An Illinois Postmaster’s conversation with the owner of a local wholesale business led to a solution for his shipping crisis and brought in more than $600,000 in revenue for the Postal Service.
During a recent Business Connect event sponsored by the Minooka, IL, Post Office, Melissa Davison introduced herself to Daniel Bekavac of Bekavac Trading in nearby Crest Hill.
Bekavac told Davison that his shipper had abruptly refused his shipments because of the coronavirus pandemic, leaving his company in the lurch.
Davison submitted a Business Connect lead, calling in assistance from the USPS small-business team.
Business Development Specialist Alfred Strickland worked with Bekavac to formulate a deal to handle the company’s shipping, which resulted in $604,020 of documented revenue.
This revenue has been added to the Postal Service’s Race for a $Billion campaign total, which is at $631.5 million as of May 6.
The initiative, which began last fall, aims to raise $1 billion through employee-provided sales leads before the fiscal year ends Sept. 30.
Employees can submit leads through the Business Connect, Clerks Care, Customer Connect, Mail Handlers, Rural Reach and Submit a Lead programs.
“Melissa Davison’s quick thinking helped this business out of a difficult situation because of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Mary Anderson, small-business engagement director at USPS headquarters. “Postal Service employees are crucial in saving Main Street USA during this difficult time.”
The Sales Blue page has more information about the lead-sharing programs, including instructions on participating.
