Friday, March 27, 2015

Congratulations to Oakland Park Letter Carrier Barbara Horchler

Photo: Amy McCall

Fort Lauderdale Officer in Charge David Guiney (right) thanked Oakland Park Letter Carrier Barbara Horchler (left) for more than thirty years of government service as he presented her Retirement Certificate. 
“Now I’m going to spend time with my grandchild and do some things I have been putting off,” said Horchler. 
Congratulations, Barbara!

More Stamps May Become 'Forever'

USPS filed a notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) March 25 for a proposed classification change that would give non-denominated, non-expiring Forever status for five additional First-Class Mail stamp categories.
If approved by the PRC, the following denominated stamps would be converted to Forever status, effective April 26:
  • A postcard stamp
  • The two-ounce letter stamp (includes wedding stamps)
  • The three-ounce letter stamp
  • The additional ounce stamp
  • The first ounce non-machinable surcharge stamp.
The change aims to provide customers with additional convenience in purchasing and maintaining stocks of up-to-date postage and be more economical for the Postal Service.
Whenever prices change in the future, customers will no longer have to purchase stamps with the new prices.
The PRC filing is available on the agency’s site.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Sign Up for Free Credit Monitoring

The deadline for employees to sign up for the free credit-monitoring service offered by the Postal Service is Wednesday, March 31.
Employees are encouraged to register for the service, which USPS offered following a cyber intrusion into some postal information systems last year.
After the incident, USPS mailed employees letters containing an activation code for the service. Employees who didn’t receive a letter should contact the HR Shared Service Center to have a replacement sent.
The service is offered free of charge for one year.

Passport Fair in Miami on Sat, April 18


Your summer vacation may begin with a trip to the Miami GMF Postal Store on Saturday, April 18. A Passport Fair at 2200 NW 72 Avenue in Miami is scheduled 6:45 a.m. to 12:00 noon. No appointments required.

Passport Book: $80 (under age 16) and $110 (age 16 and older) 
Passport Card: $15 (under age 16) and $30 (age 16 and older)
Money order, check, bank draft, or cashier’s check to U.S. Department of State. No debit or credit cards.

The USPS processing fee is $25 per application. And it's only $15 for two passport photos. Debit or credit card, cash, money order, or check payable to USPS.

Applications are available at usps.com/passport; but remember not to sign your form until you're given further instruction at the fair.

For additional information, contact Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte at 305-470-0386.

CFC Thanks Our Employees


L to R: South Florida District Manager Jeffery Taylor; Miami County Line Annex Letter Carrier Patricia Coney; and Manager, Human Resources Jann Miller attended the Combined Federal Campaign Awards ceremony. Photos: Karin Nolf

Boca Raton, FL, Letter Carrier Frederick Dowdell, Sr., was a Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) keyworker who especially was happy about his office achieving the highest percentage increase of participation.









Story by Damaris Agrait, Manager, Learning Development and Diversity 
Karin Nolf, A/Customer Relations Coordinator, West Palm Beach

On March 20, the Atlantic Coast Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) hosted a celebration at the Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center in Hollywood, FL, to recognize federal agencies that achieved or surpassed 2014 goals.

The perseverance of the Loaned Executives and keyworkers, coupled with the generosity of postal employees, resulted in the U.S. Postal Service being recognized in the “Highest Dollar Amount Raised” category. The Loaned Executives who worked diligently throughout this year’s campaign are Letter Carriers John Booth, Pat Coney, David Huggins, and Leona Yerks.  Damaris Agrait, Manager, Learning, Development and Diversity, who coordinated this year’s campaign wanted to especially thank South Florida District Leadership, Loaned Executives, ISC Coordinator Donna Demirgian and keyworkers, along with Jennifer Thonus, Administrative Assistant, Human Resources. 

The South Florida District salutes all employees who promoted the CFC to ensure success. Collectively, they helped raise $2,072,584 for the 2014 Atlantic Coast Combined Federal Campaign.

Boca Raton, FL, Letter Carrier Frederick Dowdell was a CFC keyworker who shared his strategy:

“I encouraged every employee who gave the year before to do the same or a little bit more this year, and for those employees who did not give, I encouraged them to pledge at least $5 per pay period. I did this for weeks until I had talked with every employee.”

It worked. The Boca Raton, FL, Main Office earned the “Highest Percentage Increase of Participation” category of Organizations with 101 to 500 employees.

Congratulations to the employees at the following offices and the keyworkers who promoted the CFC:

Organizations 100 or Fewer Employees
                                      
Highest % Participation: Gateway Finance Station, Goulds Finance Unit, Sawgrass Postal Store
              
Organizations 101 to 500 Employees
                                             
Highest % Participation: North Miami Branch                                      
                                            
Highest % Increase in Participation: Boca Raton Main Office                                 
                                               
Highest % Dollar Increase over Goal: Margate Branch                                               
                                                                                  
Organizations 500 or More Employees
                                               
Highest % Participation: Royal Palm P&DC
                                                                                             
Highest % Increase in Participation: Miami P&DC, Royal Palm P&DC             
                                             
Highest % Dollar Increase over Goal: Royal Palm P&DC           

CFC KEYWORKERS

BELLE GLADE
Main Office: James Vickers; Downtown Station: Dave Huggins

BOCA RATON
Boca Rio Branch: Sally Francisco; Main Office: Frederick Dowdell Sr.; Boca West Carrier Annex: Robert Stinson; Boca Palmetto Park Annex: Dave Huggins

BOYNTON BEACH
Main Office: Mildred Brown; Boynton Jog Road Station: Tina Davis

CLEWISTON
Main Office: Samantha Hamilton

DANIA
Dania Post Office: Lynne Schultz

DEERFIELD BEACH
Deerfield Carrier Annex: Patty Langford; Main Office: Yvonne Goodman

DELRAY BEACH
Delray West Branch: Deanna Ciaccio; Main Office: Mike Goulet-Dion
  
FORT LAUDERDALE
Alridge Station: Emma Cusack; Davie Branch: Eldon Weaver; Everglades Branch: Ducharne Mortimer; Fort Lauderdale VMF: Sydney Charles, Lisa Mallonn; Inverrary Branch: Tatiana Witherspoon; Lauderridge Carrier Annex: Georgina Griffin, Angela Hampton; Melrose Vista Branch: Phyllis Echols; Main Office Carrier Annex (MOCA): Chandra Shields, Sharon Timmerman; North Ridge Annex: Sharon Stroh; Oakland Park Branch: Walter Solorzano; Plantation Branch: Carolyn Wallace; Sawgrass Postal Store: Bridget Weiner; Southside Station: Sandra Darling-Holt, Shirley Pratt; Sunrise Branch: Lori Chomiak; Tamarac Branch: Leona Yerks; Weston Branch: Tom Lopresti; Westside Branch: Jerrel Kinloch

FORT PIERCE
Orange Avenue Station: Jim Osborne; Main Office: Robbin Davis, Jacqueline Long

HALLANDALE
Hallandale Post Office: Robert Miller, Carol Vanderwynkle

HAVERHILL
Haverhill Branch: Jackie Crespo

HIALEAH
Bright Station: Arthur Sorey Jr.; Hialeah Carrier Annex: Julio Diez; Hialeah Lakes Station: Pedro Duque; Main Office: Morris Atkins; Miami Gardens Branch: Daisy Martin; Palmetto Lakes Station: Jorge Cuervo; Promenade Station: Philip Prieto

HOBE SOUND
Main Office: Frankin Meyer

HOLLYWOOD
Chapel Lakes: Sandra Munoz; Flamingo Branch: Isabel Cristy Oliveras; Main Office: Leanne Mankowski, Susan Seward; Miramar Branch: Deidre Beal; Pembroke Pines Branch: Tom Piro; West Hollywood Hills Station: Michelle Gipson, Rick Stroetz

HOMESTEAD
Florida City Branch: Steven Spivey; Homestead Post Office: Gilbert Betancourt; Princeton Branch: Michael Fleming

INDIANTOWN
Main Office: John Booth

JENSEN BEACH
Main Office: Debbie Harris

JUPITER
Jupiter Farms Annex: John Sheridan; Main Office: Julie Percival

KEY WEST
Key West Post Office: Omayra Cruz

LAKE PARK
Lake Park Branch: John Booth

LAKE WORTH
Greenacres Branch: Dave Huggins; Lucerne Avenue Branch: Raeko IIimaleota; Main Office: Don Brooks, Erik Mooney

LOXAHATCHEE
Main Office: Debbie Woodruff

MIAMI
Allapattah Branch: Kenneth Rodriguez; Blue Lagoon Branch: Kerby Delancy; Buena Vista Branch: Ernest Knight; Coconut Grove Station: Patricia Coney; Coral Gables Branch: Donna Mollicone-Perez, Jeanette Triana; Country Lakes Branch: Chris Collier, Luis Garcia; County Line Annex: John Herold; Doral Annex: Craig Herbster; Father Felix Varela Branch: Alberto Soto; Flagler Station: Terry Bharratsingh, Isidoro Gomez, Servando Iglesias; Gratigny Branch: La Candice Simmons; Hibiscus Carrier Annex: Robert Cuba, Jr.; Jose Marti Station: Enrique Cuesta, Zelda Williams; Kendall Carrier Annex: Minervino Arguelles, Jose Perez; Key Biscayne Branch: Roberto Pacheco; Little River Station: Dale Knowles, Dominque Simmons; Ludlam Branch: Marta Gallego; Martin L. King Branch: Yolanda Howell; Miami ISC: Faith Knowles, Patricia Guindin, Elizabeth Castellano, Lucille Roberson, Ana Brito, Twyla Johnson,  Miami P&DC: Nadrina Hayletts, Parbattie Kaimraijh, Kenny Britt; Miami VMF: Twyla Davis; Milam Dairy Annex: Ceasar Duran, Andrea Rivers; Norland Branch: Jonathan Anderson; North Miami Branch: Cal Collins, Vincent Kinloch, Chris Powers; North Miami Beach Branch: Rickie Miller; Olympia Heights Branch: Ernie Diaz, Freddy Fernandez; Quail Heights Branch: Steve Hernandez, Richard Smigla; Snapper Creek Branch: Gino Armand, Frank Ramirez; South Miami Branch: Keir Parks; Sunset Station: Julio Roger, Marshall Townsend; Tamiami Branch: Ivan Figueroa; West Carrier Annex: Frank Miralles

MIAMI BEACH
Main Office: Terrance Boland, Roberto Serrano; Normandy Station: Roberto Serrano; Ocean View Station: Laquita McKinney, Earl Tremblay; Surfside Station: Yvette Brown

OKEECHOBEE
Main Office: Melanie Jasa

OPA-LOCKA
Carol City Branch: Gloria Murray, Marilyn Ray; Royal Palm P&DC: Yanick Laforest, Starr Riegler

PALM CITY
Main Office: Neha Patel

PALM BEACH
Main Office: John Booth; Palm Beach Gardens Branch: John Booth; Palms Central Station: Pat Brady, Starr Hunter; Palms West Branch: Tim Milton

POMPANO
Atlantic Branch: Benjamin Allen, Bannqhyss Diaz, Trina Oberheim; Coconut Creek Branch: Vera Pagano; Coral Springs Branch: Tom Latocha Sr.; Main Office: Deidre Hines-Shaw, Rosalyn Jackson; Margate Branch: James Johnson, Ed Travers; Tropical Reef Branch: Anthony Garafola, Grace Perry-Wilson, Sergio Valdes

PORT ST LUCIE
Main Office: Phyllis Marino Juliane Mondo; Midport Station: Charles Buchanan

RIVIERA BEACH
Riviera Beach Branch: Cherry Parker

STUART
Main Office: Casey Salik; Stuart Carrier Annex: Corrie Reckamp, Regina Spadavecchia

TEQUESTA
Tequesta Branch: Clifton Jackson Jr.

US POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE
Mary McCurry

WELLINGTON
Wellington Carrier Annex: Denise Tims

WEST PALM BEACH

Downtown Station: John Booth; West Palm Beach BMEU: Stephanie Wilburn; West Palm Beach P&DC: Wanda Brown

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Chamber Thanks Hialeah Employees

Hialeah Postmaster Orlando de la Osa
Recently, the Hialeah Chamber of Commerce and Industries showed its appreciation for the dedication of postal employees to their customers. Hialeah Postmaster Orlando de la Osa accepted a plaque on behalf of employees at Bright Station, El Mercado Postal Store, Hialeah Lakes Station, Hialeah Main Office, Miami Gardens Branch, Palmetto Lakes Station, Promenade Branch, and Palm Village Station. The Postmaster is visiting Chambers of Commerce to promote the postal brand and encourage the membership to use our products and services.


Smiles Greet Weston Customers

L to R: Weston, FL, Branch Retail Associates Brian Mallonn, Daniel Licitra and Manager, Customer Services Duane Hunt greet each customer with a smile.

Weston, FL, Branch Manager, Customer Services Duane Hunt recognized Retail Associates Daniel Licitra and Brian Mallonn for their outstanding performance, attendance and excellent customer service.

“I consider myself fortunate to have employees of this caliber, and it is a pleasure to recognize them,” said Hunt.


Congratulations to Oakland Park Letter Carrier Wilma Espinal


Fort Lauderdale Officer in Charge David Guiney (left) presented a 25-year Service Award and pin to Oakland Park, FL, Branch Letter Carrier Wilma Espinal (right).


Promoting USPS is Their 'Job'


Senior Recruiter, Diversity and Talent Acquisition Enrique Colon (left) and South Florida District Local Services Field Recruiter Lorraine Ramsey (right) shared their enthusiasm for postal employment with a veteran seeking job opportunities. Photo: Mirtha Uriarte

On March 12, South Florida District Local Services Field Recruiter Lorraine Ramsey and Senior Recruiter, Diversity and Talent Acquisition Enrique Colon of U.S. Postal Service Headquarters worked together at the Miami Recruit Military – All Veterans Job Fair. Colon promoted postal career opportunities in several professional fields, as well as discussed our Leadership Programs. He referred potential applicants to usps.com/employment to review the requirements for these positions. Ramsey promoted the South Florida District’s opportunities for City Carrier Assistant (CCA) and answered questions from veterans and their spouses.

Over 39 exhibitors provided veterans with several job opportunities to help them integrate into civilian life after serving in the various military branches.



Tuesday, March 24, 2015

NALC Food Drive


Mexican-American Art on Stamps

The U.S. Postal Service is honoring self-taught Mexican-American artist Martin Ramirez (1895–1963) on a stamp sheet this month. 
Ramírez moved from Mexico to the United States in 1925, and after being diagnosed with schizophrenia in the early 1930s, spent the rest of his life as a patient in California psychiatric hospitals. There, Ramírez turned to art, creating some 500 pieces, some as large as 20 feet long.
His incredibly detailed work, which incorporates imagery from the artist's life in both Mexico and the United States, now is widely recognized for its unconventional, yet compelling draftsmanship, featuring figurative drawings often set in abstract, geometric settings. Ramírez worked primarily in crayon, but became interested in collage later in life.


Mulloy Joins South Florida District

Olivia S. Mulloy, who was detailed as Manager, Finance, South Florida District from June 2013 through May 2014,  has been promoted to this position. Currently, Mulloy serves  
as Budget and Financial Analyst, Suncoast District, and effective April 4, 2015, will assume the duties of former Manager, Finance Susan Cascio, who retired from the U.S. Postal Service.

In her new position, Mulloy will manage the districtwide finance function, including all activities related to accounting programs, budgeting, financial services and systems, financial and performance analysis, statistical programs, timekeeping, and the examination and review of postal systems.

Mulloy began her career as a Multi-Position Letter Sorting Machine (MPLSM) Operator in Orlando, FL, in 1986. Two   years later, she was detailed as Supervisor, Distribution Operations, at the Orlando Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) and then moved to the Mid-Florida Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) when the facility opened in 1990. That year Mulloy accepted an Accounting Technician position at the Mid-Florida P&DC.

During her career, Mulloy also served as Administrative Assistant to the District Manager, Central Florida District, prior to her promotion to District Budget and Financial Analyst. In 2003, Mulloy was detailed as Manager, Budget, in the Central Florida District prior to her promotion to that position in 2005. Four years later,  she was the Suncoast District’s Manager, Budget, and following District Reorganization, became Budget and Financial Analyst.

Mulloy has been detailed as Manager, Finance in Central Florida, South Florida, and Suncoast Districts. She also was Acting Senior Budget Analyst for the Southern Area Office.

Mulloy attended Florida Keys Community College and Daytona State College. She has been married to husband, Mike, for 34 years and has two children and three grandchildren.

Monday, March 23, 2015

W-a-t-e-r L-i-l-i-e-s Spell Spring

The Postal Service marked the start of spring March 20 by dedicating four Water Lilies stamps at a philatelic show in Cleveland.
In anticipation of strong consumer demand, USPS is printing a half-billion of the colorful stamps instead of 20 million to 40 million, the usual run for new stamps.
The stamps depict four classic garden water lilies — aquatic herbs that live in both temperate and tropical climates around the world. The close-up images were shot by Cindy Dyer, who offers garden photography tips on her website.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Teamwork Moves the Mail in WPB

Casual Mail Handler Joanne Lurry shows her enthusiasm for her work at the Automatic Tray Unsleever (ATU) operation at the West Palm Beach, FL, Processing and Distribution Center. Photo: Karin Nolf
 
West Palm Beach, FL, Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) Casual Mail Handler John Reyes is all smiles as he moves trays along the Automatic Tray Unsleever (ATU). Photo: Karin Nolf

It takes teamwork to move the mail.

At the West Palm Beach Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC), Casual Mail Handlers Joanne Lurry and John Reyes work in the Automatic Tray Unsleever (ATU) operation. Reyes assists with letter trays that Lurry feeds into the ATU which removes the sleeve prior to the tray being inducted into the Tray Management System (TMS). Lurry and Reyes always have a smile and a hello for co-workers who pass by their operation.

Dedication 'Drives' Their Performance

City Place Station Letter Carrier/ad hoc Driver Safety Instructor (DSI) Craig Boddie instructs City Carrier Assistant Michael Bailey to make a right-hand turn after coming to a complete stop at the stop sign. 

Palms Central Station Letter Carrier/ad hoc Driver Safety Instructor (DSI) James Timmerman explains the clearance for a Long Live Vehicle (LLV) to City Carrier Assistant Sherice Smith.

Story & Photos: Karin Nolf, A/Customer Relations Coordinator, West Palm Beach 

When new employees need certification to drive a Long Life Vehicle (LLV), the West Palm Beach Post Office has a team of ad hoc Driver Safety Instructors ready to prepare the trainees with the requirements. On a closed course at the West Palm Beach Processing and Distribution Center, the trainees walk the course with their instructor for direction on the necessary patterns for driving within road paths, stopping at all stop signs and parking parameters. Next, they climb in, fasten their seat belts and start the engines to begin their driving experience with a Right Hand Drive vehicle.

Palms Central Station Letter Carrier, Stanley “Skip” Weaver has been an ad hoc Driver Safety Instructor for the past two years. He enjoys sharing his experience with new City Carrier Assistants (CCAs) and Rural Carrier Assistants (RCAs).

“I feel gratification in giving back to the future of our business and preparing new employees to be the best and safest drivers,” said Weaver.  

City Place Station Letter Carrier Craig Boddie enjoys being an ad hoc Driver Safety Instructor just as much as his Park and Loop route. He provides instruction to new CCAs.

“It is a pleasure to be able to share my driving knowledge while employed with the U.S. Postal Service,” said Boddie. “I feel good knowing that each day I am able to make a difference in someone’s career with our great company.”

Palms Central Station Letter Carrier James Timmerman has recently been given the opportunity to join the Safety Department as an ad hoc Driver Safety Instructor and has the same teaching values as co-workers Boddie and Weaver.

“I enjoy being a part of the training process and using my carrier experience of driving to educate and motivate new employees,” Timmerman said.
Palms Central Station Letter Carrier/ad hoc Driver Safety Instructor (DSI) James Timmerman shows City Carrier Assistant Sherice Smith which path to drive on the training course. 

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Ft Lauderdale Employee Recognition

Fort Lauderdale Officer In Charge David Guiney issued retirement certificates to Bulk Mail Technician Marsha Grochowsky, Fort Lauderdale Main Office; Letter Carrier Drusilla Gibson, Oakland Park Branch; Retail Associate Sondria Schabner, Plantation Branch; and Letter Carrier Virginia Roland-Smith, Sunrise Branch.
***
Fort Lauderdale Retail Associates continue to provide our customers with outstanding customer service.  Retail Associates who earned perfect scores on Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transactions include Shirley Burgess, Inverrary Branch; Fred Faber, Tamarac Branch; Diane North, Sabal Palm Postal Store; Lilly Sills, Galt Ocean Postal Store; Lynne Virga, Gateway Finance Unit; and Therido Walker, Southside Station.

'Food' for Thought: NALC Drive May 9

National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Local 1690 President Brian DeBee (left) and West Palm Beach, FL, Officer In Charge Robert Weiser (right) are committed to making the 2015 NALC Food Drive a huge success.

“If we all work together, we can deliver a bag of hope.” That’s the theme of the 23rd annual National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Food Drive.

Recently in West Palm Beach, community food drive representatives met with the U.S. Postal Service and NALC team to express the need to stock pantries, particularly in the summer months when children are out of school and breakfast and lunch programs are not available. Currently nationwide, 49 million Americans --- that’s one in six people --- do not know if they will have their next meal. The South Florida Food Bank hopes the drive will deliver 500,000 pounds of food for communities in West Palm Beach and the surrounding areas.

Meeting participants included Fort Pierce, FL, Letter Carrier Patty Badini; NALC Local 1690 President Brian Debee; Palms Central Station Letter Carrier/NALC Local 1690 Food Drive Coordinator Starr Hunter; and West Palm Beach, FL, Officer In Charge Robert Weiser.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Davie Welcomes New CPU

Present at the Autoplaza Stirling Road Contract Postal Unit (CPU) ribbon-cutting ceremony were Front Row, L to R: Retail Specialist Catalina Rivera; Davie, FL, Vice Mayor Caryl Hattan; Davie, FL, Mayor Judy Paul; Owner Carlos Cevallos; Fort Lauderdale, FL, Officer In Charge David Guiney; and Manager, Business Mail Entry Joycelynn King. Back Row, L to R: Window Training Instructor Maria Negrin; CPU Employee Wladimir Pausin; Manager, Marketing Juan Nadal; and Retail Specialist Fred Romero. Not pictured: A/Manager, Retail Sergio Rodriguez.

Autoplaza Stirling Road Contract Postal Unit (CPU) Employee Wladimir Pausin (left) and Miami Window Training Academy Window Training Instructor Maria Negrin (right) attended the grand opening.


Davie, FL, has a new Contract Postal Unit (CPU).  At the grand opening of the Autoplaza Stirling Road CPU, Mayor Judy Paul welcomed Owner Carlos Cevallos to the neighborhood and thanked him for providing postal services to the community. 

“This partnership is one more example of how the Postal Service is adjusting to better fit the changing needs of its customers, while finding creative solutions to generate much-needed revenue,” said Fort Lauderdale, FL, Officer In Charge David Guiney.

The new CPU offers a full line postal products and services --- postage stamps, Priority Mail service, special postal services, packaging products, and much more.  The hours of operation provide convenient access seven days a week --- Monday through Friday between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cevallos also has a computer and printer available for customers to enter, submit and print their customs forms for international packages.
  
Cevallos and four of his employees --- Giuliana Cevallos, Diego Rozas, Mauro Sandoval, and Shatarian Thirsty --- attended the U.S. Postal Service Miami Window Training Academy to ensure that they had knowledge of postal products to efficiently operate the CPU.

“The clerks and the owner attended the training had a very positive attitude,” said Window Training Instructor Maria Negrin. “They all had a very positive attitude, were eager to learn, and were excited about the new CPU.”



Monday, March 16, 2015

Inspection Service Duo Shares Fraud Prevention Tips in West Palm Beach

During National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Miami Division was in the community to educate the public on fake check scams, identity theft, lottery fraud, mystery shopper schemes, and work-at-home scams. Mail Processing Clerk Genelle Chrzescian (left), who also works with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Office in West Palm Beach, FL, and Inspection Service Operations Technician Mary McCurry (right) provided information to customers at the Downtown Station in West Palm Beach, FL.


BSN Team Recognizes Mark Parris

Mark Parris
Earlier this month, the South Florida District Business Service Network staff visited the West Palm Beach Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) In-Plant Support Office with another special thank you for Operations Support Specialist
Mark Parris.

Parris was selected as the February 2015 Customer Support Team Member to be recognized for his top-quality assistance with successfully presenting Business Service Network managed account customers with timely and positive resolutions.

Parris began his postal career as a Distribution Clerk at the West Palm Beach, FL, Post Office in 1985.  In his current position, Parris is responsible for the analysis and evaluation of operational procedures, service programs and systems, including sort program development and maintenance, operational requirements and quality improvements in support of mail processing, customer services and/or delivery operations.

Parris has assisted the Business Service Network staff in providing plant tours, as well as allowing key customers to witness postal operations in action.  In addition, he has provided explanations of plant operations processes, resulting in positive customer experiences for our customers.  Parris was presented with a poster and small token of appreciation for his contributions and efforts.


Friday, March 13, 2015

His 'Claim' to Fame is Saving Money

L to R: Accident Investigator Walter Dobson, District Manager Jeffery Taylor and Manager, Operations Programs Support Janice Atherly. Photo: Gale Jackson

An accident investigation can be likened to a jigsaw puzzle. And putting together the pieces is just what Walter A. Dobson does for a living.

Dobson’s outstanding analytical ability and communications skills --- along with the tools of the trade (camera, crayon, and measuring wheel to name a few) --- have helped him identify the relevant pieces to get the whole picture in accident investigations. Dobson is credited with saving millions of dollars for the U.S. Postal Service, primarily the South Florida District. In FY14, Dobson single-handedly processed 741 total accident reports and 240 tort claims.

Dobson began in 34-year postal career as a mechanic at the Miami Vehicle Maintenance Facility and now as Accident Investigator/Tort Claims Coordinator, has overall responsibility for the district’s Accident Investigation Program. He initiates, reviews and/or analyzes reports of every accident claim submitted by managers at 187 postal installations. His investigations range from customers tripping over curbs in parking lots to carriers experiencing dog bites --- but the majority of his work involves motor vehicle accidents. Approximately half of the South Florida postal workforce (9,500 total employee complement) use one of 4,966 postal vehicles tractor trailers, 11-ton and 2-ton trucks, carrier vehicles, and administrative vehicles. 

Damage to, or loss of, property or personal injury or death to non-postal personnel caused by the negligent or wrongful act or omission by an employee can be costly to USPS. Dobson maintains an excellent rapport with local law enforcement agencies, insurance claims adjusters, claimants and their legal representatives, and witnesses. He reviews each claim with attention to detail and accuracy, and based on dollar figure, is authorized to negotiate and pay claims or make recommends for final adjudication.

When at an accident scene, Dobson carefully examines the vehicle, testing the operation and condition of the brakes, horn, lights, and windshield wipers. On his report, he annotates any safety-related defects, along with an explanation of how the defect may have caused or contributed to the accident. He recreates the scene to observe what drivers may have seen before the accident --- obscured signs, light poles and obstructed views. He also records weather and road conditions.

Dobson also has been an instructor at the Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM) in Jacksonville, FL for 14 years.

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Selma Commemorative Envelopes

Alabama District is selling envelopes to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery march for civil rights. 
Deputy Postmaster General Ronald Stroman recently unveiled the envelope, which Alabama District General Clerk Marvin Owens designed. It features an image from the march and a recent stamp depicting the 1963 March on Washington. 
Two versions are available: one with gold embossed lettering and one with blue embossed lettering. Each envelope is $5. The district also is selling sheets with 20 March on Washington stamps. Each sheet is $9.80. To make a purchase, complete the online order form.

March is Women's History Month

Mary Katherine Goddard
Mary Katherine Goddard became the first woman Postmaster in 1775.
March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the contributions of women to the nation’s progress.
Women have been shaping postal history since 1775, when Mary Katherine Goddard was appointed as the first woman postmaster in Baltimore.
Goddard served under Postmaster General Benjamin Franklin. Not only was she in charge of a large Post Office, she also was an accomplished printer and publisher.
As manager of the Maryland Journal newspaper, Goddard published the first copy of the Declaration of Independence with all signatories listed in 1777.
Eventually, Goddard was forced to give up her role as Postmaster, but she remained an important figure in Baltimore as proprietor of a bookstore.
Other women who’ve made postal history include Jackie Strange, who became the first woman to serve as Deputy Postmaster General in 1987, and Megan Brennan, the first woman to serve as PMG.

Monday, March 9, 2015

Remembering Selma

L to R: Deputy Postmaster General Ronald Stroman; and Alabama Manager, Marketing Bridgett Carroll; Manager, Consumer and Industry Contact April Williams, District Manager Mary Sullivan, and Acting Senior Plant Manager Scott Bower. Photo: Marvin Owens (who also designed the commemorative envelope)

Deputy Postmaster General Ronald A. Stroman received thunderous applause as he unveiled an enlargement of a commemorative envelope recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Selma-to-Montgomery March for Voting Rights at the Bridge Crossing Jubilee’s Freedom Flames Awards Gala in Selma, AL.

Each year the city of Selma commemorates the anniversary of the March 7, 1965 "Bloody Sunday" march. Fifty years ago, state troopers used billy clubs and tear gas on 600 Civil Rights marchers who attempted to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The march gave traction to the Civil Rights Movement and led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that ensured African Americans the right to vote.

At the March 7th gala, Alabama District Manager Mary A. Sullivan, A/Senior Manager Scott R. Bower, Marketing Manager Bridgett Carroll, and Manager Consumer and Industry Contact April Williams joined the DPMG on stage for the unveiling.  Also on stage were Civil Rights related stamps --- Rosa Parks, the Edmund Pettus Bridge and March on Washington.

“Stamps have been called our nation’s calling cards as each one tells a story about the history, heritage, and heroes that shape our country,” the DPMG told an audience of 1,200 guests that included Congressional members, local dignitaries and Civil Rights activists, and entertainers. “Our Black Heritage series has helped educate the public about the achievements of Dr. King, Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, Shirley Chisholm, and many others.”

Stroman also spoke of the U.S. Postal Service’s role as a gateway to the middle class --- offering African Americans careers in the organization in the early 20th century --- to becoming a leading employer of African Americans, who comprise almost one quarter of the workforce.

“It’s a source of tremendous pride for us --- and it’s one of the reasons we’ve made diversity a cornerstone of our work in other areas,” said Stroman.

Alabama employee Marvin Owens designed the commemorative envelope --- a near sellout during the gala and at the postal booth --- will be available in select Alabama Post Offices. The Robert Robinson Taylor stamp and other Black Heritage related philatelic items also were popular items at the postal booth.

President Barack Obama and family, along with former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, were among the thousands of people who visited Selma this weekend.  U.S. Representative John Lewis, one of the demonstrators bloodied by troopers 50 years ago, joined President Obama and nearly 100 members of Congress at the Edmund Pettus Bridge to commemorate “Bloody Sunday.” 

USPS to Salute Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipients Memorial Weekend

The U.S. Postal Service will issue three stamps on Memorial Day that pay tribute to Medal of Honor recipients from the Vietnam War. The First-Day-Of-Issue ceremony will be at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC.
The stamps will depict the three versions of the medal — one each for the Army, Navy and Air Force. Each medal consists of a five-pointed star worn around the neck on a light blue ribbon.
The Medal of Honor was awarded to 258 Americans who served during the war. USPS also plans to preview the images that will appear on the selvage — the area outside the stamps on the sheet — including pictures of almost 50 living Vietnam era Medal of Honor recipients.

Atlantic Carrier is Million Mile Driver

L to R: Atlantic Branch Supervisor, Customer Services Dan Falter, Letter Carrier Joseph Cetano, and Pompano Beach Postmaster Ed Coppola 

Atlantic Branch Letter Carrier Joseph Cetano began his postal career almost 33 years ago. Throughout his career, he has reminded his co-workers to be aware of your surroundings and to watch out for other drivers.

Recently, Pompano Beach Postmaster Ed Coppola and Supervisor, Customer Services Dan Falter presented Cetano with a plaque and pin, signifying induction into the National Safety Council's Million Mile Safe Driver Award. Cetano has driven more than 30 years without experiencing a preventable accident.

Congratulations, Joseph ... and thank you for being a safe driver and setting an excellent example for all employees!

Commercial Deadline Now March 10

Lights, camera, action!
All South Florida employees are invited to audition for a television commercial that will debut in the spring. No prior acting experience is required.
The new commercial will show employees touting the Postal Service’s advancements while acknowledging that more work remains. It will be the latest ad to feature employees
To apply, follow these steps:
1. Create a video and state your name, your location, your favorite on-the-job story, and your best  personal quality. 2. Visit the casting call site (link below) to upload your video and complete an online form at https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form?EQBCT=0c21ef95276c40d3ad62a7e0db41213c
3. Select “Submit” to ensure your video is sent.
Submissions are due no later than Tuesday, March 10, at 5 p.m. EST.
The commercial will be filmed in late March. All applicants must receive approval from their manager before selection and production begins.

Megan Brennan Becomes 74th PMG

The U.S. Postal Service will embrace change and aggressively pursue new business opportunities, Postmaster General Manager Megan Brennan said during her installation ceremony March 6.
“The story of the Postal Service is really about change. It’s about an organization that is continually changing and improving to better serve the American public,” Brennan said.
To achieve its goals, USPS will provide employees with more flexibility and better tools to serve customers. The PMG also called for new investment in infrastructure and improved operational efficiencies through better use of data and technology.
USPS also will repurpose facilities and improve processes, and it will invest in new vehicles and package sorting equipment, Brennan said.
Other priorities include using analytics to help grow the package business and developing strategies to improve customer service.
Brennan, the first woman to serve as PMG, said she’s witnessed “tremendous improvement” in the USPS over the years and cited employees as the source of the organization’s resilience.
“When I visit our facilities and meet with employees, I see it everywhere and at every level, and it’s the strength of our organization. We have an incredibly talented and dedicated workforce, and this should give us all confidence in our future.”


PMG Megan J. Brennan
Installation Ceremony Remarks 3/6/15

Thank you, Governor Giuliano.  I appreciate your kind words.

Good afternoon everyone.  Thank you for being here, and thanks to those of you who are watching from afar.

Today is a very special day for me.  It’s the culmination of a career working for a treasured institution that continues to connect every American. 

As employees, we take pride in the mission of the Postal Service.  We all feel a sense of ownership about the mission of the organization, and we are all invested in its future. 
This shared pride in our mission is one of the things that makes taking the oath today so special. 

I would like to take a few minutes to recognize and thank some of the people attending today––including my family, friends, and many of my colleagues who have supported me over the years.

As my sister Erin mentioned, I have a number of family members who are here today….and we definitely qualify as a postal family. 

In fact, my family has worked for a combined 125 years for the Postal Service.

Let me tell you how I arrived at that number.

I’m in my 29th year of service.

My Dad––who encouraged me to take the Postal exam––devoted 43 years to the Postal Service.  He claims it took him 11 years to become a regular… My Dad worked night shift while his 6 kids were young.  He always impressed upon us the importance of hard work, showing up and showing up on time. He and my mom made countless sacrifices for our family--Thank you Dad.

My oldest brother Kevin, who taught me more about rural delivery than anyone, served his customers on RD2, in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, for more than 36 years.   We miss him to this day. My younger brother Brian walks a city route in Ashland, Pennsylvania, and has nearly 17 years of service. And my sister Erin insisted that I mention her days as a casual when she was a student at Penn State University. 

My Mom never worked for the Postal Service; however, she did work for a number of years in the mailroom at the Schuylkill County Courthouse ...

So we talk a lot about mail in my family…

I am grateful that my LARGE family could be here today.  My brothers and sisters, my brothers & sisters-in-law, my nieces, my nephew, my cousins, and lifelong friends––
All have been there for me throughout my career––both literally and figuratively.  I say “literally” because they’ve physically helped me move seven times during my career––and I know a couple of them secretly hoped I would just stay put. Thank you all….for all of your help and support.

I want to acknowledge and thank my two immediate predecessors––former Postmasters General Pat Donahoe and Jack Potter. At every point in my career, I’ve had great mentors and learning experiences.  Both Pat and Jack epitomize that role of mentor and leader.  Thank you for your support and guidance over the years.

I also want to thank Governor Louis Giuliano for his wise counsel and for always challenging the team to improve process. I’ve also had the pleasure of working closely with our other Board members.  Our Board is committed to our organization, our employees, and our  long-term success. I appreciate their confidence in me, and I look forward to working with them in the coming years.

I am also pleased to recognize our Union and Management Association Presidents in attendance today including Mark Dimondstein, President of the American Postal Workers Union; Jeanette Dwyer, President of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association; John Hegarty, National President of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union; Fred Rolando, President of the National Association Letter Carriers; Louis Atkins, President, National Association of Postal Supervisors; and Sean Accord, President of the National League of Postmasters of the United States. I appreciate the work you do representing postal employees.   I look forward to working closely with you to shape a stronger future for the Postal Service.

I’m also pleased to recognize our Postal Regulatory Commissioners: (Acting) Chairman Robert Taub; and Commissioners Mark Acton, Ruth Goldway, Tony Hammond, and Nancy Langley. Our Inspector General, David Williams and our Industry partners. I look forward to working with all of you.  Thank you for being here.

I also want to acknowledge my postal colleagues.  I am fortunate to work with such a capable and committed Officer Corps lead by our Executive Leadership Team––Ron Stroman, Jim Cochrane, Joe Corbett, Nagisa Manabe, Tom Marshall, Dave Williams, and Jeff Williamson.   Thank you for being such a great team.

A special thank you to our Operations team––our Area Vice Presidents, our Area and District Leadership teams, and the HQ Operations Vice Presidents and team. 

Finally, I‘d like to thank some people who couldn't be here in the room with us today––and there are more than 600,000 of them–our employees. Our employees do great work every day.  They serve every community in America, visiting every business and residence, and they do so with pride in our mission. They make the Postal Service such a resilient, reliable, and trusted organization. When I visit our facilities and meet with employees, I see it everywhere and at every level, and it’s the strength of our organization. We have an incredibly talented and dedicated workforce, and this should give us all confidence in our future. 

The Postal Service is part of the fabric of our shared history and culture.  We’re an indispensable part of the American economy and the everyday lives of the public. There is a permanence to our mission and the enduring role we play in serving the nation. 

However, the story of the Postal Service is really about change.  It’s about an organization that is continually changing and improving to better serve the American public. 

As the first woman Postmaster General, I’m representative of the many changes in the composition of our workforce. Over a twenty-nine year career, I’ve seen tremendous improvement with regard to opportunity and removing barriers for advancement.

The Postal Service is a very different organization in so many ways:  the way we leverage the talents and skills of our workforce, the way we use technology, the way we develop products and services, and how we compete for customers.

People communicate in ways today that no one could have anticipated 30 years ago, and the pace of change in our economy, our marketplace, and our society will only accelerate in the future. The challenge for the Postal Service is to embrace a faster pace of change, to aggressively pursue opportunities, and to constantly improve our competitiveness. 

The market for delivery services is changing dramatically. Technology and geo-spatial information are driving new business models and compelling innovations in delivery services. These changes in technology and in the marketplace are good for the Postal Service.  

New technology platforms will do more than create business opportunities; they will enable the Postal Service to revitalize how we engage the American public and fulfill our public service mission. This is especially true as we create more compelling ways of integrating mail and package delivery into the digital lives of our customers. As we pursue integration of the physical and digital, we will enable the business partners that use our delivery platform to be far more effective in achieving their business goals. 

It’s an exciting time to be in the mail and package delivery business; we are well- positioned to shape growth opportunities for our industry and American commerce. The key to improving our competitiveness and our prospects for growth is to continually invest in our future. We will invest in the development of our people to fully leverage their talents. 
We will provide them with greater flexibility and better tools to best serve our customers. We will invest in our infrastructure.  We are going to improve the efficiency of our operations by investing in better use of data and technology. We will invest in our network by repurposing facilities and improving processes to better align with customer needs.  We are also going to invest in new package sorting equipment and a new vehicle fleet. 

We are investing in the future of the Postal Service.  We will encourage a similar commitment among the industries we serve, and among policymakers and other stakeholders.
 
One of the most important steps we can take to invest in our future is a focus on speed-to-value through innovation and use of data, particularly in our core business of delivery. 
Going forward, it is critical that in an increasingly digital world, our products stay relevant.
Given the rapid changes in the world, we know that the way we serve today’s customer is not going to be adequate to meet the needs of tomorrow’s consumer. 

To shape the best possible future for the Postal Service:

We will continue to improve service and customer satisfaction at every point of contact.

We will work closely with our customers to develop technology and growth strategies collaboratively.

We will create the most efficient and technology-centric delivery platform in the world.

We will use best in class technologies to drive product and process improvements, and to speed innovation.

We will aggressively pursue marketplace opportunities.

And, we will invest in our future by investing in our employees, our processes, and infrastructure.

And, with your help, I am confident that we will remain valued at every American residence…….and a trusted resource to every American business far into the future.

Let me conclude by thanking all of the men and women who choose to work for the Postal Service.

There are few organizations that provide as much service to the public and are so well regarded in every community. That’s a testament to our employees and their constant commitment and dedication to our customers.  

I look forward to serving as your Postmaster General.

Thank you very much for your support.