DeDicateD to BuilDing Postal-customer relations Fall 2011

PCC Direct Connectionwww.nhpcc.net

PMG Announces Sweeping Changes USPS® in Dire Financial StraitsIn his annual state of the Postal Service® address to the mailing industry and on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Postal Customer Council® (PCC), Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer Patrick Donahoe addressed a viewing audience of 8,000 on September 21, live from Tampa, FL.

“We have reduced our annual costs by more than $12 billion and our workforce has been reduced by 110,000 career employees over the past four years, but we must do significantly more to return to profitability,” said Donahoe. “We must reduce our annual costs by $20 billion by 2015 to be profitable, and we do not current-ly have the flexibility in our business model to achieve these cost reductions.”

The Postal Service has advanced a broad package of proposals that will allow it to operate more like a business and without several large financial mandates, including giving the Postal Service the authority to transition to a national five-day per week delivery schedule and resolv-ing the retiree health benefit prepayment requirement. It also is pursuing plans to:

• Study 252 mail processing facilities for potential consolidation.

• Review 3,600 low-activity Post Offices™ for potential closure, consolidation or contracting.

• Enhance and expand alternate access sites, including Village Post Offices and usps.com®.

• Modify delivery routes and service standards.

• Make it easier to do business with the Postal Service with new, innovative products.

The PCC was formed 50 years ago to help build cooperation and communication between the Postal Service and busi-ness mailers. Donahoe pledged to work together with all PCC partners to make the mailing industry stronger, more compelling and more profitable.

David E. Williams, USPS Vice President of Network Operations, presents the Gold Award to Walter Rowland, NH PCC Postal Co-chairThe New Hampshire Postal Customer Council (PCC) provided a memorable National PCC Day on Wednesday, September 21, 2011. Over 25 customers from around and out of the state met at the Manchester, NH Pro-cessing and Distribution Center for a day of educational sessions, networking, good food, a plant tour, and a special remote broadcast from Pat Donahoe, Post-master General and CEO of the U.S. Postal Service®. Special guest David E. Williams, Vice President of Network Operations, provided insight into the network optimization strategy and other efforts underway in the Postal Service. Members who attended the full day received certification from USPS Headquarters in Enhancing Mail Value, giving them bragging rights in all their communications.

During the national broadcast, PCCs around the country are recognized for their hard work. It is with great pleasure to announce the NH PCC earned a GOLD awarD in the Premier PCC category for the second year in a row! This means we are providing mailers in New Hamp-shire with ongoing communications, a large selection of educational and networking events in various locations, and solid leadership in our executive board of postal and industry leaders. Way to go NHPCC!

Save TheSe DaTeS!

April 1 - 4, 2012National Postal Forum Orlando, FL

Visit www.nhpcc.net for more information!

NHPCC Wins Gold Congratulations!

First Village Post OfficeOpens in Malone, WAThe nation’s first Village Post Office (VPO) is now open. It is located in a small market in Malone, WA.

The Postal Service has introduced the VPO program as a potential replacement option for communities either lack-ing a postal retail facility or affected by retail optimization efforts. VPOs will operate in non-Postal Service establish-ments — such as existing businesses, town halls or gov-ernment centers — and can provide a range of services, including accepting mail and selling Forever Stamps™ and Priority Mail® products.

Today, more than 35 percent of the Postal Service’s re-tail revenue comes from expanded access locations such as grocery stores, drug stores, office supply stores, retail chains and self-service kiosks. More than 70,000 third-party retailers — Approved Postal Providers — offer postal products and services. Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe states: “The Postal Service of the future will be smaller, leaner and more competitive, and it will contin-ue to drive commerce, service communities, and deliver value.”

We’re everywhere so you can be anywhere: www.uspseverywhere.com

ImPOrTaNT chaNGeS TO NOTe

n September 1, 2011 – weight limit increase for “Reply Rides Free”, qualifying mailers may send First-Class Mail® automation letters weighing up to 2 ounces at the 1-ounce price

n Closing of Portsmouth NH Plant, November 2011

n January 22, 2012 - Combine Standard Mail® and Periodicals flats when bundled and placed on pallets

n Qualified Business Reply Mail (QBRM) customers transitioning to the Intelligent Mail® barcode (IMb™) are not required to reapply for approval in the QBRM program for existing approved pieces Periodicals flats when bundled and placed on pallets

Nh Pcc execuTIve BOarDIndustry Co-Chair: Eric Flinton, Formax, 603-749-5807

Postal Co-Chair: Walter Rowland, USPS, 603-626-6888

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