USPS social media update

With thousands of fans and friends online, the Postal Service is more social than ever.
USPS is active on a variety of social media sites. Currently, there is a corporate presence on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

USPS Stamps also uses several social media platforms including Facebook and Twitter, as well as Pinterest, Tumblr, Instagram, Google+ and the Stamp of Approval blog.

Careers@USPS on Facebook alerts job seekers to open positions and upcoming career fairs.
The Postal Service is growing its social media influence every day — engaging customers on these platforms to reach them in today’s digital culture.

Customers and employees can find a variety of information and interactive content on social media platforms, with recent outreach during Winter Storm Nemo and the six-day package delivery announcement as examples. In both situations, multiple updates and links to additional information were posted on USPS accounts to provide immediate responses.

Employees can get access to social media on work computers through eAccess if they have a business reason for it, with a manager’s approval. The official USPS social media policy is online at the Postal Service Policy Net website, and includes guidelines for professional use.

Employees are encouraged to visit these sites even if they do not have a work computer or access at work. These sites, as well as Link, are optimized for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

Dublin GA rural carrier reaches a safe million miles

Dublin, GA rural carrier Eddie Floyd received his million mile award on Feb 1st from MPOO Angela Collier.

The Million Mile Club is the National Safety Council’s highest safety honor among professional drivers and recognizes drivers who have driven more than one million miles or more than 30 years without a preventable accident.

The United States Postal Service and the National Safety Council have teamed up to promote and ensure the safety and health of the USPS workforce nationwide.

As a long-standing member of the National Safety Council, the United States Postal Service has established an agreement with the Council that entitles all facilities to take advantage of member benefits in an effort to prevent unintentional injury and illness.

Eligible postal employee participants of the Safe Driver Award Program include those who have a normal daily assignment that involves the driving of a motor vehicle for official business use, and who have not had their driving privilege revoked or suspended

Pictured is Mr. Floyd and Dublin OIC Chris Mitrisin.

New survey shows most Americans support delivery plan

USPS has released the results of a new survey showing 80 percent of Americans support the new six-day package, five-day mail delivery schedule.

The survey, conducted Feb. 8-11, shows consistently high support for the new schedule among urban, suburban and rural communities, as well as among all age groups and income levels. Support for the schedule rose to 85 percent among all respondents when asked whether they would back the new delivery schedule if it helped stabilize the financial situation of the Postal Service.

Earlier research indicated that nearly seven out of 10 Americans supported the switch to five-day mail delivery as a way for the Postal Service to reduce costs. Maintaining six-day package delivery has increased support for the new delivery schedule, according to the new survey results.

The survey, commissioned for the Postal Service, was completed by Ipsos, a leading independent market research company.

Banking the Sick Leave

Sick leave is a valuable asset to any career employee. When employees are faced with an unforeseen situation, like surgery or an accident, they know their bills and family will continue to be taken care of.  Such is the case with Dwight Raulerson, Rural Carrier for the Sanderson, FL Post Office.

Last July, Dwight fell off a ladder at home and broke both his ankles and both wrist. His recovery has taken months. Because Dwight conserved his sick leave, he is able to be stress free knowing he can take advantage of his sick leave.  

“Dwight did not know he was going be sick or have to use his sick leave, but he knew how important it was to conserve his sick leave. Dwight is currently at home, taking the time to nurture his injuries so he can return to work. That’s the important thing, coming back and being ready. Dwight’s story illustrates the value of banking sick leave!” Michael King – (A)Postmaster, Sanderson, FL

Teaching the Kids

If you teach them when they are young… we have heard that all throughout life and history.

The Jacksonville Beach post office is taking that statement to heart. Recently, the Palms Preschool students visited the Jacksonville Beach location to receive an illustrated tour of “The Post Office”. Acting Supervisor, Cynthia Jones gave the kids a tour of the facility and a postal vehicle, beginning with a visit to the collection box, where all the kids mailed a valentine letter to their parents.

Assistant Director of the Palms Preschool, Cathy Wildes, says “the teachers commented that the trip was very informative and understandable for their age group. It was well run also. They really liked getting to see behind the desk, where the customers were, and of course 2 classes saw the mail truck which just added to the success of the trip!” Best of all, their was great excitement when the valentine cards arrived in their home mailboxes!

“They were so excited and most of the kids paid close attention to what was said. I think it is important to do these types of events. It gives us an opportunity to teach the kids about the processes that are in place for mailing a letter. Hopefully, they will remember when they get older!” (A) Station Manager, Elizabeth Hardy

Retail Customer Experience around the North Florida District

The Keystone Heights team:  (left to right) Frank Geisenberg,
Postmaster Steven Marcus,  Wanda Traver, and Ted Stanley

Ever heard of someone doing a thing perfectly 20 or 25 times in a row? The North Florida District has several offices that have done just that--the Keystone Heights Post Office.  They have completed their 20th Retail Customer Experience with no issues!.

What is the Retail Customer Experience? Well, it gives the Postal Service an objective view of our retail locations. It can be used as a real-time snapshot of a customer interaction. It is not just about the score.

It is even more important that the results drive changes in behavior that will result in improved customer satisfaction and increased retail revenue. The attributes measured in the Mystery Shopper program should become so commonplace to our everyday performance that if the program were to end tomorrow, it would not change the customer's retail experience in any way.

Mystery shoppers record how long they spent in line, how the retail unit looked, how courteous the retail associates were, and other details about their visit. This is a wonderful milestone for this location and the new Postmaster, Steven Marcus is thrilled to be a part of a team that believes so strongly in customer service.

But don't forget the Fleming Island Office in Orange Park, FL - they received their 25th perfect shop!

Fleming Island has set the bar here in the North Florida District, particularly high. Yet several offices are striving for similar success. With dedication, a good smile, and knowledge of the customer needs they are all sure to achieve retail success. A key to their retail success is treating every customer as if they are the Mystery Shopper.

Sealed with love

Today is Valentine’s Day which traditionally is celebrated by sharing elaborate cards, flowers, candy, and other unique gestures of affection with a loved one.

Be sure to show that special person what they mean to you by offering them a token of your appreciation. A few potential gift ideas available from the Postal Service are listed below. There’s still time to choose the perfect gift, so plan ahead and select that keepsake today.

Evans GA customer appreciation week

Evans GA celebrated Customer Appreciation Week for our customers!   The customers were provided with bottled water, cookies, mints and candy.  The retail staff at the Evans office did an outstanding job!  They are all pictured here during our celebrations.

Middle Georgia PCC Makes a Comeback

After the consolidation of the South Georgia and North Florida District, the Middle Georgia Postal Customer Council (PCC), based in Macon GA, had been struggling and all but become a past memory. 

However, with the efforts of Jonathan Godfrey of MailSort Macon, Industry Co-Chairperson of the Middle Georgia Postal Customer Council; Tim Goodwin, Postmaster of Macon GA, and Tammy Jones, Postmaster Secretary, as well as many others working behind the scenes, the Middle Georgia PCC met on January 10 for a PCC business luncheon with many new faces and many old friends.

Jermaine Person, Southern Area Mail Piece Design Analyst provided a presentation on the new Postal rate changes and the new folded self-mailer requirements.

There was also a surprise appearance from Matt Bankston of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) who gave customers an overview of what the OIG and the Postal Inspectors do to protect the mail. 

More than 30 attended the meeting with 25 being customers representing small and large businesses. 

Godfrey, praised everyone for their efforts and looks forward to carrying on the momentum with other meetings and events. 

He said that with the changes occurring in the Postal Service, it is critical for all mailers to be knowledgeably informed in order to make the necessary adjustments to keep their business strong and their customers happy.

Archer Post Office honors veterans, Native Americans

Every year our nation  and the Postal Service celebrate  those men and women that have served this great country. 

While it speaks volumes to acknowledge these dedicated men and women with a thank you,  Archer Postmaster Michael Richardson and staff celebrated  this great day by hosting a Veterans Day Feast and Native American heritage event at the local post office. This is a tradition that began with retired Postmaster,  Jim Waldrap. 

The feast was a great success! Covered dishes were donated by the staff of the Archer Post Office and the very generous customers of Archer. We can’t forget Jordan Glen School  who always sends the lion’s share! The city of Archer supplied tables, chairs and grill for the warming as they do every year.

The Native American veterans honored attendees by handling the roll call of fallen warriors.  This was a very special event for all employees, customers and A very special thank you to all volunteers. 

Rosa Parks Forever Stamp on Sale Nationwide

Second in New Set of Civil Rights Stamps Commemorates Historic

Acts of Freedom, Courage, Equality

DEARBORN, MI — The U.S. Postal Service issued the Rosa Parks Forever Stamp during the National Day of Courage celebration at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn.

The Rosa Parks Forever Stamp goes on sale at Post Offices nationwide, and can be purchased online at usps.com/stamps or by phone at 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724).

“Rosa Parks was the epitome of courage. Her single act of defiance changed a nation. Today, her legacy lives on for generations as we bestow upon her one of America’s highest honors,” said Deputy Postmaster General Ronald A. Stroman. “Her quiet strength helped to change a nation. Let this stamp be a symbol of her courage and determination. And, let it remind us to never forget the indignities of days gone by — and to never stop fighting for the aspirations of generations yet unborn.”

The National Day of Courage was established to encourage every American to take a stand and commit themselves to do something courageous just as Parks did Dec. 1, 1955, when she refused to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, AL, city bus. That singular act of courage helped spark the civil rights movement and a new era in the American quest for freedom and equality.

Customers may view the Rosa Parks Forever Stamp and preview other stamps to be issued in 2013 at www.usps.com/stamps and on Facebook at facebook.com/USPSStamps, on Twitter @USPSstamps or on the website Beyond the Perf at beyondtheperf.com/2013-preview. Beyond the Perf is the Postal Service’s online site for information on upcoming stamp subjects, first-day-of-issue events and other philatelic news.

How to Order First-Day-of-Issue Postmark

Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at a local Post Office or by calling 800-782-6724. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in larger envelopes addressed to:

Rosa Parks Stamp
Postmaster
1401 W. Fort Street
Detroit, MI  48233-9998

Rosa Parks Stamp
Postmaster
3800 Greenfield Road
Dearborn, MI  48120-9998

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by April 4, 2013.

How to Order First-Day Covers
The Postal Service also offers first-day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items post¬marked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic Catalog, online at usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-782-6724. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-782-6724 or writing to:

U.S. Postal Service
Catalog Request
PO Box 219014
Kansas City, MO 64121-9014

What Can You Do? Make the Call

When you hear these words?
Life is not worth living . . .
I have nothing to live for . . .
What’s the use of going on . . .
I might as well end it all . . .

Words matter. These comments may be a way to just vent or they could mean something much more serious. Below are steps that may helpful for you to consider if someone you know makes statements that concern you.

1. LISTEN.
2. Take the comment SERIOUSLY.
3. If possible guide the person to a private location.
4. Say, “Let’s talk about this. I’m concerned about what you said.”
5. Ask for clarification: “What did you mean by that comment?”
6. Stay focused on the issue.
7. If the threat appears imminent, call 911.
8. Offer to assist the person. Say, “I’d like to call the EAP right now.” 
9. Make the call, speak to the EAP, and put the person on the line.
10. In the days after the incident, follow up with the person by asking, “How are you?”

 This may have been a very difficult situation to deal with; consider calling the EAP for your own self care.

Customers can receive their mail — no matter where they are

With the Postal Service’s Premium Forwarding Service (PFS), customers can continue receiving their mail while they’re away from home and living at temporary residences anywhere in the U.S.

Customers can use PFS from 15 days to one year. For a one-time enrollment fee and an additional weekly flat fee, USPS will package and reship a customer’s mail by Priority Mail once each week.

Customers can enroll online at usps.com or at their local Post Offices. Customers who enroll online must also update or pay for PFS online.

A customer applying for PFS at a Post Office must provide two forms of ID and evidence of residence at the primary address listed in the application. A customer who enrolls at a Post Office also must pay for and update the PFS service at the same Post Office.

USPS usually reships bundled PFS mail on Wednesdays. However, Express Mail items are forwarded directly to customers without delay. USPS reroutes separately and at no extra cost First-Class Mail items that don’t fit in a weekly PFS shipment.

Effective Jan. 27, 2013, the enrollment fee for PFS will be $15. The weekly shipment fee will be $17.

Brief History of the Forever Stamp

Forever means for-ever!

 Liberty Bell stamp, first of the Forever stamps, was issued in 2007.

The popular Forever stamp has had a brief history, but in many ways, it’s changed the public’s perception of stamps.

The first Forever stamp, introduced in 2007, was an immediate hit. The success of the format led to the strategy, starting in January 2011, of issuing all domestic First-Class commemoratives as Forever stamps. Of the 20.8 billion stamps sold this year, 84 percent were Forever stamps.

The first Forever stamp featured the iconic Liberty Bell. During its 2007 introduction, then-PMG Jack Potter said, “The Forever stamp is a consumer innovation guaranteed to deliver unprecedented convenience and value to our customers. It’s good forever.”

Potter was right. In 2012, the Cherry Blossom Centennial was the most popular Forever stamp, selling at its height around 700,000 per day and leading to a second printing.

Forever stamps always are sold at the current First-Class, 1-ounce letter rate. Customers can use them to mail a letter weighing no more than 1 ounce regardless of when they were purchased and no matter how prices change.

Soon, USPS will add an international stamp to the Forever inventory. The stamp will go on sale in January.
Forever stamps are available at Post Offices and self-service kiosks nationwide, online at The Postal Store, by phone at 800-STAMP-24 (800-782-6724), or through the USA Philatelic Catalog.