RICHMOND, VA — Post offices across Virginia will participate in Small Business Week, April 30 through May 6, by hosting events to demonstrate how the U.S. Postal Service continues to create easy and affordable services designed to help small businesses grow.

Postal representatives will be available to discuss how small businesses can benefit from postal products and services such as Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM), USPS Connect and Priority Mail.

“If you’re a business owner or manager, our enhanced offerings will help you reach customers at the most cost-effective pricing in the industry,” JaLisa Joshua, Business Lead Development Specialist. “Our business can help your business grow.”

During Small Business Week, post offices around the country will host “Grow Your Business” events where business owners and entrepreneurs can learn about USPS small business offerings designed to help grow and innovate small business in a one-on-one setting.

Post Offices and branches participating in Small Business Week events throughout Virginia include:

The Postal Service embraces this year’s theme “This ZIP Code™ Means Business” as we recognize the importance of supporting small businesses, the jobs they help create, and the quality of life that they provide in every ZIP Code™ across the nation.

Small business owners unable to attend can learn more about how USPS can help to grow their business at  www.usps.com/smallbusiness. While visiting our website please check out all the tools and applications we offer specifically with small business in mind.

Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) helps business owners promote their products and/or services through efficient and affordable business mailings without the cost of mailing lists or permits. There will be an opportunity for business customers to learn about the simple process of selecting a campaign message, target audience and preparation of EDDM mailings.

Informed Delivery is a free and optional notification feature that gives residential consumers the ability to digitally preview their letter-sized mail and manage their packages scheduled to arrive soon. Customers will be able to sign up for Informed Delivery and learn more about its customer and marketing capabilities.

USPS Connect allows for same-day and next-day options for local delivery, plus regional and national options. The four USPS Connect business solutions are:

• USPS Connect Local is a new way for local businesses to affordably and quickly reach local customers. USPS Connect Local offers affordable next-day service in all locations, with same-day delivery, Sunday delivery and pickup options in select locations. This offering also includes USPS Connect Local Mail, an affordable First-Class Mail option for documents up to 13 ounces. Businesses can enter USPS Connect Local packages and mail at the receiving dock of the designated postal facility or take advantage of free en-route pickup when their carrier delivers their mail. Free flat-rate bags, boxes and envelopes are available via Click-N-Ship.

• USPS Connect Regional provides next-day regional entry and delivery of Parcel Select packages and Parcel Select Lightweight packages. Businesses should consult with USPS representatives to identify the entry points and options that work best for them. Most packages will be delivered the next day within a specified region.

• USPS Connect National provides delivery solutions for businesses of all sizes. They can benefit from the Postal Service’s new mail processing equipment and reconfigured network to receive reliable delivery of packages through First-Class Package Service, Parcel Select Ground and Retail Ground.

• USPS Connect Returns is a service for businesses to offer their customers convenient returns, with free en-route pickup by their carrier or drop-off at a nearby Post Office location.

Business owners unable to attend an event can learn more about how USPS can help to grow their business at  www.usps.com/smallbusiness. While visiting our website, check out all the tools and applications we offer specifically with small business in mind.

Delivering for America
The Postal Service surpassed a milestone recently, entering the third year of Delivering For America, the Postal Service’s 10-year plan to achieve financial sustainability and service excellence, including new offerings for small business customers such as USPS Connect.

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