Augusta area carriers honored for safe million driving miles

Augusta GA Postmaster Paul Steele (center in first photo) recently presented Million Mile Awards to carriers Steven Delenio and Thomas Brewster from the Forest Hills Post Office and carriers Ernie Hammonds and Mark Swain from the Martinez GA Post Office (second photo).

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.

New Postmasters are named in Georgia

Post Office Operations Manager Angela Collier recently announced four new Postmasters to positions in Georgia.

The new Midland, GA Postmaster is Cindy Lowrey. Cindy formerly worked in the Albany Post Office and was the Postmaster of Bronwood, GA. She also served as an Acting Supervisor Customer Service in Americus, GA and Officer-In-Charge in Dawson, GA.

The new Monticello, GA Postmaster Greg Gordon. Greg is a former Supervisor Customer Service  in Warner Robins, GA. He most recently was the Officer-In-Charge  of Forsyth, GA which has achieved 20+ 100% in Retail Customer Experience measurements.

Martha Simmons is the new Postmaster of Warm Springs, GA. Martha was previously the Postmaster Relief for Pine Mountain Valley. She has held Officer-In-Charge assignments in Pine Mountain Valley, Junction City and Warm Springs.   

The new Bonaire Postmaster is Fritz Artis. Fritz was previously the Postmaster of Gray, GA.

Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation stamp unveiled

USPS recently unveiled this year’s Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp June 28. The new stamp features the image of a common goldeneye duck.

Over the years, these stamps have raised millions of dollars for wetlands conservation. The first Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation stamp was issued in 1934.

Since then, stamp sales have raised more than $851 million which has been used to preserve 5.3 million acres of wetlands.

Popular with hunters and wildlife enthusiasts, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in association with USPS, each year issues the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, also referred to as the Federal Duck Stamp.

Hunters 16 years of age or older must purchase the stamp to hunt migratory waterfowl. The stamp also provides admission to National Wildlife Refuges for bird watchers and other visitors.

Proceeds from the stamp support the conservation of America’s wetlands. A Junior Duck Stamp is available to support conservation education programs.

Expedited passport services can speed travel documents to customers

Customers who need new passports sooner than the usual 4-6 weeks needed for normal processing can submit expedited passport applications to USPS Passport Acceptance Facilities around the country.

First-time passports, passport renewals, additional visa pages, and data corrections all qualify for expedited service. Applicants must pay an additional $60 fee and allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.

Applicants with urgent travel plans also may apply directly at one of the U.S. Department of State’s 26 passport agencies and centers across the country. Refer to the Department of State’s website for agency-specific information on what is required for an appointment.

Applicants must call the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 877-487-2778 to make an appointment.

Individuals who need passport information should first visit the Department of State’s official website for information on passport requirements, online applications, fees and processing times. This information also is available by calling the NPIC at 877-487-2778 or TDD/TTY at 888-874-7793.

Mail Service Updates site now USPS Service Alerts

Mail Service Updates on usps.com now has a new look and a new name — USPS Service Alerts.

The name change reflects current industry practices by more accurately reflecting the near real-time information USPS communicates to its customers about postal facility service disruptions due to weather-related and other natural disasters or events. The Web page has been organized to provide consumers and business mailers more complete, timely information.

Following disasters and events that affect the mail, such as recent tornadoes in Oklahoma, customers and employees have regularly turned to the Mail Service Updates page for service information.

“Feedback from residential customers and business mailers following natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy prompted us to take a close look at Mail Service Updates,” said Consumer Advocate Krista Finazzo. “We wanted to find ways to more effectively communicate with our customers during service interruptions.”

Other improvements include a new section for residential customers who now can learn whether their mail is being delivered or if their Post Offices are open.

The upgraded page also will provide commercial mailers with more detailed information on the operating status of mail processing facilities and delivery units, allowing them to better plan drop shipments and other operational activities.

U.S. Postal Service Reduces Consumable Waste Recycling programs save millions in landfill fees

World Environment Day, a program sponsored by the United Nations, is the most widely celebrated global day for environmental awareness. This year’s theme — sustainable consumption — focuses on reducing waste and sustaining resources.

USPS reduces its waste by diverting tons of consumables from landfills each year. Through recycling programs and initiatives, the Postal Service last year recycled more than 186,000 tons of mixed paper, 35,000 tons of cardboard, 6,000 tons of plastic and 21,000 tons of other consumables, according to the Annual Sustainability Report.

Along with reducing waste, these programs also save money. By reducing landfill use, the Postal Service saved more than $25 million in fees and generated $23.8 million in recycling revenue in 2012.

The Postal Service has won numerous environmental honors, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WasteWise Partner of the Year award in 2010 and 2011, and most recently 10 Federal Green Challenge Awards nationwide.

For more information about the Postal Service’s sustainability initiatives, including the Go Green Forever stamps, visit usps.com/green and the Postal Store.

USPS named top government agency for multicultural business opportunities

USPS has been recognized as the top government agency for providing business opportunities to women- and minority-owned companies.

More than 1.3 million diversity business owners participated in an online election sponsored by DiversityBusiness.com to determine the top 25 organizations.

The owners were asked 10 questions about diversity business in the marketplace.

Their answers were based on factors such as volume, consistency and quality business opportunities granted to diverse companies.

Stakeholder Outreach and Sustainability team leader Janice Williams-Hopkins said USPS is honored to be named the top government agency for multicultural business opportunities. “This award exemplifies the Postal Service’s commitment to build and maintain mutually beneficial business relationships with multicultural suppliers,” she said.

Click here to view DiversityBusiness.com’s list of top organizations for multicultural business opportunities.

Don’t be fooled by spam messages

Spam email and phishing, the practice of using fake but realistic-looking websites to fool victims into revealing personal information, can pose threats to USPS and its employees and customers.

Here are some tips to handle these electronic threats:

•    Trust your instincts. If an email seems suspicious, delete it without opening it.
•    Delete spam or phishing messages without opening them.
•    Don’t forward these messages.
•    Be careful when subscribing to mailing lists on the Internet.
•    Don’t reply to spam or phishing emails, even if it’s to request being removed from the originator’s distribution list. Replying can result in more messages.
•    Don’t click on the unsubscribe URL in an email if you didn’t subscribe to the originator’s distribution list. This lets the sender know your email address is valid.
•    Never click on a “pop-up“ window.

First to last mile: USPS technology expanding to an address near everyone

The Postal Service’s unparalleled capacity to pick up and deliver mail and packages at every address in America has long been one of its defining attributes.

Now, as USPS folds new technologies into its delivery network, it’s applying this strength in new ways to benefit everyone. “Our goal is to embrace technology and enhance the value of mail and packages for mail owners, mail providers and consumers — from the first to the last mile,” said Chief Information Officer Ellis Burgoyne.

Underlying the Postal Service’s embrace of technology is the Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb), capable of capturing more robust information than previous technologies as mail or packages progress through the mailstream. With the IMb, mailers can eliminate paperwork as their mail or packages enter the network, link tracking information into a constant data stream with scanning, and predict with more certainty when letters and parcels will reach their destinations.

With IMb technology, USPS has improved the speed and efficiency of mail processing; eInduction, for example, verifies business mail has been accepted at the right facility and confirms the correct postage has been paid. Similarly, The Passive Adaptive Scanning System delivers tracking improvements and revenue protection at high-volume delivery units.

Technology also creates efficiencies in last-mile delivery operations. Dynamic routing and real-time delivery scans result in improved deliveries, better response to last-minute pick-up requests, and expansion of service options.

North Florida District renamed Gulf Atlantic District

The North Florida District becomes the Gulf Atlantic District on June 29 to more accurately describe its territory which merged with the South Georgia District two years ago. 

A renamed Gulf Atlantic District encompasses a large portion of northern Florida, south and central Georgia, and a small portion of western South Carolina.

The Florida portion of the district has been known as the North Florida District for more than 20 years, but the name did not accurately reflect the district’s expanded geographical area.

Gulf Atlantic fits the territory as the Gulf Coastal plain encompasses portions of Georgia and Florida while the Atlantic Coastal name covers portions of South Carolina, southeastern Georgia and northeastern Florida.

The district includes these major cities: in Florida—Gainesville, Jacksonville, Panama City, Pensacola and Tallahassee; and in Georgia—Albany, Augusta, Columbus, Macon and Savannah.

The district includes ZIP Codes beginning with the following first three digits: Florida--320, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326 and 344; Georgia—304, 308, 309, 310, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319 and 398; and  298 in South Carolina.

North Florida District holds congressional briefing

This year’s 2013 Congressional briefing was held at the North Florida District Office on Tuesday, June 18. 

Representatives from Senator Marco Rubio, Congresswoman Corrine Brown and Congressman Ander Crenshaw attended in person. 

Representatives from Senator Lindsey Graham, Congressman Jeff Miller, Congressman John Barrow, Congressman Paul Broun, Congressman Steve Southerland and Congressman Austin Scott attended via a Meeting Place webinar. 

Government Relations Specialist Lambros Kapoulas shared the state of the Postal Service from his Washington, DC office. 

District Manager Charley Miller provided Postal Service initiatives and accomplishments including being a top twenty performing district in overall year-to-date Customer Experience Measurement scores in Residential and Small/Medium Business. 

In a letter thanking those in attendance, Miller stated, “It is important to ensure Congressional Members are aware of our commitment to providing the best possible service despite the rapidly changing business world environment.”

Pictured left to right front: From Marco Rubio’s office - Mary Dudley Lee and Ashley Cook, from Corrine Brown’s office – Carolyn Chatman, from Ander Crenshaw’s office – Claire Dalo, from Corrine Brown’s office – Jackie Gray.  From left to right back: Marketing Manager Lucious Sumlar, Finance Manager Jim Dale, Human Resources Manager Sylvia Morris, Jax NDC Manager Dave McClelland, Postal Inspection Service Team Lead Jack Cowen, Manager Operations Programs Support Frank Stephens, Lead Plant Manager Art Rosenberg, District Manager Charley Miller, Consumer & Industry Contact Manager Tony Joy and Jax Postmaster Steve Hardin.

Perry GA achieves RCE perfection

 Pictured from L-R are Sales and Services Associates Mike Graham,
Saundra Whitcher, Charles Hill and Postmaster Larry Dykes.

Congratulations to the Perry, Georgia Post Office for achieving five perfect RCE shops in a row. 

Postmaster Larry Dykes said, “My TEAM is focused on customer satisfaction; they go the extra mile to insure our retail operation is the best it can be.”

The Retail Customer Experience 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.

Archer FL Post Office hosts Flags of our Fallen Warriors

The Archer FL Post Office hosted its Annual Flags of our Fallen Warriors event May 26, the day before the federal observance of Memorial Day at the old Archer fire station one block south of the Archer Post Office.
The Native Nation Museum set the scene with flags representing every branch of our military, the American flag as well as the MIA flag representing our missing in action soldiers.

Former Postmaster James H.Waldrop assigned Rural Carrier Janet Mitchell-Silverhawk the task of keeping the Post Office a vital part of the community which led to this annual event and is carried on with the support of current Postmaster Michael A.Richardson.

The event was kicked off by emcee Frank Silverhawk who welcomed two special elder veterans of World War II -- Stephen Lawrence, a Tuskegee Airman , and Bob Gaushe, an Iwo Jima survivor.

Curious children and solemn adults contemplated the significance of the day as they remembered their own family members, now gone after serving in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.
 

As the ceremony began it was explained that the “burning of the flag” was the only proper was to dispose of a flag retired from its purpose.

The ceremony became more moving as Native Americans escorted the many veterans present to carry a flag to its final resting place.

Jacksonville Post Offices, stations achieving Business Connect goal

Congratulations to Postmaster Steve Hardin’s Team for reaching their Business Connect target goal of 24 activities for Fiscal Year 2013.

Leading the way are the Atlantic Beach and Monument stations with 31 business activities year-to-date.  Murray Hill Station is close behind with 30 acitivites for the time period.

Business Connect is one of the Employee Engagement Programs specifically for Postmasters, Stations/Branches Managers and Supervisors to prompt discussion with customers about USPS products and services.

The program is designed to engage Postmasters in generating revenue and strengthening customer relations.

Key employees for the program in the photo are (left to right):Acting  Manager Customer Service Operations (MCSO) Bill Spangler, Supervisor Customer Service Ron Render, Sales & Service Associate (SSA) Marilyn Fears, Sales & Service Distribution Associate Tabitha Herring, Postmaster Stephen Hardin, SSA Renee Hill,  and MCSO Paul Birge.

Postal employees participate in Jacksonville school vehicle fair

The North Florida District Vehicle Maintenance group recently attended a vehicle fair at Hogan Springs Glen Elementary School in Jacksonville which attended by about 300 students.

The fair included vehicles that serve the local community including fire, police and rescue trucks and cars.  A special treat was the landing of the local rescue helicopter which landed at the fair.

"Students asked questions about why the steering wheel was on the right side of the truck and how far the postal truck travels," said Supervisor Vehicle Supplies Tory Negron.  "The children enjoyed the activity books that were provided by the Postal Service so they could color in the stamps celebrating our 50 states."

This is the second year for the VMF to participate in this event and at the World of Nations celebration in downtown Jacksonville.

Negron was assisted at the vehicle fair by Auto Technician Dan Camacho.

USPS issues policy for medications found loose, damaged in the mail

USPS now is using the following procedures for the handling of medications found damaged or loose in the mail:

•    Loose in the mail medications. Never attempt matching loose medications with their packaging. Send all loose medications to the Atlanta Mail Recovery Center where they will be handled using procedures that protect consumer privacy.

•    Damaged mail containing medications. Damaged mail, where the contents have been potentially compromised, will either be disposed of or returned to sender based on mail class and ancillary service endorsements.

•    Damaged Merchandise Return Service (MRS) packages containing medications. MRS is used to mail medications that have expired or are no longer needed by the customer. These pieces should be delivered, even when damaged, to the destination address on the preprinted MRS label.

To protect customer safety and privacy, employees should verify the destination addresses of all packages containing medications at their delivery points to make sure each delivery is accurate.
For all mailpieces containing medications, employees also must perform the appropriate barcode scans to provide tracking and visibility for customers.

Letter carriers and customers vulnerable to dog bites

 
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), nearly 5,900 letter carriers were attacked by dogs in 2012. More than 4.7 million Americans annually are bitten by dogs — half of whom are children.
To help carriers avoid dog attacks, USPS offers the following tips:

• Observe the area. Take a quick glance at common places a dog may be. Check underneath parked cars, hedges or porches.
• Don’t startle a dog. If it’s asleep, make a non-startling noise, such as soft whistling. Call its name if you know it. Do this before you are close to the dog, while you still have time and space for an escape.
• Never reach out and pet a dog.
• Never assume a dog won’t bite. Familiarity with a dog is no guarantee it won’t bite.
• Protect yourself; don’t assume it’s friendly today because it has been in the past.
• Keep your eyes on dogs. They are more likely to bite when you’re not looking.
• Stand your ground. If a dog comes toward you, turn and face it. Hold something in front of you if available and back slowly away.
• Never turn and run.
• Have at least one full can of dog repellent spray with you.
• Use warning letters as needed to let owners know there’s a possibility of mail delivery suspension if their dogs aren’t restrained.

Augusta Main Post Office celebrates retirements

Pictured are:  Postmaster, Paul Steele; Bill Graham, Joseph Wade, Sheila Nelson, and Acting Manager, James Lloyd.

 The Augusta Main Post Office celebrated the retirement of three employees on 5/17/2013. 

Sheila Nelson, Supervisor, Customer Service retired with more than 34 years of service. 

City Carrier Bill Graham retired with 25 years of service and City Carrier, Joseph Wade, retired with 22 years of service.

Georgia communities met food drive challenge

The U.S. Postal Service and the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) conducted the nation’s largest single-day food drive on Saturday, May 11.

Communities all across the North Florida District participated in this annual event which provides food to local food banks and pantries that rely heavily on donations.

With more than 50 million Americans living at risk of hunger, food banks across the country continue to experience record demand for emergency food assistance.

Local letter carriers along with nation’s 175,000 letter carriers collected food donations left at the mailboxes of generous Americans in more than 10,000 communities and delivered them to food banks and other hunger relief organizations, such as pantries, soup kitchens and shelters.

Now in its 21st year, the Stamp Out Hunger food drive is the nation’s largest single-day food drive, having collected more than one billion pounds of food since its inception in 1993. In 2012, generous Americans donated more than 70 million pounds of food, which marked the ninth consecutive year that at least 70 million pounds were collected.

Here are some of the outstanding efforts in local communities:

Louisville GA 1,135 lbs of food

Ocilla GA 1,565 lbs of food

Finance department honors employees' Postal service

North Florida Finance Manager recently honored department employees who have reached service achievements.

USPS recognizes career employees with service award pins at the 25, 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.  

Annie Scott, TACS Clerk – 30 yrs

Greg Conger, TACS Clerk – 30 yrs

Janet Peterson-Steen, Data Collection Tech – 30 yrs

 Dorothy Bess, Data Collection Tech – 25 yrs