SMC³ Winter Conference Highlights Education and Networking
Annual transportation industry conference continues to attract an array of industry professionals, subject matter experts
Atlanta, Ga. - January 24, 2008—Representatives from shipping companies, freight carriers, third party logistics groups and business consulting firms gathered in Atlanta this week to increase their industry knowledge and network with their peers at the SMC³ 53rd Annual Winter Conference. This year’s conference, entitled, “Shifting the Pipeline – Supply Chain Roles, Risks & Technology,” focused on what it takes to adapt and grow market share throughout the expanding and shifting global business pipeline.
“Global trade is necessitating a fresh look at how the supply chain operates,” said Jack E. Middleton, SMC³ president and CEO. “Staying on top of changing business processes and technologies enables transportation professionals to avoid service failures and other costly disruptions. Recognizing this, SMC³ assembled educational discussions led by industry and subject matter experts to address varying aspects of global trade and supply chain management.”
At the conference, industry experts provided the insight needed to plan for both short and long term sustainability in the next era of transportation and technology. In addition, an elite group of update speakers detailed the most current economic trends, energy costs, political factors and legislative enactments affecting the transportation industry. Business networking opportunities were plentiful, including a Monday evening networking reception, a Tuesday evening formal dinner, daily lunches and ample session breaks.
“This conference is a must for transportation and logistics professionals. The timely updates and legislative/regulatory translations were invaluable moving into the new year,” said Craig Fiander, senior director of marketing, ALK Technologies, about his SMC³ conference experience.
Gary Fox, director national sales, TSG, Inc., echoed Fiander’s enthusiasm about the informative value of the conference when he said, “If I could attend only one educational (event) each year, it would be SMC³.”
SMC³ also held a meeting of its Board of Directors in conjunction with the Winter Conference event. The company welcomed its newest board member, Reid Dove, president of AAA Cooper Transportation (Dothan, Ala.). Mr. Dove was elected to the SMC³ Board during its recent general election for regional representatives. AAA Cooper Transportation serves the eleven southern states as well as additional points in Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota and Puerto Rico. It has a network of 80 service centers providing freight service to approximately 15,000 cities, employs 5,200 people, and operates a fleet of 2,200 tractor units and 4,500 dry trailers. Primary services are less-than-truckload (LTL), truckload (TL), dedicated services, port services, international and brokerage. AAA Cooper Transportation is a long-standing SMC³ Member Company.
Also announced at the Winter Conference was the election of Larry Kerr, president and CEO of Shippers Express, Inc. (Jackson, Miss.) to the position of Chairman of the SMC³ Board. Mr. Kerr has served the SMC³ Board in various capacities since he was initially elected in 1992. Russell Garrett, VP pricing and traffic for Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. (Lexington, S.C.) will now assume the role of Vice Chairman of the SMC³ Board.
Throughout the year, SMC³ offers educational programs that focus on key industry issues and advanced learning. These events are well-attended and are noted for their content, speakers and networking opportunities. SMC³’s two annual conferences offer multiple subject matter experts in one location. The SMC³ 53rd Annual Summer Conference is scheduled to take place June 25-27 in Boston. For more information on SMC³ and the services it provides to the industry, visit www.smc3.com, phone 800-845-8090 or e-mail info@smc3.com.