Mike Blumenthal, a keen watcher of the Google Local Business Center, notes that Google Maps has a Newsletter and Account Updates Email service.
The first newsletter looks promising with the following intro: Here on the Local Business Center Team, we want to make sure you have all the latest tips and tricks for making the most out of your business listings. Perhaps this is to correct their previous lack of communication.
Mike B. has not yet received his promised e-mail and he is in the US. There is no sign of any of this in Canada.