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2008 Symposium Coverage

Symposium Proceedings (383 KB PDF)

Summary article, CTS Report, February 2009

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12th Annual

Freight and Logistics Symposium

Friday, December 5, 2008

Four Points Sheraton, Minneapolis

Energy Uncertainties: Supply Chain Impacts in the Upper Midwest

Skyrocketing energy costs are squeezing every sector of the economy like never before, triggering a chain reaction of price increases and a rethinking of total-cost concepts for freight and goods distribution. Possible elements affected include location decisions (manufacturing, supply positioning, and warehousing), inventory carrying and turning, and delivery-mode choice. In addition, there is discussion about energy strategies that reduce greenhouse gases. This year's symposium will examine energy uncertainties affecting supply chains in the Upper Midwest. Representatives from the business community, academia, and the public sector will discuss the impact of energy issues on the supply chain as well as options for meeting energy needs and possible public policy alternatives to address energy-related challenges. Craig Simon, president of supply chain services with FedEx, will make the keynote presentation.

Who Should Attend

  • Decision makers and practitioners from shippers, carriers, and other private sector organizations involved in logistics and transportation
  • Government officials and staff, and representatives from nonprofit organizations and academic institutions

Program

7:30 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:00 Welcome

Robert Johns, Director, Center for Transportation Studies
Meg Duncan, President, Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals
Bill Goins, Member, Minnesota Freight Advisory Committee

8:15 Keynote Presentation: Next Generation Globalization

Speaker:

Craig Simon, President of Supply Chain Services, FedEx

How are global supply chains faring in the age of record high oil prices and heightened security? The march toward greater access to new markets, new energy sources, and better ways of doing things continues inexorably, driven by information technology, fast-cycle logistics, and advanced transportation networks. Whether you support or oppose these forces of globalization, the reality is that our ability to connect with the world will only expand—offering unprecedented opportunities. Simon will discuss how companies are adapting to the next generation of global trade and generating new efficiencies along the way.

9:00 Panel: Energy Impacts on the Supply Chain

Moderator:

Dave Christianson, Member, Minnesota Freight Advisory Committee, and Manager, Freight Planning and Development, Mn/DOT

Panelists:

Aaron Jorgensen, Senior Director, Supply Chain Logistics Integration, Medtronic
Michael J. Tripp, Vice President of Supply Chain and Logistics, Christopher and Banks
Ron Dvorak, Account Manager, xpedx

10:30 Break

10:45 Panel: Future Energy Scenarios and Public Policy Alternatives

Moderator:

Tim Henkel, Director, Modal Planning and Program Management Division, Mn/DOT

Panelists:

Saif Benjafaar, Director, Center for Supply Chain Research, University of Minnesota
C. Ford Runge, Professor, Department of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota
Dan Murray, Vice President of Research, American Transportation Research Institute

12:15 p.m. Wrap-up and Adjourn

Robert Johns, Director, Center for Transportation Studies

Professional Development Hours (PDHs)

Participants who attend the entire symposium will receive 4.0 PDHs.

Sponsors

Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota
In cooperation with: