In the lead up to this year’s Supply Chain + Trade Compliance Summit, we looked forward to hearing from the innovators and leaders driving new technologies and changing the world as we know it. From those steering the electric revolution and implementing new supply chain risk strategies, to others mapping future U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) initiatives and leading the charge on human rights, this vision became a reality at our November 3rd event as we explored, “The Supply Chain [R]Evolution: Meeting Tomorrow’s Opportunities Today.”
After initial comments from AIAG, Ford Motor Company’s Jackie Watt provided an opening presentation on the organization’s “Ford+ Plan,” and their continued efforts to reinvent their products – including how they’re made and sold, and how customers experience them. Immediately following Jackie’s presentation, General Stephen R. Lyons took the stage, focusing on the necessity of reliability and transparency in supply chains, the progress we’ve made in unpredictable times, and how true leadership in a crisis “matters more than management.”
Closing out the pre-lunch schedule, breakout sessions included a panel moderated by Wayne State University’s Lori Sisk, with Jason Van Ness (Volvo Group), Faith Wandrie (American Axle & Manufacturing Inc.), and Terry Onica (QAD), on “The Evolving Face of Risk Management in the Automotive Supply Chain”; along with presentations from Amy Hatfield (U.S. CBP) on “CTPAT Trade Compliance and Forced Labor”; Elva Muñeton (U.S. CBP Department of Homeland Security) and Char A. Flood (Automotive & Aerospace Center of Excellence and Expertise) on “Forced Labor/Human Rights”; and Josh Perkes (Union Pacific Railroad) on “Battery-Electric Locomotives and Emerging Trends in the Rail Industry.”
Following lunch, main stage presentations resumed with General Motors’ Josh Tavel exploring the benefits of electrification for both manufacturers and customers, and speaking to common electric vehicle (EV) concerns and misconceptions (e.g., ‘range anxiety’). Breakout sessions afterward included Michele Mueller (Michigan Department of Transportation) discussing the electrification of Michigan’s roads specifically, and UPS’ Paul Spratt exploring the pandemic’s impact on various modes of transportation.
Prior to closing comments and a raffle drawing, the day concluded with presentations from Matt Carpenter (Silvercar, an Audi Company) and Gene Seroka (Port of Los Angeles Executive Director/City of Los Angeles Chief Logistics Officer). Focusing on the changing state of vehicle ownership, Matt discussed “cars on demand” and other flexible rental and vehicle sharing options, while Gene focused on U.S. containerized trade, reviewing recent and current circumstances – and what they’re doing to improve cargo fluidity – at the ports of Los Angeles.
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