| NOVEMBER 26, 2011 -- The National Grange hosted a luncheon panel focused on the United States Postal Service on Nov. 7 during its 145th Annual Convention in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The U.S. Postal Service was represented by 30-year veteran and Regional Vice President of Operations Linda Welch, who provided a clear picture of the legislative changes necessary for the second largest non-government employer in the United States to evolve, survive and compete.
“We have a universal responsibility to provide universal service to every American citizen, and we want to continue doing that in the most cost-effective way,” Welch said. “Like the Grange, we’ve been around for a long time and, with the help of these legislative changes and our continued commitment internally, we look forward to continuing to serve your needs no matter what they are and no matter where they are for another 200 years.”
National Grange Legislative Director Nicole Palya Wood responded to Welch’s comments by highlighting the National Grange’s role early on in the battle for Rural Free Delivery and recognized that the preservation of the U.S. Postal Service is a top priority.
“The National Grange is committed to working with and advocating for the USPS as they pursue legislative reforms to become more financially autonomous and competitive in an evolving marketplace,” Wood said. “In areas where high-speed internet is not available, too many of our rural neighbors depend solely on the USPS for their connection to retailers, prescription services and family to let this establishment fail. Not to mention the disastrous economic ramifications of letting the second largest employer in the U.S. close its doors.”
Established in 1867, The National Grange, a nonpartisan, nonprofit fraternal organization, is the oldest agricultural and rural community service organization. With more than 2,700 local chapters, the Grange has evolved into the nation’s leading rural advocacy organization and a major benefactor to local communities. There are more than 200,000 members across 37 states. |
