable ! As many have stated -
> "Too little, too late".
>
> Also, just to let you know that CBC's TV program - Marketplace
> - will be doing an update on this gem lids saga on their next
> show airing Tuesday, January 28th. Check your local listings.
>
> Also, some people have brought up some very valid points.
> Kevin (from Calgary) stated, "If we want this new company
> to manufacture the lids, he will need a market to sell to.
> We need to contact the retailers in our areas and tell them
> about this person who is manufacturing the lids and get them
> to send letters of interest and intent to stock the product.
> Kevin has sent a letter to Calgary Co-op and he has indicated
> that we need others to do the same so that the retailers will
> be stocking the product when it is available. Kevin did a
> posting as well on the bulletin board on 1/24/03.
>
> As well, Diane (from Prince Albert) had sent an email to this
> website indicating that late last fall she noticed that Certo
> jelly powder was not on Wal-Mart shelves. She asked 'why not'
> and was told that the companies that move the most product get
> of course more shelf space. Diane states - "Of course people
> (at that time) were buying so much Bernardin wide mouth sealers
> due to no lids available for the gem jars, that Bernardin would
> sell more than Certo".
>
> Alice Lee of Jarvie, AB (who may I add has worked very hard on
> this campaign) has stated the following point in an editorial
> she is sending out to her local papers. - "I ask you to approach
> the retailers in your area to stock the Canadian Home Canning
> gem lids supplies, and where ever possible that you avoid
> purchasing Bernardin products". We need to be telling the
> retailers now. Are you willing to step forward and do this ?
> Got any ideas ?
>
> I cannot place all comments in this email (the bulletin board
> has many more along this line). Once more, if you have any
> thoughts on this, post them on the bulletin board of the
> website so everyone can see and generate some discussion.
> Here is the link to it (
> http://members.shaw.ca/gemlids/bulletin_board.htm   )
>
> If we speak out, we can make a difference.
>
> And I leave you with these two words...."BUY CANADIAN".
>
> Until the next time,
> Lori
>


--leslie
If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because 
he hears a different drummer.  Let him step to the music which he hears, 
however measured or far away.
			- Henry David Thoreau