The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
On April 29, 2003 Rita Ferguson was surprised when she was named Postmaster of the Year at the NLPM State Convention in Collinsville after twenty-five years of outstanding service with the U.S.. Postal Service.
He is of no surprise to her local postal customers in Stronghurst, for she continually gives outstanding service in every way to her customers and to those of us like this newspaper, who work closely with the post office on a regular basis.
An example of one of the many things Rita has done for customers who have trouble making it in during hours, if a package is small enough to fit in one of the larger empty mail boxes, she would put a key in a customer's box to the larger box with a note they have a package there.
Not only has she gone the second and third mile with oustanding service, but she gives her personal touch of interest to each customer. That, for some, is the only "friendly face" they may see on a regular basis.
Her background with the postal service is as impressive, as well.
Rita started her postal career in 1978 as a PTF clerk in Stronghurst. In 1984 she was selected as Postmaster of Stronghurst. In 1986 she became the Postmaster Trainer. During 1991 and 1992 Rita served as Acting SPO in Monmouth. During 1994 and 1995 the Central IL District detailed her to the Acting Business Mail Specialist in Peoria.
Rita served as the secretary for the National League of Postmasters for the Illinois Branch, during 1995 and 1996. While serving, she was able to obtain a non profit status for the Illini League Letter, purchase a new computer and ink jet printer.
She worked with the National Office to up-date the Zip plus 4 addresses for Illinois members.
Rita was in attendance at the National Convention in Orlando, Florida, the Central States conference in Kansas City, the 26th Postal Forum and all Board meetings that year. At the last two National Conventions and the Postal Forum, she served as a Page.
Besides the regular secretarial duties, Rita also did a mailing for an Area Meeting and a Postmaster Meeting.
During 1996 and 1997, Rita has served as League President for Illinois. In 1993 she served on the Postal Employees Relief Fund Local Committee as a League Representative. Rita organized a "mini" Postal Forum with 11 area Postmasters to meet with Congressman Lane Evans in February of 1996.
She taught one Postmaster and PMR Finance class and facilitated classes for the Peoria Customer Council at Illinois Valley Community College in 1995 and 1996.
She attended the National Postal Customer Council Day celebration telecon when CEO Marvin Runyon announced the Reclassification of Mails.
Some of the awards Rita has received in her career are: 1986 - Direct Marketing Distinguished Service Award; May,1996 - Her office was a winner in the Chip In and Cash Out Contest for Level 15 and below offices; Mid-year 1996 - Recognition from the Great Lakes Area for her quest to receive the Benjamin Award for Level 15 and below offices through Corporate Relations; in 1996 she won the "Benjamin".
She has served on a special advisory board for the "Benjamin", and has received a letter of appreciation from the Central Illinois District for working as Acting Business Mail Specialist.
Rita's community activities include serving as President for the Stronghurst Booster Club.
She is a member of a Joint Coalition between Henderson County Extension Service and AARP to organize "Take Charge of Your Money" - an 8 week financial program presented in April - May 1996.
Rita is a member of the Stronghurst Christian Church where she is the organist twice a month.
Rita is married to Alan and they have two grown sons, Brian and Brad. Her hobbies include photography, flower gardening, music, and art. She is a very active member of the Midwest Study Club and the National Federation of Wild Turkeys.
Rita Ferguson receives 25-year pin prior to her surprise top state award
Rita Ferguson holds Postmaster Of The Year award with husband, Alan.