Hosting Mailers’ Expo next Wednesday, Sept. 23, in Vancouver

Greater Portland Postal Customer Council wins 2009 National ‘PCC of the Year’ Award

The Greater Portland Postal Customer Council was presented the national 2009 “PCC of the Year” Award today by U.S. Postmaster General John E. Potter during National Postal Customer Council Day ceremonies in New York City.

The Greater Portland PCC (GPPCC) won the award for PCCs in large market cities. The GPPCC is one of more than 200 such educational business groups nationwide, made up of local companies and USPS leaders who work together to improve mail service and exchange ideas to help members be more successful.

The business community will get a chance to celebrate the award and watch video of the presentation and Potter’s State of the Postal Service remarks next Wednesday, Sept. 23, when the GPPCC hosts its annual Mailers’ Conference and Expo at the Vancouver Convention Center and Hilton Hotel in downtown Vancouver.

“We’re so proud that the Greater Portland PCC has now been recognized nationally as a leader in providing high-quality educational programs and networking opportunities,” said GPPCC Industry Co-Chair Tracey Dunlap of Epiq Systems. “Come to Vancouver Wednesday and find out why we are the nation’s best PCC.”

The GPPCC was recognized with the national award thanks to its strong connections within the postal community through direct mail, a dynamic web page and monthly phone conferences. The local PCC also created new “Pinnacle Awards” recognizing members for participation in educational programs throughout the year, and reached awarded more than 80 educational certificates at last year’s Mailers Conference and Expo.

At next Wednesday’s conference, seminars will be offered on everything from effective advertising mail design and use of the Intelligent Mail Barcode to making your business more Earth-friendly. The event will open at 7:15 a.m. with registration and continental breakfast and run until 4:40 p.m. Registration online at www.gppcc.com or at the door for the full-day event, including continental breakfast and lunch, is just $75.

In addition to a selection of 10 seminars, next Wednesday’s event will feature keynotes by Amil Christopher Bowles and Sharon Owens. Bowles is the Portland Trail Blazers’ Director of Player Programs; he will share strategies for team development and bringing out the best in individuals, as well as the Blazers’ goals for this season. Owens is the U.S. Postal Service’s Manager, Mailing and Shipping Services Strategy. She will discuss the state of the USPS and provide a look at the coming year in postal business.

Also, a vendors’ hall displaying the latest in mail processing technology and services will be on site, along with the chance to win great prizes.