Logistics Plus founder Jim Berlin wins Erie community service award

Logistics Plus founder and chairman Jim Berlin received the 2026 Louis J. Tullio Community Service Award at the Spirit of Erie celebration in Erie, Pennsylvania. The honor recognized three decades of local philanthropy, public art, youth investment and international civic work tied to Erie.

Why it matters: - The award spotlights how Berlin’s business success has been tied to Erie-led civic investment for 30 years. - The recognition also reflects the local impact of a global company that remains headquartered in Erie. - Berlin’s work has supported public art, youth programs, humanitarian aid and international partnerships.

What happened: - Jim Berlin received the 2026 Louis J. Tullio Community Service Award at the second annual Spirit of Erie awards celebration on Thursday, September 10, 2026. - The Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership presented the award before roughly 700 guests at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. - The award honored service that has made a lasting difference in the Erie community. - The evening was part of the America250PA commemoration. - Erie native Tom Ridge, former Pennsylvania governor and first U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, received the top Spirit of Erie Award. - Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis delivered the keynote address.

The details: - Berlin founded Logistics Plus in Erie in 1996 with three employees, one customer and a $120,000 purchase order. - Logistics Plus now has nearly $1 billion in annual revenue and operates in more than 55 countries. - The company remains headquartered in Erie’s historic Union Station, which Berlin purchased and renovated to support downtown redevelopment. - Berlin has commissioned public murals for more than 20 years, including works at the Peach and Sassafras Street overpasses, the “Don’t Give Up the Shipment” warehouse mural and the 2025 Joe Moore Award mural on West 12th Street. - The Berlin family’s philanthropy and the Success Through Sports Foundation have expanded access to athletics, training and academic opportunity for young people across the region. - Berlin helped launch a Ukrainian Hockey Camp and Cultural Exchange that brought together youth from Ukraine, Romania and the Erie-Buffalo area. - During the COVID-19 pandemic, Logistics Plus donated millions of dollars in personal protective equipment and relief supplies. - Berlin is one of three U.S. business leaders appointed to the G-7 Business Advisory Council for Ukraine. - Berlin helped create the sister-city relationship between Erie and Chornomorsk, Ukraine. - Berlin also supports the emerging Gem City Shipbuilding initiative. - Berlin’s honors include DevelopErie’s 2014 Employer of the Year, Most Admired CEO by the Manufacturer & Business Association, a two-time Smart Business Pittsburgh “Smart 50” honoree and induction into the EY Entrepreneur of the Year World Hall of Fame. - Berlin said the award meant more to him than any business honor because it recognized Erie and its people. - Logistics Plus CEO Yuriy Ostapyak said Berlin built a nearly billion-dollar company and continued to put Erie first.

Between the lines: - The Chamber’s selection framed Berlin as a rare example of a founder who kept a fast-growing global business anchored in the city where it started. - The award also underscores how civic identity, philanthropy and regional development remain central to Erie’s business culture. - Berlin’s Ukraine work gives the honor a broader geopolitical dimension beyond local service.

What's next: - The Spirit of Erie will continue as the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership’s annual signature celebration. - Logistics Plus said Berlin is “not close to done,” signaling continued civic and business involvement. - The company directs readers to its news page for updates.**