CONNECTIONS
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CONNECTIONS
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hen you think of networking, do you think of cubed cheese and awkward small talk? Not so for logistics professionals. The logistics and distribution industry is fundamentally rooted in networking, creating nationwide linkages that keep commerce moving. It’s no surprise then that logistics professionals are expert networkers themselves: forging new business relationships, exchanging knowledge and spreading innovation. The Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) is the only national association uniting the vast logistics industry that intersects every border and every sector. It offers members unparalleled networking opportunities that serve individuals and the industry very well. “I know every industry will say networking is important,” said Tony Ward, managing director of retail for Accenture Strategy. “It’s way beyond jobs and hiring, suppliers and buyers. Networking is about growth for both individuals and companies. It’s keeping pace with trends. It’s about
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collaborating on the complexities between source and doorstep.” Today, Ward is president of WERC’s board of directors, but has been involved for 20 years. He first joined the association for the education and professional growth resources, but as his career progressed, it became important for him to be an advocate for the industry. “WERC has a critical role in that it puts forth fundamental tools and processes about what actually happens in a warehouse,” said Ward. “Then it levels up with strategies, analyses and best practices to help companies and individuals see beyond their four walls and recognize their place in the bigger supply chain picture.” WERC is both a product of and supplier of networking. Forty years ago, a small group of individuals came together to build a network of education and research opportunities geared toward warehousing professionals. Today, its state-of-the art resources, guides and reports are made possible because of WERC’s network of experts. And, it supplies
its members with multiple entry points into the industry’s network, both on a national and regional scale. “I picked WERC specifically for its focus on learning and collaboration,” said Ernie Elbert, an industrial engineer with Dillard’s department stores. Almost immediately after becoming a member of WERC, Elbert began volunteering on the conference planning committee. Held annually, the conference brings together about 1,000 logistics professionals for peer-to-peer education sessions, facility tours and ample networking events. Registration opens in November for the 2018 edition, which will be held at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina from May 6-9. “The heart of engineering is looking for better ways to do something and that’s what networking is to me, too,” said Elbert. “WERC creates spaces for its members to learn from one another and get fresh perspective. The calibre of people they bring together is always impressive and I really value how much relationship-building happens.” A strong networking program
Michael Mikitka CEO
Michael Mikitka is chief executive officer and is responsible for helping WERC live up to the commitment it has made to their members and the industry. Mr. Mikitka and his team work to ensure WERC provides its members with education, research and services to develop them professionally and to improve the performance of logistics within their organizations. WERC is headquartered in Oak Brook, IL. Mr. Mikitka joined WERC in 2000 and served as the senior director of the organization’s flagship annual conference and managed WERC’s network of chapters. In 2009, WERC’s board of directors appointed Mr. Mikitka as CEO. Mr. Mikitka began his association career at the Property Loss Research Bureau (PLRB), a trade association of property and casualty insurance companies.
effectively creates a cycle of learning and development for people and industry. No one sees this more clearly than Jennifer Pazour, assistant professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a WERC board of directors member. “In my short time with WERC, I’ve met tremendously impressive people,” said Pazour. “WERC’s emphasis on peer-led education lets the workforce dictate what they want to be learning, determined by the challenges and opportunities in front of them each day.” As Pazour learns about new solutions and innovations from her networks, she incorporates the knowledge into her teachings and research, informing the next generation of logistics professionals. “It’s an exciting and disruptive time in warehousing,” said Pazour. “We’re collaborating in completely new ways to meet the evolving expectations of consumers, driven largely by new levels of e-commerce. At the same time, we have better data and analytics available than ever before, which transforms the way
Tony Ward President, Board of Directors Managing Director – Retail, Accenture Strategy
Tony Ward is a lead managing director within the retail strategy practice for Kurt Salmon, part of Accenture Strategy. Mr. Ward has more than 25 years of experience in supply chain management, global product flow, transportation, sourcing and enabling technologies. Prior to joining Kurt Salmon/Accenture, Mr. Ward was a partner at Cap Gemini Ernst & Young, Verticalnet, and Whitman Hart. During his career, he has served as a trusted advisor to some of the biggest brands in the world, assisting with their global supply chain needs and helping them achieve significant business gains. Mr. Ward has spoken at CSCMP, WERC, RILA and many other supply chain forums. He has been featured in more than 40 articles, and is a contributing author to several books. Mr. Ward is also a member of the WERC Executive Board, Executives Club of Chicago, and the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP).
SOLUTIONS CENTER
PA Z O U R JENNIFER
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we solve problems and innovate.” Ward and his colleagues all agree that technology has been the most significant source and reason for transformation in the warehousing industry. To outsiders, this is most evident in the proliferation of online retail availability, but as Ward explains, it goes much deeper. “Decades ago, we were focused on getting boxes in and boxes out,” said Ward. “Today, technology gives us the ability for real-time
tracking and inventory, new levels of metrics to analyze, and opens up processes to consumers.” As technology drives change in the industry, it’s also supporting new forms of communication and information sharing. WERC members enjoy regular webinars, convenient self-study or online courses, a web-based member directory and a comprehensive library of reports and best practice guides at their fingertips. When they can get out of the workplace, they network with other professionals at regional WERCouncil events. The most significant networking event on WERC’s calendar is the
Annual Conference and Solutions Center, coming up May 6-9, 2018 in Charlotte North Carolina. It’s the largest forum for learning and knowledge exchange among logistics professionals, as well as showcase of products and services. Conference registration opens in November at WERCconference.org
w w w. b u s i n e s s re v i e w u s a . c o m
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1100 Jorie Boulevard, Suite 170 Oak Brook, Illinois, USA, 60523 Telephone 630-990-0001 Fax 630-990-0256 Email wercoffice@werc.org www.werc.org