Xcel Energy taps into Litho of Minnesota's outstanding service

When the communications team at Xcel Energy needed to produce its 2006 Annual Report for 265,000 shareholders, they knew exactly who to call.

Nancy Kluver, executive communications consultant at Xcel Energy, has worked with Litho Account Executive Wendi Breuer for about 10 years. “Wendi has always been extremely kind and helpful, no matter what challenge we've thrown at her,” Nancy stated. “This year was particularly challenging from my perspective, but it didn't throw her at all.”

Nancy was responsible for producing the 152-page book in a format that Xcel Energy could afford to mail. She also needed to find an affordable way to adhere a DVD to the inside front cover of each report. Finally, Nancy wanted to print responsibly—especially since the topic of environmental sustainability was a major theme in the company’s annual report.

"Wendi Breuer epitomizes excellent customer service, and she is the reason we keep going back to Litho year after year." — Nancy Kluver, Executive — Communications Consultant, — Xcel Energy

Source of Strength

After experimenting with several mock-ups that combined various paper options and trim sizes, the Litho/GLS team found just the right solution to meet the company’s postage budget and weight requirements. Arrangements were also made to attach the DVDs in-house—using clear plastic sleeves and gummy glue—at a reasonable price.

In addition to printing, Litho of MN provided Xcel Energy with prepress, retouching, perfect binding and fulfillment services on this project. “Wendi graciously helped us every step of the way,” Nancy revealed. “She epitomizes excellent customer service, and she is the reason we keep going back to Litho year after year.”

Xcel-lent Results

The client was very pleased when she saw the finished product. Nancy also said that the 10k wrap, which is a lightweight section of the book containing legal documents, looked and felt even better than she expected.

The 2006 Xcel Energy Annual Report has generated several positive comments from shareholders—which isn’t typical in the world of investor relations. Nancy gives much of the credit to her team at Litho of MN. “There’s something about Wendi that makes me just relax,” she confided. “I always know that Litho will have a solution that we can afford, and I never worry that something will get dropped.”

For more information about Xcel Energy and its environmental projects, visit www.xcelenergy.com