Company: DHL Global Forwarding
Company Description: DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry. DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services to its customers. DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL.
Nomination Category: Individual Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Employee of the Year

Nomination Title: Kim Petersen, Branch Manager: Newark, New Jersey

Describe for the judges the activities and accomplishments of the nominated entrepreneur since the beginning of July last year (up to 500 words):

Kim Petersen has exemplified a lead-by-example attitude for the past 12 years since she became Branch Manager for Newark, New Jersey, but more importantly, one of her greatest traits has been her big heart. As an employee and leader, she has transformed the way the 90 member Newark team deals with customers, instilling in them an “always put the customer first” approach. Under Kim’s leadership, the Newark station, which predominantly services ocean cargo customers, surpassed its profit goals by US$2.2 million in 2011.

Although Kim’s focus and job is to maximize profitability, ensure optimal operational performance and always put customers first, she has also worked alongside her team to make a difference in the community in which they work. In 2009, she established a partnership between DHL Global Forwarding and West Side High School in Newark. The partnership entails providing three juniors from West Side a job opportunity to work three hours a day at the DHL offices until they graduate. Kim identified the need to create jobs for young people in this community, which has a very poor job market and does not offer many opportunities after graduation. The partnership offers these students the opportunity to have an entry level job that offers them the possibility of a permanent full-time position once they graduate. To date, there have been nine partnership graduates that have gone on to be employed with DHL Global Forwarding.

The partnership also entails mentoring and coaching; in return, the students provide enthusiasm and a renewed energy for those they work with. In October 2011, Kim was so excited about expanding the program she and her colleague, Deborah Johnson met with the Newark School Board and proposed an international logistics course that can be taught by a few of DHL’s experts at the high school. The program which is currently being evaluated by the School Board will help offer these students insight into international trade, business, and possibly future opportunities within the logistics industry.

For another one of Kim’s corporate social responsibility projects she started 11 years ago, she didn’t have to go too far; just literally across the street. The YMWCA Newark Emergency Residential Program located across the street from the DHL Global Forwarding offices provides shelter for homeless individuals and families. The Newark team, led by Kim, raises funds throughout the year to provide the families at the shelter personalized care packages that include clothes, winter coats, and blankets. In December 2011, the team donated 200 of these, which also included MP3 players for the teenagers and a family photo shoot with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The group has been gearing up throughout 2012 by hosting monthly events to raise funds to exceed the number of individuals and families they help this year. The pride and passion with which Kim carries out her work is just as strong and contagious when it comes to helping out her local community and encouraging her colleagues to do the same.

Provide a brief biography of the nominated employee (up to 100 words):

With over 20 years experience in the logistics industry, Kim Petersen, currently serves as DHL Global Forwarding’s Newark Branch Manager. In her current role, she is charged with overseeing more than 80 employees and ensuring productivity and increasing the current customer portfolio. Prior to serving as Branch Manager, Kim was Ocean Export Manager, a position she held for six years. In the workplace, Kim is committed to what she calls the “5 E’s”: Educate, Empower, Energize, Enthuse and Excellence.