South Macon achieves 10th straight RCE perfect score

The Macon team include (from left): Postal Office Operations Manager Angela Collier, Sales & Service Associate (SSA) Anthony Lane, Station Manager Rob Collier, SSA Eva Bilderback, SSA Alma Thomas, SSA Felicia Brown, Macon Postmaster Tim Goodwin, and Consumer & Industry Contact Tony Joy.

 Congratulations to the South Macon Retail Unit for achieving their "10 in a Row Award" in Retail Customer Experience (RCE).

Postmaster Tim Goodwin said, "Working together to provide excellent customer and putting the customer firstare the key in ingredients to success."

RCE 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.

Teresa Register named as Bolingbroke GA Postmaster

Post Office Operations Manager Angela Collier recently welcomed new RMPO Postmaster Teresa Register to her new position in Bolingbroke GA.

"This is a wonderful community and I look forward to serving their Postal needs,"  Register said.

Register started with the postal service as a PTF on the workroom floor in 1988. 

She was promoted first to the OPS Support Secretary and then  to Secretary in Human Resources.

In 2005 she was promoted to Postmaster of Smarr GA.

Register has a total of 25 years of service with the Postal Service.

Jacksonville carrier makes a difference with Jamaica project

Jacksonville City Carrier Stacy Swain feels blessed.  

Swain says "many residents of Jamaica find that providing for themselves and their families is a monetary challenge.  In some case even basic toiletries and clothing are unreachable because of the expensive local economy."

She is assisting a small percentage of these residents by collecting and purchasing basic items such as toothpaste, deodorant, under garments, clothing and shoes and providing them to the needy at no charge.

The items are shipped to Jamaica and where Swain distributes donations through a budding network of assistants and religious charitable organizations to needy areas of Jamaica.

She collects donations such as new and used clothes, medicines, toiletries, etc. and takes them to Jamaica and distributes them in the poor barrios of this country.  

This year Swain has made eight trips to Jamaica.   She has applied for a 501C (non-profit application) and is also partnering with a pastor in country to help her with this mission.

Stacy is working on a website to help communicate the need and collect donations from others:  http://www.stacysblessings.com/indexworking.htm   (See photos on her website)

"Every trip has rewarded me, but also embedded a resolve to do more.  The need is great!"

Eatonton GA achieves 5th straight RCE perfect score

The Eatonton team includes (from left): Postmaster Jerry Sparks, Sales & Service  Distribution Associates Aronica Ballard and Barbara Smolinski.

Congratulations to the Eatonton GA Post Office for achieving their "5 in a Row Award" in Retail Customer Experience (RCE).

RCE 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.

Apalachicola FL PO welcomes kindergarten class

The Apalachicola FL Post Office conducted a school tour for the local ABC charter School. 

The tour is an annual event for the Kindergarten class, which also tours other neighboring businesses.

Postmaster Justine Battle hosted the tours and taught the children how a letter travels. 

Sales and Service Associate Pamela Shiver explained stamp collecting and shared the history surrounding the Jenny stamp. 

The children received postal coloring books and crayons at the completion of their tour. 
 

"There were several parents that joined the students on their tour as well, and were equally amazed by the internal operations of our business," said Postmaster Battle.

There were three tour groups led by their teachers and teacher assistants.

The first group was lead by Marisa Getter, teacher assistant at ABC School. Group 2 was lead by Mrs. Miriam Maxwell, Kindergarten Teacher, and Stacy Johnson, teacher assistant. The final group was lead by Heather Friedman, K5 Teacher.

Gulf Atlantic paints the district pink in October

Post Offices across the Gulf Atlantic District embraced the Breast Cancer Awareness campaign.

They decorated their offices, wore pink, worked with other organizations in their communities and helped to advance the fight against breast cancer.

Here are some of the highlights:

Ocala

Ocala Main Office employees think pink for Breast Cancer. From left to right:  SSA Frank Tatasciore, SSA Kathy Sidella and SCS, Danny Anderson.  We decorated the gypsy cart in pink and flowers and most of the SSAs wore pink.

St Augustine

Even though the St Augustine Carrier Annex doesn't have a retail that doesn't stop the carriers from getting involved with the fight for a cure.

Albany GA


Employees at the Albany Main Post Office decorated the lobby in support of Breast Cancer awareness in the month of October.

Fernandina Beach

They have a very intimate relationship with this cause one of their own is currently battling this disease so they ran a strong campaign to promote the Breast Cancer stamps.

Anastasia Island


Anastasia Island Finance Station, SSA Anne Landess made this out of items from the Dollar Store, way to go Anne. Fight for the cure.

Pensacola passport fairs generate extra revenue

Pensacola  recently was host for two successful Passport Fairs which generated more than $2,100 in revenue.

The first fair at the Navy Federal Credit Union was held exclusively for Navy Federal CU employees and their families. There were 31 customers processed at this event.

The second Passport Fair at the University of West Florida  was held for students, family and faculty. There were 33 customers processed at the college.

The Passport Clerks accepting applications  were Sales and Service Associates Bridgette Morris and Vicki Reed  who work  at the Nobles Station in Pensacola.

U.S. citizens must present a valid passport book when entering or re-entering the United States by air. U.S. citizens entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land borders and sea ports of entry must present a passport book, passport card, or other travel documents approved by the U.S. government. 

Information on the cost and how to apply for a U.S. passport is available at travel.state.gov.

U.S. citizens may also obtain passport information by phone, in English and Spanish, by calling the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 1-877-487-2778. 

Glen St. Mary Post Office is "Tickled Pink"

(reprinted from Hometown Journal)

The Glen Saint Mary Post Office is “Tickled Pink” this October in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This post office has been very busy organizing community events and contests during the
month of October and their efforts have certainly brought about awareness.

This year, recently appointed Postmaster Latrelle McDowell, welcomed the chance to show her support for the community and breast cancer awareness. With window clerks Lisa Prescott and Missy Whitehead, they organized
the first “Tickled Pink” Breast Cancer Awareness Fun Walk/Run with funds going to support local hometown heroes fighting breast cancer.

The walk/run was not timed but was a joining of the community in support, fellowship and exercise. Guest speakers, Felecia Williams and DeeDee Swindell, spoke about the need for awareness, timely checkups and shared their own
personal stories about overcoming their own breast cancer.

The walk began and ended at the post office with a scenic course in the neighboring area behind the post office. The only award given was the “Most Spirited” award won by DeeDee Swindell in her outstanding show of “pink awareness”.

Many thanks to our local co-sponsors and a special thanks to the sheriff’s offi ce for sending a deputy to help guide the way.

A super shout out to retired Glen Saint Mary Rural Carrier Carolyn Raulerson for managing the refreshment table at the walk.

The employees of the Glen Saint Mary Post Office brought the community together even more by creating a poster contest for the 2nd grade students of Westside Elementary. Votes were tallied from community
Voting with judging by Home Town Journal editor Laurie Wall.

Here are some of the Glen Saint Mary customers that participated in the community walk.

Sales and Service Associate Missy Whitehead along with the spirit award winner DeeDee Swindell of Glen Saint Mary.

Lake Butler hero recognized by District Manager and Postmaster General

Gulf Atlantic District Manager Charley Miller presented  Lake Butler Rural Carrier Associate Robin Reeder a “Heroes” mug as a token of appreciation for alertness and thoughtfulness in helping others. 

 She also received a letter from the Postmaster General commending her heroism and selfless display of civic duty.

While delivering her route on September 3rd, she came to the aide  of an elderly customer who was outside of her home calling for help. The home was burning and smoke was billowing out of the building. 

She provided valuable assistance and saved the life of a young woman by pulling her out of the burning house.

(See previous blog posting on October 8, 2013)

Jacksonville Mail Handler on mission to help youth

Jacksonville P&DC Mail Handler LaWan Siplin has a mission: to provide dorm supplies to challenged youth going off to college.

She accomplishes this through her non-profit organization called Transformations Collegiate Collective, Inc. (TCC), a community based non-profit organization that assists college bound high school seniors with supplies needed to outfit their college dorm roo m. 

Siplin has been doing this for three years and each year the mission gets bigger and bigger which has necessitated a move into a larger storage unit to accommodate all the supplies. 

In 2010 as Siplin prepared for her oldest daughter to move to a college campus, she noticed that many of the students didn’t have the necessary items to make dorm life easier. Things such as bedding, towels, eating utensils, etc. were missing for the students leaving home for the first time.
  
Siplin discovered that a lack of finances played a big part in this situation . The need of others turned into a vision, in a three-year period, which now assists more than 100 high school seniors in the Duval County Public Schools in Jacksonville, FL.

This past year the First Annual College Tribute Giveaway became a reality for this single mother of three daughters.  Working with school guidance counselors, the students were nominated based on need, acceptance into a college or university and plans to live in on-campus housing.  

"I feel the students worked hard and in a lot of instances defied the odds of graduating from high school much less attending college, so I wanted to lessen the burden on these students that needed assistance," Siplin said. "I'm proud of the work I'm doing to assist college students."

Ms. Siplin has been working tirelessly to ensure that the next giveaway, slated for Saturday, May 17, 2014, is a huge success.  She begins early each year, purchasing  sale items and bargaining with store personnel, paid from her own contribution and donations from individuals, businesses, organizations, volunteers and her church to make this College Tribute Giveaway a successful day for the Jacksonville community.  

Of course she uses the USPS for all of the mailing needs for TCC.  Ms. Siplin says, “To have is to give and to give is to have enough to give. All I require is that the students from the class of 2013 pay it forward to the next class by volunteering at the next giveaway.”  

Next year her organization will help more than100 students in the class of 2014.  Siplin is definitely making a difference in her community.

Jacksonville schedules Federal employee benefits fair

The Federal Employee Health Benefits Fair for the employees of the Jacksonville and surrounding area postal facilities is scheduled for November 6th and 7th at the Jacksonville GMC and NDC.

Open Season for signing up for benefits runs from November 11 through December 9, 2013.

Wednesday – November 6th, 2013
•    Location: Jax NDC – 6:30 AM -10:30 AM
•    Location: Jax GMC – 2:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Thursday – November 7th, 2013
•    Location: Jax GMC – 6:30 AM -10:30 AM
•    Location: Jax NDC– 2:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Jacksonville NDC – Cafeteria
7415 Commonwealth Ave
Jacksonville FL 32209-9998

Jacksonville GMC – Cafeteria
1100 Kings Rd
Jacksonville FL32203-9998

Daylight Saving Time Ends November 3

Remember to "fall back" this Sunday, November 3.  Turn back your clocks by one hour at 2 am.

Talbotton GA welcomes new Postmaster

Manager, Post Office Operations Angela Collier recently welcomed new Talbotton, GA RMPO Postmaster Wanda Watson.

Watson started with the Postal Service in May 2004 as a PMR for Geneva, GA.  After only 25 days she became the Officer-in-Charge.

She then moved to Howard, GA where she served as the OIC for five years and then she was back to Geneva to OIC again.

Even as an OIC she has worked as she was needed, traveling to nearby offices such as Ideal, Junction City and Box Springs to work in the afternoons.

Maccelnny FL Post Office joins ‘Read for the Record’

(Reprinted from BakerCountyPress.com)

Supervisor Customer Service Nathan King (pictured) from the Maccelnny FL Post Office, reads to children at the PreK-Kindergarten Center the morning of October 3 as part of “Read for the Record,” an annual event in which millions of individuals across the country attempt to break the world record for reading the same book on the same day.

This year’s book was Otis by Loren Long, which was provided to schools across the region by the Early Learning Coalition of Northeast Florida along with activities for kids to do after reading the story about a old tractor named Otis.

Before reading the book, children at the center interacted with real-life tractors brought to the campus by the Macclenny Kubota dealer.

Georgia rural carriers assist local Sparta community picnic

Rural Carrier Associates Ron Hawkins (on left) and James Lawrence recently showed their support in their local community of Sparta GA during the community's annual Labor Day Picnic. 

Ron and James are both RCAs at the Sandersville GA Post Office.  

Postmaster Judy Miller said she is proud to have both on her team in Sandersville.  "Both employees go above and beyond helping the other person.  Great job guys.  Keep up the good work."

Melrose FL Post Office joins Fire Department for Breast Cancer Awareness effort

When the Melrose FL Post Office began preparing for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, everything began to turn pink inside the post office. 

There even was a Pink Survivors Tree to hold the ribbons of those you want to remember when customers buy special Breast Cancer Stamps. 

The only thing missing in the Pink Postal Wonderland was pink uniform shirts.  

For the small community of Melrose this was not a problem.

The Melrose Volunteer Fire Department, who were also supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month, made the Post Office Gals Honorary Firemen for the Day so they would not be out of uniform and could wear the fire department's Pink Awareness uniform shirts.

"What better way to show everyone that Melrose cares," said Postmaster Debbie Adkins.

Warner Robins GA employee praised for service

The best way to judge the Postal Service's ability to make a difference is feedback from customers.

Here is a letter from a Warner-Robins GA customer to Postmaster Willie Finney describing outstanding service she received from Bulk Mail Technician Joseph Dinkins.

Mr. Finney,

We spoke earlier this afternoon regarding the great service I received from the Post Office yesterday.  I sealed my passport package without putting my checks inside. 

When I realized what I had done about 30 minutes later, I called the Post Office to check if my package was still in house.  The clerks kept me on the phone until they located my package and put it aside for me until I could return later that afternoon. 

The clerk that waited on me when I returned was Joe-the passport agent.  He double checked my package for accuracy and was able to save my envelope so I wouldn't have to pay for postage twice. 

The other clerks were also very helpful.  I'm sorry that I don't have their names too.  Their service saved me from a potential delay in receiving my passport.  I wanted to take this time to express to you how much I appreciate their above and beyond service.

 Respectfully,

Cindy H. Foster

Gulf Atlantic PCCs receive awards

Three of the Gulf Atlantic District's Postal Customer Councils (PCC) recently received Premier Awards for their activities over the past year.

Postal Customer Councils were established in 1961 to improve communications between USPS customers and managers. The organization has grown increasingly more important since the 1970s, when business mailing issues became a primary focus.

Today there are more than 200 local PCCs with approximately 100,000 members across the nation. Regular meetings, education programs, mailer clinics and seminars keep members informed of developments.

Members also work with local Post Offices to make mail service more efficient, resulting in improved delivery and greater customer satisfaction.

The mission of PCCs: promote cooperation and support of Postal Service initiatives; foster a close working relationship between USPS and business mailers; share information and exchange ideas about new and existing products, services, programs and procedures; help PCC member organizations grow professionally through focused educational programs.

Member benefits include: networking; learning new methods and processes for a more productive mailing operation; interacting with USPS managers, vendors and other industry professionals; finding new ways to make your business more profitable.

The Northeast Florida PCC received their 5th Gold Award in 2013.

In the photo left to right are NE PCC Executive Board Members: USPS Marketing Manager Lucious Sumlar,  Pitney Bowes/Major Account Manager Cathy Virtuoso, USPS Acting Customer Relations Coordinator Amy Escobar, USPS Acting Senior Plant Manager Steve Hardin, USPS Gulf Atlantic District Manager Charley Miller,  Innovative Strategic Alliances, President/CEO Leila LeVan, Officer-in-Charge of Jacksonville Post Office Debra Gornik, TC Delivers/Senior Vice President Dan Lawlor, CSX/Supervisor HQ Mail Center Mike Hartell, Jacksonville University Administrator Becky Frank, Watson Realty/Administrative Manager Lucille Johnson, Robert Atkinson of ING, and Incepture Print Solutions/Director Gene Rauch.

Gulf Atlantic District Manager Charley Miller (left) and Pensacola Acting Postmaster Kyle Wieck congratulate Panhandle PCC Industry Co-Chair Ernie Kington for being named a Premier Silver winner on National PCC Day.

The Big Bend Postal Customer Council in Tallahassee recently was awarded a Bronze level certificate.
In the photo left to right are:  Industry Co-Chair Robert Fink, Postal Co-Chair Gregory Willis, and District Manager Charley Miller.  Sarah Carraway coordinated the events and Shibani Gambhir was the guest speaker from Postal Headquarters.

GFA District employees reach service milestones

The Postal Services recognizes career employees with service award pins at the 30, 35, 40 and 45 years of creditable government service.

These awards are not to be taken lightly as many of our employees retire or leave military service prior to beginning work with the USPS.   

All of the employees recognized have built their careers in different areas, yet they have demonstrated their abilities to remain committed.

Here are some recent honorees:

Tallahassee Secretary Sarah Carraway--35 years

Jacksonville Manager Information Systems Janie Yates--30 years

Jacksonville OIC Debra Gornik--25 years

Jacksonville Labor Relations Manager Joe Walker--25 years

Fleming Island team is ranked #2 nationally in RCE

When Gulf Atlantic District Manager Charley Miller informed the Fleming Island team they were #2 in the country for the Retail Customer Experience (RCE),  Lead Sales and Services Associate (SSA) Richard Hanneken stated: “We want to be #1.”

Postmaster Darla Ferguson feels the success comes from the SSA’s treating the customers the way they would want to be treated. She is very proud of her team and said,  “Their ultimate goal is to be #1 in the country.”

RCE 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.  


The Fleming Island team includes from left to right: Area Manager Customer Service Paul Birge , Supervisor Ruben Soto, Fleming Island Postmaster Darla Ferguson, Lead SSA Richard Hanneken, PSE Calvin Wright , SSA Kathleen Valdes, Jacksonville Post Office Officer-in-Charge Debra Gornik, District Manager Charley Miller, Marketing Manager Lucious Sumlar, and Acting Area Manager Customer Services Bill Spangler.

Lake Butler FL carrier delivers young woman from burning house

(Reprinted from Union County FL Times)

As a substitute mail carrier, Robin Reeder has to be ready to go wherever she's called--even a burning building.

Recently, Reeder was on her route in southwest Union County when she happened upon a mobile home on fire with a woman running to her for help.  A young woman lay inside as smoke filled the dwelling.

"The lady came running out of the trailer just hollering help, help, help!" Reeder said.

The carrier called 9-1-1 and went to help the older woman, who couldn't walk very well, to retrieve a young woman passed out inside the home.

Reeder dragged the young woman outside as paramedics arrived.  Both women fully recovered.

Reeder has worked at the Lake Butler Post office for more than six years and didn't think what she did was a big deal, saying she mostly saw smoke at the time. "Anybody would have gone in there to help the young woman."

Postmaster Nathan King Is not so sure, and commended Reeder for her heroic efforts.

Ray Charles Forever Stamp Debut Includes Music CD

 
The U.S. Postal Service is selling a CD of Ray Charles’ music in conjunction with the recently released Forever Stamp celebrating the entertainer’s legacy.

“Ray Charles Forever!” from the Concord Music Group includes re-mastered classics of “Come rain or come shine;” “America, The Beautiful;” a previously unreleased recording of “They can’t take that away from me;” “I didn’t know what time it was,” a bonus track only released on the postal version of the CD; and nine other tracks. The CDis being promoted with a TV ad campaign in targeted markets.

The CD is priced at $9.99 and is available at nearly 5,000 select Post Offices, including all Premiere Offices. The CD also is available for purchase online at usps.com/shop.

The Ray Charles Forever Stamp debuted on Sept. 23, 2013 on what would have been the singer’s 83rd birthday. The stamp is the latest in the 2013 Music Icon series.

Born Sept. 23, 1930, in Albany, GA, Ray Charles Robinson was raised in the small town of Greenville, FL, where a local boogie-woogie pianist gave him his first piano lessons.

At the age of five, Charles began to go blind. His right eye was surgically removed. He learned to read Braille and was given lessons in classical piano and clarinet. He also taught himself to play saxophone while continuing to listen to a mix of jazz, blues and country music.

After his mother died in 1945, Charles left school and went to work in Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa as a professional musician. In 1948, he went to Seattle, WA, and formed a group known as the McSon Trio. Charles signed with Atlantic Records in 1952, where he had his first national hit, “I’ve Got a Woman,” in 1955.

Charles assembled his own band, touring along with his quartet of backup vocalists, the Cookies, later known as the “Raeletts.” In 1959, Charles scored a major hit on both the rhythm and blues and pop charts with “What’d I Say?”

But Charles could not be defined or contained by one musical style. He appeared at the Newport Jazz Festival and recorded a successful album with Milt Jackson of the Modern Jazz Quartet. In 1959, when offered financial incentives, Charles left Atlantic for ABC-Paramount. His growing audience continued to expand with two number one hits, “Georgia On My Mind” (1960) and “Hit the Road Jack” (1961).

Looking back over the course of his long career, there seemed to be little Charles couldn’t do. His work spanned almost the entire breadth of American music and brought him 17 GRAMMY Awards; the Kennedy Center Honors in 1986; an award for lifetime achievement in 1987; the National Medal of Arts in 1993; and, his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Many of this year’s other stamps may be viewed on Facebook at facebook.com/USPSStamps, via Twitter at @USPSstamps or at beyondtheperf.com/2013-preview.

Jacksonville Post Office assists Jaguars with passports

 The Jacksonville Post Office was asked to assist the National Football League's Jacksonville Jaguars in processing the players' and their families' passports for their trip to London England for an October 27 game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Supervisor Wanda McKinney explained the process.  "We sent the Jaguars all the required documents needed to apply for a U.S. passport.  We were asked if we could come to them and process the players so we went  to the Jaguars' training facility at Everbank Field and verified all the documents ."

McKinney and SSDA’s Christopher Butler, Melissa Baker and Khaquita Douglas went over to the stadium and started the process during the two-day event . Those that couldn't make the special passport event made arrangements to come to the Post Office at a later date.

"We processed a total of 50 players and their family member," said McKinney. "It was a lot of fun and the players and the environment were awesome."

Postal Customer Councils meet across Gulf Atlantic District

The week of September 16-20 was the Postal Service's annual Postal Customer Council  (PCC) Week across the country and across the Gulf Atlantic District. This year's theme was "Innovating Together."

PCC Week is an important event for the Postal Service because it’s the one time of the year when the entire Postal Customer Council network and the entire leadership of the Postal Service come together as one to celebrate successand focus on the future.

Gulf Atlantic events were held in Augusta GA, Jacksonville FL, Pensacola FL and Tallahassee FL.

Three Gulf Atlantic PCCs received Premier awards for their hard work during the past year: Northeast Florida--Gold; Panhandle PCC--Silver; and Big Bend (Tallahassee) PCC--Bronze.

"PCC Week is also a symbol of the Postal Service’s commitment to customer service, to the future of the mail, and to our partnership," said Gulf Atlantic District Manager Charley Miller. "And like all partnerships, this is a relationship that works two ways."

"At PCC events, you have access to a network of mailing and business professionals who are willing to share best practices and offer solutions that help your businesses perform better," Miller said. "You also have access to local Postal Service managers who are responsible for the collection, processing, distributionand delivery of your mail."

Conversely, the PCC network is constantly providing the Postal Service with the feedback needed to make certain that  customers’ needs are being met.

The Postal Service responds to that feedback with actions such as educational seminars, webinars, PCC cafes and a new speaker’s bureau resource on a re-designed PCC website.

"Two-way communication is what a true partnership is all about," said Miller.

Augusta GA PCC Meeting

The Central Savannah River Area PCC held National PCC Day at the Augusta Main Post Office.  Debra Gornick Officer In Charge in Jacksonville FL was the guest speaker.  Brenda Harris, Business Mail Entry Unit Supervisor spoke on Small Business Tools - full service Imb and Al Mooney, Revenue Driver spoke on Every Door Direct Mail.  Karen Bridger, Gulf Atlantic BSN also attended and participated in answering members questions.  Postamster Paul Steele opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and introducing our speakers.

Big Bend (Tallahassee) FL PCC Meeting

Gulf Atlantic District Manager Charley Miller addresses attendees at the Big Bend PC meeting which was awarded the Premier Bronze level certificate. Headquarters Manager Network Development and Support Shibani Gambhir was the guest speaker.

Panhandle (Pensacola) FL PCC Meeting

Gulf Atlantic District Manager Charley Miller (left) and Pensacola Acting Postmaster Kyle Wieck congratulate Panhandle PCC Industry Co-Chair Ernie Kington for being named a Premier Silver winner on National PCC Day.

U.S. Postal Service Announces New Prices for 2014

Price increases expected to generate $2 billion in new revenue to improve financial situation

WASHINGTON — The United States Postal Service today announced proposed price changes, including an increase in the price of a First-Class Mail single-piece letter from 46 cents to 49 cents. The proposed changes, which would go into effect in January 2014, are intended to generate $2 billion in incremental annual revenue for the Postal Service.

Highlights of the new single-piece First-Class Mail pricing, effective Jan. 26, 2014 include:

•    Letters (1 oz.) — 3-cent increase to 49 cents
•    Letters additional ounces —  1-cent increase to 21 cents
•    Letters to all international destinations (1 oz.) — $1.15
•    Postcards — 1-cent increase to 34 cents

Stamp prices have stayed consistent with the average annual rate of inflation of 4.2 percent since the Postal Service was formed in 1971.
Pricing for Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services and Extra Services also will be adjusted as part of a filing to the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) scheduled to take place Sept. 26.

The Governors of the Postal Service voted Sept. 24 to seek price increases above the typical annual increases associated with changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

In a letter disseminated to customers today, Board of Governors Chairman Mickey Barnett described the “precarious financial condition” of the Postal Service and the “uncertain path toward enactment of postal reform legislation” as primary reasons for seeking price changes above the CPI increase. He also indicated that the price adjustment above the CPI increase is necessary in order to ensure that the Postal Service will be able to maintain and continue the development of postal services of the type and quality which America needs.

“Of the options currently available to the Postal Service to align costs and revenues, increasing postage prices is a last resort that reflects extreme financial challenges,” said Barnett in the letter. “However, if these financial challenges were alleviated by the timely enactment of laws that close a $20 billion budget gap, the Postal Service would reconsider its pricing strategy. We are encouraged by the recent introduction of comprehensive postal reform legislation in Congress, and despite an uncertain legislative process, we are hopeful that legislation can be enacted this year.”

Except in exceptional or extraordinary circumstances, postage price increases are capped at the rate of inflation as measured by the CPI-U. The Postal Service is filing a price increase above CPI-U due to extraordinary and exceptional circumstances which have contributed to continued financial losses. The Postal Service recorded a $15.9 billion net loss last fiscal year and expects to record a loss of roughly $6 billion in the current fiscal year, and has an intolerably low level of available liquidity even after defaulting on its obligation to make prefunding payments for retiree health benefits.

The PRC will review the prices before they become effective Jan. 26, 2014, and must agree the prices are consistent with applicable law. The new price proposals are scheduled to be filed Sept. 26 and will be available on the PRC website at www.prc.gov and also will be available at http://pe.usps.com.

The full text of the Board chairman’s letter sent to postal customers about the pricing decision will be available later today at the following link:
http://about.usps.com/news/national-releases/2013/pr13_chairman-letter.htm.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations

Gulf Breeze FL Post Office thanked for delivering World War II letter

(Reprinted from Pensacola News Journal)

The Gulf Breeze FL Post Office at 100 Northcliff Drive received thanks recently for delivering a letter from World War II veteral Lyman Edgar in an envelope with a mangled address to friends in Pensacola Beach.
“My husband and I are amazed that you managed to deliver an envelope with a mangled address written by a 98-year-old Colorado World War II veteran with ties to this area,” said Ann Boone Johnson and Bill Johnson in letter to Gulf Breeze postal employees.

The Johnsons added, “Lyman can no longer hear or see well and lives alone, so he addressed the envelope the best that he could.”

They described Edgar as “an old cowhand and my husband’s uncle, only missing Colorado’s Arkansas Valley Fair once in his long life – in 1945 when he was in the Navy and stationed in Panama City, Fla., during the war.”

The envelope with Edgar’s letter also contained a newspaper article about his being named the honorary parade marshal at this year’s Arkansas Valley Fair.
“Thank you so much for your attention to detail and to the spirit of the U.S. Postal Service who won’t let anything stop them,” wrote the Johnsons to their Gulf Breeze mail handlers.

Augusta GA carriers honored for million safe miles of driving

Four more Gulf Atlantic District letter carriers in the Augusta GA have been recognized for their long-standing safe driving records.

Letter carriers Tom Brewster, Steven Delginio, Ernie Hammond and Mark Swain are now members of the Million Mile Club which 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, USPS 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.

Letter Carrier, Tom Brewster

Letter Carrier, Steven Delginio

Letter Carrier, Ernie Hammond (left) & Mark Swain

South Jacksonville reaches 10 perfect scores mark

Pictured from left to right are Marketing Manager Lucious Sumlar, Jackonville Officer-in-Charge Debra Gornik, Sales & Service Associates Kim Oswald, Lotti Armstrong, Carlos Williams, Rick Grace, Anita Kaashis, Lawence Benton, Supervisor Customer Services Betty Christmas, and Acting Manager Customer Services Bill Spangler.

The South Jacksonville station team recently reached their 10th straight Retail Customer Experience (RCE) perfect score.

According to Manager Customer Services Albert Diaz,  "Commitment has been the driving force to our success here at South Jacksonville."

RCE 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. 

Live Oak FL carrier comes to stroke victim's rescue

Live Oak FL Postmaster Blair Beaty recently received a call from customer Nannette Estep thanking one of our carriers for saving her cousin’s life. 

On Wednesday 9/11/2013, customer Billy Fennell had a stroke early that morning.  

When City Carrier Jacqueline Starke arrived at her normal time, Fennell was not at the door or visible which was not normal. 

According to Starke, Fennell always comes to the door and speaks with her. The carrier knocked on the door and then looked through an open window and called out to him. 

Starke could hear the customer and tell that he was in distress, but could not see him,  so she entered through a window to find  Fennell on the floor where he had been since the stroke. 

She called 9 - 1 - 1 and stayed with him until the ambulance arrived. He had been on the floor for nine hours  until  Starke came to his rescue.

 "Starke’s quick actions that day demonstrates the concern Postal letter carriers have for their customers," said Beaty.

JAX employees alert to money order scam; two customers arrested

Sales and Service Associate Lilly Kirkland at the Jacksonville General Mail Facility main office window sold a money order to a customer in the amount of $1000 last month.

The customer left the premises, but returned less than 10 minutes later.

He claimed his wife stated they did not need the money order because she had paid one of their bills and he now wanted to cash the money order.

Kirkland remembered an email that her Supervisor Customer Services Wanda McKinney had shared with all SSAs about a scam that was being run the same way that this customer tried with his money order.Kirkland called Manager Customer Services Alvin Walker to her counter.

After talking with customer, Walker called the Postal Inspection Service that resulted in the arrest of two suspects.

The scam goes like this: a customer buys a money order, goes outside, and uses a cell phone app to scan the money order into his bank account. 

The customer comes back into the Post Office with excuse that wife stated he didn’t need to purchase money order because she paid the bill (mortgage).


The customer now would have $1,000 in bank and USPS employee gives him the $1,000 cash back. 

The U.S. Postal Service and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service play leading roles in increasing public awareness of identity theft and fraudulent mailing schemes.


The organizations state that, according to the FTC, as little as 2 percent of all victims reported that the identity crimes they experienced were through the U.S. Mail. 

Atlantic Beach Letter Carrier reaches 50 years of service

Atlantic Beach Letter Carrier David Morehouse recently was recognized for 50 years of service. 

From left, District Manager Charley Miller, Letter Carrier David Morehouse, Area Vice President JoAnn Feindt, Postmaster Stephen Hardin, and Local 53 NALC President Bob Henning.

Shady Grove FL Village Post Office opens

The Gulf Atlantic District recently added its fourth Village Post Office (VPO) in Shady Grove FL.

"We are thrilled to offer this new VPO to our customers in Shady Grove," said Marketing Manager Lucious Sumlar.  "Our goal is to continue providing convenient access to postal products and services in more rural communities across the nation."

The first VPO opened in Malone, Washington, in August 2011. The Gulf Atlantic District currently has VPOs located in Climax GA, Scotland GA and Bellville GA.

A full list of VPOs across the country is available on usps.com  http://about.usps.com/news/electronic-press-kits/expandedaccess/vpo-list.htm

VPOs are located within existing communities in a variety of locations, including convenience stores, local businesses and libraries, and are operated by the management of those locations.

VPOs offer a range of popular products and services — the ones most used by customers — including PO Boxes, Forever stamps, Pre-paid Priority Mail Flat Rate envelopes and a mail collection box.

By being located inside established businesses and other places consumers already frequent, VPOs offer Postal Service customers time-saving convenience, and in most cases, longer hours than regular Post Offices.

VPOs provide operators — in most cases, the local business owners — with opportunities for increased customer foot traffic and revenue, as well as providing additional services for their customers and clients.

The Postal Service will consider establishing a Village Post Office in locations where there is no Post Office or that has one with reduced operating

hours, and where an alternate access site will benefit the community and the Postal Service.

Village Post Offices are part of the Postal Service’s “Approved Postal Provider” network — retail outlets for postal products and services that include Contract Postal Units, Approved Shippers, stamps on consignment locations and Community Post Offices.

Approved Postal Providers are operated by third parties and complement the Postal Service’s own network by offering customers expanded retail access to postal products and services at convenient hours and locations.

Crawfordville FL rural carrier is a true hero

Crawfordville FL Rural Carrier Janet Morgan is a true hero.  Who says so?

Let's starts with Postmaster General Patrick Donohoe who stated in a letter to Morgan:

"I read with pride of your initiative to find out the status of a customer on your route.  When you noticed the accumulation of mail, you search the phone book and notified a relative.  The brother called emergency personnel, but unfortunately the customer was deceased.  Please know that your efforts are appreciated and by no means went unnoticed."

Janet's acting Postmaster Arch Rogers added:

 “Janet is a person that naturally cares for the people around her whether it’s co-workers or customers. This was a perfect example of what our employees on the street do for their customers every working day in America. That brief window of time the carrier spends at a mailbox while out delivering, has the potential to change a life, save a life or enrich a life. This is not the first time Janet has helped one of her customers, it’s just the first time she’s been recognized.”

And Janet also shared her thoughts on the incident:

"Not everyone understands the importance of the role of a Rural Carrier in communities. We interact daily with our customers. We travel roads in communities where the elderly are isolated at home and often by themselves. Most adults are away from home during the day working while the children are at school. While we're on our routes, we serve as their eyes and ears. We notice when a customer's routine is different or off, when a customer that greets you everyday at the mailbox doesn't show for a couple of days, or even when a person or a vehicle is on a customer's property while when they are not at home. Many customers think of us as part of their families and we are there to provide assistance when we can. And it's one of the many reasons I find this job to be very rewarding."

That's what makes Janet Morgan and many other letter carriers true heroes.

Florida A&M Alum Inducted Into Black Heritage Stamp Series

TALLAHASSEE, FL. – Florida A&M University (FAMU) alumna Althea Gibson (1927-2003) has been inducted into the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) Black Heritage Stamp Series. The stamp featuring the tennis icon was unveiled on Aug. 23 on the grounds of the U.S. Open in Flushing, N.Y.

"We are delighted to honor Florida A&M graduate Althea Gibson as the 36th stamp and first female athlete in our Black Heritage Series,” said Stephen Seewoester, U.S. Postal Service spokesperson. “She was truly a pioneer in her sport and an inspiration to a future generation of African-American tennis players, such as Arthur Ashe and sisters Venus and Serena Williams."

In the midst of the Civil Rights Movement, Gibson helped integrate the world of tennis and became the first African-American of either gender to win Wimbledon. She twice won Wimbledon and the U.S. Championships (now known as the U.S. Open) and became the top-ranked player in the world. The tall, lean Gibson was fast and had a long reach, and relied on a booming serve and precise volleys. In 1957, the Associated Press named her the first African-American to be selected as the Female Athlete of the Year, earning her cover features in Sports Illustrated and Time magazine.

“It is humbling to know that the education and nurturing Althea Gibson received at Florida A&M University as an athletic scholarship recipient led to such an exemplary career,” said Larry Robinson, FAMU interim president. “Our student athletes and the entire university community join the U.S. Postal Service and the nation in saluting Ms. Gibson for breaking color lines in tennis and raising the benchmark for success in the international sport of tennis.”

FAMU Women’s Tennis Coach Nikki Goldthreate said she was delighted to hear the news and will use this as additional motivation to encourage her student athletes.

“I have a photo of Althea Gibson on my wall in my office as a constant reminder for our team,” said Goldthreate. “We have 10 young ladies on our tennis team and I see the drive in them to get better each day. I’m sure Althea had that same determination – to take it one day at a time.”

FAMU National Alumni Association President Tommy Mitchell didn’t realize when he was a child that Ms. Gibson, the playground teacher, would become Ms. Gibson the legendary tennis player. Years later he can reflect on his brush with greatness and appreciate what her legacy means as a fellow FAMU graduate.

“This is just one more case where FAMU has made an outstanding contribution to the world through one of our graduates,” said Mitchell. “Although I wasn’t a tennis player then, I am now. Althea Gibson certainly set the pace and that is to be admired.”

According to the USPS, the oil-on-wood painting featured on the stamp is based on a photograph – taken at Wimbledon – of Gibson bending down to hit a low volley. Designed by Derry Noyes, the stamp features the artwork of award-winning artist Kadir Nelson.

The Althea Gibson stamp is being issued as a Forever® stamp. Forever stamps are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail® one-ounce rate. Gibson is the 36th inductee into the U.S. Postal Service’s Black Heritage stamp series, which includes Harriet Tubman, Paul Robeson and Ella Fitzgerald.

The forever stamp depicting the athlete in action is now available at www.USPS.com/stamps, via phone at 800-STAMP-24 and at Post Offices around the country.

To watch a video on Althea Gibson and her FAMU connection, click http://bit.ly/FAMU_Althea.

Courtesy of WCTV-CBS

Pelham GA carrier  receives 

45-year service award 

Pelham GA  Rural Carrier Carolyn Reams recently received special recognition for her 45   years of service with the Postal Service.  

She has documented over one million miles in her years of delivering mail in Jefferson County.  

She remembers that when she started with the Postal Service in 1968, a first-class letter only cost six cents .

Her late husband, Laurie Reams, served the Lamont Post Office for 47 years as a carrier ,  and her granddaughter, Amanda,  is a rural carrier  in Monticello  GA , so the USPS seems to be a family tradition.

       

In attendance to congratulate Carolyn Reams for her 45 years serving the USPS are from left to right:  Manager of Post Office Operations Keith Pierlie;  Supervisor Sherri Surles ;  Carolyn Reams; and  Gulf Atlantic District Manager Charlie Miller.

Callahan FL Post Office achieves 

perfection 25 times in a row

The Callahan FLPost Office was honored recently for achieving an incredible 25th Retail Customer Experience (RCE) perfect score in a row. 

Callahan Postmaster Steve Gray attributes his team's success to three attributes: "communication, commitment and teamwork."

Gray's team includes Service and Sales Associates Phyllis Silcox,  Debbie West, and Rhonda Denmark.  

They were recently recognized by District Manager Charley Miller and Acting Manager of Customer Service Bill Spangler.

RCE 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.