USPS — in a demonstration of the evolving role the Postal Service is playing in the nation’s small communities — has opened the country’s 200th Village Post Office (VPO).

“The Postal Service is changing the way we reach our customers,” said Capital Metro Area VP David Fields in dedicating one of the latest VPOs in Fairplay, MD. “We’re helping local businesses grow and helping to keep communities strong.”

The movement toward a mix of traditional Post Offices and the new VPOs is picking up steam. According to USPS records, it took more than a year for the first 100 VPOs to open. The second 100 opened their doors over a 3-month period, and the next 100 are on track to open within 10 weeks.

The Postal Service introduced VPOs in 2011 as expanded access retail locations for rural communities. Like the previous 199 VPOs, May’s Service Center will offer a range of popular products and services that include First-Class postage stamps, Priority Mail products and outgoing mail acceptance.

“It’s a one-stop shop for some of our customers and a big convenience for most,” said Kevin May, co-owner of May’s Service Center in Fairplay, about 50 miles west of Baltimore. “When residents stop to get gas or grab a cold drink, they also can get their stamps or drop off their mail.”

As of March 25, there are fully-functioning VPOs in 33 states nationwide. Click here for more information about VPOs.

via USPS News Link