December 2002

USPS Reduces 2002 Estimated Loss Third Time
The USPS expects a loss of $676 million for fiscal 2002, Postmaster John E. Potter announced at the monthly meeting of the Board of Governors. The service originally set the loss estimate at $1.35 billion. Since then, the estimate has been reduced 3 times in spite of a decline in mail volumes of nearly 5 billion pieces and an addition of more than 1.7 million addresses. 

Also credited with improving USPS financials is support of employees by union leaders and $1 billion in revenue from the last rate case.

Presidential Commission To Examine USPS Future
December 11, President Bush named the nine members of a new Presidential Commission to make recommendations on the future of the USPS. Harry Pearce, chairman of Hughes Electronics, and James Johnson, formerly of Fannie Mae, will head the commission. 

Some of commission's tasks are:

• Explore the necessity of flexibility to allow the USPS to 
  change prices, control costs and adjust service levels in 
  response to changing financial conditions. 
• Review current postal legislation that hinders USPS’ 
  ability to evolve.
• Report on the service's ability to continue universal 
  service at affordable rates while limiting taxpayer 
  responsibilities.

The commission is due to present its recommendations to Congress before Aug. 31. 

News Poll
Send your vote to mailto:webmaster@mailcci.com or vote online. Visit http://www.mailCCI.com and click Direct Mail Survey.

How will you buy gifts this season?

____ Traditional Store
____ Mail Order Catalogs
____ Internet Shopping

We'll post the poll results here in next month's e-newsletter.
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Results of last month's poll: 
We are extending last month's survey another month. The 
results will appear in the January issue of News Affecting 
The Direct Mailer.

See the results of other surveys CCI has conducted online at http://www.mailcci.com/data/surveys.asp.

www.mailCCI.com
For 2 years, CCI has been recognized as a top Diversity owned business. October 28, at the National Diversity awards ceremony in Washington, DC, CCI received a "Top Business in 2002" award.

With over 9 million Diversity owned businesses in the United States, businesses recognized by Div2000, like CCI, have distinguished themselves as leaders in their industries and communities. 

Read more about CCI, diversity owned businesses and Div2000 at http://www.mailcci.com/woman_owned_business/diversity_owned_business.asp.