September 19, 2007
NATIONAL PCC DAY
Postmaster General Champions Value Of Mail
Postmaster General John Potter today told business mailers attending National PCC Day events across the nation there's nothing like mail to touch customers and working together "we can make sure mail stays vibrant and dynamic."
A record 14,000 customers and postal officials gathered at more than 150 sites to participate in National PCC Day, highlighting the collaborative partnership between Postal Customer Councils and the Postal Service to add value and make the mail work better for customers. All 200 PCCs participated in National PCC Day.
From leveraging cutting-edge technology to conducting national elections, mail matters to American consumers and businesses, Potter said in remarks broadcast by satellite from the Cincinnati, OH, PCC. The broadcast also featured postal executives speaking from other locations.
Potter said the Intelligent Mail barcode, which enables mailers to track mail end-to-end, and the Flats Sequencing System, which is designed to bring the same efficiency to sorting flat-size mail that now exists for letter mail, are examples of technology that will provide greater value and ease to business mailers.
More than 200 mailers are using the Intelligent Mail barcode, according to Potter. One out of every 100 pieces of mail sorted daily now contains the barcode - and its use is voluntary at this time.
Potter was joined during the broadcast by Georgann Dustan of the Elections Division of Multnomah County, Oregon, who praised the security of the mail and Postal Service infrastructure that helped make voting by mail a success in her state, and by John Greco, president and chief executive officer of the Direct Marketing Association. Greco estimated that marketers will invest more than $55 billion on direct mail this year.
Greco shared several changes under way by the direct mail industry to make advertising mail more personal, more targeted and a smart business decision, saying that marketers receive an extraordinary $12.47 return on investment for every dollar spent.
Potter and Greco addressed proposals in some states that could create Do Not Mail legislation, similar to the Do Not Call registry that became law more than three years ago. Greco said the industry was stepping up to the challenge, adopting a range of business practices that will keep mail welcomed by consumers, including a "Recycle Please" program and other actions that can have a more positive impact on the environment.
The Postmaster General also spoke of the new competitive environment created by the new postal law. He said the law, which will keep rates at or below inflation, is going to make the Postal Service more cognizant than ever of the bottom line. "It will make us more effective, hold our feet to the fire and make us deliver for you," he said.
Potter said no decision has been made yet on the timing or method of the next rate adjustment.
Power up your business
A new tool for PCCs was introduced during National PCC Day - the "PCC business card." The size of a typical business card, it explains the value of PCC membership and can be personalized with contact information for local PCCs. Every PCC will receive an initial supply of cards. Postmasters and small-business specialists soon will be handing them out to customers to promote PCC membership.
Also, the National PCC website at usps.com/pcc has been updated to include more resources for members.
PCCs recognized for service and achievement
National PCC Day showcases the work of PCCs and includes a series of awards recognizing outstanding service and individual achievement. The following award winners were announced:
- PCC Industry Member of the Year: Tony Racioppo, president and CEO, SDS Global Logistics, Queens, NY.
- PCC Postal Service Member of the Year (tie): Laurie Timmons, Northeast Area marketing manager and Robin Ware, Postmaster of Columbus, OH.
- PCC District Manager of the Year: Ken McArthur, Salt Lake City, UT.
- PCC of the Year (two categories): Greater St. Louis (large), South Central Minnesota (small).
- Communications Program Excellence: Greater New York (gold), Fort Worth (silver), Southern Nevada (bronze).
- Education Program Excellence (tie): Buffalo/Niagara and Fort Worth (gold), Greater New York (silver), Greater Dallas (bronze).
INFO@USPS
Your Links To Mailing Resources
U.S. Postal Service: www.usps.com
National PCC Network: www.usps.com/pcc
Rapid Information Bulletin Board System: ribbs.usps.gov
Questions? Comments? Send an e-mail to pccinsider@usps.gov
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