If you joined us in Jacksonville last month, you experienced firsthand the energy and impact of the 2026 WERC Annual Conference. This year’s event was especially memorable—not only for its content and connections, but for the scale of engagement created through the co-location with the MHI Spring Meeting.

Bringing these two events together allowed nearly 1,000 supply chain leaders to gather in one place, creating new opportunities to expand professional networks beyond the traditional WERC community. It was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we build stronger bridges across our industry.

Keynotes Delivered Insight—and Inspiration

This year’s keynote lineup struck a great balance between practical insight and engaging storytelling.

We kicked things off with labor market strategist John Frehse, whose now-famous “red dot chart” helped frame the realities and challenges of today’s workforce environment. From there, Tyler Gillum, head coach of the Savannah Bananas, shared his unconventional journey and leadership lessons, reminding us that culture and creativity can drive extraordinary results.

We closed with Jason Schenker, one of the most accurate economists in the world, who connected global geopolitical dynamics with economic forecasting in a way that left attendees thinking differently about what lies ahead.

Learning Tracks Reflected a Changing Industry

Conference attendees had access to 24 Thought Leader sessions and 24 Peer-to-Peer discussions, covering a wide range of topics shaping today’s supply chain.

One theme stood out clearly to me: the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in warehouse and distribution operations. Just a few years ago, AI was still emerging. Today, it’s becoming the norm. The shift from early adopters to widespread use is happening quickly, and WERC members are right at the center of that transformation.

Networking: The True Value of WERC

While the sessions and keynotes were outstanding, I’ll admit my favorite part of the conference remains the face-to-face (F2F) networking opportunities.

There’s nothing quite like reconnecting with industry colleagues, exchanging ideas, and building new relationships. These moments—between sessions, during meals, and on facility tours—are where the real value of WERC comes to life.

New Research: DC Measures 2026 Report

We also released the 2026 WERC DC Measures Annual Survey & Report at the conference, continuing our focus on operational benchmarking and performance metrics.

This year’s findings reinforce the importance of execution, with on-time shipments once again ranking as the most widely used performance measure across operations.

To learn more, visit the DC Measures resource page or join the WERC Research Team for a live overview of the report findings on June 15 at 11 a.m. EST.

Get Involved: Help Shape What’s Next

If you found value in this year’s Conference—or if you’re reading this and want to experience it firsthand—I encourage you to get more involved in WERC.

There are many ways to contribute. Among them are volunteering on committees, participating in chapter events, hosting tours, or sharing your expertise as a speaker. To explore opportunities, visit WERC’s Volunteer page and find the role that’s right for you.

We are also looking ahead to future events, including:

• MHI Annual Conference (September 27–30, 2026) – where, incidentally, I will be presenting “Turning Insight into Action: What Essential Employees Really Value” on Monday morning. Additionally, there are multiple opportunities for Sponsorships, detailed here.
• WERC Experience at ProMat 2027 in Chicago (April 19–21, 2027). The Call for WERC Experience Sessions is now open through September 11, 2026. If you have insights, case studies, or best practices to share, I strongly encourage you to submit a proposal.
• MHI Spring Meeting in Charlotte (May 16–19, 2027). Save the date for this insightful and informative event.

Be sure to mark your calendars now for these events. Each one offers exceptional opportunities to learn, connect, and grow alongside your peers.

Stay Connected

If you have questions about WERC programs, research, membership, or volunteer opportunities, our team is always here to help. You can reach us anytime at membership@werc.org.

Thank you to everyone who attended, presented, volunteered, and helped make the 2026 WERC Annual Conference such a success.

Until my next update, I encourage you to stay connected—and stay engaged with WERC!

Warmly,

Brian Devine
President and CEO of Ignite Industrial Professionals
WERC Advisory Council President (2026)

The WERC Advisory Board has been hard at work getting ready for the balance of 2026. There are some great events planned for the remainder of the year, including MODEX 2026 and the WERC Annual Conference, plus WERC’s regional chapter events, and our First Friday webinars.

Here, I’d like to highlight each one:

• MODEX 2026 – It’s coming up on April 13 – 16 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, and it’s the one place to see “EVERYTHING.” There will be more than 1,000 exhibits of automation solutions, artificial intelligence (AI) advancements, robotics, ergonomic tools, safety devices, powered industrial trucks, educational sessions, and more.

  If your job involves any responsibilities within the supply chain, you should attend. Registration is free! So, I strongly recommend bringing some of your fun, smart colleagues (leave your boring colleagues at the office). Also, MODEX is a great opportunity to introduce the workforce of the future to careers in supply chain. In fact, MODEX Student Day is Wednesday, April 15, and participating students get a special guided tour of this amazing show.

  My top MODEX tip? Wear comfortable shoes. The venue is huge, and you’re going to want to explore it all.

• WERC Annual Conference – This is the first time ever that the WERC Annual Conference is co-located with the MHI Spring Meeting. It takes place in Jacksonville, Florida on May 17 - 20, and the waterfront venue is jam packed with spectacular amenities.

  WERC Annual Conference attendees and MHI Spring Meeting attendees will come together for all keynote speaker sessions, meal breaks, and networking events. That means you’ll find more than 1,000 people in one location talking about supply chains, warehousing, and logistics. What could possibly be more fun than sipping a cocktail with a new friend and discussing how AI is impacting the supply chain?   

  Some highlights of the conference include these keynote speakers:

  • John Frehse – a foremost authority on labor and operations strategy.
  • Tyler Gillum – the Savannah Bananas’ Head Coach.
  • Jason Schenker – a top-ranked economist and best-selling author.
    
    
• Regional Chapter Events – Throughout the year WERC sponsors fantastic regional events hosted by chapters located around the country. These gatherings are a perfect opportunity to introduce your next-generation leaders to other logistics professionals in your area. It’s essential that WERC members take a proactive role in identifying and preparing our association’s future leaders. These regional chapter events are the perfect opportunities for rising supply chain leaders to get involved at the local level before moving on to the national stage.
  

  First Friday Webinars – These WERC-sponsored sessions are a perfect way to stay current on a variety of supply chain topics. With a maximum 30-minute run time, they are intended to fit easily into your schedule. Join online at 12:00 p.m. Eastern time. The next one is “Level Up Your Warehouse: WMS Evaluation and Selection,” on April 10.[SS1]  [AM2] 

Why should you participate in these face-to-face events?

Aside from the reasons I outlined above, I personally believe that persons who make their living in supply chain, warehousing, or logistics have an obligation to become active in great industry associations like WERC. As seasoned professionals, it is our responsibility to identify and invest in the next generation of industry leaders.

Additionally, as our world has become more digitized and remote, I believe it’s also become harder to make personal connections. For me, there is something compelling about being able to call a new friend I made at a WERC event and say, “Hey! We met at the WERC Annual Conference, and you presented a new perspective that I hadn’t heard before. Can I ask you a few questions about this challenge I’m having?”

In my experience, face-to-face (F2F) relationships beat B2B interactions all day, every day. If you agree, join WERC as an Individual or Corporate Member. I promise that it will be worthwhile.

I look forward to seeing you F2F at one (or more) of these upcoming events.

Thank you,

Brian Devine
President and CEO of Ignite Industrial Professionals
WERC Advisory Council President (2026)

In addition to the goals I mentioned last month, WERC is expanding its membership offerings in 2026 to deliver even more value, learning, and connection. Here’s a preview of what’s ahead:

• Expanded access to education: Most WERC membership levels will now include full access to WERC’s DLEP courses, designed to strengthen warehousing fundamentals and explore innovative operational strategies for you and your team.
• Enhanced engagement with MHI: WERC Corporate Members, Individual Practitioners, and Individual 3PL members with senior operations titles will benefit from deeper integration with MHI, including eligibility to participate in the MHI Solutions Community and the Premier Club at MODEX and ProMat.
• Benchmarking access: WERC Corporate Members will continue to receive access to the Online Benchmarking Tool, while Individual Members can subscribe at a special discounted rate.
• Simplified membership pricing: There’s a new, streamlined pricing model in effect for 2026, making it easier than ever to learn, grow, and connect with peers across the logistics community.

Building the Bridge Between WERC and MHI

At MHI and WERC, we talk a lot about building bridges—between strategy and execution, and between individuals and the teams they lead. One of the most tangible examples of that bridge in 2026 is our expanded team membership model.

Here’s a quick did-you-know: For just $2,900, your entire team can access the same WERC individual member benefits you enjoy. This includes complimentary education and networking opportunities, benchmarking access, and member-only pricing.

This year, we’ve streamlined access to those benefits, making it easier than ever to extend WERC’s value across your organization. One membership, one bridge, and a stronger, more connected team.

If you’re already investing in yourself through WERC, this is the simplest way to bring your whole team with you. To learn more or schedule a conversation, please contact our membership team at membership@werc.org.

Get Involved

Get involved in WERC this year—whether new or experienced, your participation helps strengthen our programs and connect you with peers in the logistics community.

• Register for the 2026 WERC Annual Conference in Jacksonville.
• Join WERC as an individual or corporate member if you’re not already part of our community.
• Sign up for facility tours, chapter events, and volunteer opportunities throughout the year.

If you have questions about membership, volunteering, or how to get more involved, please contact us at membership@werc.org.

I’ve always believed in supporting the professional associations connected to the industry in which I make my living. For me, that association is WERC. If you and your organization are part of the logistics and supply chain community, I strongly encourage you to join us and take full advantage of what WERC has to offer.

I look forward to seeing you at one of the many WERC events taking place in 2026.

With gratitude for your continued support,

Brian Devine

I’m honored to serve as your President of the WERC Advisory Council in 2026. WERC has been an important part of my professional journey for more than 20 years, providing access to practitioners, thought leaders, and solution providers who are tackling the real-world challenges facing today’s supply chain and logistics operations.

Together with the WERC Advisory Council—and with the guidance and support of the WERC staff—we have established three primary goals for 2026. Each is focused on strengthening member engagement, expanding professional development opportunities, and ensuring WERC’s long-term success.

WERC’s 2026 Goals

1. Increase active member participation across WERC.

WERC offers a wide range of ways for individuals and organizations to get involved, learn, and give back. I encourage you—and your company—to take an active role in our community. Here are just a few ways to engage in 2026:

• Leverage your WERC membership by enrolling all developing leaders in WERC's six micro-credential Distribution Logistics Education Program (DLEP)—now included as part of your benefits!
• Register for the WERC Annual Conference in Jacksonville, Florida, this May.
• Volunteer to lead a small group of students through MODEX 2026 in Atlanta this April.
• Host a facility tour at your operation.
• Participate in regional chapter events and tours.

The more you engage, the more value you—and your organization—will gain from WERC.

2. Continue strengthening integration with the MHI network

In 2026, the WERC Annual Conference will be co-located with the MHI Spring Meeting. Both are taking place in Jacksonville, Florida, this May. WERC Annual Conference attendees will have opportunities to connect with MHI Spring Meeting participants during keynote sessions and meal breaks—creating a powerful environment for networking, idea-sharing, and collaboration across the broader material handling and logistics community.

3. Identify and develop the next generation of WERC leaders.

WERC’s long-term success depends on industry professionals who are willing to volunteer a modest amount of time to help guide our programs, content, and events. Serving WERC is an easy and rewarding way to shape the future of the logistics industry while building meaningful professional relationships. In my experience, the more you invest in WERC, the more you receive in return.

Next month I will provide an update on expanding WERC membership value in 2026. 

Dear WERC Members, Partners, and Friends:

When I accepted the privilege of serving as your 2025 Advisory Council President, I promised to be a good steward of a community that has always punched above its weight: practical, generous, and humble professionals handling the goods that fuel our economy. As I hand the gavel to my successor, I’m filled with gratitude for what we built together this year—and confidence about where WERC is headed next.

Highlights from the Past 12 Months

In 2025, supply-chain leaders had to steer through crosscurrents, including geopolitical friction, energy and shipping volatility, shifting tariffs and port fees, and a labor market that remains tight for specialized roles. Ocean networks whipsawed between restored capacity in some corridors and renewed risk in others. Meanwhile, inland networks felt secondary impacts in inventory strategy, mode mix, and safety-stock planning.

Through it all, WERC members did what they do best: measure, adapt, and execute. And we did it together—convening, learning, and comparing notes along the way. Here’s a recap of the highlights.

• In June, we gathered in New Orleans for the 2025 WERC Annual Conference. From the first hallway huddles to the final roundtable, the through-line was honest dialogue about what’s working on the floor—and what isn’t. Our emphasis on practical case studies, tours, and peer exchange kept the focus on measurable improvements.

• The 2025 DC Measures release sharpened our view of performance across 30+ metrics and surfaced a telling shift: more organizations prioritized cost leadership and innovation while maintaining service rigor. That’s not austerity; it’s discipline—freeing up resources to invest in people, process, and enabling tech. The expansion of WERC’s online benchmarking capability makes these insights more actionable for member teams throughout the year.

• The Distribution Logistics Education Program (DLEP) continued to grow, with new content improvements, strong Net Promoter Scores (NPS), and the first Spanish-language module released. Those enhancements weren’t academic exercises. Rather, they came from member feedback and frontline reality. I heard countless stories of supervisors using DLEP to onboard faster, standardize best practices, and create career paths that retain talent.

• Chapters and regional events—from technical forums to facility tours—kept the learning loop tight between national ideas and local execution. These gatherings underscore that WERC’s special sauce is equal parts knowledge and collaboration: practitioners sharing wins and missteps, so others don’t have to learn the hard way.

• This year we continued the work of integrating WERC more fully within MHI’s value centers and member resources, from marketing amplification to program co-location. That alignment is already paying dividends for members in the form of broader networks and easier access to tools, training, and insights across the material handling ecosystem.

 The Dawn of the Smart Warehouse

In the span of just a few years, what once sounded like science fiction—intelligent agents autonomously adjusting warehouse workflows, robots learning on the fly, supply-chain planning systems that “know” when the business needs to shift—has become operational reality in many WERC member organizations. Here, a few key dimensions:

1. Predictive + Prescriptive Analytics Become Operational. Many member operations are no longer simply looking at dashboards after the fact. They’re increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) models that anticipate bottlenecks before they hit, recommend work-re-sequences, and prompt supervisors to intervene selectively rather than reactively. The result is fewer touches, less re-work, and stronger throughput consistency.
   
   
2. Agentic Systems & Human-Machine Teaming. The term “agentic” (systems that initiate action rather than waiting passively for commands) is starting to show up in our industry. In the warehouse, this means software that autonomously assigns tasks to robots or associates based on real-time conditions (labor availability, equipment status, inbound waves). The human operator becomes the “orchestrator,” focusing on exception handling, nuance, and continuous improvement. That shift is profound: the job of supervision is evolving rapidly, from “assigning tasks” to managing outputs and exceptions.
   
   
3. Autonomous Execution & Flexible Automation. Fixed automation is no longer the only game in town. AI-enhanced mobile robots, dynamic storage/retrieval systems that reconfigure paths on the fly, and machine-vision systems that detect anomalies in inbound shipments are increasingly deployed. For practitioners, the challenge isn’t just “should we automate?” but rather “how do we integrate automation into a live system with variability, labor constraints, and evolving SKU assortments?” WERC’s benchmarking and community forums enable members to see what works in the wild—not just in test labs. 

4. Strategic Impact & Workforce Transformation. The ripple effects of AI are strategic, not just tactical. As AI takes over decision-heavy or repetitive tasks, the remaining roles shift. Supervisors, operators, and planners must develop new capabilities: cognitive flexibility, problem-solving, change leadership. If we ignore this, we risk implementing “smart tech” but not transforming culture. One of WERC’s key roles is ensuring that technology investments don’t outpace people readiness—and I’m proud we’ve already focused on this through DLEP and chapter forums. 

5. Governance, Trust & Ethics. As AI systems assume more control, questions of transparency and trust become real. Who owns the decision-logic? How do we ensure safety, fairness, and resilience when algorithms are in the loop? The WERC community—and our partnership with MHI—gives us a venue to tackle these questions together.

In short, AI will not replace your warehouse—it will change it. The smart organizations are those that treat the arrival of AI not as an experiment but as an operating-system upgrade: new data flows, new roles, new rhythms of action. WERC members are already leading in this transition—and I expect next year to show even greater leaps.

Moving Forward: What’s Next for WERC

Looking ahead, a few priorities stand out for WERC and its members.

We’ll continue to treat distribution center operations as a system. That means adopting automation and AI where the economics are proven, the safety case is sound, and the change-management plan is real. It also means keeping people at the center: upskilling supervisors, redesigning roles, and ensuring human-machine teaming works on a Tuesday during peak. Expect deeper cuts of DC Measures, stronger ties to our online tool, and more guided use-cases, such as how a supervisor can use percentile gaps to build a three-quarter improvement plan. Benchmarking is only as valuable as the decisions it informs.

DLEP will keep expanding, with multilingual access and stackable credentials that help frontline associates become lead operators, and lead operators become supervisors. That’s how we attract and grow the next generation of supply-chain leaders.

WERC 2026 (May 17-20, 2026) promises to open your eyes to new possibilities for future success. Join the community of warehousing and distribution center professionals leading the industry with vision and passion.

And, beyond the Annual Conference, we’ll keep cultivating spaces where candid problem-solving is the norm. In regional forums, chapter tours, virtual meetups, WERC will continue to be place where competitors can trade notes on safety, quality, and throughput without posturing. Our partnership with MHI and engagement with peers across the logistics community position WERC as a trusted convener on topics like electrification, sustainability, workforce, and yes—AI and data governance.

Also in 2026, WERC will be expanding our membership offerings to deliver even more value, learning, and connection. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on the horizon, starting in January.

• Most WERC membership levels will gain full access to WERC’s DLEP courses, designed to strengthen warehousing fundamentals and explore innovative operational strategies for you and your team.
  
  
• WERC’s Corporate Members, Individual Practitioners, and Individual 3PLs with senior operations titles will benefit from enhanced engagement with MHI. Among the perks are eligibility to participate in the MHI Solutions Community and the Premier Club at MODEX and ProMat.
  
  
• WERC Corporate Members will continue to enjoy access to our Online Benchmarking Tool, while Individual Members can subscribe at a special discounted rate.
  
  
• A simplified member pricing model for 2026 will debut. This new structure makes it easier than ever to learn, grow, and connect with your peers across the logistics community.

Gratitude for a Year of Learning

When I think about WERC at its best, I picture a distribution center on a tough day—replenishment tasks backlogged, an RF hiccup on receiving, two bay-doors down for maintenance—and a supervisor who rallies the team, re-sequences the work, and still gets orders out safely. That’s who we are. WERC members aren’t just theorists of flow, but stewards of an essential promise to customers and communities.

As I step out of this role, I’ll keep carrying what WERC taught me: that progress is built from unglamorous habits—measure, learn, share, improve—and from a network of practitioners generous enough to help each other do the hard things well.

To our members: Your candor is WERC’s super-power. You show up with data, not just opinions. You share process maps and playbooks. You ask tough questions and accept tough feedback. That spirit makes our community worth belonging to.

To our volunteers, committee members, chapter leaders, speakers, reviewers, and hosts: Thank you for the priceless gift of time. You edit publications, curate educational sessions, welcome new members, and keep WERC’s culture healthy.

To our colleagues at MHI: Thank you for leaning in on strategy, marketing, and member experience—and for helping us co-locate in smart ways that compound value for the entire WERC community.

To the WERC staff: You’re the quiet force behind everything—programs that run on-time, metrics that add up, communications that cut through, and a member experience that feels personal. It’s been a privilege to serve alongside you.

To my fellow Advisory Council members: You model the best kind of leadership—curious, data-driven, and relentlessly focused on member value. Thank you for your counsel, your candor, and your bias for action.

Thank you for the honor of serving you this year. I can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.

With respect and appreciation,

Will

Spring greetings to all! I know I’m very happy to leave winter behind, and I hope you’re also enjoying the longer — and warmer — days.

I’d like to take this opportunity to share several of the developments that my colleagues on the WERC Advisory Council discussed during our strategic planning session at the end of February. There are several exciting developments and projects underway as we continue to help our members, and their companies, succeed. Here are a few of the highlights.

2025 WERC Annual Conference Topics and Keynotes Finalized

I know you can’t wait to attend the 2025 WERC Annual Conference in New Orleans, June 8-11. If you haven’t yet registered, Early Bird pricing ends on April 15, so I encourage you to lock in your participation before Tax Day rolls around.

Based on the updates and developments shared during the Advisory Council sessions by Conference Chair Kristi Montgomery, Vice President of Innovation and Research at Kenco Group, the 2025 WERC Annual Conference is going to be jam packed with timely topics and actionable insights.

• You’ll hear keynotes from boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard and from Destin Sandlin, engineer and creator of the hit YouTube series “Smarter Every Day.”
• There’s a new Sunday session, Effective Networking 101, guaranteed to get you geared up to make some fantastic and powerful new connections throughout the event.
• Thought Leader Sessions include presentations on how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming warehouse management system (WMS) software, and high-impact best practices that can bolster your operational productivity in just one day.
• Among the most anticipated Peer-to-Peer Discussions are one focused on leveraging AI for predictive maintenance and warehouse safety, and another exploring what works — and what doesn’t — when it comes to automation.

There will also be informative facility tours and multiple opportunities to visit with your peers throughout the event. It’s going to be sensational!

WERC Membership is Growing

Director of WERC Membership JoAnna Leon shared that our organization’s new Team Membership model has begun gaining traction. Thanks to the special pricing and enhanced value delivered by these three separate offerings, WERC continues to add new members.

Haven’t heard about the new Team Membership options? Here’s a quick recap:

• Team PRO covers up to 5 individuals – designed for small teams or startups.
• Team XTRA includes up to 25 participants – intended for mid-size teams whose leaders seek more engagement.
• Team ELITE includes up to 50 individuals – optimal for large, cross-functional teams.

Additionally, WERC still offers customized memberships with special pricing for individuals, full-time educators, and students. That has helped us further draw more interest and involvement in our organization.

Participation Strong on First Friday Webinars

Also popular with WERC members are our monthly First Friday Peer-to-Peer Webinars. These open discussion sessions cover a broad range of topics. Interactive and informative, they give participants a chance to learn and share more about current trends, cutting-edge technologies, and their impact on day-to-day business operations.

First Fridays are also a great way to get to know the members of the Advisory Council. Monthly, one of us volunteers to lead the discussion. My WERC leadership peers are so enthusiastic about these First Friday Peer-to-Peer Webinars, the sign-up sheet is filled through next February 2026! We look forward to seeing you on one of these upcoming sessions soon.

Friday, April 4, 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Simulation

Friday, May 2, 2025 – Leveraging Advanced Analytics

Friday, June 6, 2025 – Understanding the Impact of Economic Trends

Friday, July 11, 2025 – Cybersecurity and Your Operation

Friday, August 1, 2025 – Warehouse Safety Best Practices

Friday, September 5, 2025 – Pace of Automation and Robotics Adoption

Friday, October 3, 2025 – Enhancing Supply Chain Resiliency

Friday, November 7, 2025 – Strategies to Address Economic and Consumer Pressures

Friday, December 5, 2025 – Warehouse Reengineering to Improve Productivity

Friday, January 9, 2026 – Warehouse Automation and Technology Trends

Friday, February 6, 2026 – Sustainability and Quality Growth

Content Committee Shares New Initiatives

Chaired by WERC Director at Large Chaneta Sullivan, Director of Safety, Quality and Compliance at Chick-fil-A, the WERC Content Committee has been busy working to expand our organization’s thought leadership and educational reach. Sullivan shared a lengthy list of current and future projects the group is tackling. Among them are:

• 2026 Annual Conference educational session proposal reviews
• Reviews of the MHI Fundamentals textbooks
• Continued crafting of topics for First Friday Peer-to-Peer Webinars
• Revisions and updates to WERC’s “Warehouse Manager’s Guide to Benchmarking” publication
• Revisions and updates to WERC’s “Warehousing Fulfillment Process Benchmark Best Practices” publication
• Review of WERC’s “2025 DC Measures Annual Survey & Report”
• Review of WERC’s bi-annual “Warehousing & Logistics Industry Salary Survey Report”
• Ongoing Distribution Logistics Education Program content reviews

Want to have a say in the content that’s being created? Volunteer to become a part of the Content Committee. There are multiple ways to become involved.

More Content = More Engagement

Another extremely positive update during the Advisory Council meeting came from MHI’s Chief Marketing Officer Carol Miller. She reported that since its debut last September, the updated and improved WERC.org has seen a 187% increase in traffic! The site had more than 5 million impressions in the last four months of 2024 alone.

Miller noted significantly positive engagement with the new digital content that is both currently available on — and continually added to — the site, particularly the videos and podcasts. Users also appreciate the streamlined, simplified navigation to help them find the resources they’re searching for quickly and efficiently. WERC.org is routinely updated with new educational content to encourage repeat visits, making WERC the best value in our industry for building knowledge.

Learn More and Connect

Thank you, as always, for being a WERC member. I’m both inspired and energized to lead this organization through this period of growth. Don’t hesitate to share your feedback and input with the Advisory Council as we continue our focus on expanding WERC’s value to its members and their companies. Also, the WERC team loves to answer your questions one-on-one by phone or email. Connect with them at any time via 630-990-0001 or membership@werc.org.

# # #

Beyond WERC, Gearhart is a passionate advocate and fundraiser for childhood cancer research, having volunteered for St. Baldrick’s Foundation for nearly a decade.

Peers and colleagues might be surprised to learn that Justin Gearhart, Assistant Vice President of Distribution Management for L’Oreal USA, has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

Although he originally considered a career in law enforcement, Gearhart became fascinated with supply chain while working at Walmart. He worked for the retailer full-time during his undergraduate years at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania.

“Shippensburg is located along the Interstate 81 corridor that runs through the center of Pennsylvania from north to south. There were warehouses popping up all over the place,” he recalled. “And, as I was working at Walmart, I got interested in how the backroom of the store operated, seeing the just-in-time shipping and receiving of inventory.”

Gearhart was intrigued enough to take a break from his studies after accepting a position as an Asset Protection Manager at a Walmart store. After three years, and with just a few classes left to complete his undergraduate degree, Gearhart returned to school.

But the career opportunities offered in supply chain had captured his attention. After graduation he joined DHL Supply Chain through their college recruiting efforts. He ultimately joined DHL as an Operations Supervisor. The hands-on experience solidified his commitment to a supply chain career.

“I gained a better understanding of how the world works,” Gearhart explained. “I found it fascinating to see how products get from China to my house in days, or how food gets on the table, for example.”

As his knowledge and experience within the industry grew, he continued to advance at DHL, ultimately rising to the role of Operations Manager in just four years. He next moved to Kohler as a Manager of DC Operations. It was there that his manager introduced him to WERC.

WERC Annual Conference: “A Problem-Solving Retreat”

At the invitation of his boss at Kohler, Gearhart attended his first WERC Annual Conference in Columbus, in 2019. The experience was unlike any other industry event he’d ever attended.

“I hoped to connect and network with other logistics professionals, as well as to have some key takeaways on how I could improve the end customer/consumer experience in my role,” he said.

“I not only learned a lot, but also I was so impressed by how passionate everyone at the Annual Conference was about our industry,” Gearhart continued. “It was like a breath of fresh air to realize there were others like me who were asking the same questions about how to become better leaders for our teams. The focus on education made it feel like a problem-solving retreat.”

Identified by his badge as an Annual Conference newbie between sessions, a WERC staffer asked Gearhart for feedback. Based on his enthusiastic response, he was asked to volunteer with WERC as a member of the Conference Planning Committee. This group helps identify and finalize the event’s educational sessions, presenters, and keynotes.

“I enjoyed the Annual Conference so much that I wanted to be part of WERC moving forward,” he explained. “From that initial commitment, my involvement in WERC has become like the proverbial snowball rolling down the mountain. It started small, and it’s continued to grow.”

A few months after the Columbus Annual Conference, Gearhart joined the supply chain team at L’Oreal USA, where his career has continued to advance. Likewise, his volunteering commitment to WERC has also advanced: After serving for a couple of years on the Conference Planning Committee, Gearhart joined the WERC Advisory Council as a Director at Large.

“I am a huge fan of the connections that WERC facilitates,” he added, noting that he now allocates part of his budget to bringing members of his L’Oreal team at to Annual Conference. “They’ve all seen the benefit, particularly of the peer-to-peer sessions, the networking, and the opportunities for informal mentorship from others. With WERC, you always have somebody to bounce an idea off of.”

Gearhart encouraged his fellow WERC members to volunteer their time with the organization.

“I ran into a former colleague of mine at last year’s Conference, and they explained that they’d been in a session in which the content didn’t quite match their expectations based on the title,” he recalled. “I urged them to volunteer by submitting an peer-to-peer session proposal for the 2025 Annual Conference as a way to help shape and improve the event. That’s just one way to become more involved in WERC, while also getting more out of your membership.”

Going Hairless for a Cure for Childhood Cancer

In addition to the time Gearhart spends volunteering with WERC, he serves as a tireless volunteer, advocate, and fundraiser for childhood cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. After the U.S. government, St. Baldrick’s is the largest funder of childhood cancer research, he said.

“A friend of mine from high school lost his daughter to leukemia. I’m not a father myself, but I cannot even imagine what that would be like. That started my passion for this cause,” explained Gearhart.

A decade ago, when he discovered the St. Baldrick’s Foundation — a non-profit which organizes head shaving events around the country — Gearhart had another reason to get involved: his mother.

“I’ve shaved my head once a year my entire life, whether it was for football or to deal with summer heat. It drove my mom crazy! She’d get so upset with me because I have a nice head of hair,” he chuckled. “Now that it’s for a good cause, she’s supportive.”

In addition to his dedication to St. Baldrick’s, Gearhart serves on the 2025 Leadership Committee of the Orange County/Inland Empire chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. He also participates in the Alliance for Childhood Cancer’s annual Action Days, in which members of national cancer patient advocacy groups and medical and scientific organizations travel to Washington D.C. to meet with congressional legislators to urge them to direct more funding to research.

How can WERC members help? Gearhart will soon begin soliciting fundraising pledges as part of his 2025 St. Baldrick’s campaign. He’ll once again be both a “shavee” and Team Captain for The AvengHAIRs during a head shaving event during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September 2025. He welcomes both donations and new team members willing to sacrifice their own luscious locks for a cure for childhood cancer.

# # #

In my January note, I shared my top three goals for my term as WERC Advisory Council President. I will continue to encourage you to volunteer with WERC (Goal # 1). But this month I want to talk about my second goal, boosting member engagement, and my third goal, providing industry leading, cost-effective education programming.

Will’s Goal # 2: Take WERC Member Engagement to the Next Level

Although volunteering (Goal # 1) is a great way to become more engaged with WERC, it’s far from the only way.

Quarterly Membership Calls

One of the easiest ways to connect is by dropping in to one of WERC’s quarterly open membership calls. These are a great way to learn more about the organization and gather ideas about ways to maximize your membership investment. Bring your questions and suggestions.

New Membership Offerings

Speaking of membership, last year WERC launched a new Team Membership model. It includes three separate offerings that deliver even greater value for companies by giving more employees access to member benefits at exclusive pricing.

• Team PRO covers up to 5 individuals – perfect for small teams or startups.
• Team XTRA includes up to 25 participants – optimal for mid-size teams whose leaders seek more engagement.
• Team ELITE includes up to 50 individuals – ideal for large, cross-functional teams.

Additionally, WERC still offers special membership pricing for individuals, full-time educators, and students.

Attend a WERC Event

I encourage you to check out a WERC event as another way to become more engaged. This includes not only the 2025 WERC Annual Conference in June, but also events hosted by our regional Chapters. Among them is the annual Texas Warehousing Resource Conference held in October.

Also, don’t miss the amazing events presented by MHI, including ProMat 2025. It’s at McCormick Place in Chicago, March 17-20. Your WERC membership entitles you to many MHI benefits too, including educational programs, networking opportunities, trade show events, and more.

Will’s Goal # 3: Be the Leader in Cost-Effective Industry Education

WERC members enjoy some of the most targeted, cost-effective educational resources in our industry. That’s because WERC’s members participate extensively in developing our materials.

Training Courses Teach the Fundamentals

For example, WERC’s Distribution Logistics Education Program is a stackable micro-credentialing training resource. It features six separate courses focused on different aspects of distribution logistics operations. WERC members’ substantial involvement in the curriculum makes it the gold standard for teaching the essential skills warehousing and distribution workers need.

The courses first explore the fundamentals, then introduce equipment, safety, operations, metrics, and labor management. Participants receive a certificate and digital badge upon completing each course. Once they finish all six courses, they earn a WERC certificate.

Benchmarking and Facility Certifications

Additional WERC-exclusive resources are our benchmarking and facility certification programs. WERC’s Warehousing & Fulfillment Process Benchmark & Best Practices Guide explains the benchmarking process. This comprehensive tool helps you benchmark your warehouse operations against a proven set of industry standards. It’s a powerful, efficient, and cost-effective way to assess the caliber of your operations and set a course for improvement.

For an unbiased evaluation of your operation’s performance that can help you chart a path to continuous improvement, consider WERC’s Warehouse Certification Program. The assessment is conducted by independent third-party auditors using a rigorous, industry-standard grading methodology. It includes a thorough on-site facility inspection and an in-depth process assessment. The auditors evaluate eight key functional areas of warehouse operations, scoring each on a five-point scale. These scores are then benchmarked against WERC’s Benchmark & Best Practices Guide.

Improve Your Operational Performance with DC Measures

WERC’s DC Measures Annual Survey & Report is used by distribution logistics professionals to assess and improve operational performance. As the only comprehensive, independent report of its kind, DC Measures contains more than 30 operational metrics you can use to benchmark your operations, understand industry trends, and make informed, data-driven decisions.

You can access all DC Measures report data collected since 2013 via WERC’s exclusive Online Benchmarking Tool. Available via a paid subscription or with WERC Team Memberships, this cutting-edge platform allows you to filter and customize benchmarking data to best you’re your internal evaluation needs. Adjustable parameters include industry, operation type, preferred metrics, and more.

Insider Access to Industry Wages and Benefits

Everything you need to know about pay rates and employment practices across distribution can be found in WERC’s Warehousing & Logistics Industry Salary Survey Report. It will help your operation maximize its hiring and retention efforts to maximize your competitive edge.

WERC Annual Conference

June’s upcoming WERC Annual Conference is the best place to immerse yourself and your team in informative sessions covering the newest technologies, best practices, and leading trends. Thought Leader sessions, Peer-to-Peer discussions, and Solutions Center experts will share the latest trends in robotics, high performing teams, sustainability, automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and the voice of American workforce.

You’ll also hear from dynamic keynote speakers Destin Sandlin of Smarter Every Day, and boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard. Plus, there will be plenty of formal and informal opportunities for networking with your peers, including at off-site opening and closing receptions, during breaks between sessions, and at lunches.

Utilize WERC.org’s Resources

Finally, be sure to routinely visit the updated and improved WERC.org. The website features streamlined, simplified navigation to help you quickly and efficiently find the resources you need. Continuously updated educational content includes the latest webinars, podcasts, reports, and other resources that make WERC the best value for building knowledge in our industry.

Let’s Connect

As always, I thank you for being a WERC member. Your engagement is what makes our organization unique in our industry. Have questions about how to maximize your membership benefits or increase your involvement in WERC? Please email membership@werc.org or call 630.990.0001.

# # #

New Year’s greetings from the WERC Advisory Council. We’re eager to start working on our resolutions for 2025: To serve and engage WERC’s membership!

New Advisory Council Roles

First, a brief introduction if we haven’t yet met. I have the privilege of serving as WERC Advisory Council President as of January 1, 2025. In new Advisory Council leadership roles alongside me are:

• Vice President Brian Devine, President and CEO of Ignite Industrial Professionals
• Secretary Glen Wegel, VP of Operations and IT at Kitchen Cabinet Distributors
• Immediate Past President, Arch Thomason, CEO of Sunland Logistics Solutions
• Annual Conference 2025 Chair Kristi Montgomery, VP of Innovation, Research & Development at KENCO Logistics Services

Also serving on the Advisory Council are nine Directors at Large:

• Larry Corrigan II, COO of ProSource Supply
• Steve DeNunzio, Senior Lecturer & Director at The Ohio State University
• Justin Gearhart, AVP Distribution Management for L’Oreal USA
• Steve Hopper, Founder and Principal of Inviscid Consulting
• Maria Llamas, Independent Practitioner
• Steve Mulaik, Partner at Argon & Company
• Chris Murtha, Director of Global Brand Strategy & Activation at Yale Material Handling Corp.
• Chaneta Sullivan, Director of Facility Development & Safety at Chick-fil-A Supply
• Greg Younghans, President of Novo Logistics

Thank you also to Annette Danek-Akey, CSCO at Barnes & Noble and Jason Minghini, SVP of Operations at KENCO Logistics Services. They will continue to represent WERC as Liaisons to the MHI Board of Governors and their ongoing dedication to our organization is greatly appreciated.

Will’s WERC Goals for 2025

My personal goals for this new year fall into three separate buckets. They include:

1. Grow WERC’s volunteer base and future leaders.
2. Take member engagement to the next level.
3. Be the leader in cost-effective industry education.

Next month, I’ll share more with you about the second and third goals. But in this note I want to focus specifically on Goal # 1: Grow Volunteer Base and Future Leaders.

As you can see from the lengthy list of Advisory Committee names shared above, WERC’s success is largely driven by the active involvement of dedicated volunteers. That’s why one of my goals as WERC President is to encourage more members — like you — to volunteer with our organization in 2025.

If you haven’t set any New Year’s Resolutions yet, consider increasing your commitment to WERC!

From personal experience, I can tell you I’ve benefitted tremendously from volunteering with WERC. I’ve grown my professional network as well as had the opportunity to develop and hone my leadership skills. Now is a terrific time to step up as a future WERC leader by becoming more involved.

There are multiple ways you can do this. One is to volunteer to help with the 2025 WERC Annual Conference, June 8-11 in New Orleans. This year’s theme is “Leading with Vision,” and my own vision — as WERC’s newest Advisory Council President — is to see more of our members benefit from increasing their engagement with our organization.

What kind of help is needed to make this year’s Conference the best it can possibly be? Here are a few ways you can assist:

• Staff the event. Spend a couple of hours at the registration desk or greeting other members at the entrance of an educational session or keynote. These are great ways to keep Conference running smoothly while making lots of new connections at the same time.
  
  
• Host a facility tour. If you have operations within an hour’s drive of the Sheraton New Orleans, throw your doors open to your peers as an opportunity to educate others about your unique warehousing and distribution practices.
  
  
• Share your knowledge. Have a best practice or case study? Sign up to present your experience in a Thought Leader presentation or as part of a panel discussion. The agenda is mostly finalized for the 2025 WERC Annual Conference, but it’s never too early to start thinking about 2026.
  
  
• Join the Conference Planning Committee. This group of volunteers helps identify and finalize the educational sessions, presenters, and keynotes at the event. This is a terrific opportunity to help select the topics of greatest relevance to today’s operations that will be featured at the next WERC Annual Conference.

There are multiple other ways to volunteer with WERC outside of the Annual Conference. We’re always looking for topics and experts to share their insights in webinars and at our regional Chapters. I encourage you to join the Content Committee and/or the Chapter Committee to help guide those important activities.

Let’s Connect

Thank you for being a WERC member. I look forward to connecting with you at an upcoming event in 2025. If you have questions about how you can volunteer with WERC, or other ways to maximize your membership benefits, please email membership@werc.org or call 630.990.0001.

# # #

Recognizing the profound impact this energy shift will have on the supply chain, MHI CEO John Paxton stated that MHI and WERC are honored to support this forward-thinking research: “To build resilient supply chains for the future, industry must deepen its expertise in electrification and regulatory frameworks, while also leading on sustainability efforts and next-generation technologies.”

Paxton recently participated in an October 2nd keynote at CSCMP’s Edge Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition. The panel explored how a rising demand for energy, coupled with the drive to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, is reshaping the electrical ecosystem.

Key Highlights of CSCMP’s "The Supply Chain Risks of the Energy Transition" include in-depth analyses of the implications of electrification, renewable energy integration, and energy storage on supply chain operations. Additionally, the program offers practical recommendations for optimizing supply chain networks, enhancing last-mile delivery capabilities, and leveraging innovative technologies to align with the energy transition objectives.

The full version of CSCMP’s "The Supply Chain Risks of the Energy Transition" report can be downloaded from WERC’s website.

About WERC

WERC, a division of MHI, is the only professional organization focused on warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment and its role in the supply chain. Through membership in WERC, seasoned professionals and those new to the industry master best practices and establish valuable relationships. Learn more about WERC at werc.org.

About MHI
MHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI’s over 1,000 members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers and third-party logistics providers. MHI offers education, networking and solution sourcing for their members, the members’ customers, and the industry as a whole through programming and events. The association sponsors the ProMat and MODEX expos to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals.

The Performance & Metrics course is available online, enabling learners to complete the course at their own pace. Highlights of the course include:

• Metric-Driven Performance Management: Learners will gain a deep understanding of metric-driven performance management programs, including the creation of a metrics scorecard.
  
  
• Financial Analysis: The course teaches essential skills for analyzing financial data and applying it to assess the impact of logistics decisions.
  
  
• Benchmarking and Continuous Improvement: Participants will learn benchmarking techniques and continuous improvement methodologies, utilizing KPI dashboards to drive improved facility performance.

Upon completing the Performance & Metrics course, participants earn a digital badge to display on their LinkedIn profiles and email signatures. Completion of the entire six-course Distribution Logistics Education Program results in a WERC certificate for education. The program offers critical skills and knowledge for efficient warehouse and distribution center operations.

For more information about the Performance & Metrics course and the WERC Distribution Logistics Education Program, visit werc.org/getcertified. Access to all six courses is included with a WERC Team Membership plan, enabling companies to quickly train new hires and upskill existing teammates.

About WERC

WERC, a division of MHI, is the only professional organization focused on warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment and its role in the supply chain. Through membership in WERC, seasoned professionals and those new to the industry master best practices and establish valuable relationships. Learn more about WERC at werc.org. 

About MHI

MHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI’s over 1,000 members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers and third-party logistics providers. MHI offers education, networking and solution sourcing for their members, the members’ customers and the industry as a whole through programming and events. The association sponsors the ProMat and MODEX expos to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals.