Answers and updates.

On today’s episode of Up To Speed, Jeremy was joined by Hans and Network Director Rick Goldschmidt. Highlights included:

• Rick shared an update on network performance after destructive storms in the Midwestern United States.
• Hans shared his thanks to all who helped with the Mobile Edge Compute (MEC) partnership we launched with AWS.
• Hans answered a range of questions from V Teamers, including urging those who seek mentorship to not be afraid to reach out to leaders.

Staycation Roadtrip comes to K.C.

Today, Andy and his Staycation Roadtrip camper arrived in the land of Super Bowl champs, slow-cooked barbecue and super fast 5G. Did you know Kansas City, MO, is also home to the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures? And if teeny-tiny toys aren’t your thing, how about oversized sports equipment? Just outside Kansas City’s art museum lie four of the world’s largest badminton birdies. Big or small, K.C. truly has it all.

Local V Teamer

Cody Biermaier, Senior Manager of Network Engineering & Operations, enjoyed the Super Bowl win by his Kansas City Chiefs last February, even though it meant extra responsibilities related to the ensuing parade. “We worked really closely with our business partners in Verizon Wireless to ensure that our fiber going down the parade route was ready to launch small cells -- whether that was 4G or 5G -- so that our customers could get the service they wanted,” said Cory.

Cory has volunteered his time over the years for various local causes, including cleaning up local parks. Now that the pandemic is here, he has pivoted to participating in charitable walks, like those organized by Carry The Load, a non-profit that connects people through active events to the sacrifices made daily by our military, veterans, first responders and their families.

Cory also does his best to be a helpful guide when friends visit. “The first question I always get is ‘where should I go for barbeque?’ Personally, I really love Arthur Bryant’s. It’s an original place. You’ve also got your smaller joints like Papa Bob’s. You have to try them all. Each place has its own specialty.”

Don’t shoot the Messenger

In our small business spotlight, Kansas City’s Messenger Coffee Company serves coffee that is good on many levels. The company focuses on equality throughout the coffee supply chain, all while serving a great cup of joe to Kansas Citians.

In the spirit of Pay It Forward, we’re using our Verizon Visa card to donate $1,000 in Messenger coffee and pastries to the hardworking medical staff at The University of Kansas Medical Center.

Local musical artist

One group that loves Messenger coffee is the local band The Greeting Committee. They describe their music as “indie pop music that you can cry to.” While young, their lyrics carry the wisdom of the ages.

Next on the ToDoist list: A student discount

Speaking of young people, we’ve got the perfect way to make sure the students in your life stay productive. Our student (and teacher) discount just got even better with six months free of Todoist premium. Todoist is a productivity app geared to organize your life, helping you get your work done so you have plenty of time for everything else.

That’s all from the heartland. Until next time, you’re up to speed.

If you have any questions, email them to live@verizon.com.

Click here for a transcript of the webcast.

Get the latest information on our Coronavirus Resource Page (Inside Verizon, The Street).

Reminder, tune in to Up To Speed Live tomorrow at 12 PM ET/9 AM PT.

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