Pompano Performance Prevails

District Manager Timothy Costello (right) recognized Pompano Postmaster Mike Vecchitto (left) for Retail Customer Experience (RCE) overall performance in Quarter 3, Fiscal Year 2019. Pompano placed third in the Southern Area with a 97.25% score. Pompano also earned recognition in the Southern Area for RCE Wait Time In Line (WTIL) performance and placed third with 95.83% for Quarter 3, Fiscal Year 2019. Photo: Carolina Wilson

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Kirk is Lead Manager, Maintenance

Michael Kirk (above) has been promoted to Lead Manager, Maintenance at the Miami Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC). In this capacity, Kirk will be responsible for over 600 employees in maintenance operations throughout the district. He will also oversee the field maintenance for all stations and branches in the district and will serve as the District Security Control Officer. 

He began his career as a Distribution Clerk at the Miami P&DC in 1988. Four years later, he was promoted to Facilities Contract Technician PS-09. From 1989 through 1999, he was Facilities Specialist EAS-17.

In 1999, Kirk transferred to the Miami International Service Center (ISC) as Supervisor, Maintenance Operations EAS-17. In 2000, he was Acting Manager, Maintenance EAS-19 at the ISC. In 2001, Kirk transferred to the Fort Lauderdale Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) where he served as Supervisor, Maintenance Operations for two years. He was promoted to Manager, Maintenance Operations Support EAS-19 at the South Florida Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) in Pembroke Pines, FL. He then was promoted to Manager, Maintenance EAS-22 at the Royal Palm Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) and served in this position from 2008 to 2014. Kirk was then promoted to Manager, Maintenance Operations EAS-23 at the Miami P&DC and served in this capacity until his promotion to Lead Manager, Maintenance EAS-25.

Kirk is Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Green Belt trained.   

Prior to his postal career, Kirk worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a civilian in the Middle East for seven years. 

“Mike has an extensive background in maintenance and is an asset to his position,” said Senior Plant Manager Juan Gonzalez. “Please join me in wishing him continued success in his career.”

Royal Palm P&DC Recognition

The Royal Palm Processing and Distribution Center earned the Southern Area Leadership Award for Total All Expense at -4.89% in Quarter 3, Fiscal Year 2019. Pictured above, from left, District Manager Timothy Costello; Senior Plant Manager Juan Gonzalez; Lead Manager, In-Plant Support Yenan Leyva; and Manager, Transportation/Networks Eddy Ares. Photo: Carolina Wilson

'What Safety Means to Me!'

'What Safety Means to Me!'

Miami Postmaster Earns Recognition

District Manager Timothy Costello (right) presented Miami Postmaster Steve Kirkland (left) with his Postmaster Proclamation and 35-year Service Award and pin. Photo: Carolina Wilson

'What Safety Means to Me!'

'What Safety Means to Me!'

Wreaths Adorn Holiday Stamps

The U.S. Postal Service has announced this year’s contemporary holiday stamps will highlight wreaths to welcome the season. The Holiday Wreaths Forever stamps will be issued later this fall, providing plenty of time for mailing greeting cards. These stamps will be among several holiday-themed stamps that will be available this year.

Inspired by the holiday decorating traditions of early America, the four wreaths featured on these stamps are classic yet contemporary. Their designs create feelings of warmth and welcome. Wreaths are often made from materials easily found during the winter months, including pine cones, dried flowers and berries.

Here’s more information about each wreath:

• (top left) The ribbon leaf wreath is inspired by French floral art. Aspidistra leaves, folded and manipulated to resemble ribbons, create a long-lasting wreath.

• (top right) Gilded pine cones and magnolia pods grace the wreath trimmed with cranberry red ribbon.

• (lower left) Red and gold ribbon adorns the wreath made from gilded dried hydrangea, eucalyptus and nandina foliage, red berries, and small ornaments.

• (lower right) The woodland bush ivy and red winterberry wreath presents a classic red and green palette.

Promoting the POS Survey

Supervisor, Customer Services Atty Holder (above) was recognized for sharing the importance of the Point of Sale (POS) Survey with customers at the Plantation, FL Branch.

The POS Survey is one of four tools the U.S. Postal Service uses to assess customer satisfaction The POS Survey measures the retail experience at Post Offices. The others are the Business Service Network (BSN) Survey that polls large business customers, the Customer Care Center (CCC) Survey that focuses on the phone helpline, and the Delivery Survey that assesses the delivery experience of residential customers, as well as small and medium businesses.

Holder always reminds her customers about the survey at the bottom of their retail transaction receipt and encourages them to provide feedback --- good, bad, or indifferent --- to be heard. The U.S. Postal Service values customer input which is used to develop strategies to improve the business.

Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Edwin Vivas

'What Safety Means to Me!'

'What Safety Means to Me!'

'What Safety Means to Me!'

'What Safety Means to Me!'

'What Safety Means to Me!'

'What Safety Means to Me!'

National PCC Day: Fri, September 27

Do you know business mailers who are interested in fueling their mailing and shipping success? 

If so, tell them about the U.S. Postal Service's premier fall mailing industry event --- National Postal Customer Council (PCC) Day.

South Florida business mailers are encouraged to register for an action-packed National PCC Day event, Friday, September 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the South Florida District Office, 1900 W Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale. 

Participants may network with District Manager Timothy Costello and their local Postmaster, as well as South Florida mailing industry leaders. The day will include educational workshops and special guests --- a video message from Postmaster General Megan Brennan and an in-person visit from USPS Vice President, Marketing Steven Monteith --- plus a continental breakfast and lunch ---- for only $30 per person. 

Customers may register at www.miamipcc.com. 

Cats, Bats and Spiders, Oh My!

The U.S. Postal Service is issuing four Forever stamps in time for Halloween. The Spooky Silhouettes stamps feature digital illustrations with Halloween motifs rendered as black silhouettes in eerily backlit windows. The images include a cat with an arched back beneath a raven perched on a bare tree branch, all against a yellowish-green background; two ghosts against an orange background; a spider and a web against a red background; and three bats against a purple background.

The First-Day-Of-Issue ceremony will take place at the Milford, OH Pumpkin Festival on Friday, October 11. 

As autumn approaches, these new stamps offer fun, frightful scenes that symbolize Halloween. With customs and traditions that vary widely by community, Halloween now inspires parades and carnivals, corn mazes, haunted houses, neighborhood and  school parties, pumpkin festivals, and even pumpkin catapulting. Halloween remains a much anticipated celebration of the macabre in the face of approaching winter.

Artist Tyler Lang worked with art director and designer Greg Breeding to create these stamps, which will be available for purchase Oct. 11. Additional details will be provided before the ceremony date.

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Promoting the POS Survey in Davie

Davie Branch Lead Sales and Service Associate Safina Ramjit was recognized for her engagement in the Point of Sale (POS) Survey. Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Edwin Vivas

What does the Point of Sale (POS) Survey do for the U.S. Postal Service?

The U.S. Postal Service is looking to increase revenue and overall customer retention and satisfaction, and sometimes the survey is overlooked. The data collected from surveys reveals customer preferences which helps in adapting strategies for the organization to be more successful.

Davie Branch Lead Sales and Service Associate Safina Ramjit always reminds her customers about the importance of the POS Survey.

"I explain that this survey is their opportunity to share their feelings and participate in what is in the future for the business," said Ramjit.

Colee Employee Achieves Perfection

Inverrary Branch Supervisor, Customer Services Sherman Mosley (left) and Acting Supervisor, Customer Services Tatiana Witherspoon (right) recognized and thanked Colee Finance Station Postal Support Employee (PSE) Sales and Services/Distribution Associate Amanda Thonus (center) for a perfect Retail Customer Experience (RCE) transaction. Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Edwin Vivas

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National Hispanic Heritage Month

In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week to recognize the rich culture and contributions of Americans who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America and Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean. Just two decades later, lawmakers expanded the observance to a month-long celebration, stretching from September 15 to October 15.

The timing is key. Hispanic Heritage Month – like its shorter precursor – always starts on September 15, a historically significant day that marks the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The designated period is also a nod to those from Mexico and Chile, which celebrate their independence on September 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.

Since the first Spanish explorers and settlers landed in the Americas, Hispanic and Latino people have shaped the history and culture of the United States. Today, Hispanic and Latino people continue to demonstrate excellence in many areas including politics, public service, music, film, sports, business, science, and the military. 

The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps lists all U.S. postage stamps. The Guide can be found in some bookstores and Post Offices, ordered by calling 1-800-STAMP-24, or purchased through the Postal Store at usps.com/shop.

Delicioso 
April 20, 2017

Let's Dance/Bailemos 

September 17, 2005

Latin Music Legends

March 16, 2011

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The First Sign of Winter(Berries)

With the release of the Winter Berries Forever stamps, the U.S. Postal Service celebrates four of winter’s small yet vibrant offerings: the winterberry (Ilex verticillata), the juniper berry (Juniperus communis), the beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), and the soapberry (Sapindus saponaria).

Today, Acting Vice President of Pricing and Costing Steven Phelps will officiate the dedication ceremony at the Tulsa Botanic Garden in Tulsa, OK.

The winter months may seem like a time when nature’s bold imagery gets muted by cold temperatures and snowfall — but if you take a closer look you may just find some of the most beautiful plant growth of any season. Coming in an array of shapes, sizes and colors, winter berries provide bursts of life during the year’s coldest months. The stamp art features highly detailed botanical portraits of each plant that highlight the bold colors and rich textures of their berries.

USPS to Reissue Purple Heart Stamp

The U.S. Postal Service has announced the Purple Heart Medal Forever stamp will be dedicated at INDYPEX sponsored by the Indiana Stamp Club in Noblesville, IN, and go on sale nationwide Oct. 4.

With this stamp, the Postal Service continues to honor the sacrifices of the men and women who serve in the U.S. military. The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the president of the United States to members of the military who have been wounded or killed in action. According to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, an organization for combat-wounded veterans, the medal is “the oldest military decoration in the world in present use and the first award made available to a common soldier.”

Established by General George Washington during the Revolutionary War, the Badge of Military Merit — a heart made of purple cloth — was discontinued after the war. In 1932, on the 200th anniversary of Washington’s birth, the decoration was reinstated and redesigned as a purple heart of metal bordered by gold, suspended from a purple and white ribbon. In the center of the medal is a profile of George Washington beneath his family coat of arms.

The Purple Heart Medal 2019 stamp is a redesign that features a purple border matching the brilliant purple of the medal and its ribbon. Ira Wexler photographed the medal. William  Gicker served as art director with Bryan Duefrene as designer.

MDCPCC Vision: A Successful 2020

The Miami-Dade County Postal Customer Council (MDCPCC) attended the 2019 PCC Leadership Award ceremony at Postal Headquarters in Washington, DC. Pictured, from left, are MDCPCC Administrator Mirtha Uriarte), Postmaster General Megan Brennan, and MDCPCC Executive Board Member/Treasurer/Southeastern Printing Information Technology Specialist and Training Officer Cathy Brewer.

The 2019 Postal Customer Council (PCC) Awards Ceremony took place at Postal Headquarters in July. Miami-Dade County PCC Administrator Mirtha Uriarte and PCC Industry Executive Board Member Cathy Brewer of Southeastern Printing participated in three categories: “PCC Postal Service Member of the Year,” “Education Program Excellence,” and “Mentor of the Year.” Even though MDCPCC did not return home with a crystal trophy as in past years, they did return with a wealth of knowledge and new techniques setting them up for a successful 2020.

MDCPCC Executive Board members, consisting of postal executives/managers and mailing industry leaders, work very closely and recently have implemented new ideas to promote membership growth. 

“We are providing business customers the opportunity to engage in educational courses, including a ‘Certified Direct Mail Professional’ course that will provide them the strengths needed to grow their business to the next level,” said Uriarte.

The MDCPCC also has reached out to colleges and universities with collateral promoting the Academic Outreach Program. This program provides graduates an opportunity to enter the workforce with postal knowledge on mailpiece design, the ability to implement innovations, and so much more, according to Uriarte.

“This program provides a tremendous head start after graduation, providing an opportunity to obtain better positions,” said Uriarte.

Miami P&DC Welcomes a New MDO

There’s a new face at the Miami Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC). The South Florida Postal Family welcomes Roosevelt Thompson, Jr. (above), who has been promoted to Manager, Distribution Operations (MDO), EAS-22.

Thompson has acquired a wealth of Customer Service and Mail Processing experience since he joined the U.S. Postal Service over 22 years ago. He has been an acting supervisor in all automation units, as well as in the Operation 010 Dock/Opening Unit, Low Cost Tray Sorter (LCTS) operation, and manual operations. Prior to his promotion to the Miami P&DC, Thompson was the MDO, EAS-19, in Lexington, KY.

Throughout his career, Thompson has held positions of increased responsibility as Acting MDO in Cincinnati, OH; and Acting Lead MDO in Lexington, KY. He also has served in other detail assignments, including Diversity Specialist in Ethnic Programs and Services, as well as in Address Management Systems and In-Plant Support offices.

Thompson earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Cincinnati. He also is Green Belt Trained; currently, certification is pending. 

'What Safety Means to Me!'

Manager, Info Systems to the Rescue

Florida is known as the Sunshine State; however, it’s also notorious for thunder claps and lightning strikes.

Lightning strikes are very unpredictable and can come out of nowhere without warning, such as when a lightning bolt struck a utility pole at the Alridge Station in Fort Lauderdale. After the strike, the utility pole caught on fire. Local authorities were able to quickly extinguish the flames and prevent the fire from spreading beyond the utility pole. The utility company repaired the outside wires.

However, the damage left the Alridge Station with network and phones issues. That's when Manager, Information Systems Jose Puig made an emergency visit to help the station get back online. Thanks to his quick action, postal customers in downtown Fort Lauderdale experienced minimal inconvenience. 

The local utility company made repairs ... 

... and Manager, Information Systems Jose Puig (above) restored computer network and phone lines at the Alridge Station in downtown Fort Lauderdale. 

Photos: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Edwin Vivas

Literary Arts Series: Walt Whitman

On September 12 in Huntington Station, NY, the U.S. Postal Service issued the Walt Whitman stamp.

With this stamp, the 32nd issue in the Literary Arts series, the Postal Service honors poet Walt Whitman (1819–1892) on the bicentennial of his birth. The stamp features a portrait of Whitman based on a photograph taken by Frank Pearsall in 1869. In the background, a hermit thrush sitting on the branch of a lilac bush recalls “When Lilacs Last in the Door-yard Bloom‘d,” an elegy for President Abraham Lincoln written by Whitman soon after Lincoln‘s assassination on April 14, 1865. 

Considered by many to be the father of modern American poetry, Whitman broke away from dominant European poetic forms and experimented with free verse and colloquial expressions, writing powerfully about nearly every aspect of 19th-century America. 

The artist for the stamp was Sam Weber. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp. The words “THREE OUNCE” on this stamp indicate its usage value. Like a Forever stamp, this stamp will always be valid for the rate printed on it.

'What Safety Means to Me!'

It's Official! Gonzalez is Sr Plant Mgr

Southern Area Vice President Shaun Mossman has announced the selection of Juan Gonzalez (above) as Senior Plant Manager for the South Florida District, effective September 14, 2019.

Gonzalez will be responsible for approximately 2,494 employees and for mail processing operations at four plants --- the Miami International Service Center, Miami Processing and Distribution Center, Royal Palm Processing and Distribution Center (Opa-locka), and the West Palm Beach Processing and Distribution Center. These facilities combined handle more than 6.1 billion pieces of mail annually. Gonzalez has a total operating budget of over $271 million.

Gonzalez started his postal career as a Mail Processor in Miami, FL in 1988. Seven years later, he entered the managerial ranks as an Associate Supervisor at the Miami Processing and Distribution Center. He continued to accept increasingly challenging assignments, such as Supervisor, Distribution Operations, Operations Support Specialist, and Manager, Distribution Operations. In 2009, he was named Senior Manager, Distribution Operations for the South Florida Processing and Distribution Center.

Gonzalez has a wealth of knowledge and experience in Mail Processing. He worked as an Executive at several plants in the Southern Area. He was Plant Manager in Jackson, MS, Miami, FL, and Orlando, FL. He also was Senior Plant Manager in the Houston, Louisiana, and South Florida Districts.

Gonzalez earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University in Miami, FL. He is a graduate of the U.S. Postal Service’s Advanced Leadership Program (ALP), the Processing Distribution Management (PDM) program, Executive Foundations, and the Executive Leadership program. He is certified both as a Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Black Belt and Executive Green belt.

Customer Praises Tamarac SSA

On September 12, a customer called Fort Lauderdale Postmaster David Guiney to praise Tamarac Branch Sales and Services Associate Fred Faber (right) for saving her nearly $700.

The customer had gone to Post Office to mail, at a cost of $89, a $600 iPad she had sold on eBay. Faber kindly suggested she double check the sale to ensure she was not being scammed. The concerned Tamarac employee stated he would hold the customer’s package until she returned the following day.

Faber was right. The customer took his advice to heart and checked the website only to realize that the sale indeed was a scam. The buyer had set up a fake PayPal site.

The customer was grateful for Faber’s advice and wanted the Postmaster to know that he has a “wonderful employee” at the Tamarac Branch.

Guiney already knew.

“Fred is an excellent postal ambassador, and I greatly appreciate his going above and beyond to help our customers,” Guiney said.

'What Safety Means to Me!'

September: Nat'l Preparedness Month

Know Your Hurricane Risk

• Check with local officials to understand your risk.
• Search online to find your local emergency management agency to learn more.
• Sign up for local alerts or download the FEMA app.

Know Your Evacuation Zone

• Learn your evacuation zone, route, and an alternate location to stay.
• Include pets when planning to evacuate.
• Practice your plan.

Assemble Disaster Supplies

• Gather needed supplies for at least 10 days.
• Don’t forget your specific needs like meds, powered devices, pets etc.
• Keep cash in your emergency kit.

Prepare Financially

• Start an emergency savings fund.
• Check your insurance coverage to make sure you have enough coverage. 
• Learn more about flood insurance by visiting: www.floodsmart.gov

Strengthen Your Home

• Make sure your home is in good repair and meets local hurricane building codes.
• Declutter drains and gutters, trim trees, secure loose outdoor items & secure doors.
• Know a safe location to move your car during a hurricane.

Help Your Neighbors

• Get to know your neighbors before an emergency strikes.
• Make sure they have a plan before and after a hurricane.
• Exchange contact information

Make an Emergency Plan

• Write down your hurricane plan & share it.
• Make a plan of how you will get in touch with others before, during, and after.
• Take photos of important documents and store them in a secure place.

National Employee Hotline Reminder

The South Florida District Emergency Management Team reminds employees to add the National Employee Emergency Hotline number  -- 888-363-7462 -- to their cell phone directory, if they have not already done so.  This number also should be on a yellow sticker on the back of your employee ID badge.

The National Employee Emergency Hotline (888-EMERGNC or 888-363-7462) is the official source of information for weather issues, work schedule changes, and facility status.

When calling the National Employee Emergency Hotline, remember to enter the first three digits of the ZIP Code of your workplace location. In addition, if you evacuate and relocate due to an emergency, call the hotline number, and after entering your facility ZIP Code, select “Option 5.” You will be routed to an individual who can take your information and relay it to District and Area leadership whose priorities are your safety and well-being.

If you use Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS), call a Florida TRS toll-free number, and the TRS operator will interact with the hotline application on your behalf. The simplest way to access the variety of Florida Relay services by dialing 7-1-1.

Updating Your Emergency Contacts

Nationwide, the U.S. Postal Service doesn’t have a current mailing address for about 7,000 employees. Are you one of them? If so, you’re missing important communications from USPS, including paycheck stubs, information about tax changes, salary and benefits updates, and more.

 

It’s important to have your current contact information, including  your phone number(s), on file in case of an emergency, such as a hurricane or a tropical storm. your manager/supervisor will want to check on your safety and well-being.

Five methods are available to update your information:

• LiteBlue. Use any computer to go to liteblue.usps.gov and enter your Employee Identification Number (EIN) and password. Select the “Change of Address” option in the rotating carousel in the center of the page. Select “edit” to make changes.

• Blue. Use a postal computer to go to blue.usps.gov, select “Log On” near the upper right-hand corner of the page, and enter your ACE identification and password. Under the “My Profile” heading, select “Address/Phone” and make changes.

• Employee Kiosks. If your facility has an employee self-service kiosk, go to the main page and select the “Present Job Info/Change of Address” tab to make edits.

• Telephone. Call the Human Resources Shared Service Center (HRSSC) at 877-477-3273 and select option 5. Before you can make edits, you’ll need to validate your identity with your Employee Identification Number (EIN) and your USPS Personal Identification Number (PIN).

• Mail. Send PS Form 1216, Employee’s Current Mailing Address, to: HRSSC, Benefits/Compensation, PO Box 970400, Greensboro, NC 27497-0400.

'What Safety Means to Me!'

Praising a Dedicated Safety Team

On August 29, more than 100 Letter Carriers, Safety Ambassadors, and postal executives, managers, and supervisors met to discuss and review aspects of the district safety program. Their common goal was to provide a safe work environment for employees in postal facilities from Fort Pierce to Key West.

Kudos to symposium organizers Manager, Human Resources Tammy Deutsch (not pictured) and the District Safety Team, pictured from left, Safety Specialist Noel Chavez; Plant Safety Specialist John Zeigler; Safety Clerk Leslie Christie; Safety Team Lead Specialist Gale Williams; Manager, Safety Fred Deno; Safety Specialists Tiffany Chestnut-Moss, Kathleen Britton and Marlene Mourin; and Safety Clerk Carol Latimore.

Photo: Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Edwin Vivas