Transportation & Logistics  Council, Inc.

35^th Annual Conference Report from St. Louis

by John Burke, Chairman of the Board

I start this report by first thanking the Council for the opportunity to serve these past years on the Board, but also the chance to move through the ranks and be your President.  I have been a member of the Council since 1990, and I am very proud to be associated with all of the professionals that belong to this fine organization. I also firmly believe in a member-driven council, and we all want your input on how to meet the ever-changing needs and to make each of you successful.

The weather in St. Louis was not as bad as the weather folks predicted, but in spring in Missouri, anything can happen!  It was just a little chillier than I would have liked it. 

Before the Conference we started with three full-day optional seminars on Sunday and they were well attended as always.  If you have never taken part in any of these, please make a note to look into it for next year’s conference, as they will again be offered.

We kicked off the program on Monday with an industry update from a great group of professionals.  Bill Bierman moderated and presentations were given by Eric Starks from FTR Associates, Joe Bonney from The Journal of Commerce, Mike Regan from TranzAct Technologies, and Bob Voltmann, CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association. 

Our Keynote luncheon speaker, Jeff Brashares of Pacer International, spoke about the current industry climate to a packed house and was very entertaining. 

Our Tuesday luncheon speaker, James Smith of the Missouri Department of Transportation, gave a good overview of the agency, its oversight capabilities and responsibilities to the industry.

All of the educational general sessions and workshops were great successes, well attended and with outstanding panelists and presenters.

The President’s reception on Tuesday evening is never a disappointment.  The food and fellowship were great and many attendees went home with great door prizes.

Our friends with the Transportation Loss Prevention & Security Association did another good job of getting a great group of suppliers for our exhibit floor. 

We cannot thank the suppliers and carriers enough for their financial support and all the companies that donated door prizes that make the conference fun for all!

Mark your calendars and plan on seeing all your new friends and industry peers at our 36th Annual joint conference next year!

New Slate of Officers Elected

Thanks to all the members who have served on the Board of Directors this past year! Congratulations and best wishes to those who have been selected to serve for the upcoming year.  John Burke, from UniPro Food Service, Inc., will serve as the Chairman and other officers and directors were elected as follows:

Officers: President, Carol Wynstra, Snap-On Tools Company; Vice President, Bob Hochwarth, Volvo Logistics North America; and Secretary/Treasurer, Jared Palmer, Advantage Freight Network.

Regional Directors: Reg. 1 – Rob Silverman, Atlas Traffic  Consultants Corp.; Reg. 2 – Barbara Cafasso, Master Foods USA, a Mars Inc. Company; Reg. 3 – Rob Eller, Parker Hannifin; Reg. 4 – Steve Theissen, CCP, Square D Company; Reg. 5 – Douglas L. Arents, Rite Hite Corporation; Reg. 6 – Ray Eckard, Dillards; Reg. 7 – Jerrod Slaughter, Nike.

Assistant Regional Directors:  Reg. 1 – Richard Haney, Capital Transportation Logistics (new to the Board); Reg. 4 – Nadia Martin, Blakeman Transportation (new to the Board); Reg. 5 – Brian Kiel, Nestle; Reg. 6 – Clark Van Orman, Sysco Corp.

Photos From the Meeting