Consumers Appreciate USPS More: USPS workers have risen dramatically in the estimation of postal customers since the bio-terrorism attacks in the fall, according to a recent survey. Of 1,000 postal customers surveyed, 39% said they viewed USPS workers more favorably now than prior to the mailing of anthrax-tainted letters this past October. Consumers also gave postal management higher marks since Sept. 11, rating USPS leadership 24% higher than previously.

Other highlights from the survey include:

• 97% approve of the way USPS is handling the bio-terrorist situation.
• 96% agree that USPS is doing everything within reason to protect against future terrorism.
• 95% agree that USPS is doing everything within reason to maintain customer's trust.
• 96% believe that letters and packages received from USPS are safe.

Findings demonstrate that mail is very much welcome in the home of U.S. consumers. The survey was conducted via telephone by an independent consulting firm. 500 of the respondents were culled from a previous survey conducted in August, and another 500 were new participants.

 "Spirit of Connecticut" Contest: USPS is sponsoring a design contest for a postmark honoring the men and women in Connecticut who aided in the search, rescue and recovery efforts after the Sept. 11 attacks. The winning design will be transformed into an official postmark to be used during a "Spirit of Connecticut" ceremony, March 11, in Hartford, CT.

The designs for the postmark should contain pictorial images that illustrate the theme of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Entries must be 8 inches wide, 4 inches high and include the following text: SPIRIT OF CONNECTICUT Station, March 11, 2002, Hartford, CT 06106.

Submissions must be postmarked by March 1 and mailed to Spirit of Connecticut Station, PO Box 911, New Haven, CT 06511-1911. All designs will become the property of USPS.

 Irradiation Mail Neutralizer: Irradiated mail is treated with a chemical to neutralize any offensive odors before being processed at postal facilities. The "neutralizer" is a product called Odour Away, manufactured by SIPCO Industries. A report commissioned by SIPCO Industries and validated independently by BRI Biopharmaceutical Research, Inc., concludes that Odour Away - widely used by many hospitals today - is safe, even when coming in contact with sensitive skin areas.

 It's Out: The USPS 2001 Annual Report has just been released and is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.usps.com/history/anrpt01/. The report contains an overview of fiscal year 2001 including performance and service highlights, financial statements and a glossary of postal terms. It's a record of achievement against a backdrop of dramatic challenges.