An Extraordinary Journey
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An Extraordinary Journey
$100 goes a long way. Jim Casey certainly proved that to be true when he and his partner, Claude Ryan borrowed the money to begin his modest messenger service in 1907. Little did they know—or maybe it was exactly as they envisioned—that 100 years later, UPSers around the world would celebrate the company’s Centennial anniversary and its extraordinary journey to success.
Celebrating around the world
Over the past year, the events, exhibits, and activities marking this milestone have themselves been 
extraordinary.
Indeed, they have spanned the globe and included employees, retirees, customers, dignitaries and public officials, and the community.
UPS’s Centennial theme, “Celebrating 100 Years of Service,” honored the company’s history and accomplishments, as well as the generations of UPSers who have given their talents, loyalty, and service.
In addition to creating a specially designed signature mark and dedicated Centennial Web site, UPS® also hosted an extensive traveling exhibit, various employee competitions, community service activities, and special communications that lasted throughout the year.
Going home to Seattle
In honor of UPS’s humble beginnings as the American Messenger Company, UPS held its annual Management Conference in Seattle, just blocks from the basement office where Jim Casey and Claude Ryan started the company.
The conference incorporated several special events, including a community service activity, the recognition of 100 employees invited to attend from around the company, and the annual Casey Evening, where UPS management people pay tribute to Jim Casey and his enduring values that have shaped the company.
This year was the largest Casey Evening on record, due to the attendance of some special guests. In addition to the Management Conference attendees and 100 employees, retired Management Conference attendees that included former CEOs Jack Rogers and Oz Nelson, along with descendants of UPS’s four founders and former CEOs, joined in the celebration.
UPS Chairman and CEO Mike Eskew shared some of Jim’s words during Casey Evening: ‘It is only by service that we can live. It is only by service that we can grow. It is only by service that we can create bigger opportunities for ourselves.’
“And that’s the point,” Mike added. “That’s how we build a company, build an industry, and build a legacy of leadership—all of which we’ve been able to do by creating new opportunities. What makes it all work is the fact that our work, by design, is never done. Continuing UPS is an ongoing journey—a noble, worthwhile, important journey.”
The statistical information included here was current at the time it was published in 2007. To see more recent statistics, visit our pressroom.
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