Eastern Region Celebrates Successful Conventions

Eastern Region Celebrates Successful Conventions
By Richard Green
NAPS Eastern Region Vice President

When we move from the cold winter to spring and summer, we all look forward to good weather. But what I look forward to is NAPS’ state convention season!

Over the past few months, conventions have been going on across the country where NAPS members come together to conduct business, hear from NAPS and USPS leadership, as well as network and learn together. What a great convention season we have had in the Eastern Region.

I want to thank Area Vice Presidents Troy Griffin, Ed Laster and Tony Dallojacono for their exceptional leadership. Thanks, also, to the state and local branch leadership teams for all they do in making these events come together and be beneficial to our members.

If you are not involved, I challenge you to become involved with your local branch so I can meet you at next year’s convention. I want to share some highlights from our conventions in the Eastern Region.

The Capitol-Atlantic Five States Convention was in Falls Church, VA. Thanks to Troy and the team for a great convention! Members from Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia and North and South Carolina were in attendance. USPS leadership was represented by Chief Retail and Delivery Officer Elvin Mercado. He shared his vision for the direction of the delivery side of the house.

Mercado discussed three indicators that he uses to drive success: Engagement, accountability and results. I look forward to working with Mercado to ensure NAPS members see where they fit in the future and how we can be a part of the future success of the USPS.

NAPS Headquarters was represented by Executive Vice President Chuck Mulidore and Secretary/Treasurer Jimmy Warden. Legislative updates and financial training were provided to equip our members with information to share with their members.

The Pennsylvania State Convention was in Harrisburg, PA. Thanks to Tony D. and the Pennsylvania leadership team for all their work to ensure a successful meeting. NAPS President Ivan D. Butts provided a detailed briefing on the status of the NAPS lawsuit against the USPS. Members left with a clear understanding of our position and ready to continue the fight.

HR training was conducted by Sue Bartko, Pennsylvania State president. The training was informative and provided our members with tools to more effectively manage their offices.

The Pioneer Area Convention was in Evansville, IN. Thanks to Ed and the team for a great convention. Members from Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and West Virginia were in attendance. NAPS Secretary/Treasurer Jimmy Warden provided a legislative briefing on legislation impacting our members being debated in Congress at the time. All delegates in attendance took the opportunity to reach out to their senators using the platform NAPS Headquarters provided. If you would like to do the same, please reach out to us and we will assist you.

The New Jersey State Convention was in Atlantic City. Thanks to Tony D. and the team for a great convention. USPS speakers included Greg Ferris, postmaster, Kilmer S&DC; Tony Impronto, director, Post Office Operations; Jill Minniard, director, Field Labor Relations, Atlantic Area; Bruce Nicholson, director, Labor Relations Policies and Programs; and Dane Coleman, vice president, Processing Operations.

A wealth of information was shared with delegates concerning upcoming changes and vision for the Postal Service. Coleman was optimistic about service improvement trends and driving the transformation of the processing network to prepare the Postal Service for the future.

This is just a snapshot of the importance and impact of information shared during convention season. If you are not involved in your local branch, get involved! We need your presence at your conventions.

You are missing out on great networking opportunities, as well as opportunities to learn more about where the USPS is going and understanding the key role NAPS plays in the day-to-day operations of the agency.

Fighting for membership!