Avalon Postmaster Back From Assignment
Posted July 29th 2024
A postmaster taking leave to participate in a special assignment with the United States Postal Service might go unnoticed in a major metropolitan post office. That’s not the case, however, in the post offices of Seven Mile Beach. The postmasters in Avalon and Stone Harbor become members of the towns that they serve. In Avalon, Melissa Lomax has served as postmaster for just over a decade now – a position that only a handful of people have held since the first post office opened its doors here in 1888. “Melissa is a part of our community,” said Jacquie Ewing, longtime Avalon resident and business owner. “She knows the people in our town and can relate to us. She also goes the extra mile, always. That doesn’t happen all that often anymore,” she added. So, people took note, despite more than competent replacements, when she spent about eight months working on a special assignment for the United States Postal Service. “I’m always interested in learning more,” Lomax said recently from a work area in the Avalon Post Office where she has returned as postmaster. “Anything that I learn can only help me service our customers better.” Some people might be surprised to learn that the special detail had nothing to do with traditional mail. Instead, it focused on social media analysis and strategy. Electronic technology. In her project Melissa was part of a team that scrubbed social media channels every day for any mention of the Postal Service. Good or bad. Information collected was reported to postal officials. “We were able to track trends geographically,” she explained. “And most importantly it gave the Postal Service an opportunity to quickly react.” The team’s work did not go unnoticed outside of the Postal Service. Their work was recognized by the Ragan Business Awards. The Ragan Awards celebrate the most successful campaigns, initiatives, people, and teams in the field of communications. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity that I was given,” Lomax concluded. “To be part of that team, was an incredible experience for me personally and professionally. Now, the key is to use what I’ve learned from that experience within my job here in Avalon.” Said Mayor John McCorristin: “Melissa has been a shining star at the Avalon Post Office,” said Mayor John McCorristin. “She does a wonderful job caring for all of Avalon’s needs. Melissa cares about everyone who walks through the door and obviously cares deeply about her staff. Avalon is lucky to have her.” |