AKRON, OHIO, August 12, 2002
– The annual logistics conference hosted by the Northeast Ohio Trade and
Economic Consortium (NEOTEC) held a special note of accomplishment in 2002,
as participants officially launched the Northeast Ohio Logistics Network.
Held August 12 at Firestone Country Club in Akron, the event attracted 115
regional logistics and management professionals, who saw the culmination of
their efforts in previous years to form an official organization dedicated
to improving the logistics industry in Northeast Ohio.
“The
logistics industry in Northeast Ohio now has a voice,” NEOTEC President & CEO Ronald W. DeBarr said as he welcomed the group and introduced Doug
Sibila as the Northeast Ohio Logistics Network’s first president. Sibila,
who is president of Peoples Services, Inc., reiterated the need for
logistics professionals to unite as one voice to address regional logistics
issues and to collectively impact legislation affecting market access.
Also acknowledged were the chairs of four committees that have been formed
to address the Network’s objectives: Larry Allen, president of Enterprise
Power, who is serving as Legislative Committee chair; Jeff Lubash, president
of Affiliated Services Group, Ltd., who will chair the Education Committee;
Perry Trunick, Editor and Associate Publisher of Transportation and
Distribution magazine, who will serve as Communications Committee chair; and
Ron DeBarr of NEOTEC, the Programs Committee chair.
The
conference agenda included a variety of speakers who provided in-depth
presentations and discussions of current logistics issues. Kicking off the
event was Tom Freese of Freese and Associates, a local logistics and supply
chain management consulting firm, who spoke to the group about the impact of
logistics on the economy and its influence on site selection decisions.
Logistics impacts are direct and cumulative, according to Freese. A solid
logistics infrastructure means better access to goods and services and a
lower cost of goods, Freese noted.
“A
proven approach to improving a company’s competitiveness and financial
performance is Value Chain Management,” said Jeff Lubash, president of
Affiliated Services Group, Ltd., an Akron-based consulting firm specializing
in Lean Enterprise and Value Chain Management. Lubash expanded on the
concept of Lean Logistics, one of multiple methods used to drive value chain
improvements in order to reduce costs and inventories while increasing
sales.
With a pledge of support for the Logistics Network’s efforts, a
representative of the Ohio Department of Transportation discussed the
approach ODOT is taking to update Access Ohio, the state’s long-range
transportation plan. “It’s important that we have input from the logistics
community as we update the Access Ohio study,” said Suzann Gad,
administrator of ODOT’s Office of Urban and Corridor Planning. Gad also
discussed a detailed freight analysis recently conducted by the state and
several freight initiatives resulting from the recommendations of the study.
On
a national note, Tim Lynch, president of the Motor Freight Carriers
Association in Washington, D.C., addressed the issues facing the logistics
industry in the aftermath of 9/11. “The ability to transport raw materials,
parts and finished goods in a safe, secure and efficient manner is one of
the key components in maintaining our nation’s competitive advantage in
global markets,” said Lynch, who discussed how government policies aimed at
improving safety and security impact commerce and transportation.
The
Northeast Ohio Logistics Network currently consists of approximately 140
members, with a mix of shippers, carriers and logistics service providers,
as well as government officials and economic development groups. According
to DeBarr, there are no membership fees, but many benefits. “Members have
access to reduced freight rates through the Network. They are empowered to
collectively impact legislation relating to logistics issues, and to
increase the awareness of the importance of logistics on our local economy,”
said DeBarr. As administrator of the Logistics Network, NEOTEC is serving
to maintain the Network and assist in implementing its goals.
For
membership information and details about the Northeast Ohio Logistics
Network, contact Ron DeBarr at NEOTEC at 330-672-4080.
Logistics Network Members
Logistics Network Member Application.doc
Logistics Network Member Application.pdf
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The Northeast Ohio
Trade and Economic Consortium (NEOTEC) is a regional economic development
partnership including Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning, Portage, Stark, Summit and
Trumbull counties, built to improve market access through the development of
the Northeast Ohio Logistics Network and to promote international commerce
through the administration of Foreign Trade Zone 181.
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