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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When 16 year old Leah woke up on August 15, it was clearthis was no ordinary day. A limo was waiting to chauffer Leah, her father andsister to breakfast, followed by a trip to the Wintrust Arena for the ChicagoSky WNBA team shoot-around.

Part of the Boys & Girls Club of Chicago Rusu-McCartinClub, Leah is also a student at Orr High School. She’s been recognized for thecommitted leadership she has demonstrated through the BGCC, working as a SummerSchool Leader. And Leah is CRAZY about basketball! She was the perfect pick forthe Magellan / Chicago Sky Player of the Day. One of our favorite elements ofMagellan’s partnership with the Sky is our ability to gift this incredibleonce-in-a-lifetime experience to a deserving young Chicagoan.

After she watched her team heroes practice, Leah was usheredto the Press Room, where she sat alongside Coach Teresa Weatherspoon and SkyGeneral Manager Jeff Pagliocca. After signing her one day contract, Leah waspresented with her own jersey, to the cheers of the entire Sky team.

Leah and family were treated to dinner, then it was back tothe arena, where Leah sat on the team bench, with a dozen of her family,friends, and BGCC staff cheering her on. Unfortunately, the Sky fell to thePhoenix Mercury that game, but that did not dampen the experience for Leah, whotold the Coach, “You’ll be seeing me here someday.” We’re counting on it, Leah!

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On an August afternoon, the residents of Misericordia Home welcomed a special visit from Chicago Fire players Andrew Gutman and Fabian Herbers. Thanks to Magellan’s partnership with the Fire, the two players conducted a soccer clinic for the well beloved Chicago nonprofit, which supports individuals with developmental disabilities.

The players led drills and activities, engaging the men and women of Misericordia and fostering a sense of camaraderie on the field (which, due to weather, was actually the gymnasium!). Sparky, the Fire’s mascot, added to the lively atmosphere, entertaining everyone with his antics.

The day was filled with laughter and enthusiasm, creating memorable moments for all involved. Magellan is proud to have facilitated this opportunity for the residents of Misericordia, and we look forward to more meaningful events in the future!

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On the court, they're tough, uncompromising, gritty, talented to the extreme. Off the court? FUN.

The athletes of the Chicago Sky WNBA were absolutely fantastic guests of honor at the Magellan / Chicago Sky Dinner at Steak 48 restaurant in Chicago on Thursday, August 1. These dynamic women, along with their fabulous front office and coaching staff, joined Magellan clients, friends and employees for a lovely evening of cocktails, dinner, conversation and fun. LOTS of fun.

While the WNBA is enjoying record viewership in 2024 (WNBA averaging 1.3M viewers / game -- triple from last season) Magellan is hardly a new fan. We’ve been proudly supporting the team for a decade. And this year’s women are truly something special.

Heartfelt thanks to Chicago Sky, our wonderful clients and staff for making the evening memorable for all.

Magellan staff and their families had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity on Saturday, July 27 -- a day at the esteemed Halas Hall, where they got to see the Chicago Bears (in their natural habitat!).

The private viewing of our hometown gridiron guys in their pre-season practice began with a tasty catered brunch in the swanky Bear Garden overlooking the field.  Our 35 attendees enjoyed fun photo ops, a little meeting-and-greeting, camaraderie and watching their favorite footballers get ready for the Fall. A terrific surprise was when Bears play-by-play announcer Jeff Joniak stopped by for a fun Q&A and offered his thoughts on the upcoming season. Everyone left with a little swag and it was time to call it a day.

To top it all off, the weather was glorious.

The day was a great mix of relaxation and excitement, allowing everyone to unwind and enjoy some unique behind-the-scenes action. The chance to watch the Bears practice up close and interact with Jeff Joniak was a highlight for many, providing insights and stories that aren't usually available to the public.

The sun was shining on Magellan on this fantastic summer day!

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