Jacksonville recognizes USS Halyburton FFG-40 Last Day in Commission postmark requests

Home to two U.S. Naval bases, Jacksonville Postmaster Debbie Gornik routinely receives Last Day in Commission pictorial postmark requests several times per year.  On September 6th, the USS Halyburton (FFG 40) was decommissioned at Jacksonville Naval Station Mayport.  This ship was named for Petty Officer 2nd Class William David Halyburton who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism while serving with the Marine Rifle Company during the Battle of Okinawa. 

Over 100 pictorial postmark requests have poured in since September 1st from around the nation and as far away as the Kingdom of Belgium keeping the postmaster’s staff busy processing requests.

Pictorial postmark being placed on letter cancellation request.

Panama City FL Postmaster recognizes employees

General Expeditor Barbee Pass retired with 43 years of service on August 31, 2014.  Barbee said it was time for her to move on to the next chapter of her life, retirement. Barbee said she was most grateful, to all, for what the postal service did for her over the pass 40 plus years and what it has allowed her to do.

L-R:  Manager Post Office Operations Todd Smith, General Expeditor
Barbee Pass, Panama City Postmaster Roberto Farias.

Wil Pender received his 30 year service award from Panama City Postmaster Roberto Farias on August 25, 2014.  Wil started his career with the Postal Service in 1991 as a Transitional Employee (TE) Carrier in Silver Springs Maryland..  In 1992, he became a Mailhandler, transferred to a City Carrier position and was then promoted to regular in 1993.  From 1995 through 1998, Wil was an Acting Customer Services Supervisor, he transferred  to Panama City Fl. In 1998, Supervised as a 204B at all Panama City carrier stations, He was also an acting Manager at Eastside and Downtown Station from 2002 until promoted to Manager Customer Service in 2013.

 L-R:  Customer Services Manager Wil Pender, Postmaster Panama City Roberto Farias

Debbie Bibb began her postal career in 1984 as a Letter Sort Machine (LSM) Clerk in Kansas City Missouri.  She transferred to Leavenworth Kansas in 1987 as a Sales and Service Associate/Distribution clerk, then in 2004 to Panama City Florida to her current position, Training Technician.  She was recently presented with her 30-year Service Award and pin.

L-R: Customer Services Supervisor Jennifer Washington, Postmaster Panama City Roberto Farias, Training Technician Debbie Bibb, and Customer Services Supervisor Keith Kelly.

Military veteran postal employees honored district wide

Tallahassee P&DC Maintenance Department military veteran employees were recently recognized with Certificates of Recognition.

L-R (front) A/Tallahassee Plant Manager Mario Nunez, Maintenance Mechanic James Peppers, General Mechanic Carl Madison, Maintenance Mechanic Jerry Ellis, General Mechanic Steve Pratt, Maintenance Manager Mary Mack.   Middle: Mechanics Troy Taylor, Nathaniel Bonner, Electronic Technician Brooks Phillips, Custodian Dough Heide, Electronics Technician Harry Knight, Mechanic Sidney Williams.
Back row:  Electronics Technicians Tony Broughton, Benny Dorsey, Maintenance Mechanic Wesley Goldwire, MOS Marc Cunningham, Maintenance Mechanic Nelson President, General Mechanic Morris Benton.

Manager, Customer Services Charlotte Cutlip presented Certificates of Recognition to 30 military veterans at Jacksonville, FL Lake Shore Station.

Melrose, FL Post Office promotes Farmers Markets Stamps

Melrose Officer in Charge Rocky Bolin took the creative approach to promoting the Farmers Markets First-Class Rate Forever Stamps with his customers. He set-up a display in the retail lobby of a pumpkin-head farmer holding a poster of the Farmers Markets stamps. This awesome marketing idea had a tremendous impact because sales of the stamps skyrocketed. “I like having a lobby display that’s an attention getter, but also informs customers of our latest stamps. Usually, customers are unaware of our new products,” stated Bolin.

Jacksonville Post Offices host successful eBay seminars

Consecutively, on September 16-18, Jacksonville’s Mandarin Station, Pottsburg Station, and GMF Main Office Postal Store each hosted eBay seminars facilitated by eBay Certified Business Consultant Danna Crawford.  The Main Office Postal Store’s seminar was scheduled at 6:00pm to accommodate the general public who works from 9-5 and generated over 32 excited attendees, Mandarin had a standing room only crowd of 64 attendees, and Pottsburg hosted 32 attendees for a whopping three day total of 128 participants and a waiting list of others who were not able to attend any of the three sessions.  Facilitator Danna Crawford’s presentation included an introduction to eBay; eBay selling basics; how to build an eBay business; buying and selling strategies; inclusive of Every Door Direct Mail and shipping with the USPS.  The seminars were so successful, additional workshops have been scheduled for November.

eBay Business Consultant Danna Crawford

eBay attendees at Jacksonville Main Post Office/P&DC

eBay seminar attendees at South Mandarin Library

eBay seminar attendees at the Pottsburg Station Business Mail Entry Unit.

Montrose GA Postmaster Idella King retires

After 30 years of service, many of those years as Montrose GA Postmaster, Idella King proudly but humbly exchanges her employee ID badge for a new life full of relaxation, fun, and no alarm clocks.  Happy retirement and happiness to Idella.

L-R:  Montrose GA Postmaster Idella King, (A) MPOO 4 Paul Birge

USPS eBay shares the stage at the Butterfly Festival

The Postal Service had a very visible presence at the 4th Annual Florida Monarch Festival, also known as the Butterfly Festival, held at the picturesque Greathouse Butterfly Farm in Earleton, FL.  Keystone Heights FL Postmaster Steve Marcus and Melrose FL Postmaster Debbie Adkins (presently detailed to District Finance) partnered together and manned an eBay – Grow Your Business booth at the festival, as they have done for the past few years.  The duo also managed to get some Business Connect leads.

Festival visitors enjoyed delicious food, educational talks and walks, butterfly releases, delightful shopping, the Butterfly Emporium, and yes, learned about the postal experience to help grow their business.  Also, present with her own booth showcasing her talented art paintings was Keystone Heights Post Office rural carrier Andrea Parks.  Parks does a fantastic job of painting landscapes and warm scenic views.  Many postal employees from throughout Florida and Georgia attended the two-day event including Human Resource Specialist Lillian Mason, Green Cove Springs Supervisor Rocky Bolin, CRC Dee Carter and others. 

Valdosta GA VMF employee T. Lamar Hardy, wife Terry, and three daughters Kaleigh, Morgan and Addie, drove 120 miles from Valdosta GA to Earleton FL to enjoy the festival as a family outing.  It was truly an enjoyable event.

L-R:  Keystone Heights Post Office rural carrier Andrea Parks, Melrose Postmaster Debbie Adkins, Keystone Heights Postmaster Steve Marcus, Green Cove Springs Supervisor Rocky Bolin.

L-R (front):  Melrose Postmaster Debbie Adkins, Morgan Hardy, Addie Hardy, Morgan Hardy; back row: Terry Hardy, Lamar Hardy, Keystone Heights Postmaster Steve Marcus

Bostwick FL Postmaster says ‘it time’

After 30 years serving postal customers, Bostwick FL postmaster Hope Pierce officially retired on September 30th.  Jacksonville Postmaster Debbie Gornik presented Hope with her 30 year retirement service award and spoke on Hope’s accomplishments and dedicated service at her farewell celebration.  Much success and happiness, Hope!  You will be missed.

L-R:  Area Manager (A) Dolores Seuwin, Hope Pierce, Jacksonville Postmaster Debbie Gornik

L-R: Orange Park MPO Supervisor Terry Schallenberg, Hope Pierce, Green Cove Springs Postmaster Jan Farmer, Green Cove Springs Supervisor Rocky Bolin

Hope’s retirement celebration cake

Post Offices and stations recognized with Gold Star Awards

The following post offices and stations were recognized with Gold Star Awards for earning perfect scores on Retail Customer Experience transactions:

Green Cove Springs, FL Post Office 32042
Jacksonville, FL – Lake Shore Station 32210
Jacksonville, FL – South Jax Station 32207
Orange Park, FL-Ridgewood Station 32065
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL Post Office 32082

The National Joint Committee honors Gulf Atlantic District Advisory Committee

The Gulf Atlantic District Advisory Committee (DAC), received the Creative Promotion award from the National Joint Committee (NJC) for its efforts in the 2014 EAP Awareness Month and Suicide Prevention campaign. 

Employees supported the cause by wearing the colors of purple and turquoise; which represent suicide awareness.    The suicide prevention issue was incorporated into the weekly stand up talks to help keep the central focus on the workroom floor.  Every District employee received postcards in the mail promoting EAP and were provided informative information. In addition, the NJC's Hold On Pain Ends (H.O.P.E) Campaign was incorporated into the new GFA EAP Slogan "Where HOPE and HELP meet; which served as a wonderful reminder that there is hope and help available to individuals in need.

L-R: Committee members NALC Robert Hamilton; Human Resources Manager Sylvia Morris; APWU Johnny Jenkins; APWU Local President Doris Orr-Richardson; Brunswick GA Officer-in-charge Eugene Lofton (all committee members are not pictured)

Second Generation supervisor shares postal life with second graders

Pictured centered is Supervisor Jarrett Hilliard with Mrs. Bennett
and her second grade students

Eastman Supervisor Customer Service Jarrett Hilliard was invited to speak to the 2nd grade students in Mrs. Bennett and Mrs. Greene classes at Bleckley County Primary School.  Jarrett, a former Distribution Operations supervisor and son of a retired postmaster Wayne Hillard, shared important information about mail processing as well as mail delivery, capturing the attention of the students.  The students, who were eager to learn more, bombarded Jarrett with many questions about the postal service.  The teachers and students appreciated US Postal Service visit and look forward to another opportunity to learn more.

South Jax employees recognized for MSP Scanning Performance

When it comes to exceptional performance in MSP scanning, South Jax Station employees are committed and focused on being at the top of the high performance list.  Recently recognized for outstanding MSP scan performance with Letters of Appreciation were Letter Carriers Frank Rivera, Ted Corby, Richard Dunn, Ophny Neus and Raul Guerrerro.  Special recognitions were presented to each employee by (A) Manager Customer Services Matt Hasbrouck and Customer Services Supervisor Brian Baker along with (A) Area Manager Edwin Lang

L-R:  (A) Area Manager Edwin Lang, Manager Matt Hasbrouck, Carriers Frank Rivera,
Ted Corby, Richard Dunn, Raul Guerrerro, Ophny Neus, Supervisor Brian Baker

Jax-Southpoint Postal Store recognized with Gold Star Award

Congratulations to Matt Comadore, and the Team at Jax-Southpoint Postal Store for achieving two 100% perfect scores in September!  Great job!!  Thank you for taking such great care of our customers! 

Employeee Recognition

Distribution Window Clerk Connie Evans from Harlem, Ga recently received her 35 year service award from Postmaster Mandy Pennington. Congratulations Connie!

Big Bend PCC - Tallahassee, FL

Over 55 participants were in attendance at the National PCC Day Event in Tallahassee Florida.  Big Bend PCC’s National PCC Day event were hosted by the Florida Department of Revenue at the Capital City Office Complex.

The agenda included Postal Inspector Jason Tabb who made a presentation on “Who Protects Your Mail?” along with Mailpiece Design Analyst Jermaine Person who conducted a presentation on “Mail Piece Design.”  District Manager (A) Susan Aronson proudly presented the Big Bend PCC with the honorable Bronze Award Certificate.  She also introduced keynote speaker Edward Wanta Products Information Specialist from Memphis, TN.  Wanta shared the Postmaster General video message and additional relevant information with the group.  All program speakers and Postmaster Willis answered questions presented by the attendees on various subject.

During the luncheon, of an awesome barbeque buffet, certificates were presented to members, in addition to great door to the attendees.  Kudos to Sarah Carraway and team for planning and executing an awesome event!

L-R:  PCC Industry Co-chair Walter McCray, Tallahassee Postmaster/PCC Co-chair Gregory Willis,
District Manager (A) Susan Aronson with the PCC Bronze Award

Event attendees

Keynote Speaker/Products Information Specialist Edward Wanta

L-R: Postmaster Secretary Sarah Carraway (also PCC secretary/coordinator, Angela Addison (Department of Revenue), Karen Williams (Elections Supervisor), Kim Hancock (Department of Revenue), Industry Co-chair Walter McCray (Department of Revenue), Christopher Moore (Secretary of Elections), Nick Williams (Department of Revenue), Dean Merriott (Pitney Bowes),  Treasurer Richard Scott (Department of Financial Services), Peter Panjwani (A-1 Business Systems), Tallahassee Postmaster/PCC Co-chair Gregory Willis, Norm Madsen (Graphic Press), and District Manager (A) Susan Aronson.

PCC Day in the Panhandle - Pensacola, FL

With over 50 participants, the response was overwhelmingly favorable at the National PCC Day event in Pensacola Florida hosted by the Panhandle PCC.  Pensacola Postmaster/PCC Postal Co-chair Ann Kulbeckas and Industry Co-chair Ernie Kington were proud to accept the Premier Gold Award on behalf of the Panhandle PCC membership.  Also in attendance, as the keynote speaker, was Jacksonville Postmaster Debbie Gornik, in addition to, MPOO-6 Todd Smith and Marketing Manager Lucious Sumlar. 

The attendees were actively engaged in the Postmaster General and his team’s message to the industry and enjoyed the opportunity to network with the business community and postal officials in attendance.  Great job, Event Coordinator Mailing Requirements Clerk Nancy Lee and the planning committee.

L-R:  Marketing Manager Lucious Sumlar, Postal Co-Chair Ann Kulbeckas, Industry Co-Chair Ernie Kington

L-R (front row): Jacksonville Postmaster Debbie Gornik with the Panhandle PCC Executive Board members, Mailing Requirements Clerk Nancy Lee, Pensacola Postmaster Ann Kulbeckas, Secretary Joni Lapeyrouse, ans Dan Cassidy.  L-R (Back row): Industry Vice Co-chair Joe Whittington, Rod See, Industry Co-chair Ernie Kington, Treasurer Jack Broach, USPS Marketing Manager Lucious Sumlar.

Northeast Florida PCC – Jacksonville, FL

Northeast Florida PCC set an attendance record on September 12th, at the Northeast Florida PCC National PCC Day and Vendor Symposium event. The award-winning event was held at Latitude30 in Jacksonville, Florida with a record-breaking 160 participants in attendance.  Attendees were treated to the vendors exhibit hall, awesome speaker presentations including keynote speaker Jax Naval Air Station Commanding Officer Captain Roy Undersander, Headquarters Manager, Business Customer Support & Service Dale Kennedy who presented the Postmaster General’s video message, Corporate Information Security Officer Charles McGann (“Social Engineering”), and Pitney Bowes Director Alison Hall (“Direct Mail: Reduce Costs and Improve Results”).  The event began with Industry Co-chair Dan Lawlor and Vice Co-chair Leila LeVan welcome and recognition of special guests from LSI Corporation, CEO Warren Rosander, Chief Marketing Officer/Retired Navy Captain/Pilot Phil Voss and Chief Operating Officer/Retired Navy Captain/Pilot Mike French.

Marketing Manager Lucious Sumlar presented PCC Co-chair Jacksonville Postmaster Debra Gornik and Industry Co-chair Dan Lawlor with the prestigious PCC Gold Award for the fourth consecutive year.  (A) District Manager Susan Aronson introduced speaker Dale Kennedy and Postmaster Debra Gornik introduced Charles McGann.

The venue was tastefully decorated with a military theme by Business Service Network Representative Karen Bridger and team, while (A) Manager Consumer and Industry Contact Rachelle Gilliard and (A) Business Service Network Representative Valerie Rodgers did a great job manning the registration table and addressing any concerns.  Joining the festivities, and keeping with the recent special postal promotion, was Spiderman.  The event attendees and children patrons were both vying for the attention and photo ops with Spiderman.  Awesome door prizes, excellent networking opportunities, and educational presentations were all a part of this fun-filled event.  Certifications were given to all in attendance and a special Thank You is in order for  Vice Co-chair Leila LeVan for coordinating this event and securing over 20 business sponsors.  Phenomenal job, Leila and team!

Augusta GA Post Office celebrates National PCC Day

Business Mail Entry Unit Supervisor Brenda Harris coordinated an informative session for over 45 business customers in recognition of National PCC Day.  The event included Business Development Specialist Linda Pierle conducting an Every Door Direct Mail presentation, an overview and benefits of the partnership formed with the PCC business customers and the Postal Service by Jacksonville Postmaster Debbie Gornik, and more.  Additional support was provided by MPOO Ken Brantley and Senior Shipping Sales Executive Dean Burke.  The attendees were engaged and asked lots of questions; they were very excited about the information received during the event.

Business Development Specialist Linda Pierle conducting Every Door Direct Mail presentation.

L-R:  Augusta Postmaster Paul Steele, BMEU Supervisor Brenda Harris,
Business Development Specialist Linda Pierle, Senior Shipping Sales Executive

Ocala FL Post Office hosts eBay Seminar

eBay Consultant Danna Crawford conducting seminar with attendees

Before an audience of over 36 attendees, eBay Consultant Danna Crawford conducted an eBay – Grow Your Business Day Seminar.  Hosted by the Ocala Post Office, the participants were enthused and ready to get started using the wealth of information shared.  In fact, the seminar was so popular that two additional seminars have been scheduled for Gainesville and Ocala, respectively.

Congratulations to our Retail Customer Experience (RCE) Star Achievers below!  The 14 teams below have achieved between 20 – 37 consecutive 100% RCE Mystery Shops in a row.  Our customers desire a courteous and expeditious retail experience and you have consistently provided this experience… Thank you!

20 Consecutive 100% Score:
Maricamp Branch  Ocala FL 34472

23 Consecutive 100% Score:
Pio Nono Station Macon GA 31204

24 Consecutive 100% Score:
Bainbridge Post Office Bainbridge GA 39817

25 Consecutive 100% Score:
Yulee Post Office Yulee FL 32097

28 Consecutive 100% Score:
Rincon Post Office Rincon GA 31326

29 Consecutive 100% Score:
Alachua Post Office Alachua FL 32615

32 Consecutive 100% Score:
Douglas Post Office Douglas GA 31533
Kingsland Post Office Kingsland GA 31548

33 Consecutive 100% Score:
Starke Post Office Starke FL 32091

36 Consecutive 100% Score:
Swainsboro Post Office Swainsboro GA 30401

37 Consecutive 100% Score:
Lyons Post Office Lyons GA 30436
Keystone Heights Post Office Keystone Heights FL 32656
Vidalia Post Office Vidalia GA 30474
Callahan Post Office Callahan FL 32011

Post Offices and stations recognized with Gold Star Awards

The following post offices and stations were recognized with Gold Star Awards for earning 100% perfect scores on Retail Customer Experience transactions:

St. Augustine Main Post Office 32084
Yulee FL Post Office 32097
Jax-Westland Station 32244

Communication Ambassador Program is a big hit with 298, 308, and 309 zones

Front L-R:  Augusta A/Mgr C/S Mary Lowery, P&DC Clerk Wilson Irizarry, Evans GA RCA Bryan Collins, P&DC Clerk Elaine Hobbs, North Augusta SC City Carrier Patti Norris, Waynesboro GA CCA Juan Martinez, Hephzibah GA RCA Bobbi Littles, Augusta Postmaster Paul Steele.
Back L-R:  Martinez GA Letter Carrier Ron Wilburn, P&DC Custodian Willie Givens, Peach Orchard Station City Carrier Barbara Bonner, Supervisor C/S Tumarsha Riley, Ft. Gordon GA  SSDA Charley Davis, Augusta City Carrier Timothy Gunnells.

When the call echoed throughout the Augusta GA area for new Communication Ambassador trainees, the response was awesome.  Eleven engaging, inquisitive, and vibrant employees attended the Ambassador training.  The session was well received and supported in this area.  Accolades not only to the new Ambassadors but also to the management team who remained throughout the all day session which included Augusta Martinez A/Manager C/S Mary Lowery, Forest Hills Branch Supervisor C/S Tumarsha Riley, and Augusta Postmaster Paul Steele.  Augusta P&DF Plant Manager Kevin Hairston and Supervisor C/S Christine Brown who were superb in their supporting roles in this event.

Saint George recognizes carriers for outstanding performance

L-R:  Rural carriers Melvin Williams, Irene Williams, Postmaster Relief Maria Brown

Saint George Ga Post Office Postmaster Relief Maria Brown recently recognized rural letter carriers Melvin Williams and Irene Williams for their outstanding performance and dedication to the postal service. Both carriers were presented with an appreciation award for their commitment to their customers and their jobs. Customers Pat and Russell Sessions stated  "It's nice to have carriers who do not focus on how short they could make their day. Instead their primary focus is providing quality customer service".   Melvin began his career with the postal service in 1993.  Irene began her career in 1986.  “It is indeed a privilege to supervise such great employees,” stated Brown.

Jacksonville P&DC MDO Larry Austin Retires

L-R:  Senior Plant Manager Stephen Hardin, MDO Larry Austin, Lead MDO Craig Cannon

Congratulations to Larry Austin, Manager Distribution Operations (MDO) Tour 1.  He is retiring after over 37 years of dedicated service.  Enjoy your retirement, Larry!

Congratulations to Caylor Yates for earning her Lean Six Sigma Executive Green Belt

L-R:  Sr. Plant Manager Steve Hardin, Operations Industrial Engineer Caylor Yates, 
Manager, In-Plant Support Janet Mills

As an Operations Industrial Engineer, Caylor organized and managed the Lean Mail Processing process for the Jacksonville P&DC.  She was instrumental in adhering to timelines and process completion over a series of six projects.  These projects were put in place to improve the organization of the workroom floor and to reduce non-value added tasks.  Thank you, Caylor, for a job well done; one major floor layout change earned Jacksonville national recognition.

Jacksonville Vehicle Maintenance Team effort saves big bucks

With vehicle maintenance facilities throughout the district including Georgia cities - Albany, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Waycross, and Savannah; and Florida cities – Gainesville, Jacksonville, Panama City, Pensacola, and Tallahassee; Vehicle Maintenance is the heartbeat of the district covering over 70,000 square miles. 

Jacksonville VMF, suffering a severe shortage of auto technicians prior to 2014, had to utilize a vendor towing service.  District Vehicle Maintenance Manager Margaret Simon-Anderson conducted a financial analysis and determined the usage of the vendor service costs the postal service $12,000 - $14,000 per month for Jacksonville and the surrounding zone 320 area.  Anderson jumpstarted her action plan which was to hire additional auto technicians and ensure all auto technicians is trained to tow vehicles.  In addition, the lead auto technicians volunteered to serve as mentors to ensure the entire team was thoroughly capable and effective to handle normal and unexpected problems.  “I am so proud of my entire team throughout the district but specifically the Jacksonville team.  Due to Team Jax mentoring and training, we no longer utilize a vendor service for towing.  We handle all towing ourselves which is a savings of $11,000 - $12,000 monthly,” stated Anderson.  “It now only costs between $1,000 - $2,000 monthly.

Lead Auto Tech Rufus Johnson finalizing a pick list for a PMI on an LLV with Manager Margaret Simon-Anderson reviewing the process.

Auto Techs Phil Spoeholf (left) and Willie Smith removing/replacing a transmission on an LLV

Lead Auto Tech (heavy equipment) Felix Gorman repairing a yard spotter

Lead Auto Tech Christopher DeGidio prints a completed PMI work order.

Auto Tech Samuel Maldonado-Rios works safely on an LLV that he’s servicing.

Auto Tech Danilo Camacho just finished towing a postal vehicle.