SMC³ Summer Conference Sessions Explore How Energy Costs and Natural Catastrophes Affect the Global Supply Chain
Peachtree City, Ga. - May 31, 2006—Sessions at the SMC³ 2006 Summer Conference will investigate how events, such as hurricanes and increasing oil prices, have necessitated global supply chain flexibility, visibility and security. The conference, “Flexible Horizons: Expansion and Visibility in the Global Supply Chain,” is scheduled to take place June 14-16 at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa in San Antonio.
Challenges of global supply chains are the main focus of the conference. In the featured presentation, Yossi Sheffi, professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and director of the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics, will talk about the concepts in his best-selling book, “The Resilient Enterprise.” In the book, he demonstrates how investments in resilience and flexibility not only reduce risk but create a competitive advantage in the increasingly volatile marketplace. Rosa Baumanis Hakala, vice president of international logistics for The Home Depot, will discuss how The Home Depot is driving change and improvement throughout its global supply chain. Scot Ferrell, senior vice president, Marsh USA, will address preparing and executing a natural catastrophe contingency plan and how business continuity management can protect a company’s revenue stream.
Three speakers will focus on energy and the future of transportation. Michael J. Economides, professor, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, will discuss the latest concerns and trends affecting various sources of energy. Christine Ehlig-Economides, Albert B. Stevens endowed chair, department of petroleum engineering, Texas A&M University and director, Center for Energy, Environment and Transportation Innovation (CEETI), will discuss how her vision for electrifying rail and roadway transportation could overcome the high cost of transportation fuel and capacity limits that now influence the way high-value freight is moved in the United States. Kris Heckmann, transportation policy advisor to Texas Gov. Rick Perry, will talk about the Trans-Texas Corridor Plan, which allows the state to build needed corridors much more quickly and without a tax increase.
By attending the SMC³ Summer Conference, individuals representing every area of transportation obtain the most up-to-date information on industry developments, interact with industry experts and collaborate with the nation’s leading transportation executives. To register for the SMC³ 2006 Summer Conference or for more information on SMC³’s products, services and educational offerings, visit www.smc3.com or call 800-845-8090.