WTDC’s Internship Program Marks 15 Years

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WTDC Newsletter – January 17, 2023

  • President’s Corner
  • Pajama Drive for His House
  • FAA Grounds All Flights
  • WTDC Internship Program
  • Travel Markets Insider
  • Spirituality in the Workplace
  • Port Everglades Picks up CMA CGM West Coast South America Service

 

President’s Corner

I hope your 2023 is off to a great start! The new year brings fresh perspective, and we are so excited to welcome two new Interns to WTDC. For fifteen years now, WTDC’s Internship Program has introduced over 125 students to logistics. While cultivating their professional skills, they in-turn bring fresh ideas to our company.

This spring, WTDC has two new Interns joining our team from FIU: Joshua Fletcher and Valentina Rojas. WTDC has also retained two former Interns, Fernando Menendez and Leilani Shirvis, to work with WTDC part-time.

Lets have a great year!

Sean Gazitua, President & CEO

 

Pajama Drive for His House

WTDC donated 220 pairs of new pajamas to the children of His House Children’s Home. Thanks to the generous donations of our friends, families, customers, and employees we exceeded our 8th Annual Pajama Drive goal. Way to go Ginger Diez, WTDC Logistics Manager and coordinator of the pajama drive!

His House is a private non-profit faith-based organization dedicated to restoring the lives of children from newborn to 18 years of age in Miami Gardens, FL.

 

FAA Grounds All Flights

On Wednesday, January 11, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) experienced a system-wide outage and the halting of takeoffs for about 90 minutes. This marked the first grounding of all flights since 9/11.

The FAA traced the problem to a damaged database file and caused thousands of flight disruptions.

Click Here for the Full Article

 

WTDC Internship Program

Joshua Fletcher is currently a student at Florida International University (FIU) and is an Intern for WTDC’s Operations and Customer Service department. He is pursuing his Bachelor’s in Business Administration majoring in International Business and is on pace to graduate Spring of 2024.

Valentina Rojas is a FIU student and is an Intern for WTDC’s Operations and Customer Service department. Originally from Colombia, she is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in International Business. She will graduate Fall of 2024.

 

Travel Markets Insider

WTDC President & CEO Sean Gazitua was mentioned in Volume 24 (January 2023) of the Travel Markets Insider Newsletter for his recent appointment to the Adrienne Arsht Center Trust Board of Directors.

Mr. Gazitua was one of six new members of the AACT Board of Directors named by the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners in November 2022.

TMI Newsletter Vol.24

 

Spirituality in the Workplace

On Sunday, January 8th, WTDC visited St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church as part of our Spirituality in the Workplace Initiative. After leading Mass, Father Aristidis gave WTDC staff a tour of the church explaining the iconograhy and later joined us for lunch at Los Ranchos.

Our friends at St. Andrew’s hosted their 41st Annual Greek Festival this past weekend. Be sure to check it out next year!

 

Port Everglades Picks up CMA CGM West Coast South America Service

On Saturday, January 7th, Port Everglades received its first call from CMA CGM’s AMERICAS XL. The global ocean carrier is the only direct service connecting West Coast of South America to United States’ East Coast.

Click Here for the Full Article

WTDC’s 10th Anniversary as a Foreign Trade Zone

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WTDC Newsletter – December 16, 2022

  • President’s Corner
  • ProChile visits WTDC
  • The last 747
  • WTDC’s 10th Anniversary as a Foreign Trade Zone
  • Sound Meditation
  • Fire Drill with MDPD
  • Azamara Onward makes first call to PortMiami

 

President’s Corner

As I look back on 2022, I am so grateful for our customers. Through service to our customers, employees, and community we’ve had opportunities to progress as a company.

In 2023 we look forward to implementing our EDI bridge developed over the past year. We upgraded our forklift fleet, trailer spotter, and made a number of improvements to our facility. Next year we will continue to reinvest in ourselves, building our team and upgrading security for our technology and facility.

This year we expanded our Health and Wellness initiatives with more mindfulness sessions and workouts, full health insurance coverage, healthy lunches for all employees, and improved our on-site workout room. We countered the rise in gas prices with a fuel allowance and put incentive programs in place for all employees.

WTDC celebrated our 45th anniversary in March and that enthusiasm has held strong in all aspects of the business. I am most proud of the way our employees have taken ownership of our community initiatives over the past year. We look forward to working with our customers to better their WTDC experience in 2023.

Wishing you a Happy Holidays!

Stay healthy,

Sean Gazitua, President & CEO

 

ProChile visits WTDC

On December 7, WTDC welcomed ProChile Trade Commissioner Claudia Ferrer and Trade Manager Jaime Silva to our offices. In cooperation with Empresas Perrot, our Chilean logistics partner, WTDC is committed to providing logistics solutions to support the mission of ProChile: growing exports from Chile.

 

The last 747

After 54 years of production, the Boeing 747 has been discontinued. The jet modernized air travel and allowed comfort on long trips. While new 747’s are not being made, existing jets will still be used for both cargo and passenger flights.

 

WTDC’s 10th Anniversary as a Foreign Trade Zone

On December 12th, WTDC celebrated its 10th anniversary as a Foreign Trade Zone. WTDC was the first operating FTZ in PortMiami’s FTZ 281. Thank you to our grantee PortMiami, our customers, and our employees for helping our vision become a reality.

 

Sound Meditation

On Friday, December 9th, Andrea De La Madriz led a sound meditation session at WTDC. As part of our Health and Wellness Initiative, WTDC encourages our employees to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

 

Fire Drill with MDPD

On Monday, December 12, WTDC held a fire drill with the help of the Neighborhood Resource Unit of Miami-Dade Police Department. Thank you to our staff and tenants for your cooperation!

 

Azamara Onward makes first call to PortMiami

Azamara’s newest ship the Azamara Onward arrived to PortMiami to a welcoming party of Miami-Dade County officials this week. The cruise will have a short run from Miami before moving to Europe in the Spring.

Sean Gazitua appointed to Arsht Board

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WTDC Newsletter – December 5, 2022

  • President’s Corner
  • Sean Gazitua appointed to Arsht Center Board of Directors
  • PortMiami Welcomes its Largest Container Ship to Date
  • Royal Caribbean Reaches Biggest Deal Ever with PortMiami
  • Lotus House Food Drive Success
  • Pajama Drive for His House
  • Angel Tree Project
  • WTDC Thanksgiving Potluck
  • LEAF Emmaus Food Drive

President’s Corner

I’m honored to now be appointed to the Adrienne Arsht Center Trust (AACT) Board of Directors, recently confirmed by our Miami-Dade County Commissioners and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

Community is one of the four pillars of WTDC. With this new platform, I hope to further uplift our local community through the arts. For more information, look to the article below.

Stay healthy,

Sean Gazitua, President & CEO

 

Sean Gazitua appointed to Arsht Center Board of Directors

WTDC President and CEO Sean Gazitua and 5 other nominees were appointed to the Adrienne Arsht Center Trust (AACT) Board of Directors during the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners meeting held November 1st, 2022.

Arsht Center is the preeminent hub for arts in Miami-Dade County, with a mission to engage and connect people from every corner of our community through artistic excellence and inspiring educational experiences. The board supports the Arsht Center through supervision, recruitment, and advocacy.

 

PortMiami Welcomes its Largest Container Ship to Date

On November 17th, the CMA CGM Osiris arrived to PortMiami. It is the largest container ship to dock at PortMiami and has a maximum capacity of 15,536 TEU.

 

Royal Caribbean Reaches Biggest Deal Ever with PortMiami

On November 15th, Royal Caribbean and PortMiami reached an agreement that will generate 2.8 billion dollars for the local economy over 50 year deal. The deal includes construction of a new Terminal G for the exclusive use of Royal Caribbean Group brand, construction of another future shared terminal with MSC, a lease extension to 2017 for Royal Caribbean Group’s headquarters at PortMiami, and approval for renovation of their headquarters. The accord estimates 12,000 new jobs will be created as a result.

 

Lotus House Food Drive Success

WTDC’s 4th Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive was a major success! We delivered a trunk full of food for Lotus House Shelter.

Lotus House is a leader in addressing the special needs of homeless women, youth, and children with innovative, holistic, evidence based solutions to break the cycle of childhood abuse, domestic violence, and homelessness.

Thank you to everyone who donated!

 

Pajama Drive for His House

Join WTDC in donating new pajamas for the children of His House Children’s Home in our 8th Annual Pajama Drive. Donations can be dropped off or addressed to WTDC. Thank you for your years of support!

Can’t make it to WTDC? Contact WTDC Logistics Manager Ginger Diez for more ways to donate.

 

Angel Tree Project

Every Christmas season, WTDC participates in the Angel Tree Project from Prison Fellowship. This year, WTDC sponsored Christmas gifts for 10 children of incarcerated parents. The project aims to strengthen relationships between incarcerated parents and their children.

 

WTDC Thanksgiving Potluck

On November 16th, WTDC held a Thanksgiving potluck for staff after work. Thank you everyone for bringing such amazing dishes!

 

LEAF Emmaus Food Drive

On Thursday, November 17th, WTDC Logistics Manager Ginger Diez and Transportation Manager Castell Chavez joined WTDC Chairman Ralph L. Gazitua and Law Enforcement and Firefighters (LEAF) Emmaus members to distribute Thanksgiving meals door to door to needy families in Homestead.

FIU IBHS Bandhwari Scholarship

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WTDC Newsletter – November 15, 2022

  • Presidents Corner – EDI Integration
  • FIU IBHS Scholarship
  • Spirituality in the Workplace – St. Dominic Catholic Church
  • Thanksgiving Food Drive for Lotus House
  • Pajama Drive for HisHouse
  • Health and Wellness – Peak360 CrossFit

 

President’s Corner
After months of development, WTDC began rolling out our new EDI interface with customers this summer. We are now in the process of linking our WMS with the existing systems of our customers. This technology streamlines order processing and US Customs documentation. By continuing to invest in technology, we can offer a better customer experience. If you would like to know more about this opportunity, please contact me and I would be happy to help you.

Stay healthy,

Sean Gazitua, President & CEO

 

FIU IBHS Scholarship

On Thursday, November 10th, WTDC presented Kassandra Perez, FIU IBHS student, with a $1,500 scholarship towards travel for the Bandhwari Project, a micro-enterprise in India led by IBHS students focused on providing women economic opportunities.

WTDC has sponsored the program since 2015. The presentation fostered a great round-table discussion about the value of making and maintaining business relationships, FIU’s international reach, and giving back. In attendance was Dean Hardin III of FIU College of Business, WTDC President and CEO Sean Gazitua, WTDC Interns Fernando Menendez and Leilani Shirvis, faculty and staff from FIU Alumni, College of Business, as well as IBHS students.

Congratulations Kassandra!

 

Spirituality in the Workplace

WTDC visited St. Dominic Catholic Church on Sunday, November 13th, as part of the Spirituality in the Workplace initiative. Fr. Orlando Cardozo joined us for a meal and discussion afterwards at Novecento restaurant. WTDC will now be offering Emmaus retreats for our staff through their church.

 

Thanksgiving Food Drive

WTDC’s 4th Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive’s last day to donate is tomorrow, November 16th. Please join us in supporting Lotus House, the largest shelter for women and children in the country.

Donation drop off will be at WTDC Operations and Suite 217.

Can’t make it to WTDC? Contact WTDC Transportation Manager Castell Chavez for more ways to donate.

 

Pajama Drive for His House

Join WTDC in donating new pajamas for the children of His House Children’s Home in our 8th Annual Pajama Drive. Donations can be dropped off or addressed to WTDC. Thank you for your years of support!

Can’t make it to WTDC? Contact WTDC Logistics Manager Ginger Diez for more ways to donate.

 

Health and Wellness

On Saturday, November 12th, the WTDC team joined Chairman Ralph Gazitua at Peak360 for a CrossFit class. As part of our Health and Wellness initiative, we encourage our staff to prioritize health for an overall improved life. Thank you Guido for the class!

For additional photos, click here

WTDC Chairman Ralph L. Gazitua retires as MDPD Chaplain

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Congratulations to WTDC Chairman Ralph L. Gazitua on his retirement as Chaplain of the Miami Dade Police Department after 20 years of service. On December 16, Chaplain Gazitua celebrated his MDPD Chaplain retirement and the retirement of MDPD Chaplain Eddie Rivero at Sergio’s Doral. Mr. Gazitua’s fellow MDPD Chaplains and colleagues from the Department attended the breakfast including Assistant Director George Perez, Chief Gina Beato-Dominguez, Major Jose A. Fernandez, Major Melissa Barosela, and Executive Vice President of South Florida Police Benevolent Association (PBA) David Greenwell. The PBA presented Chaplain Gazitua with a plaque to commemorate his service.

As an ordained Deacon of the Catholic Church for 34 years, Chaplain Gazitua helped meet the spiritual and pastoral requests of MDPD employees and their families, providing counsel in their time of need.

In times of crisis, such as the collapse of the Champlain Towers in Surfside and the pedestrian bridge at FIU, Mr. Gazitua and the MDPD Chaplains led our community in prayer and provided spiritual guidance to first responders. His responsibilities as Chaplain included education and special programs, introducing MDPD’s human trafficking awareness initiative to the Archdiocese of Miami. As Goodwill Ambassadors of Miami-Dade County, he and the MDPD Chaplains were a social and cultural bridge between the Department and the public on Miami Beach Memorial Day Weekends and at other busy events.

Ralph, thank you for your 20 years of dedication and service as a MDPD Chaplain. Our community is better with people like you and the MDPD Chaplains giving their time and effort to help others. Your involvement with MDPD has become part of the company fabric of WTDC and we look forward to continuing to support law enforcement and its initiatives.

Ralph Gazitua WTDC Chaplain MDPD Retirement

Ralph Gazitua WTDC Chaplain MDPD Retirement

Logistics firm WTDC hires seven FIU Business interns

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Read the original story at BizNews.fiu.edu

YouTube video player
(l. to r.) Sean Gazitua, president and CEO of WTDC, with spring 2021 FIU interns Leahanna Sine (U.S.); Jibin Jinu, India; Calvin Mittra, Bangladesh; Julia Leitao, Brazil; Andressa Souza, Brazil; Isabella Palmese, Honduras; and Kristina Khudiakova, Russia.
When junior Kristina Khudiakova isn’t learning international business theory in class, she is putting it into practice as a digital marketing intern at WTDC, a global trade firm. Three days a week, Khudiakova heads into the office to create promotional videos and social media content. She films, edits and writes, working closely with employees and soaking up lessons covering all aspects of international business.

“I’m so grateful for this hands-on work opportunity where I can implement the concepts we study in the field I want to pursue,” said Khudiakova, president of FIU’s International Business Honor Society (IBHS). “They not only give me assignments, but we also talk a lot about other industries. I’m learning so much.”

Khudiakova is one of seven members of IBHS to be hired as a spring intern at WTDC, where FIU Alumni Association board of directors member Sean Gazitua (BBA ‘04) sits at the helm as president and CEO. It wasn’t Gazitua’s original plan to hire seven FIU interns, but he was so impressed by the crop of students he interviewed remotely last semester that he found a place at the company for each of their talents. The group also brings strong international experience to the business, hailing from Bangladesh, Brazil, Honduras, India and Russia as well as the U.S.

“The interns are amazing,” Gazitua said. “They bring a breath of fresh air. We’ve been doing this for a long time so we know what we are doing, but at the same time, technology is changing everything, so we want their opinions.”

Gazitua doesn’t have a preconceived list of internship slots to fill. Instead, he gauges student interest and comes up with individualized plans. When a current intern mentioned his interest in renewable energy, a lightbulb went off in Gazitua’s mind because he wants WTDC to become a green company. The intern is analyzing the company to find ways to reduce electricity consumption, as well as researching best practices employed by other companies.

The relationships that start as internships often evolve professionally. Gazitua has hired former interns into full-time jobs, and has used his connections around the world to help others find jobs in their home countries. He has found that international students often have language skills and a cultural understanding of markets WTDC works with as a global logistics provider.

David Wernick, teaching professor and faculty advisor IBHS, has helped connect FIU students with the company for years.

“I know these interns are going to get an amazing hands-on experience and be treated exceptionally well,” Wernick said. “They learn valuable lessons on teamwork, communication, and execution from a company on the front lines of the global economy. And WTDC gets a steady stream of students who are energetic and eager to learn, so it’s a win-win!”