zipLINE | Fall 2023

UNLOCK YOUR CREATIVITY ZIPLINE

table of Contents

04. A NOTE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

06. UPDATES WITH THE ACCUZIP TEAM

16. MEET OUR TEAM MEMBERS

20. GET TO KNOW BUYLISTS.COM

22. NEXT LEVEL VARIABLE MAPS

24. BULK LIVINGPRINT IS BETTER THAN EVER

28. ACCUZIP’S CASS CYCLE O CERTIFICATION

30. FEATURES OF THE CASS CYCLE O UPDATE

32. EXPLORE THE Z4 CHANGE MODULE

36. BECOME A CULTURE CATALYST

38. WATERFALL STAMP SERIES

40. JOURNEY TO PLACERVILLE, CA

PRESIDENT FROM OUR GET CRAFTY

Welcome to the latest edition of zipLINE!

We’re thrilled to bring you an array of articles that are both insightful and enjoyable. This issue is packed with valuable information and exciting features, all intended to keep you in the loop and ensure that you get the most out of our partnership.

One piece that you absolutely should not miss is our in-depth article on the recent CASS Cycle O changes. This article outlines how these changes can be implemented in your business to deliver superior data results. We’ve demystified the changes, providing a

clear road map on how to leverage them for improved outcomes.

We’re also excited to share with you the new enhancements and updates to Bulk LIVINGPRINT. Listening to your feedback and incorporating your suggestions has been a key part of our development process. We believe that we’ve revolutionized the way postcards are created and mailed. Get ready to experience postcards that truly come to life!

We are sincerely grateful for your continued loyalty and partnership. Your support and feedback are the driving force behind our

innovation and commitment to excellence. We hope you enjoy the fall season, and we can’t wait to greet you again in our next issue – the Holiday edition.

Until then, happy reading and best wishes!

Kristen McKiernan, President

Industry EVENTS

NPSOA OWNERS CONFERENCE

March 16 – 18th

Donna Tackett represented AccuZIP and taught several courses at the NPSOA conference in South Carolina. Additionally, Trish Witkowski of FoldFactory mentioned Bulk LIVINGPRINT during her presentation.

MFSA CONFERENCE

March 31st – April 2nd

Our team sponsored and participated in the MFSA Conference in Dallas.

NPF CONFERENCE

May 21st –24th

We had a great time at the National Postal Forum in Charlotte this Spring. We got to present several workshops on direct mailing and shared information about our products and services at our booth. It was fantastic seeing longtime AccuZIP customer partner and friend Steven Rosenberg of Marketplace Solutions. Donna Tackett respresented us well with her AccuZIP lapel pin!

MINUTEMAN PRESS OWNERS CONFERENCES

AccuZIP is proud to be a Platinum Sponsor

DELIVERY TECHNOLOGY

ADVOCACY COUNCIL MEETING

November 14th –15th

AccuZIP is excited to host the fall DTAC meeting at our headquarters in Texas.

Our Team’s Latest ACHIEVEMENTS

ACCUSTAR & BRIGHT IDEA

DONNA TACKETT Customer Care Specialist & Franchise Development Manager

Donna was nominated as an AccuStar after working tirelessly with President Kristen McKiernan to advocate to USPS contacts and industry leaders reporting issues that our customer partners were having with the MailAnywhere program. Her effort will have a positive impact for not only our cusotmer partners but all mailers and Industry in general. Huge Kudos to Donna!

We would also like to recognize Donna for her Bright Idea! Donna suggested adding the ability to cleanse lists with the Do Not Mail file and adding a flag for Prison addresses based on feedback from customer partners.

ACCUSTAR

SHELLY BELMONTE Human Resources Administer

Shelly was nominated for her dedication to the daunting task of converting our 401k plan. The complexity and gravity of this project cannot be understated. Timesensitive deadlines added to the pressure. Her detailed planning and execution made what could have been a challenging period a seamless transition for all staff members. Shelly, you are an AccuStar. Shine on!

ACCUSTAR

MAT LITTLE Software Engineer & Senior Support Engineer

Mat was nominated for working intensely on a rapid timeline and important development project, BuyLists. com. He has a calm demeanor, extreme professionalism, bright and innovative wisdom, provided guidance on documentation, and led with a humble approach to collaborating on a complex product launch. Mat shines bright as an AccuStar for all these reasons and more.

ACCUSTAR

GEOFF COOKE Customer Care Specialist

Geoff was nominated for working above and beyond to resolve a highly complex activation issue. Thank you for doing something above and beyond your regular duties at AccuZIP that makes you stand out as an AccuStar.

Growing with ACCULEARN

SKILLPATH BOOT CAMP

“The speaker shared tools to develop deeper conversations with prospects and help them solve their problems with our products. He also suggested keeping some rhetorical questions in my back pocket to continue the discussion when faced with opposition. It was very insightful.”

– Kelsey Hazelton

CUESTA COLLEGE COURSES

Over the last few years, Kelsey Hazelton has been dedicated to continuing her education at Cuesta College through AccuLearn. She recently completed three business courses.

CORNELL UNIVERSITY IN NUTRITION AND HEALTHY LIVING

“Inspired by Steve’s excitement for our AccuLearn program, I joined eCornell’s ‘Nutrition and Healthy Living’ certificate program. It allowed me to explore the science behind wellness and find ways to use it during my daily choices. I encourage anyone given the opportunity to take the jump. It will benefit you and your team.”

– Christine Anderson

SKILLPATH COURSE

Kristen McKiernan recently completed a SkillPath course aimed to polish her writing skills to be clear and concise.

ACCUGIVES Giving Back

ECHO’S EMPTY BOWLS

Our California team participated in the El Camino Homeless Organization’s Empty Bowls Event. All bowls are made and donated by local potters and community artists. From left to right, Larissa Barrios, CEO of ECHO Wendy Lewis, Kelsey Hazelton, and Kristen McKiernan.

OUT OF THE DARKNESS WALK

“In participating, we acknowledge our responsibility in illuminating the path towards mental health. Every stride taken is a testament to our belief that no one should feel isolated in their darkness. This journey we undertake is not just about preventing suicide – it’s about inspiring hope, fostering empathy, and redefining strength in vulnerability.”

– Kristen McKiernan, President

TORNADO SUPPORT

As part of our AccuCares program, we gifted a customer partner a complimentary year of the AccuZIP6 maintenance agreement. Their offices were impacted by an F3 Tornado this March. We are grateful that we can take a small role in their rehabilitation, so they can get back on track.

BELLEVUE SANTA FE CARNIVAL

“Our sincerest gratitude to AccuZIP and the AccuGIVES program for their generous sponsorship of our annual carnival. The donation of the carnival swings is a joyful testament to their dedication to youth and education. Thank you for supporting the students of Bellevue Santa Fe Charter Elementary School and for making a significant difference in our community.”

– Bellevue Santa Fe PTO

ICM GOLF TOURNAMENT

We proudly sponsored the Interfaith Caring Ministries Annual Golf Tournament this May. Our team of Terry Crouch, Mat Little, Vince Murdoch, Geoff Cooke, Brock Belmonte, and Steve Belmonte came together to play for AccuZIP. Jill Crouch and Shelly Belmonte were by their side cheering them on!

Having Some ACCUFUN

SAN LUIS OBISPO RENAISSANCE FAIR

Larissa Barrios joined her belly dancing troop at the San Luis Obispo Renaissance Fair. Larissa gave Kristen McKiernan’s daughter Hazel (left) and friend Scarlett (right) dancing belts and even taught them some moves after the show.

ATASCADERO TAMALE FESTIVAL

Led by Sales Support Specialist Kelsey Hazelton and President Kristen McKiernan, our AccuZIP family reveled in a vibrant day of celebration at the Atascadero Tamale Festival. From the charm of the pet costume contest to the flavorful tamales, every moment was a delightful fusion of fun and heritage.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS’ DAY

We celebrated our fantastic administrative professionals, Sandy Gunion and Larissa Barrios, on April 26th.

STEVE & SHELLY’S 31ST ACCUVERSARY

Our team sent these beautiful flowers with our brand colors to Steve and Shelly Belmonte for their 31st AccuVersary!

SHELLY’S BIRTHDAY

The California Team celebrated Shelly Belmonte and her March 30th Birthday!

SANDY’S BIRTHDAY

We decorated the office and enjoyed cupcakes for Sandy Gunion’s birthday!

Get to KNow Our Team

VINCENT MURDOCH

CUSTOMER CARE SPECIALIST

What’s your favorite thing about AccuZIP?

The atmosphere that Steve and Shelly have setup that makes us all feel like family!

What are you excited about at AccuZIP?

The constant innovation that keeps pushing the industry forward. It keeps us on our toes and pushes us to strive to better ourselves.

What’s the best career advice you could give someone?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make big decisions. That’s how I got this job and how my life has improved so much!

What do you feel most proud of in your life?

In the last ten years, I’ve gotten married, moved states, and now own a house! I’m the most proud of taking a few leaps of faith with some big moves and changes. They have allowed me to get to where I am now, and I am so happy!

What’s your favorite quality about yourself?

I’m pretty good at listening, which helps a lot in this job.

What was your favorite subject in school?

Computer class would be my favorite. Learning a ton of programs and meeting like-minded people is always fun!

What is a skill you’d like to master?

I’d like to be able to play an instrument like the guitar. It’s just always seemed intriguing.

What is your favorite travel destination?

I don’t travel much, but Gibraltar was very beautiful.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

The power of magnetism, like Magneto. It always seemed like one of the cooler powers and allows for a lot of other powers like flying.

If you could be any animal, what would it be?

I’ve always liked cats, and the cheetah has always been my favorite of the big cats. They are cats and run fast!

What age do you wish you could be permanently?

Twenty five – it’s not something I’ve really considered, but then I would be able to do anything and everything I realistically want to do – and get better insurance rates while doing it.

UNLOCK your creativity.

QUALITY YOU CAN TRUST

Have you heard? We have developed a site that lets you and your customers research and buy highly targeted Consumer, New Mover, New Homeowner, Business, and New Business lists. You can search for lists by Street-Level Carrier Route, ZIP Code, City, County, State, and Radius Around an Address.

BuyLists.com ensures accurate, consistent, and standardized information by identifying and correcting errors or inconsistencies in the data. Our goal is to provide the best data quality and usability of our names and addresses for various purposes, using proprietary techniques that run in real time.

The site is designed to make searching and downloading lists a breeze. Our exclusive Price Lock Guarantee reduces your costs, saves you time, and increases profits.

We offer a generic List Purchase site that can easily be branded to match your company

colors and logo, and you can control the price that your customers see. Put your best foot forward by customizing your dashboard domain to yourcompany.buylists.com.

This new innovative list purchase tool is designed specifically for you, our customer partners. Take advantage of this offer today!

VARIABLE MAPS

In today’s competitive business landscape, personalized targeted marketing campaigns are essential for driving engagement and boosting profits. We offer a highly customizable Variable Maps service that allows businesses to create personalized maps with street-view images and turn-by-turn directions for each recipient. Let’s explore some of the possibilities and benefits of utilizing AccuZIP’s Personalized Variable Maps to turbocharge your direct mail campaigns and enhance your overall marketing strategy.

AccuZIP’s Variable Maps service stands out with its versatility and customizability. Businesses can easily create highly personalized maps for recipients, whether it’s for upcoming elections, targeted radius mailings, or real estate campaigns. These maps feature a street-level view image and turn-by-turn street directions that can be seamlessly integrated into the mail piece. With a user-friendly web-based interface, generating customized maps for your mailings has never been easier.

The flexibility of our Variable Maps service opens the door to a wide range of applications. From providing directions to the polling station for elections to guiding customers to the nearest dining establishment, shopping center, or home for sale, the possibilities are endless.

Users can specify travel modes, distance calculations, and define what to avoid, making each map tailored to the recipient’s needs.

The real power of AccuZIP’s Personalized Variable Maps lies in the ability to enhance the ROI of direct mail campaigns. By creating personalized and targeted mail pieces, businesses can capture your audience’s attention and drive higher response rates. Case studies have shown significant success stories, with businesses reporting the highest response rates they have ever experienced in their operations.

For real estate professionals, geographic farming is a crucial strategy for growing and maintaining a successful business. AccuZIP’s Variable Maps can be seamlessly integrated into Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) data, displaying properties that have been recently sold and listed in specific ZIP codes and carrier routes. Real estate agents and brokers can use these personalized maps to showcase open houses, recently listed properties, recent sales, and comps, reinforcing their ability to serve buyers effectively.

We provide a step-by-step guide on how to create Variable Maps through our website. Explore for yourself – generate customized

maps for your direct mail campaigns, leveraging the user-friendly interface and extensive options to tailor each map precisely to your needs.

AccuZIP’s Personalized Variable Maps service offers businesses a powerful tool to create highly customized and targeted direct mail campaigns. With the ability to include street

view images, turn-by-turn directions, and other personalized elements, you can engage your audience on a deeper level, leading to increased response rates and higher profits. Stand out in the competitive market and establish a stronger connection with your customers. Take advantage of AccuZIP’s Variable Maps service today and witness its impact on your marketing success.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ACCUZIP’S PERSONALIZED VARIABLE MAPS, VISIT: accuzip.com/products/personalized-variable-maps

LivingPrint

We Updated the Bulk LIVINGPRINT Process Based on Your Feedback

Expand your business by providing Bulk LIVINGMAIL Postcards to your clientele. Our LIVINGPRINT App can integrate photos, videos, a custom background, and a music soundtrack to create print-ready artwork that can be printed with variable data or sent as an EDDM. Your customers can effortlessly design their LIVINGMAIL Postcards within minutes. We have now updated this offering to make it better than ever!

ADDING BULK PRINT PROVIDERS

Adding bulk print providers is now simple and easy. Instead of entering an address during the ‘Add Recipient’ step and having to match it to a provider, you can add them with a 6-digit numeric code. Each bulk provider is assigned a unique 6-digit code that your customer uses to add you as a bulk print shop on their account. They simply install the app, create an account, go to settings, choose ‘Add Bulk Print Shop,’ and then enter your 6-digit code. From that point forward, you will be saved as a provider on their account, so they can easily select your print shop while creating a card.

CREATING A BULK ORDER

Creating a bulk order is now apparent to the user in the app during the creation process. After adding at least one bulk print shop to their account, they will see a check box on the ‘Add Recipients’ page that says ‘Create a Bulk Order.’ Once they check the box, a drop-down will appear with any bulk print shops they have added to their account. They can then select the provider they want to work with and place their order.

DOWNLOADING THE APP IS NOT REQUIRED FOR RECIPIENTS

The LIVINGPRINT slideshow now plays

automatically on web browsers, featuring your custom photos, videos, and music.

BULK ORDERS ARE NOW FREE TO CREATE

Each order used to cost $1.99 per card, but bulk orders are now completely free to create. If you check the ‘Create a Bulk Order’ box on the ‘Add Recipient’ page, your order total will be $0.00, and the order will be sent to the selected bulk provider digitally via email the next day if placed after 8 AM Eastern.

IMMEDIATE ORDER NOTIFICATIONS

Instead of only knowing you received an order the next day, we now email you as soon as an order is placed with your facility. As soon as a customer places an order, an email will be sent to the bulk provider with a picture of what the order will look like and the customer’s email address so you can contact them to get their list and provide pricing details.

CALL TO ACTION BUTTON

We added an optional ‘Call To Action’ button that will direct the customer to your website with the next steps! This is the final touch to get your prospects to take action!

It’s time to help your customers take direct mail to the next level and start using BULK LIVINGPRINT today!

CONTACT US TODAY WE ARE HERE FOR YOU

We are excited to announce that we have officially achieved certification for the USPS® CASS Cycle O!

WHAT IS CASS™?

CASS (Coding Accuracy Support System) is a certification program by USPS that evaluates the accuracy and quality of address-matching software. This system ensures that the software can accurately process critical components of an address, such as:

• 5-digit coding

• ZIP + 4® coding

• Carrier Route coding

• DPV® (Delivery Point Validation)

• LACSLink® coding

• SuiteLink® coding

• eLOT® coding

• RDI™ coding

• Z4Change coding

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?

Our CASS Cycle O certification is a testament to our commitment to providing you with the highest level of address correction accuracy and deliverability. By using our services, you can be confident that your mail is being processed with a top-tier address-matching software, reducing the chance of delivery errors and ensuring more accurate, timely delivery of your mail.

We are thrilled to share this achievement and look forward to continuing to provide you with exceptional service. Learn more about the new enhancements and valuable features in our next article. Should you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to our customer support team. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership!

Our address-matching software has met the rigorous standards set by the United States Postal Service’s Addressing and Geospatial Technology (AGT) office.

valuable features from

Our Latest CASS Cycle O Update

STEVE

BELMONTE AccuZIP CEO

Your dedicated team at AccuZIP has been diligently working on the new CASS Cycle O update, bringing a range of exciting enhancements to your AccuZIP CASS Certified products and services. This article highlights the Cycle O specific feature improvements and introduces valuable information available in the “dpvnotes_” column in AccuZIP6, empowering you to make better decisions about your mailing strategies.

and utilizing the NOSTAT Reason codes, mailers can refine their mailing lists, reduce undeliverable mail, and optimize their overall mailing efficiency. Regularly reviewing and updating addresses with NOSTAT codes can help improve deliverability and reduce wasted resources.

IDENTIFYING ADDRESS QUALITY

WITH DPVNOTES_ COLUMN VALUES: AccuZIP6’s “dpvnotes_” column offers essential insights into address quality, enabling you to optimize your mailing campaigns. NOSTAT Reason codes provide valuable insights into addresses that do not meet the criteria for DPV (Delivery Point Validation) confirmation. By understanding

ENHANCED DPV (DELIVERY POINT VALIDATION) CODES provide detailed information about the confirmation status of address components necessary for a valid delivery point. Understanding these Enhanced DPV Codes helps mailers identify the completeness and accuracy of their address data. By reviewing and addressing addresses with incomplete or unconfirmed components, mailers can improve the deliverability of their mail and reduce undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) mail volume. Regularly validating addresses using DPV ensures that mail reaches the intended recipients efficiently and reduces wasted resources on undeliverable mailings.

CRRT COLUMN: R777 - R779 refers to phantom routes used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to identify non-delivery addresses.

These routes are specifically designated for addresses that are considered undeliverable. By understanding R777 - R779 routes and appropriately managing addresses falling under this category, mailers can enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of their mailing efforts. It enables them to focus their resources on deliverable addresses, reduce undeliverable mail, and improve the overall success rate of their campaigns.

SINGLE TRAILING ALPHA: The concept of a Single Trailing Alpha on a Primary Number pertains to specific address scenarios where a primary number ends with a single alphabetic character. By understanding and correctly managing addresses with a Single Trailing Alpha on a Primary Number, mailers can ensure accurate address validation, improve delivery success rates, and reduce undeliverableas-addressed (UAA) mail. Adhering to USPS guidelines and best practices in address validation ensures optimal efficiency in mail processing and enhances the overall effectiveness of mailing campaigns.

MILITARY ADDRESSES: AccuZIP has expanded its support for military address types by incorporating two additional categories: UMR (United Mail Room) and OMC (Official Mail Center). This enhancement reflects AccuZIP’s commitment to meeting the unique needs of military mailers and ensuring accurate processing and delivery of mail within military installations and bases.

CROSS STATE ADDRESS SUPPORT: Crossstate addresses refer to situations where a single ZIP code covers multiple states or where a city name may be associated with multiple states within the same ZIP code. By understanding cross-state addressing nuances and adhering to USPS guidelines, mailers can ensure the accuracy of cross-state addresses, minimize delivery errors, and optimize the efficiency of their mailings. Accurate city and state association with the corresponding ZIP

codes plays a vital role in ensuring mail reaches the intended recipients in the appropriate state, regardless of ZIP code overlaps or shared city names across states.

TOTALDPS SUPPORT: Total Delivery Point Sequencing refers to an alternative method of sequencing delivery point codes for address records, particularly those that would otherwise have conflicting 11-digit ZIP codes. The objective of TotalDPS is to provide a more concise and accurate way of assigning delivery point codes, ensuring efficient mail processing and delivery. By utilizing TotalDPS calculations, AccuZIP enables mailers to optimize the sequencing and delivery of their mail. This results in improved accuracy, faster delivery, and enhanced overall efficiency in mail processing. The use of TotalDPS helps streamline mail operations, reduce delivery errors, and enhance the overall effectiveness of mailing campaigns.

The latest CASS Cycle O update by AccuZIP introduces significant improvements to our CASS Certified products and services. AccuZIP’s commitment to providing enhanced features and support empowers mailers to make informed decisions about their mailing strategies, improve address quality, and optimize mail delivery. By leveraging these advancements, mailers can reduce undeliverable mail, enhance efficiency, and increase the overall effectiveness of their mailing campaigns.

Read the Full Article on the CASS Cycle O Update

BIT.LY/CASSCYCLEO

Z4CHANGE MODULE GET TO KNOW THE

AccuZIP is proud to be one of three vendors certified for Z4CHANGE (learn more at bit.ly/ Z4CHANGE). The Z4CHANGE module provides mailers with the information necessary to create an application that will facilitate frequent and cost-effective processing for updating extensive computerized mailing lists for automation compatibility and improved deliverability.

Current USPS® regulations require that all customer address lists be processed by CASS Certified™ address-matching software (see Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), section A708 for a complete description of CASS™ requirements). CASS-certified software applies the correct ZIP+4®, delivery point, and/or carrier route codes while standardizing address, city, and state elements. To enhance deliverability, the USPS recommends that customers reprocess their address lists more frequently using CASS Certified software. However, frequent reprocessing of address lists can be costly and time-consuming.

Z4CHANGE was developed for customers

who need data as a cost-effective means of improving the deliverability of their mail using the most current ZIP+4 and delivery point information. Z4CHANGE helps customers achieve this goal by providing data that indicates which ZIP+4 codes have been realigned in the past twelve months. When a high-rise (“H”) or firm (“F”) record is added to ZIP+4 by the USPS, Z4CHANGE also shows a transaction for the supporting street ZIP+4 code, allowing customers the opportunity to upgrade previously coded street-level matches. Customers must then develop their own software to access Z4CHANGE to determine which records on their address lists need to be reprocessed by CASS Certified software. As a result, only the records that have had transactions will need to be reprocessed, which can be done monthly or bimonthly.

Should the USPS determine that a significant change in CASS™ requirements warrants a complete update of all addresses, Z4CHANGE customers may be notified that they will be required to reprocess their entire address lists. Otherwise, Z4CHANGE customers will only

Deliverability Improved by Using the Most Current ZIP + 4® Information

Eliminates the need to reprocess an entire address list by providing a means of maintaining continuous qualification for discounted automation rates. Z4CHANGE users’ address files remain current and in compliance with USPS® regulations.

Increases address accuracy by enabling more frequent ZIP+4 address file processing.

Enhances the mailer’s competitiveness in the marketplace by improving mail deliverability and increasing the promptness of mail delivery.

be required to reprocess their entire address lists at the end of the third year following Z4CHANGE certification.

Consider Z4Change, which can speed up the CASS process in AccuZIP6 5.0 to upwards of 25,000 per second. The Z4Change product

looks at the previously CASS certified records and the new CASS data and determines which ZIP+4 has activity and only reprocesses those records, which is about 5% each month. Z4Change will greatly enhance the speed of processing CASS + NCOALink and cut down the time from hours to minutes or days to hours.

What keeps life fascinating is the constant creativity of the soul.

DEEPAK CHOPRA

Culture Catalyst

WORKPLACE WELLNESS KELSEY HAZELTON

Many businesses have changed their structure and workplace over the past few years. Evolving culture is critical to the success of your company and its employees. From these BIG tips to small gestures, I hope you will consider boosting your team’s morale for everyone’s benefit!

BALANCE

Work life balance is something hard to master, yet very important. Our busy print and mail industry often requires late nights and early mornings. Urgent jobs and requests pop up –that’s okay. I encourage you and your team to leave your work at the office as much as possible. When you are off work and at home with your family, it is time to recharge and reset so you are rested and ready to work the next day. So savor a favorite meal, listen to some live music, take an outdoor walk, or do something you and your family enjoy.

INITIATE

Appreciation goes a long way and can boost your team’s morale. Recognition could include company lunches, goalbased bonuses, swag, or even educational resources. Many companies, including AccuZIP, have tuition reimbursement programs encouraging employees to continue their education. Once courses are passed, tuition fees are paid back to the employee. This is a way to invest in your employees’ future by helping them achieve educational goals. As we have spoken about in other editions of Workplace Wellness, meditation and mindfulness are also very helpful for productivity in the workplace. Some companies have decided to pay for meditation and mindfulness apps for their employees.

GO BEYOND

We all have heard about companies having an open-door policy. In an article I recently read, a company conducted a stay interview. Their CEO spoke to their employees to find out what has made the employees stay with the company, what changes they would make if given the chance, and what motivates them. This company then created different programs to improve company culture and open communication while offering fun events and incentives for their team. Turnover is pricey in time, work, and training. So, why not learn what drives your employees to stay with you? You can use this information to further motivate them to help your company reach goals and reward them for work well done.

Waterfall STAMP SERIES

USPS Unveils Waterfall Stamp Series in Yellowstone

BY CAROLINE CHAPMAN

OF

BUCKRAIL

On June 13, 2023, the United States Postal Service unveiled 12 new stamps that aim to celebrate the variety and beauty of waterfalls throughout the country at an event in Yellowstone National Park.

Each stamp in the new series features a photograph with the name of the waterfall and the state in which it is located beneath it. Yellowstone’s iconic Lower Falls is featured as one of the 12 new stamps.

“As the name suggests, Forever Stamps can be used to mail a one-ounce letter regardless of when the stamps are purchased or used and no matter how prices may change in the future,” says the USPS. “Forever Stamps are always sold at the same price as a regular First-Class Mail stamp.”

Framing the stamps is a selvage that again features David B. Vernon’s LaSalle Canyon image. Art Director Greg Breeding designed the stamps and pane with existing photographs.

FEATURED WATERFALLS

DARK HOLLOW FALLS

Shenandoah National Park

DEER CREEK FALLS

Grand Canyon National Park

GROTTO FALLS

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

HARRISON WRIGHT FALLS

Ricketts Glen State Park

LASALLE CANYON WATERFALL

Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby

LOWER FALLS YELLOWSTONE RIVER

Yellowstone National Park

NEVADA FALL

Yosemite National Park

NIAGARA FALLS

Niagara Falls State Park

STEWART FALLS

Mount Timpanogos Wilderness

SUNBEAM FALLS

Mount Rainier National Park

UPPER FALLS

Blue Ridge Parkway

WAIMOKU FALLS

Haleakala National Park

JOURNEY PLACES TO

WELCOME TO PLACERVILLE

BY LARISSA BARRIOS

At the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas lies a town steeped in history and resilience. Sandwiched between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, it’s a place where the thrill of the Wild West meets the comforts of the modern world. A place where locals have a strong sense of community and welcome visitors like long-lost family. This is Placerville.

Placerville began in 1848 as a gold mining town during the Gold Rush Era. For a time, it was the third-largest city in California and a major transportation hub. When the Gold Rush ended, Placerville saw a steep decline, further exacerbated when a new railroad line

circumvented the town. A few decades later, Placerville transformed itself, moving away from mining and transportation to lumber, agriculture, recreation, and tourism.

Like its neighbor, Lake Tahoe, Placerville is known for its lush pine trees, crystal clear creeks, and mountain views. The El Dorado National Forest is a playground for adventure and exploration, either along its many trailheads or rafting down its rivers. Lakes a plenty offer fishing opportunities to catch largemouth bass, rainbow trout, catfish, and cutbows. At Gold Bug Park, you can explore the beauty of the underworld in two mines. The Gold Bug Mine offers a self-guided tour with audio, while the Priest Mine is a guided-only tour featuring quartz veins.

Not to be outdone by the nature around it, Placerville’s downtown lures one in with its historic Main Street. Nearly all the buildings

are remnants from the town’s early days, with shops run by families for generations. Cuppa Coffee serves your dose of caffeine with a cozy decor. Pizza Bene makes pizzas fired in a brick oven made from the lava fields of Mt. Vesuvius. Placerville Hardware holds the record of the oldest hardware store west of the Mississippi and sells everything from nuts and bolts to gold mining gear. TW Bonkers brings joy to both children and adults with their delectable ice cream and nostalgic candy. Main Street is also home to many art galleries, but none are more famous than the Thomas Kinkade Hometown Gallery. Kinkade grew up in Placerville, drawing inspiration from the surrounding nature and Main Street itself, showcasing both in many of his works.

Year-round, this quaint little town boasts a wide variety of events. During the Summer Harvest Days, local farms offer fruit pickings, baked goods, wine tasting, and fun activities for

the kids. Labor Day weekend hosts the Fair Play Zin Fest, a celebration of Zinfandel produced by local wineries. Christmas time is especially near and dear when the downtown district holds an annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree event along with shops fully decorated with lights and all things Christmas.

Placerville started as a haven for those who made the long journey westward, traversing over the rugged terrain of the Sierra Nevadas. Without it, many would not have ventured across the state of California, reaching its golden shores. Since then, it has transformed with the times while maintaining its roots and traditions of neighborly folk looking out for one another and appreciating the wonder of nature.

KRISTEN

LARISSA

STEVE