On My Mind
Numerous non-Russian companies have either temporarily paused or permanently ceased their operations in Russia. For many of those companies, it was a decision that will have implications for several years into the future and each Board of Directors had to make a decision based upon its values, morals, and business interests. Here are some company statements: (1) Coca-Cola – “The Coca-Cola Company announced today that it is suspending its business in Russia. Our hearts are with the people who are enduring unconscionable effects from these tragic events in Ukraine. We will continue to monitor and assess the situation as circumstances evolve.”; (2) Starbucks – “As I communicated Friday, we condemn the horrific attacks on Ukraine by Russia and our hearts go out to all those affected.” and (3) McDonald’s – “Our values mean we cannot ignore the needless human suffering unfolding in Ukraine . . .” Let’s hope the suffering ends soon.

Interesting Stories
Major League Baseball (MLB) and the MLB Players Union finally agreed to a collective bargaining agreement that ended a 90+ day lockout. Fans were getting very frustrated by the lack of contract negotiation progress by all reported accounts . . . it will be interesting to watch game attendance numbers. Fortunately, each team will play all 162 games. One of the most interesting developments coming out of the agreement was the planned introduction of the Designated Hitter role in the National League – pitchers will no longer have to bat. The American League has had that role for quite a while. This change will probably mean fewer bunts and more home runs in the National League. Play ball!

Company News
I presented on Creating a Quality Vision on the evening of February 8, 2022 at the MN American Society for Quality Section Meeting (Zoom platform). Several of my upcoming public webinars and short courses are sold out. The Spring Schedule will be available mid-March. The next public Strategic Improvement Green Belt course starts May 18, 2022 and there are a few seats still available. The brochure is available on the PUBLIC SEMINARS page of this website.

Intriguing Reads
Berkshire Hathaway—a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Omaha, NE—recently released its 2021 Annual Report which contains the most-read “Letter to Shareholders” in the world. That letter is written every year by the 91-year-old Warren Buffett (known as the “Sage of Omaha”) who is the company’s Chairman of the Board & CEO. The Annual Meeting will be held in Omaha, NE on Saturday, April 30, 2022. This event is typically live streamed on Yahoo Finance. It will be interesting what Warren Buffett—and Charlie Munger, Vice Chairman—say about the crisis in Ukraine. This event is a must see either live, live streamed, or later on YouTube.