In Gratitude, Paper Manufacturer Tours Country Donating to Charities

Aug. 3, 2018

"We think our world could use a little more gratitude, and we spent three weeks doing our part to thank the unsung heroes of our company and our country," explained Liberty Diversified International.

Adrienne Selko

Liberty Diversified International traveled 6, 426 miles in 20 days, crossing 26 state lines, making 17 stops to donate to charities in towns that it has operations.

The company, which is comprised of seven companies, specializing in corrugated fiberboard and office furnishings, decided the best way to celebrate its 100 year anniversary was to show gratitude to its customers and employees.

So this summer its fourth generation CEO Mike Fiterman led a cross-country bus tour, giving away more than $1 million to various charitable organizations across North America. The company, which employs 1,800 is one of the largest privately held companies in the Midwest.

The plan is called the “Great Gratitude Tour,” and was inspired by Mike’s grandfather and LDI founder, Jack Fiterman, a Russian immigrant who started selling refurbished wooden boxes on the cobblestone streets of Minneapolis in 1918. The story goes that Fiterman was so grateful for the unbounded opportunity upon his arrival in America that he named his company “Liberty” in honor of the Statue of Liberty.

Mike’s daughter Ann, who serves on the company's executive board and is involved in key leadership roles, explained the event this way.

Liberty Diversified International is turning 100, and we think that’s a pretty big deal. The dedication of our employees, customers and communities has kept us around for a century. We are hitting the road to show our gratitude. We think our world could use a little more gratitude, and we’ll spend three weeks doing our part to thank the unsung heroes of our company and our country.

From veterans to garbage haulers, educators to cancer researchers, first responders to volunteers – we have a lot of thanking to do, and hope you’ll join our gratitude movement.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.