Monday, December 16, 2013

CITT Winter Semester Announcement

New research from MIT "the missing link" connecting employees’ supply chain & logistics skills and expertise to corporate KPIs, trumping all other operational factors

Toronto, Ontario – December 12, 2013 - The MIT Forum for Supply Chain Innovation recently released a landmark research study in collaboration with PwC on Supply Chain and Risk Management and Making Right Decisions to Strengthen Operations Performance.1 And it’s caught the attention of CITT.

CITT says this study, which examined 209 manufacturers operating in a number of different sectors, adds pivotal evidence to support the argument that a company’s most important metrics actually hinge on the abilities and expertise of people who are able to run flexible, uninterrupted supply chain and logistics operations—and not the host of other, less controllable factors that often get the attention of management.
 
Previously CITT has shared other research that studied hundreds of companies with global operations and linked corporate performance most closely to uninterrupted supply chain operations.2,3  CITT characterizes the new MIT research as the missing link industry needed to prove that profitability and uninterrupted supply chains are more sensitive to people’s professional abilities than anything else.

"Taken together, these studies send businesses a clear message—having the logistics expertise is the biggest factor in a resilient, uninterrupted supply chain, and a resilient supply chain is the biggest factor for profitability," says Catherine Viglas, President of CITT, who wants to tell businesses that CITT's winter semester of specialized logistics and business courses is open for registration until January 10th, with some courses starting about a week later.

Professional development puts control into the hands of businesses:

Walk the halls of any business with significant supply chain operations and chances are you'll hear familiar gripes about profitability. Commodity pricing is unpredictable. Currency rates are on a roller coaster ride. Fuel costs are soaring. Margins are razor thin and events of all kinds are causing disruptions.

Yet the MIT study shows that profitability hinges on people and what they know. The research concluded that supply chain operations were most sensitive to skill set and expertise, a factor well within the control of businesses, not fickle factors such as commodity pricing and fuel costs.

1 Further, MIT and PwC found that the 'companies with mature capabilities in supply chain and risk management do better along all survey dimensions of operational and financial performance than immature companies.'1    
"The findings should come as great news to businesses who often feel vulnerable to uncontrollable factors," says Viglas. "Supply chain and logistics is often an afterthought for top-level executives because it's relatively invisible until something goes wrong." Viglas added.

Opportunities to boost KPIs across the board:

"If there's ever been a wake-up call to invest in professional development and certification for your supply chain and logistics people, this study is it," said CITT’s Viglas, citing the study's findings that only 41% of the companies in the study had the mature expertise needed to effectively address incidents and only 9% were described as being fully prepared to manage the disruptions common in today's increasingly complex global supply chain ecosystem.1

The MIT study illustrated that companies with mature supply chain logistics capabilities in place to avoid or manage supply chain interruptions had significant impact on key operating performance indicators, such as:

* Total supply chain lead-time variability
* Total cost
* Order fulfillment lead time
* Inventory turns
* Supply chain assets utilization
* Total supply chain lead-time
* Customer service level or fill-rate
* Sales revenue
* Market-share
* Market value

"CITT’s specialized logistics courses are a proven way of setting your logistics professionals, and your business, up for better performance. The skills and expertise developed through CITT courses lead to more sustainable, invulnerable supply chain and logistics operations," Viglas said.

Registration for CITT’s winter semester of online logistics and business courses is open until January 10th.

CITT reminds logistics professionals and executives that registration is open until January 10th for the winter semester of specialized logistics and business courses offered online across Canada. Proactive professionals who want to develop, demonstrate and deepen their mastery of the business of logistics and want to be distinguished as a CITT-Certified Logistics Professional (CCLP) are encouraged to register:

* Online: Register online at www.citt.ca/register (available 24/7 'til January 10th)
* Phone: 416.363.5696 x0. Phone lines will be opened until Friday, January 10th at 5:00pm EST.
* Email: CITT at info@citt.ca (download the registration form online at www.citt.ca/register)

CITT:

CITT is a non-profit organization originally created by industry for industry to rapidly build post WW2 logistics expertise in 1958. Today CITT is industry's most experienced and valued source of supply chain logistics courses, certification and expertise. With accessible, flexible, and affordable online learning, industry-experienced course facilitators and supportive program staff, CITT has helped thousands of successful working professionals develop, demonstrate and deepen their mastery of the business of logistics and attain industry's most valued logistics designation.

CITT-Certified Logistics Professionals (CCLP): Thousands of people have looked to CITT for professional certification and many maintain their CCLP designation voluntarily year-after-year. Before they can be certified, CITT's designation holders have their proven business and logistics knowledge, have amassed nearly 10,000 hours of industry experience, agree to uphold the CITT Code of Ethics and make a commitment to regular professional development to ensure their expertise is up-to-date.

CITT’s CCLP Designation Program of Study:

Backgrounder
  
Created for industry, by industry, CITT compresses decades of real-world experience and innumerate hours of logistics experience into professional courses that are developed, updated and facilitated by successful, proven logistics practitioners. Professionals who complete the CITT course of study and have requisite work experience are given the designation CCLP (CITT-Certified Logistics Professional).

CITT offers industry's most comprehensive and practical coverage of logistics topics that supply chain logistics professionals need to survive and thrive, including: courses, webinars and premier conferences. All address the Canadian and global perspectives on supply chain logistics.
CITT's deep-level specialized logistics courses are aimed at helping organizations build more invulnerable, sustainable and profitable supply chain logistics operations. Relevant for anyone who buys, sells or manages the flow of goods and product (or is impacted by transportation logistics), they are:

* Transportation Systems
* Logistics Processes
* Logistics Decision Modeling
* Integrated Logistics
* Transportation Law
* Transportation Economics
Complete FREE GUIDE available from www.citt.ca

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Kenco Appoints Kevin Fletcher Senior Vice President of Transportation Services

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.—Dec. 4, 2013—Kenco, a leading provider of integrated logistics solutions, real estate services, and material handling equipment, has announced the executive appointment of Kevin S. Fletcher to the position of senior vice president of Kenco Transportation Services.

In addition to his transportation-leadership responsibilities, Fletcher will focus on account management, business development and strategic planning.

“Kevin’s expertise encompasses each aspect of our current transportation solution—brokerage, transportation management, and asset-based fleet operations,” said David Caines, president of Kenco Transportation Services.

Fletcher brings nearly 30 years of experience to Kenco, including management positions at carrier, shipper and third party logistics companies. He was most recently with Landstar, where he was executive vice president of logistics services. Fletcher is a graduate of Auburn University.

About Kenco:

Kenco provides integrated logistics solutions that include distribution and fulfillment, comprehensive transportation management, material handling services, real estate management, and information technology—all engineered for Operational Excellence. Woman-owned and financially strong, Kenco has built lasting customer relationships for more than 60 years. Kenco’s focus is on common sense solutions that drive uncommon value. Learn more at www.kencogroup.com. Also, connect with Kenco on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and the Kenco Blog.

Monday, November 25, 2013

LQ Advisory Board Announcement: Guy Toksoy Joins LQ's Advisory Board

LQ is pleased to announce that Guy Toksoy has accepted LQ’s invitation to join its Advisory Board

Toronto, ON (November 25, 2013) - Guy Toksoy is Vice President of Ryder Canada’s Supply Chain Solutions business segment. He is responsible for directing the development and operations of world-class logistics solutions for Ryder’s global and domestic customers.

Prior to joining Ryder, Guy held progressively senior positions at APL logistics including Head of Logistics operations with responsibility for the operational and sales activities of all Canadian services. His career also includes progressive senior management positions at Cebra Inc. and GATX Logistics, as well as several entrepreneurial companies.

Guy has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Middle East Technical University, a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Cincinnati and an M.B.A. from Miami University.

About Ryder:

Ryder is a FORTUNE 500® commercial transportation, logistics and supply chain management solutions company. Ryder’s stock (NYSE:R) is a component of the Dow Jones Transportation Average and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. Inbound Logistics magazine has recognized Ryder as a top third party logistics provider and green supply chain partner. Ryder has also been ranked two years in a row as one of the top 250 U.S. companies in the Newsweek Green Rankings. In addition, Security Magazine has named Ryder one of the top companies for security practices in the transportation, logistics, supply chain, and warehousing sector. For more information, visit www.ryder.com and follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

LQ's Board:

As a resource for logisticians, academics and executives in other disciplines in the United States and Canada, LQ offers ideas for leadership in logistics, supply chain management and transportation, and provides a unique bridge between business, academia and practitioners. LQ’s Advisory Board and contributors afford authoritative thinking on the complex and fast-changing work of the logistics and supply chain management business - with a unique focus on best practices in the United States and Canada. LQ's Board plays a pivotal role in providing direction for LQ Magazine and LQ’s bi-annual Symposiums.

Manitoulin Transport Acquisition

BRANDON -- Manitoba –  November 25, 2013-- Manitoulin Transport announced today that it has purchased Smooth Freight Ltd., of Brandon, Manitoba.  Smooth Freight provides scheduled less-than-truckload (LTL) and truck load (TL) services and storage trailer rentals to over 300 rural communities in southern and western Manitoba, from its terminals in Winnipeg and Brandon.

"A key component of Manitoulin's growth strategy continues to be building out our reach and service offerings in Western Canada," said Don Goodwill, president, Manitoulin Transport.  "We look for highly successful companies, with a customer-oriented culture that strongly reflects our own. Smooth Freight fit the bill on all accounts and we are delighted to welcome them into the Manitoulin family."

Established in 1987, Smooth Freight has more than 200 trailers and 25 trucks including dry vans, heat/refrigeration, flat deck and tail lift.

"Like Manitoulin, Smooth Freight has been a family owned and operated business for many years," said Borden Hadley, founder and former owner, Smooth Freight Ltd. "We're excited about this development and delighted to become part of a continuously expanding and highly reputable enterprise that shares our values and puts the customer first.  Importantly, we believe our customers will benefit greatly from having more choice now in Manitoba when it comes to their transportation requirements, through easy access to the full suite of transportation services Manitoulin can provide."

Borden Hadley, will stay on in a consulting capacity, and Bobbi Hadley and Tobi Hadley will continue on in Sales and Management roles.

About Manitoulin Transport:

Manitoulin Transport is a leading North American transportation and logistics solutions provider.  As a single-source carrier, it offers a wide array of transportation solutions, including; expedited less-than-truckload and truck-load, trans-border, intermodal, private fleet, guaranteed service, temperature-controlled, dangerous goods and supply chain management.  Manitoulin leverages its extensive network to service major urban and rural areas. In North America, its distribution coverage consists of more than 60 Canadian terminals and 250 U.S. service centres. All these solutions are assisted by its state-of-the-art technology that provides customers with 24 x 7 critical shipping information to manage and complete their supply chain processes.

Friday, November 15, 2013

C.H. Robinson Enters Switzerland Marketplace


Eden Prairie, MN (November 15, 2013) — Further expanding their European footprint, C.H. Robinson, one of the world’s largest transportation and logistics companies, has opened a new office in Basel, Switzerland.

Located on the borders of Switzerland, France and Germany, the Basel office employs multi-lingual account managers who will focus on the customer facing aspects of the business including new sales, account management and account operations.

Managing the new office will be Ildiko Gergely, a 13-year transportation industry veteran. Gergely started her C.H. Robinson career in the Syracuse, NY office in 2000 and opened the company’s Budapest, Hungary office in 2002.

“The Basel office represents an opportunity for global companies and supply chain decision makers in the area to see firsthand the value C.H. Robinson can bring to their organization,” said Gergely.

C.H. Robinson established an initial presence in Europe 20 years ago.  Since that time, the company has built a network of 52 offices with over 1,000 employees throughout Europe to become one of the leading transportation and logistics companies in the region.

In the last 16 months, C.H. Robinson has named Bryan Foe as president of Europe, Gary York as director of sourcing for Europe and Ivo Aris as director of European global forwarding. In addition, the company acquired Apreo Logistics S.A., and opened offices in Rotterdam, The Netherlands and Istanbul, Turkey.

About C.H. Robinson:

Founded in 1905, C.H. Robinson is a global provider of multimodal logistics services, fresh produce sourcing, and information services to 42,000 customers through a network of 285 offices and over 11,500 employees around the world. The company works with 56,000 transportation providers worldwide. C.H. Robinson is a Fortune 500 company and had annual revenues of over $11 billion in 2012.

Through the company and its Foundation, C.H. Robinson and its employees contribute millions of dollars annually to a variety of organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Community Health Charities, American Red Cross, Children's Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota, and Global Impact. The company is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and has been publicly traded on the NASDAQ since 1997. For more information about C.H. Robinson, visit http://www.chrobinson.com.  

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

The TMSA Announces Call for its 62nd Annual Compass Awards Entries


Calling All Industry Innovators, TMSA Announces Call for Entries for 2014 Compass Awards Competition 

PRINCETON JUNCTION, NJ – Continuing to provide industry leaders with a platform to benchmark their best practices in marketing and sales, the Transportation Marketing and Sales Association (TMSA) announced the Call for Entries for its 62nd Annual Compass Awards competition, which will be held during the 2014 TMSA Annual Conference, June 8-10 at the Westin Galleria, Dallas, Texas.

Open to members and non-members, the Compass Awards program recognizes the best of the best in marketing and sales within the transportation and logistics industry and aims to advance the success of industry professionals dedicated to innovation. Entries are judged by industry peers in the following categories: direct marketing campaign, integrated campaign, marketing and sales collaborated effort, marketing and sales collateral, media relations, on-site/off-site events, single advertisement and web-based marketing and sales. The deadline to submit entries is March 14, 2014.

“For 62 years this competition has presented a platform for professionals to be recognized by their peers as a means of spurring industry innovation,” said Dino Moler, President of TMSA. “As we announce this year’s Call for Entries, we look forward to the submissions which represent an exciting first step towards raising the bar in the field of transportation and logistics.”

The following companies received Awards of Excellence last year: C.H. Robinson; FedEx Custom Critical; FedEx Services, ALK Technologies, San Joaquin RTD, Crowley Maritime, Inc., Globe Express Services, LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, LLamasoft, M33 Integrated Solutions, Ryder; SMC, Fort Worth Transportation Authority, BQR Advertising and Public Relations, Inc.

For additional information on the 2014 TMSA Compass Awards, visit www.TMSAtoday.org or contact TMSA at 609-799-4900.

About the Transportation Marketing and Sales Association (TMSA):

The Transportation Marketing and Sales Association exists to enhance the knowledge, connections, recognition and solutions available to the marketing, communications and sales professions within the transportation and logistics industries including motor carriers, railroads, air carriers, ocean lines, 3PLs, OEMs, passenger transit organizations, media, and suppliers. TMSA members and their companies account for over $300 billion in revenue and over $190 million in sales/marketing/communication budgets. Member benefits include recognition of excellence through the annual Compass Awards, extensive educational programs and networking opportunities.

After 50 Years, CITT is Changing its Designation Name to CCLP


Now there’s a better, clearer way to identify expert ability in the business of supply chain logistics: CCLP                                                                          

Toronto, Ontario November 5, 2013 - CITT—industry’s most valued and longest-trusted source of logistics certification1— is very proud to announce the immediate change of its designation name to “CCLP”.  Spelled out, this uniquely trademarked designation name indicates that its bearer is a CITT-Certified Logistics Professional.  It’s a much clearer way to denote its holders’ expert-ability and CITT’s certified members are united behind it.

“For the last 50 years, professionals who were certified by CITT carried the simple designation “CITT” after their names. While we’ve built tremendous equity in this designation, it didn’t actually describe the professional, his/her area of specialized expertise or explictly reflect the person’s significant level of experience, accomplishment and professionalism ,” said CITT President, Catherine Viglas.  

“After years of planning and consultation with our members and industry, we’ve decided to make the designation name more intuitive and fully descriptive. CITT-Certified Logistics Professional (CCLP) is self-evident and, importantly, preserves “CITT” as the credibility anchor of the designation,” she explains.

Adding “logistics” to the designation name provides important, new information about the credential for some people in the industry. CITT’s academic curriculum is updated regularly and has evolved a lot over the years to help companies operate profitable, invulnerable and sustainable supply chain logistics systems on a national or global scale.

“CITT-Certified Logistics Professionals have an understanding of the business of logistics that goes far beyond CITT’s original start in transportation and distribution skill-building,” explains Paul Kurrat, CITT’s lead facilitator.

CITT focuses on developing and deepening people’s management abilities and equipping them with a sound understanding of integrated logistics and its component parts. Course work needed for the CCLP designation is case-based and helps people design and operate responsive, integrated systems within cross-functional supply chain and logistics environments to deliver maximum value to all stakeholders while minimizing exposure to service interruptions.

The last technical course people take in the program challenges their ability to understand, align and integrate all internal and external supply chain logistics functions into one cohesive system.  These functions can include production planning, procurement, materials management and handling, quality control, inventory control and order processing, warehousing, data exchange, finance, transportation and customer service.

“CITT embraces all of this under the umbrella of logistics,” Kurrat explains.  “That’s the key reason we seldom call ourselves by our full legal name and, instead, just go by CITT.  Because our professionals’ knowledge and abilities go beyond transportation, the new CCLP designation name will now recognise that fact.”

How industry can recognize a CCLP (CITT-Certified Logistics Professional):

Only fully-certified members of CITT who’ve completed all the requirements for their professional designation will be entitled to call themselves a CCLP (CITT-Certified Logistics Professional). They might use any or all of the following ways to denote this professional distinction:
* The CCLP initials will appear after their names
* They might describe themselves as “CITT-Certified Logistics Professionals”
* They may display their CCLP designation certificate
* They may display an optional-use, annual CCLP Trust-Mark:

Great reaction & praise for CITT’s new CCLP designation name:
                 
Nearly all of CITT’s certified members love CCLP as their new designation name. And record breaking numbers partipated in the renaming process.

“Renaming our designation has been a key strategic initiative for many years,” revealed CITT’s President, Viglas. “Several successive Boards championed this improvement—which is a sign of tremendous solidarity and organizational stability.”

“The vast majority of CITT’s certified members are proud, confident and thrilled about our move to the CCLP designation name,” said CITT’s outgoing Board Chair, Warren Sarafinchan, who oversaw most of the development process and describes the move to CCLP as “absolutely fantastic”.

Incoming Board Chair, Robert Ramsay offers that “the CCLP name distinguishes CITT’s professionals much better and sets up our sector’s most valued logistics credential much more clearly for the next generation of professionals.”

And Past Chair, Andrew Dixon, who led the Board team that first formalized CITT’s priority to move to a new designation name, said he’s “100% pleased with the new CCLP name.”

Sector leaders from across Canada have also weighed in with their support:

“I’ve had my CITT designation for over 20 years and since then I have seen an increased recognition of the value that it brings both to individuals and to employers. I don’t see it as a ‘nice to have’ accolade, but as concrete evidence of a logistics professional’s expertise and qualifications. As a business leader, I believe that the new name is more appealing to potential candidates and more relevant to employers who seek to bring in a higher level of logistics expertise in their organizations. It’s similar to pertinent designations in other fields, such as finance and/or engineering, which give employers the confidence that, by investing in qualified professionals, they generate value for their business which positively impacts their customers.”  
Larry Rodo, CCLP, President, DAY & ROSS FREIGHT

“CITT is the leading provider of professional training for logisticians. Through its new CCLP designation, CITT has set a new level of recognition for certified Professionals.”
Douglas Harrison, CCLP, President & CEO, VERSACOLD LOGISTICS SERVICES

“The new CCLP designation takes on added significance as it conveys a clear message to customers and fellow practitioners alike that the holder has invested in their career development and ascribes to a high standard of professionalism in the supply chain industry.  We now have a clear and strong designation that speaks volumes.”
Rob McInnes, CITT- Certified Logistics Professional, Manager – Economic Development, Halifax Port Authority

“This is a better designation because it meets two key objectives of a designation: Exceptionality and Specific Expertise.  We are keeping the well-known identity of “CITT” and upgrading the field of expertise to reflect what it really covers.”
Marc-Aurele Malaison, CCLP, VP & GM – Quebec, CANADA CARTAGE SYSTEMS

"The new designation, CITT-Certified Logistics Professional, reflects CITT’s history as the leading educational association for transportation professionals, as well as our recognition of evolving trends in global trade. I'm very excited about the new CCLP designation as it conveys the broader abilities of our members as logistics management practitioners."
Laurie Turnbull, CCLP                                                                                                                           Supply Chain Consultant, Cole International Inc.
& CTL Experts Blogger

Board Chair, Robert Ramsay, acknowledges that a very small group of CITT members wanted to be sure that CITT didn’t lose its CITT identity. He answers this by pointing out that “there’s no risk of that happening because CITT is the preeminent part of the new CITT-Certified Logistics Professional designation name.”

CITT cred-ability & endure-ability:
                                
No other sector designation in the supply chain and logistics sector is as decisive a proof of logistics ability as CCLP. A CCLP designation holder meets high academic standards in management topics, as well as in the area of specialized logistics. CCLP designation holders have amassed nearly 10,000 hours of relevant experience, provide evidence of on-going professional development every year and commit to follow CITT’s Code of Ethics.

CITT confirms that while their designation name is changing to CCLP, the organization name will remain CITT. They also confirm that the requirements for their designation have not changed. And, that they remain steadfastly committed to offering industry’s most respected designation and an education and certification program with the best attainability, accessibility, affordability in the business.

CITT is dedicated to the advancement of its professionals and to delivering unparalleled value and impact for its students, certified members and their companies. CITT and its CCLP designation develops, deepens and demonstrates the professional abilities that make supply chain logistics operations more profitable, sustainable and competitive.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Michigan State University Opens New Value Chain Research Institute


October 28, 2013, EAST LANSING, Mich. — At its Board of Trustees meeting, Michigan State University announced plans to open a new research institute in Midland, Mich., focusing on value chain creation and management and tackling many of today’s grand challenges in business, said MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon.

“Whether you’re talking about simply delivering safe water locally or fostering international competitiveness, effective value chain creation is key,” she said. “By developing more effective, sustainable value chains through this initiative, we hope to provide both an advantage for American manufacturing and pathways for the world to respond more successfully to human needs. In addition, we will cooperate with the Midland community in creating new knowledge and training opportunities, to help the region prosper in the new global economy.”

Value chain refers to the effective management of processes related to product innovation, design, sourcing, procurement, manufacturing, packaging, transportation, inventory management, warehousing, marketing, customer services, and returns and repairs.

Through its institute, MSU will conduct research as well as offer graduate studies in value chain management. The institute also will offer non-degree courses and certificate programs on-site and online.

Initially, an executive director and six tenure-track MSU researchers will staff the institute; the location will be announced soon. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, MSU faculty from the Broad College of Business, the College of Engineering, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the College of Social Science will be involved in the research.

David Closs, chairperson of MSU’s supply chain management department, will serve as interim director during the executive director search. MSU’s supply chain management undergraduate program is ranked as the best in the nation, while the graduate program holds the No. 2 ranking, according to U.S. News and World Report.

Institute researchers will work with undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and corporate collaborators to develop and apply new knowledge, with the aim of improving all types of public and private value chains.

The institute, launched with a total of $15.5-million in philanthropic and corporate support pledges, will focus on three research areas:
* Novel, evidence-based tools for value chain management
* Quantitative assessment, monitoring, and management of integrated supply chain solutions
* Food- and water-focused research projects, including humanitarian efforts

Simon cited Midland’s and the Great Lakes Bay Region’s, existing corporate value chain talent pool and MSU’s robust, century-old relationship with the  region  as reasons for establishing the facility in the central Michigan area.

The Dow Chemical Company, Dow Corning Corporation, The Herbert H. & Grace A. Dow Foundation, The Charles J. Strosacker Foundation and The Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation will be the initial donors to the institute, with others recruited over time.

“Having the MSU Midland Institute in the region will facilitate advancements in sustainable value chain management including packaging technology, as well as provide valuable professional educational opportunities,” said Dave Kepler, executive vice president, Business Services and Chief Sustainability Officer, Chief Information Officer. “We see the institute as having wide-ranging benefits for businesses and their employees across the region, in terms of economic development, career development, attracting and retaining top talent and positively impacting the overall quality of life in the region. Dow is committed to helping MSU succeed in this endeavor.”

“The creation of a strategic, world-renowned supply chain research facility in Midland will help strengthen the United States’ competitive advantage in today’s rapidly changing global marketplace,” said Bob Hansen, president and CEO, Dow Corning Corporation. “Additionally, the institute will contribute to the economic vitality of the Midland community, which Dow Corning has called home for the last 70 years.”

Michigan State University has been working to advance the common good in uncommon ways for more than 150 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU focuses its vast resources on creating solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

LQ Advisory Board Announcement: Dick Metzler has Joined LQ's Board



LQ is pleased to announce that Dick Metzler has accepted LQ’s invitation to join its Advisory Board

Dick Metzler, President/Chairman of the Transportation Marketing and Sales Association (TMSA) and the former Senior Vice President, Acquisitions, XPO Logistics, Inc. Mr. Metzler has over 25 years of experience in senior leadership roles within the transportation and logistics industry. He is presently the Chairman of the Transportation Marketing and Sales Association (TMSA), is on the board of Flash Global Logistics and M33 Integrated. Mr. Metzler was the Senior Vice President of Acquisitions at XPO Logistics, where he led multiple acquisitions that generate nearly $100 million in revenue.

He was also the Chief Commercial Officer of Greatwide Logistics Services. Dick's duties and responsibilities include Sales, Marketing, M&A and Strategy. He has also served as the interim business leader for three different businesses and led the centralization of the company's key business functions.

Prior to joining Greatwide, Mr. Metzler was EVP of Marketing for DHL, where he launched the DHL brand in the USA and throughout The Americas. He was responsible for a $150 million marketing and communications budget and also had P&L responsibility for DHL Same Day ($50 million), DHL Logistics ($125 million) and DHL Canada ($300 million).

Mr. Metzler served as Chief Executive Officer for APL Logistics, a global 3rd party global logistics company where his team grew revenues from just over $400 million to over $800 million. He has also held senior management positions with GE Capital/TIP and TNT Express in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Dick started his career at FedEx where he held several senior positions in sales and marketing leadership within the USA, Europe and was the Vice President and General Manager of FedEx Logistics ($500 million P&L).

About TMSA:
For nearly a century, the Transportation Marketing and Sales Association (TMSA) has provided North American transportation and logistics marketing, sales and communications professionals with the knowledge, connections, recognition and solutions you need to power ROI and competitive edge. TMSA is your leading resource for the professional development, networking, business intelligence and best practices that you need to succeed.

LQ's Board:
As a resource for logisticians, academics and executives in other disciplines in the United States and Canada, LQ offers ideas for leadership in logistics, supply chain management and transportation, and provides a unique bridge between business, academia and practitioners. LQ’s Advisory Board and contributors afford authoritative thinking on the complex and fast-changing work of the logistics and supply chain management business - with a unique focus on best practices in the United States and Canada. LQ's Board plays a pivotal role in providing direction for LQ Magazine and LQ’s bi-annual Symposiums.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

C.H. Robinson Strengthens Anti-Cargo Theft Strategy

Eden Prairie, MN (October 2, 2013) — C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., one of the world’s largest logistics companies, bolsters its anti-cargo theft strategy by joining CargoNet® to provide customers with a proactive approach to strengthening security around sensitive and high value product freight.

CargoNet is a division of Verisk Crime Analytics, a Verisk Analytics (Nasdaq:VRSK) company. CargoNet is centered on a national database and information-sharing system managed by crime analysts and subject matter experts. By providing coordinated incident communications, recovery support, and deterrence measures, CargoNet helps its members prevent cargo theft and improve chances of recovery.

CargoNet members benefit from an extensive law enforcement network of more than 120,000 officers and agents spanning more than 9,000 agencies in the United States and Canada. Organized groups rather than opportunistic individuals typically commit cargo theft. Through proactive utilization of theft data, trends and hotspots, C.H. Robinson will leverage and incorporate data from CargoNet and internal sources to provide supply chain decision making intelligence on areas to avoid and how to better manage supply chains.

“Shippers can mitigate the risk of cargo theft by understanding what makes commodities easier to steal and taking steps to reduce theft,” said Chris McLoughlin, cargo risk manager at C.H. Robinson. “Working with CargoNet allows C.H. Robinson to add another layer to our risk management security plan, which adds value to our customers and contract carriers through business intelligence.”

Through CargoNet’s information-sharing network, cargo theft event information is passed on to statewide law enforcement systems and several non-law enforcement channels almost immediately after a theft is reported. CargoNet ensures law enforcement can efficiently find critical information to help solve complex investigations, identify perpetrators, and recover stolen product. ”We are excited that C.H. Robinson has committed to the CargoNet platform,” said Anthony Canale, general manager of CargoNet. “Protecting cargo and people is crucial in today’s market, where cargo theft remains a significant threat. C.H. Robinson’s encouragement for its contract carriers to also join CargoNet will have a positive impact on supply chain security and the cost of risk in North America.”

About C.H. Robinson:

Founded in 1905, C.H. Robinson is a global provider of multimodal logistics services, fresh produce sourcing, and information services to 42,000 customers through a network of more than 275 offices and over 11,000 employees around the world. The company works with 56,000 transportation providers worldwide. C.H. Robinson is a Fortune 500 company and has annual revenues of over $11 billion. Through the company and its Foundation, C.H. Robinson and its employees contribute millions of dollars annually to a variety of organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Community Health Charities, American Red Cross, Children's Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota, and Global Impact. The company is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and has been publicly traded on the NASDAQ since 1997. For more information about C.H. Robinson, visit http://www.chrobinson.com.

About Verisk Crime Analytics:

Verisk Crime Analytics is a leading provider of crime prevention services for retailers, manufacturers, logistics companies, equipment owners, and insurance companies and offers data and analytical support to law enforcement. Verisk Crime Analytics provides a comprehensive suite of data management, analytic, and theft prevention services that include prediction, mitigation, response, and recovery. Verisk Crime Analytics is a Verisk Analytics (Nasdaq:VRSK) company. For more information, visit www.verisk.com/crimeanalytics.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Announcement: Krista Collinson Joins LQ's Board



LQ is pleased to announce that Krista Collinson has accepted LQ’s invitation to join its Advisory Board


Krista Collinson serves as Vice President, Logistics, Ecommerce and Business Development, for Toysrus Canada. In this role, she works with the Canadian executive team on the development of short- and long-term logistics, supply chain and Omni-channel strategy for the business. She is recognized globally in the Toysrus family as being a key global leader in Omni channel, supply chain, technology and logistics, successfully leading the way for many countries, in new strategic initiatives within the company.

Krista is an accomplished professional, with over 20 years of retail experience.  She has proven track record of increasing revenues, profits and market share through savvy business and infrastructure initiatives.  Her deliberate approach to building businesses and managing infrastructure to support growth has been a key deliverable to EBITDA contribution over the years.

She has proven track record in Canada in the Omni channel space, building for the future and integrating within the retail business to delivering a best in class experience for customers.  She recognizes the impact of inefficiencies in the business as it impacts the most important part of the value chain, the customer. She has successfully started up an ecommerce business in Canada that continues to see double digit growth annually.  She has superior leadership skills, practiced in developing and managing cross-functional teams in complex businesses to meet customer needs.

Her most recent work included, opening a new Distribution Centre in Delta, Vancouver with a 3PL partner, supporting the growth of business, implemented strategic sourcing changes and overall changes to the replenishment model for retail stores in 2011 with a 3 month start-up of 180,000 square foot facility with full automation and WMS support.  The Omni channel growth in 2012 was supported with the opening of 55 store fulfillment operations across Canada building on to the network of the 3PL fulfillment centre for Ecommerce.

In the same year, Krista successfully led the transformation of supply chain automation and merchandise operations, moving the organization to demand driven supply chain methods in inventory management, forecasting and replenishment.   This included a full organizational change to a sales and operations planning model, with a customer centric approach to merchandise operations in the organization.  With the main deliverable of improving availability on shelf to consumers, changing order cycle times, while driving inventory investment out of the company and improving turns.
Krista is an avid fundraiser, supporter of giving back to communities and supporter of corporate sponsorship of social responsibility.  Krista is the Chair for Toysrus Golf Classic for the past five years, supporting the growth of charity event annually.  Krista has served on the Board of Directors for Starlight (Ont) from Feb 2012 to July 2013, also served as co-chair of their Gala Fundraising committee.

Krista is a Certified Management Accountant and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Brock University.

About Toys“R”Us, Canada

Toys "R" Us (Canada) Ltd., is part of Toys "R" Us, Inc., the world's leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer. Toys "R" Us, Canada operates nearly 70 stores across the country. For store locations and convenient online shopping, visit www.toysrus.ca and www.babiesrus.ca

About Toys“R”Us, Inc. 

Toys "R" Us, Inc. is the world’s leading dedicated toy and juvenile products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. Merchandise is sold in 868 Toys "R" Us and Babies "R" Us stores in the United States, and in more than 520 international stores and over 200 licensed stores in 33 countries and jurisdictions. In addition, it exclusively operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys in the brand’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com, Babiesrus.com, eToys.com, FAO.com and babyuniverse.com, it provides shoppers with a broad online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys "R" Us, Inc. employs approximately 70,000 associates worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need.


LQ's Board

As a resource for logisticians, academics and executives in other disciplines in the United States and Canada, LQ offers ideas for leadership in logistics, supply chain management and transportation, and provides a unique bridge between business, academia and practitioners. LQ’s Advisory Board and contributors afford authoritative thinking on the complex and fast-changing work of the logistics and supply chain management business - with a unique focus on best practices in the United States and Canada. LQ's Board plays a pivotal role in providing direction for LQ Magazine and LQ’s bi-annual Symposiums.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Announcement: David Guernsey Joins LQ's Board


LQ is pleased to announce that David Guernsey has accepted LQ’s invitation to join its Advisory Board


David Guernsey, Principal, GlobalEdge Solutions, is the former Senior Sustainability Program Manager and the acknowledged “father of sustainability” at UPS. In 1992, David became the International Environmental Manager where he developed UPS’s global environmental compliance programs. During this time, David led the effort, from tactical details to top-level strategic platforms, to create an industry first Sustainability and Reporting program in 2003. David went on to guide UPS through nine sustainability reports before he retired in April 2012.

David was deeply entrenched in every aspect of UPS’s Sustainability program. His responsibilities included corporate sustainability management, climate & energy strategy and all “beyond compliance” activities; to include; external technical working groups, projects with Non-Governmental Organizations, support for environmental public relations, and corporate response and strategy related to global environmental issues. As Managing Principal of Experiential Sustainability Consulting, David helps companies build, manage and enhance their sustainability programs from tactical to strategic. Dave received his Masters in environmental biology from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

About Consultancy Practices

David now works in multiple consultancy practices to leverage his experience and help other companies play a visible role in developing and managing the complex framework necessary to do business in our changing world.

* Managing Principal – Experiential Sustainability Consulting
* Principal – GlobalEdge Solutions
* Executive in Residence – Homrich Partners LLC

LQ's Board

As a resource for logisticians, academics and executives in other disciplines in the United States and Canada, LQ offers ideas for leadership in logistics, supply chain management and transportation, and provides a unique bridge between business, academia and practitioners. LQ’s Advisory Board and contributors afford authoritative thinking on the complex and fast-changing work of the logistics and supply chain management business - with a unique focus on best practices in the United States and Canada. LQ's Board plays a pivotal role in providing direction for LQ Magazine and LQ’s bi-annual Symposiums.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Announcement: Learning Opportunities From CITT:


Harvard Business Review Blog reports 75% companies are “blind-sided” by unexpected disruptions to their globalized supply chain logistics operations, 1 yet CITT calls these disruptions “predictable”, the risks “manageable” and corporate suffering “avoidable”

TORONTO, ON August 28, 2013 - “Having depth and breadth of specialized logistics knowledge is the key to predicting and manoeuvring the Great Disruptions that strike our global and domestic supply chain logistics ecosystems,” says CITT’s President Catherine Viglas, who wants to alert the business community that CITT’s fall semester of specialized, online logistics courses are open for registration only until September 2nd at midnight and observes that there’s never been more urgency for businesses to invest in professional development in logistics than there is right now.

The Unexpected Can Be Expected

“The lack of predictability is actually predictable,” says CITT’s Viglas. “Modern, global logistics is more complicated than many executives appreciate. Major disruptions happen all the time. Able logistics pros handle them. And they make it look easy. They quietly solve these kinds of big problems with their teams all the time. They’re unsung corporate heroes.”

“The key to manoeuvring the Great Disruptions reported by the companies in this research—the kinds of political upheaval, extreme weather phenomena and natural disasters that tend to happen more commonly in the far-flung regions from which many companies now source their products, components or raw materials—is in the planning, preparation and practice. And these are based on a deep understanding of the inter-connectivity of the systems and processes and range of alternatives in logistics and how they work and interrelate in the real world and as part of a complex and dynamic ecosystem,” adds Viglas.

She points out that with preparation, deep expertise and corporate support, the significant corporate suffering inflicted to the companies in this study could have been largely avoided. This underscores the importance of a comprehensive, specialized logistics education to help people develop their knowledge and abilities and enhance their on-the-job learning.

Viglas also highlights the value of the practice-oriented, case-based learning and interactive group-work that CITT’s courses and annual professional development conference use to help professionals role-play risk scenarios.

CITT integrates a wide range of scenarios to hone the skills of its professional students. CITT’s designation holders have worked through many cases by the time they’re fully certified since CITT views ‘The Case’ to be one of the best ways to sharpen real-world skills without exposing companies to the actual risks of real-world learning curves.

Respected as a leading industry authority, CITT was asked to write and adjudicate the Strategy Case used in the 2013 MBA Games, where top teams from every Canadian business school vied to bring the smartest answers to the table.

“Business schools really understand the idea that we can’t start to get proficient at contingency and risk management unless we have practice. Many companies and professionals come to CITT with that in mind as well,” says Viglas.

CITT’s Education & Certification Mission Has Never Been More Relevant Than It Is Today

“The good news is…[half of the companies in the study reported by the HBR blog said] that their firms are now adding rigor to the process of assessing supply chain resiliency,” wrote study and blog author and APQC Senior Research Fellow, Mary Driscoll.

“We’ve never had such a tough and complex business climate and had to be this good professionally. Considering the stiff competition, a crazy cyclical economy, major supply chain disruptions and our sector’s looming exodus of experienced professionals, the founding post-WW2 mission of CITT to build strong logistics expertise rapidly hasn’t been this relevant in over 50 years,” observed CITT President, Catherine Viglas.

People who work in any aspect of business that touches on supply chain logistics—shippers, carriers and 3PLs and all the ancillary logistics services—can look to CITT to help them develop the ability to master more logistics preparedness, manoeuvrability and resiliency.

CITT announces the Last Call for its fall semester of specialized logistics courses offered online across Canada to all proactive professionals who want to develop, demonstrate and deepen their mastery of the business of logistics. And reminds executives that investing in professional development of this nature can help minimize surprises and reduce corporate suffering caused by inevitable Big Disruptions to companies’ complex supply chains and logistics operations.

Learning opportunities from CITT:

UPCOMING COURSES: fall logistics courses start September 3rd
Registration options:
* Online at www.citt.ca/register (available 24/7 ‘til midnight September 2nd)
* By phone: 416.363.5696. Phone lines will be opened until Friday, August 30th at 5:00 pm EST. Registrations received by fax, email and telephone over the long weekend will be processed first thing on the morning of September 3rd

UPCOMING Professional Development Conference (Nov 3-5, 2013):
Why a fully integrated, cross-functional risk management strategy is a new imperative for companies is one of the pivotal topics of this year’s CITT’s National Conference on Supply Chain & Logistics which is being held in Toronto November 3-5 and welcomes any supply chain or logistics professional or interested management professional. Please call CITT at 416.363.5696 or visit www.citt.ca

Background on CITT
CITT is a non-profit organization created by industry to rapidly build post WW2 logistics expertise in 1958. Today CITT is industry’s most experienced and valued source of supply chain logistics courses, certification and expertise. With accessible, flexible, and affordable online learning, industry experienced course facilitators and supportive program staff, CITT has helped thousands of successful working professionals develop, demonstrate and deepen their mastery of the business of logistics and attain industry’s most valued logistics designation from CITT.

CITT’s Specialized Logistics Courses & Professional Designation (Certification)
Created for industry, by industry, CITT compresses decades of real-world experience and innumerate hours of logistics experience into professional courses that are developed, updated and facilitated by successful, proven logistics practitioners.

CITT offers industry’s most comprehensive and practical coverage of logistics topics that supply chain logistics professionals need to survive and thrive, including: courses, webinars and a premier conferences. All address the Canadian and global perspectives of supply chain logistics.

CITT’s deep-level specialized logistics courses are aimed at helping organizations build more invulnerable, sustainable and profitable supply chain logistics operations. Relevant for anyone who buys, sells or manages the flow of goods and product (or is impacted by transportation logistics), they are:

Transportation Systems
Logistics Processes
Logistics Decision Modelling
Integrated Logistics
Transportation Law
Transportation Economics

Complete FREE GUIDE

CITT’s courses lead to more sustainable, invulnerable supply chain and logistics operations.

CITT-certified professionals
Thousands of professionals have looked to CITT for professional certification and many maintain their professional designation voluntarily year-after-year. Before they can be certified, CITT’s designation holders have proven business and logistics knowledge, have amassed nearly 10,000 hours of industry experience, agree to uphold a code of conduct and make a commitment to regular professional development to ensure their abilities are up-to-date.

Monday, August 26, 2013

LQ's September 26th Symposium Facilitator Announcement









LQ is pleased to announce that David Guernsey, the former Senior Sustainability Program Manager and the acknowledged “father of sustainability” at UPS, will be helping to guide our discussions at LQ’s September 26th Symposium at the Toronto Board of Trade's Country Club during the program's roundtable Executive Exchange.

LQ’s September 26th Symposium will focus on the theme of Developing New Strategies to Create Supply Chain Engagement from two perspectives: Leveraging Sustainability to Create More Meaningful Customer Relationships as well as Engagement, and New Ways to Create Powerful Internal Collaboration - reaching your firm’s executive management team with a clear supply chain strategy to deliver results to all stakeholders and enhance profitability.
 
A few of the Supply Chain Engagement Topics LQ’s Symposium will cover include:
 
• Making chain sustainability a priority for senior level executives and middle management across your firm – through to procurement practices
 
• Working with your suppliers to build cost effective programs to spread your standards up and down your supply chain
 
• Communicating and reporting on your supply chain sustainability efforts: leverage your sustainability efforts and reports, and engaging consumers to better inform them on your work in this area

In addition to featuring luncheon speaker Dr. Yossi Sheffi, MIT, LQ’s Symposium will provide its delegates with a unique workshop learning environment – to learn from some of the finest supply chain educators and leading executives in North America – logisticians and 3PLs alike.
 
LQ’s workshop-format Executive Exchange at its Symposium will be coupled with outstanding presentations from executives representing the finalists and honorable mentions from LQ’s 3PL Sustainability Study and Awards Program 2013, which has been sponsored for a third consecutive year by C.H. Robinson.
 
You can register at www.LQsummit.com to benefit from LQ's Early Bird Symposium Registration Rate of $700 up until the end of August.

Early Bird registrations will also receive complimentary edition of Dr. Sheffi’s new book, Logistics Clusters. If you would like to download a one-page overview of LQ’s impressive roster of Speakers, or share it will colleagues who may like to attend, please visit: http://lqtoday.com/uploads/pdf/LQSpeakers.pdf

In addition, this year's 3PL and Logisticians’ Sustainability Symposium on September 26th will be followed by LQ's First Women in Supply Chain (WSCM) Breakfast Networ\k event on the next morning, September 27th. Delegates registered for September 26th are also invited to attend LQ’s WSCM Breakfast on September 27th as part of their registration package.
 
LQ’s WSCM Breakfast will feature thought leaders from Canada and the U.S. who will share their insights on mentoring, career sponsorship, and other professional development practices for women in supply chain management at the Toronto Board of Trade’s Country Club. LQ’s WSCM Breakfast facilitators and presenters include:







• Adriene Bailey, Vice President, Strategic Business Development, Yusen-Logistics (Americas) Inc.
• Robyn Brunscher, Vice President, Business Development, UPS
• Patricia Moser, President, i3advantage inc.
• Loray Mosher, PhD, Assistant Director at the Supply Chain Management Research Center (SCMRC), in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas
• Ellen Voie, President and CEO, Women In Trucking

Register today for LQ's Early Bird Breakfast Executive Exchange (September 27th exclusively) at www.WomenInSCM.com for $99. This discounted early bird registration price gives you a total of $30 off of the regular Breakfast Executive Exchange price of $130 until August 30th).

LQ’s events are a great way to learn from leading logisticians, 3PLs and academics about developing new career advancement opportunities and proven innovative business practices with well researched presentations, at a well put-together industry conference that’s attended by senior executives.

LQ's Sponsors, which have made this exciting day possible, include: (Gold Sponsors) C.H. Robinson, GENCO, Genpro Incorporated and Ryder. 

If you have any questions regarding LQ’s Symposium on September 26th, or the WSCM Breakfast on September 27th, please contact LQ's Editor & Publisher Fred Moody: moody@LogisticsQuarterly.com


Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Announcement: Nikhil Sathe Joins LQ's Board


LQ is pleased to announce that Nikhil Sathe has accepted LQ’s invitation to join its Advisory Board

Nikhil Sathe, Strategic Advisor to Genpro, a fast emerging and non-asset 3PL and Senior Advisor, G2 Capital Advisors, is known for his 3PL industry expertise, brings over 26 years of international and C-level experience in the transportation and logistics industry. Nikhil has been CFO of Kelron Logistics (currently known as XPO Logistics Canada) for over 11 years. Prior to Kelron Nikhil has had long tenure in Sub Saharan Africa with diverse Multinational Companies. Nikhil brings expertise and proven track record of business turnarounds, M & A and strong P & L Management.  Nikhil is known for his knowledge capital in the 3PL industry and is a regular speaker at recognized industry associations such as Eye for Transport (EFT), Transportation Logistics Council (TLC), Logistics Quarterly (LQ) and Supply Chain and Logistics Canada (SCL) on State of the Industry, Risk Management and Mergers and Acquisitions.

Nikhil is a member of Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), Association for Corporate Growth-Toronto Chapter (ACG); American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA); Indian Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAI) and Finance Executives International (FEI), Canada. In March 2013 Nikhil assumed the role of Strategic and Management Consultant of Genpro Inc., a New Jersey based 3PL to improve their strategic, operational and economic performance.

About G2 and Genpro:

Genpro, Incorporated was founded in 1989 by Owner/President, Robert A. Goldstein.  Mr. Goldstein comes from several generations of experience in the transportation industry. Genpro is highly scalable 3PL platform with strong fundamentals for aggressive growth. Genpro has a niche customer base in perishable and dry freight and has successfully embarked on Transportation Management service offering with high value add component for outbound and inbound transportation programs.


G2 Capital Advisors is a unique investment advisory firm with wide range of service offerings that include turnarounds, restructuring, buy and sell side mandates, capital requirements including private/growth equity/debt and corporate development initiatives. G2 Capital has a special advisory for Transportation and Logistics with highly experienced team of senior executives with deep domain knowledge of financial products and industry acumen.


LQ's Board:

As a resource for logisticians, academics and executives in other disciplines in the United States and Canada, LQ offers ideas for leadership in logistics, supply chain management and transportation, and provides a unique bridge between business, academia and practitioners. LQ’s Advisory Board and contributors afford authoritative thinking on the complex and fast-changing work of the logistics and supply chain management business - with a unique focus on best practices in the United States and Canada. LQ's Board plays a pivotal role in providing direction for LQ Magazine and LQ’s bi-annual Symposiums.

Friday, August 16, 2013

Announcement: Patricia Moser Joins LQ's Board


LQ is pleased to announce that Patricia Moser has accepted LQ’s invitation to join its Advisory Board

Patricia J. Moser, President i3 advantage, is recognized as one of the premier procurement and supply chain thought leaders and strategists in North America. She is known for quickly and accurately assessing a client situation and providing actionable and impactful strategies for implementation.

Patricia's insight is borne from her over 20 years senior level experience as a consultant and in corporate executive roles. She has a 360-degree understanding of the interrelationships required to realize successful outcomes. Her enviable track record of achievements in both her corporate executive roles and as a consultant, are in a diverse number of industries, including: banking, telecommunications, technology, retail, public sector, not-for-profit, manufacturing, consumer packaged goods and healthcare.

Her most recent corporate incarnations were as Vice President Supply Chain, Grand & Toy, Chief Procurement Officer, Rogers Communications and Vice President, Procurement Business Services, EDS (Canada, Global Automotive, US Federal Government).

Patricia has been widely profiled, quoted and/or written for numerous publications including Fortune, HR Executive, MBE, CPO Agenda, Supply and Demand Chain Executive Magazine, Purchasing B2B and MM&D. She has presented across North America on leading edge approaches to business issues and participated in multiple executive roundtable events.

She is also an award-winning author having co-written the book 1 Piece of Advice: Exceptional women from around the globe inspire you to unlock your potential. (www.1pieceofadvice.com)

She holds an MBA from Concordia University, a BSc in Chemistry and a BSc in Psychology from McMaster University.

About i3 Advantage inc: (www.i3advantage.com)

i3 advantage offers high value consulting focused on creating high performance in corporations through effective transformation. i3 has worked with leading companies in a variety of industries, as well as the public sector, in the areas of Procurement, Supply Chain, Sales and Marketing. This has included: reviewing current full-scope supply chain practices and recommending strategies to increase efficiencies, lower costs and positively enhance the client experience; developing thought leadership in category management, sourcing and supply chain including e-sourcing and supplier diversity. i3 has also assisted organizations in developing marketing strategies linked to aspects of the supply chain, including the arena of sustainability.

LQ's Board:
As a resource for logisticians, academics and executives in other disciplines in the United States and Canada, LQ offers ideas for leadership in logistics, supply chain management and transportation, and provides a unique bridge between business, academia and practitioners. LQ’s Advisory Board and contributors afford authoritative thinking on the complex and fast-changing work of the logistics and supply chain management business - with a unique focus on best practices in the United States and Canada. LQ's Board plays a pivotal role in providing direction for LQ Magazine and LQ’s bi-annual Symposiums.

Monday, August 12, 2013

LQ's Women In Supply Chain Management Breakfast


LQ WSCM Logo
LQ Magazine is building on our tradition of focusing on the strengths that women in supply chain management bring to businesses and extending the dialogue of its Sixth Annual Women in Supply Chain Management (WSCM) edition with our first WSCM Breakfast this September.

LQ’s Women in Supply Chain Management Breakfast, which will be held at the Toronto Board of Trade's Country Club on September 27th, offers a unique networking opportunity for women to develop professionally with thought leaders from Canada and the U.S. sharing their insights on mentoring, career sponsorship, and other professional development practices for women.

It also provides an important vehicle to recognize and support the efforts of Canadian and American companies that appreciate the high value of promoting diversity in the supply chain. To register for this breakfast, please click here, or click on the following link to download additional information on this event.

LQ’s WSCM Breakfast will feature thought leaders from Canada and the U.S. who will share their insights on mentoring, career sponsorship, and other professional development practices for women in supply chain management at the Toronto Board of Trade’s Country Club. LQ’s WSCM Breakfast facilitators and presenters include:







Adriene Bailey, Vice President, Strategic Business Development, Yusen-Logistics (Americas) Inc.
Patricia Moser, President, i3advantage inc.
Robyn Brunscher, Vice President, Business Development, UPS
Loray Mosher, PhD, Assistant Director at the Supply Chain Management Research Center (SCMRC), in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas
Ellen Voie, President and CEO, Women In Trucking

Register today for LQ's Early Bird Breakfast Executive Exchange for $99. (This discounted early bird registration price gives you a total of $30 off of the regular Breakfast Executive Exchange price of $130 until August 30th). (Seating is limited to 120 delegates.)

If you are planning to attend LQ's traditional one-day Symposium on September 26th - LQ’s WSCM Breakfast on September 27th is included as part of your registration package.

To register for LQ’s 3PL and Logisticians Sustainability Symposium on September 26th, please visit www.LQsummit.com to benefit from LQ's Early Bird Symposium Registration Rate of $700. (This discounted early bird price gives you a total of $195 off of the regular registration price of $895 until August 30th.) Seating is limited to 120 delegates.

LQ’s events are a great way to learn from leading logisticians, 3PLs and academics about developing new career advancement opportunities and proven innovative business practices with well researched presentations, at a well put-together industry conference that’s attended by senior executives.

If you would like to download a one-page overview of LQ’s impressive roster of Speakers, or share it will colleagues who may like to attend, please click here.

For more information, please contact LQ's Editor and Publisher, Fred Moody at fmoody@logisticsquarterly.com

Copyright (C) 2013 LQ Inc. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Transportation management experts Frank Beres and Mark Madott join Lakeside


New hires enhance customer service offering as transportation management company expands

Oakville, Ontario – July 25, 2013: Lakeside is pleased to announce that Frank Beres and Mark Madott have joined the transportation management and supply chain team to support business growth. Celebrating new customers, including Armtec Infrastructure Inc., Lakeside expands its portfolio of transportation experts to enhance client experience and efficiencies.

Frank Beres joined Lakeside in March 2013, bringing more than 20 years of experience as a flatbed specialist. Beres comes with a wealth of knowledge and customer service skills. The hire will help Lakeside continue to make customer needs a top priority.

“Having Frank on board represents our commitment to bringing specific flatbed industry expertise to the Armtec business,” said Tom Coates, Senior Vice President and COO, Lakeside. “And, we know his contribution will go a long way to benefiting our entire organization.”

Mark Madott joins Lakeside at a time of tremendous business growth to fulfill the new role of Director of Transportation Services. As the first point of contact for more than 3500 carriers from across North America, Madott is responsible for overseeing Carrier Relations and Safety & Compliance. With almost 30 years of experience in transportation and warehouse services, most recently as Senior Manager of Perishable Freight at Loblaw’s, Madott will lend his expertise to further optimize operational efficiencies and reduce costs by implementing creative solutions to practical problems.

“Lakeside has always made Carrier Relations and Safety & Compliance a priority,” said Dan Davis, Vice President of Operations, Lakeside. “But having Mark on board will give us more dedicated service and quicker response times as we continue to deliver customized solutions for our clients.”

With 27 years of transportation management and supply chain experience, Lakeside uses its custom SmartSourcing™system to help clients mitigate risk and realize overall business efficiencies across the supply chain network, allowing its clients to focus on its core business and – most importantly – its customers.                                      

SmartSourcing™ transportation with Lakeside:

SmartSourcing™ from Lakeside goes beyond cost reductions. It identifies opportunities to address the company’s business holistically and offer an end-to-end freight management system to mitigate risk, optimize the distribution networks, provide real time business insights to inform business strategy, and drive results.

Keynote Speaker at LQ’s September 26th Symposium: Dr. Yossi Sheffi, MIT


August 1, 2013, Toronto - LQ is honored to announce that Dr. Yossi Sheffi, MIT, is LQ’s Keynote Speaker at LQ’s September 26th Symposium and as part of your Early Bird registration you will received complimentary edition of Dr. Sheffi’s new book, Logistics Clusters.

This year LQ’s traditional 3PL and Logisticians’ Innovation Symposium with be followed by our First LQ Women in Supply Chain Management (WSCM) Breakfast Network on the next morning, September 27th.   

To register for LQ’s 3PL and Logisticians Sustainability Symposium on September 26th visit www.LQsummit.com to benefit from LQ's Early Bird Symposium Registration Rate of $700. (This discounted early bird price gives you a total of $195 off the regular registration price of $895 until August 30th.)  Seating is limited to 120 delegates.

Plus, delegates registered for September 26th are also invited to attend LQ’s WSCM Breakfast on September 27th as part of their registration package.

LQ’s WSCM Breakfast will feature thought leaders from Canada and the U.S. who will share their insights on mentoring, career sponsorship, and other professional development practices for women in supply chain management at the Toronto Board of Trade’s Country Club. LQ’s WSCM Breakfast facilitators and presenters include:

• Adriene Bailey, Vice President, Strategic Business Development, Yusen-Logistics (Americas) Inc.
• Patricia Moser, President, i3advantage inc.
• Robyn Brunscher, Vice President, Business Development, UPS
• Loray Mosher, PhD, Assistant Director at the Supply Chain Management Research Center (SCMRC), in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas
• Ellen Voie, President and CEO, Women In Trucking

(Register today for LQ's Early Bird Breakfast Executive Exchange (September 27th only) at www.WomenInSCM.com for $99. This discounted early bird registration price gives you a total of $30 off the regular Breakfast Executive Exchange price of $130 until August 30th).

LQ’s events are a great way to learn from leading logisticians, 3PLs and academics about developing new career advancement opportunities and proven innovative business practices with well researched presentations, at a well put-together industry conference that’s attended by senior executives.

If you have any questions regarding LQ’s peer-to-peer Executive Exchanges, please contact LQ's Editor and Publisher, Fred Moody at fmoody@LogisticsQuarterly.com.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

The Reliance Network Offering Guaranteed Service Throughout North America


COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (July 23, 2013) – The Reliance Network (TRNet) is offering guaranteed LTL service throughout North America, including Canada.

“All of The Reliance Network members offer guaranteed and expedited services, so it was a natural extension to offer guaranteed service throughout our combined network as an alliance,” commented Geoff Muessig, chairman of the executive committee for TRNet and chief marketing officer/executive vice president at PITT OHIO. “The focus for TRNet has always been on established customer relationships. Our collective customers said they wanted a guaranteed option and we’ve worked together to provide one they can trust, while maintaining a single source of contact for our customers.”

TRNet is launching the day definite service to all direct service points. The Reliance Network anticipates adding time definite and expedited services for its customers in the near future.

The Reliance Network was formed in 2008 to provide customers of eight regional companies full coverage throughout North America while maintaining a single point of contact. TRNet handles more than 10.8 million shipments for its customers.

About The Reliance Network:

The Reliance Network (TRNet) is a group of trusted regional carriers known for exceptional service, dependable on-time delivery and strong reputations. TRNet provides seamless LTL, truckload and supply chain services with a single source of accountability throughout North America. All members are SmartWay® partners. TRNet members are Averitt Express, Canadian Freightways, Kingsway Transport, Lakeville Motor Express, Land Air Express of New England, Mountain Valley Express, Peninsula Truck Lines and PITT OHIO.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Laurie Barkman Joins GENCO Marketplace as Chief Operating Officer


 Barkman brings retail experience to executive team to grow multi-channel liquidation business

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – JULY 23, 2013 – GENCO, the leader in delivering product lifecycle logisticssm solutions, named Laurie Barkman chief operating officer of GENCO Marketplace, America’s largest wholesale source for retail returns and surplus inventories. In this new role, Barkman will be responsible for advancing multi-channel sales growth within GENCO’s liquidation services subsidiary, including its direct-to-consumer website, NoBetterDeal.com, and business-to-business website GENCOMarketplace.com.

“Laurie brings the right combination of retail, online marketing and leadership skills to drive the continued growth of GENCO Marketplace’s multi-channel sales model. As such she is a great addition to GENCO and GENCO Marketplace,” said Robert R. Auray, Jr., president and CEO of GENCO Marketplace.

Laurie Barkman brings more than 15 years of strategic retail industry and online marketing experience to her new role. She spent several years at American Eagle Outfitters, a global specialty apparel retailer, focused on growth of AE.com and multi-channel programs in the US, Canada and Asia. Then Barkman oversaw Marketing & Advertising as Vice President for The Art Institutes, a system of 50 schools in North America. Most recently, Barkman served as Vice President of Marketing at The Resumator, a venture-backed Human Resources Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) company. She is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business and Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

“I am thrilled to join the GENCO Marketplace team,” said Barkman. “The business has an impressive track record as a market maker for surplus inventory. A key focus is on expanding our inventory assortment and buyer base.”

About GENCO Marketplace:

GENCO Marketplace is America’s largest wholesale liquidator of retail returns and surplus inventories. The company’s resale channels include direct sales by the truckload to high-volume buyers, internet auctions of pallet quantities on the company’s B2B website, www.GENCOMarketplace.com, and B2C sales of individual items on www.NoBetterDeal.com.

About GENCO:

GENCO is the recognized leader in product lifecycle and reverse logistics solutions designed to maximize value and reduce costs.  GENCO operates 140 value-added warehouse locations comprising 35 million square feet and manages $1.5 billion in freight annually throughout North America.  GENCO’s diverse range of customers includes many Fortune 500 companies in the technology, consumer & industrial, retail and healthcare markets and the federal government.  GENCO’s complete range of product lifecycle services include inbound logistics; warehousing & distribution; fulfillment; contract packaging; transportation management; systems integration; returns processing & disposition; test, repair, refurbishment; product liquidation; and recycling.

Monday, July 22, 2013

C.H. Robinson Names Gary York Director of Sourcing for Europe


Eden Prairie, MN (July 22, 2013) — Given the demand in Europe for a global supply of fresh fruits and vegetables, C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., one of the world’s largest produce sourcing and logistics companies, has promoted Gary York to Director of Sourcing, Europe.

In this newly created position, York will establish the overall team and resources that will facilitate the further development and expansion of Sourcing in Europe. As well, York will look to other regions of the world to further develop alternative supply programs.

York has been instrumental over the last two years assessing and building C.H. Robinson’s sourcing and temperature control needs from a global perspective. This new position will be a continuation of that work, with a focus on customer and supply development to support the growing business.

“Gary’s long-term track record of success and overall knowledge of the global produce supply chain will deliver value to our customers and suppliers, while at the same time, allow us to develop new business and expand our European Sourcing team,” said Jim Lemke, senior vice president at C.H. Robinson.

York started his career with C.H. Robinson in the New York office in 1992.  Previously, York was general manager of the Sourcing and Transportation business for FoodSource, a C.H. Robinson company, transportation manager for FoodSource and transportation manager of the C.H. Robinson Northeast Sourcing team.

About C.H. Robinson:

C.H. Robinson got its start in the produce industry over 100 years ago, providing fresh fruits and vegetables to the settlers of the Dakotas and Minnesota. Today, C.H. Robinson is a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest produce sourcing and logistics companies in the world with annual gross revenues of over $11 billion. C.H. Robinson offers the highest quality products while integrating value-added logistics, distribution, and information reporting services. C.H. Robinson provides many well-known North American consumer brands including Glory Foods®, Mott's®, Welch's®, and Tropicana®. The Tropicana trademark is being used under license from Tropicana Products, Inc.  C.H. Robinson offers a full line of conventional and organic produce through a large network of regional and local growers and serves over 42,000 customers through a network of more than 275 offices and over 11,000 employees worldwide.

Through the company and its Foundation, C.H. Robinson and its employees contribute millions of dollars annually to a variety of organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Community Health Charities, American Red Cross, Children's Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota, and Global Impact. The company is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and has been publicly traded on the NASDAQ since 1997. For more information about C.H. Robinson, visit http://www.chrobinson.com.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Penske Logistics Joins Green Freight Europe


July 16, 2013 - Penske Logistics Europe has joined Green Freight Europe, a program aiming to reduce emissions of CO2 caused by European road transport. Together with shippers and carriers, Penske Logistics will be closely involved in the development of a European standard for monitoring and reporting carbon emissions in logistics.

“Reducing carbon footprint is high on the agenda of our clients,” says Piet Zoutendijk, managing director for Penske Logistics in Europe.

“In order to counsel and support them, we choose to go beyond just following the developments,” he said. “Instead we are playing an active role in improving sustainability in logistics. We have been doing this as a partner of SmartWay in the U.S. since 2009. And, by joining Green Freight we are now expressly doing so in Europe. We are confident the number of partners will grow steadily.”

Penske Logistics is among the first lead logistics company of its kind to join the program. In Europe, Penske Logistics does not operate its own truck fleet.
Rather, Penske provides lead logistics solutions to manage third-party trucking carriers via technologies and engineering expertise that maximizes road transport efficiency and reduces costs for shippers. Some in the logistics industry refer to this as a 4PL.

Green Freight Europe seeks to improve the environmental performance of road freight transport. The program was launched last year. The goal is to reach an agreement on an unambiguous standard for monitoring and reporting CO2 emissions.

A platform that offers a simple method of comparing suppliers was established to assist in the procurement of transportation services. The program also brings shippers and carriers to the table in order to refine the process of monitoring.
Finally, Green Freight Europe wants to develop a certification system for partners in the program.

“The diversity of companies in our partner list shows that we are widely supported in the logistics sector,” said Freek Boele of Green Freight Europe.

“We focus on Europe, but we aim to accomplish an international platform for measuring and reducing CO2 emission in road freight transport and a global standard for assessing the carbon footprint, “he continued. “Penske Logistics is also a partner of our American sister organization, SmartWay, making the company an important linking pin between the initiatives on both continents.”