There is no question that many businesses are going through challenging times brought on by current economic conditions. The U.S. Postal Service shares in these struggles. Although times may be hard, we believe that this is a time to move forward with confidence and conviction.

By nature the Postal Service is optimistic. After being in business for over 200 years, we come by that trait naturally. We have seen the civil war, both world wars, 9/11, anthrax attacks and many bad economies. So we have every reason to believe we will come through this current downturn.

Here in Long Island, our employees are working through the challenges by processing your mail with reduced costs and reaching record levels of productivity.

The U.S. Postal Service delivers more than 46 percent of the world's mail volume - some 212 billion letters, advertisements, periodicals and packages each year - and serves ten million customers each day at its 37,000 nationwide retail locations.

Pricing flexibility, incentives and mail programs make mail a powerful tool for reaching consumers. And, our investment in new technologies and equipment has been the model that has allowed us to continue providing the excellent service our customers expect.

As the USPS streamlines its operations to optimize its network of mail processing hubs we appreciate the feedback from our PCC partners. By focusing on what matters most to customers, leveraging our strengths and embracing change we will be ready for the customers of tomorrow. Together, we can ensure all customers receive even more value from the mail.

Through everyone’s efforts, we are redefining the way we conduct the business of facilitating your business. We see you as business partners. When you succeed we succeed.

All in all we are building a strong foundation to keep the postal service a viable and continuing integral partner of American business.

Please join us on January 11th, 2012 for our first official 2012 monthly meeting. At this meeting we will have a presentation on the Price Changes for both the Mailing & Shipping Services effective January 22, 2012.

Keep in mind you can register on line for this meeting, as well as all of our other events, at www.longislandpcc.com.

O n behalf of the Long Island District, we hope for the continued success of the PCC in 2012.