NEENAH, Wis.--Jan. 12, 2004-- Outlook Group, Corp. today announced that Paragon Direct, Inc., the company's computer-based information management services division, has achieved ISO 9000 quality management system registration. As part of the registration program, every aspect of the company's business was evaluated and documented in a step-by-step process. Best practices and standards of operation were established in accordance with a proven international business standard. "ISO registration has long been a part of the manufacturing industry," says Joseph J. Baksha, president and chief operating officer of Outlook Group. "We believe it can also be the standard in service-based industries and we've taken the lead by implementing ISO 9000 at Paragon Direct. ISO 9000 ensures our current and future clients that we are committed to quality, accuracy and on-time service. The registration is an investment in differentiating Paragon Direct as the company of choice for data management services in the direct marketing industry." Mike Lawrence, vice president of business development for Paragon Direct, says that changes in the marketplace were another driving force behind the decision to become ISO certified. "Since the 'Do Not Call' legislation has taken effect, we are starting to see more companies that once relied heavily upon telemarketing now investing in direct mail initiatives. We are responding to these changes by offering products and custom services are that designed to meet each client's unique needs. With ISO 9000, we have a system in place that ensures quality in the steps we take to meet and exceed our client's expectations. High quality data is the key to successful direct marketing programs that maximize the return on investment for our clients." Paragon Direct's services are customized for each client. Services include list processing, database development, mail processing and sorting, personalized forms and letters and analytical services such as customer modeling and response analysis. "The ISO standards are very difficult to achieve and extend throughout every aspect of our operations," says Laura Taylor, director of operations for Paragon Direct. "The process flows through the entire organization and involves everyone on our staff. This puts the focus directly on our clients and their specific needs." The Direct Marketing Association reports that more than 40 million individuals, families and businesses move each year, according to the U.S. Postal Service. That means up to 20% of the people or companies in a database could have a new address. "Statistics like these confirm that high-quality data maintenance services are crucial to the success of direct marketing programs and in maximizing the investment in printing and postage costs," says Taylor. ISO, the International Organization for Standardization based in Geneva, Switzerland, represents a series of standards for establishing and maintaining quality systems. The ISO 9000 series is the most widely recognized set of international standards for quality assurance. ISO promotes the development of standardization around the world to facilitate the international exchange of goods and services. ISO has been recognized as the premier quality standard in Europe and many other areas of the world since 1946. Paragon Direct's ISO 9000 registration was based on eight core quality management principles. These principles are customer focus, leadership, involvement of people, process approach, system approach to management, continual improvement, factual approach to decision making and mutually beneficial supplier relationships. Paragon Direct completed the registration process in just 13 months. Paragon Direct customizes direct marketing systems for business-to-business catalog companies, commercial printers and other businesses. With a combination of direct marketing experience and sophisticated computer technology, Paragon Direct helps companies to maximize their marketing program through accurate targeting and project execution.