November 2003 -- Vertis, a leading provider of technology-based marketing and advertising solutions, today announced its certification to the U.S. Safe Harbor Agreement between the European Union and the U.S. Department of Commerce. The safe harbor agreement provides legal protection and a framework to safely transfer personal information from European Union (EU) countries to the United States. Vertis is one of the largest targeted advertising production companies in the U.S. to certify that it has met the strict requirements necessary for joining safe harbor. Companies that sign the agreement with the Department of Commerce must provide superior privacy protections for personal data originating from the EU, including notice about how personal information is being used, the ability to limit disclosure of that information, and access to the data. “Vertis processes millions of data annually for our direct marketing clients and other advertising customers,” says Don Roland, chairman, CEO and president of Vertis. “We want to empower consumer confidence by enhancing customer privacy rights internationally. Joining safe harbor is consistent with Vertis’ goals to support our global client base.” The decision by U.S. organizations to enter the safe harbor is entirely voluntary. Organizations that decide to participate in the safe harbor must comply with the safe harbor's requirements and publicly declare that they do so. To be assured of safe harbor benefits, an organization needs to self certify annually to the Department of Commerce in writing that it agrees to adhere to the safe harbor's requirements, which includes elements such as notice, choice, access, and enforcement. It must also state in its published privacy policy statement that it adheres to the safe harbor. Vertis has posted its Safe Harbor Privacy Policy on http://www.vertisinc.com/legal/index.shtml#privacy.