Welcome to the second quarter of the year! It’s been an exciting few months working with my peers on the WERC Advisory Council to further deliver on our mission of helping our members and their companies succeed. As promised in my first update, I’d like to recap our first strategic planning session, held at the end of February. During that time we set several goals and objectives for 2024.

Market Research Confirms WERC’s Direction

To inform our strategy for the coming months, WERC and MHI partnered with a branding agency at the end of 2023. The firm conducted a series of one-on-one interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders. This included both current and prospective WERC members, and members of MHI. The purpose was to ensure our efforts align with our members’ needs, as well as to uncover new ways that WERC can best serve the industry.

The agency’s findings indicate that WERC’s research, insights, and community offerings are on target with the needs of the warehousing industry. It confirmed that our membership includes many experienced, well-established professionals who are experts in their field. It also identified opportunities for WERC to expand its membership to newer members of our industry. This includes first-time managers and leaders, as well as those who are rising through the ranks.

The study noted an opportunity for WERC to further grow its reach by offering additional resources to persons in the early years of their supply chain careers. This includes expanded content, new training and development courses, and more chances to connect and engage with peers across all levels of supply chain organizations.

Based on these findings, the Advisory Council has begun the process of reviewing our membership models and our content to find new ways to optimize both and best support professionals at every level. Among these tasks is an assessment of our website to ensure it is delivering the information users need — whether they’re visiting the site to learn, benchmark their operations, collaborate with their peers, or optimize their operations — as effectively as possible.

2024 Goal: Provide Expert Insight on Industry Trends

Also during our Advisory Council meeting, we discussed a variety of trends identified by members of the MHI Roundtable Advisory Committee. Our group considered the degree to which these topics currently impact our members and their organizations.

This exercise helped our new Content Committee — chaired by WERC Director at Large Chaneta Sullivan, Director of Safety, Quality and Compliance at Chick-fil-A — as it begins to develop and deliver content based on this input. Over the next few months, WERC will be offering resources and actionable information to help members as they address several of these trends. Among them are supply chain resiliency, supply chain workforce, economy, geopolitical risks and reshoring, and advanced analytics.

Additionally, Advisory Council Director, 2025 Conference Kristi Montgomery, Vice President of Innovation and Research at Kenco Group, will be working from the same trends list as she plans the next installment of WERC’s Annual Conference.

“It’s important that the Annual Conference’s Thought Leader Sessions, Keynotes, and Peer-to-Peer Discussions focus on topics that our members are actively addressing, day-in and day-out,” she said. “Having this level of guidance helps ensure that WERC presents content at the event that delivers maximum benefit to those in attendance.”

2024 Goal: Continue Developing Educational Programming

WERC was already well on the path to expanding its education and development offerings to those who are less seasoned within our field. Our stackable e-learning courses provide an opportunity for newer entrants into our industry to hone their knowledge and leadership skills. Culminating in a new Distribution Logistics Education Program, WERC has released three of six modules micro-credentialing modules. The fourth will be released in April; the last two are targeted for completion by the end of August.

The self-paced modules include:

1. Distribution Logistics Fundamentals
2. Warehousing Equipment
3. Safety & Compliance
4. Warehousing Operations
5. Facility Performance & Metrics
6. Labor Management & Leadership

These resources can be accessed individually or as a complete package. As the remaining three modules debut in 2024, the entire series will continue to be available to both WERC members and non-members.

WERC’s signature event — the 2024 Annual Conference — will offer multiple ways to learn. Held June 2-5 at the Hilton Anatole Resort and Spa in Dallas, the Conference theme is “Inspiring Action.” Open to members and non-members alike, the event’s agenda will give attendees time to refocus and find their balance while exploring new ideas, tools, and techniques. Browse the full slate of Thought Leader, Peer-to-Peer, Sponsor, and General Sessions online at werc.org/2024. You’ll also find the recently announced list of Facility Tours, which always book up fast.

2024 Goal: Expand WERC’s Reach

In addition to WERC’s Annual Conference, we’re aggressively expanding our outreach at the regional level. Advisory Council Secretary Brian Devine, President and CEO of Ignite Industrial Professionals, is chairing the recently established Chapter Committee. This committee helps local chapters create consistent events across the chapter network.

Although the group has only been working for a few short months, they’ve already made significant progress. There are multiple upcoming regional and local events already scheduled, with more joining the werc.org/events calendar regularly. Here’s a small sampling:

April 10 – Facility Tour at Kitchen Cabinet Distributors in Houston, Texas

May 1 – Facility Tour at Rapyuta Robotics in Schaumburg, Illinois

May 30 – Facility Tour at Kitchen Cabinet Distributors in Orlando, Florida

June 20 – Facility Tour at Kitchen Cabinet Distributors in Reno, Nevada

July 16 – Facility Tour at Monogram foods in Martinsville, Virginia

July 24 – Facility Tour at Kitchen Cabinet Distributors in Raleigh, North Carolina

August 15 – Columbus Regional Logistics Conference

October 22 – 23^rd Annual Texas Warehousing Resource Conference

Additionally, WERC is expanding its team to further support the growth and expansion of the chapter program. A new Chapters Manager is expected to join the WERC staff by this summer. I look forward to introducing them to you in an upcoming e-newsletter.

Connect with WERC on Wednesdays

To help WERC members and those interested in learning more about our organization discover all of our resources, we’re rolling out a new, weekly opportunity to connect: “WERC is Here Wednesdays.”

Hosted by a member of WERC’s staff, this live, online, Q&A session provides a chance to ask questions about our offerings and get answers in real time. These sessions are conducted via Zoom at 10:00 a.m. Central time. The first one was held on Wednesday, March 20.

Of course, the WERC team is always available to answer questions one-on-one by phone or email at any time. Reach out to them at 630-990-0001 or membership@werc.org.

As always, thank you for being a WERC member. It’s an exciting time to be leading this organization, and I’m glad you’re a part of it. I look forward to hearing your feedback and input as the Advisory Council continues to work hard to further increase WERC’s value to its members and their companies.

# # #

Charlotte, NC – Feb 26 – In recognition of the growing importance of cybersecurity for the supply chain, MHI is hosting a one-day Cybersecurity Workshop on June 11 at its office in Charlotte, North Carolina. Due to the supply chain’s centrality to national infrastructure, the industry’s ability to adapt and strengthen defenses against cyber threats is critical.

The MHI Cybersecurity Workshop will impart insights into the challenges posed by today's complex cyber environment, covering topics from cutting-edge threat intelligence to effective incident response. The training will be facilitated by the following leading cybersecurity strategists:

Chris Finan: A Cybersecurity Entrepreneur and former White House Cybersecurity Official, Finan has founded, advised, and served in executive leadership positions in a variety of early-stage and growth-stage cybersecurity companies. While previously serving as the Director for Cybersecurity Legislation and Policy on the National Security Council, Finan spearheaded the Executive Order that directed the development of the NIST cybersecurity framework. He began his career as a Pilot and Intelligence Officer for the U.S. Air Force.

Robert Knake: is the Principal at Orkestrel, LLC, a boutique cybersecurity firm. He previously served as Deputy National Cyber Director at the White House’s Office of the National Cyber Director. In that role, he led the development of the National Cybersecurity Strategy and oversaw federal cybersecurity spending. Earlier in his career, Knake served as a Director on the National Security Council.  In addition to his government service, Knake has worked as a cybersecurity consultant and advisor to enterprises, startups, and cybersecurity firms. He has also published best-selling books about cyber threats.

The workshop will include a simulated cyber-attack and response. Additionally, attendees will receive a takeaway Executive Guide to Cybersecurity to help them craft a comprehensive cybersecurity program for their company.

The MHI Security Workshop will run from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm ET on June 11. Space is limited to 40 participants, and a discounted price is available for MHI and WERC members. Attendees can register at mhi.org/cybersecurityworkshop. Questions about the program can be directed to Rebecca Woods, Director of Talent and Development at education@mhi.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 970 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, their members’ customers and the industry as a whole through programming and events. The association sponsors the ProMat and MODEX exhibitions to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals. The Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) is a division of MHI and provides education and research to the warehousing, distribution, and logistics community.

With the intention of encouraging warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment professionals to step away from the day-to-day and refocus, these sessions focus on both professional and personal growth.

Meet the Keynotes

On Monday, June 3, Sterling Hawkins will deliver his keynote “Embrace, Adapt, Inspire | Nurturing a Growth Mindset #NoMatterWhat.” Hawkins is an author, entrepreneur, and founder of the #NoMatterWhat movement. His session will delve into the importance of embracing a growth mindset in an ever-changing world. Attendees will explore tangible methods to move beyond a mere growth mindset, developing a profound belief in their capacity for personal and professional advancement.

A panel will take the stage on Tuesday, June 4 to deliver the keynote “Workforce Toolbox: Gather Actionable Insights, Practical Solutions, and Compelling Techniques that Address Labor Challenges.” Comprised of leaders from the logistics industry, the panel will impart strategies for creating a workplace environment that not only retains top-tier talent, but also propels teams toward enduring success. Prioritizing workforce health and safety will be another focal point of this dynamic conversation.

On Wednesday, June 5, attendees can hear Sean Bott’s “Survive to Thrive” keynote. Drawing from psychology, empathy, and humor, Bott empowers leaders to create a healthy organizational culture, mitigate burnout, and pivot from survival to thriving. From entry level to C-suite, attendees will gain tools to tackle the undercurrent of employee erosion that negatively affects company productivity, undermines change management, and leads to quiet quitting.

Register to Attend the WERC Annual Conference

In addition to the keynote presentations, the WERC Annual Conference provides educational sessions and facility tours that help logistics professionals improve operational efficiencies and solve workforce challenges. The conference also features numerous networking opportunities where attendees can forge important industry connections.

To learn more about WERC 2024 and register, visit werc.org/2024.  A discount is available on registration fees when you become a WERC member.

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 900 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.

Happy New Year from the members of the WERC Advisory Council. Far from hibernating during this wild winter weather most of the U.S. has been experiencing, we’re jumping into a fresh year energized and ready to serve WERC’s members.

Welcome to New Leadership

If we haven’t met before, I transitioned into the role of WERC Advisory Council President on January 1, 2024. Joining me in new leadership posts are:

• Council Vice President Will Sparks, Director of Inventory Systems and Analytics at Tractor Supply Company
• Council Secretary, Brian Devine, President and CEO of Ignite Industrial Professionals
• Council Immediate Past President, Chad Claude, Principal of CLEAR Plan Consulting

New to the Advisory Council are:

• Conference 2025 Director Kristi Montgomery, Vice President of Innovation and Research at Kenco Group
• Director at Large Justin Gearhart, AVP Distribution Management for L’Oreal
• Director at Large Steve Hopper, Founder and Principal of Inviscid Consulting
• Director at Large Maria Llamas, Senior Director of Fulfillment Productivity and Global Logistics at Hasbro

I would also like to thank long-time Advisory Council members Jason Minghini and Annette Danek-Akey for their service as part of WERC’s leadership team. Their terms on the Advisory Council ended in 2023. However, we are fortunate that both will continue to represent WERC as Liaisons to MHI’s Board of Governors and appreciate their continued dedication to our organization.

Goals for 2024

As the new Advisory Council President, I look forward to continuing to enhance WERC’s value to its members. So I’m particularly excited to gather with my fellow Council members in Charlotte, February 29, for our first strategic planning session of the year. We’ll be working to set WERC’s goals and objectives for 2024 — as well as to establish the key performance indicators (KPIs) that we’ll use to measure our progress.

Among my personal goals for the organization, I would like to see WERC expand its membership structure to allow individual members to “share the wealth” among their colleagues. We’re currently exploring new ways to help members share WERC’s educational and research resources among their colleagues. Particularly as new generations join our industry. This includes valuable content including our new, self-paced e-learning courses designed to help develop and grow upcoming leaders.

Last year we launched the Distribution Logistics Fundamentals and the Warehousing Equipment modules. Each consists of six stackable e-learning courses that culminate in a new Distribution Logistics Leader Micro-Credential and Certification. We just released the third module focused on Safety & Compliance.

This course will train employees on U.S. distribution logistics regulations through relevant content and interactive activities. It overviews important compliance requirements from multiple government agencies. By helping participants gain a more thorough understanding of the different types of compliance required in warehouses and distribution centers, overall operational safety will improve.

Finally, I would like to see more people experience the benefits of WERC. I’ve been a member for nearly three decades and have gained a tremendous amount through my affiliation with this organization. The opportunities to grow my professional network, to learn from others’ best practices, and to have access to top-notch research and educational content have been extremely valuable to my career and my company.

It’s important to me to continue to introduce WERC to others who can benefit from it as well. If you are interested and would like to speak to someone for more details about WERC membership, reach out to our Membership Team at 630-990-0001 or membership@werc.org.

Connect with WERC In Person

One of WERC’s most popular member benefits is the ability to network with your peers. Which is why you won’t want to miss these upcoming opportunities to connect.

March 11-14 — MODEX 2024 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Registration is FREE to attend the show and its many educational sessions, presented in theaters conveniently located on the show floor. WERC will be presenting “Leverage Industry Tools to Improve Your Operations” on Wednesday, March 13 at 1:00 pm in Theater D on the right-hand side of Hall C. For more information and to register to attend, modexshow.com.

June 2-5 — WERC 2024 Annual Conference at the Hilton Anatole Resort and Spa in Dallas. Driven by this year’s theme, “Inspiring Action,” Conference Chair Jeremy Banta promises attendees time to refocus and find their balance while exploring new ideas, tools, and techniques. We invite you to connect with front-line innovators and thought leaders to discover actions that inspire, and ideas that inspire action. Registration for WERC’s signature event is open at werc.org/2024.

July 16 — Facility Tour of Monogram Foods in Martinsville, Virginia. Staffed by more than 700 team members, the 156,000 square foot modern manufacturing facility produces jerky, meat sticks, pickled protein snacks, and portable snacks.

July 26 — FREE WERC Webinar on Practical Strategies Around Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) presented by Deb Russell, expert on hiring inclusiveness.

October 22 — 23^rd Annual Texas Warehousing Resource Conference in Grapevine, Texas. This annual event brings together industry professionals to share insights and innovations in the supply chain field. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or just starting your journey in supply chain, this event provides valuable information with a focus on the latest trends and innovations.

Thank you for being a WERC member. You’ll be hearing from me again soon for a recap of February’s Advisory Council meeting.

A team-building session is scheduled for the week preceding the program, setting the stage for collaborative learning. During the three-day boot camp in Charlotte, the cohort will participate in assessments, peer mentoring, meals, and networking opportunities with senior industry leaders. Following the in-person session, participants will continue their growth through mentorship for 8-12 weeks.

Limited to a maximum of 30 participants, interested leaders are invited to learn more and register at mhi.org/leadershipprogram. A discounted rate is available for WERC and MHI members. For inquiries, please contact Rebecca Woods at education@mhi.org.

In the fall of 2024, the MHI Industry Leadership will also offer a virtual cohort running from August to November.

About MHI 

MHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI’s over 970 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 Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) is a division of MHI and provides education and research to the warehousing, distribution, and logistics community.

The conference is designed for leaders in the warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment landscape. With a central mission to inspire action, WERC 2024 encourages attendees to break away from the distractions of their daily work schedule and devote attention to the big picture of logistics. The conference’s educational sessions teach participants innovative strategies to improve their operations, with a focus on the essential areas of people, processes, and systems & data.

Michael Mikitka, Executive Vice President for MHI Knowledge Center and WERC, highlights the exceptional learning opportunities presented by the event. “The Annual WERC Conference provides a unique platform to tap into industry expertise,” he said. “In addition to our enriching thought-leader and peer-to-peer sessions and our off-site facility tours, the event provides numerous social opportunities for attendees to make meaningful connections.”

Companies are invited to sponsor WERC 2024. To learn more about how to enhance your visibility among logistics professionals, view the sponsorship options and download the prospectus.

To learn more about WERC 2024 and register, visit werc.org/2024.  A discount is available on registration fees when you become a WERC member.

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 900 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 new Safety & Compliance course is tailored to train employees on distribution logistics regulations and US compliance, along with an overview of important compliance requirements from OSHA, EPA, DOT, and FDA. Participants will gain a deep understanding of how different types of compliance are required in warehouses and distribution centers, which contribute to the overall safety of distribution logistics operations.

Key topics covered in the Safety & Compliance course include:

• Overview of fire safety programs, HAZMAT safety training, personnel safety training, and other safety measures
• Requirements and standards for good housekeeping practices, accident responses, risk assessments, and regular self-audits

The content of this virtual course includes interactive activities and learning content for review. It also builds on valuable insights from the previous courses, Distribution Logistics Fundamentals and Distribution Logistics Equipment.

Upon completing this Safety & Compliance course, participants will earn a certificate and a digital badge to display on their LinkedIn profiles and email signatures. The six-part series culminates in a WERC certificate for education.

To learn more and enroll in the WERC Distribution Logistics Leader Mico-Credential and Certification Program, visit werc.org/getcertified.

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 900 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.

To qualify, students must be enrolled for both the fall 2024 and spring 2025 academic term at a non-profit college or university in the United States accredited by the Council for Higher Education. Students from the following target programs are encouraged to apply:

• Industrial engineering

• Industrial distribution

• Mechanical & electrical engineering

• Structural engineering with a focus on cold-formed steel design

• Computer science related to material handling

• Business & management related to material handling or supply chain management

• Imaging and camera-based vision systems, LIDAR sensors, and RADAR sensors technologies

• Engineering technology

The scholarship awards range from $1,500 to $6,000 and must be used for costs relating to tuition, fees, and books associated with attending school full-time. Scholarships are one-year awards. Former recipients of the award are eligible to re-apply each year if they meet the eligibility requirements.

To apply for a scholarship, applicants must first be nominated by a professor, faculty member, or employer (direct supervisor/manager or senior company official). To register, learn more about the requirements, and request a nomination, students can visit https://MHEFI.smapply.org. One application enables students to apply for many of the available scholarships.

The deadline to apply for scholarships is January 31, 2024. MHEFI awarded $200,000 to 56 students during the 2023/2024 academic year.

About MHEFI

The Material Handling Education Foundation, Inc. (MHEFI) is an independent charitable organization that was established in 1976. Since 1976, its programs have supported over 1,000 students and educators seeking pathways to quality educational programs and fulfilling careers. The demands of today’s global economy and fast-paced technological change reinforce the need to draw top talent to sustain and strengthen material handling and supply chain businesses for the future. Learn more at mhefi.org. If you would like to support MHEFI’s mission to provide financial support for educational programs, please visit mhi.org/mhefi/donors.

About MHI

MHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI’s over 970 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, their 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 Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) is a division of MHI and provides education and research to the warehousing, distribution, and logistics community.

Greetings from the members of the WERC Advisory Council. We recently gathered in person to align our 2024 strategic plans with MHI’s, confirm our leadership team, and discuss WERC’s unique value proposition and industry impact as part of a focus group. Here, I’d like to share the highlights of our two-day meeting with you.

WERC’s Continued Alignment with MHI’s Strategic Focus

One of the top agenda items was developing a list of key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure how successfully WERC is serving our membership. MHI CEO John Paxton joined us to help determine our top health KPIs, as well as to outline WERC’s strategic directive priorities for 2024. We will be incorporating these into future meetings to take a pulse on our status as an organization.

Also as part of these goals, WERC is joining MHI in its key theme for 2024: Engage. WERC and MHI will work together across six separate value centers to further engage members and ensure they’re gaining maximum benefit from their participation in the association. These include expanded market access, collaborative industry leadership, increased access to a variety of knowledge and intelligence resources, more opportunities to engage and connect, workforce development opportunities, and new digital experiences.

Upcoming Events Showcase Engagement Opportunities

Two separate events in 2024 will provide excellent opportunities for members to embrace the “Engage” theme. First, be sure to mark your calendar for March 11-14, when MODEX 2024 returns to the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. WERC members are encouraged to engage in the many networking events held throughout the show — modexshow.com/attendees/networking has the full listing — including the Women in Supply Chain Forum on Monday. WERC members can also volunteer to guide student groups through the show floor on Wednesday during Student Day.

It will be followed by the WERC 2024 Annual Conference, held June 2-5 in Dallas. During the Advisory Committee meeting, Conference Chair Jeremy Banta, Assistant Professor and Supply Chain Program Management Coordinator at Columbus State Community College, shared several updates about the event. In keeping with the theme, “Inspiring Action,” Conference will serve up a variety of new ideas, tools, and techniques to help attendees discover new ways to navigate perpetual change.

The WERC Annual Conference features industry leaders and operations experts sharing insights into the latest developments across three primary tracks: People, Processes, and Systems & Data. The Hilton Anatole Resort and Spa, a venue famous for its fun, rejuvenating amenities—including an outdoor pool complex with a lazy river—hosts the Conference. Event registration is available at werc.org/2024.

Additionally, I encourage you to take note of several upcoming WERC and MHI events in the immediate future:

November 22 – Emblem Logistics Tour in Brampton, Ontario

December 7 – MHI Economic Update Webinar presented by Jason Schenker

December 7 – DC Measures Holiday Luncheon

January 17 – Save-On-Foods Facility Tour in Vancouver, British Columbia

2024 WERC Advisory Council Leaders Selected, New Committee Launched

The Advisory Council confirmed the addition of four new members for next year. They include:

• Council Secretary, Brian Devine, President and CEO of Ignite Industrial Professionals
• Director at Large Justin Gearhart, AVP Distribution Management for L’Oreal
• Director at Large Steve Hopper, Founder and Principal of Inviscid Consulting
• Director at Large Maria Llamas, Senior Director of Fulfillment Productivity and Global Logistics at Hasbro

Additionally, we discussed how to further develop areas of WERC by leveraging our strengths and expanding our offerings. One area we believe we can improve is to provide additional outreach and opportunities to connect to members who are unable to attend the Annual Conference.

Advisory Council members felt this was the perfect fit for our existing WERCouncil chapters. In order to support and expand their reach, the Council established a new committee. Chaired by Brian Devine, this committee will help local WERCouncils create consistent events throughout the network of chapters. This will enable more members to access high quality educational resources at events outside of Conference.

The Advisory Council also thanked Jason Minghini and Annette Danek-Akey for their service as part of WERC’s leadership team. Although their terms on the Advisory Council have come to an end, both will continue to serve as the WERC Liaisons to MHI’s Board of Governors — for which we are greatly appreciative.

Focus Group Exercise Delved into Advancing WERC’s Value

Maximizing WERC member value is always a topic of discussion at Advisory Council gatherings, and this meeting was no exception. We began the process of exploring our current membership fee/benefit structure, as well as how we can ensure members receive the greatest value for their investment in WERC as a whole.

To help WERC’s leadership take a closer look at ways the organization can add value and better leverage MHI’s resources, we participated in a focus group exercise. The engaging discussion yielded some great ideas. The Council looks forward to sharing the final results of that conversation in the coming months.

Contributing to WERC’s value are our new, self-paced e-learning courses. Earlier this year we launched the Distribution Logistics Fundamentals and the Warehousing Equipment modules. Each consists of six stackable e-learning courses that culminate in a new Distribution Logistics Leader Micro-Credential and Certification.

In addition we’re in the final stretch of developing a third module focused on Safety & Compliance. This course will train employees on U.S. distribution logistics regulations through relevant content and interactive activities. It overviews important compliance requirements from OSHA, EPA, DOT, and FDA. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the different types of compliance required in warehouses and distribution centers, enhancing the overall safety of operations.

Key topics covered in the Safety & Compliance module include:

• Overview of fire safety programs, HAZMAT safety training, personnel safety training, and other safety measures
• Requirements and standards for good housekeeping practices, accident responses, risk assessments, and regular self-audits

Overall, I left this Advisory Council meeting energized. It was one of the most productive sessions we’ve experienced, and I can’t wait to see where the momentum carries us into 2024!

# # #

More than 20 job titles are referenced in this report, spanning diverse roles in sectors such as shipping, receiving, engineering, sales, and human resources. The report also details many demographic factors that companies can use to determine competitive salaries, including the size of the warehouse, union versus non-union employees, geographic region, and education level.

“The persistent labor shortages in the distribution logistics industry require strategic solutions,” stated Michael Mikitka, Executive Vice President of MHI’s Knowledge Value Center and WERC. “Our Warehousing & Logistics Salary Survey Report equips companies to attract and retain talent by helping them better align their pay scales with the industry.”

Members from WERC, MHI, and the International Warehouse Logistics Association participated in the survey, which was produced and tabulated by HR Source. All survey participants receive a complimentary final copy of the report.

WERC members who did not participate in the survey can purchase the Warehousing & Logistics Salary Survey Report for a cost of $200; non-members for $550. For a discounted rate, the report can be purchased in combination with a 1-year WERC membership for cost of $485.  The report is available for purchase here: https://werc.org/store/ListProducts.aspx?catid=685065 

For questions about the report or WERC membership, please contact JoAnna Leon, Director of WERC Membership, at jleon@werc.org.

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 900 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.

To help companies maintain competitive salaries and wages, the Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) has made available its 2023 Warehousing & Logistics Salary Survey Report. Based on a survey of nearly 200 companies, the report offers a comprehensive breakdown of salary data for both exempt and non-exempt employees.

More than 20 job titles are referenced in this report, spanning diverse roles in sectors such as shipping, receiving, engineering, sales, and human resources. The report also details many demographic factors that companies can use to determine competitive salaries, including the size of the warehouse, union versus non-union employees, geographic region, and education level.

“The persistent labor shortages in the distribution logistics industry require strategic solutions,” stated Michael Mikitka, Executive Vice President of MHI’s Knowledge Value Center and WERC. “Our Warehousing & Logistics Salary Survey Report equips companies to attract and retain talent by helping them better align their pay scales with the industry.”

Members from WERC, MHI, and the International Warehouse Logistics Association participated in the survey, which was produced and tabulated by HR Source. All survey participants receive a complimentary final copy of the report.

WERC members who did not participate in the survey can purchase the Warehousing & Logistics Salary Survey Report for a cost of $200; non-members for $550. For a discounted rate, the report can be purchased in combination with a 1-year WERC membership for cost of $485.  The report is available for purchase here: XX. 

For questions about the report or WERC membership, please contact JoAnna Leon, Director of WERC Membership, at jleon@werc.org.

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 900 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.

For questions about the report or WERC membership, please contact JoAnna Leon, Director of WERC Membership, at jleon@werc.org.

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 900 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 new Distribution Logistics Equipment course is tailored to train employees on the different types of facilities, functions and roles within warehouses and distribution centers. Participants will gain a deep understanding of how different types of equipment contribute to the overall efficiency of warehousing operations.

Key topics covered in the Warehousing Equipment course include:

• Types of equipment used to move, store, protect and control materials and product within a warehouse/distribution center
  
• The requirements and standards for equipment usage

The content of this course includes interactive activities, testimonials, and learning content for review. It also builds on valuable insights from the initial course in the series, Distribution Logistics Fundamentals.

"By launching the Distribution Logistics Equipment course, we empower individuals and companies to stay at the forefront of current and future trends within warehousing and the greater supply chain,” said Michael Mikitka, executive vice president of MHI Knowledge Center and WERC. "Our comprehensive Distribution Logistics Learning Program provides a flexible pathway for workers to acquire the knowledge necessary to excel in their roles.”

Upon completing this course, participants will earn a certificate and a digital badge to display on their LinkedIn profiles and email signatures. The 6-part series culminates in a WERC certificate for warehousing education.

To learn more and enroll in the WERC Distribution Logistics Learning, visit werc.org/getcertified.

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 900 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.

Attendees of WERC’s 46^th Annual Conference explored how to seize growth opportunities amidst a period of rapid transformation in the warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment industry. The Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC), a division of MHI, hosted this event at the Hilton Orlando in Florida from June 4-7, 2023.

“It was wonderful to welcome so many first-time attendees to WERC 2023 who were eager to learn from leaders in our industry,” said Michael Mikitka, EVP for MHI Knowledge Center and WERC. “Of course, we also saw a lot of returning attendees, demonstrating the strength of the conference’s practical and forward-looking educational sessions. We are grateful to our WERC 2023 sponsors for enabling our attendees to connect in Orlando and build a stronger professional network."  

Industry-Led Educational Sessions

“The conference delivered a rich agenda of industry-led educational sessions that were highly relevant to today’s warehousing and logistics professionals,” stated Chad Claude, director of operations, DHL Supply Chain, and WERC Advisory Council president. “With the immense competition for labor that companies currently face, the sessions geared toward recruiting and retaining talent provided valuable strategies for workforce development.”

From automating the warehouse to adopting a transportation management system, other conference sessions focused on optimizing emerging technologies. “As the tools used in the industry quickly evolve, the conference gave professionals a chance to hear about the real solutions companies are implementing,” said Rick Gott, director of Global Logistics, W.L. Gore, and WERC 2023 conference chair. “This experience of learning best practices from our peers is instrumental to moving the entire industry forward.”

New Benchmarking Report

At a thought leader session on June 6, WERC released its 2023 DC Measures Annual Survey & Report, which helps distribution professionals measure and improve their operations. For the first time, this 2023 report addressed the role that Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives are playing in the industry.

Women @WERC and Keynote Sessions

Other highlights of the conference included a Women @WERC luncheon on June 6 that taught attendees the art of effective communication. Three keynotes, Jim Knight, Libby Gill, and Joe Theismann, addressed WERC 2023 with powerful speeches about channeling adversity into success on a company-wide, professional, and personal level.

WERC 2024

The WERC Annual Conference will move to Dallas, Texas next year. The event will be held June 2-5, 2024. More details can be found at werc.org/2024.

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 900 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. WERC is a division of MHI and provides education and research to the warehouse, distribution and logistics community.

For more information, contact Krys Slovacek, WERC director of events and strategy, at kslovacek@werc.org.

The DC Measures report captures 37 key operational metrics that are meaningful for warehouse and distribution center operations. The metrics are grouped into five balanced sets – customer, operations, financial, capacity/quality, and employee – plus the additional sets related to cash-to-cash cycle measurement. 

For each metric, the report provides a definition and information about how to calculate it. Used from year to year and based on responses from a diverse network of warehousing, logistics, and distribution professionals, the metrics provide a strong base and consistent approach to reporting performance.

Introduction of ESG Metrics

For the first time, DC Measures surveyed the current application of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks in the warehousing and distribution industry. It has become clear that DC managers must begin to consider ESG in order to manage stakeholders. The report identifies simple steps companies can take to develop an ESG strategy.

Online Benchmarking Tool

In addition to the report, WERC has also updated the Online Benchmarking Tool. This digital resource hosts a compilation of all DC Measures data since 2013. It is designed to help practitioners, 3PLs, and consultants customize benchmarking data to meet internal evaluation needs at an unprecedented rate of speed. 

A subscription to the benchmarking tool allows a full year of unlimited access to the data, which includes the full DC Measures library, data breakdown functionality, and saved report comparisons. Visit werc.org/metrics to learn more about the Online Benchmarking Tool and the 2023 DC Measures Annual Survey and Report.

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 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. 

Contact

For more information, contact JoAnna Leon at jleon@werc.org.

• A job board with career advice resources.
• An independent evaluation of facility operations.
• The opportunity to provide input to the supplier community about upcoming solutions.

We analyzed the responses and found that the majority, 65%, felt that an independent evaluation would be most valuable.

You may not be aware that WERC does offer a program with an independent evaluation of warehouse processes with grading against our Benchmark and Best Practices Guide.  This includes an on-site visit, interviews and walk-through of the facility with a complete Findings Report and live presentation of the findings which includes suggested areas of improvement specific to that facility.  We call it the Warehouse Assessment and Certification Program.

Certification requires that the processes assessed, up to 119 functional attributes across 8 different operational areas, all meet or exceed minimum levels.  Each attribute is graded on a scale of 1-5 practice levels with minimums developed by a team of subject matter experts.  However some facilities are most interested in the findings and improvement suggestions.

There is also the option of allowing a facility to “self-assess” using our Guide, and the new Online DC Measures Benchmarking Tool.  This is certainly a viable alternative, but there would typically be greater value found in having a seasoned expert perform the study and deliver the results.

As for the “independent” aspect, our auditors are typically retired experts who have no relationship to anyone in the supplier community, and who have agreed not to provide any direct services to the participant organization.  We have conducted roughly 100 assessments in North, Central and South America as well as much of Europe.

Please review our Guides, the on-line tool, and the Assessment and Certification program.  Find more information reach visit www.werc.org, email us at info@werc.org, or call us at 630-990-0001.

Design

Welcome to the New Year from the members of the WERC Advisory Council. (Can you believe it’s March already?) We’re fresh off our first face-to-face Council meeting of 2023, so I want to share the latest developments with you.

New Leadership in Place

First, in case we haven’t met yet, I stepped into the role of WERC Advisory Council President on January 1, 2023. Joining me in new leadership posts are:

• Council Vice President Arch Thomason, CEO of Sunland Logistics Solutions
• Council Secretary, Will Sparks, Director of Inventory Systems and Analytics at Tractor Supply Company
• Council Immediate Past President, Jason Minghini, Group Vice President of Operations at Kenco Logistics

Joining us on the Advisory Council are:

• Conference 2023 Director Rick Gott, Director of Global Logistics at W.L. Gore
• Conference 2024 Director Jeremy Banta, Assistant Professor and Supply Chain Program Management Coordinator at Columbus State Community College
• Director at Large Larry Corrigan, an independent supply chain professional
• Director at Large Annette Danek-Akey, Executive Vice President of Supply Chain at Penguin Random House
• Director at Large Brian Devine, President and CEO of Ignite Industrial Professionals
• Director at Large Chris Murtha, Director of Brand Marketing for Hyster-Yale Group
• Director at Large Chaneta Sullivan, Director of Safety, Quality and Compliance at Chick-fil-A
• Director at Large Glen Wegel, Vice President of Operations at Kitchen Cabinet Distributors
• Staff Liaison Michael Mikitka, Executive Vice President of the Knowledge Center and WERC at MHI

Additionally, MHI CEO John Paxton joined the meeting to share his and MHI’s support for WERC and the Advisory Council. Further, four Advisory Council members recently attended the MHI Roundtable meeting in January. It has been extremely gratifying to experience MHI’s continued embrace of WERC by soliciting our input and actively seeking ways to support and enhance our organization’s value to its members.

All of us on the Council are eager to continue to move WERC forward while delivering the high-quality, industry focused educational content and research that it provides. Each and every member of WERC’s leadership is wholeheartedly committed to serving the organization. I’m excited to collaborate with these dedicated professionals to make WERC even more responsive to the needs of its members.

Strategic Planning Discussion

Speaking of working on WERC, the Advisory Council’s first meeting of the year had a lengthy list of items to discuss. Among them were initial conversations exploring ways to further expand and elevate the types of educational opportunities and data-backed resources we provide to our industry, as well as how to better support our members.

As a part of MHI, WERC is tasked by the MHI Board of Governors with determining how to prioritize and contribute to the advancement of several strategic directives over the next two years. Among the areas of focus are:

• Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) including Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
• Workforce
• Emerging Technologies
• Business Management
• Cybersecurity

The Advisory Council members shared a variety of ideas and recommendations for both current and future strategic actions in each of these focus areas. These ideas will be developed into more robust plans over the next few weeks, and I look forward to sharing more of those developments with you in a future update.

New Content Committee Created

One way we intend to expand WERC content is through the establishment of a new, standalone Content Committee. Previously WERC had a sub-committee of member volunteers whose sole purpose was to review proposals for Annual Conference Thought Leader presentations and Peer-to-Peer discussion topics.

However, great content arises year-round. In recognition of that, the Advisory Council decided to establish a new Content Committee to identify topics and subject matter experts throughout the year. To be comprised of member volunteers, the Content Committee will seek input, ideas, and expertise from practitioners in the field, as well as from academics, consultants, and more.

This will ensure that innovative, actionable information regarding warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment throughout supply chains is shared more rapidly. Content will be developed and disseminated across multiple WERC channels. These will continue to include Annual Conference sessions, as well as through WERCouncils, webinars, social media, e-newsletters, blog posts, and podcasts.

Members who currently serve on the Annual Conference Peer Review team are invited to transition to this new Content Committee. Additionally, we will be issuing a call for volunteers later in the year for several opportunities within WERC, including this one.

We Look Forward to Seeing You In Person Soon

Have feedback, input, or ideas you’d like to share about any of these topics — or anything else? The members of the WERC Advisory Council want to hear from you. Obviously, you can reach out to any of us at any time by email or phone call. But, since WERC is famous for its in-person networking, we’d like to encourage you to meet us — and other WERC members — at one of two upcoming events.

• WERC Connects. This networking session and luncheon will be held on Tuesday, March 21 during MHI’s ProMat 2023 (promatshow.com) at Chicago’s McCormick Place. Pre-registration required. More details can be found at promatshow.com/wercconnects.
• WERC Annual Conference. Held June 4-7, 2023, at the Hilton Orlando in Florida. Details about the agenda, sessions, registration, and hotel reservations at werc.org/2023.

Thank you for being a part of this great organization. I look forward to seeing you soon.

# # #

“I recently reinstated my WERC membership after several years away while I worked for a company that was not as comfortable with the type of sharing and openness that are WERC’s hallmarks. I came back to WERC because I missed the professional community and the ability to exchange ideas, learn, and network. WERC provides the perfect venue to step outside your own sphere of influence and learn from others’ experiences and stories. I look forward to reconnecting with my colleagues, giving back by mentoring others new to the field, continuing to learn, and being as involved as I was the first time around when I chaired an Annual Conference and helped organize several regional WERCouncil events.”

Please join WERC in extending a sincere “Thank You” to Jason Minghini, Group Vice President of Operations at Kenco Group, for his tenure as President of the WERC Advisory Council for 2022. Minghini now transitions to the role of Council Immediate Past President, where he will continue to serve in an official capacity throughout 2023. His presence helps foster greater continuity of leadership and preserves longevity of experience within WERC’s highest ranks.

During his year as Advisory Council President, Minghini oversaw the continued integration of WERC and MHI, as the two organizations evolved and shared each other’s unique offerings with their collective memberships. MHI members benefitted from access to WERC’s research and educational resources. WERC’s members gained access to multiple professional development resources, including:

• Trend Hunter Reports
• Economist Jason Schenker’s Market Forecast
• Oxford Economics’ Material Handling Economic Impact Report
• MHI Annual Industry Report
• MHI Solutions Magazine
• ProMat and MODEX Trade Shows
• MHI’s Industry Groups
• MHI’s Solutions Community
• MHI’s Young Professionals Network (YPN)
• MHI’s Marketing Professionals Community (Mpro)
• MHI Industry Leadership Program

Minghini credited this expanded access and increased benefits for the growth in WERC membership seen in 2022. More than 150 new members joined WERC in 2022, bringing our total to more than 900 with practitioners representing the largest total membership segment.

Further, under Minghini the new DC Measures Online Benchmarking Tool debuted. Offered as a paid subscription, the browser-based tool leverages a compilation of all data from the DC Measures Annual Survey and Report since 2013. For nearly two decades, warehousing and logistics practitioners have used the DC Measures findings to compare their own performance against that of others in the field.

DC Measures research is based on actual, practitioner-provided data across 30 different metrics. With the online tool, users have exponentially more power to customize that data to best meet their internal evaluation needs. Filtering options include by industry, operation type, preferred metrics, and much more. The online tool generates reports at an unprecedented rate of speed, and each can be saved and downloaded in a choice of formats instantaneously. Although similar comparisons were available in the past, they had to be conducted by WERC’s research team and weren’t nearly as customizable or generated as fast.

Also, 2022 saw the debut of the WERC Distribution Logistics Fundamentals Course, a new management training program created in response to member-identified needs. This program helps homegrown supervisors and managers gain the training and skills to be successful as they are promoted through the ranks.

Not every supervisor or manager enters their careers after a more formal education; rather, a large number start on the warehouse or distribution center floor. Yet often these staffers have had limited exposure to, or experience with, some of the basic management and analysis skills that are often taken for granted. For those reasons, the program’s framework includes the basics on financial reporting, strategic planning, mentorship, systems, equipment, process management, and more. More courses will be released throughout 2023.

As a 15-year participant and volunteer with WERC, Minghini has dedicated countless hours and boundless energy to helping WERC deliver on its mission of helping our members and their companies succeed by creating unparalleled learning experiences, networking opportunities, and access to research-driven industry information. Why? He has said that putting the time into this organization has been a small way to both “pay it back” for all the valuable professional connections and education he’s personally gained, and “pay it forward” to current and future members.

Thank you, Jason, for your leadership and commitment to WERC’s continued success.

# # #

Quick with a warm, welcoming smile at the entrance to many WERC events and in our former Chicago office, Rosanna never forgot a name and always asked about our families. Although not officially in her job description, she served as WERC’s primary cheering section, providing continuous encouragement and unwavering support for each and every member of the WERC family.

As she now embarks on her well-deserved retirement, please join us in thanking her for her hard work, professionalism, and total dedication to her role. We are all sad to see Rosanna move on from her time with WERC but wish her the very best. Have a joyous retirement!

Want to drop Rosanna a personal note of gratitude and congratulations? Her email address, rnania@werc.org, will remain active through December 31, 2022. 

Upcoming 2023 WERC Events

In my last note, I shared that the WERC Annual Conference will be held June 4-7, 2023, in Florida at the Hilton Orlando. Conference Chair Rick Gott, Director of Global Logistics at W.L. Gore, and Conference Vice Chair Jeremy Banta, Assistant Professor and Supply Chain Program Management Coordinator at Columbus State Community College, have set “Growth Through Disruption” as the theme for the event.

Rick and Jeremy promise that the 2023 WERC Conference will be the most magical place in Orlando to pick up actionable takeaways that can help your organization grow and thrive — even as we all face ongoing workforce challenges, supply chain disruptions, and escalating costs. As always, the selection of the educational session topics and speakers was based on input from members like you. You’ll gather fresh insights and new ideas from frontline experts on:

• Attracting, retaining, and developing the best-fit people.
• Refining and streamlining processes for maximum efficiencies and cost savings.
• Leveraging and succeeding with the newest systems and data solutions.

WERC’s Annual Conference is also a great venue to grow and develop connections with your peers through a spate of informal and formal networking opportunities. Stay tuned to werc.org/2023 for more details about the agenda, registration, and hotel booking details.

For those who have not yet experienced the magic of a WERC event, we will host our debut WERC Connects networking session and luncheon during MHI’s ProMat 2023 (promatshow.com) at Chicago’s McCormick Place. WERC Connects — held Tuesday, March 21 — welcomes warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment professionals and MHI Premier Club members for camaraderie and education.

WERC Connects will showcase the type of high-quality, industry focused educational content that our organization is known for, as well as a relaxed atmosphere ideal for building professional connections. While the event is open to current WERC members, it is primarily intended as an outreach opportunity to give those who aren’t familiar with our group a chance to discover the value of a WERC membership first-hand. We encourage you to share this opportunity with colleagues and peers whom you think would benefit from participating in WERC. Pre-registration for WERC Connects is required, with a fee for non-Premier Club members. Learn more at promatshow.com.

Leadership Structure Changes

Also at our fall meeting, the Advisory Council voted to approve a new governing structure for our leadership, as well as some related modifications to our bylaws. Historically, prior to its acquisition by MHI, WERC’s leadership consisted of a Board of Directors with more formal delineation of roles among that volunteer committee. Some of those roles were consolidated when WERC transitioned to leadership by today’s Advisory Council, leaving us with a Council President, Council Vice President, and several Directors at Large.

After working this way for a couple of years, we decided collectively that we missed our previous structure. At the fall meeting, we reinstated the roles of Council Immediate Past President and Council Secretary, as well as formalized a new role of WERC Liaison to the MHI Roundtable.

As a practical matter, the reinstated roles help to establish and solidify greater continuity of leadership, as they now create a path of succession and ensure greater longevity of experience within WERC. To become WERC Council President, a volunteer must first have served successively in the roles of Director at Large (a two-year term), then as Council Secretary (one year), then as Council Vice President (one year). Upon the conclusion of their one-year term as WERC Council President, they will continue to serve as Council Immediate Past President (one year).

At the invitation of MHI, a new WERC Liaison to the MHI Roundtable position was created. It will be filled by a person appointed by the Council President to serve in the role for one year. Their duties include formally communicating and conveying WERC’s needs, goals, objectives, and developments to MHI’s governing committee.

Finally, in light of this new leadership framework, Arch Thomason, CEO of Sunland Logistics Group, was appointed to fill the reinstated role of Council Secretary for the rest of 2022.

2023 WERC Advisory Council Leaders and New Selected

A new process for determining qualified volunteers for the Advisory Council and other volunteer positions was implemented this year. Nominations were accepted throughout the month of September via an online Call for Volunteers. Once the Call was closed, a Nominating Committee made up of four Advisory Council members walked through a process of determining the best candidates to put forward.

After the Nominating Committee vetted the pool of candidates, the whole Advisory Council selected current Director at Large Will Sparks, Director of Inventory Systems and Analytics at Tractor Supply Company, as Council Secretary for 2023. Joining him are new Directors at Large Larry Corrigan, of Corrigan Inc., and Glen Wegel, Vice President of Operations and IT at Kitchen Cabinet Distributors.

Also in 2023, Chad Claude, Director of Operations at DHL Supply Chain, will be taking on the role of Council President. Arch Thomason will roll up to Council Vice President. In addition to serving as Council Secretary, Sparks was appointed by Claude to also serve as WERC Liaison to the MHI Roundtable in 2023. I will be moving into the Council Immediate Past President position — which means this is my last Advisory Council update to you.

In addition to thanking you for your support and contributions to WERC this year, I want to thank Tim Hotze, Senior Vice President of Network Planning, Global Intelligence, and Last Mile at Target, who will be concluding his term on the WERC Advisory Council.

Each and every member of WERC’s leadership is an unpaid volunteer who dedicates their personal time to the organization because they are wholeheartedly committed to its mission and wish to “pay back” the benefits they have received from their own participation in it. It has been an honor and a privilege to work alongside these talented supply chain professionals in our mutual efforts to make WERC better and more responsive to the needs of its members.

# # #

By Rick Gott, Director of Global Logistics, W.L. Gore and WERC Director at Large/2023 Conference Chair; and Jeremy Banta, Assistant Professor and Supply Chain Program Management Coordinator, Columbus State Community College and WERC Director at Large/2023 Conference Vice Chair

We are excited to share that the WERC Advisory Council has selected Orlando, Florida as the destination for WERC’s 46^th Annual Conference. Please mark June 4-7, 2023, on your calendar now to share and hear others’ best practices for “Growth Through Disruption” — our theme for this event.

WERC members will gather in-person at the Hilton Orlando, host location for our second post-pandemic Conference. Hotel booking details will be coming in the next few weeks, because we know you’re going to want to lock in your travel plans as soon as possible (and maybe bring the family along to experience the magic of Orlando’s many theme parks).

Of course, there will be plenty of magic happening at the 2023 Annual Conference. There’s no better place to meet and reconnect with friends, colleagues, and peers — old and new — from across North America. As we all discovered a couple of years ago, a digital conference is better than no conference. But it doesn’t compare to the shared, face-to-face experiences and personal interactions of a live event.

And we have a lot to talk about in our industry these days. As always, what makes WERC’s Annual Conference so relevant, powerful, and valuable for those who attend is that the event and its educational sessions are built based on the input of our members. From ongoing workforce challenges to supply chain disruptions to escalating costs — the 2023 Conference will be the most magical place in Orlando for supply chain professionals to share, learn, and strategize various solutions that have enabled their operations to grow and thrive amid these issues.

To that end, we’ve been specifically soliciting topics focused on best practice solutions for people, processes, and systems and data for Thought Leader sessions and Peer-to-Peer discussions. Conference attendees will collect valuable, actionable takeaways they can apply directly to their own operations across each of those three categories. While we can’t promise you a magic wand to wipe away the myriad day-to-day challenges you’re facing, you will absolutely gather great insights and ideas from frontline experts on the following:

• Attracting, retaining, and developing the best-fit people. Your operations can’t grow, nor can they thrive, without the right leaders and employees. That’s why we’ll be featuring topics such as high performing teams; staffing solutions; personal development; safety; diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); and culture and retention.
  
  
• Refining and streamlining processes for maximum efficiencies and cost savings. While “doing more with less” is a goal logistics professionals tackle every day, it’s become more important than ever with the current state of the global economy. The WERC 2023 Conference will focus on ways to do just that through sessions covering direct-to-consumer distribution strategies; operational efficiencies; outsourcing and vendor relationships; sustainability; inventory control; reverse logistics; transport; and external disruptions.
  
  
• Leveraging and succeeding with the newest systems and data solutions. The age of the digital supply chain is here. Navigate the broad range of next-generation technologies that help to mitigate disruptions so your organization can continue to grow with the latest insights on digital transformation; equipment and automation; partner data integration; benchmarking, metrics, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

We also know from member feedback that a considerable part of the magic of Conference is in the networking, both formal and informal. There will be plenty of organized and spontaneous opportunities to grow your connections with your peers and colleagues. The value of in-person interactions cannot be overstated. Which is just another reason we’re certain you don’t want to miss the WERC 2023 Conference.

Want to be sure you meet lots of people at the Conference beyond the networking activities? Consider volunteering. There are multiple opportunities with a range of time commitments that will connect you to attendees with whom you may not otherwise cross paths. The call for 2023 WERC volunteers is open September 1-30, 2022.

Again, please block out June 4-7, 2023, on your calendar today so you don’t miss WERC’s 46^th Annual Conference. Have questions or need more information? Stay tuned to werc.org/2023 for additional details, or reach out to conference@werc.org or 630.990.0001.

# # #

WERC Past President (2020-2021)

“I initially joined WERC because a leader I worked for in 2000 was heavily involved and encouraged his team to do the same. There’s value in connecting with your industry peers. Even if you work for a great company, being involved in an organization like WERC gives you an opportunity to network with people at your level whom you wouldn’t see or talk to everyday in your normal work environment. Those connections become almost therapeutic. Whether you’re at a WERCouncil monthly or quarterly meeting or attending the Annual Conference, it’s easy to discuss with and relate to somebody who either has similar challenges, or who can help you look at things through a different lens.”

Staff

“It has been an incredible honor to lead WERC for more than two decades and to be a part of this dynamic organization as its members and their needs continue to change and evolve. Delivering the resources, information, services, and best practices that advance distribution logistics as a profession—as well as helping practitioners do their jobs more easily, excel in their careers, and make a positive impact on the world—has been a privilege. I’m continually energized by the tireless dedication of WERC’s volunteer leadership and members, and their commitment to each other’s success.”

Director at Large

“I attended my first WERC Conference in 1995 in Chicago. I was new to the industry and working in business development for a 3PL. At the time, I was looking to learn about the business and to develop relationships within the industry. Looking back over the past 27 years, WERC has provided tremendous value to me personally and to my career. Personally, I have developed relationships throughout the country that are invaluable to me. We are always excited to run into each other at the WERC Annual Conference and catch up and share our personal and professional experiences. WERC has also given me access to different professionals within the industry whom I would otherwise not have been able to meet. I have developed a much deeper knowledge base about our industry through my involvement with WERC and am excited about what the future holds for this ever-changing profession.”

Director at Large

“I first attended the WERC Annual Conference in 2014 and 2015 while with my previous employer and became particularly interested in the ‘Women in Supply Chain: Challenges and Opportunities peer-to-peer discussions.’ Of interest to me was that hardly any men were participating… I thought to myself that a group of women sharing their issues and discussing how to attract more women to supply chain without a significant male presence in the room was not the way to affect change. That interest and passion for bringing more women into the industry led to additional conversations with Annette Danek-Akey, who in turn asked if I wanted to become more involved and focus on growing the Women @ WERC track. I loved the challenge of joining an organization where I could learn and grow as a leader in the industry, as well as (hopefully) have a positive impact on bringing more women along.” 

Director at Large

“Shifting dynamics within the supply chain field led me to first become involved in WERC. I wanted to stay ahead of the curve. I further chose to volunteer my time with WERC, however, because it is laser-focused on the area of study that best aligned with my career. As a Logistics Engineer, I regularly took advantage of WERC resources including benchmarking, online learning, and of course, the Annual Conference. I recently moved my career into retail inventory management and merchandise planning, which, among other things, is providing me an opportunity to educate peers on the importance of world class distribution. Proper warehousing adds value throughout the end-to-end supply chain. There are some excellent supply chain management associations out there, but none of them gives me the directly applicable education and networking opportunities that WERC provides.”