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He took the initiative

An employee’s efforts win recognition in Puerto Rico and stamp sales blossom at a WV Post Office

Five smiling USPS employees standing side by side on the workroom floor of a Post Office
Corozal, PR, Retail Associate Fabian Tañón with the special pin presented to him by Elvin Mercado, chief retail and delivery officer. Pictured from left are Adyani Torres, executive director of insights and operations excellence; Mercado; Tañón; Chenise LeDoux, Southern Area vice president; and Brenda Rios, Corozal postmaster.

Fabian Tañón, a Corozal, PR, retail associate, is always looking for a better way to do things.

This instinct recently led to not only a more efficient workplace but also recognition from Chief Retail and Delivery Officer Elvin Mercado.

Tañón took the initiative to reorganize the distribution and staging areas as well as update labels and signage in his office, putting Lean Six Sigma principles into action without even knowing he was doing so. The upgraded layout has contributed to improved scanning and quicker service.

Mercado, who was the keynote speaker at the Puerto Rico District career conference, spent time visiting the San Juan Sorting and Delivery Center and other facilities.

After his stop at the Corozal Post Office, Mercado was so impressed with what Tañón had done that he presented the employee with a special pin and sent him a certificate of achievement.

When asked about what inspired him to make the improvements, Tañón said that when he sees a problem, he looks for solutions.

District leaders are now working on enrolling him in Lean Six Sigma training for official certification.

Flower power helps promote Alzheimer’s stamp

Employees at the Newburg, WV, Post Office promoted the Alzheimer’s stamp — which USPS spotlights each September — with a dedicated display, including banners, posters and balloons.

Customers who purchased a sheet were also encouraged to add their name to a cut-out paper flower to be displayed at the facility.

“Let’s fill the Post Office with flowers while supporting a great cause,” one poster read. Many of the posters and balloons were purple, the color of Alzheimer’s awareness.

The village of about 250 residents did not disappoint.

“We are a very small town but have sold more than 270 stamps so far and have had a lot of appreciation from the community,” said Postmaster Christina Howdershelt, who praised her employees’ efforts.

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