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Here’s what Link covered Nov. 17-23

A new retail prototype made news

A self-serve counter for putting together packages at a prototype USPS Post Office
The Postal Service’s new Athens, GA, prototype retail location includes space where customers can prepare and drop off packages, use a USPS Smart Locker and perform transactions.

Last week, Link got down to business: We offered a look at a Postal Service retail modernization prototype recently unveiled in Athens, GA.

The new space offers upgraded retail counters, expanded self-service options, USPS Smart Lockers, fingerprinting and identity verification. More retail prototypes are planned in Waco, TX; Fort Lauderdale, FL; and nine other locations.

On the ethics front, we reminded managers to follow the proper procedures for Voyager fuel cards, and spotlighted the second in a three-part series of videos on collusion; this one warns against sending illegal drugs in the mail.

We also reported on the appointment of Joseph Bruce as acting human resources vice president, and we spotlighted a few of the employees who help keep USPS running.

“On the Job” featured James Chong, a letter carrier in Barrigada, Guam, who once saved a toddler chased by dogs; “Heroes” spotlighted Michael Pentico, a letter carrier in Perry, IA, who may have prevented a house from going up in flames; and “Off the Clock” told the story of  Charlitha Arney, a customer service operations manager in Minneapolis who overcame her fear of water to become a certified scuba diving instructor.

And with a historic open season underway, Link offered information on flexible spending accounts and the various health plan types.

Additionally, we passed along information on the Postal Service’s latest casting call for TV commercials, and we shared news of a new online catalog, Santa’s Gift Shoppe, that offers an easy way for people to participate in USPS Operation Santa.

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