12/9/2006 Postal Reform Bill Passes Congress

'CEO Council Sees This As the Foundation for Industry Growth and Stability in the 21st Century'

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mailing Industry CEO Council expressed their appreciation for today's passage of postal reform legislation in the House and the Senate. Michael J. Critelli, Chairman of the Council, underscored the significance of this legislation to the industry, "We are delighted with the passage of postal reform legislation. Throughout this process we have advocated the need to modernize the decades old statutory charter under which the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) currently operates in order to ensure its health and viability in the future. Today's historic legislation will enable the USPS to ensure the continuation of universal, affordable mail service through more collaboration with the private sector, increased use of technology, and expanded access to products and services to name a few."

  The legislation will also:

  * Place the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) on a more sound financial footing
    without requiring billions in "escrowed" retirement funds to address
    existing unfunded liabilities;

  * Ensure rate predictability and stability through an incentive based rate
    indexing system; and

  * Focus the USPS on its core mission.

The effort brought together a coalition of the industry, the USPS, employee groups within the USPS, and the Administration. It benefited from strong bi-partisan Congressional support, according to Mr. Critelli, who is also Chairman and CEO of Pitney Bowes Inc. "We are grateful to those in Congress who have steadfastly led the postal reform effort. In the Senate we would like to acknowledge Senator Susan Collins, Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Ranking Member Senator Joe Lieberman, Senator Tom Carper, and the other members of the committee, as well as the committee and Senate staffs. In the House we would like to acknowledge Committee Chairman Tom Davis and Ranking Member Henry Waxman, and that of Representatives John McHugh and Danny Davis, and the other members of the committee, as well as the committee and House staffs."

The Mailing Industry CEO Council remains committed to its mission of public policy advocacy to ensure a vibrant mailing industry. Members include:

  - Michael J. Critelli, Chairman and CEO, Pitney Bowes Inc., and Chairman
    of the CEO Council

  - Cathleen Black, President, Hearst Magazines
    Secretary/Treasurer of the CEO Council

  - Mark Angelson, CEO, R. R. Donnelley

  - H. Wayne Bradford, Sr. VP, International Paper

  - Yvonne Furth, President and CEO, Draft

  - Richard Hochhauser, President and CEO, Harte-Hanks, Inc.

  - Steven Lightman, President, Crosstown Traders, Inc.

  - Ann S. Moore, Chairman and CEO, Time Inc.

  - Charles D. Morgan, Company Leader, Acxiom Corporation

  - William D. Novelli, CEO, AARP

  - David M. Sable, Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, Wunderman

  - Richard Srednicki, CEO Chase Card Services, J P Morgan Chase

  - Brian Tanton, General Manager, Lockheed Martin Distribution Technologies

  - Steve Towle, President and CEO, DST Output

  - Zev Weiss, CEO, American Greetings Corporation

The Mailing Industry CEO Council is a non-profit organization whose main objective is to provide senior executive input to proposed reforms, promote industry standards, and promote the vital role of mail in industry and commerce.

SOURCE: The Mailing Industry CEO Council

CONTACT: Sheryl Y. Battles, VP, Corporate Communications,
+1-203-351-6808

Web site: http://www.pb.com/