On Thursday, December 19, 2024, our Lunch & Learn series brought some major star power to our offices. About 50 Magellan employees, customers and friends gathered for an exciting session with Gregg Berhalter, the new Head Coach and Director of Football for Chicago Fire FC. Coach Berhalter, known for his leadership and deep understanding of the game, shared his vision for the Fire and his plans to elevate the team in the seasons ahead.

As a proud sponsor of Chicago Fire FC, with our logo featured prominently on the team’s uniform sleeves, Magellan has a strong connection to the organization’s journey. This Lunch & Learn was a fantastic way to celebrate that partnership while giving employees a chance to connect with one of soccer’s top minds.

The event included a lively Q&A session with Coach Berhalter’s thoughtful responses giving everyone a glimpse into his approach to building a winning culture both on and off the field.

After the Q&A, attendees had the chance to meet Coach one-on-one for autographs and photos.

Of course, no Magellan event is complete without great eatsn, this time a delicious Italian buffet from Francesca's.

Our partnership with Chicago Fire FC is about more than just soccer—it’s about teamwork, community, and striving for excellence. This Lunch & Learn brought those values to life and set the stage for an exciting year ahead for both Magellan and the Fire.

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On December 6, 2024, the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago hosted a remarkable celebration for Mavis Staples’ 85th birthday. The event, sponsored by Magellan, brought together employees, friends, and music lovers to honor an artist whose voice and influence have shaped American culture. With nearly 50 members of the Magellan community in attendance, the night was a tribute to the enduring impact of Staples’ career.

Staples began her journey as part of The Staple Singers, a family group that became a key force in gospel and soul music. Songs like "I'll Take You There" and "Respect Yourself" not only dominated the airwaves but also provided a soundtrack to the civil rights movement. Performing at rallies and events alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., The Staple Singers used their talent to inspire change and solidarity.

As a solo performer, Staples continued to break boundaries, collaborating with artists across genres to address social issues and elevate powerful messages. Her voice, filled with depth and authenticity, has touched hearts and motivated action for decades.

The evening began with a heartfelt performance by Margo Price, followed by Jackson Browne, who delivered a masterful set that included a duet with Staples on the timeless classic "The Weight." When Staples took the stage, the energy in the room shifted as she performed songs like "Freedom Highway," an anthem tied to the Selma to Montgomery marches. Staples' set list included 14 songs (including a Talking Heads cover), before an amazing encore of "I'll Take You There." Her presence was commanding, her music both a celebration and a call to reflection.

For those who attended, including Magellan employees and their guests, the concert was more than entertainment. It was a chance to witness a living legend and honor her contributions to music and social justice. Mavis Staples continues to inspire, and this celebration affirmed her place as a cornerstone of American music and history.

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Magellan Corporation brought the thrill of football to life on December 5, 2024, with a special Skills & Drills event at Halas Hall, the legendary home of the Chicago Bears. Employees, their families, and friends—50 in total—enjoyed a night filled with sports, fun, and behind-the-scenes access to the Bears’ HQ.

The event featured football drills and skill stations led by former Bears wide receiver Anthony Morgan and fullback Jason McKie. Morgan, known for his speed and determination during his time with the Bears from 1991 to 1993, inspired participants with his enthusiasm and tips. McKie, who played for the Bears from 2003 to 2009 and now serves as the team’s radio sideline reporter, brought his expertise and charisma to the field. Both players made the evening extra special by signing autographs and taking photos with attendees.

Kids of all ages had a blast tackling drills and testing their football skills, with lots of grins as they ran through agility courses and perfected their passes. Parents joined in the action too, cheering the little stinkers on and taking part in some of the drills themselves.

After the activities, guests were treated to a guided tour of Halas Hall, including exclusive insights into the team’s state-of-the-art facilities. The evening concluded with a tasty dinner in the PNC Center, where attendees bonded over delicious food while watching the live broadcast of the Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions Thursday Night Football game.

The Skills & Drills event showcased Magellan's commitment to bringing its team together through unique and memorable experiences. From kids enjoying their moment on the field to employees and friends connecting over a shared love of football, the evening left everyone with smiles and stories to share.

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Magellan was honored to serve as the Presenting Sponsor for The World War II Foundation’s Gala, on November 14, 2024, at the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C. The event featured the premiere of Dad’s Secret War: France 1944, a powerful documentary chronicling the covert missions of the American OSS and British SOE during World War II. The gala paid tribute to World War II veterans, Holocaust survivors, and the enduring legacy of the Greatest Generation, underscoring the importance of preserving these vital stories.

The event also included moving tributes to five World War II veterans and six Holocaust survivors, featuring presentations of flags flown over Omaha Beach and handmade shadow boxes honoring their service. Attendees were captivated by Dad’s Secret War: France 1944, narrated by Kevin Bacon, which brought to life the courage and ingenuity of the unsung heroes of the Allied effort.

Magellan Corporation is proud to support initiatives that preserve the stories of World War II for future generations. Sponsoring this gala aligns with our values of honoring history and fostering education about the resilience, courage, and unity that defined the Greatest Generation.

We extend our gratitude to The World War II Foundation for the opportunity to support their mission and celebrate the lives and legacies of those who served.

Magellan was thrilled to host WXRT Chicago's own Terri Hemmert, who headlined a Lunch & Learn on Tuesday, November 12 at our offices. A true radio legend, we appreciated learning a bit of the trailblazing accomplishments of Terri, cornerstone of Chicago’s airwaves.

This year, Terri marked her 50th anniversary with WXRT. Known for her groundbreaking role as Chicago’s first female morning-drive host in 1981, Terri’s influence extends far beyond radio. For decades, she has hosted Breakfast with the Beatles and inspired thousands through her teaching at Columbia College, where she shares the history of rock with future generations. Terri’s impact on the community is just as profound through her work on social justice initiatives. A true icon, she was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2010.

She wove together her encyclopedic knowledge of music with personal stories of her interactions with some of the greats. From Mavis Staples to Sir Paul McCartney, Terri has met and befriended countless artists who shaped the landscape of rock, jazz, soul, alternative and more. After her talk, Magellan team and guests enjoyed a Greek feast, while Terri spun records and regaled us with more storytelling. It was an honor to host Terri and her colleagues from Audacy on this memorable afternoon.

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Magellan is proud to support our servicemen and women all year round.

On Thursday, November 7, Magellan hosted 50 service members and their families from Great Lakes Naval Base to a day at Halas Hall.  Guests were there for the live airing of Chicago Bears Weekly Live Radio Show, featuring ESPN 1000 play-by-play announcer Jeff Joniak and 1985 Bears alum and ESPN 1000 color commentator Tom Thayer, with special guest current Bears Safety Kevin  Byard III.

The three gave insights into the successes and failures of the team on the gridiron and what the rest of the season might look like.

Organized through the Navy’s department of Moral, Welfare and Recreation, guests and family members from Great Lakes enjoyed a terrific dinner spread, drinks, were invited to grab some autographs during commercial breaks and (always!) left with some swag from their favorite monsters of the midway.

We are also committed to hiring veterans, and four fabulous members of our staff contribute immeasurably to Magellan's success. David Twiford, Matthew Bell, Larry Norwood and Adam Shaw,  thank you for your service -- we are grateful!

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A day to celebrate two of the greats!

Frank Paolillo our EVP and Chief of Commercial Operations, has been Magellan for 35 years! Frank has been boots on the ground nearly since our inception, and helped shape the company into what it is today. He is tireless, endless in his knowledge of our business and the marketplace, and a true delight to work with. His dedication and leadership have been pivotal to our success.

Emily Ricci, Vice President of Materials Management, is celebrating an impressive 25 years with Magellan. Over the years, Emily has excelled in multiple roles, contributing significantly to our growth. She is thoughtful, meticulous, and a kind soul.

During the celebration, stories were told (but what is said in our Board Room stays in our Board Room!), and the gathering was followed by a tasty lunch.

We’re grateful for the passion, commitment, and positive energy Frank & Emily bring to our team!

What does it take to feed 50 hardworking inventory professionals, dock workers and stevedores? On Tuesday, September 24, it took 40 Italian beef sandwiches, 50 Italian sausage rolls, 32 cheeseburgers, 24 hot dogs, a giant salad and 5 large chocolate cakes.

Magellan has begun treating our own inventory crew as well as the other great men and women working at North American Stevedoring Company to monthly lunches. While usually the lunch has been in the form of a taco truck, this month the guys had a different idea. So Portillo’s it was! And we loaded them up on beef – LOTS of beef.

Our crew of six guys includes Luis, Angel, Larry, Dominic, Tyrece and Leo. All Chicago inventory is tagged, moved, stored, catalogued and shipped out under their skillful oversight. And they’re at work every day, regardless of weather. We know how indispensable they are to helping Magellan fulfill our commitment to superior service to clients – we couldn’t do it without them. 

The relationships they’ve formed with the other folks at NASCO and Great Lakes Reload plays a big part in our success, too. These monthly lunches are one way we say, “thank you.”

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The 2024 Blue Jean Gala at the Old Town School of Folk Music was a night to remember, filled with music, community, and celebration — and Magellan was thrilled to be part of it. Held on September 20 at the School’s Lincoln Square campus, this annual event supports its mission to provide music education and programs for all.

The evening began with a strolling feast through Lincoln Square, showcasing local culinary delights. Guests then gathered in the School’s intimate Maurer Hall for a performance by the legendary Lyle Lovett. A four-time Grammy Award winner, Lovett’s genre-defying blend of country, blues, and folk, paired with his captivating stage presence, made for an unforgettable experience.

The festivities continued with a lively after-party featuring more music, late-night bites, and a relaxed, denim-chic vibe. Magellan, a longtime supporter of the Old Town School, was delighted to have 30 friends join us in celebrating the School’s contributions to Chicago’s artistic community.

Proceeds from the Blue Jean Gala support financial aid, community partnerships, and education initiatives, keeping the arts accessible to all. We’re honored to support this important work.

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“Behavioral Health Matters. You Matter. Without Question.” This encapsulates the mission of Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (C4), and Magellan could not agree more. That is why C4 was one of four nonprofit recipients of $5,000 contributions from Magellan Corporation recognized at recent Chicago Sky games. C4's CEO Kerri Brown was honored to accept the check to further their important work.

Sponsoring sports isn’t all Magellan does – far from it. We have been active corporate citizens since our founding, some 35+ years ago. We believe it is not only our duty but also a privilege to strengthen the community around us by supporting cultural initiatives, and nonprofits that address critical societal needs.

Misericordia Home (serving persons with developmental disabilities), Top Box Foods (bringing healthy, affordable grocery options to underserved Chicagoland neighborhoods), and Boys & Girls Club of Chicago (a robust youth development program in Chicago) were also recognized with contributions.

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On the afternoon of September 10, 2024, Magellan Corporation and our sister company, Hudson Shipping, joined forces to host a blood drive in collaboration with the American Red Cross. The drive took place at our shared office building and brought together not just employees, but other tenants and members from the community.

Throughout the afternoon, we saw a steady stream of volunteers roll up their sleeves to donate blood. Representatives from the American Red Cross were on hand to make the process smooth, explaining that a single blood donation can save up to three lives. That reminder motivated everyone, knowing that their small act of kindness could have a profound impact on those in need.

The importance of blood donation can't be overstated. According to the Red Cross, donated blood is essential for surgeries, cancer treatments, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries.

We’re looking forward to hosting more events like this in the future!

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Familiar with the expression “like herding cats?” Well, this was a little like that! On September 5th, 2024, Chicago Sky player Elizabeth Williams and assistant coach Awvee Storey teamed up with Sky staff to host a high-energy basketball clinic for 60 enthusiastic (and adorable) kids and counselors from the Boys & Girls Club of Chicago (BGCC). Part of our sponsorship with the Sky enables us to have Meet & Greet events. By passing these along to nonprofit partners, Magellan shares our commitment to the community by helping create memorable experiences.

The gym was buzzing with excitement as Elizabeth Williams, a defensive powerhouse for the Sky, led the kids through fun drills and challenges. Elizabeth's passion for both basketball and mentorship shone through, and the kids were thrilled to get tips from a true pro. Awvee Storey, a Chicago native and former NBA pro kept the energy high, encouraging the young athletes with his signature mix of intensity and humor.

And what’s an event without a tasty conclusion? We wrapped up with delicious slices from Robert’s Pizza -- the perfect wind down after a day full of basketball fun and learning.

Magellan Corporation values its partnerships with both the Chicago Sky and BGCC, and events like these are a reminder of the positive impact that can be made when sports, community, and generosity come together. Everyone left with full hearts, full tummies, and fantastic memories.

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