[D-plan-net] USPS District Planning Network Message

[William M Bellinger]

26 APR 07
  To: District Planning Network Members
  From R/C William M Bellinger, SN PlanCom Chair
   
  I bring you news from the last OCom meeting earlier in April. A copy of your concerns discussed at our Open Meeting in JAX was distributed and discussed.
   
  The newly proposed Communications System will be used to disseminate information to members well in advance of going before the GB for a vote. This new system developed by Asst. Sec Dave Hinders will go a long way to accommodate communication needs at all levels. Information is expected to flow back and forth from national to districts to squadrons. 
  This Communications System will succeed if recipients respond to the messages. Our message to you on our Open Meeting produced several e-mails from recipients, we need to hear from you to know if 1) you received the message, 2) you read the message, and 3) acted on the message.
   
  NEO Dick Kyle said all educational courses (S, P, etc) will eventually be online; it will just take time.
   
  Marketing / PR chair Bob Green is working on improving our Safe Boating Week campaign. Districts and squadrons should be offering PR training at the OT. It is prudent if a squadron has a more experienced person in the PR position. 
   
  PlanCom has asked that a " presentation kit" be developed for the squadron and district use in Marketing and PR in finding business partners locally. MemCom has thought this to be a good involvement activity.
   
  It is believed that the new Boating Course will do more for the inland water / river boaters. Sections will cover many more areas concerns: tides, rivers, dams, trailering, etc. New seminars are also in the works for many subjects.
   
  Hamilton Marine is offering discounts on boating items. They can be found on our Web site. Boat U.S. / West Marine continues its discount program with USPS.
   
  Plath and Weems paid to speak at the lunch in JAX. The talk on navigation was equal to one I saw on television entitled "Voyages." Other presenters are being sought.
   
  USPS has been subsidizing the Members Lunch and Dinner to keep member costs down. They are planning to end the subsidies, and charge the hotel price. A problem may arise when 800-900 members are turned loose for lunch; many members may not be able to return to the meeting in a timely fashion.
   
  A team has formed to find ways to shorten our meetings.
   
  Our newly developed mailman list was started by PlanCom member, P/D/C Jeff Hamilton, AP. This will enable us to more easily keep in contact with you and send our timely messages. This works both ways, so we hope we get more participation form you. Remember, we are listening. 
   
  The newly revised Planning Committee Manual is now posted on our Web site. It contains a new section on how to write a strategic plan. This could be very helpful to squadrons and districts that want to set either short or long-term goals. Another item will soon be posted is the newly revise Strategic Plan. This section offers many helpful suggestions on making improvements in each of the areas. You should find both documents helpful if used.
  This is an open forum. What concerns do you have? Let us know, we will try to help. Respond to d-plan-net at usps.org
   
  We hope to hear from you all!
   
  PlanCom
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