DeDicateD to BuilDing Postal-customer relations Winter 2012

PCC Direct Connectionwww.nhpcc.net

USPS® ADJUSTS PRICES FOR 2012Penny Increase In Price of Forever Stamps™

Beginning January 22, it will cost a penny more to mail letters to any location in the United States, the first price change for First-Class Mail® in more than two and a half years. The new 45-cent price for Forever Stamps is one of the changes filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) on October 18, 2011.

Good news for First-Class Mail Presort mailers - when the new prices go into effect, the second ounce for presorted letters will be free. “This gives companies expanded opportunities to advertise new services and products to their customers as part of bill and statement mailings,” said Paul Vogel, president and Chief Marketing/Sales Officer.

New for all customers is a 3-month pricing option to rent P.O. Boxes™ for people on the move and others who need a P.O. Box for a short time.

Prices will also change for other mailing services, includ-ing Standard Mail®, Periodicals, Package Services, Extra Services, as well as all global and Shipping Services products. Highlights of some of the changes effective Jan. 22, 2012, include:

• Letters (1 oz.): 1-cent increase to .45

• Letters additional ounces: unchanged at 20 cents

• Postcards: 3-cent increase to 32 cents

• Letters to Canada or Mexico (1 oz.): 5-cent increase to 85 cents

•New Express Mail® Flat Rate Box

Visit Postal Explorer at pe.usps.com for more detailed and additional information on the price change, or contact any New Hampshire Postal Customer Council executive board member.

NH PCC MEMBERSHIP UPDATES BY-LAWS

The 2012 New Hampshire Postal Customer Council (PCC) executive board motioned to adjust the NH PCC By-Laws at the October 20, 2011, monthly board meeting. ArticleIII,Membership, currently states “Any mailer in New Hampshire may belong.” The proposal was to change this to

“Any mailer in New England may belong”. This will allow mailers in surrounding states to be part of the NH PCC. ArticleV,Officers, labels positions as “Co‑Chairman” and “Vice‑Chairman”. The proposal was to change these to “Co‑Chair” and “Vice‑Chair”.

A mailing was sent in November to every current NH PCC member, asking for their vote on the changes via a business reply envelope. This mailing also provided a vehicle to audit the list. If no response was received by December 15, the member came off the mailing list but was provided the web site address to, for example, get a list of upcoming events or rejoin the PCC. The amendments to both articles passed, and the By-Laws have been updated. For a copy of the By-Laws, please use the Contact tab at nhpcc.net to e-mail a request to any board member.

SAVeTheSeDATeS!March 15, 2012

SellingoneBay&UnderstandingandUsingQRCodesManchester Post Office

April 1 ‑ 4, 2012NationalPostalForum

Orlando, FL

June 7, 2012SecondAnnualNhPCCGolfTournament

Stonebridge CC, Goffstown, NH

Visit www.nhpcc.net for more information!

HONORING THE LIVINGExpanded Eligibility For Stamp Recognition

Beginning in 2012, the Postal Service’s stamp program will recognize acclaimed musicians, sports stars, writers, artists and other nationally-known figures on U.S. postage stamps - while they’re still alive.

USPS is ending its rule stating an individual must have been deceased for at least five years before becoming eligible to be honored with a stamp. Under the new guidelines, living or recently deceased individuals will be eligible for commemoration.

USPS is inviting the public to use social media to submit their ideas for individuals to honor. “We’re inviting our customers to submit the top five living individuals they would like to see on stamps through Facebook and Twitter,” said Stephen Kearney, manager, Stamp Services.

Each year, the Postmaster General’s Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) - composed of individuals whose backgrounds reflect a wide range of educational, artistic, historical and professional expertise - receives as many as 40,000 suggestions for stamp subjects.

Contact the PCC for information on the CSAC and the stamp selection process. Send suggestions to: Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee, c/o Stamp Development, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 3300, Washington, DC 20260-3501.

IMPORTANTChANGeSTONOTe

�� Closing of the Portsmouth NH Plant, November 2011

�� January 19, 2012 – comments must be received regarding closing WRJ, VT

�� January 22, 2012 – price changes go into effect for Mailing and Shipping Services

�� January 22, 2012 - combine Standard Mail and Periodicals flats when bundled and placed on pallets

�� May 2012 – results of national network optimization study (plant closings)

�� January 5, 2013 - standards for folded self-mailers (FSM) and unenveloped mailpieces that are mailed at automation or machinable prices go into effect

NhPCCexeCUTIVeBOARDIndustry Co-Chair: Barbara Baldinelli, Health Dialog

Postal Co-Chair: Walter Rowland, USPS

Wouldyouliketoreceivepostalupdatesandparticipateinpostalwebinars?

Simply register on our Web site to be on our confidential e-mail list. Easy!www.nhpcc.net

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