After many trips to O’Hare airport, I finally had a reason to go to the city. I have the privilege of serving on the Delta Dental of Idaho Board and I attended a board governance training session and an update from the Delta Plans group. It was an excellent investment of time to stay current with best board practices and to network with Board members and individual state leadership from across the Country.
Landing in Chicago we needed to get downtown. We chose to experiment with Uber and it turned out to be an excellent decision. Jim picked us up within a few minutes in the shared ride area. If you are not familiar with the service-you know who is picking you up, when, and the car they are driving. Jim turned out to be a retired health care executive who works a few hours a day because he enjoys meeting new people and staying active. We learned a lot about him, including his view on “why Uber”. There are 35,000 drivers in Chicago who are working for the company. Jim is passionate about their value to the City and even lobbied for them when they were expanding service. Uber drivers often serve neighborhoods in Chicago that were previously under or not served because the drivers know the area and can operate safely. Jim had those interpersonal skills you often see in service professionals and educated us about the rating system. The passengers rate him and he rates us. He must stay in the upper range of the 1-5 system – 4.7 or higher and they rate the passenger for the benefit of the next driver. If you behave badly your next ride may not be with Uber.
Delta has launched a brand campaign focused on healthy smiles. The ads are memorable as you see the importance and value of a “smile.” Delta is committed to facilitating healthy smiles through its dental benefit plans and excellent panel of dentists.
Two and a half days and we are heading home. We decided to Uber back to the airport. Less than five minutes after we asked for a ride, Andre picked us up in a Passat. We learned through the course of our trip that “Dre” is a songwriter and singer and this job allows him flexibility to pursue his dream and make a living. He has a great play list on his phone and when we commented he asked what we liked- long story we exchanged favorites and got to know more about this young man. He wanted to know what we did and when he heard about Delta he offered a personal story about damaging a tooth and not being able to afford to fix it. He admitted being very self conscience about his appearance before he was able to get treatment from his new Dentist. “Dre” gave us his business card and assured us he would see his dream come true. Watch for “Buddy Dre” as he makes it big in the music business. Dre also let us know he intended to share his success by lifting up his family and the tough south side neighborhood in which he grew up.
I am very glad I made it downtown. Chicago downtown is a vibrant and beautiful place. Lake Michigan provides the backdrop and multiple recreational opportunities. I walked each morning with a cadre of runners, walkers, bikers, and lake swimmers. The diversity of great restaurants and deep dish pizza places make we want to return. Believe it or not, I even enjoyed several hours in the Art Institute of Chicago with Dali, Monet, O’Keefe, Chigal and Picasso. Visit Chicago, it is worth the trip.
O’Leary’s cow is famous for setting the city on fire. The skyline is impressive as seen from the Navy Pier on the lake. The museum is amazing and the Picasso above is one example. Frank Loyd Wright said “eventually, I think Chicago will be the most beautiful city left in the world.” Comedian Dick Gregory had this to say “in Chicago not only your vote counts, but all kinds of other votes – kids, dead folks, and so on.” And Muddy Waters believed “going to Chicago was like going out of the world.” I found everyone positive and engaging and will be planning a return trip.
Smile and the world smiles with you! Enjoy the week end. Mike