Dear Industry Member:
Here is immediate action you can take while ACMA works furiously to raise the resources to comprehensively attack the ridiculous new USPS rate authority that will double catalog mailers’ postal rates over the next decade.
Please determine whether you (catalog merchant), your employees, suppliers or customers have constituent standing in any of the following locations where there are Members of Congress with direct connections to postal decision makers: West Virginia, Kentucky, northern Virginia, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Arizona, North Carolina, Kansas, Georgia, and Connecticut (click here for contact sheet). If you do, you have a unique ability to wield constituent pressure to cause elected officials to pressure the Postal Service Board of Governors to not institute a second unbudgeted rate hike, which could take place as soon as this summer.
- Call or write your Member of Congress in the aforementioned states using these talking points (insert your company specifics where noted). Also refer to this fact sheet asking them to reach their contacts at the USPS Board of Governors or the Postmaster General himself expressing serious concern on the impact of another rate increase on jobs in your company as well as your ability to keep mailing going forward. Details of the ask are on these sheets; use the fact sheet as a leave-behind. On emails, please copy action@catalogmailers.org so we can follow up in Washington, DC. If you don’t know anyone in those states, please keep reading as we have other asks of you.
- If you’re a merchant and have not yet made a pledge to ACMA’s postal war chest, we are seeking contribution commitments equal to 1% of your postage spend with 33% of this amount remitted immediately and the remainder held in abeyance should we require it. If you’re a supplier, we absolutely need your help too. Please email me back directly (hdavison@catalogmailers.org) to discuss an appropriate donation based on the level of your firm’s work in this sector.
Why The Funding is So Vital
This will fund an aggressive public and government relations campaign as well as litigation challenging this order at the court of appeals. You need not be a member company to participate. We need broad assistance if we are to be successful. These funds will allow us to orchestrate a strong industry response to this disaster.
Attend FEBRUARY 24TH Web Meeting For More Info
On February 24th at 4:00 pm EST, ACMA will hold an executive web meeting (registration required) to discuss our strategy to fight this horrendous decision so all know the action plan and sequencing of coordinated advocacy on Capitol Hill.
Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYpdemsqTopHNSnAHfnU0fobb7d_v1iLpVa
In the meantime, please take action now if you have consistent standing in the locations where politicians are able to put pressure on postal decision makers. Enlist other company executives to join you in this action.
Thank you for your help and support.
Hamilton Davison
President & Executive Director
American Catalog Mailers Association
hdavison@catalogmailers.org