LONDON, Ont. — Organizations are quickly recognizing the implications that the supply chain has on the balance sheet, income statement and ultimately shareholder value.<br>
<br>
A senior panel of professionals from diverse industries will discuss how their company’s transportation and logistics strategy has evolved in order to maximize return to shareholders at CITT’s annual conference this November 11 in London, Ont. <br>
<br>
This executive panel discussion will be moderated by Canadian Transportation & Logistics editorial director Lou Smyrlis, who will engage the speakers in providing real-world examples of specific actions that can be taken to drive improved corporate performance. <br>
<br>
The focus will be on identifying practical strategies logistics managers from small to large operations can put to use to make a difference.<br>
<br>
The panelists include:<br>
<br>
Doug Harrison, CITT President Acklands-Grainger Inc. and Chair of the Board Livingston International Inc.<br>
<br>
As President of Acklands-Grainger Inc, Doug understands shareholder expectations. “Logistics can play a key role in impacting the firms bottom line. This is often under appreciated by companies” says Mr. Harrison. Shareholders are demanding improved returns, while customers are demanding lower prices and markets are more competitive. Equally do logistics professionals understand how to impact the balance sheet in addition to the income statement? How does a company decrease cost, improve service and improve its financial performance through the effective use of combining finance with business strategy and logistics?<br>
<br>
Acklands-Grainger Inc. is Canada’s largest distributor of MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Operating) products with over 167 branches from coast to coast and operates as a multi divisional organization through a number of distinct business units. <br>
<br>
Kevin B. Hendricks, Professor of Operations Management, Richard Ivey <br><br>
School of Business, UWO<br>
<br>
Kevin B. Hendricks is a professor of Operations Management in the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario. He received his Ph.D. in Operations Management from Cornell University in 1990 and was previously a member of the faculty at the Georgia Institute of Technology, the College of William & Mary. <br><br>
Professor Hendricks will discuss his recent research which focuses on validating the link between supply chain management and firm financial performance by empirically measuring the impact of supply chain glitches on shareholder value.<br>
<br>
Other current areas of interest include operation strategy, manufacturing planning and control systems, information technology, and the impact of changes in operations management on firm financial performance. He has published numerous papers in top academic journals including “Management Science”, “Operations Research”, “The Journal of Operations Management”, and “IIE Transactions” and his research has been cited by over 50 publications including “Business Week”, “Purchasing”, “The International Herald Tribune”, and “CIO Magazine”.<br>
<br>
Peter Luit, President and CEO, Livingston International Inc.<br>
<br>
Peter has a strong appreciation of the importance of logistics, having worked in management positions in market leading companies in several different industry sectors including oil and gas, Aluminum and catalogue retailing. In each, logistics was an important component in achieving overall business success. Currently as President and CEO of Livingston International inc. he is involved with a company that provides services to logistics professionals. “Logistics properly done enables so many aspects of client service, client satisfaction, company profitability and ultimately shareholder value”, says Peter, that it is an extremely exciting place to work and make a difference. Logistics professionals who understand these dynamics and the interplay between them make significant contributions to their company.<br>
<br>
Livingston International Inc. is a leading provider of Canadian and U.S. customs brokerage services, international freight forwarding and North American transportation management.<br>
<br>
David Newman, Vice President, Analyst, Transportation & Consumer Products National Bank Financial<br>
<br>
As an equity analyst covering the transportation industry at National Bank Financial, it has become increasingly important for David to understand all links in the supply chain, especially given the surge in demand for transportation services that has stressed our North American infrastructure, on the back of increased trade with Asia. In particular, transportation and logistics providers need to differentiate themselves through superior service, especially given the demand for higher on-time performance in a just-in-time environment, and price, which can be impacted by a provider’s leverage, service and costs. Superior, consistent service allows transportation and logistics companies to extract greater prices at lower costs, through better planning and execution, resulting in strong, consistent growth in earnings. Investors reward above average earnings growth with superior stock market valuations. <br>
<br>
National Bank Financial is a truly national integrated firm, combining solid retail brokerage and advisory services with institutional brokerage, corporate finance and securities clearing services for third parties. It not only plays a leading role in all major Canadian investment markets, but is also active in certain specialized and rapidly growing investment businesses.<br>
<br>
Mike Thomas, VP Hbc Logistics, Hudson’s Bay Company<br>
<br>
Michael Joseph Thomas has been with Hudson’s Bay Company since 1964, holding progressive positions in all fields of Customs, Transportation, Distribution, Imports and Logistics. Michael is a graduate of the Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation Certificate Course, past Chairman of CRSA (Canadian Retail Shippers Association), past Chairman of Board for the Canadian Importers and Exporters Association, and served as a member of the Deputy Minister of Customs & Excise Advisory Committee. <br><br>
In his current position as Vice President for Hudson’s Bay Company he is responsible for Distribution & Transportation as well as the movement & customs clearance of direct imports.<br>
<br>
Established in 1670, Hudson’s Bay Company is Canada’s largest department store retailer, oldest corporation and one of Canada’s largest employers. Hbc is a seamless retail organization build to best serve the needs of the majority of Canadian consumers through several highly focused formats, linked by customer bridges and enabled by common and integrated support services. <br><br>