text:
More News & Events
August 2016
DSC Logistics to present 2016 Thinkers & Movers Awards
DSC Logistics has announced the 2016 recipients of the Thinkers & Movers Award. They are Dr. David Closs, John H. McConnell Chaired Professor, Business Administration, Department of Supply Chain Management, Michigan State University; Dr. Robert C. Lieb, Professor, Supply Chain Management, Northeastern University; and, Linda Wood, Vice President, Operations Services, R.J. Reynolds.
Dr. Closs, the founding director of MSU's Midland Research institute for Value Chain Creation, is being recognized for his leadership in the development of one of the top supply chain programs in the world and his work in research and publications providing insights that have shaped businesses and practices across the supply chain field.
Dr. Lieb is being recognized for his innovative research on third party logistics, his achievements in designing and implementing the first transportation and logistics program - both undergraduate and graduate levels - at Northeastern University, and his authorship of numerous books and articles in leading supply chain journals.
Ms. Wood is being recognized for her dedication to the advancement of supply chain as a critical business strategy, her vision of collaboration as a supply chain performance enabler, and her commitment to the advancement of women's leadership in the supply chain field.
The 2016 Thinkers & Movers Awards will be presented on Monday, September 26, at a special event hosted by Ann Drake, CEO, Ed Bowersox, Chief Customer Officer, and the DSC Leadership team in conjunction with the annual conference of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) in Orlando.
The Thinkers & Movers Award was created by DSC Logistics in 2009 to recognize individuals and companies whose innovative leadership has resulted in groundbreaking supply chain understanding and practices. Since then, DSC has presented the award to outstanding practitioners, leaders and educators who've impacted the supply chain field.
Previous recipients of the Thinkers & Movers award are Ralph Drayer, Dr. Nancy Nix, Daan Delen, Nicholas LaHowchic, Don, Ed and John Bowersox, David Simchi-Levi, Stephan Haeckel, Debbie Lentz, Rick Blasgen, Rick Sather, the J.M. Smucker Supply Chain Team, Mike Duffy and Kathy Wengel.
If you would like to attend the Thinkers & Movers event at the Bohemian Hotel in Celebration, Florida, on Monday, September 26 at 7:00 pm, contact Mary Cline, DSC Logistics.
DSC Logistics recognized as a "Top 3PL & Cold Storage Provider"
DSC Logistics has been named to Food Logistics' "2016 Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers" list. The list serves as a resource guide of third-party logistics and cold storage providers whose products and services are critical for companies in the global food and beverage supply chain.
"The global food supply chain is responding to new challenges associated with food safety regulations along with changing consumer demands for more fresh, healthy and locally-sourced options," said Lara L. Sowinski, editorial director, Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. "The companies on Food Logistics' "2016 Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers" list are among those in our industry who are expanding their capabilities and expertise to better support the complexities of today's global food supply chain."
DSC will be profiled in the August 2016 issue of Food Logistics, as well as online at www.foodlogistics.com.
CIO Kevin Glynn contributes article on in-house software development
DSC Logistics' CIO Kevin Glynn discusses the advantages of developing, maintaining and innovating software in-house in "Modern Software Development Methodologies," an article published in CIO Review Magazine: Logistics Technology Special, July 25, 2016.
Citing DSC's experience as an example, Kevin explains why the company develops software in-house. "We believe that our industrial engineers, operators and software engineers can be more creative and competitive versus if we used packaged software exclusively," Kevin said. "Our ideas are real world tested, in our logistics centers and transportation groups…The best thing about this approach? It is fast. Our company controls the pace of change directly; we don't wait for consultants to analyze the problem, or software companies to develop new versions."
The detailed explanation of why Kevin supports in-house software development and his suggestions for getting started can be found in the online edition: http://magazine.cioreview.com/magazines/July2016/Logistics/
DSC hosts 2016 Partner Summit on Supply Chain Collaboration
DSC Logistics' eighth annual Partner Summit addressed the topic of "Supply Chain Collaboration in a Changing World" July 13-14 at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Ed Bowersox, Chief Customer Officer, and Ann Drake, CEO, welcomed DSC top management and supply chain leaders from some of DSC's key customers to the 2016 Summit. Also in attendance were visiting advisors and members of AWESOME, the initiative founded by Ann Drake for advancing women's leadership in supply chain.
Participants representing a variety of industries met to gain insights from common supply chain challenges and experiences. Discussion topics included "The Impact of Mergers and Acquisitions on Supply Chain Management," "The Changing Complexity of Transportation Management" and "Mitigating Risk: Supply Chain Responses to Increasing Regulatory and Industry Requirements." An interactive roundtable discussion, facilitated by Susan Sentell, CEO and President, Gladson, covered "The Changing Landscape of Retail."
DSC established the Partner Summit Series in 2009 as a forum for participants to network with peers, gain new perspectives and exchange ideas in the spirit of advancing collaboration, transformation and leadership in supply chain management.
DSC Logistics recognized as a "2016 Great Supply Chain Partner"
DSC Logistics has again been selected as a "Great Supply Chain Partner" by SupplyChainBrain magazine. The list features a select group of companies whose customers recognize them for providing outstanding solutions and services.
"We ask supply chain professionals to nominate vendors and service providers whose solutions have made a significant impact on their company's efficiency, customer service and overall supply chain performance," said Brad Berger, Publisher, SupplyChainBrain. "Your company should be proud to be amongst the 100 Great!"
DSC Logistics will appear in the 2016 July/August issue of SupplyChainBrain magazine as one of this year's 100 Great Supply Chain Partners.
July 2016
Senior Director, Industrial Engineering, discusses DSC's labor management success story in webinar
Jim Chamberlain, DSC Logistics' Senior Director, Industrial Engineering & Continual Improvement, and Bob Heaney, Research Director & Principal Analyst of Wholesale, Retail and eCommerce, Aberdeen Group, are the featured speakers in an on-demand Webinar presenting DSC Logistics' labor management success story.
The webinar, "Profitable Omni-Channel Fulfillment – Enterprise Wide Labor Management," sponsored by JDA Software Group, Inc., addresses the results of a recent labor management survey showing that adopting more efficient warehouse and stores level processes was the most-cited pressure for managers to address profitability and reduce operating expenses.
The discussion of DSC's journey from manual paper based discrete order picking to real-time RF directed task and labor management includes a look at steps to bolster labor productivity for the most profitable fulfillment, the trends and advancements in event-driven real-time labor management and more dynamic real-time staff deployment, and engineered standards for direct labor, Task and Picking Interleaving, workforce management, and reasonable expectancies for support and/or store-level activities.
Jim is the Chair for the JDA Warehouse Labor Management Special Interest Group (SIG); he was chosen for this position based on his extensive knowledge and experience with labor management programs throughout his career.
June 2016
DSC awards 2016 Michael A. Weinstock DSC Operations Scholarship
Alec Angel, son of Javier Angel, LMI, VAS Manager, Toledo, has been named the recipient of the Michael A. Weinstock DSC Operations Scholarship for the 2016-2017 school year. Alec is a student at the University of Cincinnati, majoring in Mechanical Engineering Technology. He plans to work in the supply chain field after graduation in 2019.
The decision of the scholarship committee was based on the depth and distinction of the applicants' responses, academic performance, work ethic as demonstrated by recommendations, activities and experiences, and enthusiasm for the chosen field of study.
The $10,000 scholarship will be applied to expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and on campus room and board. The scholarship competition was open to any graduating high school senior enrolling into college or undergraduate college student with a parent who works in a DSC Operations role.
CEO Ann Drake featured in Kellogg magazine
Ann Drake, CEO of DSC Logistics and founder of AWESOME (Achieving Women's Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management, and Education) is profiled in the "Brave Thinkers" section of the Spring Summer 2016 edition of Kellogg magazine from Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University as the "female icon of supply chain management."
Characterized in the profile's headline as "The long term visionary," Ann discusses how she wanted the company to succeed in the 21st century when, after earning an MBA from Kellogg in 1984, she crafted the reorganization plan that consolidated DSC Logistics into one entity and sent it on its way to becoming a leader in the field of logistics and supply chain management.
Ann remembers the tough job of convincing employees and customers to embrace the big changes, and then the first time a customer asked for DSC's help in growing their business. "I think he was very impressed with our team," she said.
As for developing women leaders in supply chain and continuing to find ways to keep DSC evolving, she said, "I've been going straight up a learning curve for the past 20 years, and the good news is, it hasn't stopped."
DSC Logistics marks 25 years in health care supply chain management, announces VAWD accreditations
DSC Logistics is proud to share information about the company's 25th year in managing health care distribution networks for medical device, pharmaceutical, specialty pharma and consumer care companies. A key part of our success is based on our vigilance in monitoring and managing state and federal licensing and regulatory requirements.
DSC maintains Prescription Drug, Medical Device and Over-The-Counter (OTC) Drug Licensing through state regulatory agencies, as well as Drug Establishment and Device Establishment Registrations for the repackaging and relabeling of medical devices and OTC Drugs with the FDA. Managing a comprehensive list of State Licenses on behalf of health care customers, at present, we maintain required licenses for doing business in 47 states, including The District of Columbia, for each of our facilities handling health care products.
We are also pleased to announce that we recently had approved our VAWD reaccreditations for two facilities in the Los Angeles and Atlanta markets, have added an additional accredited facility in the Southwest and are in the process of obtaining accreditation for another facility on the West Coast.
DSC Senior Manager, Board Member to participate in CSCMP Chicago's
Annual Seminar
Danielle Agnew, Senior Manager, Customer Operations, Transportation Management Center, will participate in a panel discussion at CSCMP Chicago Roundtable's 33rd Annual Seminar, June 15. The theme of the Seminar is "Supply Chain Talent Gap: Are You Ready?" Sessions will explore the topic of talent development in the supply chain profession at a time when companies increasingly recognize the value of strong, integrated supply chain management capabilities for achieving greater levels of success.
In their session, "Putting it Together - Acquire, Develop, and Retain," Danielle and the other panel members from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, University of Chicago Medicine, and The Basset Group, LLC will provide perspective and insight on their own career paths, and discuss what they have seen be successful in helping bridge the talent gap.
Dr. Nancy Nix, DSC Advisory Board member and Executive Director of AWESOME, will also moderate a session at the event that will explore the Development of Diverse Talent - Powered by AWESOME.
To register for the seminar, click here.
Ann Drake to speak at 3PL Summit in Chicago
Ann Drake, CEO of DSC Logistics and founder of AWESOME (Achieving Women's Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management, and Education), will be a panelist at Eye for Transport's 14th Annual North American 3PL Summit & Chief Supply Chain Officer Forum, June 20-22, in Chicago.
The Keynote Panel on June 21, "The Next Generation of Logistics and Supply Chain Talent," will include Ann, Sougata Dasgupta, Global Supply Chain Operations, Bloomberg; Charles Blevins, VP Supply Chain, Dart Container Corporation; and Maike Sievers, Director of Logistics Planning Sales and Marketing, BLG Logistics. Michele Carrol, President, Carrollco Marketing Services, will moderate the session.
The panel will address topics such as the key competencies to look for in supply chain talent, why tech savvy millennials are fundamental to supply chain talent development and how to attract them, promoting diversity in the supply chain and logistics workforce, and encouraging leadership potential in the women of a workforce.
Eye for Transport provides business intelligence and C-level networking for the transport, logistics and supply chain industry. The organization's goal is to connect industry executives with their industry peers, and with the crucial information they need to excel in their work.
Director, Supply Chain Solutions, to present session at supply chain design conference
Brian Hecht, Director, Supply Chain Solutions, will present a case study session at LLamasoft's annual supply chain design conference, SummerCon 2016, June 13-17 in New Orleans. In his session, "From Modeling to Execution--Developing a Distribution Strategy Balancing Transportation and Inventory Cost," Brian will discuss how DSC utilizes modeling technology to continually optimize client supply chains by balancing service and costs. His case study presentation will show how DSC worked with one customer to determine the optimal distribution network balancing transportation cost, inventory carrying cost and service requirements while adding a brand acquisition to the network.
LLamasoft, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, develops supply chain design software to help organizations worldwide design and improve their supply chain operations.
May 2016
DSC leaders speak to Illinois Tech students about 3PLs
Laura Adams, Senior Director, Supply Chain Solutions, and Joe Napoleon, Senior Analyst, Supply Chain Solutions, recently spoke to students in a graduate class in Supply Chain Management at Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech).
Laura and Joe talked to Professor Kerry Fetchner's Supply Chain Strategy class on 3PLs in Supply Chain about 3PL industry trends and capabilities, with a focus on Supply Chain Design and Optimization.
DSC's Senior Director, Industrial Engineering, leads sessions at JDA
DSC Senior Director, Industrial Engineering & Continual Improvement, and Chair
for the JDA Warehouse Labor Management (WLM) Special Interest Group (SIG),
presented a session on "DSC's Labor Management Journey," and led two WLM
SIG breakout meetings at JDA FOCUS 2016, JDA'S annual global conference, in
Nashville, May 1-4.
In his presentation, Jim discussed how DSC utilized JDA's Warehouse Labor
Management program to help transform company culture to one of accountability
and continual improvement, explaining that DSC started the journey with JDA's
WLM in 1995 and since then has seen not only an improvement in productivity
but also an influx of data and information that has allowed us to implement and
justify other cost saving programs.
Connor Braatz, Senior Industrial Engineer, also attended the conference.
Senior VP speaks at UIC supply chain management symposium
Ken Heller, Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Excellence, was a presenter at the Supply Chain Management Spring Symposium at the Center for Supply Chain Management and Logistics in the College of Business Administration, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), April 27.
In the session, "Risk in the Supply Chain: Implications for Business," Ken represented DSC, a recognized expert in supply chain security, in a discussion with other executives who deal with supply chain risk every day and a UIC faculty member whose research focuses on this issue.
The symposium was an open and public forum for UIC students from all disciplines, faculty, business advisory board members and the general public.
Business Development team to attend WERC conference,
May 15-18
Members of DSC's Business Development team will attend the 2016 WERC (Warehousing Education and Research Council) Conference, May 13-15, in Providence, Rhode Island. Jennifer Krueger, Director, Business Development; Dave Kelby, Director, Business Development; and Dan Burdick, Director, Business Development, will attend the conference for logistics professionals.
To connect with Jennifer, Dave or Dan at the WERC conference, please call 847-635-4952,
or email email@example.com.
April 2016
DSC CFO to participate in Chicago CFO Executive Summit, May 23
DSC CFO David Copeland will participate in the Chicago CFO Executive Summit, May 23 at the Hyatt-Regency in Chicago, in the session Dollars and Sense – Finance as a Business Partner, which will be moderated by John O'Rourke, VP of Host Analytics, Inc. The session will explore how CFOs can support and link operational planning to financial planning, delving into ways to expand finance's influence and further unite finance and organizational effectiveness. David and Margaret Koenigs, SVP and CFO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, will serve as co-discussion leaders to facilitate dialogue among participants.
The CFO Executive Summit brings together top CFO leaders regionally, nationally and globally who make strong contributions to their peers by openly sharing ideas, experiences, successes and failures. The event provides CFOs with the opportunity to leverage the expertise of their peers, share innovative ideas and inspire community. David is a member of the Governing Body, individuals who represent the largest organizations in their region and are responsible for the strategic direction of the CFO Executive Summit.
DSC's VP, Health Care Solutions, to speak at biologistics workshop
Dave Bode, DSC's VP, Health Care Solutions, will be a speaker and panelist at an Industry Technical Workshop on "BioLogistics in the Changing Healthcare World" at Northwestern University, April 20.
The workshop, presented by the Northwestern University Transportation Center and the Center for the Commercialization of Innovative Transportation Technology, will cover the topic of change in the transport of products in the healthcare industry being driven by the emergence of environmentally sensitive pharmaceuticals and medical products, and industry and security regulations.
Dave will join other senior executives representing the health care industry and transportation professionals representing companies that provide specialized services for these products to address the many pressing issues relevant to the transport of healthcare products.
Workshop is FREE – but Registration Required: Register HERE
DSC Arlington receives 2015 Top Tuna award as StarKist recognizes service achievements
DSC's Arlington, Texas, Logistics Center has won the 2015 StarKist Top Tuna award. The annual Top Tuna and quarterly Big Tuna awards recognize the achievements of the logistics centers in performance relative to Quality, Inventory Accuracy and Safety in servicing the StarKist account.
The 2015 Big Tuna awards went to Des Plaines, Illinois, Quarter 1; Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Quarter 2; and Perris, California, Quarters 3 and 4.
StarKist also recognized DSC's Transportation Management Center for improving customer satisfaction through enhanced reporting, increased on-time performance and dedication to excellent service.
This is the second year in a row for the winning Top Tuna team. "The Arlington team has once again delivered for our customer," Ken Heller, Senior VP, Supply Chain Excellence, said. "The leadership of Kevin Nolan and the efforts of all employees in Arlington – and in the other DSC-StarKist sites – helped StarKist and DSC have another great year together."
DSC leaders attend Modex 2016 in Atlanta, April 4-7
Members of DSC's Customer Solutions, Business Development, Strategic Partnerships and Engineering teams are attending the Modex 2016 Supply Chain Conference at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia, April 4-7.
Kevin Coleman, Senior VP, Customer Solutions; Jennifer Krueger, Director, Business Development; Dan Burdick, Director, Business Development; Laura Adams, Director, Supply Chain Solutions; Steven Melvin, Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships; and, Mark Guarracino, Senior Engineer, Industrial Design, are joining other supply chain professionals to learn the latest information on manufacturing and supply chain trends, technologies and innovations, and to network and share perspectives on the state of the supply chain and where it's headed.
To speak with a member of DSC's team, contact them at firstname.lastname@example.com to schedule a time to meet.
Ann Drake named "Rock Star of the Supply Chain" by Food Logistics
DSC CEO Ann Drake has been included in the list of "Food Logistics Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain" for 2016. This award honors individuals in the supply chain industry whose achievements, hard work, and vision have shaped and attained milestones in safety, efficiency, productivity and innovation throughout the global food supply chain.
In selecting Ann for the second year in a row, Food Logistics said she "has worked to support the growing complexities in the supply chain environment, guiding DSC in developing supply chain visibility tools, establishing a Supply Chain Solutions team to lead the development of creative solutions to help customers achieve business goals, developing a standard setting labor management program, expanding DSC's value-added services capabilities, and adding a new dimension to the role of strategic supply chain partner by working as a Lead Logistics Partner (LLP)."
Profiles of Ann and the other selected individuals appear in the March 2016 issue of Food Logistics magazine. Click here to read the article.
DSC has plans to roll out the new Pick and Load technology across its entire logistics center network and is phasing in enhanced system functionality for further efficiencies.
March 2016
DSC implements new technology for efficient truckload balancing
DSC is piloting new Pick and Load technology for efficient truckload balancing. Using customer item master and outbound information, DSC's engineering team designs rules for trailer loading to achieve optimal balance. As orders are transferred to the Pick and Load system, the system generates a load diagram specifically for that order with instructions that employees follow when picking and/or loading the trailer.
The Pick and Load technology provides several benefits, including increased efficiency and cost savings. Loaders only need to follow specific instructions provided by the system, which are tailored to the outbound shipment. The technology ensures that trucks do not exceed weight limits and have proper axle weight distribution. With rules for a stabilized load, based on variables such as product stackability, pallet weight and pallet dimensions, the technology also minimizes in-transit damage.
DSC has plans to roll out the new Pick and Load technology across its entire logistics center network and is phasing in enhanced system functionality for further efficiencies.
DSC pilots Voice Pick technology at Romeoville with K-C Pro
At the Romeoville K-C Pro operation, DSC is piloting Voice Pick Technology –
the use of a hands free device that allows forklift operators to pick orders without
scanning or entering data into an RF device. The operators use a Bluetooth
headset allowing for greater mobility as they engage in a conversation with the
system that walks them through the picking process.
The voice solution was deployed in less than four months and enables greater
flexibility of DSC's WMS. The sophisticated software allows for customized end-
user profiles and accounts for multi-languages; this empowers DSC's diverse
workforce to seamlessly use the voice solution. DSC's Corporate team and
Super Users on-site can make changes and update the software – an important
criterion in the rigorous vendor selection process.
Voice Pick offers cost savings for customers, with a quick ROI of less than a
year. The technology improves productivity, increases case pick efficiency and
inventory accuracy. Once trained, forklift operators can be on the floor
immediately, reducing ramp up time. And, the device has proven to be a
motivational tool as the operators are excited to be using a new technology.
CIO Kevin Glynn presents session on DSC's internal app development
DSC CIO Kevin Glynn will present a session at IT Roadmap Chicago—Building the Next Generation Enterprise, March 23, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont.
In his session, "Efficient App Development for a Highly Mobile Workforce," Kevin will discuss DSC's software development approach to creating applications internally.
IT Roadmap Chicago is a place for IT leaders to explore strategies, trends and solutions for updating IT infrastructures.
CEO Ann Drake named Provider Pro to Know
DSC CEO Ann Drake has been named a 2016 Provider Pro to Know in the supply chain industry for the seventh year in a row by Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazine.
The Provider Pros to Know recognizes individuals who helped their supply chain clients or the supply chain community at large prepare to meet the significant challenges in the year ahead.
"We commend the recipients for their achievements," said Ronnie Garrett, editor of Supply & Demand Chain Executive. "Their accomplishments offer a roadmap for other leaders looking to leverage the supply chain for competitive advantage." Meet the 2016 Pros to Know
February 2016
Ann Drake and Dr. Nancy Nix join other top leaders on aviation conference panel
DSC CEO and AWESOME (Achieving Women's Excellence in Supply Chain, Operations, Management and Education) founder Ann Drake will be part of a leadership panel at the 27th Annual International Women in Aviation Conference, March 10-12, in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Nancy Nix, DSC Advisory Board member and Executive Director of the AWESOME women's leadership network, will facilitate the discussion.
In this session Powered by AWESOME, Ann and executives from United Airlines, United Ground Express and The Hertz Corporation will present "Leadership Lessons from the Top," illustrating how successful women leaders can serve as role models for others.
With a program of keynote speakers, educational sessions, seminars and workshops, and networking opportunities, the conference aims to provide participants with the tactics and strategies necessary for successful aviation careers. More than 4500 women and men from all segments of the aviation industry are expected to attend.
DSC Health Care team to attend
LogiMed conference, March 1-3
Dave Bode, VP, Health Care Solutions; Matt Brzica, Director, Health Care
Business Development; and Kevin Coleman, VP, Customer Solutions, will attend
the LogiMed conference, March 1-3, at the Hilton Riverside in New Orleans.
Dave will participate in a panel discussion, "M&A One Year Later: Are You Still
Surviving?" at 10:40 a.m.,March 1. And, on March 3, he will present a session on
"Critical Medical Device Supply Chain 'Engines' for Managing Change" at 10:45
If you would like to meet with Dave, Matt or Kevin during the conference, contact
Matt at 612-770-5873 or email@example.com to arrange a time.
LogiMed is the largest gathering of medical device and diagnostics supply chain
executives in North America. Sessions cover global trade management,
inventory visibility, supply planning, S&OP, temperature control, M&A integration,
provider/manufacturer collaboration, global logistics, and more.
DSC Senior Director named SIG Chair for JDA group
Jim Chamberlain, DSC Senior Director, Industrial Engineering & Continual
Improvement, has been named the Chair for the JDA Warehouse Labor
Management Special Interest Group (SIG).
As SIG Chair, Jim will be responsible for overseeing and organizing the
Warehouse Labor Management group, encouraging active participation and
communication among customer members, influencing JDA's product
enhancement plans, and helping users to solve issues. Jim was chosen for this
position based on his extensive knowledge and experience with labor
management programs throughout his career.
The SIG groups give customer members an opportunity to influence product
development and JDA a customer-base for project feedback or assistance. The
SIG mission is to foster an environment where the active participation of
customer members maximizes a company's investment in JDA solutions and
enables the participants to grow both personally and professionally through
collaboration with other supply chain professionals.
DSC leaders to attend GMA/FMI and RILA conferences
Members of DSC's Business Development and Strategic Partnership teams will attend two upcoming conferences – the Supply Chain Conference, February 22-24 in New Orleans, hosted by Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and Food Marketing Institute (FMI) joined together as the Trading Partner Alliance (TPA), and the Retail Supply Chain Conference, February 28-March 2 in Dallas, hosted by Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA).
Kevin Coleman, VP, Customer Solutions; Gregg Gill, VP, Strategic Partnerships; David Kelby, Director, Business Development; Jennifer Krueger, Director, Business Development; and Dan Burdick, Director, Business Development, will be attending the GMA/FMI event for retailers, manufacturers and solution providers.
Jennifer Krueger and Dan Burdick will be in charge of DSC's exhibit at the RILA conference, this year emphasizing the changing nature of retail and the supply chain's critical role in serving the customer.
With over 50 years of experience as Supply Chain Partner and Lead Logistics Partner to some of the world's leading food, retail and consumer goods companies, DSC has developed expertise in these industry segments, and gained a thorough knowledge of the food and consumer goods supply chains.
To schedule a meeting with a member of the DSC team and learn more about DSC Logistics' services, call or text 847-778-3207 or email firstname.lastname@example.com.
January 2016
Ann Drake and Dr. Nancy Nix participate in panel presentation at BGSA Supply Chain Conference
Ann Drake, CEO of DSC Logistics and founder of the women's leadership initiative, AWESOME (Achieving Women's Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management and Education), participated in a panel presentation at the BG Strategic Advisors Supply Chain Conference, January 20-22, in Palm Beach, Florida.
Dr. Nancy Nix, DSC Advisory Board member and Executive Director of AWESOME, served as moderator for the discussion.
The presentation, "Winning the War for Talent: Unleashing the Leadership Potential of Women in Supply Chain," addressed questions such as: What can companies do to unleash the full leadership potential of women in the workplace? What steps can leaders take to attract and develop diverse talent in today's competitive environment? What role can AWESOME play to support companies in their talent development initiatives and help individuals develop their leadership skills and advance their careers?
Other panelists were AWESOME members Jill Lavitsky, Vice President, Customer & Logistics Services-North America, Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems; Natalie Putnam, Vice President Marketing, Ryder System, Inc.; and Heather Sheehan, AWESOME Advisor and Former Vice President Sourcing & Logistics, Danaher Corporation.
The BGSA Supply Chain Conference is a CEO-level event in the transportation, logistics and supply chain sector. It is designed to recognize top supply chain companies and facilitate the sharing of insights from an exclusive group of executives representing a variety of supply chain industry segments.
DSC develops iPad app
DSC has developed a new iPad app that provides real-time visibility into employee productivity, enabling managers to address issues immediately.
The app, POPPro, gives managers information on shift metrics and details of each employee's work from the beginning of a shift through the current task. Managers can identify employees needing attention, and meet with them on the warehouse floor for training and coaching as it is needed.
POPPro was developed by the IT and Engineering teams as part of DSC's existing Performance Optimization Process (POP). POP addresses the key components of success in doing a job – both accountability and a fair reward system when goals are exceeded.
The app is being rolled out across the DSC network of logistics centers.
DSC receives 2015 Green Supply Chain Award
DSC has received the 2015 GreenSupply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive. DSC and the other award winning companies are featured in the December print issue and on www.sdcexec.com.
The Green Supply Chain Awards recognize companies making green or sustainability a core part of their supply chain strategy, and working to achieve measurable sustainability goals within their own operations and/or supply chains, in the areas of Sourcing/Procurement, Fulfillment/Logistics, Operations, Product Lifecycle Management and other areas of the supply chain. The awards also recognize providers of supply chain solutions and services assisting their customers in achieving measurable sustainability goals.
December 2015
CEO Ann Drake delivers keynote at Executive MBA Convocation
DSC CEO Ann Drake was the speaker for the Executive MBA Convocation of the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, December 15. Ann earned her MBA from the Kellogg School of Management.
In her speech, Ann told the audience, "Today, leadership is about values and tough choices and longer-term sustainability of our enterprises…and…beyond that, of our country and our world."
Ann shared her ideas about leadership trends and the "criticality of the all." Ann explained, "Great business leaders are going to need to look beyond narrow interests. They're going to need to see holistically that, today, our globe is one giant system…and the parts of the system have to work together. And we're going to have to collaborate – now and in the future – across silos and boundaries and countries and disciplines. We're going to have to bring together the best and brightest leaders from business and government and the nonprofit sector.
In the conclusion of her speech, Ann said, "The world is looking for leaders who see beyond what's right in front of them. Who see that we're all part of a global system. Who recognize and embrace what's new and what's changing. Who are agile and open. Who are ready to collaborate and lead." And she ended by telling the Kellogg EMBA graduates, "You…are exactly who the world is looking for."
The Kellogg Executive MBA program is designed for senior and mid-career executives. The program emphasizes teamwork and cross-cultural collaboration, leadership and adaptability.
Greg Hanifee, Associate Dean, Kellogg Executive MBA Global Network, said, "We were thrilled to have Ann continue the tradition of top global leaders delivering the keynote address."
Ann Drake speaks at Crain's Privately Held Breakfast
CEO Ann Drake and Michael Binstein, CEO of Binny's Beverage Depot, interviewed one another as part of their presentation at the Privately Held Breakfast hosted by Crain's Chicago Business at the Ritz Carlton Chicago.
The event also featured company leaders from Security Services, Elevance Renewable Sciences, Mainati Organization and Sasser Holdings.
The presenters discussed challenges, successes, aspirations and outlooks with the audience of CEOs, presidents and owners of privately-held companies headquartered in Illinois. The invitation-only event was held at the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago.
DSC leaders speak to IIT graduate students in supply chain program
Three DSC subject matter experts presented the session, "Technology & Innovation in Strategic Outsourcing," to students in the supply chain management graduate program at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), November 19.
Laura Adams, Director, Supply Chain Solutions; Jim Chamberlain, Senior Director, Engineering & Continual Improvement; and Kevin Pogany, Director, Business Intelligence, discussed examples of supply chain innovation and technology being implemented to address customers' changing needs at locations across DSC's nationwide network of logistics centers. They also gave students information about career paths in supply chain. A topic of particular interest to students was how DSC models and correlates various metrics to determine how to improve operations.
Herb Shields, Career Development Advisor for IIT's Industrial Technology & Management Department, thanked DSC, saying: "I could tell from the questions and discussion at the end that the students were very interested and learned a lot."
November 2015
DSC celebrates Founder's Day 2015
2015 marks DSC's 55th year in business, and DSC celebrated its founding at all locations.
Founder's Day celebrations across DSC's nationwide network recognized key people and events in the company's history, starting with founder James A. McIlrath and the company's inception in 1960 as Dry Storage Corporation. Ann Drake became CEO in 1994 and transformed the company into a provider of integrated, comprehensive supply chain solutions under the name DSC Logistics.
"I think it's really important that our employees know about our humble family roots," Ann explained. "I also think it's important that they know who James A. McIlrath is, and that he is our founder."
Ann reminded DSC team members of the vital importance of creativity and innovation in the workplace, and of working collaboratively with speed and agility to help customers achieve their business goals. "In today's dynamic environment, our customers' needs are always changing, so we must do this every single day," she said.
Director, IT Business Applications, to speak at Loyola University Chicago
DSC's Sean Moore, Director, IT Business Applications, will be a panelist presenting "Real-IT-y: What you need to know about the future IT job market," at Loyola University Chicago, November 23.
Sean and other notable leaders from the field of technology will speak to Loyola students about what it takes to be successful in the IT market today. They will discuss the role of IT in helping business; how to develop problem solving, communication and networking skills; current and future needs, trends and opportunities related to IT workforce skills; and how to best utilize time and resources in order to be relevant and prepared for the working world.
The event is sponsored by Loyola's Career Development Center and Business Career Services, Quinlan School of Business.
CEO Ann Drake and AWESOME featured in CSCMP publication
CEO Ann Drake and three other women supply chain leaders, and AWESOME, the organization Drake founded in 2013 for advancing women's leadership in supply chain, were the subject of an article by Editor Toby Gooley in CSCMP's Supply Chain [Quarterly] in October.
The article, "As you rise, you must lift," focused on what Gooley termed a "thought-provoking" session, "Women in the C-Suite: Leadership Lessons From the Top," presented by Drake, Laurel Junk, chief supply chain and procurement officer at Kaiser Permanente; Debbie Lentz, senior vice president and chief supply chain officer of Toys "R" Us; and Kathy Wengel, vice president, supply chain for Johnson & Johnson, at CSCMP's annual conference in September. The panel was moderated by Dr. Nancy Nix, executive director, AWESOME.
Noting that the session was put together by AWESOME (Achieving Women's Excellence in Supply chain Operations, Management, and Education), Gooley said, "…the conversation is no longer about women entering the profession but about their role as corporate leaders and shapers of supply chain strategy."
"Perhaps the most important takeaway from the session was how to be an effective and respected leader," Gooley said. "...not a female leader, but a leader—of a supply chain organization, of a business, and of people.
Read the complete article here
DSC's Transportation Management Center hosts Carrier Summit
DSC Logistics recently held its latest Carrier Summit at the company's Transportation Management Center (TMC) in Des Plaines IL. Over 30 key partner carriers, representing all modes of transportation, attended. The Summit's overall objective was to improve operating and administrative processes between DSC and carriers to eliminate waste from the supply chain while improving service.
The carriers learned about enhancements to DSC processes relative to freight pay, solutions, operations, workflow management, network analysis, RFP management and strategic partnerships.
The two-day event, coordinated by DSC's Director of Carrier Relations, included a welcome from the Vice President of Transportation and information about DSC's history and the evolution of the TMC. Participants toured the Des Plaines Logistics Center and the TMC, with employee-led presentations at each function. DSC's Supply Chain Solutions and Strategic Partnerships teams gave insight into DSC's focus on developing customers as strategic partners and growing the relationships with them.
Participants welcomed the opportunities for learning, networking and relationship building. The next summit is planned for the 3rd quarter of 2016.
October 2015
DSC welcomes MBA students from TCU
DSC hosted eleven MBA students from the Neeley School of Business at TCU in Fort Worth, TX, on October 19 at the corporate office in Des Plaines, Illinois. The students visited several Chicago-based businesses to gain perspective on careers in supply chain and what companies are looking for in supply chain talent.
At DSC, the grad students were welcomed by Michael Weinstock, Executive Vice President, Operations, and DSC's Supply Chain Council. The students were given an overview of the 3PL industry and of DSC's business strategy based on collaborative partnerships, innovative thinking, and high-performance operations by Scott Morgan, VP Operations & Strategic Partnerships.
They also heard from panels of DSC leaders in operations and other functional areas such as engineering, finance, marketing business process integration, transportation and human resources. Through interactive discussions, DSC leaders and TCU students explored potential career paths in supply chain and discussed the rewards and opportunities of working in the supply chain field and its related disciplines.
DSC VP, Customer Solutions, to present educational session at Colliers National Industrial Conference
Kevin Coleman, VP, Customer Solutions, will present a three-hour educational session on the first day of the National Industrial Conference, "Rising to New Heights," sponsored by Colliers International Logistics and Transportation Solutions Group, October 19-20 in Newport Beach, California.
In his presentation, "Third Party Logistics North American Overview and the Associated RFP Process," Kevin will speak to the audience of industrial real estate brokers about DSC's approach to transforming logistics and supply chain management into a critical business strategy based on collaborative partnerships, innovative thinking, and high-performance operations.
He will provide an overview of the 3PL market in North America, including reasons why companies outsource and the key opportunities facing the 3PL/supply chain industry. Kevin will cover the scope, components and traditional process involved in RFPs, and the key elements of the "Warehouse RFP" process, including commercial structures, Business Process Integration and data variation.
DSC presents Thinkers & Movers award to leading health care executives
DSC CEO Ann Drake recently presented the 2015 Thinkers & Movers award to two leading health care executives, Mike Duffy, President, Medical Products, Cardinal Health, and Kathy Wengel, VP, Johnson & Johnson Supply Chain (JJSC), at a special reception in San Diego.
Introducing Mike Duffy, Dave Bode, DSC's Vice President, Health Solutions, spoke of Duffy's passion for the profession, his broad background in all areas of health care operations, his advocacy of collaboration and strong supply chain partnerships, and his role as a champion of more diverse leadership.
In her introduction of Kathy Wengel, Dr. Nancy Nix, DSC board member and Executive Director of AWESOME, described Wengel as a visionary and transformational leader, rallying her team and entire organization around quality and excellence and serving as a role model and standard-bearer for advancing women's supply chain leadership.
The Thinkers & Movers Award presentation takes place annually in conjunction with the CSCMP (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals) Conference. DSC created the industry-wide award in 2009 to recognize individuals and companies for their exemplary contributions to the supply chain field.
September 2015
CIO Kevin Glynn, Senior VP Ken Heller to speak at CSCMP conference
DSC CIO Kevin Glynn will participate in a discussion on data security and Ken Heller, Senior VP, Supply Chain Excellence will discuss supplier collaboration strategies at the 2015 Annual Conference of the Council of Supply Chain Professionals (CSCMP), September 27-30 in San Diego, California.
Kevin's session, "If Not Now, When? Mandatory Data Security and Privacy Compliance for Corporations," Monday, September 28, 3:45 – 4:45 p.m., will include an overview of data security and privacy law and a discussion of the impact of the law on supply chain management. It will focus on management and board level action that should be taken to ensure compliance with key legal and regulatory initiatives. Joining Kevin on the panel will be representatives from Blue Horseshoe, van Bodegraven Associates and Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP. This is Session 3 in Track 4, Leadership at the C-Level, taking place in Room 2. For more details, click here.
Ken's session, "Supplier Integration: Delivering Business Value," Tuesday, September 29, 2:00 – 3:15 p.m., will show how procurement and sourcing leaders have successfully nurtured effective collaboration models that have united separate organizations to create win-win opportunities. Ken, Julie Grove, Director, Logistics, StarKist, and moderator Scott Grawe, Professor, Iowa State University, will discuss collaboration strategies such as on-site deployment and cross-functional projects that go beyond normal day-to-day business to address more holistic, strategic imperatives. This is Session 5 in Track 8, Sourcing and Supplier Management, taking place in Room 8. For more details, click here.
DSC presents 2015 Thinkers & Movers Awards
DSC Logistics has announced the 2015 recipients of the Thinkers & Movers Award. They are Mike Duffy, President, Medical Products, Cardinal Health, and Kathy Wengel, Vice President, Supply Chain, Johnson & Johnson.
"The leadership of Mike and Kathy has made a lasting impression on the DSC leadership team," said Ann Drake, DSC CEO. "Their lists of achievements and contributions to our industry are remarkable."
The awards will be presented at a special reception on Monday, September 28, in conjunction with CSCMP's annual global conference in San Diego, California.
DSC created the Thinkers & Movers Award in 2009 to recognize individuals whose innovative leadership has influenced supply chain thinking and practices. Since then, the award has been presented to outstanding practitioners, educators and leaders who have impacted the field in various ways.
Previous recipients of the Thinkers & Movers Award include:
2014 – Rick Sather, Vice President – Customer Supply Chain for Kimberly-Clark North America, and The J.M. Smucker Company Supply Chain Team: Denny Armstrong, Senior Vice President of Logistics and Operations Support; Rob Fox, Vice President, Customer Logistics & Trade Compliance; Jody Starcher, Director of Corporate Warehousing and Customer Initiatives.
2013 – Rick Blasgen, President and CEO of CSCMP (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, and Debbie Lentz, Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer for Toys R Us; formerly Senior Vice President, Customer Service & Logistics for Kraft Foods Group.
2012 - Stephan Haeckel, business consultant and executive educator/coach who pioneered the sense-and-respond managerial principles of adaptive enterprise design, and David Simchi-Levi, Professor of Engineering Systems at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, author, entrepreneur, and consultant in the field of operations strategy.
2011 – Dr. Donald Bowersox (in memorium), longtime Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Michigan State University, and author, speaker, and industry leader; Ed Bowersox, former Senior Global Director – Logistics & Supply Chain for Kimberly-Clark Professional; and John Bowersox, Director, Operations at Ann Sacks Tile & Stone; formerly Manager - PA Distribution, 3PL Relationships for Kohler Co.
2010 - Daan Delen, President and CEO of Reynolds American, Inc, and Nicholas LaHowchic, author, and former President of both Limited Logistics Services (for Limited Brands) and Becton Dickinson Supply Chain Services.
2009 - Ralph Drayer, former Chief Logistics officer of Procter & Gamble, and Dr. Nancy Nix, formerly Executive Director of the EMBA program and Associate Professor, supply chain practice in the Neeley School of Business at Texas Christian University.
The Thinkers & Movers award is an industry-wide award recognizing individuals and companies for their exemplary contributions to the supply chain field.
August 2015
DSC's Senior Director, Industrial Engineering, to participate in labor management webinar, presents session at Forward Thinking Conference
DSC's Jim Chamberlain, Senior Director, Industrial Engineering & Continual Improvement, will participate in a webinar, "Profitable Omni-Channel Fulfillment: Enterprise-Wide Labor Management," on Wednesday, September 2, at 2 p.m. ET. Bob Heaney, Research Director and Principal Analyst of Wholesale, Retail, and eCommerce at Aberdeen Group, will be the co-presenter.
Session topics will include:
July 2015
DSC selected as a "2015 Great Supply Chain Partner"
DSC Logistics is featured as one of 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain magazine. The list includes a select group of companies whose customers recognize them for providing outstanding solutions and services. Supply chain professionals were asked to nominate service providers whose solutions have made a significant impact on their company's efficiency, customer service and overall supply chain performance.
DSC will appear in the 2015 July/August issue of SupplyChainBrain magazine as a member of this year's 100 Great.
DSC hosts 2015 Partner Summit on "The Power of Influence"
"The Power of Influence: Getting Things Done Across Boundaries & Barriers" was the theme of DSC Logistics' seventh annual Partner Summit at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, July 15-16.
At the 2015 Summit, DSC top management and supply chain leaders from some of DSC's key customers discussed the influencing power that supply chain organizations can leverage – both internally and externally – to tackle projects that improve organizational performance, drive business value and enable the US logistics infrastructure to support future competitiveness on a global scale.
Peter Skosey, Executive Vice President, Metropolitan Planning Council, spoke to the Summit participants on "Influencing Decision Makers: America's Crumbling Infrastructure," and they received copies of Move: Putting America's Infrastructure Back in the Lead by Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School.
Customer presentations on "Influencing Up and Out" and collaborative conversations addressed how supply chain organizations in a variety of industries are gaining ground in influencing the C-level and other functional areas to support initiatives that improve overall company performance.
In their session, "Increasing Influence, Increasing Power," guest speakers Dr. Gloria Donaldson, Corporate Psychologist, Reed Organization, and Donna de St. Aubin, Principal, St. Aubin, Haggerty & Associates, explored the essential elements of power and influence in different organizational contexts in today's dynamic business environment where the ability to influence and get things done outside of traditional reporting lines is increasingly important.
DSC established the Partner Summit Series in 2009 as a forum for participants to network with peers, gain new perspectives and exchange ideas. DSC believes that collaborating on supply chain topics and challenges is a winning situation for everyone involved.
June 2015
DSC again recognized as green supply chain partner, logistics provider
DSC Logistics has been named a Green Supply Chain Partner for 2015 by Inbound Logistics and a 2015 Top Green Provider by Food Logistics.
In the June "Lean and Green" issue of Inbound Logistics, DSC is profiled as one of the 75 leading green supply chain management and logistics partners, committed to supply chain sustainability.
Food Logistics' Top Green Providers list focuses on sustainability in the global food supply chain with profiles of companies who are exceeding industry standards in their sector in the June issue.
DSC has been named a Green Supply Chain Partner each year since 2010 and a Top Green Provider since 2011.
Ann Drake receives Northwestern's Schulz Award, Ken Heller speaks on panel of industry leaders
CEO Ann Drake has been named the 2015 recipient of the David F. Schulz Award for Outstanding Service in Transportation and Infrastructure from the McCormick School of Engineering and the Transportation Center at Northwestern University.
Ann was selected for the Shulz Award based on the many dimensions of her leadership in logistics, transportation advocacy and education, support of transportation research and study at Northwestern, and commitment to advancing the role of women in transportation and logistics.
She received the Shulz Award at the seventh Lipinski Symposium on Transportation Policy and Strategy, June 22. The 2015 Symposium focused on the topic, "Paths to Economic Competitiveness: Advancing Supply Chain Performance in the Chicago Hub," and throughout the day speakers emphasized transportation's role in American economy and culture.
Ken Heller, DSC Senior VP, Supply Chain Excellence, spoke on a four-person panel of industry leaders providing supply chain services in and beyond the Chicago area. He and the other panel members discussed their business in the area, experiences with movements and interchanges in the region, principal obstacles to efficient supply chain performance and what might be done to address them, and the value to the region of resolving the obstacles.
The Symposium, named in honor of former Congressman William O. Lipinski, and focused on transportation topics of importance to the Chicago Metropolitan Area and the nation as a whole, featured presentations from senior elected officials in transportation from across the country and business leaders and other experts from the region and nation.
DSC welcomes Ed Bowersox, new Senior Vice President of Customer Strategy
Ed Bowersox has joined DSC as Senior Vice President of Customer Strategy. In this role, Ed will have oversight of Platinum and Gold customer relationships and work at senior levels of DSC's customers' organizations to enhance and deliveron their supply chain strategies. He will provide leadership for the continuing evolution of DSC's Strategic Partnership Process.
Ed is the former Senior Director of Global Product Supply of Kimberly-Clark, where he was responsible for developing strategies for integrating North American business strategies with expansion plans in developing countries within Asia Pacific and Latin America. He recently retired from Kimberly-Clark after a career spanning 32 years in various assignments with increasing responsibility in Logistics, Operations and Global Supply Chain Management.
Ed received a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University with an emphasis in Packaging Engineering and Logistics. An active contributor within the supply chain community, he is a frequent speaker at MSU, CSCMP and WERC.
Given Ed's vast background in leading supply chain transformation initiatives, and past experience as a DSC customer, he is uniquely positioned to understand the customer's vantage point, enriching DSC's commitment to a "customer-back" approach.
"Strategic partnerships have the potential to create unparalleled advances in efficiency and creativity, and it takes working across functional areas and companies to achieve those results" said Ann Drake, CEO of DSC Logistics. "Ed's perspective will enhance DSC's ability to bring our supply chain talent forward to define and achieve joint initiatives that enable our customers' senior leadership teams to deliver value to their businesses."
Senior VP, Supply Chain Excellence, joins faculty for NUTC course on transportation
Ken Heller, DSC's Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Excellence, will join Northwestern faculty members and other top industry executives and researchers, including DSC board member Justin Zubrod, Managing Partner, Zubrod/Clair, on the faculty of the Northwestern University Transportation Center (NUTC) Executive Education Series: Freight Transportation and Logistics, June 15-17, at the NUTC conference center in Evanston, IL.
The June course, "Securing Capacity in a Dynamic Industry," will be a customized program for transportation and logistics executives and those who invest, raise capital and provide services for the sector. The program will provide insight into the rapidly changing transportation industry, including air, rail, truck, marine, package, third party logistics, and other non-asset sectors such as brokerage. The focus of the course is on the changing nature of relationships between shippers and carriers.
As Senior VP, Supply Chain Excellence, Ken provides leadership to DSC's Engineering, Business Process Integration and APEX (Continual Improvement) teams, and provides operational responsibility for the Carol Stream, IL, Logistics Center. In addition, Ken leads the transportation team in building on and improving DSC's current capabilities through process improvement and the development of new strengths. He has responsibility for three key customer relationships: StarKist, Tata Global Beverages and Kerry Foods. Active in the academic community, Ken leads the Business Advisory Board of the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Center for Supply Chain Management and Logistics and is on the Advisory Board to Industrial Technology Management (INTM) at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT).
DSC, Johnson & Johnson host 2015 AWESOME Symposium
Ann Drake, DSC CEO and founder of the supply chain leadership initiative AWESOME, and co-host Kathy Wengel, VP, Johnson & Johnson Supply Chain, welcomed participants to the third annual AWESOME Symposium, May 6-7, at Johnson & Johnson World Headquarters in New Brunswick, NJ.
Ernst & Young, JDA Software and Hillwood joined Host Partner Johnson & Johnson and Founding Partner DSC Logistics as sponsors of the event.
On the opening night of the 2015 Symposium – AWESOME in Action: Connecting, Collaborating, Inspiring, the AWESOME Legendary Leadership award was presented to Beth Ford, EVP, Chief Supply Chain and Operations Officer, Land O'Lakes, and Debbie Lentz, SVP, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Toys"R"Us, in recognition of their achievements as supply chain leaders.
The Symposium program featured a panel of C-Suite leaders, including Carolee Friedlander, CEO, AccessCircles, and Founder and former President and CEO, Carolee Designs, Inc.; Nina McLemore, Founder and CEO, Nina McLemore Inc.; and Teresa Weintraub, President and CEO, Fiduciary Trust International of the South, who shared insights about how women can advance their careers. Susan Packard, co-Founder of Scripps Network and former COO, HGTV, served as moderator.
The program also included a discussion of supply chain megatrends by a panel of senior women supply chain leaders, a dialogue among a panel of senior male supply chain leaders about the opportunities and barriers to the advancement of women leaders, and a presentation from a panel of emerging leaders on the ways organizations and seniors can support their career development and advancement. Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Ernest L. Arbuckle Professor, Harvard Business School, and Sandi Petersen, Group Worldwide Chairman, Johnson & Johnson were interviewed as part of the AWESOME Leadership: Up-Close Conversation series.
For the third year, AWESOME awarded scholarships to five women enrolled in university supply chain management programs. The award covers the cost of the scholars' participation at the CSCMP (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals) Global Conference in San Diego on September 27-30.
The 2016 Symposium on April 27-29 will be hosted by Nike at the company's headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, near Portland.
May 2015
DSC CFO Dave Copeland to participate in CFO Executive Summit
DSC CFO Dave Copeland will participate in the sixth annual Chicago CFO Executive Summit on June 1. He will serve as Discussion Leader for the Summit's Private Breakfast Roundtable, "Boarding School," discussing "Strategies for Reporting Across the C-Suite" with representatives from Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc., Exelon Corporation and Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
Dave is a member of the Chicago CFO Executive Summit's Governing Body, a group of top industry, government and academic CFOs in the Chicago area who are responsible for the Summit's strategic direction. That evening, he will co-chair the third annual Chicago CFO Invitational, a private roundtable dinner that will focus on the CFO's role in influencing growth, technology and talent.
The CFO Executive Summit is an invitation-only forum for sharing knowledge around the issues faced by finance professionals across a broad cross section of industries. It fosters networking opportunities and features presentations from practicing CFOs and current industry thought leaders on topics such as new risk, talent, and cash management practices, establishing new investing benchmarks, and deploying strategies to drive top line growth.
DSC and Jim Chamberlain featured in DC Velocity article
DSC's installation of an automated battery management system for lift trucks is the subject of a story in the latest issue of DC Velocity magazine. Jim Chamberlain, DSC's Senior Director of Industrial Engineering and Continual Improvement, was interviewed for the story.
First implemented at DSC's University Park, IL, Logistics Center, the automated system from battery supplier EnerSys is now in 11 of DSC's logistics centers with the goal of rolling it out across the network. The system, coupled with operator training, ensures that forklift operators make correct battery selections—choosing a battery that is fully charged and cooled—when they need to change the battery on a forklift.
Implementation of the automated system has led to increased efficiency and reduced costs. As Jim says at the end of the article, "What [the automated system] has done is take something that for us was subjective and inconsistent, and turned it into something controlled and standardized…There really isn't a downside."
Read the full article about DSC Logistics in DC Velocity here.
DSC's Bill Carter launches anti-bullying campaign, publishes children's book
Bill Carter, Forklift Operator, Colonial Heights, and his wife Monika have published a book for children (K-5) and started a nationwide anti-bullying campaign. They were inspired by the actions of their son and his friends who took up for kids who were being harassed or bullied when they were in elementary school, calling themselves "The Defenders."
The Defenders: Bully Patrol, the first book in The Defenders series, shows a peaceful approach to bully intervention and looking out for others. Bill and Monika hope that the stories of real kids taking a stand together against bullying will encourage other children to do the same. They also hope to foster stronger communication between children and adults about the serious topic.
After working on the project for over a year and going nationwide in November 2014, they have received positive feedback from across the country. Their future plans include bringing awareness to other issues and problems that children face as they add more books to The Defenders series. The Bully Patrol website, www.thedefendersbp.com, gives more information about the book and its characters, Bill and his family, and their campaign.
Ann Drake named "2015 Provider Pro to Know," SC "Rock Star"
CEO Ann Drake has been named a "Provider Pro to Know" for the sixth year in a row by Supply & Demand Chain Executive (SDCE) and she has been included in the inaugural list of "Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain" by Food Logistics.
SCDE's list of "Provider Pros to Know" recognizes supply chain professionals who are leading initiatives to help their supply chain clients or the supply chain community at large prepare for the significant challenges of today's business climate.
Food Logistics' new award, "Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain," recognizes individuals in the supply chain industry whose achievements, hard work and vision have shaped and attained milestones in safety, efficiency, productivity and innovation throughout the global food supply chain.
April 2015
Business Development team to attend WERC conference, May 3-6
Members of DSC's Business Development team will attend the Conference for Logistics Professionals sponsored by WERC (Warehousing and Research Council) May 3-6 in Orlando, Florida. Kevin Coleman, Vice President; Jennifer Krueger, Director; Dave Kelby, Director; and Dan Burdick, Director, will attend sessions on topics important to DSC and the rest of the logistics industry.
To connect with Kevin, Jennifer, Dave or Dan at the WERC conference, please call 847-778-3207 or 847-393-5862, or email firstname.lastname@example.com.
Ann Drake participates in Kellogg Fireside Chat 4/15, presented lecture at Penn State 4/1
CEO Ann Drake participated in "Leadership Lessons from the Top: A Fireside Chat with Powerful Female Business Leaders" on April 15. The event was sponsored by the Kellogg Executive Women's Network, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.
Ann joined Wendy Carlson Nelson, Board Member of The Rezidor Hotel Group and Carlson Group, and moderator Linda Darragh, Executive Director of the Kellogg Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative, to discuss their career progression, how they created their own success and the challenges they face as female leaders in male dominated industries.
On April 1, Ann presented the Spisak Lecture in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at The Pennsylvania State University Smeal College of Business. She also met with supply chain professors and members of the steering group for the Women of Smeal Initiative, which provides forums for creating new opportunities for leadership development.
Ann spoke on the topic, "Beyond Analytics: The Human Equation in Strategic Business Process Outsourcing," describing DSC's path over the 20 plus years she has been CEO, from collaboration, to partnership, to leadership.
Seeing an exciting future for DSC and for the audience of supply chain students and educators, Ann said, "I believe the leadership of the twenty-first century in organizations and select civic and government roles will come from people who understand the supply chain."
Telling the audience her favorite definition of leadership is "taking people where they wouldn't go themselves," she said, "This is a tremendous opportunity for you to step up to leadership…organizational leadership…multi-company leadership…global leadership. You can go absolutely anywhere, and the supply chain will take you there."
Greensboro, NC, Logistics Center sets DSC safety record
On February 11, 2015, the Greensboro facility reached a milestone of six years without incurring an OSHA recordable injury. This accident-free record has been maintained through much adversity, including the shutdown and movement of the old Greensboro operation into a new facility. Greensboro's current six-year accident-free record is the best in DSC and has set a new overall record.
March 2015
DSC, Ken Heller to participate in IIT Job Fair
DSC will participate in the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) Supply Chain and Manufacturing Job Fair, April 8 at IIT's Main Campus in Chicago. Ken Heller, Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Excellence, will speak on risk management throughout the supply chain and the issues DSC handles regularly.
The job fair, open to current IIT students and alumni, provides opportunities for DSC and other employers in the supply chain and/or manufacturing industries to meet engineering, industrial technology and business majors.
Ann Drake to keynote logistics education event in Columbus, Ohio
CEO Ann Drake will be the keynote presenter at the Columbus Region Logistics Council (CRLC) Education Event, March 24 in Columbus, Ohio. The event will also include a panel of senior women leaders from Allrite Logistics, CSX Intermodal Terminals, Inc., Koncatenate, Industrial Search Partners and Ohio State University.
With the theme, "The State of Women in Logistics- Perspectives on Talent Attraction/ Retention," the focus will be on the questions provoked by a recent study identifying that women comprise nearly half (46.6%) of the total U.S. labor force, yet only 24.8% of the durable goods/ supply chain workforce with an even greater disparity at the Executive level. What are the factors contributing to these statistics? Why haven't more women pursued careers in supply chain, manufacturing and transportation? Could a focus on women be the solution to the Supply Chain labor shortage?
The event will be held at Thirty- One Gifts, 3425 Morse Crossing, Columbus, Ohio on March 24, 2015, 4 pm - 7 pm. For more information and to register, use this link.
DSC team to attend ProMat 2015, Ann Drake to speak
Members of the DSC Strategic Partnerships, Engineering and Operations teams will attend the ProMat 2015 expo for manufacturing and supply chain professionals, March 23-26 at McCormick Place in Chicago, to learn the latest information on manufacturing, distribution and supply chain trends, technologies and innovations.
On Thursday, March 26, CEO Ann Drake will join professionals from Guthy-Renker, Warehousing Education Research Council and University of Portland on a Practitioners track panel, "Retain – Rethinking Material Handling and Logistics Career Paths." From 12:45 - 1:45 p.m., the panel will discuss how, in a time of fierce competition for talent, companies retain people they've invested in to lead them to future supply chain greatness.
DSC Roanoke wins StarKist's 2014 Top Tuna award
The Roanoke Logistics Center has won the first annual StarKist Top Tuna award. The annual Top Tuna award and quarterly Big Tuna awards recognize the Logistics Centers achievements in performance relative to Quality, Inventory Accuracy and Safety in servicing the StarKist account. Roanoke received 2014 Big Tuna awards in Q1, 2 and 3, while Des Plaines won the Big Tuna award in Q4.
"The Roanoke team has delivered for the customer through many obstacles and the challenges of an ever-changing environment," Ken Heller, Senior VP, Supply Chain Excellence, said. "Curtis Chandler's leadership and the support of all Roanoke employees have helped StarKist and DSC have a great 2014 together. By winning this award, they have demonstrated their passion for Putting the Customer First!"
Supply chain leaders share their experiences, provide inspiration
Senior supply chain leaders from DSC Logistics, McDonald's Corporation, PwC, Ulta Beauty, Associated, Briggs Healthcare, Cintas Corporation and Kraft Foods Group urged the audience to "say 'yes' to opportunities that come your way" during their panel discussions at CSCMP Chicago's "Career Lessons from the Top" event in February at Loyola's Water Tower campus.
First panel moderator Nancy Nix, Executive Director of AWESOME (Achieving Women's Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management and Education), opened the event, citing several sources that dimensioned the need for supply chain talent, and the suitability of women to address that need.
Ann Drake, CEO, DSC Logistics, and Founder, AWESOME, described how embracing new experiences and challenges charted a path for professional development and shaped her career journey. Global work experience significantly shaped the career of Francesca DeBiase, VP Worldwide Supply Chain Strategic Sourcing and Sustainability, McDonald's Corporation. She emphasized the importance of knowing what your team members are passionate about and creating meaningful experiences for the team.
Meghan Murray, Principal, PwC, made the point that what seems like a fit at one career stage may change as you progress, so it's important to be open minded and continue to evaluate as you go, bringing your authentic self to the business environment. Rebecca Wlazlo, Director of Supply Chain Integration, ULTA Beauty, shared how a genuine curiosity and interest in learning new things in multiple areas of the business fostered growth and advancement, as it increased her agility and ability to meaningfully contribute to the organization.
The second panel was moderated by Rick Blasgen, CEO & President, Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), who opened the discussion with a review of the career lifecycle and the planning, adaptation and learning that takes place along the way.
Mike Romano, President and CEO, Associated, discussed the importance of empowering others and giving them the autonomy they need to remain inspired and effective. Expanding on the theme of being open to new opportunities and challenges, Brad Mueller, Executive Vice President, Global Sales, Marketing and Operations, Briggs Healthcare, gave examples of how when one door closes another door opens.
Orlando McGee, Vice President Distribution & Logistics, Cintas Corporation, stressed the importance of continuing education. Setbacks will happen too, he said, so it's important to be able to rebuild and be adaptable. A servant leadership model is what Miguel Gonzalez, Director, Procurement, Transportation & Logistics, Kraft Foods Group, believes in. Having taken several international assignments along the way, he described how the global experiences enhanced his ability to communicate and connect with others.
All panelists agreed on the importance of taking a proactive approach when evaluating next career steps, and unanimously affirmed: "No one cares as much about you and your career as you do."
February 2015
DSC's Roanoke, TX, facility meets requirements of new Drug Supply Chain Security Act
DSC's Roanoke, TX, Logistics Center is now in full compliance with the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) requirement for an initial submission and license reporting to the FDA regarding 3PL and wholesale drug distribution.
"DSC was proud to participate in the Pharmaceutical Distribution Security Alliance (PDSA) initiative," said Dave Bode, DSC VP Health Care Solutions. "We are pleased to report we've completed and met the first round of requirements under the new DSCSA law as it pertains to 3PLs and their pharmaceutical customers."
DSC will send representatives to Food Shippers conference March 1-3
DSC leaders will attend the 2015 Transportation and Logistics Conference hosted by Food Shippers of America March 1-3 in San Antonio, TX.
DSC will be represented by Kevin Coleman, VP, Customer Solutions, Gregg Gill, VP, Strategic Partnerships, Dale Carpenter, VP Transportation and David Kelby, Director, Business Development, at the conference for food industry manufacturers, distributors, retailers, receivers and representatives from all aspects of the supply chain. The theme of the 2015 conference is "A Changing Environment Demands Changing Strategies."
With over 50 years of experience as Supply Chain Partner and Lead Logistics Partner to some of the world's leading food, retail and consumer goods companies, DSC has developed expertise in these industry segments, and gained a thorough knowledge of the food and consumer goods supply chains.
To meet with a member of the DSC Logistics team at the conference and learn more about DSC Logistics' services, call or text 847-778-3207 or email email@example.com.
DSC executives will attend GMA/FMI conference Feb. 15-17
DSC's Business Development and Strategic Partnership teams will send representatives to the annual Supply Chain Conference hosted by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and Food Marketing Institute (FMI), February 15-17, in Phoenix, Arizona.
Kevin Coleman, VP, Customer Solutions; Gregg Gill, VP, Strategic Partnerships; Dave Kelby, Director, Business Development; Jennifer Krueger, Director, Business Development; and Daniel Burdick, Director, Business Development will join other solution providers, retailers and manufacturers at the conference.
With over 50 years of experience as Supply Chain Partner and Lead Logistics Partner to some of the world's leading food, retail and consumer goods companies, DSC has developed expertise in these industry segments, and gained a thorough knowledge of the food and consumer goods supply chains.
To schedule a meeting with a member of the DSC team and learn more about DSC Logistics' services, call or text 847-778-3207 or email firstname.lastname@example.com.
DSC's Health Care team will present webinar on medical device supply chain Feb. 17
DSC's Dave Bode, Vice President, Health Care Solutions, and Jeff Willis, Group General Manager, Health Care, will lead an interactive webinar on "Value Creation in the Medical Device Supply Chain: Strategies and Case Studies," February 17, 12 p.m. CST.
In the 60-minute session, Dave and Jeff will cover practical strategies and solutions for keeping medical device supply chains responsive, aligned and optimized for today's changing landscape. Their topics will include inventory visibility and management, planning and integration of mergers and acquisitions, and leveraging supply chain data for cost-to-serve insights. They will use case studies of medical device companies to review supply chain solutions for improved visibility, agility, cost effectiveness and scalability.
The webinar, developed by DSC's Health Care team in partnership with Xtalks, is designed for medical device executives responsible for the Supply Chain, including chief supply chain and chief operations officers, senior vice presidents, vice presidents of supply chain, and directors of distribution, logistics, or network operations.
DSC has more than 20 years experience managing medical device and life science supply chains.
Xtalks, powered by Honeycomb Worldwide Inc., is a leading provider of educational webinars to the global Life Sciences community.
To learn more about the event visit: Value Creation in the Medical Device Supply Chain: Strategies and Case Studies
January 2015
CEO Ann Drake will speak at CSCMP CHICAGO event February 12
CEO Ann Drake will be a panelist when CSCMP CHICAGO presents "Career Lessons from the Top," February 12, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Loyola University's Watertower Campus.
Ann and senior leaders from McDonald's Corporation, PwC and Ulta Beauty will discuss "The Need for Supply Chain Talent - Challenges and Opportunities for Women Leaders." The panel will be moderated by Dr. Nancy Nix, Interim Executive Director, AWESOME (Achieving Women's Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management, and Education), and DSC Advisory Board member.
CSCMP CHICAGO, the Chicago Roundtable of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, is a volunteer organization providing educational, professional development and networking opportunities to supply chain professionals in the Chicago area. At this event, focused on the Career Lifecycle, senior level supply chain executives share their real world experiences and paths to leadership roles.
If you would like to attend this event, click here to register.
VP, Customer Solutions chairs track at CSCMP Annual Conference
Kevin Coleman, DSC's VP, Customer Solutions, will chair the Sourcing and Supplier Management track at the annual conference of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), September 24-27, in San Diego. Kevin will work with track co-chair, Kelly Marie Halloran, Licensed Customs Broker, North America Logistics Group Leader, Amway America's Supply.
To build the track's six sessions, Kevin and Kelly will tap experienced professionals from leading procurement organizations to share how they are partnering and collaborating with suppliers to drive performance and value. Sessions will explore how procurement and supply chain disciplines interact for optimal supply chain performance and value creation. They will focus on applied best practices and innovative approaches for optimizing and integrating sourcing and supplier management across manufacturing, planning and supply chain disciplines, and on how companies are partnering with suppliers in new and better ways to achieve organizational objectives.
CSCMP's Annual Conference is the largest of its kind for end-to-end supply chain management. The event attracts more than 3,000 practitioners, educators and thought leaders from around the world.
DSC CIO speaks at SIM Downtown Breakfast
DSC's new CIO, Kevin Glynn, presented a session that asked "How Would You Lead?" at a breakfast meeting of the Chicago chapter of the Society for Information Management (SIM), Jan 8. Kevin led an interactive case study discussion among the senior IT leaders in attendance.
The case study, based on a situation from a previous CIO position, involved a conscientious high-performing team that was burned out, tired of the "same old." Should they grind it out or make changes, knowing they still had many things to accomplish? Kevin asked the SIM attendees to think about how they would lead in a situation like this when there is not just one right answer. The discussion covered issues such as the needs of the company, the directives from the CEO and technical problems.
As Kevin told the discussion participants, his approach involved leading his team in thinking through the hard technical problem they'd been struggling with, and then assigning approximately one third of the team to concentrate on the new approach to the problem. The second step he took was training people on doing work differently.
DSC's Senior Manager, Solutions, speaks on 3PLs to IIT students
Brian Hecht, Senior Manager, Supply Chain Solutions, was a recent guest speaker at a graduate class in Supply Chain Management at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). Speaking to Professor Kerry Fetchner's Supply Chain Strategy class on 3PLs in Supply Chain, Brian covered 3PL industry trends and capabilities, and how and why manufacturers use 3PLs for their supply chain needs.
December 2014
DSC's Allentown I LC hosts local industry group
DSC Allentown I, PA, Logistics Center hosted members of the CSCMP Lehigh Valley roundtable November 18. Following an overview of DSC and the local operations for customer Kellogg's from Clement Alulis, General Manager of the facility, the 37 visitors participated in a tour led by Alulis, Phillip Stockdale, Logistics Manager III, and Peter Hernandez, Logistics Manager II. The tour included Customer Service, VAS Operations, Core Operations, Technologies and Shipping Receiving.
Alulis is a member of the Board of the local CSCMP Lehigh Valley roundtable. CSCMP (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals) is an organization that provides educational, career development and networking opportunities to members and to the entire supply chain management profession.
DSC employees join in Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program
DSC is again partnering with the Salvation Army in their 2014 Christmas efforts to help local families and children in need during the holidays. As part of the Angel Tree program, the Salvation Army provided angel tags representing the gift wishes of children in the area. In response to the tags from the Angel Tree in the Employee Meeting Center, DSC corporate employees donated gifts and gift cards.
Thanks in part to the support of DSC employees, last year the Salvation Army Des Plaines Corp was able to provide thousands of toys and gifts to local children in need.
Ann Drake receives Women Who Make a Difference Award
DSC's CEO Ann Drake is a recipient of the 2014 Women Who Make a Difference Award given by the International Women's Forum (IWF). The award was presented to Drake and eight other women leaders from across the world at the IWF World Leadership Conference in Atlanta.
The IWF Women Who Make a Difference Award is a global award given to a select number of women who are recognized as exemplary role models for women's progress and development, demonstrate a track record of outstanding achievements, are highly respected in their professional fields and are publicly recognized for contributions to the community.
"Ann is an extraordinary business leader, a thought leader in her industry, a leader in civic and professional organizations, and a dedicated role model, mentor and proponent for women," said Sara Sirotzky, president, IWF Chicago. "IWF Chicago is proud to recognize Ann for her outstanding achievements and we extend congratulations on receiving this well-deserved award. She is truly a woman who has made a difference."
"I am honored to receive this award," said Drake. "By supporting the advancement of women leaders, we can transform businesses, infrastructures, and economies. I'm grateful that my contribution is making a difference, and I'm thankful for all that the IWF does to inspire and cultivate leadership."
November 2014
DSC Senior VP serves on Transportation Summit panel
Ken Heller, Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Excellence, participated as a panelist during the 60th Anniversary Transportation Summit at Northwestern University Transportation Center (NUTC) November 14.
Joining representatives from Kellogg School of Management and other industry leaders, he spoke about how technology, collaboration and demographics are impacting the supply chain. Justin Zubrod, DSC Advisory Board member, helped to coordinate the session.
The NUTC 60th Anniversary Transportation Summit brought together influential chief executives in the transportation industry, as well as leaders in the fields of supply chain and logistics, sustainability, transportation finance, and innovation to address the major challenges and themes currently affecting the transportation industry.
DSC welcomes candidates for management development program
DSC recently hosted candidates for its SCIL management development program at the company's corporate headquarters in Des Plaines, Illinois. Selected candidates from this group of 14 students from supply chain and engineering programs at Miami of Ohio, Ohio State University, Lehigh University, Iowa State University, Michigan State University and the University of Tennessee will be invited to start their SCIL rotation in June 2015.
The students met CEO Ann Drake and other DSC leaders from functional areas including Logistics Center and Transportation Operations, Solutions, Strategic Partnerships and Human Resource in an informal setting and also participated in a series of formal interviews.
Former SCIL participants Sam Sharp, Director, Strategic Partnerships, and Daniel Harms, Group General Manager, spoke to the students about DSC and about the SCIL program and their personal career progressions through the operations and corporate sides of the company.
DSC visits college campuses annually to look for future leaders who begin their careers at DSC in the SCIL program. SCIL is an 18-month cross-functional and comprehensive program that provides training in the core components of DSC's business – Warehouse Management, Customer Service, Transportation Management and Project Management – and an introduction to corporate functions such as Business Process Integration, Supply Chain Solutions, Continual Improvement, Engineering and Lean Methodology.
CEO Ann Drake supports supply chain education in Loyola business school video
CEO Ann Drake is the subject of a video recently produced by the Quinlan School of Business of Loyola University Chicago in support of the school's major initiative on supply chain management. "Supply chain education is important to the advancement of our profession," Drake said. "Participating in this video is one way I can support the development of strong supply chain leaders for the future."
Drake was chosen for the video because of her knowledge of the supply chain profession and her contributions to the field of supply chain management, according to John Caltagirone, Director, Supply and Value Chain Center, Quinlan School of Business, and because he considers her "one of the best women leaders I have ever met."
Shown in the video at DSC's Corporate Office and Meeting Center in Des Plaines, IL, and in downtown Chicago, Drake describes Quinlan as rooted in real values and traditions yet taking a fresh, comprehensive approach to the supply chain. "Partnership, collaboration, teamwork, leadership – that's what it's all about," she said.
October 2014
DSC's Senior Director of Engineering will speak at Supply Chain Summit
DSC's Jim Chamberlain, Senior Director, Industrial Engineering and Continual Improvement, will speak at the Third Annual Chicago Supply Chain Summit at The Supply and Value Chain Center at Loyola University Chicago's Quinlan School of Business, October 30.
Chamberlain will participate in the panel, "Distribution's Changing Role in the Supply Chain," moderated by Robert Trebilcock, Editor, Supply Chain Review. He and fellow panelists from Medline, BRG Sports, Wirtz Beverage Illinois and United Stationers will discuss the role distribution is playing in their organizations and how they are adapting their networks, processes and solutions to this vital role.
The event is supported by the Chicago Round Table of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP).
DSC hosts Collaborative Transportation Conference for key customers
DSC Logistics' Transportation Management team and key DSC customers met to learn from one another and brainstorm ideas for improving Collaborative Transportation at a conference held at DSC's Corporate Meeting Center in September.
DSC's goal is to work with customers to improve supply chain effectiveness, and collaborative transportation will allow DSC to create success for customers by mitigating cost pressures, improving customer service and lowering customer inventory costs. In collaborative shipping, multiple shippers proactively collaborate to share transportation capacity from the same source location to one or more locations.
Conference attendees gained insight from each other's experiences, and they discussed the challenges for manufacturers, warehouses, transportation providers, retailers and buyers and what needs to be done to overcome these hurdles, both short- and long-term solutions. The working session at the end of the day gave them the opportunity to develop ideas for how to work cross-company to tackle challenges, identify opportunities and make progress for collaborative transportation.
DSC plans to build on the momentum created by this productive conference and continue to create opportunities for collaboration through partner and carrier summits, investing in technology and infrastructure and refining current collaborative transportation offerings.
For more information on DSC's collaborative transportation, contact Gregg Gill at 847.635.4559 email@example.com.
CEO Ann Drake participates in WTS Policy Symposium on transportation
CEO Ann Drake attended the 2014 WTS Policy Symposium in Washington D.C. on October 1. The Policy Symposium is a flagship event of WTS International, the association whose mission is to build the future of transportation through the global advancement of women.
"An Agenda for Moving Award" was the theme of the event at which leading industry experts presented their latest thoughts and findings on the future of transportation. Sessions featured discussions of the key recommendations from USDOT's National Freight Advisory Committee and the implications for their various industries, how to bring about acceptance of the use of technology in the autonomous vehicles of "intelligent transportation systems" (ITS), and how to advance and pay for the next generation of air traffic control by satellite systems instead of location-specific ground-based radar. In the symposium's final session, former U.S. Secretaries of Transportation discussed the federal role in transportation in the post-interstate era.
Founded in 1977, WTS International is working to solve the global transportation workforce crisis by attracting, retaining and advancing women in the industry. With a membership of more than 5000 men and women, WTS promotes lifelong careers in transportation for women through its professional activities, networking opportunities, and access to industry and government leaders.
CEO and VP, Customer Solutions present sessions at CSCMP conference
DSC's CEO Ann Drake and Vice President, Customer Solutions, Kevin Coleman, presented sessions at the annual global conference of CSCMP (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals) in September in San Antonio.
Drake participated in the session, "Leveraging Networks to Achieve Women's Excellence in Supply Chain." She and other supply chain leaders explored the future of women's leadership and how women are changing companies, customer relationships and supply chain performance for the better. The panelists shared tips on gaining the most out of career experiences and leveraging association networks for career advancement. They also offered insights into the changing nature of supply chain leadership and specific challenges that women face in the supply chain industry. Drake was joined on the panel by Bola Delano, Deputy Director, Illinois Department of Transportation; Gemma Fillmore, Director, Global Logistics, Urban Outfitters, Inc.; Ellen Voie, President and CEO, Women in Trucking Association. Nancy Nix, Principal, Nix & Associates, and Interim Director, AWESOME, served as the moderator.
This session was part of the Diversity track, developed through a collaboration of CSCMP and AWESOME (Achieving Women's Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management, and Education), coordinated by DSC's Jennifer Nix, Senior Director, Marketing Communications. Other topics featured in the track were global career experiences, creative approaches to a flexible workplace, lessons from leading supply chain women, diversity programs that enhance competitiveness, and practical methods for leading balanced teams. The AWESOME initiative was launched by Drake in 2013.
Coleman presented the session, "Collaborative Logistics—The next Frontier Enabling a Step-Function Change in "Cost to Serve," along with Chris Lahti, Senior Director, Logistics Operations, Kraft Foods, and Marty Steinmetz, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, US Cold Storage. They discussed how Kraft Foods is establishing a national collaborative shipping network for dry and refrigerated products with partners DSC Logistics and US Cold Storage. Their presentation showed how retailers and small- to medium-size shippers benefit from increased delivery frequency, reduced order size and lower supply chain costs.
DSC presents 2014 Thinkers & Movers Awards
DSC Logistics has announced the 2014 recipients of the Thinkers & Movers Award. They are Rick Sather, Vice President, Customer Supply Chain, North America Consumer Products, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, and The J.M. Smucker Supply Chain Team of Denny Armstrong, Senior Vice President Supply Chain Logistics & Operations Support; Rob Fox, Vice President, Customer Logistics & Trade Compliance; Jody Starcher, Director, Corporate Warehousing & Customer Initiatives; and, Phil Trendell, Manager, Warehouse Operations & Process.
The awards were presented at a special reception on Monday, September 23, in conjunction with CSCMP's annual global conference in San Antonio, Texas.
As one of the nation's leading supply chain management companies, DSC Logistics developed the Thinkers & Movers Award in 2009 to recognize outstanding thought-leaders and practice-leaders in the supply chain field. The award has been presented to practitioners, educators and authors.
When presenting the individual award, Drake said, "Rick Sather has tirelessly shared his Lean knowledge and his experience. As the co-author of a book that's quoted throughout our industry, Lean RFS (Repetitive Flexible Supply}: Putting the Pieces Together, he's helped others to understand and implement lean. As a practitioner, he's been the champion of lean at Kimberly Clark and achieved amazing results. He's also furthered the thinking about employee engagement and serves as a model and inspiration to so many in our field."
In presenting the first ever Thinkers & Movers Team Award to Denny Armstrong, Rob Fox, Jody Starcher and Phil Trendell, Drake said, "The J.M. Smucker supply chain team has been ahead of the curve and taken the idea of 'supply chain partnership' to a deeper, stronger, more effective level. They actually put into action the ideals of seamless collaboration, open communication, shared goals and trust. It's one thing to talk about that kind of partnership – it's another to live it, day in and day out. And this team does! The team of Denny, Rob, Jody, and Phil has been outstanding!"
Previous recipients of the Thinkers & Movers Award include:
2013 – Rick Blasgen, President and CEO of CSCMP (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, and Debbie Lentz, Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer for Toys R Us; formerly Senior Vice President, Customer Service & Logistics for Kraft Foods Group.
2012 - Stephan Haeckel, business consultant and executive educator/coach who pioneered the sense-and-respond managerial principles of adaptive enterprise design, and David Simchi-Levi, Professor of Engineering Systems at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, author, entrepreneur, and consultant in the field of operations strategy.
2011 – Dr. Donald Bowersox (in memorium), longtime Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Michigan State University and well-known author, speaker, and industry leader; Ed Bowersox, former Senior Global Director – Logistics & Supply Chain for Kimberly-Clark Professional; and John Bowersox, Director, Operations at Ann Sacks Tile & Stone; formerly Manager - PA Distribution, 3PL Relationships for Kohler Co.
2010 - Daan Delen, President and CEO of Reynolds American, Inc, a visionary CEO recognized for encouraging a higher level of collaboration among partners, and Nicholas LaHowchic, described as the "thinking man's supply chain executive," author, and former President of both Limited Logistics Services (for Limited Brands) and Becton Dickinson Supply Chain Services.
2009 - Ralph Drayer, former Chief Logistics officer of Procter & Gamble, and Dr. Nancy Nix, Interim Executive Director, AWESOME; formerly Executive Director of the EMBA program and Associate Professor, supply chain practice in the Neeley School of Business at Texas Christian University.
September 2014
Smucker Director discusses company culture and leadership with DSC
Company culture, leadership and a strong partnership were the subjects covered by Jody Starcher, Director of Corporate Warehousing and Customer Initiatives for The J.M. Smucker Company, when she spoke to DSC's Logistics Summit on September 18. Her presentation continues DSC's initiative around further strengthening strategic partnerships through involving key customer partners in the quarterly meetings.
In her remarks on company culture, Starcher discussed The J.M. Smucker Company's higher purpose of bringing families together and the emphasis on a commitment to each other. Addressing the Smucker-DSC partnership, Starcher emphasized the commonality in the cultures of the two companies and the trust and transparency in the relationship.
The J.M. Smucker Company and DSC Logistics have been forging a strong partnership since 2004.
DSC to attend CSCMP global conference, present Thinkers and Movers Award
Members of DSC's management team will attend the Annual Global Conference of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) in San Antonio, September 21-24. They will join other supply chain practitioners, academics and service providers at the 2014 event, "Cornerstones & Connections."
The conference program includes a six-session Diversity and Inclusion track, a collaboration between CSCMP and AWESOME (Achieving Women's Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management, and Education), the women's leadership initiative launched by DSC CEO Ann Drake after she was the first woman to receive CSCMP's highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, in 2012. Key topics featured in this track will be global career experiences, creative approaches to a flexible workplace, professional networks and how they can be leveraged, lessons from leading supply chain women, diversity programs that enhance competitiveness, and practical methods for leading balanced teams. DSC's Jennifer Nix, Senior Director, Marketing Communications, coordinated the collaboration between AWESOME and CSCMP.
During the conference, DSC will present the 2014 Thinkers and Movers award for innovative leadership resulting in ground-breaking supply chain understanding and practices to Rick Sather, Vice President, Customer Supply Chain, North America Consumer Products, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, and The J.M. Smucker Supply Chain Team of Denny Armstrong, Senior Vice President Supply Chain Logistics & Operations Support; Rob Fox, Vice President, Customer Logistics & Trade Compliance;
Jody Starcher, Director, Corporate Warehousing & Customer Initiatives; and,
Phil Trendell, Manager, Warehouse Operations & Process. The awards will be presented at a reception hosted by DSC on Monday, September 23.
To meet with a member of the DSC Logistics team at the conference and learn more about DSC's services, call 847-778-3207 or email firstname.lastname@example.com.
Ann Drake to attend C200 Annual Conference
DSC Logistics CEO Ann Drake will attend "Innovation360," the annual conference of The Committee of 200 (C200), in San Francisco September 18-21. C200, a membership organization of more than 400 of the world's most successful women entrepreneurs and corporate innovators, has as its primary mission to foster, celebrate and advance women's leadership in business.
The 2014 conference features "executives and entrepreneurs who have innovation in their DNA" as panelists and keynote speakers. The speakers include Meg Whitman, President & CEO, Hewlett-Packard Company, on "Technology and Innovation" and Megan Smith, Entrepreneur, Vice President at Google[x], on "Network Effects, Heroic Engineering, and Debugging Inclusion."
DSC Logistics is sponsoring the panel, "CEO Storytelling in a Digital Age," covering the power of storytelling in decision making and how to build global brands across cultures. The moderator for this panel is Jennifer Aaker, General Atlantic Professor, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and panelists include Ellen Levy, Managing Director, Silicon Valley Connect, and Chloe Stadden, Head of North America Media, Twitter.
Joanna Drake Earl, Advisory Board Member, DSC Logistics, and Angel, Broadway Angels, is a member of the Conference Committee.
August 2014
DSC named in lists of top logistics providers
DSC Logistics has again been named a top logistics provider by three industry publications. Inbound Logistics named DSC a "2014 Top 100 3PL Provider," identifying DSC as a company offering the diverse operational capabilities and experience to meet customers' unique supply chain and logistics needs.
SupplyChainBrain selected DSC as a "2014 Great Supply Chain Partner," based on nominations from supply chain professionals for service providers whose solutions have made a significant impact on efficiency, customer service and overall supply chain performance.
Food Logistics named DSC to its list of "2014 Top 100 3PL and Cold Storage Providers," a resource directory of providers whose products and services are critical for companies in the global food and beverage supply chain.
DSC has been named to these lists of top logistics providers since the lists were established.
Director, Supply Chain Solutions, attends Global Sustainability Summit
DSC's Laura Adams, Director, Supply Chain Solutions, attended the Global Sustainability Summit, hosted by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI)/Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) Trading Partner Alliance to bring together leading retailers, manufacturers, government and advocacy groups to learn together, network and seek common solutions to challenges at home and around the world.
The Summit, held August 13-15 in Boston, was designed to help companies incorporate sustainability into every aspect of their business model. Sessions addressed important issues in the industry, including incorporating sustainable solutions from the ground up, reducing waste in the supply chain, and creating new and innovative incentives for consumers.
Adams is a member of DSC's Sustainability Steering Committee and the Green Team, a group including operators from all of DSC's Logistics Centers. Since 2009, DSC has been certified as both a logistics provider and a carrier partner in the SmartWay Transport Partnership and received multiple green supply chain awards:
Supply & Demand Chain Executive Green Supply Chain, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Food Logistics Top Green Provider, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
Inbound Logistics Green Supply Chain Partner, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
EPA's Energy Star: DSC's Roanoke, TX, LC
Ann Drake named one of TCW's 2014 100 Women of Inspiration
DSC CEO Ann Drake has been named one of 100 Women of Inspiration by TCW (Today's Chicago Woman) magazine. TCW's list recognizes "intelligent, powerful, hardworking women who've done incredible work in their personal and/or professional lives." The Chicago-area women are from a variety of professions, including arts, education, finance, government, healthcare, philanthropy and more.
In recognizing her, TCW noted that "Ann Drake heads a supply chain management company that, under her guidance, has become a leader in transforming logistics and supply chain management into a critical business strategy. Ms. Drake started the AWESOME (Achieving Women's Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management and Education) initiative in 2013, and she recently launched a new website for the network."
DSC's Director leads collaboration on CSCMP conference track
DSC's Jennifer Nix has coordinated the collaboration between AWESOME (Achieving Women's Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management, and Education) and CSCMP (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals) to plan a six-session Diversity and Inclusion Track for CSCMP's 2014 global conference in San Antonio, September 21-24. Nix is Director, Strategic Partnerships, and a member of the Women's Leadership Council at DSC, and she is also President of the CSCMP Chicago Roundtable.
Nix has worked with CSCMP leaders and AWESOME Advisors to select high priority topics for the Diversity and Inclusion Track and to develop the line-up of diverse, highly-qualified presenters, moderators and panelists to bring together different perspectives.
Key topics featured in the six sessions are global career experiences, creative approaches to a flexible workplace, professional networks and how they can be leveraged, lessons from leading supply chain women, diversity programs that enhance competitiveness, and practical methods for leading balanced teams.
Details on the conference and registration information can be found at: http://cscmp.org/annual-conferences/annual-global
Information on AWESOME can be found at: awesomeleaders.org
July 2014
Ann Drake meets with other transportation experts at Clinton Presidential Center
CEO Ann Drake participated in a national meeting on transportation at the Clinton Presidential Center and Park in Little Rock, Arkansas, June 26-28. At the meeting of national transportation executives, government officials, policymakers, philanthropists, scholars and researchers, Drake was a member of the panel in the opening general session, "The Making of a Report: The Changing Face of Transportation 2025 and Beyond," representing U.S. competitiveness.
Other panelists were Jenn Aument, Group Leader, Transurban North America; J. Christian Gerdes, Director, Center for Automotive Research at Stanford, Stanford University; Jeff Leddy, CEO, Verizon, Telematics; Mike Roeth, President, North American Council on Freight Efficiency, Fuel Efficient Trucks; and, Gregory Winfree, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Research & Technology, Department of Transportation.
The breakout sessions following the panel included discussions of Visions Past and Future; Growth, Deregulation, and Intermodalism; Safety; Globalization; People, Energy and the Environment; Technology; and, National Security.
DSC holds sixth annual Partners Summit
DSC's sixth annual Partners Summit was held July 16-17 in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The theme of the 2014 Summit was "Visibility, Analytics and Business Intelligence: Enhancing Collaboration through the Management of Information in the Supply Chain."
DSC's top management and supply chain leaders from some of DSC's key customers heard from Kevin Pogany, DSC's Director of Business Intelligence and B2B, on "Performance Management and Real-Time Visibility at DSC" and explored how the use of technology and analytics is enhancing supply chain management and execution. Company representatives presented brief overviews of their networks and discussed how they manage information in their supply chains to enhance collaboration.
Believing that collaborating on supply chain topics and challenges is a winning situation for everyone involved, DSC established the Partners Summit Series in 2009 as a forum for participants to network with peers, gain new perspectives and exchange ideas.
CEO Ann Drake participates in 2014 CGI America
CEO Ann Drake took part in 2014 Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) America in Denver, Colorado, June 23-25. Drake was a panelist in the breakout session on the topic, "Girls and Women: What's Working in America," and she participated in the Working Group on "Infrastructure for Cities and States."
The panel on "Girls and Women: What's Working in America" explored areas in which women have traditionally faced challenges to participation in the labor force. Drake and the other panelists discussed common barriers preventing full and equal participation for girls and women, shared successful existing programs that are enhancing equality and opportunity, and brainstormed approaches that can lead to success for other existing programs, as well as ideas that inspire new ones.
The panelists made the point that expecting women to act more like men is a no-win situation. "One of the things we need to do is change the societal paradigm about women and what they can do," Drake said. She went on to say that while men and women often enter the workforce with different sets of experiences, "combining the two is really what's powerful." And, she believes that one of the bad things many men learn growing up is a win-lose philosophy. "They don't learn win-win," she said.
Joining Drake on the panel were Grace Covington Fricks, Founder and CEO, Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs Inc.; Andrea Luecke, President and Executive Director, The Solar Foundation; and Joanne Rodriguez, Director, Sustainable and Strategic Initiatives, Tremco, Inc. The session was moderated by Laura D. Tyson, Professor, Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley, and Chelsea Clinton, Vice Chair, Clinton Foundation, gave the opening remarks for this session demonstrating CGI's ongoing commitment to empowering girls and women worldwide.
In the "Infrastructure for Cities and States" Working Group, senior city and state officials and private sector leaders from finance, infrastructure development, and organized labor addressed the development of cross-sector partnerships and solutions to the barriers impeding modernization of U.S. infrastructure. Drake's role was to facilitate a group discussion, guiding participants to stay action-oriented, and report out key highlights/next steps.
This was the fourth meeting of CGI America, an annual event hosted by President Bill Clinton, Secretary Hillary Clinton and Chelsea Clinton, focused on finding solutions that promote economic recovery in the United States. The Clinton Global Initiative, an initiative of the Clinton Foundation, was established in 2005 by President Clinton to bring together global leaders to create and implement innovative solutions to the world's most pressing challenges.
Two leading companies receive AWESOME Award
AWESOME, the leadership initiative launched in early 2013 to advance women supply leaders, has selected two businesses to receive the 2014 Company Leadership Award. Johnson & Johnson and Danaher Corporation were chosen for creating an environment where leaders, regardless of gender, can succeed and advance.
"No leader can realize his or her full potential in a vacuum. A leader is part of a team, a culture, and a value system," said Ann Drake, founder of AWESOME (Achieving Women's Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management and Education) and CEO of DSC Logistics. "These companies realize that leaders' competency and performance ultimately affect business success, as evidenced by the outstanding women who have advanced in their organizations."
The Company Leadership Award was announced at the Second Annual AWESOME Symposium in May, where two executives, one each from J&J and Danaher, received the 2014 AWESOME Legendary Leadership Award – the "ALL" Award – for their professional accomplishments. They are Kathryn Wengel, Vice President, J&J Supply Chain, and Heather Sheehan, Danaher's Vice President, Indirect Sourcing and Logistics.
June 2014
DSC recognized as green supply chain and logistics partner
DSC Logistics has been named a Green Supply Chain Partner for 2014 by Inbound Logistics and a 2014 Top Green Provider by Food Logistics.
In a special "Lean and Green" June issue of Inbound Logistics, DSC is profiled in the G75 special section as one of the 75 leading companies to turn to when seeking green supply chain management and logistics partners. Editors determined that DSC is truly "walking the walk" when it comes to commitment to supply chain sustainability.
Food Logistics' Top Green Providers list focuses on sustainability in the global food supply chain, profiling companies who are exceeding industry standards in their sector in the June issue. The 2014 list includes food producers and manufacturers, 3PLs and transportation and logistics providers, equipment manufacturers, and others whose products and services are driving sustainability from farm to fork.
DSC has been named a Green Supply Chain Partner each year since 2010 and a Top Green Provider since 2011.
K-C Supply Chain VP joins DSC's discussion on creating a lean culture
"Building a Problem Solving Culture" was the focus when Rick Sather, Kimberly Clark's Vice President, Customer Supply Chain for North America, spoke to DSC's Logistics Summit about driving a lean culture at Kimberly-Clark. Sather's presentation at the quarterly meeting, June 18, was part of the session on DSC's lean journey.
Sather, co-author of Lean RFS (Repetitive Flexible Supply): Putting the Pieces Together, shared his thinking that, in an effective work environment, problems should be made visible. Calling problems opportunities, he described good leaders as teachers and "celebrators of problems" who ask employees questions like "what do you think?" He contended that servant leadership is more effective in a lean environment than a command-and-control approach. He emphasized the importance of people and process, strategy deployment, and work standards.
Prior to Sather's remarks, Jim Chamberlain, DSC's Senior Director, Industrial Engineering and Continual Improvement, and Chris Germain, Manager, Continual Improvement, reviewed the goals of DSC's lean initiative, APEX2.0. These goals include creating a lean culture, sustaining continual improvement, establishing a problem solving culture and enhancing our customer relationships. DSC's Lean Logistics Center (LLC) approach is built on the foundation of a lean management system and teaching people how to solve problems. It involves full facility lean immersion.
Kimberly-Clark and DSC have enjoyed a longstanding partnership for more than two decades across Kimberly-Clark's Consumer, Professional and Health Care divisions. Using lean methodology to collaboratively drive improvement across Kimberly-Clark's supply chain will further enable the two companies to jointly drive strategic goals and innovation.
DSC's Director of Business Intelligence participates in CAMPIT panel
Kevin Pogany, DSC's Director, Business Intelligence and B2B Services, was a panelist at the recent CampIT conference on "Business Intelligence / Analytics / Big Data Strategies" in Rosemont, IL. Pogany's panel discussed "How to Partner with the Business to Best Leverage Business Intelligence for Operational Benefit" and Pogany shared some of the efforts DSC is undertaking to bring real time business intelligence and performance metrics to the warehouse floor.
Pogany was joined on the panel by Bill Denham, Master Strategic Initiatives Consultant, Hitachi Data Systems; Bridget Quinlan, Director, Business Intelligence, Brunswick Corporation; Dorina Dugaesescu, Director, Business Intelligence and Applications Development, American Hotel Register; and, Sunder Pappu, Vice President, Technology, Inland Real Estate Group of Companies.
CAMPIT Conferences are designed to help IT professionals understand new technologies and make critical, strategic and tactical decisions for their enterprises.
DSC's Elwood LC hosts IFWLA warehouse tour
DSC's Elwood, IL, Logistics Center hosted a tour of the facility as part of the 2014 IFWLA (International Federation of Warehousing & Logistics Associations) Annual Convention held in Chicago in May. John Butler, GM; Nick Thompson LMII; Scott Morgan, VP, Strategic Partnerships; and the Elwood management team welcomed visitors from Asia and Europe, giving them an overview of DSC and showing them DSC's operational diversity.
The visitors' questions addressed topics such as employee morale, work schedules, the union free environment, continual improvement, real estate and transportation. They offered many positive comments about DSC's culture and the variety of activities performed at the Elwood facility.
IFWLA hosts a warehousing logistics industry convention in a different region of the world each year. This event provides participants with unique opportunities to explore different business models, experience cultural venues and develop business connections. IWLA (International Warehouse Logistics Association), headquartered in Des Plaines, IL, is the U.S. member of the Federation.
Director of Safety presents key factors of DSC's safety program at F4SS workshop
Joe Smiesko, Director, Safety, Security and Compliance, delivered a presentation on DSC's safety program at the F4SS Continuous Improvement Network Workshop hosted by Kellogg's in Atlanta, GA, April 23. The workshop showcased best practices, tools and processes that have enabled Kellogg to improve safety. Following Smiesko's presentation, Earnest Arnold, GM, and DSC's Atlanta Logistics Center team led a tour of the Kellogg's facility operated by DSC.
In his presentation, Smiesko detailed DSC's processes for training, employee engagement and accountability, and communication. He attributed the success of DSC's safety program to the belief held by everyone in the organization that a safe work environment is the best environment for morale, employee retention, culture and efficiencies. DSC's safety performance during the first quarter 2014 is one of the best in the past 10 years, with a TIR of 1.15.
F4SS (Foundation for Strategic Sourcing) is a non-profit organization of CPG supply chain executives. The Continuous Improvement Network workshops provide a forum for benchmarking, technical and non-technical training, and leadership development, utilizing Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing as a platform.
May 2014
Ann Drake participates in panel at NAFTANEXT Summit in Chicago
CEO Ann Drake participated in a panel presentation on "The Future of North American Logistics" at the NAFTANEXT Summit, "Energizing Sustainable Trade Corridors Across North America: The Intersection of Energy, Environment, Jobs, & Growth," in Chicago, April 22-25. She joined panelists Gene Seroka, President, APL Americas and David Stevenson, Director of Global Logistics Building Efficiency, Johnson Controls, in the discussion moderated by Barry Horowitz, Consultant, Port of Portland.
The Summit's agenda covered the overlapping issues of reducing environmental impacts and improving energy sustainability while growing good jobs and increasing private sector profitability to support the economies of Mexico, Canada and the U.S. The event served as a networking opportunity for public and private sector leaders from all over North America to collaborate, share ideas, best practices and innovative solutions, and build relationships. The Coalition for America's Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC) served as NAFTANEXT's convening organization.
Legendary Leadership Award honors first two recipients
Two women supply chain leaders received the AWESOME Legendary Leadership (ALL) Award for their outstanding achievements at the "Accelerate AWESOME" Symposium on May 15 in Park Ridge, Illinois. They are Heather Sheehan, Vice President, Indirect Sourcing and Logistics, Danaher Corporation, and Kathryn Wengel, Vice President, Johnson & Johnson Supply Chain.
The Award was presented for the first time to recognize women who have achieved extraordinary professional excellence and success, addressed challenges impacting opportunities for women in the supply chain field, and advanced the changing landscape of women's supply chain leadership.
These accomplishments are key priorities for the leadership initiative, AWESOME (Achieving Women's Excellence in Supply Operations, Management and Education), launched in early 2013 by Ann Drake, CEO of DSC Logistics.
"These outstanding women have advanced to supply chain leadership roles that were once virtually 'out of reach' for females," said Drake. "And by 'once,' I don't mean long ago. The leadership strengths of women have gone untapped in the supply chain field for many decades, and that situation is just beginning to change. These women were far ahead of that wave."
As Danaher's co-Chief Procurement Officer, Heather Sheehan has worldwide responsibility for non-production and logistics sourcing, strategy, and implementation across the corporation's 40-plus operating companies with operations in 125 countries. She currently also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), the industry's leading professional organization. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Science degree from Carnegie Mellon University.
In her role as Vice President of Supply Chain, Kathryn Wengel is responsible for the entire supply chain across all of Johnson & Johnson's businesses worldwide, and a member of the Johnson & Johnson Management Committee. She has been with Johnson & Johnson for 25 years, serving in diverse quality, operations, technical and business leadership roles in Europe, Asia and elsewhere. She has a BSE in Civil Engineering and Operations Research from Princeton University.
The "ALL" awards were presented on May 15 at the conclusion of the second annual AWESOME Symposium, a day of panel discussions and networking designed for senior level supply chain women. More information is available at http://www.awesomeleaders.org.
Second Annual AWESOME Symposium set for May 15
AWESOME, the initiative launched in early 2013 to advance women supply chain leaders, will hold its second annual Symposium, "Accelerate AWESOME," on Thursday, May 15, in Park Ridge, Illinois. Women in senior level supply chain roles will participate in a day of networking, collaboration and learning.
Four panels of experts with different perspectives will talk about issues related to women's leadership. The two morning panels include "Leadership Unleashed," with strategic supply chain leaders talking about how women are impacting company cultures and customer relationships and "Insights Uncensored," a conversation with male supply chain leaders about the challenges women still face. In the afternoon, the program includes "Powering Up the Pipeline," focusing on companies that have successful women's leadership development programs, and "Building Leadership Careers Across Boundaries," a panel of leading women from other industries discussing what steps they took to succeed.
At the conclusion of the Symposium, two women supply chain leaders will receive the AWESOME Legendary Leadership (ALL) Award for their outstanding achievements. They are Heather Sheehan, Vice President, Indirect Sourcing and Logistics, Danaher Corporation, and Kathryn Wengel, Vice President, Johnson & Johnson Supply Chain.
AWESOME (Achieving Women's Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management and Education) was launched by Ann Drake, CEO of DSC Logistics, after she became the first woman to receive the Distinguished Service Award from CSCMP (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals) in October, 2012.
Ann Drake participates in Clinton Global Initiative forum on U.S. infrastructure
DSC CEO Ann Drake participated in the recent forum on advancing infrastructure projects in the U.S. presented by the Clinton Global Initiative and co-hosted by the West Coast Infrastructure Exchange. "21st Century Infrastructure and Innovation for a Resilient Economy" was the topic addressed by President Bill Clinton, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and other political and business leaders at the Los Angeles City Hall on April 3.
Clinton called the U.S.'s aging infrastructure an important untapped economic opportunity and acknowledged the frustrations and challenges in getting new financing. "The financing mechanisms of America and most of the rest of the world are organized toward protecting yesterday instead of creating tomorrow," he said.
Drake's discussion group covered the topic, "Funds, Trusts, and Best Practices: Innovations in Infrastructure Financing." The group addressed the issue of how the public and private sectors can design vehicles that allow for the investment in infrastructure. They looked at existing models as illustrative case studies and discussed key lessons and strategies for replicating successes in other regions.
Other discussion topics included "Next Steps on Pension Investment in U.S, Infrastructure" and "Investment in Climate-Smart Infrastructure." In a workshop session, "An Experts Eye: Investable Infrastructure Assessment Workshop," cities and states received feedback on public infrastructure projects in development.
Involved in Chicago-area organizations concerned with improving infrastructure, including efforts around financing municipal infrastructure with private investment, Drake is Vice Chair of Chicago's Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC), and a member of the Board of the Supply Chain Innovative Network of Chicago (SINC), a council launched by Mayor Emanuel's World Business Chicago Economic Growth Plan.
April 2014
New website highlights women's supply chain leadership
A new digital presence has recently been created by AWESOME (Achieving Women's Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management), the industry-wide supply chain leadership initiative started in early 2013. The launch of www.awesomeleaders.org is timed to coincide with the second Annual AWESOME Symposium on May 15, 2014, in Chicago.
According to Ann Drake, CEO of DSC Logistics and founder of AWESOME, "Because our purpose is advancing women supply chain leaders, www.awesomeleaders.org serves as a hub for insights, information, and inspiration among senior level women in supply chain roles. This expands the ability of our network to reach leaders in all dimensions of the supply chain and in all parts of the world."
"Collective Wisdom," a listening-based record of up-to-date thinking by supply chain executives participating in AWESOME events, is a feature of www.awesomeleaders.org as are Words of Wisdom, quotes from leaders throughout the network. Leading women in the field are profiled in 'Spotlight On," a feature with a Q&A format.
"When we launched AWESOME we found a surprising number of women holding high level positions in our field, but there was no network, no way to build connections, address mutual interests and leverage those relationships," Drake said. "The network has doubled in size in its first year – and www.awesomeleaders.org is helping to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of these leaders."
The AWESOME Symposium on May 15 invites senior women to "Accelerate AWESOME." Panel discussions and up-close conversations will focus on leadership challenges and opportunities. The event will also mark the presentation of the first AWESOME Legendary Leadership (ALL) Award to two women who have achieved extraordinary professional excellence and success, addressed challenges impacting opportunities for women in our field, and advanced the changing landscape of women's supply chain leadership. Information about the Symposium appears on www.awesomeleaders.org.
Members of DSC's Business Development team head to Chicago for WERC Conference, April 27-30
DSC's Business Development team members will attend the Conference for Logistics Professionals sponsored by WERC (Warehousing and Research Council) at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago, April 27-30.
David Kelby, Director, Business Development, and Jennifer Krueger, Director, Business Development, logistics professionals with over 25 years of experience in the industry between them, will attend sessions on topics important to DSC and the rest of the logistics industry – collaborative shipping, lean warehouse management, network optimization strategies and much more.
To connect with David or Jennifer at the WERC conference, please call 847-778-3207 or 847-393-5862, or email firstname.lastname@example.com.
DSC's Health Care Solutions team to attend LogiMed conference
Dave Bode, VP, Health Care Solutions, and Matt Brzica, Director, Health Care Solutions, will represent DSC at the first U.S. LogiMed conference for medical device and diagnostics supply chain executives April 28-30 in San Diego, CA.
As a provider of supply chain management services to the medical device industry for over 20 years, DSC looks forward to networking with medical device supply chain executives about their strategies for growth, network optimization, innovation benchmarking, supply chain segmentation, and upcoming regulatory requirements.
To connect with Dave or Matt at the conference, please call 217-256-4718, or 612-770-5873.
AWESOME publishes second volume of "Reality Check"
Conversations with senior women supply chain leaders inspire the second report issued by AWESOME (Achieving Women's Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management, and Education), an initiative launched in 2013 by CEO Ann Drake.
The report, Reality Check, Volume Two: What we Learned in Denver, captures key highlights from presentations and discussions at the AWESOME Executive Forum, held in conjunction with the annual global conference of CSCMP (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals), in October 2013 in Denver.
The conversations in Denver both confirmed and expanded the thinking related to women's supply chain leadership recorded in AWESOME's first report, Reality Check: What We Now Know.
Emphasizing collaboration as essential for successful supply chain management, Forum participants cited women's desire and ability to eliminate barriers and silos, to work cooperatively with colleagues and to see both the big picture and the small details as qualities women bring to leadership. Another key observation is that one of the main obstacles hindering women from achieving their full potential as supply chain leaders is that the industry was structured by men for men. Up to the present, women have generally not had the advantages men have had in terms of networking, role models, mentoring and general openness to women as leaders.
What We Learned in Denver contains more enlightening observations and insights from supply chain leaders. You can download a copy at www.awesomeleaders.org.
Ann Drake to speak on Advancing Women Supply Chain Leaders at Women in Transportation Summit
DSC CEO Ann Drake will speak at the Women in Transportation Summit, Wednesday, April 9, in Denver on lessons learned along her path to achieving her goals in the transportation and supply chain industry and the initiative for Advancing Women Supply Chain Leaders she launched in 2013 – AWESOME (Achieving Women's Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management, and Education).
Drake launched the AWESOME initiative because she saw a pent-up conviction that women have more to offer the supply chain than was being tapped into and believed it was time to take action. "When I first entered the field of logistics and supply chain management, it was all men," she said. "After nearly 30 years, the industry has made some progress – from 'all men' to 'almost all men.' Now the number of women in the ranks is growing (slowly) but the percentage of women who rise to the top of supply chain leadership is still quite low. As a result, the potential impact of bright, educated, skilled, and committed women on the industry is not as great as it could be."
The conference – "Women in Transportation: Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement" – hosted by the University of Denver's National Center for Intermodal Transportation, is designed to showcase the best practices used by industry-leading companies and organizations to recruit, retain and promote women in the transportation industry, and the program will feature highly successful women executives. Sherri LeBas, Louisiana Secretary of Transportation, and Marcia Ferranto, CEO of the Women's Transportation Seminar, will be the summit's keynote speakers.
March 2014
VP Kevin Coleman discusses Kraft Supplier Integration process, DSC's role as trusted advisor
"Bridging the Gap: Connecting Shipping, Receiving and Logistics Partners" was the theme of Food Shippers of America's annual conference in February. And when Kevin Coleman, DSC Logistics' Vice President of Customer Solutions, and representatives from Kraft Foods and partnering companies, PECO Pallet and C.R. England, presented their session on Kraft's Supplier Integration process, they spoke about the essential bridges across the supply chain.
Kraft's vision of Supplier Integration means that they and their supplier resources work seamlessly and collaboratively to deliver innovation and drive efficiencies across the supply chain via strong integration and residency within Kraft. Through an extensive Category Caption selection process, Kraft has identified trusted suppliers, established transparency and formed long term agreements.
Representing DSC, Category Captain in domestic dry distribution, Coleman spoke to this new way of procuring business as he talked about important changes – from contract warehousing to logistics strategy and management in the role of category advisor, from service provider to long-term partner and preferred supplier, and from selling services to customized solutions and strategic collaborative alignment. He followed with specific platforms Kraft and DSC are working on to make these changes actionable, covering joint supply chain network initiatives, project ideas on supply chain design, multi-year joint planning, a transformational working process combining knowledge and leadership, and supplier community collaboration.
Coleman addressed DSC's role as trusted advisor in this type of partnership. "We can focus on solving problems," he said. "We've moved from sales presentations to working meetings. Instead of PowerPoint, we go right to Excel, eliminating waste and increasing speed."
The Supplier Integration process has reduced costs throughout the supply chain by driving value, aligning strategies and partnering with the right companies. As Coleman said, "It starts with a vision. Then comes the plan that supports the vision, and the road map to achieving the goals and delivering value."
DSC CIO leads recent Logistics CIO Forum
Greg Goluska, CIO of DSC Logistics, served as moderator for the Logistics CIO Forum, March 4-5 in Dallas. The yearly event, organized by EyeForTransport, tackles technology issues from the point of view of CIOs and VPs working at leading logistics companies.
In his introductory remarks for the first day, Goluska emphasized the importance of the supply chain, and the role IT plays in its success. "Technology will play an even more critical role in the future and it is our responsibility to take a leadership role," he told them. "We're looking at keeping up when we should be leading. This is our chance to be leaders. What can we learn in a day and a half so we can lead?"
Goluska and the other Forum participants explored six key themes: Big Data and Business Intelligence, Refining and Improving Global Systems for Increased Market Share, Visibility, Proving ROI on IT and Tech Investment, Gaining a Competitive Edge through Technology, IT Innovation and Trends for the Future. Goluska challenged the participants to broaden the scope of their thinking – in the Visibility session, for example, to think about visibility not just for their customers, but across multiple customers – and to get better at "selling"—both internally and as part of the sales process for their companies. And, in one session, he led them in brainstorming ideas for selling internally.
Goluska's frustration with CIOs who are "still chasing the market" and his thinking about "revolutionizing" the supply chain are what led to his own leadership role at the Forum. "'Revolutionizing' the supply chain needs to be driven by collaboration across multiple customers/shippers, not focused on silo supply chains that are still trying to drive out time and money," he says. "We need to think outside of Company A's supply chain or Company B's supply chain and start thinking about The Supply Chain as a virtual entity with multiple players all collaborating for the sake of the end customer."
Ann Drake serves on panel at National Summit on Transportation and Infrastructure
DSC CEO Ann Drake was a panelist at the National Summit, "America on the Move: Transportation and Infrastructure for the 21st Century," February 26-27, at Harvard Business School. The Summit was led by HBS Professor Rosabeth Moss Kanter.
Drake joined executives from Staples, Walmart, FedEx Freight, GE Aviation and BJ's Wholesale Clubs on the panel, "Getting the Goods – In moving goods across the supply chain what works well, what doesn't?" She and the other panelists addressed such topics as pain points and bottlenecks in global movement of goods and local access, changes that should be made to facilitate getting goods to market, and topics that are high on priority wish lists.
Summit participants included U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Barbara Mikulski, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Fox, high-level government officials and big city mayors, CEOs of major transportation and technology companies, and professors from HBS and MIT.
Guiding themes of the two-day Summit included where America is leading and falling behind, the considerations and constraints for enterprises and communities, and the opportunities for innovators. Post Summit discussions on February 28 ended with a dialogue on advanced leadership, asking "who will do the work and how?"
"The Summit was such a great experience," said Drake. "It convened top people from so many important areas and stakeholder groups and got them discussing the WHOLE SYSTEM, and all the issues that need to be tackled to get forward momentum in a plan for making an impact...as a nation."
DSC's CEO and Advisory Board members featured in "Supply Chain Pioneers" video
DSC CEO Ann Drake and Advisory Board members Ralph Drayer and Justin Zubrod are among the supply chain veterans who reflect on the evolution of supply chain management as a competitive advantage in Episode 6 of the video series, "Supply Chain Pioneers," produced by CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly. The episode, Supply Chain Reaches the C-Level, will be released in March 2014, the sixth of 11 episodes released monthly on the publication's website.
Drake is the recipient of CSCMP's 2012 Distinguished Service Award, the first woman to receive the award. Drayer is founder and chairman of consulting firm Supply Chain Insights and former vice president, customer service and logistics, Procter & Gamble. Zubrod is head of Justin Zubrod and Co. and was formerly with Booz Allen Hamilton and A.T. Kearney.
They join other CSCMP members Nancy Haslip and Rick Schorr in a conversation, led by Mitch Mac Donald, CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly group editorial director, about their experiences in and observations about the journey of supply chain and logistics from "necessary evil" to bottom-line growth driver noticed by the C-suite.
They conclude that, while progress has been made, supply chain is not yet fully at the table with other functions. "…there is no question about the fact that we have a long way to go before the function is at the table with all the other functions in most corporations," said Drake. Drayer agreed but also said, "I really believe we are headed toward a virtual corporation where supply chain is no longer viewed as a function but as a transformative process that continues to improve itself." And, Zubrod is not even sure supply chain executives should aspire to the C-suite as he talked about the next generation that couldn't care less about being at the table. He described it as "fun and exciting" that "…how we engage that generation, which brings so much potential in terms of tools and how they communicate and how they interact, will take supply chain in a very different direction…"
DSC Logistics is a sponsor of the "Supply Chain Pioneers" video series.
DSC's Health Care leaders to attend HDMA conference March 9-12
DSC's Dave Bode, Vice President, Health Care Solutions, and Matt Brzica, Director, Health Care Business Development, will attend HDMA's Distribution and Management Conference and Technology Expo in Palm Desert, California, March 9-12.
The conference, co-hosted by HDMA (Healthcare Distribution Management Association) and IFPW (International Federation of Pharmaceutical Wholesalers), and supported by CAPDM (Canadian Association for Pharmacy Distribution Management), offers sessions on a variety of critical topics including the latest regulatory issues and compliance implications for companies, logistics and operational advances, and current and emerging technology solutions.
"We are excited about the opportunity for continuing conversations with our pharmaceutical customers and other drug manufacturers on their plans for meeting the reporting requirements for the newly-enacted Drug Quality and Security Act," Bode said. "DSC Logistics is a member of the PDSA Board and we are proud of its accomplishments in working with legislators to affect much needed change in the licensing and security of drugs in the US health care supply chain. We look forward to ongoing collaboration with these legislators and FDA in the implementation of this law."
February 2014
CEO Ann Drake named "2014 Provider Pro to Know"
CEO Ann Drake has been named a "Provider Pro to Know" for the fifth year in a row by Supply & Demand Chain Executive (SDCE). With the "Provider Pro to Know" designation, SCDE honors supply chain professionals who help their supply chain clients or the supply chain community prepare to meet the challenges of today's business climate.
"At DSC, we believe that one of our key roles as a supply chain partner is to collaborate with our customers up and down the supply chain, " Drake said. "That means sharing information, ideas, best practices and strategies, and finding solutions together. So, I'm very pleased to receive this recognition."
Complete information about the 2014 Pros to Know will appear in SDCE's March issue.
DSC VP will speak on Kraft's Supplier Integration process at Food Shippers conference in February
DSC Logistics' Vice President of Customer Solutions, Kevin Coleman, will be among the presenters at Food Shippers of America's Annual Conference, February 23-25, 2014, in Orlando, Florida. Kevin will join representatives from Kraft Foods and partnering companies to discuss how Kraft's Supplier Integration process has reduced costs throughout the supply chain by driving value, aligning strategies and partnering with the right companies. They will present their session, "Bridging the Gap through Supplier Integration," on Day 2 of the conference, Monday, February 24, from 2-3 p.m.
DSC's Ken Heller, Senior VP, Supply Chain Excellence and Transportation, Gregg Gill, VP, Strategic Partnerships, and David Kelby, Director, Business Development, will also be attending the conference for food industry manufacturers, distributors, retailers, receivers and representatives from all aspects of the Supply Chain Network. The theme of the 2014 conference is "Bridging the Gap: Connecting Shipping, Receiving and Logistics Partners."
To meet with a member of the DSC Logistics team at the conference and learn more about DSC's services, TEXT 847.778.3207or email firstname.lastname@example.com.
DSC leaders head to GMA/FMI Supply Chain Conference in February
Executives from DSC's Business Development and Strategic Partnership teams will attend the joint Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Supply Chain Conference in Orlando, Florida, February 17-19.
For food and consumer goods customer partners, DSC's supply chain capabilities support changing customer needs. DSC services include supply chain design and management, business integration and process improvement, and execution of operations including logistics centers, transportation and value added services.
With over 50 years of experience as Supply Chain Partner and Lead Logistics Partner to some of the world's leading food, retail and consumer goods companies, DSC has developed expertise in these industry segments, and gained a thorough knowledge of the food and consumer goods supply chains.
Attending the conference and want to learn more about DSC Logistics' services? TEXT 847-736-5832 or email firstname.lastname@example.com to meet with a member of the DSC team.
DSC's CEO and other supply chain pioneers discuss supply chain's early years
DSC CEO Ann Drake is one of the leading figures in supply chain management discussing the emergence of logistics and supply chain management and the early days of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) in a video released in November 2013 by CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly at www.supplychainquarterly.com, Drake and the other panelists—Robert Camp, Clifford Lynch, Rick Schorr and James Stock—shared their individual experiences in the early years of the supply chain profession and called collaboration within CSCMP an opportunity for making the world a better place.
The video, A Discipline Comes of Age, Part II, is the second episode of an 11-part video series, "Supply Chain Pioneers." The videos provide a historical record and highlight the observations of two dozen influential members of CSCMP brought together by the organization on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. The pioneers discuss the evolution of the discipline of supply chain management from its early days to future possibilities. Their discussions explore the impact on the profession of developments such as U.S. transportation deregulation in the 1980s and globalization. They also discuss the rapid growth of technologies that have led to advances in logistics and supply chain efficiency and the growth of outsourcing and third-party logistics over the last 25 years, along with changes in customer service approaches and supply chain management's rise in stature in corporations.
Supply Chain Quarterly will release one episode of the "Supply Chain Pioneers" series each month on its website www.supplychainquarterly.com. Episode 1: A Discipline Comes of Age, Part I was released in October 2013. DSC Logistics is a sponsor of the video series.
January 2014
Swedish executives tour DSC's Elwood Logistics Center
DSC's Elwood Logistics Center recently welcomed a group of visiting senior executives from Sweden, the tour arranged by the Northwestern University Transportation Center (NUTC). The executives, from a Supply Chain Management Program at Chalmers University, a major Swedish university focusing on technology, natural science and architecture located in Gothenburg, were attending Northwestern University for the U.S. module of the program.
General Manager John Butler and the Elwood team began the visit with a presentation about DSC operations at CenterPoint, and followed with a building tour. The Elwood team highlighted the value added services (VAS) that include point of sale display building, kitting, repack operations and custom solutions for the seven unique customers serviced by the Logistics Center. The team discussed how DSC thought leadership pertains to engineering initiatives such as PackSize and the benefits associated with the made-to-order packaging solution (correctly sized boxes are made at the time they are needed, reducing corrugate and dunnage waste). The team also talked about becoming a Lean Logistics Center and the benefits of that approach.
The visitors were impressed with the DSC approach and the innovative VAS DSC is providing to customers, according to Diana Marek, assistant director, Administration & Academic Affairs, NUTC.
DSC's CEO and Advisory Board members join other supply chain pioneers in forum
DSC CEO Ann Drake and Advisory Board members Ralph Drayer and Justin Zubrod are among the leading figures in supply chain management brought together by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) to discuss the evolution of the discipline of supply chain management from its early days to future possibilities. The discussion sessions were filmed to produce an 11-part video series, "Supply Chain Pioneers."
Drake is the recipient of CSCMP's 2012 Distinguished Service Award, the first woman to receive the award. Drayer is founder and chairman of consulting firm Supply Chain Insights and former vice president, customer service and logistics, Procter & Gamble. Zubrod is head of Justin Zubrod and Co. and was formerly with Booz Allen Hamilton and A.T. Kearney.
They joined other supply chain veterans in discussions, led by CSCMP president and chief executive officer Rick Blasgen and CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly group editorial director Mitch Mac Donald, exploring the impact on the profession of developments such as U.S. transportation deregulation in the 1980s and globalization. The group also discussed the rapid growth of technologies that have led to advances in logistics and supply chain efficiency and the growth of outsourcing and third-party logistics over the last 25 years, along with changes in customer service approaches and supply chain management's rise in stature in corporations.
Each month, beginning in October 2013, Supply Chain Quarterly releases an episode on its website. www.supplychainquarterly.com. DSC Logistics is a sponsor of the video series.
DSC's University Park GP Logistics Center employees donate winter coats for community program
"DSC Cares" was the theme for DSC's University Park GP Logistics Center's annual outreach program with the Village of University Park.
UPGP partnered with the Village on its winter coat drive to benefit needy families in the community, collecting 20 coats which were dropped off at the village office by Mike Mokrzycki, General Manager, and Joe Smiesko, Director of Safety and Security. Village Clerk, Dorothy Jones, was astonished when they walked in with two large boxes full of coats.
UPGP will continue the "DSC Cares" theme in the spring by sponsoring a canned food drive with the Village.
December 2013
DSC employees donate holiday gifts through Angel Tree program
DSC corporate employees again participated in the Salvation Army's Angel Tree program to help local families and children in need during the holidays. Angel Tree "tags" representing the gift wishes of children in the area were provided by the Salvation Army. DSC employees took the tags from the Angel Tree in the Employee Meeting Center and donated gifts and gift cards. Thanks in part to the support of DSC employees, the Salvation Army was able to help over 1200 children in Chicago's Northwest suburbs.
DSC Receives 2013 Supply & Demand Chain Executive's Green Supply Chain Award
For the fifth consecutive year, DSC has received Supply & Demand Chain Executive's Green Supply Chain Award, recognizing companies that are making sustainability a core part of their supply chain strategies. The 2013 SDCE Green Supply Chain Award honors small, mid-size and large enterprises that leverage green practices and solutions to further drive sustainable improvements in their supply chains.
SDCE's Green Supply Chain Awards spotlights the different sustainable approaches that global businesses can take to cut costs, save time, drive revenue and improve their carbon footprint in the areas of product lifecycle management, order demand capture, sourcing, technology & integration infrastructure, procurement and other areas of the supply chain.
About 100 submissions were received through an open nomination process. The magazine's editorial staff reviewed the submissions based on clarity and content of the goals and strategy, the extent of the steps being taken, and the impact of the results to date.
Submissions were judged based on the clarity and content of the goals and strategy, the extent of the steps being taken, the impact of the results to date and projected results, and the form and presentation of the information submitted. Utilizing renewable energy, minimizing waste, and maximizing facility and solutions lifespans are all components that leading companies in supply chain increasingly enforce.
DSC Logistics again named to Kellogg's Diamond Club of Diversity Suppliers
DSC Logistics was again recognized by the Kellogg Company as one of their top three diversity suppliers and a member of "The Diamond Club," diverse supplier companies with which Kellogg spends $25 million or more annually. "We are very proud of our Diamond Club recognition," said DSC's CEO, Ann Drake. "Kellogg is an innovator in their supplier diversity efforts and recognition."
Also at Kellogg's annual Supplier Diversity Recognition Event, DSC representatives Gregg Gill, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, and Tracy Drake, Director, Strategic Partnerships & Diversity, were part of a panel of suppliers described by Kellogg as "strategic in thought." Gill and Drake discussed what makes a good partner, citing collaboration, integrity and transparency as important elements of a strong partnership. They also talked about the value in DSC's proactive and creative approach to providing solutions.
The relationship between DSC and Kellogg dates from 1988. As the partnership has progressed, DSC has taken on an expanded role as a supply chain partner to Kellogg and has won multiple awards, including Kellogg's Top Gun award for excellence in safety, service, cost, quality and innovation. "All of us at DSC appreciate the strong partnership with Kellogg," said Drake. "We continue to collaborate with them and successfully adapt and succeed through the changing business environment.
Kellogg has had a supplier diversity program in place for over 20 years. According to Cathy Kutch, director of supplier relations and diversity for Kellogg Company, "By partnering with diverse suppliers, we're introduced to new ideas and ways of thinking – which in turn helps us to be a more innovative and successful company." Kutch calls DSC a key contributor to Kellogg's supplier diversity program. DSC was recognized by Kellogg as a member of the first "Diamond Club," in 2010 and, previously, was a founding member of the "Platinum Club," which recognizes minority- and woman-owned businesses doing more than $10 million in business with Kellogg.
November 2013
DSC sponsors C200's STEM Innovator Luminary Award
CEO DSC Logistics is a proud sponsor of the 2013 STEM Innovator Luminary Award presented by The Committee of 200 Foundation to Renee J. James, president of Intel Corporation, at the Committee of 200 Annual Conference in New York City in October. As a leader in supply chain management, DSC depends on a strong foundation of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education to provide excellent engineering, IT management, creative solutions, process improvement and continual improvement to customers. DSC's CEO, Ann Drake, is a member of the Committee of 200 (C200).
C200, founded in 1982, draws its invitation-only membership from the highest ranks of women executives in successful private and public companies. C200's primary mission is to foster, celebrate and advance women's leadership in business. With its annual Luminary Wards, C200 recognizes women who have changed the face of business.
The other 2013 Luminary Award recipients are Dominique Raccah, CEO & publisher, Sourcebooks, Inc , Muriel Siebert Entrepreneurial Champion Award; Joyce Russell, president, Adecco Staffing US, Corporate Innovator Award; and, Marsha Firestone, president & founder, Women Presidents' Organization, Skills to Succeed Champion Award.
Ann Drake speaks on women and leadership at Women of Kellogg Forum
CEO Ann Drake spoke on women's leadership and "Creating Your Own Path" to the members of the Women of Kellogg group at the September WOK Forum on "Owning Your Career."
Drake discussed how her personal journey of women's business leadership parallels the journey of DSC with the Kellogg Co., an important customer, over the last 20 years. She called the evolution of the DSC-Kellogg partnership, from the beginning of a small public warehousing operation in 1990 in Lake County, Indiana, to today, running over half of Kellogg's dry network of high velocity complex operations of warehousing and packaging activities, one of the accomplishments of which she is most proud.
Sharing details of her personal story and what she learned along the way, Drake covered six areas: career mapping and self-development, mentors and sponsors, developing your team, challenges and obstacles, risk taking, diversity and work / life balance.
She urged her audience to never stop learning and expanding their knowledge and skills, telling them that whether by reading or webinars or conferences or classes pursuing a new degree, they should always bring some new understanding or some new ability to their work. She encouraged them to be brave in their work lives, to step up and take on the tough jobs, to challenge themselves. She told them that they didn't have to be like men, that by recognizing their own special talents, including from their DNA, they could build confidence around those talents and use them in a unique way.
At the end of her speech, Drake told her audience about the women's leadership initiative for the supply chain industry she has started. The initiative is called AWESOME (Achieving Women's Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management, and Education), and it was launched because she believes "that women have a bright future as leaders – leaders of supply chain, leaders of business, leaders of government, leaders of the world and the time is now. But we don't want to wait another century to see it happen."
DSC's Health Care Solutions VP speaks on optimizing innovation
DSC's Vice President, Health Care Solutions, Dave Bode, spoke recently at the Logipharma conference in Princeton, New Jersey. Bode's presentation, "Innovation is Relative, " posed the question – "Are you getting the most out of your supply chain innovation…and how do you know?" – to the audience of supply chain executives from medium and large pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Bode emphasized that while you can "buy innovation off the shelf," you still have to optimize it by integrating with your goals, strategies and culture, and he stressed the importance of ongoing conversations about alternatives, costs and trade-offs.
Bode described how DSC engages with customers at a strategic level, looking at innovation and continual improvement. Citing DSC's FDA experience and giving examples of DSC's transactional, operational and transformational innovative processes, he discussed DSC's use of benchmarks to target and optimize innovation.
September 2013
DSC's CIO speaks on Warehouse Labor Productivity at recent JDA Innovation Forums
Greg Goluska, DSC's Vice President and CIO, presented a session, "Gain Quick ROI with Warehouse Labor Productivity" at recent JDA Innovation Forums for leading supply chain practitioners and experts in Chicago, September 10, and New York City, September 16. The topic for the 2013 Forums was "Come Together: Integrated Planning & Execution for Higher Performance."
Greg's presentation covered DSC's labor management system, POP (Performance Optimization Process) which is based on RedPrairie Workforce Management software. POP is a component of APEX, DSC's Continual Improvement Initiative. With POP, DSC has reduced the variable spend across the network by 20 percent while maintaining or improving quality levels, and addressed important components of success in doing a job—stricter accountability and a fair reward system when goals are exceeded.
Employees benefit from knowing the time frame for assignments and the performance standards to which all employees are held; they receive feedback on how they are doing against the standards and what they can do to make their jobs easier. POP helps managers plan and balance staffing, track employee performance, and improve individual employee performance and overall resource utilization.
Greg listed DSC's continual improvement mindset, disciplined project management approach and understanding of change management as among key factors in the company's success with POP, emphasizing the commitment from all levels and functions within the company. He made the point that while POP's immediate benefit was the direct savings in labor, it also sets the stage for DSC's ongoing focus on continual improvement.
August 2013
DSC's Ken Heller speaks at recent EyeForTransport 3PL Summit
Ken Heller, Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Excellence, was a panelist at the recent EyeForTransport 3PL Summit in Chicago. The panel's topic was "The Shipper-3PL Innovation Argument, Who Should Drive Innovation?"
Ken talked about DSC's Strategic Partnership approach with its emphasis on collaboration and on longer, stronger relationships with customers, our culture of innovation, and our ability to leverage innovation across multiple customers and multiple industries. He made the point that being able to not only bring ideas to the table but also successfully execute them has been a real differentiator for DSC. Ken also discussed how through win win solutions, DSC gain shares with partners. He described how DSC and our partners collaborate to identify innovative opportunities, and how then prior to implementation, DSC will identify expected improved outcomes and engage in gain sharing.
July 2013
DSC hosts fifth annual Partners Summit
DSC hosted its fifth annual Partners Summit July 17 and 18. Supply chain leaders from some of DSC's key customers participated in discussions centered around the theme of "Supply Chain Transformation: A Strategic Mandate."
The Summit included leaders from the fields of food and beverage, consumer goods, health care, paper products and tobacco. Richard Sherman, one of the industry's leading strategists and author of Supply Chain Transformation: Practical Roadmap to Best Practice Results, opened the Summit with a presentation on "Transforming Your Supply Chain." Then, each company provided an overview of their supply chain and discussed how transformation has led to continual improvement and innovation within their organization. The Summit continued with conversation and break-out sessions aimed at gaining a more in-depth understanding of the transformation journey within the supply chain. Other current topics related to the industry were also discussed.
DSC's first Summit in July 2009 focused on "Collaborative Transportation Opportunities" and confirmed DSC's belief that collaborating on supply chain topics and challenges is a winning situation for everyone involved, as participants networked with peers, gained new perspectives and exchanged ideas. In 2010, the Summit expanded to include eight companies with a theme of: "The Next Frontier: Cross-Company Collaboration" where participants were able to continue to develop potential collaboration opportunities among their organizations. In 2011, the Partners Summit highlighted best practices in leading a responsive supply chain. For 2012, DSC expanded the Partners Summit to involve additional companies and to focus on vertical collaboration in the supply chain.
June 2013
DSC wins Kellogg's "Top Gun" award
Kellogg recently named DSC's West Jefferson, OH, Logistics Center as a winning location in the 2012 Top Gun competition. The Top Gun award recognizes the West Jefferson LC's accomplishments in the areas of Employee Safety, Food Safety, Service and Cost. Top Gun was created by Kellogg to recognize outstanding facilities within the NSD network, focusing on high levels of performance in several key areas of distribution. A DSC Logistics Center has won the Top Gun competition two of the last three years.
May 2013
DSC expert adds to discussion about data
Laura Adams, DSC's Director, Supply Chain Solutions, was a featured panelist at the recent Health and Personal Care Logistics Conference. The topic of the panel was "Big Data," and Laura described ways that DSC helps customers manage and get value from the high volume of real-time information that is now available. She also answered questions about DSC's process for using data to create information to create intelligence.
AWESOME Symposium features top leaders discussing future of supply chain
At the first annual AWESOME (Advancing Women's Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management and Operations) Symposium on May 9, four leading supply chain executives participated on a panel focused on emerging challenges and the qualities leaders will need to meet those challenges. Pictured here with Ann Drake, CEO of DSC Logistics and founder of AWESOME (third from left) and Dr. Nancy Nix, panel moderator , (third from right), are panelists (left to right): Kathy Wengel, Johnson & Johnson; Lillian Dukes, Beechcraft Corporation; Debbie Lentz, Kraft Foods; and Sandy Evett, Heinz.
All four panelists hold top positions at their companies and were able to give insights into the supply chain's increasingly important role in business and the global economy. Kathy Wengel is VP & Chief Quality Officer for J&J. Lillian Dukes is VP, Global Operations Material Control for Beechcraft. Debbie Lentz is SVP, Customer Service and Logistics, Kraft Foods North America. Sandy Evett is VP, Logistics and Distribution for Heinz North America. Dr. Nix is Executive Director, EMBA Program and Professor, Supply Chain Practice, TCU.
Highlights of the Symposium also included three other panel discussions and interactive "buzz sessions" for participants to talk about relevant topics. AWESOME is an industry-wide leadership initiative launched in early 2013.
More about AWESOME
March 2013
Ann Drake featured in Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazine
Ann Drake, CEO of DSC Logistics, a leading supply chain management company, has been named a "2013 Provider Pro to Know" for the fourth year in a row by Supply & Demand Chain Executive (SDCE). In addition, Drake is featured as one of the "Top Female Leaders of the Supply Chain" by the magazine, an international business publication addressing the issues and challenges of the supply chain.
"I am pleased to receive this recognition," said DSC's Drake. "At DSC, we believe that one of our key roles as a supply chain partner is to collaborate with our customers up and down the supply chain – sharing information, ideas, best practices and strategies, and finding solutions together.
"I'm also proud to be among women selected as 'Top Female Leaders.' Our profession is beginning to realize benefits from the strengths women bring to leadership, and I find throughout the industry an eagerness to step up the slow progress in that direction," she continued. "That's why I'm working with other top supply chain leaders on an initiative we've named "AWESOME" – Advancing Women's Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management and Education."
With the "Provider Pro to Know" designation, SCDE honors supply chain professionals who help their supply chain clients or community prepare to meet industry challenges. The "Top Female Leaders of the Supply Chain" feature showcases the women who are driving strong initiatives within their business to generate growth in the supply chain.
Drake also received the 2012 Distinguished Service Award from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP). She is the first woman in the award's 47-year history to receive this highest honor.
January 2013
DSC leaders head to GMA-FMI Supply Chain Conference
DSC Logistics is sending executives from its leadership team to the joint Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Supply Chain Conference February 4 -6, 2013, bringing their knowledge to the conference discussions and sessions. With over 50 years of experience as Supply Chain Partner and Lead Logistics Partner to some of the world's leading food, retail and consumer goods companies, DSC has developed expertise in these industry segments, and gained a thorough knowledge of the food and consumer goods supply chains. Additional capabilities DSC provides to their food and consumer goods customer partners include value-added services, food safety management, transportation management, labor management, network optimization, cost-to-serve analysis and management, and sustainability knowledge.
Ann Drake, DSC CEO, will be a featured speaker at this year's BGSA Supply Chain Conference, January 23 - 25
Ann Drake, DSC CEO, will be a featured speaker at this year's BGSA Supply Chain Conference, January 23 - 25. Ann will be participating in a panel entitled "Government Affairs: Health Care, Labor Law and Freight Infrastructure." Key topics to be discussed are regulatory issues, health care legislation, the labor environment, and implications for supply chain CEOs. Drawing from DSC's experience as a health care supply chain partner, Ann will offer her insight and expertise in this subject. DSC provides comprehensive capabilities to help companies achieve their goals in the sectors of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and health care supplies. The BGSA Supply Chain Conference is the foremost CEO-level event in the transportation, logistics, and supply chain sector. This one-of-a-kind event is designed to recognize top supply chain companies and facilitate the sharing of candid insights from an exclusive group of executives representing a variety of supply chain industry segments.
DSC employees help local families in need with Angel Tree donations
DSC employees wrapped up the year 2012 by participating in the Salvation Army's Angel Tree program in the Greater Chicagoland area. The Angel Tree program helps local families and children in need during the holidays. Angel Tree "tags" were provided by the Salvation Army, and each tag represented the gift wish of a child in the area. DSC employees took the tags, and generously donated toys, coats, and pajamas. We are pleased to report that with DSC's participation, the Salvation Army was able to help 605 families and over 1500 children.
December 2012
CEO Ann Drake focuses on supply chain issues with other industry leaders
Ann Drake, DSC CEO, participated on two high-level industry panels recently. At an event sponsored by CSCMP (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals), she was one of 21 "Supply Chain Management Pioneers" brought together by CSCMP to capture key highlights of the profession's past five decades. The second event, "State of Chicago in the Global Supply Chain," was hosted by Loyola University, and Drake's panel discussed "Forthcoming Challenges to Chicago's Supply Chain."
"These types of conversations are valuable from many perspectives," said Drake. "One reason is they support the transformation of the supply chain from a mainly tactical function to a much broader, more strategic role in helping businesses achieve their business goals. Another is promoting idea-sharing and collaboration among professionals advances new thinking and bold leadership."
CSCMP celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2013 and organized the Pioneers' discussion to "create a historical record" of people who were involved in establishing "supply chain management as one of the most important and exciting components of international commerce." Drake's history in the profession dates back to the late 1980s, when she joined the advisory board of DSC's parent company, Dry Storage Corporation. The panelists' comments on the "Past, Present, and Future" of the supply chain were videotaped, and segments will appear throughout the anniversary year. Collected comments will be published in CSCMP's magazine, Supply Chain Quarterly.
At the Chicago supply chain event, Drake and her co-panelists addressed questions such as "What are the biggest supply chain challenges Chicago businesses will face in the next 10-15 years?" and "How can firms better prepare for the coming risks and challenges – and how can they more accurately forecast pitfalls?" Keynote speaker for the event was Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
November 2012
DSC's CFO honored as leader in corporate finance
David Copeland, DSC Logistics' Chief Financial Officer, was named a finalist in Financial Executives International's (FEI) Chicago CFO of the Year Awards. The Award recognizes individuals for their outstanding performance as leaders of corporate finance and their contributions to the Chicago business community. Under David's leadership, DSC has achieved consistently strong financial performance through a combination of revenue growth, improved financial processes, and a focus on efficiency and productivity.
David joined DSC in 2007 as Vice President and Controller, took on responsibility for Finance in 2008, and was named CFO in 2010. As a member of DSC's Executive Leadership Team, he collaborates at both the corporate level and with operational leaders of DSC's nationwide network, as well as supporting customers' profitability and growth. By driving continual improvement efforts in accounting and financial management processes, David not only contributes to DSC's overall health and stability as a company, but also supports standards of efficiency and productivity in the field.
The mission of Financial Executives International is to advance the success of senior-level financial executives, their organizations and the profession. The organization describes nominees for CFO of the Year as "outstanding Chicago area business leaders who have epitomized the performance, leadership and integrity of the most exemplary financial executives."
August 2012
CEO Ann Drake receives highest industry award
DSC's CEO Ann Drake has been selected by CSCMP (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals) to receive the 2012 Distinguished Service Award. She is the 47th person and the first woman to receive the annual award since it was created in 1965. The award is considered the highest honor that can be bestowed on an individual for achievement in the logistics/supply chain management profession. (more)
The award presentation will take place at the Opening General Session of CSCMP's Global Conference at 8 - 9:30 a.m. on Monday, October 1, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. CSCMP is the leading worldwide professional association dedicated to education, research and the advancement of supply chain management and represents more than 9.000 global members in 63 countries.
When announcing Ms. Drake's selection, Rick Blasgen, CSCMP president and chief executive officer, said, "She is the epitome of what the Distinguished Service Award embodies – a leader, a mentor, a pioneer and an extraordinary energetic ambassador for the logistics and supply chain management professions."
Since becoming CEO in 1994, Ms. Drake has guided DSC through transformations designed to provide supply chain leadership to customers with changing needs. The company has gone from an extended family of 22 separate companies to an integrated network of logistics and supply chain management operations to a strategic supply chain partner and, in some cases, a Lead Logistics Partner (LLP). DSC customers include industry-leading companies in a variety of industries, including food and consumer goods, health care and medical devices, electronics, paper products, and others.
DSC hosted its fourth annual Partners Summit in July 2012.
The fourth annual Partners Summit hosted by DSC in July, 2012, featured supply chain leaders from some of DSC's key customers joining in discussions based on the theme of "Focus on the Customer: Vertical Collaboration in the Supply Chain.
According to Gregg Gill, DSC's vice president, Strategic Partnerships, "This type of dialogue is valuable to participants because our partners represent a range of industries and each brings important experiences and lessons to the table." This year's Summit included leaders from fields such as health care, food and consumer goods, paper products, and tobacco. Rick Blasgen, President & CEO of CSCMP, opened the event with an overview of Challenges and Successes in Supply Chain Collaboration. Attendees then participated in presentations and roundtable discussions aimed at exchanging ideas and identifying challenges, successes and opportunities for increased collaboration to better serve common customers.
The first DSC Partners Summit in 2009 focused on Collaborative Transportation Opportunities. The second Summit in 2010 featured discussions around "The Next Frontier: Cross-Company Collaboration." In 2011, the third Summit spotlighted "Bold Strategy and Best Practice."
July 2012
DSC Logistics was awarded "Diamond Club" recognition for the third year by the Kellogg Company.
The partnership between DSC and Kellogg dates back to 1988, and since then, DSC has won mutiple awards, including Kellogg's Top Gun award for excellence in safety, service, cost, quality and innovation.The Diamond Club recognizes diverse supplier companies with which Kellogg spends $25 million or more annually.
As the partnership has progressed over more than two decades, DSC has taken on an expanded role as a supply chain partner to Kellogg. Ann Drake, DSC's CEO, commented, "Kellogg is an innovator in their supplier diversity efforts and recognition. All of us at DSC appreciate the strong partnership with Kellogg, and we are very proud of our Diamond Club recognition. We continue to collaborate with them and successfully adapt and succeed through the changing business environment."
Kellogg has had a supplier diversity program in place for over 20 years. In 2010, DSC was recognized by Kellogg as a first recipient of the "Diamond Club," and previously, as a founding member of the "Platinum Club," which recognizes minority- and woman-owned businesses doing more than $10 million in business with Kellogg. According to Cathy Kutch, director of supplier relations and diversity for Kellogg Company, "By partnering with diverse suppliers, we're introduced to new ideas and ways of thinking – which in turn helps us to be a more innovative and successful company. DSC has been a partner to Kellogg for over twenty years and a key contributor to our supplier diversity program. We created the 'Diamond Club' in 2010 to recognize diverse companies with which we spent $25 million or more. This growth from our suppliers has been instrumental to our own growth as a company. When our suppliers succeed, we succeed."
June 2012
Sustainable Operations Summit focuses on innovative projects with positive results
DSC's Director of Sustainability, David Kahlow, recently attended the Sustainable Operations Summit in New York City featuring former President Bill Clinton as keynote speaker. The program included presentations about major building and renovation projects aimed at improving sustainability, such as the retrofitting of the Empire State Building that has lowered energy costs by $4.4 million a year. DSC is currently analyzing energy usage and costs throughout its nation-wide network of more than 40 Logistics Centers.
May 2012
DSC Logistics listed as one of Chicago's largest women-owned and privately-held firms
Crain's Chicago Business recently published its annual list of Chicago's largest women-owned firms, ranked by 2011 revenue. DSC Logistics, under the leadership of CEO Ann Drake, was named one of the top five women-owned companies. In addition, DSC was recently named to Crain's annual list of Chicago's Largest Privately Held Companies. Since 1994, when Drake became CEO of the company her father founded in 1960, the firm has grown and transformed from what was once a single public warehouse to one of the nation's leading supply chain management companies with over 40 Logistics Centers nationwide. Crain's lists identifies the 25 largest women-owned firms, and the 329 largest privately held companies in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties in Illinois.
April 2012
DSC CEO brings supply chain message
to future business leaders
CEO Ann Drake's participation in a panel at the University of Cape Town in South Africa is one of three times in recent months that she has addressed MBA students. She also has spoken at the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business, and Michigan State University. The panel discussions are part of a series of "Reachouts" sponsored by the Committee of 200, an organization of prominent global women business leaders, of which Ann is a Board member.
Chinese trade and logistics association visits DSC's Joliet Logistics Center
The China Communication & Transport Association (CCTA) delegation, while in Chicago paid a visit to DSC Logistics' Joliet Logistics Center in early February. The Association is the highest ranking transport & logistics trade association in China, and was led by the Secretary General of the China Communication & Transport Association with senior officials from national and provincial governments and Chinese logistics companies. The delegation also visited other companies in Chicago and Los Angeles as part of a logistics managementtraining program run by the University of Maryland.
March 2012
Transportation to play expanded role in DSC's Strategic Partnership Process
DSC's newly formed Transportation Council is focusing its first efforts on strengthening the link betweentransportation strategic solutions and supply chain execution. According to Ken Heller, DSC's senior vice president, supply chain excellence, "Our objective is to involve enhanced transportation capabilities in our Strategic Partnership Process, enabling us to maximize our effectiveness as a total supply chain partner." Heller (center in photo) leads the Council, whose members include DSC's top transportation experts, including Scott Morgan, vice president, transportation strategic partnerships (right).
DSC announces heightened focus on Transportation
In 2012, DSC has taken major steps toward expanding and improving capabilities in the area of transportation. This follows two years of expansion in the company's role as transportation partner to key customers, where business volume increased dramatically. As a multi-modal, full-service transportation provider DSC has positioned itself to be a leader in the industry.
According to Ken Heller, DSC's Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Excellence, "Our significant growth in transportation over the years, especially the recent expansion, enables us to provide better service at a lower cost to meet a greater range of needs."
"Effective transportation partnerships require customized solutions. This includes not only our role as Lead Logistics Partner for several key customers, where we manage their entire distribution network, but also could include specialized capabilities that address more specific needs, such as direct store delivery," he continued. "This range of capabilities is especially important to our larger customers whose business strategies call for a variety transportation modes and models. For smaller customers, our consolidation program, MOST (Multi-Vendor Optimization Strategy), is providing efficiencies and a level of service to their customers that is not possible to achieve on their own."
DSC's 2012 enhanced transportation leadership includes:
Read more about DSC Transportation
Read News Release March 22, 2012
February 2012
CEO Ann Drake receives award for achievements
Ann Drake, CEO of DSC Logistics, has been selected to receive the 2012 Alumni Merit Award from the Kellogg School of Management of Northwestern University. The award is presented to alumni who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their field and whose accomplishments reflect credit on Northwestern University. Ms. Drake earned an MBA from Kellogg in 1984 and became CEO of DSC in 1994. Prior to becoming CEO, she served as DSC's vice president, Strategy and Culture, charged with preparing the company to assume greater industry leadership in the 21st Century.
As DSC CEO, one of Drake's first initiatives was to transform the company, originally founded in 1960 as Dry Storage Corporation, from an extended family of 22 companies to a dynamic supply chain partner operating as one entity, under one name – DSC Logistics. She also introduced a strategy and structure known as sense-and-respond to enable greater flexibility, proactive problem-solving, and achievement of customers' business goals, such as reducing costs, improving service, transforming business processes, and facilitating growth and change.
Since Drake became CEO, DSC has grown to be one of the nation's leading supply chain management companies, with a nationwide network of integrated logistics and supply chain management operations. The core of DSC's business is collaborative partnerships with major companies in a variety of industries, including grocery and consumer goods, health care and medical devices, electronics, paper, and others. Some of DSC's key partners include Kellogg, the J.M.Smucker Company, Cardinal Health, Kimberly-Clark, Georgia-Pacific, StarKist, Yamaha, Mead Westvaco and R.J. Reynolds.
Among the honors she has received for her business leadership are being named "Industry Leader of the Year " in 2009 by the Illinois institute of Technology; a logistics and supply chain management "Rainmaker" by DC Velocity magazine; and a "Pro to Know" for three years in a row by Supply & DemandChain Executive. In addition to her DSC leadership, Drake serves on the board of directors of A.M. Castle & Company and the board of directors of the Committee of 200 (C200), an international organization of prominent business women. She also serves as vice president of the Business Advisory Council of Northwestern University's Transportation Center and has been involved for many years with the Metropolitan Planning Council and the Brookings Institution.
Prior to joining DSC, Ms Drake founded and ran a professional services firm, and before founding that company, she taught English at Hinsdale Central High School. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa.
DSC Dares to Lead in 2012
DSC leaders launched the year 2012 with presentations and discussions around the theme "Daring to Lead -- All Together Now." After celebrating the company's 50th Anniversary in 2010, DSC focused on ways the role of supply chain partner can be strengthened to help customers meet challenges and take advantage of opportunities for the next decade. As part of the 2012 kick-off meeting, Rick Blasgen, President and CEO of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), gave the keynote presentation, speaking to the DSC leadership team about the need for companies to develop and demonstrate leadership skills and sustain collaborative efforts.
January 2012
DSC's new advisory board member brings transportation expertise
Justin Zubrod has joined DSC's Advisory Board of Directors, comprised of professionals and business leaders who meet regularly with DSC management to focus on timely topics related to the enterprise, helping to ensure that the company achieves its mission and vision.
Zubrod's extensive knowledge of the field of transportation, an area that has been identified for heightened concentration by DSC in 2012 and beyond, will allow him to work in a consultative role for the newly formed DSC Transportation Council. The council has been formed to focus on service and growth with existing customers and new customers, through supply chain optimization, solutions development, and continual improvement.
Zubrod currently serves as chairman of the Business Advisory Council at the Northwestern University Transportation Center, teaches a course in freight transportation, and is Managing Partner of his own transportation advisory firm — Justin Zubrod & Company, LLC. The firm is a federation of professionals with decades of experience in management consulting, expert witness, and financial advisory services in both logistics and transportation worldwide. His more than 30 years of experience with clients in the transportation arena and consultation experience at leading firms, including Booz & Company and A.T. Kearney, Inc., will enhance DSC's heightened focus on transportation and provide additional in-depth knowledge essential to innovative leadership.
Justin has a B.A. from the University of Maryland, and an MBA from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
DSC Logistics improves visibility and efficiency in yard management
DSC Logistics has selected PINC Solutions to provide greater visibility and improve facility operations at three Logistics Centers in Mira Loma, California. "We continue to explore new options to increase visibility and lower costs throughout our customers' supply chains, and this also includes activities that take place outside the warehouse that can be overlooked," commented Ken Heller, DSC's senior vice president of Supply Chain Excellence. Improvements resulting from implementation of the solution will be evaluated at each of the Mira Loma Logistics Centers, and two additional DSC locations are rolling it out in the first quarter of 2012.
DSC chose the PINC yard management solution because of it's innovative, collaborative, user-friendly interface focused on visibility, efficiency and resulting cost reductions. "PINC's real-time visibility helps us operate our Mira Loma site more efficiently allowing us to provide a higher level of service to our customers, as well as reduced detention and demurrage fees, labor, and fuel costs," added Heller.
November 2011
DSC's Advisory Board member Dr. Nancy Nix elected chair of CSCMP Board of Directors
The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), the professional association dedicated to the advancement and dissemination of research and knowledge on supply chain management, has elected Nancy Nix as chair of the board of directors. Dr. Nix is professor of Supply Chain Practice and executive director of the Executive MBA program at the Neeley School of Business at Texas Christian University and a member of DSC Logistics' Advisory Board.
Nix has served on the board of CSCMP for six years. She has been honored with several awards for teaching and contributions to the supply chain profession, including the 2010 inaugural DSC's "Thinkers & Movers Award".
DSC's completes successful 2011 "Summer of Safety Focus" program
DSC's 2011 Summer of Safety Focus program ended successfully by meeting its goal of minimizing the OSHA recordables for the summer months when accidents tend to be on the rise. And DSC continues to be significantly lower than the industry TIR average.
DSC's Summer of Safety Focus program started in 2005 when company leaders decided to place a new emphasis on the safety culture making it a priority for DSC as well as its customers. Joe Smiesko, Director, Safety, Security and Compliance commented, "The reason our safety program has been so successful is that it engages the employees in safety practices and allows for competitive activities between locations, creating fun and excitement around the safety program."
October 2011
DSC's CIO featured on SCDigest videocast:
"Supply Chains in Motion: Driving Adaptability, Flexibility and Visibility"
Wednesday, 11/9/11 – 10:30 a.m. (CST)
Greg Goluska, DSC Logistics' CIO, and Tom Kozenski, Vice President of Product Strategy, Red Prairie, will join Dan Gilmore,SCDigest Editor, for a videocast panel discussion entitled "Building an Actionable Visibility Platform in the Food and Consumer Goods Industries." Panel members will discuss how companies, especially those in the food and consumer goods industries, can move from current levels of partial visibility to comprehensive, actionable visibility that drives real value and competitive advantage. They also will focus on technologies available to develop a network-wide visibility platform across complex, heterogeneous nodes and systems.
Successful StarKist/DSC partnership highlighted in Supply Chain Brain
The editors of SupplyChainBrain recently selected the story of DSC's partnership with StarKist to be featured in their July/August issue. The article details how the partners worked together to create a new distribution network when StarKist separated from its parent company Del Monte. According to the publication, "DSC was tasked with providing a full menu of services from the get-go…StarKist simply didn't have the infrastructure or the headcount to provide for itself… "
The interview quotes Jerry Seidell, StarKist's vice president of logistics and planning, as saying "We were in the midst of creating our own operating system with SAP. We needed to create a network as well, and we had limited staffing and resources. We just weren't staffed to do all those things. We had a nine month window to begin implementation from the time we no longer had backroom support to the time we had to stand alone. In essence, we had to create not only an operating environment but a network to service our customers." The article describes how the partnership progressed on a very tight timetable and has reached the point were "going forward, the key is not in new services but optimization, asking 'How can we take it a step further, do it more efficiently and still service customers at a world-class level?'"
Ann Drake interviewed for Colliers' Knowledge Leader magazine
Ann Drake, DSC Logistics CEO, was interviewed for the most recent issue of "Knowledge Leader," the magazine published by Colliers International. When asked about the increasingly strategic role of supply chain management, she pointed to the importance of staying open and flexible to changing circumstances. "Now our customers bring us to the table for thinking and planning. It's not just about the execution of the business, but staying ahead of the business," she explained.
The article describes how Drake led DSC through a dramatic transformation, beginning in the 1990s, and how the company focuses on the future today. "We don't just want to sit back and react; if we can stay process-oriented, collaborative, and be open-minded about the future, we 'll be ready to apply ourselves to tomorrow's customer challenges," she added.
Read complete article
Thinkers & Movers Award honors supply chain leaders
The 2011 "Thinkers & Movers" Award will be presented by DSC Logistics to a family representing two generations of outstanding supply chain leaders. The 2011 honoree is Dr. Donald Bowersox, longtime professor of logistics and supply chain management at Michigan State University and well-known author, speaker, and industry leader. Included in the award honoring Dr. Bowersox's leadership are his two sons Ed Bowersox, senior global director – Logistics & Supply Chain for Kimberly-Clark Professional, and John Bowersox, manager - PA Distribution, 3PL Relationships for Kohler Co. The "Thinkers & Movers Award" was created in 2009 to recognize individuals and companies whose innovative leadership has resulted in ground-breaking supply chain understanding and practices.
The award will be presented at an event on October 3, in conjunction with the annual conference of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) in Philadelphia. The two Bowersox brothers will accept the award for their father, who passed away on July 4, after a career that spanned more than four decades and left a legacy of transformative supply chain thinking. Both Ed and John Bowersox joined the profession after graduating from Michigan State University.
DSC's Ann Drake described the 2011 selection by recalling a presentation given by the three Bowersoxes at last year's annual conference of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. "Their presentation on 'Supply Chain Discipline: The Past, Present and Future' was particularly impressive for its comprehensiveness and depth of understanding. Dr. Bowersox influenced generations of supply chain professionals with his attention to expanding thinking around supply chain topics. In fact, he was one of my own inspirations and mentors from the earliest days of my career. Ed and John Bowersox embody the same dedication and spirit as they take his concepts forward and contribute their own expertise".
"With their continued efforts toward increasing the strategic potential and the collaborative nature of supply chain management, the Bowersox family is a true "Supply Chain Driven Family" she added. Previous recipients of the Thinkers & Movers Award include:
2009 - Ralph Drayer, former chief logistics officer of Procter & Gamble, and Dr. Nancy Nix, executive director of the EMBA program and associate professor, supply chain practice in the Neeley School of Business at Texas Christian University.
2010 - Daan Delen, president and CEO of Reynolds American, Inc, and Nicholas LaHowchic, author and former logistics executive for Limited Brands and Becton Dickinson.
The 2011 Award will be presented to Ed and John Bowersox and in memorium to Dr. Donald Bowersox Monday, October 3, at an event in conjunction with the CSCMP annual conference in Philadelphia.
September 2011
Ann Drake named by Crain's as one of Chicago's "Who's Who" for 2011
For the 16th consecutive year, DSC Logistics' CEO Ann Drake has been named by Crain's Chicago Business as one of the city's business, civic and cultural leaders. The annual "Who's Who" list is comprised of top business leaders, lawmakers, educators, and other "movers and shakers" in fields such as the arts, entertainment, and politics. Drake also has been featured in Crain's listings of Chicago's Largest Privately Held Companies and as one of the five Largest Women-Owned Companies in Illinois. Since becoming CEO in 1994, she has led DSC through a transformation into its current role as strategic supply chain partner and Lead Logistics Partner to some of the world's most well-known companies, including Fortune 500 firms.
Drake is also active in business and civic organizations, serving as Vice Chairman of the Business Advisory Council (BAC) for the Northwestern University Transportation Center. She serves on the Board of Governors and formerly served as Co-Chair of the Transportation Committee for the Metropolitan Planning Council, which is dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality of Chicago and the Great Lakes Megaregion. Drake was a panelist at "The Summit for American Prosperity: Washington and Metropolitan Areas Working Together," sponsored by the Brookings Institution, which launched the policy phase of the Blueprint for American Prosperity Initiative. She is a member of the board of directors of The Committee of 200, and is serving as co-chair of their 30th anniversary celebration. Drake is also a member of The Chicago Network, the Commercial Club of Chicago, the Economic Club of Chicago, International Women's Forum, and Women Corporate Directors. Crain's "Who's Who" list appeared in the September 5 issue.
DSC Logistics was named as one of Inbound Logistics' "Top 100 Third Party Logistics Provider," Food Logistics'' "100 3PL and Cold Storage Providers," and SupplyChainBrain's "100 Great Supply Chain Partners."
DSC was selected based on its leadership as a supply chain partner. Editors of each magazine culled through nominations from logistics and supply chain professionals to determine the companies whose technology, logistics, transportation or consulting solutions have made a significant impact in the supply chain field.
"Whatever the company size – from a Fortune 500 to SMBs – world class logistics performance is crucial," commented Felecia Stratton, editor, Inbound Logistics. "Given the scope and scale of the challenge, it is impressive to see DSC Logistics providing the kinds of solutions that companies large and small rely on to solve the tactical logistics issues of serving customers better, faster and more efficiently. It is equally impressive that DSC Logistics is responsive, and continues to anticipate evolving needs by offering the strategic solutions required to drive business process improvement and change for their customers. For these reasons, Inbound Logistics editors are proud to recognize DSC Logistics as one of the Top 100 3PLs for 2011."
"We are proud to be recognized by publications as a top 3PL," stated Ann Drake, chief executive officer, DSC Logistics. "Success requires new ways of thinking and working together. To succeed in our role as supply chain partner, we study our customers' current business situation, their marketplace environment, their challenges and their goals, and we apply our experience, expertise, technology and information to help them achieve these goals."
August 2011
DSC adopts "No Idling" Policy
As one of DSC's 2011 Sustainability Initiatives, a NO IDLING POLICY was put into effect. The policy prohibits trucks from idling while parked for loading or unloading in a DSC-managed Logistics Center. Drivers will be asked to turn off their engines except in certain circumstances, such as extreme weather or when specific traffic, safety, or emergency situations arise. This new policy will result in reduction of fuel consumption, minimization of exhaust emissions, and improved air quality.
Promoting "No Idling" is also part of DSC's responsibility as a member of the SmartWay program, a collaboration between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the freight industry aimed at improving energy efficiency.
July 2011
DSC and Partners focus on leading supply chain responsiveness
At the third annual Partners Summit hosted by DSC in July, 2011, supply
chain leaders from six of DSC's key customers joined in discussions based
on the theme of "Bold Strategy and Best Practice." Representatives from
Cardinal Health, the Kellogg Company, Kimberly-Clark, MeadWestvaco, the
J.M. Smucker Company, and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company participated in
presentations and roundtable conversations aimed at exchanging ideas and
identifying opportunities for increased collaboration.
DSC CEO Ann Drake opened the event by describing the challenges facing
today's businesses, such as increased competition and the complex global
environment. She also highlighted information from "Start Pulling Your
Supply Chain," by Dr. Donald Bowersox and Nicholas Lahowchic on the strong
link between supply chain relationships, responsiveness, and success.
The first DSC Partners Summit in 2009 focused on Collaborative
Transportation Opportunities. The second Summit in 2010 featured
discussions around "The Next Frontier: Cross-Company Collaboration."
June 2011
Ann Drake and DSC Logistics listed in the top five of Chicago's largest
women-owned firms
Crain's Chicago Business recently published its list of Chicago's largest women-owned firms, ranked by 2010 revenue. DSC Logistics, under the leadership of CEO Ann Drake, was named one of the top five women-owned companies. Since 1994, when Drake became CEO of the company her father founded in 1960, the firm has grown by 84% and transformed from what was once a single public warehouse to one of the nation's leading supply chain management companies. Crain's list identifies the 25 largest women-owned firms in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties. Drake has also been named by Crain's for 15 consecutive years as an "individual shaping who is shaping Chicago."
May 2011
Kellogg Company recognizes DSC as Top Diverse Supplier
DSC Logistics was awarded "Diamond Club" recognition for the second year, at Kellogg Company's annual Diversity Recognition Event in Battle Creek, Michigan. The Diamond Club recognizes diverse supplier companies with which Kellogg spends $25 million or more annually. The partnership between DSC and Kellogg dates back to 1988. Since that time, DSC has consistently demonstrated its strength as a supply chain partner to Kellogg, growing the business and winning multiple awards through the years, including Kellogg's Top Gun award for excellence in safety, service, cost, quality and innovation. Ann Drake, DSC's CEO, commented, "Kellogg's is an innovator in their supplier diversity efforts and recognition. All of us at DSC appreciate the strong partnership with Kellogg, and we are very proud of our Diamond Club recognition. We continue to collaborate with them and successfully adapt and succeed through the changing business environment."
Kellogg has had a supplier diversity program in place for over 20 years. DSC has been recognized in the past with Kellogg as a first recipient of the "Diamond Club" in 2010, and a "Platinum Club" member, which consisted of minority- and woman-owned businesses doing more than $10 million in business with Kellogg. According to Cathy Kutch, director of supplier relations and diversity for the Kellogg Company, "As Kellogg continues to grow as an organization, we rely on the diversity of our suppliers to help us achieve our success. Through this diversity we are exposed to new ideas that are necessary to continue to be an innovative and successful company. DSC has been a partner of ours for over twenty years and a pioneer and cornerstone in our diversity program. We created the "Diamond Club" last year to recognize diverse companies with which we spent $25 million or more. Without this growth from our suppliers, our own growth as a company would not be sustainable."
DSC sets sights on 2011 Sustainability Initiatives
A total of seven company-wide Sustainability initiatives have been identified and are being implemented throughout DSC's network. The company launched an official Sustainability program in 2009 to coordinate policies and practices that promote the responsible use of resources.
DSC's 2011 Sustainability initiatives are:
April 2011
Founder's Day generates memories -- and praise from key customer
In celebration of DSC Logistics 50th Anniversary, employees of the Colonial Heights (Virginia) Logistics Center marked their own 14-year history by giving DSC CEO Ann Drake a tour of the operation. A special guest representing the Logistics Center's key customer also visited and expressed appreciation for the DSC team's "stellar service, positive attitude, and consistent performance."
The customer spokesperson also said, "Your commitment to DSC's promise of integrity, responsibility, and accountability are all commendable…(and you) continue to perform well with key benchmarks and quality measures, especially inventory accuracy."
She added, "Simply put: The more you 'get it right' here, the more our customers 'get it right' on the other end."
Other highlights of the celebration by employees included creation of a giant timeline illustrating major milestones taking place at Colonial Heights through the years. Several employees who have worked at the LC since it first opened were among those participating.
"Our entire Colonial Heights team has a great attitude toward doing their jobs well for the customer," said Matt Bradley, General Manager. "It means a lot to them to hear from the customer that their hard work makes a difference."
March 2011
DSC executives visit U.S. state department
Ann Drake, DSC Logistics CEO, (left) and Cheryl Harbour, chief communications advisor, were invited by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to attend the International Women of Courage Awards recently in Washington, D.C. Pictured here in one of the formal reception rooms, the DSC executives also attended a State Department briefing preceding the awards ceremony.
Recipients of the Awards were ten women from 10 different countries outside the U.S. who have demonstrated determination and courage in addressing issues such as honor crimes (Jordan), lack of education for girls (Pakistan), restricted press freedom (Cameroon), and organized crime (Mexico). Special guests at the ceremony included First Lady Michelle Obama; Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard; and Cheri Blair, wife of former Prime Minister of Great Britain, Tony Blair.
DSC keeps its eyes on the business for customers
The Kellogg Company recently presented DSC employee Scott Gross with a "Making A Difference" Award recognizing his "insight, attention to detail and resulting actions." Gross had noticed an irregularity between the outer carton and inner package of a particular product which he knew fell short of Kellogg's quality standards. Kellogg was alerted, inventory was inspected and all non-conforming product was returned to the factory for repackaging.
Quality and food safety is a top priority for both Kellogg and DSC, and Scott's actions represented the values of both companies – including Kellogg's pledge of accountability and DSC's promise to "keep our eyes on the business."
February 2011
CEO Ann Drake named "Pro To Know"
DSC Logistics' CEO Ann Drake was named as one of Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazine's 2011 Provider Pros to Know. The Provider Pros to Know is a listing of professionals involved supply chain-related companies who have helped their supply chain clients or the supply chain community at large prepare to meet the significant challenges in the year ahead. "Our annual list of Provider Pros to Know highlights the many thought leaders who are helping to shape the Supply Chain industry and advance Supply Chain as a respected discipline in the enterprise," said Barry Hochfelder, editor of Supply & Demand Chain Executive. "Their efforts in developing the tools, processes and knowledge base necessary for Supply Chain transformation, and in promoting new approaches to supply chain enablement, have earned them a place on this year's Provider Pros listing." Ann Drake was also selected as a Pro to Know in 2010.
January 2011
Customers recognize DSC Ready-ness during winter storms
As winter storms crippled much of the U.S. over the past few weeks, Logistics Center and Transportation managers were put to the test throughout the DSC network. Below are a few of the comments received from customers expressing appreciation for outcomes achieved through extraordinary circumstances:
"Both facilities & carriers have done a amazing job recovering from last weeks 3-day ice storm. Distribution Centers are caught up on all the outbound loads from last week and will be concentrating on keeping up with the high volume of orders this week and unloading inbounds."
"Great job by everyone involved with the operation!! While our Customers understood the issues, we still had a lot of pressure to get product into grocery stores, particularly new product and the accompanying displays. Everyone involved did a great job in managing through a tough situation. Thank You."
"Both facilities & carriers have done a amazing job recovering from last weeks 3-day ice storm. Distribution Centers are caught up on all the outbound loads from last week and will be concentrating on keeping up with the high volume of orders this week and unloading inbounds."
"Great job by everyone involved with the operation!! While our Customers understood the issues, we still had a lot of pressure to get product into grocery stores, particularly new product and the accompanying displays. Everyone involved did a great job in managing through a tough situation. Thank You."
DSC Supply Chain pros meet extreme weather head on
Winter storms, as they sweep across the nation, can have dramatic consequences on even the most strategically designed supply chain networks. Yet, as a customer-focused supply chain partner, DSC Logistics understands that our customers' products are critical to their customers who depend on them. That's when operations experience and proactive thinking come into play.
From torrential rains on the West Coast to blizzards in the Midwest tounexpected ice storms on the East Coast, DSC is collaborating with customers to minimize the impact to their supply chain. Alternative plans are put into action, such as moving orders to other Logistics Centers that are not affected; continually updating customers about changing condition, order status, transportation issues, and potential impact to their customer; and adjusting labor management scenarios to cover gaps. By being alert and adaptable, the goal is to avoid disruption and maximize recovery.
Thinkers & Movers Award Honors Thought Leadership
DSC recently recognized two individuals whose innovative leadership has resulted in ground-breaking supply chain understanding and practices by presenting them with the 2010 Thinkers & Movers Award. The ceremony honoring Daan Delen, chairman, president and CEO of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, and Nicholas LaHowchic, author and former logistics executive for Limited Brands and Becton Dickinson, took place at DSC's 50th Anniversary Business Symposium on October 21.
This is the second year that DSC has presented the award to mark the relatively recent transformation of supply chain management to an increasingly strategic role in business decision-making.
In presenting the award to Delen, DSC's CEO Ann Drake commended the R.J. Reynolds leader and his team for a new "beta" view of partnership that "opened the door to a level of collaboration that goes beyond what is usually possible" and for "having the courage to recognize the potential value of dramatic change." DSC is the Lead Logistics Partner for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company's entire supply chain, managing more than ten other logistics providers.
Delen, was recently announced as the new president- and CEO-elect- of Reynolds American Inc., R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company's parent company. His career includes international executive responsibilities for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and, previously, British American Tobacco.
The second Thinkers & Movers Award recipient, Nick LaHowchic, was described by Dan Gilmore, Editor of Supply Chain Digest, as the "thinking man's supply chain executive." Both his tenure as executive vice president, Limited Brands, and president and CEO of Limited Logistics Services, and his time as president of Becton Dickinson Supply Chain Services are considered transformational based on his innovative philosophy and approach to supply chain management.
The two recipients of the first Thinkers & Movers Award in 2009 also attended the Symposium and Award Ceremony. They are Ralph Drayer, former chief logistics officer of Procter & Gamble, and Dr. Nancy Nix, executive director of the EMBA program and professor, supply chain practice, in the Neeley School of Business at Texas Christian University. more about 2009 recipients
December 2010
DSC donates storage space for hunger relief organization
Debbie Walusiak (left), Executive Director, Self-Help Closet & Pantry, presents a commemorative plaque to Joe Franczyk, Logistics Manager II and Annissia Hanyard, General Manager, on behalf of DSC, in appreciation for its services and support.
An international hunger relief organization delivered a semi tractor-trailer full of nonperishable food and personal care items to DSC Logistics in Des Plaines, Illinois, to benefit Des Plaines residents who are clients of the Self-Help Closet & Pantry. DSC donated its services, and funds for the delivery were provided by patrons and employees of a local restaurant. They teamed up with Feed the Children, an Oklahoma-based charity that distributes food and other essentials to children and their families in all 50 states and internationally. The food was stored at DSC Logistics for approximately 6 weeks, and transported to the food pantry throughout that time period. The Self-Help Closet & Pantry, established in Des Plaines in 1971, currently serves about 1,000 Des Plaines residents in need each month. In addition to donating its services, DSC holds annual food and clothing drives to benefit the pantry. Debbie Walusiak, Executive Director, Self-Help Closet & Pantry, presented DSC with a commemorative plaque in appreciation for its services and support.
October 2010
DSC selected Top 100 3PL by Inbound Logistics
DSC Logistics was chosen as a 2010 Top 100 3PL by Inbound Logistics magazine. "DSC Logistics qualifies as an Inbound Logistics 2010 Top 100 3PL Provider because it has shown consistent results in helping customers navigate stormy economic times," stated Felecia Stratton, editor, Inbound Logistics. "Recent economic times have forced companies to deal with product scalability, demand volatility, access to capacity, and matching inventory more tightly to demand. Experienced third-party logistics providers stepped up to the plate, and took the lead in offering suggestions and helping to transform their customers' enterprises." Editors of Inbound Logistics evaluated information submitted, conducted personal interviews and online research, and compared that data to readers' burgeoning global supply chain and logistics challenges to determine the top 100 3PLs. The service providers selected are companies that offer diverse operational capabilities and experience to meet readers' unique supply chain and logistics needs. DSC has made the Top 100 list since its inception in 1994.
September 2010
DSC Leaders Speak to Supply Chain Professionals
Kevin Coleman, DSC Logistics' senior director, Customer Solutions, and Basil Weaver, senior manager, Supply Chain Solutions, spoke to participants in Michigan State University's Certificate Course in Railway Management about "Logistics in 2010 and Beyond." Their presentation covered current thinking in the area of planning and organizing resources around the concept of U.s. megaregions. They also described to participants DSC's increasing role in collaborating with customers about business strategies and ways in which DSC uses network modeling to help customers re-think and re-design their networks to address changing needs and circumstances.
DSC celebrates 50th Anniversary at Founder's Day events across the U.S.
As part of their 2010 Founder's Day celebration, DSC employees in Rancho Cucamonga, California, guided CEO Ann Drake through a tour of their Logistics Center and focused on processes that have improved productivity, safety, and sustainability. Drake and other members of DSC top management are visiting DSC Logistics Centers throughout the U.S. to honor the company's founding 50 years ago as Dry Storage Company. From a single warehousing operation on Chicago's South Side, DSC has grown to be a strategic supply chain partner to some of the world's leading companies, including those listed among the "Fortune 500."
August 2010
Kellogg Company recognizes DSC Logistics with inaugural "Builder's Choice" award"
(pictured above, left to right) West Jefferson Logistics Center celebrates: Mike Lundberg, Forklift Operator (FLO) Lead; Ralph Moran, Logistics Manager (LM) II Value-Added Services (VAS) Consistency; Robert Carmichael, FLO; Jim Heller, General Manager; Darla Evans, Kellogg Regional Distribution Director, Display Management; Rick Emerson, Group General Manager; Stephanie Jones, LMI VAS; Danny Angles, FLO; Mark Piekarczyk, LM III Operations; Mike Clary, VAS Lead
DSC's West Jefferson, Ohio, Logistics Center was recently presented with the Kellogg Company's first "Builder's Choice" award for 2009. This award is given to the Value-Added Services team for outstanding Display Management. The "Builder's Choice" award gives points to each warehouse based on compliance within several categories including the annual audit, case fill percentage, corrugate management, and safety.
The DSC team scored a perfect 100% on their audit, which no other facility achieved. This audit is based on safety, security, sanitation, corrugate inventory accuracy, quality of finished builds, and other factors. The team fully embraced and implemented the 5 S's (sort, set, shine, standardize, and sustain), and were the first to use shadow boards to organize tools and materials. Corrugate management was one of West Jefferson's primary goals for 2009, and by focusing on usage and liquidation dates, the corrugate was systematically organized and balanced, resulting in better inventory control. Safety was also an outstanding achievement, as West Jefferson was OSHA recordable-free for 2009.
Darla Evans, Kellogg's senior logistics operations manager stated, "On behalf of my team, I would like to personally thank the West Jefferson Display Management team for setting the bar and winning the 2009 Builder's Choice Award."
June 2010
DSC Logistics Named Inbound Logistics' "50 Green Supply Chain Partners"
DSC Logistics has been recognized as one of Inbound Logistics' "50 Green Supply Chain Partners" for 2010. Inbound Logistics editors chose 50 companies in several categories of logistics service provider – 3PLs, truckers, ports, forklifts, etc. – that they determined are truly "walking the walk" when it comes to commitment to supply chain sustainability. Companies were evaluated in part based on their internal sustainability initiatives, how they are helping customers achieve their sustainability goals, and how they measure or benchmark the results of these initiatives.
DSC Logistics has established a Sustainability Statement of Purpose and formed a Sustainability Steering Committee to measure company progress towards sustainability goals throughout their Logistics Center network. Additionally, DSC Logistics is a SmartWaySM Transport Partner, certified as a logistics provider and as a carrier partner. In 2010, DSC is applying their sustainability initiatives in a more consistent way throughout the company so that good ideas are able to become best practices.
May 2010
DSC's director of engineering speaks at March 18 CSCMP Roundtable
Jim Chamberlain, DSC Logistics Director of Engineering
Jim Chamberlain, director of engineering for DSC Logistics addressed a seminar at the 27th Annual Spring CSCMP Chicago Roundtable entitled "The Vendor/Customer Partnership: Working Together to Maximize Performance." Chamberlain, considered an expert on workforce management challenges, and David Hansen, managing director of RedPrairie described the partnership and collaborative journey that DSC Logistics and RedPrairie embarked on starting in 2005. The results were improved DSC productivity, and building on their already existing culture of continual improvement and accountability. Improving workforce productivity is one way DSC helps customers reduce total costs.
DSC Logistics trains engineering leaders
(pictured above) Michael Wolfenson, Engineering co-op student; Boom Aramwatananont,
Solutions co-op student; Ann Drake; Sunil Chopra; Christina Dempsey, Engineer; Scott Morgan, Vice President, Transportation; Jan Paszczykowski
On January 28, Sunil Chopra, interim Dean of the Kellogg school at Northwestern visited DSC's CEO Ann Drake and DSC's Engineering Co-op Training Program. Since 1996 DSC has partnered with Northwestern University's Walter P. Murphy Cooperative Engineering Education Program to help undergraduate students gain valuable engineering experience by spending time working on actual projects at real companies. As part of the program, engineering students alternate periods of study with periods of paid engineering experience. Over the course of the program, students complete anywhere from twelve to eighteen months of project experience, and are exposed to a wide variety of engineering concepts including facility layout, system maintenance, labor planning, metrics planning, and tool development. In recent years, co-op students have supported DSC's Labor Management roll-outs by performing equipment time studies and observations. As a result of the success of the program, some of the students have even gone on to become full-time DSC employees!
April 2010
DSC celebrates 50th anniversary
The year 2010 marks 50 years since DSC Logistics was founded as Dry Storage Corporation on the South Side of Chicago. Founder Jim McIlrath believed in the principle of listening to customers' needs and focusing company resources and capabilities on meeting those needs. In the early 1990s, Jim's daughter, Ann Drake, a business entrepreneur with an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, joined the company as executive vice president of Planning and Culture and became its CEO in 1994.
Today DSC is a strategic supply chain partner to companies whose business interests circle the globe, including Fortune 100 companies who are leaders in consumer goods, food and beverage, healthcare, medical devices, electronics, paper products, tobacco, and other areas. DSC's mission is to help customers achieve their business goals by managing change and information in the supply chain.
Read message from Ann Drake
Read DSC's history
DSC receives "Most Valuable Partner Award" from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
John Sapp, Sr. Manager, Global Transportation Supply Chain Mgmt, RJRT; Tim Martin, VP, Supply Chain Management, RJRT; Jeff Gentry, EVP, Operations and Chief Scientific Officer, RJRT; Michael Weinstock, SVP, Operations, DSC; Dan Delen, Chairman, President and CEO, RJRT; Scott Morgan, VP, Transportation, DSC; Tommy Hickman, SVP, Operations, RJRT; Craig Demarest, Sr. Director, Procurement, RJRT; Tim Childress, Master Strategic Sourcing, RJRT
At an awards ceremony and luncheon held February 11 in Winston Salem, NC, DSC Logistics received a "Most Valuable Partner" award from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. The award was created several years ago to formally recognize companies that go above and beyond in their work with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. DSC has been partner to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company since mid-2009. "For DSC to achieve this recognition in the first year is quite an accomplishment and demonstrates the quality and depth of our partnership," commented Tim Martin, vice president, supply chain management for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.
February 2010
Employees compile 120 ideas into Giant Green List
As part of DSC's 2009 Founder's Day Celebrations, CEO Ann Drake issued a challenge to employees all across the network to submit Green ideas that would promote sustainability for "Our Company, Our Customers, and Our World." Employees responded by sending in more than 400 suggestions – from ways to save water and electricity to tips for reducing waste to habits that improve the overall environment. Their "We Think Greener" submissions were compiled into a "Giant Green Poster" with 120 different ideas. The poster, in tabloid size, can be downloaded in PDF format by clicking here.
January 2010
DSC Logistics wins Green Supply Chain award
DSC Logistics has received the 2009 Green Supply Chain award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive (SDCE) magazine. The award recognizes companies that "stand out for their projects to incorporate sustainability objectives into their own supply chains or to enable sustainability in their customers' supply chains." Submissions were judged based on the clarity and content of applicant's goals and strategy, the extent of the steps being taken, the impact of the results to date and projected results, and the form and presentation of the information submitted. The winners included leading manufacturing, retail, high-tech and logistics companies. "DSC Logistics is proud to be a recipient of the Green Supply Chain Award," stated David Kahlow, DSC's director of sustainability. "This recognition validates our commitment to sustainability as part of our corporate culture, as well as our commitment to enable our supply chain partners to achieve their sustainability initiatives."
In 2009, DSC Logistics established a Sustainability Statement of Purpose and formed a Sustainability Steering Committee to measure company progress towards sustainability goals throughout their Logistics Center network. Additionally, DSC Logistics was accepted into the SmartWaySM Transport Partnership and was certified as a logistics provider and as a carrier partner.
"Even in the wake of the recession, 'sustainability' has become an essential focus for organizations that would seek to maintain their competitive advantage, protect their market share and preserve their brand image," said Andrew K. Reese, editor, Supply & Demand Chain Executive. "The 2009 Green Supply Chain Awards highlights this paradigm shift and the role of the supply chain as a key enabler of sustainability."
DSC donates food and toys for the holidays
DSC's corporate office held a three week toy and food drive in November and December. After the three week period, the combined total of food donated to the Self-Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines was 23 boxes, which helped assist their well over 400 needy families for the month. And the Toys For Tots donation was two very large boxes of toys and 3 red wagons to economically disadvantaged children for the holidays.
December 2009
Transportation Policy Symposium features talk by DSC CEO
At the Third Annual William O. Lipinski symposium on Transportation Policy held in Chicago in early November, DSC's CEO Ann Drake spoke about "Crossing the Boundaries to a 21st Century Transportation system." She described the role of supply chain management in the entire transportation spectrum and gave examples of how modeling methods help companies design their distribution networks. Drake also spoke about the megaregion model for planning, policy-making, and funding and suggested that holistic, systems thinking and collaboration are needed to make most of the Great Lakes Region's potential for future competitiveness and prosperity. The Symposium, entitled "Moving the Goods: Chicago and the Nation's Freight," was sponsored by Northwestern University 's Infrastructure Technology Institute in collaboration with the Transportation Center.
November 2009
DSC launches project to save 644,000 pages of paper a year
As one of DSC Logistics' most recent efforts to reduce paper usage, a new Bill of Lading (BOL) system has been put into place throughout the DSC network. Alert employees noticed that the typical six-part BOL is usually not needed, so DSC worked with the supplier to arrange for each Logistics Center to order a form with only the number of pages it needs. Good ideas like this one become best practices through DSC's APEX (Achieving Performance Excellence) process. Reducing paper usage is part of DSC's Sustainability Statement of Purpose: To adopt practices that promote the responsible use of resources throughout Our Company.
DSC CEO shares expertise at global CSCMP Conference
Ann Drake, DSC Logistics' CEO, was a featured panelist in two sessions at the 2009 Global Conference of the Council of Logistics and Supply Chain Professionals (CSCMP). In the first discussion, focused on "Evolution of Outsourcing to Lead Logistics Provider," Drake joined two other panelists -- the vice-president/supply chain of a Fortune 300 company that recently chose DSC as its Lead Logistics Partner and the supply chain practice leader from the consulting firm that designed and facilitated the selection process. They discussed how the lead logistics role will help position DSC's customer for the future by reducing complexity of the supply chain and improving cost efficiency. The session was provided on the CSCMP track entitled "The Value of Aligning Supply Chain with Business Strategy."
Drake also participated on a panel covering the topic of "Women in Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Leadership." The discussion included trends relating to women in leadership roles in the industry, as well as personal insights into the challenges of leading others.
Coinciding with the CSCMP Global Conference, DSC honored two outstanding supply chain leaders with the "Thinkers & Movers" Award. read more
October 2009
DSC awarded top 3PL in Inbound Logistics and Food Logistics magazines
DSC Logistics was chosen as a 2009 Top 100 3PL by Inbound Logistics magazine and a 2009 "Top 70 3PL" by Food Logistics magazine. DSC has made both lists from their inception (Inbound Logistics in 1994 and Food Logistics in 2006). To select the 2009 Top 100 3PLs, the editors of Inbound Logistics interviewed companies and customers, as well as conducting online research. As Felecia Stratton, editor, Inbound Logistics explained "Today's business logistics leaders say they appreciate 3PLs that are proactive, take the lead in offering suggestions, and help transform the enterprise. DSC Logistics qualifies as an Inbound Logistics 2009 Top 100 3PL Provider because it has shown consistent results in transforming customers' logistics and supply networks, businesses, and enterprises."
For its 2009 list, Food Logistics selected 70 top 3PLs that help food companies optimize their warehousing and transportation operations, achieving results that include reduced costs, increased flexibility and improved service levels. DSC has partnered with leading food companies for more than 45 years, allowing their customers to capitalize on their experience and expertise in designing, managing and adapting integrated supply chain and transportation solutions. Current customers include Kellogg Company, The J.M. Smucker Company, Tata Beverage group, and Tree of Life.
Each year, Inbound Logistics selection demands a great deal of industry analysis, given the pace of change and the number of new entrants in the global outsourcing market. Inbound Logistics editors conducted a diligent process of evaluating the submitted surveys and speaking with companies and customers, in addition to conducting online research. "Tactical operational results are fundamental to 3PL value, but so is the strategic vision of experienced logistics providers," stated Felecia Stratton, editor, Inbound Logistics. "Today's business logistics leaders say they appreciate 3PLs that are proactive, take the lead in offering suggestions, and help transform the enterprise. DSC Logistics qualifies as an Inbound Logistics 2009 Top 100 3PL Provider because it has shown consistent results in transforming customers' logistics and supply networks, businesses, and enterprises."
Food Logistics, the only publication exclusively dedicated to covering the movement of product throughout all channels of the food supply chain, publishes their list of top providers that help food companies optimize their warehousing and transportation operations. This year, the magazine added 20 new 3PLs to the list. The top 70 3PLs offer a broad scope of services and capabilities that enable food companies to reduce costs, increase flexibility and improve service levels. "Food and beverage companies and their third-party counterparts are discovering win-win successes being felt throughout the supply chain – right into the back offices of financials, sales, marketing and IT," explained Katherine Doherty, editor-in-chief of Food Logistics magazine. "Selecting the right 3PL is vital to the success of a company's overall operations—it's a long-term commitment. We've created this listing to help our readers find and evaluate 3PL partners that can help them achieve their goals."
September 2009
DSC recognizes outstanding leaders with supply chain "Thinkers & Movers" award
DSC Logistics has announced the first two recipients of the newly established "Thinkers & Movers" Award. At a special event coinciding with the annual global conference of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) in Chicago on September 20-23, DSC's CEO Ann Drake presented the award to Ralph Drayer, former chief logistics officer of Procter & Gamble, and Dr. Nancy Nix, executive director of the EMBA program and associate professor, supply chain practice in the Neeley School of Business at Texas Christian University. According to Drake, "This award celebrates the relatively new role of the supply chain as a powerful strategic business tool – and the individuals whose thought leadership helped inspire and achieve the transformation."
for more information on the award, click here
August 2009
DSC Logistics becomes a SmartWaySM Transport Partner
DSC has been accepted into the SmartWaySM Transport Partnership, an innovative collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the freight industry designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions, and improve energy security. DSC has received certification in two areas; as a logistics provider and a carrier partner. As a logistics partner, DSC achieved the highest available score that less than 10% of new partners are awarded. Typically, a company has been in the program for some time and begun implementing items on their action plan to reach this level. Companies that participate in the program fulfill the program's requirements of reducing fuel consumption and lowering costs and are recognized for their social responsibility and leadership. more
DSC will contribute to the Partnership's goal to reduce 33 to 66 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and up to 200,000 tons of nitrogen oxide per year by 2012 by improving the environmental performance of freight operations. Carbon dioxide is the most common greenhouse gas, and nitrogen oxide is an air pollutant that contributes to smog. By joining the SmartWaySM Transport Partnership, DSC is demonstrating its strong environmental leadership and corporate responsibility.
"The SmartWaySM Transport Partnership is one of the many ways our company is exercising our commitment to sustainability. In 2008 we began working to become certified in the program. In addition, we implemented a number of high efficiency lighting projects at our distribution centers throughout the United States. To take our commitment to the next level, this year we are launching a corporate-wide initiative that focuses on what DSC employees can do for Our Customers, Our Company and Our World. DSC also has expanded our energy efficient building management practices and is working closely with our supply chain partners on inter-company initiatives that benefit the environment and our respective business plans," remarked David Kahlow, DSC's Director of Sustainability.
DSC hosts Symposium on Chicago's exciting future
DSC Logistics recently hosted a Symposium called "Ready to Rebound in Chicago". The speakers included Andy McKenna, Chairman, Schwarz Supply Source, who discussed Chicago's bid for the 2016 Olympics, entitled "Will Chicago be the Site?", Ann Drake, CEO, DSC Logistics who spoke on "Chicago's Future as a Mega-Metro Region" and Scott Garwood, Director, Customer Care, DSC Logistics who gave insight into "Flexibility for Changing Circumstances" and described DSC's new short-term space solution, FlexSpace. In addition, the Symposium featured a panel comprised of Steve Krueger, Senior Client Executive, Marsh; Tom Murphy, Executive Vice President, Manufacturing and Wholesale Distribution, RSM McGladery; and Lynn E. Reich, SIOR, CCIM, Executive Vice President, Colliers Bennett and Kahnweiler Inc., who gave suggestions and answered questions on "Smart Strategies for a Changing Economy." The event was attended by supply chain professionals and other business leaders from throughout the Chicago area and was followed by a networking reception.
July 2009
DSC named as one of 100 Great Supply Chain Partners
DSC Logistics was selected as one of the "100 Great Supply Chain Partners for 2009" in the July issue of Global Logistics & Supply Chain Strategies magazine. The "100 Great Supply Chain Partners" program is the result of a six-month on-line poll in which logistics and supply chain professionals are asked to nominate vendors and service providers whose technology, logistics, transportation or consulting solutions have made a significant impact on their company's efficiency, customer service and overall supply chain performance. This is the seventh year DSC has been selected. Other recent awards for DSC include being named "Health Care Distribution Center of the Year" by Kimberly-Clark and receiving the "Supplier Achievement Award" from Philip Morris USA. In addition, DSC's CEO, Ann Drake, was named "Outstanding Leader in Industry" by the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT).
DSC awarded Tata Tea group's U.S. distribution
DSC Logistics has been selected as Lead Logistics Partner in the United States to Tata Tea group, currently the world's second largest tea company with recently unveiled ambitions to become a global leader in good-for-you beverages. DSC will offer supply chain and logistics support for Tata Tea group's three main products in the U.S.: Tetley Tea, Eight O'Clock Coffee and Good Earth tea and coffee. DSC will also deliver logistics support for Empirical Group LLC which provides tea and coffee to Tata Tea group's food service customers. As Tata Tea group's Lead Logistics Partner in U.S., DSC is working closely with the company to design and optimize its U.S. supply chain. Chris Robinson, Tata Tea group's U.S. Global Logistics Manager remarked, "DSC was awarded the Tata Tea group business for a number of reasons: their level of commitment, enthusiasm, professionalism, their consolidation program and design work, which proved to us that DSC sees themselves as a long-term partner and can support us in a new and exciting journey."
DSC opens Isolated Production Area (IPA) for Personal Care products
For more than 15 years, DSC has worked with customers -- including those in personal care and health care -- to meet special quality control requirements. A new addition to DSC's capabilities is an Isolated Production Area required for a variety of products, including feminine care products. The IPA is closed off from the rest of the Logistics Center, constructed of specified materials, and maintained according to a strict schedule. In this contained environment, products are packaged and wrapped to become ready for the shelf and the end consumer. Products also go through a metal detector to ensure there has been no contamination. These services take DSC beyond the typical responsibilities handled by third-party logistics providers and effectively make DSC an extension of the customer's manufacturing operation.
June 2009
DSC Corporate hosts Take Your Sons and Daughters to Work Day
DSC's corporate office hosted Take Your Sons and Daughters to Work Day on April 23. Twenty-one boys and girls participated in the educational program developed by the Marketing Communications group. As part of this program, the children interacted with various departments to learn about taxes, engineering, supply chain solutions and marketing, and they toured the Des Plaines Logistics Center. They also interviewed a panel of DSC employees in an activity conducted by the Human Resources Department to get them to think beyond the common stereotypes of the roles of men and women, on and off the job. They received goodie bags which contained products donated by DSC customer, Kellogg.
May 2009
DSC's McDonough I Logistics Center awarded Kimberly-Clark Health Care 2008 Distribution Center of the Year
DSC Logistics' McDonough I, Georgia, Logistics Center was awarded the 2008 Distribution Center of the year by customer Kimberly-Clark Health Care. The McDonough I Logistics Center outscored the other Kimberly-Clark Health Care facilities in the areas of picking accuracy, procedures, inventory (book-to-book score and random audit), repack and product damage. Their final score was 100%, with a book-to-book inventory measurement of 100% for the 12 month period. The Kimberly-Clark warehouses are scored on cost measurements, productivity, storage density, order accuracy, on-time shipping, procedures, inventory accuracy, a DC audit and total damage. This is the eleventh year that DSC has won this type of award. DSC's Des Plaines and Roanoke Logistics Centers also performed well, achieving increases over their 2007 scores.
Scott Martindale, global distribution analyst for Kimberly-Clark was on hand to present the award to the Logistics Center on March 24. He commented, "It has been a pleasure to work with the team at McDonough. The work they do on the Kimberly-Clark account is exceptional and we know that they are up to any challenge that comes their way. The Warehouse of the Year award shows their commitment to making sure the job is done the right way."
Ann Drake honored as Outstanding Leader in Industry by IIT, becomes first woman recognized at the 14th annual
Ann Drake, CEO of DSC Logistics, was named "Outstanding Leader in Industry" by the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) at the 14th annual Industrial Technology and Management Awards Dinner on Friday, May 1st. In presenting the award, IIT honored Drake for her visionary leadership as well as her professional and civic activities. DSC Logistics is one of the top woman-owned companies in Illinois, and Drake has transformed the company into an integrated supply chain management company with a nationwide network and partnerships with some of the country's largest and most successful companies. Read more about Drake's career.
Drake's comments to the audience focused on "Beyond Industry and Technology: Reinventing America." She described the need for a new mental model, encouraging leaders to think differently in three areas: envisioning America as a nation of metropolitan regions rather than 50 distinct states; improving diversity as a way of preparing for the global future of America; and learning to collaborate at all levels and among all groups. Read Drake's speech in its entirety.
Drake joins past honorees including Ronald Gidwitz, Helene Curtis; Barry L. MacLean, MacLean-Fogg Co.; Bruce C. Liimatainen, A. Finkl & Sons Co.; Rick D. Blasgen, Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals; and James T. Ryan, W.W. Grainger, Inc.
April 2009
DSC's Logistics Center in Des Plaines welcomes seasonal customers
This goose and his family must have heard about DSC's FlexSpace, a new option that provides short-term space and services for unexpected needs. The geese are occupying a space of about four feet by four feet, with a short term contract for possible renewal next year.
Find out more about FlexSpace and how it solves a variety of situations such as seasonal spikes, special programs, cross dock activities, promotional events, inventory build or overflow, network rationalization or consolidation, and product recalls.
Drake has done extensive work on infrastructure, including being the Vice Chairman of the Business Advisory Council (BAC) for the Northwestern University Transportation Center, serving on the Board of Governors and formerly as Co-Chair of the Transportation Committee for the Metropolitan Planning Council. In December of 2007, she joined other leading business executives, economists, educators, and policy-makers from across the U.S. as a panelist at The Summit for American Prosperity: Washington and Metropolitan Areas Working Together, focusing on infrastructure and collaboration steps that must be taken to keep the nation competitive. The Summit, sponsored by the Brookings Institution, launched the policy phase of the Blueprint for American Prosperity initiative. Continuing in 2008, Ann was a member of a special Brookings delegation that traveled to Germany to study transportation and governance in that country.
February 2009
DSC showcases new Kellogg's Logistics Center
DSC's newest Logistics Center, located in West Jefferson, Ohio, was showcased to DSC and Kellogg representatives on January 6, 2009. This 1.14 million square feet facility will hold 106,000 pallets of Kellogg's product. The Logistics Center has 100 dock doors, and room for 686 trailers. The building was designed with many energy efficient features and will utilize an all electric, fast charge material handling equipment fleet. The Logistics Center distributes to Kellogg's Morning Foods channels and Specialty channels, and provides mixing for six facilities in the Direct Store Delivery network. We will also be providing Kellogg with semi-automated value-added services such as modular pallet and display shipper building.
Representatives from Kellogg and DSC who attended the opening included Kellogg's Mike McGrath, Senior Vice President, Supply Chain - US Snacks; Greg Ketchum, Senior Vice President, Global Supply Chain Strategy; Dan Turney, Senior Vice President, Customer Logistics Services; Rich Dregne, Vice President, NSD Distribution & Transportation and Barry Smith, Vice President, Morning Foods Customer Service. DSC attendees were Ann Drake, CEO; Michael Weinstock, Senior Vice President, Operations; Scott Morgan, Vice President, Customer Care; Gregg Gill, Director, Customer Care; Rick Emerson, Group General Manager; Jim Heller, General Manager; Mark Piekarczyk, Logistics Manager III; Alan Tinker, Logistics Manager II and Steve Hubek, Logistics Manager I.
DSC uses Labor Management System to Improve Efficiency
DSC was featured in an article in Global Logistics & Supply Chain Strategies entitled "Warehouses: The Supply Chain's New Efficiency Experts." The article cited examples of warehousing trends and concerns and then pointed to improvements made by a number of supply chain management providers.
DSC's director of industrial engineering, Jim Chamberlain, was interviewed about the RedPrairie DLx application DSC has added to its own WMS. For the purpose of measuring each worker's performance, the application provides DSC with standards for every function in the warehouse. DSC is able to monitor the quantity, weight and cube of each item, as well as how far the worker has to travel to reach it. After aligning best practices with actual performance, DSC has been able to increase variable labor performance by about 15%.
Ann Drake named one of twenty "Influential Women in Business" for 2008
Ann Drake, CEO of DSC Logistics, was named as one of twenty area business owners and executives "Influential Women in Business" for 2008 by The Business Ledger. It is the 11th "class" of women to be recognized by the newspaper and its partner in the event, the National Association of Women Business Owners, Chicago Area Chapter, since the program's inception in 1998.
Drake was chosen because of her work in guiding DSC Logistics to become a dynamic network of integrated supply chain management operations, partnering with leading companies in a range of industries, including consumer goods, food, electronics, paper products, healthcare and medical devices. DSC is one of the largest privately owned third-party logistics providers in the U.S. and one of the top woman-owned businesses in Illinois.
Drake is also Vice Chairman of the Business Advisory Council (BAC) for the Northwestern University Transportation Center. She also serves on the Board of Governors and formerly Co-Chair of the Transportation Committee for the Metropolitan Planning Council. She was a panelist at the Brookings Institution's Summit for American Prosperity. She serves on the Board of A.M. Castle & Co. and the Committee of 200. She is a member of The Chicago Network, the Commercial Club of Chicago, the Economic Club of Chicago, and the Council for Supply Chain Management (CSCMP). The honorees were recognized at an awards lunch on November 6, 2008.
What it means to have a strong partnership in a weak economy
If there has ever been a need for creative thinking and collaborative problem-solving, it is now.
At a time like this, in the area of supply chain management, there is a major difference between having a logistics "provider" and having a logistics and supply chain "partner" – and that difference can impact the ability of your company to make the right move at the right time. At DSC Logistics, we believe that a strong supply chain partner should be:
The right supply chain partner will be able to apply experience and expertise to weigh options along with you. Providers sit back and wait for instructions; partners keep thinking of ways to help accomplish better results for their customers. But a great partnership doesn't happen by accident. It's a progression. It's a learned behavior. It's a process based on communication and trust. If you'd like to know more about DSC's Partnership Process and how we work together to help you achieve your goals, click here.
January 2009
DSC identifies supply chain options to address economic challenges
In light of current economic conditions – including unpredictable fuel costs, higher raw material costs, lower consumer spending, tighter capital, fluctuating exchange rates, and growing uncertainty about the future – DSC Logistics highlights these supply chain strategies as options worth considering:
Read more about why it pays to have a strong partnership in a weak economy
Ann Drake speaks at CEO event about teamwork and leadership
At a roundtable discussion sponsored by Chief Executive Magazine, DSC's CEO Ann Drake was one of five CEOs who addressed the topic "How Effective is Your Senior Leadership Team." The program was held on July 17, 2008, in New York City, the day after the magazine held its CEO of the Year award dinner. The other CEOs who participated in the roundtable included Farooq Kathwari, chairman, president and CEO of Ethan Allen; Jane Landon, chief information officer, City of New York; Ronald Naples, chairman and CEO of Quaker Chemical; and Andy Taylor, CEO of Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
During the discussion, Drake described some of the initiatives DSC has taken to build teamwork and develop leaders who understand the broader business picture as well as the specific field of logistics and supply chain management. Strengthening senior team leadership has been one of Drake's priorities since becoming CEO in 1994. Recently Dick Armstrong, a well known expert in the supply chain industry, wrote about DSC's executive team, "The DSC execs I met with recently, act like a team. They work hard together, plan well together, seem to enjoy what they are doing, and like each other's company. The key seems to come from Drake herself… She is a strong person who is much closer to the operation than she used to be...Relationships are flexible within this group and cooperation is strong."
December 2008 DSC's CEO and director, employee relations, address Human Resources Management Association of Chicago
Ann Drake, CEO, and Mona Mounts, director, employee relations, for DSC addressed a Human Resources Management Association of Chicago seminar on "Challenging Economic Times: How Does HR Add the Greatest Value?" The interactive seminar provided expert insight and ideas from economist Eric Sanders on current economic conditions impacting financial markets, housing, oil prices, unemployment as well as a context for where we are now and a glimpse of what we can expect in the future. Drake shared DSC's strategic business decisions based on current economic conditions as a three leveled approach; the enterprise level, the strategic level and the customer level. Mounts related some of the innovative approaches the company has utilized to support corporate strategies, including the strategy of preparing employees to be "ready for anything!", and always "thinking better"! The Human Resources Management Association of Chicago is a forum for human resources leaders, practitioners, service providers and business executives charged with designing and delivering workforce strategies to drive superior business performance in the organizations they serve. The seminar was held on September 26, 2008 at the Navistar Financial WCC Conference Center, in Schaumburg, Illinois.
November 2008 DSC receives "Top 50 3PL" award
DSC Logistics was listed as a "Top 50 3PL" by Food Logistics magazine, the only publication exclusively dedicated to covering the movement of product throughout all channels of the supply chain. The list is compiled to help food companies optimize their warehousing and transportation operations, and the 3PLs are selected based on their broad scope of services and capabilities that enable food companies to reduce costs, increase flexibility and improve service levels. "Today, many food companies are outsourcing various supply chain activities to gain a competitive advantage," explained Katherine Doherty, editor-in-chief of Food Logistics magazine. "Selecting the right 3PL is vital to the success of a company's overall operations—it's a long-term commitment." DSC has partnered with leading food companies for more than 40 years, allowing their customers to capitalize on their experience and expertise in designing, managing and adapting integrated supply chain and transportation solutions. Current customers include ACH Foods, Kellogg Company, The J.M. Smucker Company and Tree of Life. DSC has made the "Top 50 3PL" list every year since its inception in 2006.
October 2008
DSC's Houston Logistics Center takes on Hurricane Ike
On September 13, 2008, Hurricane Ike made landfall just one mile per hour shy of a Category 3 Hurricane. DSC's Houston Logistics Center, in the path of Ike, lost their power for seven days. The Houston team pulled together, and with the help of the other DSC Texas Logistics Centers, who supplied a couple of badly needed generators, IT support, and supplies donated by customer Kimberly-Clark, the facility was back up and running in four days. The team's efforts in preparing for the hurricane and securing the building resulted in minimal damage to the building and product. Working closely with customer MeadWestvaco, the Houston team prioritized loads and quickly regained lost ground. "Our partners at DSC worked quickly to assess damage, arrange assistance from other locations in Texas, and get a partial staff onboard as quickly as possible," remarked Tom Guerci, Manager Inventory Operations, Packaging Resources Group for MeadWestvaco. "The speed at which they returned to full operation was of great benefit to us and is greatly appreciated.
September 2008
DSC's general counsel speaks at IWLA warehouse law symposium
Verlyn Suderman, DSC's vice president and general counsel, was one of the featured speakers at the 2nd annual IWLA Warehouse Legal Practices Symposium. The event, held August 7-8 in Rosemont, Illinois, and titled "Protect Your Business and Your Customers: Managing Risk and Legal Liability for Today's Warehouse/3PL Operator", was designed to update members of the 3PL industry on new developments in warehouse and business law. Mr. Suderman and another 3PL company's general counsel co-presented several sessions during the symposium, including those related to disaster planning and response and 3PL contract issues. Over sixty logistics, legal and insurance professionals from across the country attended the symposium. Mr. Suderman, a member of the IWLA's Insurance & Legal Affairs Committee, also spoke at the inaugural symposium last year.
Ann Drake named by Crain's as one of Chicago's "Who's Who" for 2008
For the 13th consecutive year, DSC Logistics' CEO Ann Drake has been named by Crain's Chicago Business as one of "the individuals who are shaping Chicago." The annual "Who's Who" list is comprised of top business leaders, lawmakers, educators, and other "movers and shakers" in fields such as the arts, entertainment, and politics. Drake, who also has been featured in Crain's listings of Chicago's Largest Privately Held Companies and Largest Women-Owned Companies, has led the transformation of DSC into a leading provider of logistics and supply chain management and partner of some of the world's best known companies. She is also active in business and civic organizations, serving on the Board of Governors and as Co-Chair of the Transportation Committee for the Metropolitan Planning Council, on the Board of Governors for The Committee of 200, on the Board of the Center for Women's Business Research, and as Vice-Chair of the Business Advisory Council (BAC) for the Northwestern University Transportation Center. Crain's "Who's Who" list, published annually, appeared in the September 1 issue.
DSC challenges employees to keep "Thinking Better"
At a company-wide Founder's Day celebration held the week of August 18 in all 33 Logistics Centers throughout the network, DSC Logistics sent the message to employees that the way DSC employees think sets them apart from other logistics and supply chain management providers. DSC's CEO Ann Drake pointed to examples of quotes from customers recognizing DSC for "being proactive," for "constantly thinking ahead and developing plans," and for "understanding the business as a whole."
Founder's Day celebrates the company's origins which date back to the South Side of Chicago in 1960. The guiding principle of the company's founder, James McIlrath, was "Do a better job tomorrow than you did today." In the 1990s, Ann Drake led the transformation into a united logistics company that not only provides warehousing and transportation services but also collaborates with customers to design, integrate, manage and adapt supply chain solutions.
Employees throughout the company also celebrated the company's recent win of major new business from seven of its largest customers.
DSC selected as 2008 Top 100 3PL
DSC Logistics was chosen as a 2008 Top 100 3PL by Inbound Logistics magazine. Each year, Inbound Logistics editors select the best logistics solutions providers by carefully evaluating submitted information, conducting personal interviews and online research, and comparing that data to their readers' burgeoning global supply chain and logistics challenges. Inbound Logistics' editors selected this year's class of Top 100 3PLs from a pool of more than 300 companies. Felecia Stratton, editor, Inbound Logistics commented, "Companies of all sizes rely on world-class logistics performance to stay competitive in today's global economy. DSC Logistics provides the flexible, innovative supply chain solutions that companies large and small demand. DSC Logistics is responsive to customer needs, and offers strategic solutions designed to drive business process improvement and change. Inbound Logistics editors are proud to recognize DSC Logistics as a 2008 Top 100 3PL."
August 2008
DSC helps Turtle Wax win Wal-Mart's Supplier of the Year 2007
With the help of DSC Logistics' Joliet, Illinois, Logistics Center, Turtle Wax won the Supplier of the Year 2007 award in the Automotive and Tire & Lube Express category. Turtle Wax and DSC became partners in 2004, and DSC provides Turtle Wax with Transportation Services and Logistics Center Management Services, including Value Added Services out of their Joliet Logistics Center. "We are proud of the work we have done for customer Turtle Wax," Michael Weinstock, DSC's senior vice president, operations, said, "We strive to achieve their business goals, which include providing their customers with outstanding service. And for Turtle Wax to win this award reiterates that we are doing our job."
July 2008
Yamaha chooses DSC to implement strategic consolidation
Deciding to expand a partnership that began in 2003, Yamaha Corporation of America has chosen DSC Logistics to manage the Yamaha Electronics Corporation (YEC) business. YEC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation of America, markets Home Theater components and systems featuring audio/visual receivers, amplifiers, DVD/CD systems, speakers, mini-systems, video projection, and audio/visual and information technology convergence products. In addition to the YEC segment, DSC is Yamaha's supply chain partner for the Band & Orchestra (B & O) and Pro Audio & Combo (PAC) divisions. According to DSC's senior vice president of operations, Michael Weinstock, "Yamaha will realize new efficiencies through the consolidation of three business segments in one strategic location. DSC understands Yamaha's business priorities and will continue to provide supply chain leadership in this valued and highly-collaborative partnership."
Logistics publication cites DSC as one of Great Supply Chain Partners; features successful partnership with leading food distributor
A story highlighting how DSC Logistics has helped Tree of Life, distributor of organic, ethnic, specialty and gourmet foods, gain control of its supplier base appears in the July issue of Global Logistics and Supply Chain Strategies. The issue also lists DSC among its "100 Great Supply Chain Partners." The story describes the way DSC manages transportation and consolidation for Tree of Life in the Northeastern quadrant of the U.S. and quotes Chris Sieburg, vice president of transportation for Tree of Life, as saying, "Since Tree of Life selected DSC as our supply chain partner, DSC has been extremely innovative, flexible, and responsive....We have saved more than one million dollars a year through our new partnership with DSC." more
DSC's CEO participates in panel for The Summit for American Prosperity
Ann Drake, CEO of DSC Logistics, joined other leading business executives, economists, educators, and policy-makers from across the U.S. as a panelist at The Summit for American Prosperity: Washington and Metropolitan Areas Working Together. The Summit, sponsored by the Brookings Institution, launched the policy phase of the Blueprint for American Prosperity initiative. The panel, "Driving Competitiveness: A Transportation Policy for the 21st Century," explored what fundamental transportation reform means for metropolitan America and discussed policy options to support evidence-based, values-driven decision-making. Others who attended the Summit included Edward G. Rendell, Governor of Pennsylvania; Michael Porter, Professor, Harvard Business School; Henry Cisneros, Chairman, CityView, former HUD Secretary; James Johnson, Vice Chairman, Perseus LLC, former Chairman and CEO, Fannie Mae; Dale E. Bonner, Secretary of Business, Transportation and Housing, State of California; Michael Mandel, Chief Economist, Business Week; James Traub, Contributing Writer, New York Times Magazine, and Greg Nickels, Mayor of Seattle.
The Blueprint for American Prosperity is a multi-year initiative to promote an economic agenda for the nation that builds on the assets—and centrality—of America's metropolitan areas. The Blueprint will put forth an integrated policy agenda and specific federal reforms that give cities, suburbs, and metro areas the tools they need to leverage their economic strengths, grow in environmentally sensitive ways, and create opportunities to build a strong and diverse middle class. The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Their mission is to conduct high-quality, independent research and, based on that research, to provide innovative, practical recommendations that advance three broad goals: strengthen American democracy, foster the economic and social welfare, security and opportunity of all Americans and secure a more open, safe, prosperous and cooperative international system. The kick-off event was held June 11 - June 12, 2008 in Washington, DC.
June 2008
Companies choose DSC Logistics to implement strategic initiatives
DSC Logistics is currently taking on expanded responsibilities for existing customers on projects representing a combined total of $40 million of new business for DSC. Each of the companies implemented a key strategic initiative through collaboration and supply chain design and execution. "In this challenging economy, more and more companies are utilizing their supply chain as a creative and flexible function to achieve their business service and cost reduction goals," said Ken Heller, DSC's vice president, supply chain excellence. "Whether the initiative is new outsourcing or consolidation or expansion of a network, trust becomes a high priority for customers seeking significant improvements in service and efficiency." The companies who have recently expanded their supply chain partnerships with DSC include Kellogg, Smucker, MeadWestvaco, Cardinal Health, and Yamaha.
DSC's CIO serves on panels at 10th Annual eyefortransport North American Technology Forum
Greg Goluska, CIO of DSC Logistics, participated in two panel sessions, "How to ensure that your IT department is aligned with your company's business/corporate goals" and "Future technology trends for transport & logistics providers," during the recent eyefortransport technology forum. On both panels Goluska joined other CIOs and vice presidents of technology in the discussions. Goluska also presented, "Attracting the Right Assets," discussing how the transportation and logistics industry has often struggled to attract the most innovative, creative, and cutting edge players to the industry and has not always made recruiting and retaining IT talent a priority. He offered solutions on attracting, training and retaining the best individuals to push IT and technology into a revenue position. Eyefortransport is a leading provider of online logistics and transportation information and services. The forum, held June 3-4 in Chicago, gathered transport and logistics industry leaders to discuss the latest IT, technology and ecommerce developments.
Customer MeadWestvaco expands transportation services with DSC
MeadWestvaco has awarded DSC Logistics Transportation Management services out of DSC's Florence, Kentucky, Logistics Center. DSC will manage three main lanes, with loads made up of rolled paper stock and transported, using DSC's asset based carriers, to Hebron and Lexington, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, Ohio. DSC provides Warehouse Management Services out of this location. The partnership with DSC and MeadWestvaco dates back to 2005, with DSC providing Logistics Center Management services for MeadWestvaco in Illinois, Georgia, Kentucky and Texas, and cross-docking services for their finished goods division in North Carolina.
May 2008
DSC's CIO describes growing technology needs of customers
Greg Goluska, chief information officer for DSC Logistics, recently highlighted dramatic trends in the role technology plays in supply chain management. In DSC's in-house publication, Goluska identified nine key phenomena, including the "just-in time" culture that drives demand and the emerging opportunity to do "what if" planning based on patterns of information. Noting that DSC operates "right at the center of the supply chain – right at the intersection of Customer Driven Demand and Product Driven Supply," he said that DSC has a number of IT initiatives underway in 2008 that will provide "greater functionality and efficiencies to our Logistics Centers and move us into a stronger technology leadership position in our industry." more
DSC's Memorial Fund raises over $27,000 for the Memphis Boys & Girls Clubs
DSC Logistics' fund in memory of Marlys Peske, Leon Harbin, Jr. and Gregory Martin, three DSC employees whose lives were lost when a tornado hit the Memphis Logistics Center, was set up to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis. Ann Drake, DSC's CEO, handed the donation check totaling over $27,000 to Fred Smith, chairman of the Boy's & Girls Clubs' Central Board, during the 37th Annual Steak 'N Burger Dinner, April 17 at the Memphis Zoo. The goal of the Boys & Girls Clubs is "to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens." All contributions will go towards the new Technical Training Center, for logistics and distribution training. The dinner was also attended by Jerry Dolak, group general manager; Mona Mounts, director, employee relations; and Tracy Drake, director, Marketing Communications. DSC hosted two tables of family members of Marlys, Leon and Gregory.
March 2008
DSC honored as a Platinum Club member at customer Kellogg's Million Dollar Club event
DSC Logistics was honored again this year as one of the founding members of The Kellogg Company's Platinum Club at Kellogg's annual Million Dollar Club event on March 12, 2008. The Platinum Club is designed to recognize women and minority businesses doing more than $10 million in business with Kellogg. CEO Ann Drake, Mike Riley, vice president, regional operations and Doris Drayton, director, business development, attended the event, part of a two-day supplier conference focusing on sustainable growth for Kellogg's suppliers and encouraging suppliers to create their own supplier diversity program and widen the scope of opportunity for smaller diversity companies. Ann Drake, on behalf of DSC Logistics, accepted a Million Dollar Club plaque for 2007.
DSC's McDonough I Logistics Center awarded Kimberly-Clark Health Care 2007 Distribution Center of the Year
The McDonough I Logistics Center outscored the other facilities in the areas of picking accuracy, procedures, inventory (book-to-book score and random audit), repack and product damage with a final score of 99.3467% to win the Kimberly-Clark Health Care 2007 Distribution Center of the Year. They achieved a 100% score on the book-to-book inventory measurement nine out of 12 months, and 99.9% during the remaining three months. Shipping accuracy rate averaged 99.83% for the year.
Hanyard joins DSC as general manager
Annissia Hanyard has joined DSC as general manager of the Des Plaines and Chicago, Illinois, Logistics Centers. Annissia is managing all financial, operational and customer responsibilities for those locations. Annissia brings over 20 years of experience in the industry along with a proven track record of achieving results in progressive engineering and supply chain management leadership roles. Her career highlights demonstrate the ability to drive operational execution and customer service excellence within the 3PL industry as well as in Fortune 500 environments.
February 2008
DSC's CEO Ann Drake serves on leadership panel for BGSA Supply Chain 2008 Conference
Ann Drake was a panelist at the recent BG Strategic Advisors (BGSA) Supply Chain 2008 Conference. The panel, comprised of some of the industry's most respected leaders, shared best practice solutions that helped them improve customer service, employee retention and profitability, and other strategies and innovative ways to overcome these hurdles and maintain their leadership position. The BGSA Supply Chain Conference gathers top executives of leading companies from all segments, ranging from warehousing and freight forwarding to specialty areas like packaging and niche supply chain technologies that are revolutionizing the industry. In addition, the conference provides a unique focus on key strategic ideas driving change in the supply chain marketplace. BGSA is a leading global investment banking and strategy consulting firm specializing in M&A advisory services for companies in the supply chain and logistics sectors. The conference was held January 28-30 in Palm Springs, Florida.
DSC mourns the loss of three Memphis employees
DSC mourns the loss of three of its employees who lost their lives when a tornado severely damaged the Memphis, Tennessee, Logistics Center, on Tuesday evening (2/5/2008). We are deeply grieved by the loss of the DSC family members: Marlys Peske, Leon Harbin, Jr. and Gregory Martin.
"We are currently focused on supporting the families of our workers who lost loved ones in this tragic event, as well as those workers who were injured and their families. Out of respect for the loss of our three DSC family members, we are flying all flags at our Logistics Centers at half mast for the next thirty days," CEO Ann Drake said. "My thoughts and prayers are with each person affected by this terrible tragedy."
The Memphis DSC operations have been temporarily suspended, due to the condition of the Logistics Center and the resulting decision by the local government agencies to close it. We value our Memphis employees, and are committed to re-establishing our operations in the Memphis/Mid South area as quickly as possible. We have provided them with assistance to make the temporary transition as smooth as possible under the circumstances. We are extremely grateful to our loyal and dedicated employees, the surrounding community, as well as our industry partners and friends for all their support and efforts during this tragic time.
DSC named one of 125 most influential manufacturing technology providers in 2007
DSC was listed as one of the 125 most influential manufacturing technology providers in 2007 by Start-It magazine, and one of nine providers under the Logistics & Fulfillment segment. The list is designed to provide a snapshot of the industrial market and the companies with the greatest impact on its direction. The criteria include customer references, business-model strengths and execution, market leadership, and technology innovation through partnerships.
January 2008
DSC recognized as a top supply chain partner in 2007
In 2007 DSC was named a top provider in the logistics field by four leading industry publications. In July, DSC was named one of the "100 Best Supply Chain Partners" by Global Logistics & Supply Chain Strategies magazine, one of the "Top 100 3PL providers" by Inbound Logistics magazine and one of the "50 Leading 3PL Pros" by Food Logistics magazine. Transport Topics magazine included DSC as one of the "50 Top Logistics Companies" in their September issue. "In 2007 we have many examples of helping our customers achieve their goals through the management of change and information in the supply chain," said Ann Drake, DSC's CEO. "We know how to master change, to step up to the challenge of designing, integrating, managing and adapting supply chain solutions. To receive the recognition we did in 2007 from our customers and the industry reinforces our mission of being the preeminent sense-and-respond supply chain organization."
DSC's Iwata presents at Supply Chain Conference in Tokyo, Japan
Sawako Iwata, an Associate Industrial Engineer at DSC Logistics, recently presented at the Supply Chain Network Conference, in Tokyo, Japan. Iwata's presentation, entitled "Workforce performance management by 3PLs in the United States" highlighted the ways in which DSC defines their Performance Optimization Process with various actions, and by having engineering standards. She also reviewed how DSC develops those engineering standards. The conference is one of the bimonthly working groups under the umbrella of the Operations Research Society of Japan. The Society was founded in 1957 with the following goals: 1. study and develop techniques for Operations Research, 2. utilize and apply OR techniques to various problems in management of corporations and government, 3. exchange valuable information among domestic members, 4. interact with international organizations. The conference was held Friday, December 21, 2007.
November 2007
DSC's CFO nominated for the Chicago Athena Award
JoAnn Lilek, CFO, was nominated for the Chicago Athena Award. The award is presented to someone who has attained and embodies the highest level of professionalism excellence in her/his business or profession, has devoted time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community and actively assists women in realizing their leadership potential. Lilek was among 20 nominees honored at the 2007 Chicago Athena Award luncheon, Monday, November 5.
DSC Logistics hosts potential Chinese partner
DSC hosted a visit from the Chairman of the Board and other executives of the Chinese company, Guangdong Rising Assets Management Co., Ltd., on Monday, November 5. Guangdong Rising Assets currently manages 2.7 billion dollars of assets in various types of companies located throughout China and is exploring future American logistics partners. The Chinese company chose DSC based on DSC's reputation in the industry and the quality of DSC's website. DSC looks forward to partnering with Guangdong Rising Management in the future.
Jorgensen joins DSC as general manager
Richard Jorgensen has joined DSC as general manager of the Joliet and Romeoville, Illinois, Logistics Centers. Richard will be responsible for all financial, operational and customer responsibilities for those locations. Richard has almost 30 years of supply chain experience, with 10 years experience in global supply chain management and manufacturing. He has extensive expertise in warehousing, transportation strategy, inventory management, production planning, warehouse management systems, vendor management and customer service.
Ann Drake serves on Global Logistics panel
Ann Drake was a panelist at the 2007 Global Logistics Summit of Will County, Illinois, on September 18, participating in a discussion on what logistics organizations do to create value in a global economy. The Summit, one of the most comprehensive transportation conferences of the year, hosted a lineup of respected industry experts covering key topics in both individual and panel presentations. Ted Fishman, author of the bestselling book China, Inc.: How the Rise of the Next Superpower Challenges America and the World, kicked off the Summit with the keynote address. Other featured speakers included Tim Feemster, Senior Vice President & Director of Global Logistics for Grubb & Ellis, and Mara Swan, Senior Vice President, Global Human Resources, for Manpower. The summit featured topics including the impact of China as a leading trade partner, how the growth of a global economy is affected by efficient supply chains, using the supply chain as a competitive advantage, and the issues and impact of a diverse global workforce. As one of the fastest growing counties in the United States, Will County is experiencing the challenges that accompany any rapidly growing region--primarily infrastructure and transportation issues.
September 2007
CEO Ann Drake selected as a "Top-Idea Maven" by The Woman's Advantage
Ann Drake, CEO, was selected from among hundreds of submissions to be featured in the 2008 Woman's Advantage Calendar. The calendar will provide advice for women business owners from influential women leaders across the US and Canada. Mary Cantando, Growth Expert of The
Woman's Advantage, today announced that Ann's advice will be included in the calendar which is to be released this month. "Ann's quote was selected because it was powerful yet easy to understand. Her idea is relevant to almost every woman in business today." says Cantando. "Women business owners and those who dream of starting a business will learn so much from the advice provided by Ann and the other successful women quoted in the calendar." The Woman's Advantage 2008 Calendar, scheduled for release this fall, will provide sound bites of advice on key business issues including: organization, promotion, sales, and human resources.
August 2007
DSC's CEO Ann Drake offers thought leadership in Supply Chain Digest
Ann Drake discusses key supply chain issues in the Expert Insight section of Supply Chain Digest. Ann's column, entitled Supply Chain Inview, appears bimonthly and has covered topics such as collaborating with your supply chain partner and taking on responsibilities outside the normal supply chain arena. Supply Chain Digest provides supply chain management and logistics news, opinion and education; the publication's panel of expert columnists represent supply chain management and logistics thought leadership.
April 2008 "Bids: The Good, the Bad, and the Only " SC Digest more
January 2008 "A Work in Progress" SC Digest more
November 2007 "Why Focus on Pennies When you Can Save Millions?" SC Digest more
August 2007 "Ventures Requiring 'Super' Powers" SC Digest more
June 2007 "What We Don't Know Can Hurt Us" SC Digest more
July 2007
Ann Drake attends Rockefeller Foundation's Global Urban Summit
Ann Drake was a recent delegate to the Rockefeller Foundation's Global Urban Summit in Bellagio, Italy, as part of the Regional Plan Association's "America 2050" initiative. RPA's America 2050 initiative will provide a framework for the public and private investments needed to accommodate the nation's growth and sustain its competitiveness in the 21st Century. Through discussion of trends shaping America's future development, the goals of the week-long summit were to craft a long term physical, policy and investment framework for America's future growth and development; to create a communications strategy for elevating these issues in the national dialogue for the 2008 Presidential election and to draft an action agenda for reforming federal policy to support cross-jurisdictional governance and investments in ten emerging megaregions nationally; and to formulate a research agenda for further exploration of key issues. The project, held July 8-13, brought together a select group of urban planning practitioners, scholars, civic and business leaders and environmentalists.
June 2007
DSC named finalist for "Best 3PL for Fast Moving Consumer Goods"
DSC is one of three finalists in eyefortransport's 3PL Awards in the category "Best 3PL for Fast Moving Consumer Goods." Established in 1998, eyefortransport is a leading provider of online Logistics and Transportation information and services. Eyefortransport readers, restricted to 3PL users, were given six weeks to vote for logistics providers they believe to be "head and shoulders" above the rest. The overwhelming majority of voters said that the level of customer service is the single most accurate measure of a 3PL's value to its customer. Other attributes include the ability to act as a seamless extension of the customer's company...flexibility and proactive problem solving...delivering on commitments...effective communication...and a closer understanding of the clients' full supply chain as a means to proactively suggest new strategies. The winners will be announced at the 3PL Industry Dinner & Awards Ceremony at the eyefortransport 3PL Summit and Outsourcing Logistics Conference in Atlanta on June 26, 2007.
May 2007
Ann Drake hosts international visitors for Women Business Leaders Summit (WBLS)
Ann Drake and DSC hosted Nevine Leheta of the Leader Group from Cairo, Egypt, and Asmahan Abboud, Aramex International, from Lebanon as part of the U.S. State Department's co-sponsorship of Arab and American women business executives. The purpose of the visit on May 21 and 22 was to share experiences, exchange best practices and share management styles and business skills with partner companies. On Wednesday, May 23, Ann and her guests traveled to Washington, DC, to meet with senior level government officials and members of Congress, and attend special program sessions at Georgetown University. A private reception was held at the White House for the WBLS participants, and they were honored by an appearance from First Lady Laura Bush.
March 2007
Yamaha marches on with DSC Logistics, awarding their Band & Orchestra Division
Current customer Yamaha has expanded DSC's logistics center management services to include their Band & Orchestra (B & O) Division. This new division will occupy additional square feet at DSC's Joliet Logistics Center. The Yamaha instruments for marching bands and orchestras will join the keyboards, digital pianos, guitars and drums DSC currently handles. The Joliet Logistics Center will provide container unloading, each and case picking and drum drilling (drilling special holes so they fit on the drum rack used in marching bands) services. The B & O products will be shipped to schools and retail stores.
DSC expands locations with current customer Kimberly-Clark
DSC was awarded logistics center management services for a new Chicago-area facility by current customer Kimberly-Clark for their Professional division. The new Logistics Center, leased by Kimberly-Clark, will be located in Romeoville, IL. DSC will be handling the full line of Kimberly-Clark Professional products, including products and systems made for the washroom under brands like Scott, Kleenex and Kleenguard brands. DSC will provide the WMS and warehousing services, and will support small packaging projects.
CEO Ann Drake attends IWLA Annual Convention; Board member, Ralph Drayer, speaks
Ann Drake attended the IWLA 116th Annual Convention, March 4-7, 2007, in Hilton Head, South Carolina. DSC's Advisory Board member, Ralph Drayer, spoke on "Collaboration—The Key to Supply Chain Transformation." IWLA is a trade association of warehouse logistics providers that helps members run high-quality, profitable businesses. DSC has been a member of the IWLA since 1965.
February 2007
DSC partners with new customer Pinnacle Foods
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc., one of North America's largest packaged food companies and maker of Duncan Hines baking mixes, Log Cabin and Mrs. Butterworth's syrup, Open Pit barbecue sauce, Hungry Man and Swanson frozen dinners and Vlasic pickles, has awarded DSC Logistics a three-year contract for warehousing and distribution management services out of DSC's Mira Loma and Tracy, California, Logistics Centers. Pinnacle Foods product will come from their manufacturing locations (six primary locations in the Mid-West and East Coast) and then be shipped to major retailers located in 11 states on the West Coast and Canada.
DSC honored as founding member of customer Kellogg's Platinum Club
DSC Logistics was honored as one of five founding members of The Kellogg Company's newly-formed Platinum Club, as part of the annual Million Dollar Club event on February 28, 2007. The Platinum Club is designed to recognize women and minority businesses doing more than $10 million in business with Kellogg. DSC attendees included Ann Drake; Gregg Gill, director, customer care for Kellogg; and Doris Drayton, director, business development. Ann Drake was presented with an award at the Platinum Club dinner following the Kellogg Top 40 Suppliers reception.
DSC provides solutions for customer, Kimberly-Clark's, "Network of the Future"
DSC was awarded an exciting growth opportunity with current customer Kimberly-Clark, providing logistics management services, including custom kitting, at a new Logistics Center in the Los Angeles, California, area. Kimberly-Clark will be combining two divisions into this location, Consumer and Professional. DSC will be handling the full line of Kimberly-Clark Consumer products, including Cottonelle, Kleenex and Huggies brands, as well as Professional products made under brands such as Scott, Kleenex and Kleenguard. Kimberly-Clark has been a DSC customer since 1992 and currently occupies space in DSC's Logistics Centers in Arlington, Coppell and Roanoke, Texas; McDonough, Georgia; Des Plaines, Illinois; and Mira Loma, California.
DSC signs three-year contract for West Coast expansion for customer, Cardinal Health
Cardinal Health, one of the largest healthcare companies in the U.S., signed a three-year contract with DSC Logistics, beginning their West Coast expansion project. DSC will start up and transition Cardinal product into the newest Logistics Center in the DSC network, Rancho Cucamonga, CA. The new Logistics Center services two divisions within Cardinal Health—Gloves and Converters. DSC will be handling medical gloves, surgical masks, gowns, and other items coming from Asia and El Paso, Texas, and going to 50 Cardinal distribution centers and over 200 direct customers throughout the U.S. In addition, DSC will be providing "ETO Degassing," degassing of sterilizer products prior to stocking. DSC's relationship with Cardinal began in 2004.
January 2007
Ann Drake elected to Board of Directors of A.M. Castle & Co.
Ann Drake, CEO was elected to A.M. Castle & Co.'s Board of Directors on January 25, 2006. Founded in 1890, A.M. Castle & Co. is a leading global distributor of specialty metal and plastic products, value-added services and supply chain solutions. Its customer base includes many Fortune 500 companies as well as thousands of medium and smaller-sized firms spread across a wide spectrum of industries.
December 2006
Patrick Swartz promoted to vice president, Regional Operations
Patrick Swartz has been promoted to regional vice president. In his new role, he will continue to provide leadership for the Texas and Chicagoland Logistics Centers, foster a culture of continual improvement, open communication, customer satisfaction, and to grow and develop talent. He also has expanded responsibility as Consistency Executive for Kimberly-Clark. Patrick joined DSC in 1998 as a facility manager of the Arlington, Texas, facility. In 2000, he was promoted to a general manager position, responsible for all the Texas Logistics Centers, and was later promoted to group general manager in 2003.
DSC leaders discuss workforce and labor management success on Supply Chain Digest webcast
JoAnn Lilek, CFO, and Cheryl Tibus, former VP, Human and Organizational Effectiveness, and DSC field personnel are featured in a Supply Chain Videocast presentation from Supply Chain Digest™ and The Supply Chain Television Channel™. The webcast features DSC's personnel answering questions about a detailed case study describing DSC's experience going through work force and labor management change, discussing both the benefits and the challenges.
October 2006
DSC partners with new customer, ConAgra
ConAgra Foods, a manufacturer of well-known food brands such as Chef Boyardee, Swiss Miss, Butterball, Fleischmann's and Peter Pan, and provider of food and ingredients to major foodservice establishments and commercial customers worldwide, has awarded DSC warehousing management services out of the Arlington, Texas, Logistics Center.
DSC grows with new customer, Tree of Life
Tree of Life, the nation's leading distributor of natural, organic, specialty, ethnic, and gourmet food products, has awarded DSC their Northeast Consolidation Center business at the Allentown, Pennsylvania, Logistics Center. DSC will be picking up finished goods from Tree of Life suppliers, cross-docking the goods in Allentown, and delivering the goods via consolidated truck loads to the 12 Tree Of Life distribution centers across the country.
Adrian Potgieter moderates panel for CIP Transportation and Logistics Conference
Adrian Potgieter, vice president, Business Development, moderated the panel "Bringing It Home" for the 5th Annual CIP Transportation and Logistics Conference held in Rosemont, Illinois on October 5, 2006. This panel was a conversation between a third party logistics provider, developers and owners about strategies, goals and meeting customer's needs in a changing marketplace.
Ann Drake, CEO, serves as a member of CSCMP's "Learn to be a CEO" panel
Ann Drake, CEO, served as a member of a panel entitled, "Learn to be a CEO" at CSCMP's 2006 Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas, on October 16, 2006. The panel of three successful CEOs gave personal perspectives on executive leadership in today's supply chain world. They covered more than successes, looking at the deep learning that takes place during the trying times they have faced.