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SMC³ Summer Conference Gathers Transportation Professionals in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

An active year of transportation legislation and the rapidly changing landscape of the transportation industry formed a dynamic backdrop for the 52nd Annual SMC³ Summer Conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The conference was designed to give attendees first-hand insight from the shippers, carriers, ports and supply chain providers who have adapted their operations as the pressures on our nation’s transportation infrastructure have intensified.

Leading industry professionals from throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico attend this annual SMC³ event because it cultivates a better understanding of the issues facing the transportation industry, delivers educational content that benefits corporate business plans, and creates an environment conducive to open discussion and exchange of ideas with industry peers.

Attendee Damon Cooner, supply chain manager, Best Manufacturing Company shared his thoughts on the conference, “This conference ranks as one of the best I’ve attended. The information received was valuable and informative. I appreciate the focus on the global supply chain and economy. Thanks SMC³!”

A primary topic of interest at this year’s conference was the Surface Transportation Boards’ recent decision - STB Ex Parte No. 656, and its far-reaching implications on the entire transportation industry. Renowned transportation attorney, John R. Bagileo, addressed this decision during the Wednesday afternoon Legislative Update session. Bagileo gave a detailed review of the timeline leading up to the May 2007 decision, and clearly outlined the steps SMC³ is taking in response to the ruling.

Immediately following his session, Bagileo was joined by SMC³ president and CEO Jack Middleton for an open Q&A session on the subject.

Jean Godwin, executive vice president & general counsel, American Association of Port Authorities, addressed SMC³ Summer conference attendees regarding the key port challenges our country is facing today. Curtis Whalen, executive director, Intermodal Carriers Conference, presented the good news that the intermodal supply chain is working to provide efficient delivery of products and services and conversely highlighting the need for education in local communities which do not plan for traffic when planning development projects. Dr. T. Peter Ruane, president and CEO, American Road & Transportation Builders Association, challenged conference attendees, representing the industry at large, to educate political candidates on the need for increasing financing of transportation infrastructure in view of the “real crisis which is looming.”

A four-dimensional matrix for communication was recommended by conference speaker R. Leo Penne, program director, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. First, he said, one must determine the issue or problem which should be communicated. The next step is to determine whether the responsible government is national, state, local regional, local government or a multi-state regional and from there what type of action is required. The fourth dimension, according to Penne, is to determine and create channels of communication.

In a special session on Understanding Interest Rates in Today’s economy, David Fare, portfolio manager and director, Western Asset Management discussed the strategies for business investment in today’s financial climate. He explained how our interest rate environment is subject to the global economy and how growth in the United Kingdom and China are particularly important to include in an assessment for the future.

Thursday afternoon featured an Intermodal Panel Discussion where panelists from various modes of transportation discussed their greatest challenges and proposed solutions. Lee Clair, partner, Norbridge, Inc., introduced and moderated this insightful panel discussion. Panelists included Wim Lagaay, senior vice president and area operations manager, Maersk Line; Paul D. Waite, vice president intermodal, Canadian National Rail; and John Ficker, president and CEO, National Industrial Transportation League

The Global Economy and Energy Resources Update Panel was moderated by Logistics Today editor-in-chief, Perry Trunick. Featured speakers in the panel were Michael Economides, Ph.D., professor, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, and Donald Ratajczak, Ph.D., emeritus professor of the J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University and Consulting Economist.

The D.O.T.’s perspective on infrastructure issues was the final session of the conference.  Robert DeHaan, deputy assistant secretary of Transportation Policy, U.S. Department of Transportation, spoke to conference attendees about the importance of congestion in the transportation system and what it means today as well as in 10 to 20 years.

Click here for the full conference review.

Be sure to mark your calendar now for the SMC³ 53rd Annual Winter Conference, January 22-23, 2008 in Atlanta.