NA 2010's Educational Conference will feature a Keynote Seminar Series on the Future Track for sustainability, training, workforce, and retail distribution. Each 45-minute session will provide forward-thinking perspectives on each of these important issues impacting manufacturing and distribution professionals.

Session 103View the online webinar
Theater A

The Business Case for Sustainable Distribution Centers

Speakers:

Carol Tienken, Chief Operating Officer, Greater Boston Food Bank
Click for Bio

John Ling, Vice President, Supply Chain Management and Logistics, Crate and Barrel
Click for Bio

It doesn’t matter whether a distribution center (DC) is 100,000 square feet or 1 million, there is a strong business case for sustainable practices and operations. Hear how these two leaders started with a sustainable plan for their new DCs and made it pay off from the first day of operation.

They will also offer tips on how you can take the principles, techniques and equipment they used to make sustainability an important player in your distribution center of the future.

Session 113View the online webinar
Theater C

How Industry is Changing Material Handling Training and Education

Speakers:

Don Gillman, Director, Applied Technology Center, Rock Hill, S.C.
Click for Bio

Clyde Hornberger, Ph. D., Executive Director, Lehigh Career and Technical Institute
Click for Bio

Managers at warehouses and distribution centers are becoming more demanding of the skill sets required of their entry-level workers. As a result, many are working directly with high schools, technical/community colleges and universities to help develop curriculums that deliver knowledgeable workers able to contribute to the operation without delay. This panel will discuss how they are collaborating with industry and what makes their programs so successful.

Session 203View the online webinar
Theater A

Leading Trends in Retail Distribution

Speaker: Dan Whitnable, Engineering Manager, Lands End
Click for Bio

To stay current with shifts in consumer buying patterns and expectations, retail distribution centers must change their practices. Hear how one leader is dealing with top trends including continued integration of the traditional retail channel and consumer direct distribution. Other notable developments affecting their pick, pack, ship operations range from new value-added services to changes in packaging. The bottom line is continuous improvement with the customer in mind.

Session 213View the online webinar
Theater C

Building the Workforce of Tomorrow

Speaker: Dan Boos, President and Managing Principal, Gorillas & Gazelles LLC
Click for Bio

Managing the workforce is getting increasingly complicated. The slow economy means companies are re-engineering how work gets done, requiring new skill sets for many. Baby boomers are continuing their march to retirement, causing a broad loss of institutional knowledge. And the mix of attitudes across the four work generations now in the workplace adds still another challenge.

This session will offer practical tips for managers on guiding and supporting this workforce of tomorrow in these turbulent times.