Welcoming LP’s AUK interns, Katie and Sasha

by Hannah McCall | Jul 26, 2024 | Berlin's Wall

All,

After a wonderful week in DC, and getting to meet all kinds of American leaders to discuss the situation in Ukraine, Sasha and Katie are finally arriving in Erie today where will be interning for the summer. Katie will be working with our import and export team, and Sasha will be working with our Government Relations team.

If you read any of my earlier blogs, LP is one of the sponsors of the American University of Kyiv and its first summer intern program. The purpose is 1. To let these kids get a break from the war, and 2. To give them some experience in western businesses.

This initial year there are 18 interns, with JP Morgan https://www.jpmorganchase.com/, Blackstone https://www.blackstone.com/, DOKA https://www.doka.com/us/index?changecountry=US and Caseys https://www.caseys.com/careers/life-at-caseys joining LP as first sponsors.

Next year the goal is to recruit enough new sponsoring businesses so that AUK can bring 100 interns!

As you can see, this is a wide range of businesses. And, as a side note, the sponsors we got to spend the week with were all terrific people, from amazing companies and I’m glad I got to meet them and to learn about their businesses. Judging from the warmth and excitement I witnessed all around, I’m sure all of us will help Dan and AUK recruit more sponsors for next year so AUK can reach their goal.

Both girls (I know girls is no longer a politically correct term–I apologize. But they are just 18 and still young girls to me) are 2nd year students at the American University of Kyiv. They are both very sharp, speak English extremely well and are looking forward to getting to know everyone and to work and to learn the ways of US business and of Logistics Plus.

They will be staying at the apartment in Union Station, sharing the historic train station with LP’s favorite permanent resident, Clara. (Clara is the 5 year old who fell down the steps and died here almost 100 years ago and whose spirit still walks the halls.  She is a bit playful and mischievous, as many of our folks here can testify, but not at all malicious. She will be good fun company for the girls here–but that’s a whole ‘nother story.)

In the meantime, please join me in officially welcoming Sasha and Katie to the LP family. Let’s make them feel at home.

Just as in the spirit of the recently concluded hockey camp in Erie we just hosted –another GREAT success–let’s give them a summer and a life experience to remember.

Welcome to LP and Erie, Katie and Sasha!

JB

Welcoming Sasha (left) and Kate (right).

With Congresswoman Victoria Sparks, the only US Congressperson born in Ukraine. Kate and Sasha are the ones holding the American flag standing just next to Dan Rice, President of AUK.

At the US Capitol.

Kate and Sasha outside U.S. Capitol building.

In the Capitol Rotunda. In front of the statue of Ronald Reagan, who many credit with helping to tear down the Berlin Wall, to end the Cold War and the end of the Soviet Union. Many thought that would be the end of wars of aggression in Europe like we see in Ukraine today, but sadly were wrong. Hopefully soon.

https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3849750/pentagon-visit-gives-ukrainian-university-students-insight-into-us-support/

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Sidebar: I came back for THIS???

by Hannah McCall | Jun 28, 2024 | Berlin's Wall

All,

Back home in time to watch the debate last night.

I usually stay out of politics. Not because I don’t follow it, but because after being VERY involved in it for years, I’ve made it much more of a “spectator sport” for me, than being on any field of play.

I made an observation the day this debate was proposed (proposed by Biden, which I thought was odd for the incumbent):

I believed that they wanted this early so that if (IF) Biden clearly came across as too old and frail, and no longer up to the job, it would give the Democratic Party time to get Joe to bow out/pass the baton either before, or at the convention in July.

That’s not a sure thing by a long shot. It may or may not be right, and it may or may not happen.

But…from my own pained observations (a very sad day for Biden and for America, and probably the world as well) EVERYONE this morning is talking about the need for Biden to step aside for another candidate.  So it actually might happen.

Would be tricky as hell (Who becomes the new candidate?  How does it get decided?) But I do think it’s safe to say that:

IF President Biden stays in as the Democratic nominee, Donald Trump will be the next US President.

I’m not saying that’s a good thing or a bad thing, but I do think that will be the case for sure.

I don’t think that after last night, Biden can win the election.

Of course, Donald Trump completely dodged many of the questions, said all kinds of things that were untrue, or at best half true, and was full of bombast and confidence especially since he quickly realized in the opening minutes that Biden was not up to effectively calling him out/cutting him down. (Honestly, the debate was more like 2 kids pissing all over each other in the school playground much of the time than any real, substantial “debate”.  Childish.  Golf game?  Handicap? 50 yard drives? Club champion?  WTF???)

But the good news for those of you who don’t like Trump–is that I think that almost any younger, sharper, ready to take him on could easily win, I think.

I believe that with so many Americans who don’t really want either guy to win, the contrast with someone younger would become more evident, and people would realize that the next generation needs to lead us into the future (for instance–90 minutes and not even a single mention of AI–the new technology that is/will soon be changing the world), not 80-year-olds.

So, back from Ukraine and the Berlin conference and smack dab into the US elections.

There’s an old saying, that many consider a wry curse:  “May you live in interesting times.”

We sure do.

Onward!

JB

Goodbye to Berlin

by Hannah McCall | Jun 14, 2024 | Berlin's Wall

Leaving today. Heading back to the USA. Derek is off to Ukraine again for a port security conference in Odesa.  Enjoyable and successful trip (the BEST combination).

Now to the work to bring actual fruit from the seeds planted here. As we know, everyone is busy. These CEOs all have their “day jobs” running big companies and they get pulled in 100 different directions. Will be key to keep the energy and momentum from the conference going.

While here, we had dinner with one of our guys from Ukraine, Valerii, and his lovely wife, Natalya. They and their children live in Germany but are from western Ukraine and are deeply involved in the struggle. It was nice to get some quiet time with them away from the chaos of the convention and all the related meetings.

I had brought an LP Ukraine t-shirt and an LP golf shirt as gifts for Valerii, but did not know his wife would be there and had nothing to give to her. But I have learned (please take note, guys!) that flowers always work.  So I asked Burak, the doorman at our Marriott hotel, where I could buy some flowers and he directed me to the lower level of the mall just across the street. Easy.

However…I had no Euros, but most places take credit cards, and this flower shop did too.

But…for whatever reason, they don’t take Visa credit cards, and that is what I had.

So…no go on the flowers.

I walked back to the hotel and told Burak what had happened. And it was too late for any plan B since it was 5:30 and dinner was at 6:30.  So I went upstairs to my room to get ready for Valerii and Natalya.

15 minutes later there’s a knock at my door, and there was Burak with a lovely bouquet of flowers for me to give her at dinner that night. Talk about above and beyond service!!!

As I always say, we/LP are also in the service business. And going above and beyond, as Burak did, is in our culture as well. Our trademark “Passion for Excellence” is what makes us stand out and continue to grow worldwide. From Day 1, nearly 28 years ago, it has been who we are.

So…whenever you think about your customer, think about it the way Burak did last night. You see a problem—you find a solution.

The LP way.

Onward!

JB

We met great folks like Jan Larson, representing Sweden, the newest NATO country.

US Secretary Penny Pritzker speaking with leaders of the Ukrainian government.

A packed event. Sometimes seating was hard to find. So…find a way or make one.

Remnants of the Berlin Wall. A vivid reminder of how things once were here.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy spoke at the conference. Strong guy. Also visited a local Patriot missile installation.

Had a lovely dinner with Valerii and Natalya. What lovely people.

Goodbye Berlin.

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