The Suncoast Scoop

Customer Thanks Carrier

noreply@blogger.com (Mr ZIP) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:54:00 +0000

St. Petersburg Letter Carrier Augustin DeJesus is presented with an Every Day Hero Award from St. Petersburg Officer in Charge Bill Bishoff.

A customer was so impressed with Augustin's noble character and honesty that she took the time to write a letter to the St. Petersburg Postmaster's office.

The letter reads as follows:

I was truly amazed at the actions of my mailman. I only recently asked him his name. It is Agustin. A few days after Christmas he delivered mail to my address for my two Granddaughters.

The envelopes contained cash from an Aunt who lives in St. Augustine. The envelopes were completely torn open. He rang my door bell and handed two envelopes to me. The money and card were just folded in both of the torn envelopes. In all honestly he could have just kept the money and we would have never know the difference.

His true nature showed my family that there are folks out there who are genuinely honest and I believe as his Postmaster you should know this. He is a very respectful and conscience about his job. On behalf of my Granddaughters we thank him very much.

Way to go, Augustin!

You make Postal Service employees proud!

Dog Bite Prevention

noreply@blogger.com (Mr ZIP) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:41:00 +0000

Punta Gorda Postmaster Kevin Sullivan and his 6 year old American Rednose Pit Bull Terrier, Candy, brought hands on dog bite prevention training to the Post Office.

"With snowbirds back in full bloom in the Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte area, so are their dogs," said Postmaster Sullivan. " I wanted to take a positive approach to dog bite prevention by presenting hands on training."

He brought in his dog, Candy, along with local Animal Control reps to offer training on dog bite prevention. Sullivan and Candy demonstrated techniques carriers can use to avoid getting bitten by a dog.

Some techniques demonstrated were to use a mail satchel as a shield and/or bringing an empty letter trail or flat tub when carriers dismount to use as a protective shield to gain space between a dog. Other tips included looking for obvious "Beware of Dog" signs and using communication with customers when attempting parcel or accountable delivery.

The hands on demonstration has been a yearly event in Punta Gorda. "The safety of our employees while out on the route delivering mail to our customers is of paramount importance throughout the year," said Sullivan.

Tampa L&DC Recognition

noreply@blogger.com (Mr ZIP) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:24:00 +0000

Logistics and Distribution Specialist Tom Parrish (left) is recognized by Senior Plant Manager Mitch Cade for receiving a PMG Award.

Tom received the “Postmaster General Sustainability Excellence Award” for his participation on the National Lithium Ion Recycling Program.

Congratulations, Tom!

Operations Support Specialist Chad Lawton (left) receives his Lean Six Sigma Green Belt from Senior Plant Manager Mitch Cade.

The Green Belt is awarded to employees who apply the Lean Six Sigma methodology to drive local improvements within their functional area.

Chad received his Green Belt for Lean Six Sigma projects he completed to reduce Postal expenses.

Congratulations, Chad!

New Port Richey Years Of Service

noreply@blogger.com (Mr ZIP) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:13:00 +0000

New Port Richey City Carrier Jay Porter receives congratulations from Postmaster Russell Holland for achieving 45 years of service.

New Port Richey Finance Clerk Anna Napolitano is recognized by Postmaster Russell Holland for 35 years of service.

New Port Richey City Carrier Bob Mather receives recognition from Postmaster Russell Holland for 25 years of service.

New Port Richey Rural Carrier Charlane France proudly holds her 25 years of service pin which was presented to her by Postmaster Russell Holland.

Congratulations, Anna, on 35 years of dedicated service!

Congratulations, Bob, on 25 years of dedicated service!

Congratulations, Jay, on 45 years of dedicated service!

Congratulations, Charlane, on 25 years of dedicated service!

Vero Beach Retirements

noreply@blogger.com (Mr ZIP) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:55:00 +0000

Vero Beach Postmaster Richard Hankins congratulates

City Carrier Jimmy Butts on his retirement.

Jimmy retired after 36 years with the Postal Service,

having spent 26 years in Vero Beach.

Congratulations on your well earned retirement, Jimmy!

Vero Beach City Carrier Bill Rowe is pictured at his retirement celebration. Bill retired after 43 years with the Postal Service, having spent 38 years in Vero Beach.

Congratulations on your well earned retirement, Bill!

1,000,000 Miles Accident Free

noreply@blogger.com (Mr ZIP) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:55:00 +0000

Lakeland Downtown Manager Customer Services Kenneth Batastini presents City Letter Carrier Roy McAdams with the prestigious "Million Mile Club" Award.

Roy was inducted into the National Safety Council's elite "Million Mile Club." The award is bestowed upon professional drivers after driving 1,000,000 miles -- or 30 years -- without an at-fault accident and is the highest honor given to professional drivers in the workplace.

According to the National Safety Council, the status is to professional driving as reaching the peak of Mt. Everest is to the sport of climbing.

Congratulations, Roy!

Postal Service Losses Continue in First Quarter

noreply@blogger.com (Mr ZIP) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 20:37:00 +0000

Profitability Dependent on Comprehensive Legislation and Network Size Reductions

Shipping Services Business Continues to Grow

The U.S. Postal Service ended the first three months of its 2012 fiscal year (Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2011) with a net loss of $3.3 billion. Management expects large losses to continue until the Postal Service has implemented its network re-design and down-sizing and has restructured its healthcare program. Additionally, the return to financial stability requires legislation which gives the Postal Service typical commercial freedoms, including delivery flexibility, returns over $10 billion of amounts overpaid to the Federal Government and resolves the need to prefund retiree healthcare at rates not assessed any other entity in the United States.

Stronger than expected holiday shipping activity, driven by strong growth in online merchandise sales and successful USPS marketing efforts, helped the Postal Service grow its competitive Shipping Services business in the first quarter, with revenue totaling $2.8 billion, an increase of $179 million or 7 percent over the same period last year. However, declines in First-Class and Standard Mail of $650 million were 3.7% percent of total revenue and greatly exceed the gains made in the package business. First-Class Mail declines due to electronic migration of transactions are expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

Mailing Services revenue, excluding First-Class Mail parcels, totaled $14.5 billion, a decrease of 2.9 percent. First-Class Mail continued to decline, with revenue decreasing 4.1 percent compared to the same period last year. First-Class Mail revenue has declined nearly 15 percent and volume has declined 25 percent since volume peaked in 2006. While some of the decline is attributable to economic weakness since 2007, the more significant factor is the continuing transition to electronic alternatives.

“Technology continues to have a major impact on how our customers use the mail,” said Postmaster General and CEO Patrick Donahoe. “While it has helped us grow our Shipping Services businesses, it has had a significant negative impact on some of our much larger sources of revenue, particularly First-Class Mail. Revenue from Shipping Services represents about 17 percent of total revenue and, even with continued growth, cannot fully offset the decline in First-Class Mail revenue.”

To return to profitability, Donahoe has advanced a plan to reduce annual costs by $20 billion by 2015. The plan includes continued aggressive actions to generate additional revenue and reduce operating expenses. To reach the goal, the Postal Service also needs changes in the law. “Passage of legislation is urgently needed that provides the Postal Service with the speed and flexibility needed to cut costs that are not under our control, including employee health care costs,” Donahoe said. “The changes will give the Postal Service a bright future and provide the nation with affordable and reliable delivery for generations to come.”

Other details of the first quarter results compared to the same period last year include:

• Total mail volume of 43.7 billion pieces, a 6 percent decrease.

• Operating revenue of $17.7 billion, a 1.1 percent decrease.

• Operating expenses (before prefunding of retiree health benefits and the impact of discount rate changes for worker’s compensation liability) of $17.8 billion, a 1 percent increase.

• Transportation expenses increased by $105 million, or 6.3 percent, due to rising fuel costs. The Postal Service continues to decrease controllable costs, including an 8 million decrease in work hours, or 2.8 percent. Total compensation and benefits expenses decreased by $180 million, or 1.4 percent.

The Postal Service continues to suffer from a severe lack of liquidity. “Absent significant changes in the law to allow normal commercial freedoms, the Postal Service will default on both retiree health benefits pre-payments to the federal government due this year,” said Chief Financial Officer Joe Corbett. “Even if legislation changes or eliminates the prefunding payments, we may reach our $15 billion debt ceiling in the fall of this year.”

Complete financial results are available in the Form 10-Q, at http://about.usps.com/who-we-are/financials/welcome.htm.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Bradenton Heroes

noreply@blogger.com (Mr ZIP) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:46:00 +0000

Pictured left to right: Bradenton City Letter Carriers Ray Cruz and Chris Dowd are credited with saving their coworker's life.

It seemed like a typical work day at the Bradenton 57th Avenue Branch until Clerk Theresa Ferguson spotted an emergency. Clerk Dan Ricard, who moments earlier was sorting parcels, was lying on the floor gasping for air.

Supervisor Peter Karambelas immediately dialed 911. He then noticed that Dan had stopped breathing. He asked if anyone knew CPR. City letter carriers Ray Cruz and Chris Dowd quickly came forward.

While Ray administered chest compressions, Chris assisted. They continued their efforts until EMS arrived.

If not for Ray and Chris' heroic actions, Dan may not have survived. He spent several days in the hospital and is now on the road to recovery.

Dan says he is extremely grateful for the concern and care shown by his co-workers.

Way to go, Ray!

Way to go, Chris!

You both make Postal Service employees proud!

Focus On Safe Driving

noreply@blogger.com (Mr ZIP) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:28:00 +0000

Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Diaz visited the Cocoa Main Post Office to share safe driving tips with employees. Trooper Diaz explained the importance safe and defensive driving plays in avoiding accidents.

TE Walter Shrum (pictured above, left) participated in the "Under the Influence" segment by wearing goggles that demonstrate how vision is impaired when drinking and driving.

Trooper Diaz stressed that distractions play a major role in accidents and shared tips on how to stay attentive and focused when driving.

She also gave examples of how seatbelts save lives and reminded employees to always buckle up.

75 Years Honored

noreply@blogger.com (Mr ZIP) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:37:00 +0000

Pictured left to right: Lehigh Acres Clerk Cheryl Roberson-Williams, Officer in Charge Johnson D'souza, City Letter Carrier Paul Nichols and City Letter Carrier Gary Harlow.

Cheryl, Paul and Gary were each recognized for 25 years of dedicated service with the Postal Service.

As their coworkers looked on, Officer in Charge D'souza presented each employee with a Certificate of Service.

Congratulations, Cheryl!

Congratulations, Paul!

Congratulations, Gary!

USPS Ranked #1 In The World

noreply@blogger.com (Mr ZIP) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:35:00 +0000

USPS The Best Among Top 20

Largest Global Economies

A review of the performance of universal postal service providers by the Oxford Strategic Consulting (OSC) firm ranks the U.S. Postal Service the best postal service within the world’s top 20 largest economies for access to services, resource efficiency and public trust.

“We’re proud to lead the world in postal services and we will continue to deliver superior performance for future generations,” said Postmaster General and CEO Patrick Donahoe. “Our best days are ahead of us. I have no doubt the Postal Service will overcome its current financial challenges and endure as the world’s leading postal service.”

The review ranked USPS, Japan Post, Australia Post, Korea Post and Deutsche Post in its top five. USPS earned the premier ranking due to its high operating efficiency and public trust in its performance.

The ranking considered such factors as the average number of citizens served by the postal system in a country, the number of letters and parcels delivered by each postal employee and data on service reliability and public trust measured over three years.

The report found that USPS delivers nearly double the number of letters per employee as its closest competitor and more than five times more letters per employee than fifth-place Deutsche Post.

Despite increasing competition from digital communications, postal services continue to perform a key role in societies across the globe. The expansion of e-commerce means there’s an even greater need for fast, efficient and reliable postal services.

“People tend to think the Internet has made the postman redundant,” said Professor William Scott-Jackson, director, OSC. “But postal services provide the backbone for e-commerce deliveries.”

115 Years Of Service

noreply@blogger.com (Mr ZIP) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Pictured front, left to right: Mid Florida P&DC Mail Procesing Clerk Jackie Chinn Lee, Mail Processing Clerk Richard Francis, Acting Plant Manager Linda Mungin, Mail Processing Clerk Cindy Flynn and (back row) Mail Processing Clerk Rodenick James.

Acting Plant Manager Linda Mungin recognized each employee for their dedicated service to the Postal Service, as their coworkers joined in to offer congratulations.

Congratulations, Jackie, on 30 years of dedicated service!

Congratulations, Richard, on 30 years of dedicated service!

Congratulations, Cindy, on 30 years of dedicated service!

Congratulations, Rodenick, on 25 years of dedicated service!

25 Years Of Service

noreply@blogger.com (Mr ZIP) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:23:00 +0000

Lehigh Acres Clerk Tammy Baisden was recognized for 25 years of dedicated service to the Postal Service.

Lehigh Acres Officer in Charge Johnson D'souza (right) acknowledged Tammys service, as her coworkers gathered to congratulate her.

Congratulations, Tammy!

Sankowski Recognized As Hero

noreply@blogger.com (Mr ZIP) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 21:18:00 +0000

Pictured left to right: St. Petersburg Manager of Mail Processing Gil Grim, Supervisor of Transportation Operations Brad Abbott, Tractor Trailer Operator Tom Sankowski and St. Petersburg Officer in Charge Bill Bishoff.

Tractor Trailer Operator Tom Sankowski was recently presented the Everyday Hero Award for his act of courage, kindness and noble character. He received his award in the presence of employees at the St. Petersburg facility.

On the evening of January 18th Tom was traveling Northbound on the Howard Franklin Bridge, which joins Tampa and the City of St. Petersburg, when he noticed that a pick up truck pulling a lawn service trailer had stopped on the four lane highway.

The driver of the pick up truck had jumped out of the vehicle and was frantically waving his arms in the air. Traffic had slowed down, but no one stopped to help. Tom put on his flashing hazard lights to help stop traffic and safely exited his vehicle to see what was wrong. The passenger of the pick up was in severe distress and was having a seizure.

Tom quickly jumped in to assist. He turned the passenger on his side and cleared his passage way to allow him to breathe. Tom also called 911 and waited for help. When police arrived they asked Tom to stay with the young man until the Emergency Medical Service ambulance was on the scene to administer medical aid to the passenger.

Tom’s quick action likely saved the life of the passenger. He went above and beyond to assist someone in need.

Thank you, Tom, for your heroic actions!

February Is Black History Month

noreply@blogger.com (Mr ZIP) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:46:00 +0000

44–cent Anna Julia Cooper commemorative stamp; issued June 2009

Anna Julia Cooper, an educator, scholar, feminist, and activist gave voice to the African–American community during the 19th and 20th centuries, from the end of slavery to the beginning of the Civil Rights movement.

February is Black History Month — a time to pay tribute to the achievements of African Americans throughout the nation’s history. More than 133,000 African Americans currently work for the Postal Service.

This year’s national theme is “Black Women in American Culture and History.” Since 1978, the Postal Service has honored African Americans through the Black Heritage Stamp Series. Of the series’ 34 stamps, 12 have been women — including abolitionist and Underground Railroad leader Harriet Tubman, education and civil rights leader Mary McLeod Bethune, journalist Ida Wells and scholar and activist Anna Julia Cooper.

This month, USPS also is recognizing the accomplishments of black women employees such as Minnie Cox, the first African-American female Postmaster. Cox was appointed Postmaster in 1891. USPS also is recognizing the 885 women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II, the only battalion of African-American women to go overseas. The battalion is featured in the National Postal Museum’s “Mail Call” exhibit.

Link to exhibit:
http://npm.si.edu/AfricanAmericanHistory/p7.html

Click the link below to learn more about “Black Women in American Culture and History.”

http://www.asalh.org/

Also visit the Postal Store to order collectible items related to Black History Month.

https://store.usps.com/store/

Rettinhouse Acting Suncoast District Manager

noreply@blogger.com (Mr ZIP) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:31:00 +0000

Nancy L. Rettinhouse

Named Acting Suncoast District Manager, Customer Service and Sales, effective February 3, 2012, Nancy Rettinhouse succeeds former Suncoast District Manager David Patterson, who retired after 35 years of federal service.

Rettinhouse most recently served as District Manager, Customer Service and Sales for the Greater Michigan District.

She has worked for the Postal Service for 33 years and began her career in the plant in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has extensive experience in both Operations and Customer Service, having served as a Postmaster in offices of increasing size including: Holland, Michigan; Williamsburg and Newport News, Virginia; Charlotte, North Carolina and Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has also served as the Manager of Human Resources in the Greater Michigan District and Senior Manager of Post Office Operations in the Greater Michigan and Richmond Districts.

Her executive experience includes tenures as District Manager of the Northern Illinois, Detroit, Chicago and Greater Michigan Districts.

Nancy earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix.

“This is an extremely challenging time for the Postal Service and I have tremendous confidence in the dedicated employees in the Suncoast District,” said Rettinhouse. “I look forward to leading this great team and continuing the tradition of providing excellent service to our customers.”

Recognition for Lehigh Acres Employees

noreply@blogger.com (Mr ZIP) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:25:00 +0000

Pictured left to right: Lehigh Acres Custodian Denita McCarthy, Julie Barkley with United Way, City Letter Carrier Gail Phelps and Lehigh Acres OIC Johnson D'souza.

Lehigh Acres employees were recognized with a plaque from United Way for their Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) accomplishments.

Employee contributions increased tremendously this year. In 2010 the total donated was $338. In 2011 the total was $4,682.

The cake pictured above was enjoyed by employees

at the recognition event.

Thanks, Lehigh Acres Employees!

Salute to Ft. Myers Downtown Station

noreply@blogger.com (Mr ZIP) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:30:00 +0000

Ft. Myers Downtown Station employees were treated to breakfast pizzas by management to thank them for this year's outstanding Combined Federal Campaign (CFC).

Ninety one percent of Downtown Station employees participated in the CFC, contributing a total of $6,447. Ft. Myers OIC Debra Gornik said, “The CFC accomplishments at the Downtown Station are impressive. It is a small office with only 33 employees, and they raised the most money.”

Hats off to CFC canvasser Roschunia Jackson and Station Manager Tom Hoerner for their hard work and dedicated efforts.

Express Mail Flat Rate Box

noreply@blogger.com (Mr ZIP) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:00:00 +0000

U.S. Postal Service Launches Express Mail Flat Rate Box

Overnight Domestic Shipping Up to 70 Pounds for $39.95

Expanding on the success of its line of Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes, the U.S. Postal Service has introduced the first Express Mail Flat Rate Box.

Ideal for consumers and small businesses selling merchandise online, the Postal Service’s Express Mail Flat Rate Box takes the guess work out of shipping, providing overnight delivery — up to 70 pounds — almost anywhere in the country for $39.95.

“With the Express Mail Flat Rate Box, there’s no need to use a zone chart to calculate prices. If it fits, it ships,” said Gary Reblin, vice president, Domestic Products. “The Express Mail Flat Rate Box offers convenience, ease of use, free packaging and a flat-out value price.”

Express Mail Flat Rate Boxes also can be used for international shipments with a maximum weight of 20 pounds. The boxes are priced at $59.95 to Canada and $74.95 for all other countries that accept Express Mail International.

The Express Mail Flat Rate Box rounds out the Express Mail Flat Rate product line, which includes an Express Mail Flat Rate Envelope and an Express Mail Flat Rate Legal Envelope, both retailing for $18.95.

The same size as the medium Priority Mail Flat Rate Box, the Express Mail Flat Rate Box is available in a top-loading or side-loading design. The boxes can be ordered online at usps.com and also are available at select Post Offices.

Express Mail service offers a money-back guarantee (some restrictions apply) and overnight delivery to most U.S. addresses, including PO Boxes. Express Mail is delivered 365 days a year with no Saturday delivery charges, residential surcharges or fuel surcharges. Sunday and holiday delivery is available to many ZIP Codes for a modest premium.

Free Package Pickup and delivery status information using the Track & Confirm tool are available at no cost when shipping online at usps.com.

Employee Leads Bring New Revenue

noreply@blogger.com (Mr ZIP) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:29:00 +0000

Employee leads continue to bring in much needed

revenue to the Suncoast District.

The employees pictured below all submitted leads through the Employee Engagement Program - Submit-A-Lead, Customer Connect, Rural Reach

and Mail Handler Leads, resulting in

new revenue for the Suncoast District.

The leads were turned over to Revenue Drivers Clyde Chapelle, Michael White, Trish Perri, Rod Sanders,

Lorri Kayser, Vickie Dunn and Mary Messina.

The Revenue Drivers contacted the businesses

to learn about the businesses' mailing needs.

They then matched the business mailers

with the appropriate

Postal Service products to "close"

the deal and sign on a new customer.

Clerk Cheryl Deakins, St. Petersburg Beach

Debra Gornik, Officer in Charge Ft. Myers

Rural Carrier Sheena Santiago, Six Mile Cypress

Annex, Ft. Myers

City Letter Carrier Steven Travis, Orlando, Lee Vista

Patti Jones, Manager Customer Services

Madeira Beach, St. Pete

Elaine Pancake, Orlando Customer Relations Coordinator

Nancy Grace, Postmaster Wimauma

Marcella Cann, Supervisor Customer Service, Venice

City Letter Carrier Greg Sanders, Union Park

Jaimes McKaughan, Supervisor Customer Services

Tarpon Springs

Marianne Eid, Sales & Service Associate

Cape Coral, Ft. Myers

Kevin Sullivan, Postmaster Punta Gorda

Clerk Daruis Urbon, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton

City Letter Carrier Edward Bartholomew, Pinellas Park

City Letter Carrier James Rizza, Jr., Sarasota

Angela Jetmore, Sales & Service Associate

Tampa Main Office

Clerk Timothy Murry, Clermont

City Letter Carrier Amber Silva, Sarasota

The following leads have been closed by Revenue Driver Clyde Chapelle:

City Letter Carrier Kenneth Crum Rine, from Glengarry in Sarasota, in the amount of $25,560.

Mailing Requirement Clerk Lisa Spikes, from Mid Florda Bulk Mail Entry, in the amount of $3,749.

Rural Letter Carrier Nicole Hodge, from the Mount Dora Post Office in the amount of $7,540.

The following leads have been closed by Revenue Driver Michael White:

Sales blitz lead in the amount of $1754.

Sales blitz lead in the amount of $5465.

Sales blitz lead in the amount of $228.

Clerk Marsha Kushmer, Main Office Window Unit Tampa, in the amount of $25,740.

The following leads have been closed by Revenue Driver Trish Perri:

Clerk Cheryl Deakins, St Petersburg Beach, in the amount of $426.

Sales blitz lead in the amount of $1040.

Debra Gornik, Office in Charge Ft. Myers, in the amount of $2840.

City Letter Carrier Kirk Simetz, Northside in St. Pete in the amount of $1704.

City Letter Carrier Russell Guida, Sunset Point Post Office in the amount of $18,954.

Rural Carrier Sheena Santiago, Six Mile Cypress Annex in Ft Myers in the amount of $3408.

City Letter Carrier Steven Travis, Lee Vista in Orlando in the amount of $1372.

Rural Carrier Lara Mrozowski, Sebring Post Office in the amount of $2231.

City Letter Carrier Craig Euse, Crossroads in St. Pete in the amount of $870.

City Letter Carrier Felix Jordan, Winter Park Post Office in the amount of $5122.

City Letter Carrier Wendell Lewis, Euclid in St. Pete in the amount of $18,720.

Sales blitz lead in the amount of $2184.

Patti Jones, Manager Customer Service Madeira Beach in St. Pete in the amount of $5200.

Elaine Pancake, Orlando Customer Relations Coordinator, in the amount of $9669.

Debary Postmaster Susan Haywood in the amount of $1392.

Sales Blitz in the amount of $963.

Sales Blitz in the amount of $5800.

Rural Letter Carrier Benjamin Akers from the Kissimmee Carrier Annex in the amount of $21,860.

City Letter Carrier Thomas Leone from the Northside Station in St. Pete in the amount of $2030.

Sales & Service Associate Steve Hansen from the Madeira Beach Station in St. Pete in the amount of $28,901.

Sales & Service Associate Steve Hansen from the Madeira Beach Station in St. Pete in the amount of $16,926.

Retention list in the amount of $8164.

The following leads have been closed by Revenue Driver Rod Sanders:

Jose Santa, Jr., Manager Customer Service at Temple Terrace in Tampa, in the amount of $7,668.

Sales blitz lead in the amount of $2317.

City Letter Carrier Brian Losee, Melbourne Post Office in the amount of $10,140.

Retention lead in the amount of $57,600.

Clerk Marsha Kushmer, MOWU Tampa in the amount of $24,453.

Paul Brickson, Manager Customer Service from the Hilldale Station in Tampa, in the amount of $18,850.

Rural Carrier Donna Witsell, Gibsonton Post Office in the amount of $4615.

City Letter Carrier Michael Youngblood, Ybor Station in Tampa in the amount of $3692.

Rural Carrier Edward Shea, Dover Post Office in the amount of $24,453.

Rural Carrier Jane Sofarelli, Hudson Post Office in the amount of $15,470.

Supervisor Customer Service Jaimes McKaughan from the Tarpon Springs Post Office in the amount of $3770.

Manager Customer Service Nicole Muenchow from the Forest Hills Station in Tampa, in the amount of $15,080.

Business Solution Specialist Gabriel Aviles in the amount of $1885.

City Letter Carrier Jesus Hurtado, III from Sulphur Springs in Tampa in the amount of $1404.

Postmaster Nancy Grace from Wimauma Post Office in the amount of $1885.

City Letter Carrier Dennis Doyle from New Port Richey in the amount of $18,850.

Rural Carrier April Henry from Lutz Post Office in the amount of $15,600.

Sales & Service Associate Rita Smith from Carrollwood Station in Tampa in the amount of $10,920.

Dunedin Postmaster Chris Terhune in the amount of $5538.

Rural Carrier Cynthia Jones from Oldsmar Post Office in the amount of $24,453.

City Letter Carrier Marco Santos from Hilldale Carrier Annex in Tampa in the amount of $5200.

Rural Carrier April Henry from Lutz Post Office in the amount of $31,030.

The following leads have been closed by Revenue Driver Lorri Kayser:

Marcella Cann, Supervisor of Customer Service from Venice Post Office in the amount of $13,832.

City Letter Carrier Greg Sanders, Union Park Post Office in the amount of $1019.

City Letter Carrier Robin Phillips, Englewood Post Office in the amount of $25,480.

Supervisor Customer Service Jaimes McKaughan, Tarpon Springs in the amount of $13,650.

City Letter Carrier Jason Blair from Spring Hill Branch in the amount of $2665.

Retention lead in the amount of $2665.

City Letter Carrier Patricia Kacher from Southcreek Station in Orlando in the amount of $20,686.

City Letter Carrie Susan Ferguson from Cocoa Beach Annex in the amount of $8060.

City Letter Carrier Michael Clark from West Melbourne Station in the amount of $9230.

City Letter Carrier James Brown from Gore Street Carrier Annex in Orlando in the amount of $620.

City Letter Carrier Gregory Williams from Lockhart Station in Orlando in the amount of $31,886.

The following leads have been closed by Revenue Driver Vickie Dunn:

Gina Stinson, Manager Customer Service, Sarasota Post Office in the amount of $57,546 for 2 combined products.

Sales blitz lead in the amount of $1019.

Marianne Eid, Sales & Service Associate from the Cape Coral in Ft. Myers in the amount of $1622.

Punta Gorda Postmaster Kevin Sullivan in the amount of $142.

Retention lead in the amount of $25,000.

Sales blitz lead in the amount of $6646.

Sales blitz lead in the amount of $296.

Clerk Daruis Urbon, from Lakewood Ranch in Bradenton in the amount of $1300.

City Letter Carrier Edward Bartholomew, Pinellas Park in the amount of $9604.

City Letter Carrier James Rizza, Jr., Sarasota Post Office in the amount of $1070.

Sales blitz lead in the amount of $1219.

Rural Carrier James Hampton, from Sarasota Carrier Annex in the amount of $2548.

Supervisor Customer Service Ann Rosmann from Lakewood Ranch Station in Bradenton in the amount of $520.

Manager Customer Service Gina Stinson from Glengarry Station in Sarasota in the amount of $7100.

City Letter Carrier Mona Firoe from Immokalee in the amount of $22,542.

Rural Carrier Kirk Brotz from Sarasota Carrier Annex in the amount of $27,339.

City Letter Carrier James Maloney from Venice in the amount of $5800.

Sales & Service Associate Marianne Eid from Cape Coral in Ft. Myers in the amount of $1655.

Rural Carrier Nancy Dandino from Sarasota Carrier Annex in the amount of $29.

The following leads have been closed by Revenue Driver Mary Messina:

Clerk Mike Mulloy, Lake Helen Post Office in the amount of $284.

Sales & Service Associate Angela Jetmore, Main Office Tampa in the amount of $3608.

Retention lead in the amount of $1872.

Retention lead in the amount of $13,572.

Sales blitz lead in the amount of $1704.

Clerk Timothy Murry, Clermont Post Office in the amount of $2840.

City Letter Carrier Constantine Mahovic, Port Richey Post Office in the amount of $1107.

Sales blitz lead in the amount of $1019.

Sales blitz lead in the amount of $614.

City Letter Carrier Stuart Hupfer, Winter Park Post Office in the amount of $18,642.

Sales blitz lead in the amount of $5148.

Sales blitz lead in the amount of $1044.

Retention lead in the amount of $7072.

City Letter Carrier Amber Silva, Sarasota Post Office in the amount of $2840.

City Letter Carrier Carl Reicks, Cape Canaveral in the amount of $780.

Retention lead in the amount of $15,480.

City Letter Carrier John Hellmann, Gore Street in the amount of $1235.

Employee leads are bringing in much needed

new revenue from our competitors.

The estimated revenue from the

Revenue Drivers Pilot Program

in the Suncoast District is now:

$3,505,573

Amazing! Congratulations and "thank you"

to all employees who have submitted leads

and to the revenue drivers who closed the leads, resulting in new revenue!

Please keep those leads coming in!

McVey Recognized By PMG

noreply@blogger.com (Mr ZIP) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:50:00 +0000

Orlando Postmaster Jean Lovejoy (right) presents Letter Carrier Rena McVey with a letter from Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe, as her coworkers gather to congratulate her.

Orlando Letter Carrier Rena McVey was delivering mail when she noticed someone in distress and stopped to help. One of her customers had been eating a piece of broccoli when it became stuck in her throat. Unable to talk or call 911, the woman was attempting to get in her car to drive to a fire station for help.

Rena, who is trained in CPR and Emergency First Aid, quickly began performing the Heimlich Maneuver. After several attempts, Rena saved the woman's life.

Orlando Postmaster Jean Lovejoy presented Rena with a personal letter from Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe.

Portions of the letter are below:

Dear Ms. McVey:

I want to commend your heroism and selfless display of civic duty. Your quick actions to perform the Heimlich Maneuver on a customer probably saved her life. I know she is grateful you were there to assist, and I thank you for coming to her rescue and for caring about the people in your community…

We are fortunate to have an employee of your caliber represent this organization. Well done!

Sincerely,
/s/
Patrick R. Donahoe
Postmaster General, CEO

Congratulations, Rena!

John H. Johnson Graces New Stamp

noreply@blogger.com (Mr ZIP) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:53:00 +0000

The 2012 Black Heritage Stamp honors John H. Johnson, the trailblazing publisher of Ebony, Jet, and other magazines. The stamp will be issued on January 31 in Chicago and will be available for purchase nationwide.

Johnson overcame poverty and racism to build a business empire embracing magazines, radio stations, cosmetics, and more. His magazines portrayed black people positively at a time when such representation was rare, and played an important role in the civil rights movement.

His unwillingness to accept defeat was a key to Johnson’s success. When he was unable to buy a lot in downtown Chicago because of his skin color, he hired a white lawyer who bought the land in trust. Thus, Johnson became the first black person to build a major building in Chicago’s Loop, where Johnson Publishing still has its headquarters.

As Johnson’s influence, accomplishments, and fortune grew, he received many prizes and honors. He joined Vice President Richard Nixon on a goodwill tour of Africa and served as a Special United States Ambassador for Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) awarded him its prestigious Spingarn Medal in 1966. Six years later, in 1972, his industry peers named him publisher of the year — a prize Johnson compared to winning an Oscar. In presenting Johnson with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996, President Bill Clinton lauded him for giving hope to African Americans during difficult times. A panel of experts polled by Baylor University in 2003 named Johnson “the greatest minority entrepreneur in American history.” That same year, Howard University named its journalism school after him.

The stamp, designed by Postal Service art director Howard Paine, features a color photograph of Johnson taken by Bachrach Studios. The photographer was David McCann.

The U.S. Postal Service has recognized the achievements of prominent African Americans through the Black Heritage series since 1978. This stamp honoring Johnson is the 35th stamp in that series, which highlights outstanding individuals who helped shape American culture.

The stamp honoring John H. Johnson is being issued as a Forever® stamp. Forever stamps are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce rate.

Mayko Retires

noreply@blogger.com (Mr ZIP) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:03:00 +0000

Manasota Clerk Adrienne Mayko is congratulated by her Tour 3 coworkers.

Adrienne is retiring after 26 years of dedicated service

with the Postal Service.

Congratulations, Adrienne, and best wishes for a fulfilling retirement!

Where's The Pallet?

noreply@blogger.com (Mr ZIP) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:15:00 +0000

Lakeland Downtown Station Manager Customer Service

Ken Batastini (left) and Full Time Clerk Tom Palmer stand

near a stack of pallets.

Pallets are part of the Postal Service's valuable Mail Transportation Equipment (MTE) and the cost of replacing MTE inventories amounts to nearly $50 million each year. The greatest expense is for pallets.

Recently Lakeland Downtown Station Regular Full Time Clerk Tom Palmer was delivering Express Mail when he noticed a large amount of USPS pallets stacked at a pallet company in Lakeland. When Tom returned to the Post Office he notified his manager, Ken Batastini.

Ken contacted the Inspection Service to inform them about the valuable equipment at a pallet retailer. Ken and an inspector visited the pallet company and verified that the pallets Tom saw were USPS equipment.

The company's management agreed to pull all of the USPS pallets, stack them neatly and assist with loading them on the USPS truck. When the pallets were loaded the total count came to 124.

Thanks to Tom's keen eyes and Ken's quick action, all 124 pallets were transported to the Tampa P&DC.

The Postal Service continues to search inside its network and beyond for MTE. Plant employees can do their part by collecting all MTE in each facility, stacking and organizing it to prepare for use or to provide to customers. Spot checks often can help uncover stockpiles of unused equipment. Any excess MTE must be returned to the Mail Transport Equipment Service Center.

USPS encourages employees to report MTE that is being misused, staged unnecessarily or located outside the postal network.

If any Post Office is having difficulty getting pallets and other MTE returned to a plant for any reason, the MTE hotline can help. Call 866-330-3404 or send an email to HQMTE@usps.gov.

Thank you, Tom, for being on the lookout for Postal Service equipment!

Thank you, Ken, for your quick action in making sure the euipment was returned home!

Mulberry Makes History With Purple Martin

noreply@blogger.com (Mr ZIP) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:40:00 +0000

Pictured left to right: Mulberry City Manager Dr. Frank Satchel, Jr., Stamp Collector P. D. Sterling, Mulberry Mayor George Hatch, Suncoast Acting Manager Post Office Operations John Rhoden and Mulberry Postmaster Carol Shirley pose wth the

Purple Martin Stamp Envelope enlargement.

Mulberry, Florida was the location of the official First Day Of Issue ceremony for the Purple Martin Stamp Envelope on January 23.

The purple martin is North America’s largest swallow. The realistic stamp art includes a large illustration of a purple martin perching and a smaller illustration showing the bird in flight.

The Purple Martin 56-cent First-Class Mail Forever Stamped envelope (45-cents for the stamp and 11-cents for the envelope) is now available at Post Offices nationwide, online at usps.com/shop and by phone at 800-782-6724.

“Bird lovers across America will be enamored with this stamped envelope,” said Suncoast Acting Manager Post Office Operations John Rhoden in dedicating the stamps at the Mulberry Civic Center.

Joining Rhoden in dedicating the stamped envelope were Mulberry Postmaster Carol Shirley, Mulberry Stamp Collector P. D. Sterling, Mulberry City Manager Dr. Frank Satchel, Jr. and Mulberry Mayor George Hatch.

"This is a first for Mulberry. We are honored that the Postal Service chose Mulberry to hold such a special event," said Mulberry City Manager Dr. Frank Satchel, Jr.

Mulberry Postmaster Carol Shirley welcomes

the excited crowd to the official First Day of Issue ceremony for the Purple Martin Stamp Envelope.

Customers line up to receive autographs on their ceremonial programs from distinguished event participants (left to right) Mulberry City Manager

Dr. Frank Satchel, Jr., National Anthem

Vocalist Breanna Costa, Mulberry Mayor George Hatch, Mulberry Postmaster Carol Shirley and Suncoast Manager Post Office Operations John Rhoden.

Mulberry SSA Merilyn Colding and

Rural Carrier Larry Smith provide official First Day Of Issue cancellations for customers.

Mulberry SSA Kimberly Tompkins sells stamps at the First Day Of Issue event.

Mulberry Postmaster Carol Shirley joins SSA Kimberly Tompkins, SSA Merilyn Colding and Rural Carrier Larry Smith in celebration of their Post Office hosting the First Day Of Issue ceremony.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark

Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at a local Post Office, at The Postal Store website at usps.com/shop or by calling 800-STAMP-24. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes to themselves or others and place them in larger envelopes addressed to:

Purple Martin Stamped Envelope
Postmaster
2000 Mulford Road
Mulberry, FL 33860-9998

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes by mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by March 23, 2012.

How to Order First-Day Covers

The Postal Service also offers first-day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. First-Day covers are also available at www.usps.com/shop and at 800-STAMP-24. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-STAMP-24 or writing to:

Information Fulfillment
Dept. 6270
U.S. Postal Service
P.O. Box 219014
Kansas City, MO 64121-9014