Corrugated box maker Liberty Diversified International (LDI) will cap its 100th anniversary in Brooklyn Park Friday with a nationwide "Great Gratitude Tour" in which the company will donate hundreds of thousands to charities, feed 2,000 guests and attempt to break a Guinness World Record.
The food trucks, fireworks, music, donations, scroll signing contest and other celebratory events will take place Friday at LDI's Brooklyn Park factory.
The event marks the 17th city visited by LDI executives during a 19-day bus tour to LDI facilities across the country. Officials said they were determined to thank employees, customers and their communities for helping LDI come so far in 100 years.
LDI was founded in 1918 by Jack Fiterman, a Russian immigrant who started selling refurbished wooden boxes on the cobblestone streets of Minneapolis. Fiterman, whose grandson and great grandchildren help run the corrugated-box business today, was so grateful for his opportunities in America, he named his box company "Liberty."
Today, LDI boasts eight businesses, 1,800 employees and more than $675 million in annual revenue.
To celebrate its 100-year milestone, LDI Chairman Mike Fiterman will issue donation checks throughout Friday. Recipients include: United Way of the Greater Twin Cities; Habitat for Humanity; Junior Achievement; Community Health Charities Minnesota; National Alliance on Mental Health Minnesota; Alzheimer's Association; Chainbreaker; PRISM; Gilda's Club; Can Do Canines; Honor Flight Twin Cities; Our Military Kids; Cookie Cart; and EDGE.
Gov. Mark Dayton is expected to issue a daily proclamation in honor of LDI's accomplishments.Guinness World Record officials will attend Friday's events and judge whether LDI guests can break the one-hour record for scroll signing. Company officials hope to collect 1,000 signatures and greetings in 60 minutes.
