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Going Postal
USPS reaches out to business mailers
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Business New Haven
11/15/1999
By: Michele Beck
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Timothy N. Tinari, director of purchasing and mailing for the Knights of Columbus international headquarters in New Haven, notes that some businesses may be throwing money out the window by not keeping up with the latest from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).
The post office has organized a program called the Postal Customer Council (PCC), which helps to educate customers about mailing issues as well as give businesses an opportunity to network and discuss their mailing challenges and needs. Although the program has been around for years, Tinari says it is important for all businesses to be aware of the opportunities that exist through the PCC. “There are more than 400 members in the New Haven area,” Tinari notes. “It's a good way to save time and money.”
PCC meetings allow businesses to become better acquainted with USPS rules and regulations, which can save the former money. Tinari says one of the easiest ways for companies to save money is to clean up their mailing lists, something many companies too seldom remember to do.
“A lot of times, companies will mail things out and they will never be received, either because they were addressed wrong or the person is no longer there,” Tinari explains. Tinari sits on the executive board of the New Haven Area PCC and has been an active member since 1991.
Networking is another important function of the PCC, according to Tinari. Getting to know others in the industry can be beneficial not only with regard to the mechanics of mailings, but in a business sense. It's a chance to discuss mailing issues with postal specialists and business people who may be in the same boat.
The USPS is forever changing and updating its procedures. Tinari says that although the USPS tries to make people aware of all changes, it is still hard to notify everyone. By getting on the PCC mailing list, businesses are notified of key changes, as well as coached on correct postal procedures. PCC meetings are also well attended by postal employees and specialists who are trained to give expert attention to business mailers. The PCC meets four to six times annually, including breakfast meetings, holiday get-togethers and vendor shows. This year's vendor show will take place in the fall of 2000.
Richard J. Daigle, mailing standards specialist for the USPS, says that businesses can benefit from attending meetings and even merely getting on the PCC mailing list. By going to meetings, he says, customers can ask questions and become more familiar with mailing procedures. Daigle adds that PCC members are among the first to learn of changes in postal regulations, rates and other developments.
Bert Santagata of ADP Mailing in West Haven says being involved with the local PCC has helped foster a good relationship between mailers and USPS employees. “We are their customers,” Santagata says. “It gives [mailers] a chance to voice our opinions, give helpful suggestions, and raise any problems that we might have.” Santagata says her involvement with the PCC has also afforded her the opportunity to learn more about new postal regulations. “Were working in a partnership,” Santagata explains. “We meet on a regular basis and the group is very educational when it comes to learning about changes at the post office.”
There is no fee to join the PCC. Interested businesses may call the PCC secretary at 203-782-7201 and leave their name and address. More information will soon follow by mail, including the PCC award newsletter, which provides particulars on upcoming events and membership information.
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