RILA Closes Logistics 2011 with a Supply Chain Study Update and Trip to Panama
Arlington, VA - The final day of the 2011 RILA Logistics Conference closed today with an in-depth look into the State of the Retail Supply Chain and a unique executive trip to the Panama Canal.
Over the last year, through the work of RILA & Auburn University, the annual State of the Retail Supply Chain Study has captured information and insight from retail executives and the regulatory and operational issues that are affecting the industry, the innovations being made and expectations for the year ahead.
The results of the study were presented to attendees today. According to the study, 2011 will be a pivotal year for retailers. Companies are preparing for success during the recovery and leading retailers are leveraging supply chain strategies to boost competitiveness and overcome challenges to be in a better position for success when the economy bounces back.
“A great deal is changing in the industry,” said Casey Chroust, executive vice president of retail operations. “Efficiencies in the supply chain had a considerable effect on retailers as they navigated the recession. Now that the worst is behind us, they are moving from survival to growth; propelled by the strategies they enacted during the downturn, they have put themselves in a strong position for future success,” Chroust explained.
Additionally, RILA, in partnership with the Panama Canal Authority, set off with supply chain executives on a much anticipated three-day trip to Panama to view the improved and evolving gateway to the U.S. Gulf States, the Eastern seaboard, Latin America and beyond.
Executives will tour the different elements of Panama’s efficient logistics and transportation platform, including the Panama Canal, ports, railroad, the Colon Free Zone and logistics parks that are already providing significant value to multinationals and facilitating the movement of goods to Latin America and the Caribbean.
“We are excited to participate in this unique opportunity, and we are delighted to partner with the Panama Canal Authority,” said Casey Chroust, executive vice president of retail operations. “We anticipate a number of exciting take-aways to come out of this trip and look forward to sharing those in the coming weeks and months while continuing the dialogue around developments in Panama .”
RILA is the trade association of the world's largest and most innovative retail companies. RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers domestically and abroad.
