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Things Are About to Get Epic…er.
When we added our first MCS Epic Inserter, we said things were about to get Epic.
Apparently, one Epic wasn’t enough.
Our second MCS Epic Inserter has officially arrived at BMS, expanding our production capabilities and giving our team even more flexibility on the floor.
The new equipment adds valuable capacity and redundancy to our operation, helping us keep projects moving efficiently, manage changing production demands, and maintain the reliability our customers expect.
Just as importantly, it gives us more room to grow.
As customer needs evolve and new opportunities come our way, additional production capacity means BMS is better positioned to take on new work without sacrificing the service, turnaround times, and attention our existing customers rely on.
For us, investments like this are about more than adding another piece of equipment. They’re about continuing to build an operation that can adapt, scale, and support our customers for the long haul.
Is “Epic-er” a word? No. Is our second Epic here? Yes.
And we’re excited about what that means for what comes next.
BMS Enters a New Era of Leadership
We are proud to announce an exciting new chapter in BMS’s 53-year history.
Effective May 1, 2026, Jeff Betterton has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer and President. Jeff brings more than 32 years of experience with BMS, along with a deep understanding of our operations, technology, and the evolving industry landscape. His leadership reflects both continuity and forward momentum as we continue to grow and adapt.
As a 100% employee-owned company, this transition underscores our ESOP structure and commitment to long-term accountability to our customers, partners, and employee-owners.
For our customers, this transition means continued reliability, clearer communication, and a partner that is investing in the future of how critical communications are delivered.
Jeff’s leadership marks a continued evolution for BMS. Building on a strong operational foundation, we are focused on advancing our technology, strengthening our capabilities, and delivering even greater reliability, visibility, and value to the organizations we serve.
Jeff succeeds James LaPrade, whose leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping BMS into the company it is today. Continuing the legacy established by his father in 1973, James has guided BMS through decades of growth and transformation. We are pleased that he will remain actively involved as an independent consultant, supporting a smooth and thoughtful transition.
As part of this transition, James will be stepping down from the Board of Directors. We are proud to announce that John Smoot has been appointed to the Board, succeeding James in that role. John previously served as Administrator for the Board of Directors, bringing valuable institutional knowledge and continuity to this next phase of leadership.
Please join us in congratulating Jeff and John on their new roles, and in thanking James for his continued guidance and lasting impact.
𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱, 𝗕𝗠𝗦 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲.
The State of Mail: Challenges, Realities, and Why It Still Matters
Jerome Battle
With over 30 years in the print and mail industry, BMS General Manager Jerome Battle shares a candid perspective on the challenges facing the United States Postal Service and what it means for the future of our industry.
Sales and Dealing with the Postal Service
Prior to joining the BMS family in 2013, I had approximately 17 years of experience in the printing and mailing industry. During the BMS interview hiring process, I was asked the question, “What aspect(s) of this industry do you not particular care for”. My response was direct but honest as I quickly blurted out, “Sales and dealing with the postal service”.
- Sales because, I’m not salesperson. I don’t necessarily feel I have strong attributes for driving profitable revenue in terms of acquiring customers, however, I totally feel the opposite when it comes to supporting the sales team and customers, retaining customers, and building partnerships by negotiating and managing realistic expectations.
- The post office is a beast – it’s a massive entity of the government, and has similar challenges as the government, from operational to communication. The United States Postal Service is federally governed but not federally funded. This is the aspect I would like to focus on.
“The post office is a beast.”
A Partnership Tested Over Time
BMS specializes in invoice/statement processing which includes transactional data, printing, inserting, and mailing presorted 1st class mail at a discounted postal rate. Our biggest partner is the United States Postal Service (USPS), and that partnership has been tested quite often in my 30 years of experience in this industry.
Over the years, the postal service has endured financial instability, declining mail volumes, increased service delays, and lack of reliability. Due to this overall instability, we’ve also seen consistent and constant postal increases and, in most of the postal increases, presorted discounts have continued to shrink.
“Our biggest partner is the United States Postal Service.”
What Is the Future of the USPS?
In an industry that requires the services of the United States Postal Service, combined with the emergence of electronic billing in opposed to traditional paper-based delivery, the question always arises, as it should, what is the state and the future of the United States Postal Service? And ultimately, what is the state of the printing and mailing industry?
169 Million Delivery Points,+2 Million Added Annually
No other delivery network reaches this scale daily.
An Uncertain Path Forward
Most recent reports, indicate that the United States Postal Service could run out of operating funds that could halt mail delivery by early 2027. The significant decrease in mail volume is the main culprit.
Even with the postal incentives and promotions that decreased the expense of the mail owner are still only viewed as programs that are building stronger industry relationships and a mere safety net rather than a cure for multi-billion-dollar annual loss in revenue for the United States Postal Service.
It will more than likely require an act of Congress to fix this. The United States Constitution addresses the postal service primarily in Article 1, and even though there have been arguments over discretion, implied powers, limitations, Sovereign Immunity, rights of the people (as it relates to free expression and protection against opening mail without a warrant) and actually supported legal powers of Congress, and despite the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970 that defined the agency’s current independence including establishing the Postal Regulatory Commission, it is still an entity of the executive branch.
I believe Congress will step in prior to the complete demise and dissolution of the United State Postal Service. However, I think we will still continue to see major, impactful changes such as price increases, delays in mail delivery and a possible decrease in the number of days of mail delivery operations, all part of the United Postal Service’s desperate attempts to find ways to continue to operate and increase revenue. But I do think at some point, Congress intervenes.
“It will more than likely require an act of Congress to fix this.”
Why the USPS Still Matters
It’s apparent to me that the United Postal Service will continue to exist as long as numerous government agencies, legal entities and financial institutions are required by law or regulation to use the United States Postal Service for official notifications.
Industries That Depend on USPS
- IRS
- Courts and Legal Services
- Employers and Benefits Plan Administrators
- Landlords and Property Managers
- Debt Collectors and Lenders
- Election Officials
- Government Agencies such as The Census Bureau
- Any mailing conducted under the postmark rules
Scale and Reach That Cannot Be Replicated
The United States Postal Service has access to nearly 169 million addresses which includes residential, commercial and PO boxes. This number grows approximately 2 million new addresses annually and delivery points are increasing particularly in the West and South.
No other delivery service has access to that many delivery points on a daily basis, including Amazon. In fact, Amazon heavily relies on the services of the United States Postal Service for what’s called “last-mile deliveries”, particularly for residential, rural and Sunday deliveries (this strengthens my opinion).
Why Mail Still Works
Until modern technology can create a more trusted and protected environment for electronic communication, it is my professional opinion that our industry is safe, and with the help of Congress and changes within the United States Postal Service including structural, financial, and operational, our industry will not only be sustainable, but it will also begin to grow once again.
You cannot guarantee that every electronic mail communication sent will be seen by the recipient let alone opened and read. And you cannot guarantee that every mail piece delivered by the United States Postal Service will be opened and read, but you can rest assured that once that mail piece is delivered by the United States Postal Service, someone physically put their hands on that mail piece even if it’s just cleaning out the mail receptacle.
That alone provides a better opportunity and higher probability that the information sent, will be seen, opened, and read by the recipient.
“Someone physically put their hands on that mail piece.”
At BMS, we understand the realities behind the mailstream because we operate within it every day. While the landscape continues to evolve, our focus remains the same—delivering reliable, accurate communication our clients can depend on.
BMS Print & Mail Packet
Discover What BMS Can Do for You
Get to know our print and mail services—and the people who make them exceptional. This packet highlights our industry-leading solutions alongside the skilled professionals who work behind the scenes to deliver results you can trust.
Merry Christmas from BMS – Christmas Day Service Alert.
In observance of Christmas Day, both BMS and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will be closed on Thursday, December 25.
As a result:
- No mail deliveries, pickups, or USPS inductions will occur.
- Priority Mail Express is the only USPS service operating.
- BMS production, data processing, and offices will be closed for the day.
Normal operations will resume on Friday, December 26.
Files received after close of business on Wednesday, December 24, will be processed when operations resume.
We encourage clients to plan mailing schedules accordingly to avoid delivery delays during the holiday period.
—
The BMS Team
866-816-2378
bmsdirectinc.com
𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁
𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁
In observance of Veterans Day, the U.S. Postal Service will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
𝗕𝗠𝗦 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹.
However, production and delivery schedules for projects involving USPS mailings may be affected. We encourage clients with time-sensitive mailings to plan accordingly and reach out to their Account Manager if adjustments are needed.
𝗪𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. Thank you, Veterans, for your courage, sacrifice, and dedication.
#PushingtheEnvelope
2025 BMS Observed Holidays
Holidays
BMS Direct recognizes and is closed for the following holidays:
• New Year’s Day — Wednesday, January 1, 2025
• Memorial Day — Monday, May 26, 2025
• Independence Day — Friday, July 4, 2025
• Labor Day — Monday, September 1, 2025
• Thanksgiving Day — Thursday, November 27, 2025
• Christmas Day — Thursday, December 25, 2025
Please note that other federal holidays on which the U.S. Postal Service is closed may also affect production or mail delivery schedules. These include:
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day — Monday, January 20, 2025
• Presidents Day — Monday, February 17, 2025
• Juneteenth National Independence Day — Thursday, June 19, 2025
• Columbus Day — Monday, October 13, 2025
• Veterans Day — Tuesday, November 11, 2025
2026 BMS Observed Holidays
Holidays
BMS Direct recognizes and is closed for the following holidays:
• New Year’s Day — Thursday, January 1, 2026
• Memorial Day — Monday, May 25, 2026
• Independence Day — Saturday, July 4, 2026 (observed Friday, July 3, 2026)
• Labor Day — Monday, September 7, 2026
• Thanksgiving Day — Thursday, November 26, 2026
• Christmas Day — Friday, December 25, 2026
Please note that other federal holidays on which the U.S. Postal Service is closed may also affect production or mail delivery schedules. These include:
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day — Monday, January 19, 2026
• Presidents Day — Monday, February 16, 2026
• Juneteenth National Independence Day — Friday, June 19, 2026
• Columbus Day — Monday, October 12, 2026
• Veterans Day — Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Why Print and Mail Still Matter in a Digital World
Print and Mail: The Power Behind Trusted Communication
In a world dominated by emails, ads, and social media scrolls, it’s easy to assume physical mail has lost its place. But at BMS, we see every day that print and mail are not only alive — they’re essential.
Digital communication is fast and convenient, but there’s something powerful about a message you can hold in your hands. A printed piece delivers trust, clarity, and permanence, qualities that screens simply can’t replicate. Whether it’s a financial statement, a patient letter, or a community notice, mail connects people to what matters most.
Let’s explore five industries that continue to rely on print and mail and why those choices deliver real results.
1. Financial Services and Banking
Trust is the foundation of every financial relationship, which is why banks, credit unions, insurance providers, and investment firms continue to depend on secure print and mail services.
From monthly statements to compliance notices and new-account welcome kits, physical mail remains the preferred format for critical communications. The envelope, the design, even the weight of the paper all signal professionalism, reliability, and reinforce authenticity.
At BMS, we combine data security, accuracy, and personalization to help financial institutions deliver the right message to the right client every time. Whether it’s a promotional offer or a confidential report, we ensure it arrives securely and on schedule.
2. Healthcare and Medical Services
When it comes to health, communication must be accurate, private, and personal. Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare networks rely on print and mail for everything from appointment reminders and lab results to patient outreach campaigns.
Printed materials offer a tangible sense of care, particularly for older patients or those less connected to digital channels. A letter from a trusted provider carries reassurance that can’t be matched by a generic email.
BMS helps healthcare organizations protect patient confidentiality while maintaining efficient, compliant delivery. Our HIPAA-compliant production environment ensures that every mail piece is handled with precision and respect for patient privacy.
3. Nonprofits and Charitable Organizations
For nonprofits, every message counts. Whether it’s a heartfelt appeal, a thank-you letter, or an annual report, printed communication helps build the emotional connection that drives giving.
In a digital world where inboxes overflow, a thoughtfully crafted piece of mail stands out. It feels personal, intentional, and meaningful. Personalized printing and targeted mailing lists allow nonprofits to reach supporters where they are and inspire them to take action.
At BMS, we understand that every donor touchpoint tells a story. Our mission is to help organizations share that story beautifully, efficiently, and cost-effectively — turning mail into momentum for good.
4. Real Estate and Property Management
Real estate is about visibility and trust — two areas where print marketing shines. Postcards announcing new listings, letters celebrating recent sales, and neighborhood mailers keep agents and property managers top of mind in their communities.
A physical piece in the mailbox builds familiarity and credibility far faster than a fleeting digital ad. Direct mail also supports long-term relationships through market updates, client thank-yous, and referral campaigns.
With BMS, real estate professionals can count on targeted distribution, professional design, and timely delivery to make every communication count.
5. Government and Public Services
Government agencies and municipalities depend on dependable mail delivery to reach every citizen, no matter their location or digital access.
From tax assessments and voter materials to public health announcements, physical mail ensures equal access to critical information. It’s secure, traceable, and compliant — a must for official communication.
BMS partners with local and state agencies across Virginia and beyond to handle sensitive mailings with precision and care. Our secure facilities and quality-assurance workflows guarantee accurate production, timely delivery, and complete accountability from start to finish.
Why Print and Mail Still Lead the Way
Even in an increasingly digital world, print and mail remain one of the most effective ways to connect, inform, and build trust. It’s not nostalgia. It’s strategy.
At BMS, we’ve spent over 50 years perfecting the art and science of communication. From transactional statements to marketing campaigns, our mission is to ensure your message is delivered clearly, securely, and on time — every time.
Because when your message matters, so does your partner.
Your message, Our mission.
Let's start the conversation.
Customizable Document Design
We create professional, tailored forms—from statements to marketing pieces—with options for charts, images, and TransPromo content.
Complete Document Solutions
Focus on Your Business. We’ll Handle the Printing.
BMS offers comprehensive digital printing solutions that save you time, reduce costs, and drive results—all while maintaining the highest standards of security and quality.
Outsource your printing to us for:
Your message, Our mission.
Let's start the conversation.