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Offices host events for small businesses

Woman talks to retail clerk
Bay-Valley District Business Development Specialist Lalaine Cristobal talks to a customer at a recent small-business event at the Marina, CA, Post Office.

USPS got down to business in May.

Post Offices across the United States hosted more than 7,100 workshops and other activities for entrepreneurs throughout the month, including several events during National Small Business Week, which concluded May 5.

Participants received mailing and shipping tips and learned about offerings like Every Door Direct Mail and Informed Delivery, a mail notification service that businesses can use to create interactive digital marketing campaigns.

“Small businesses are the cornerstone of our community,” said Cary Chism, marketing manager for Arkansas District, which hosted a series of Grow Your Business Day workshops in May. “These events are the Postal Service’s way of saying thanks.”

More than 7 million small-business customers rely on the Postal Service for their mailing and shipping needs, generating more than $2.5 billion in annual revenue for USPS. The organization estimates another 28 million small businesses may not be aware of how the Postal Service can assist them.

“Many small businesses use the mail as a part of their administrative and marketing operations,” said Tallahassee, FL, Postmaster Edward Miller, whose office also held workshops this month. “We want to show other business owners how they also can use the mail to drive sales and revenue, save time and reduce costs.”

In addition to the local small-business events, USPS showcased its products and services at this month’s National Postal Forum.

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