June 2020

On behalf of CLDA, I want to wish you and your colleagues a happy National Logistics Day. Sunday, June 28 is our day to celebrate the transportation and logistics industry and share that we are #CLDAproud of the hard work and dedication our companies put forth every day.

CLDA and our members have been at the forefront of final mile logistics since our inception, consistently delivering, even in the most challenging environments, for more than 30 years. I am proud of the work our member companies do to contribute to the economy, and I want to highlight a few areas that CLDA is continuing to develop to add tremendous value to you, your company and our industry.

CLDA Affinity Program
A number of new partners have joined our affinity program, and we are continuing to work with additional companies to provide significant discounts on the things we use every day. The savings on these everyday expenses will more than pay for your membership, so please take advantage.

Government Advocacy
We have been working hard to build a coalition of associations to lobby on behalf of our members regarding the CARES Act. I also was recently able to have a one-on-one conversation with Eugene Scalia, the U.S. Secretary of Labor, about our industry and our crucial role in keeping the economy moving during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was an excellent conversation that helped put important issues in front of the most important man in the federal government regarding labor concerns.

Webinar Program
CLDA’s webinar program has produced great content recently, and we will continue to provide you with pertinent information presented by top professionals in their respective fields.

CLDA Magazine
Customized Logistics & Delivery Magazine was recently transitioned to an all-digital publication, allowing for easy access from any device at any time. I encourage you to read the excellent content in our most recent issue that focuses on how our members have made an impact on the supply chains throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shipper Involvement
CLDA continues to engage shippers of all sizes to network and build connections with our members to create long-lasting relationships.

2020 Executive Learning Summit
This year’s ELS will be held virtually, allowing you to participate in this fantastic networking and education opportunity from the comfort and safety of your home. Our theme is Strategic Survival, and sessions will focus on strategic planning and execution, sales, digital marketing, and competing with crowdsourced couriers.

Final Mile Forum
Our most recent conference in Miami this past February was the most successful conference in CLDA’s history, and we are working hard to ensure that when things get back to normal, you will have the opportunity to attend the leading event for the shipping and logistics industry.

More to Come
There are many other initiatives currently underway, including a new public relations program and launching CLDA’s diversity committee, just to name a few. In addition, the CLDA Board of Directors are in the process of developing a comprehensive, three-year strategic plan to ensure the strength of our association and maximize the value for our members.

We are thankful for your membership in CLDA, and I invite you to increase your involvement in the association by joining a committee. I promise that the time you invest will be rewarded many times over through an expanded network of connected colleagues and a stronger organization.

I also ask that you reach out to your colleagues and vendors and invite them to join CLDA. As our association continues to grow and diversify, we look forward to the increased potential for building new relationships.

Finally, and most importantly, celebrate National Logistics Day this weekend! This holiday recognizes and celebrates everything we do to keep our economy moving forward, so take time this weekend to recognize the role your company has during this crucial time in our industry.

Sincerely,

Steve Howard
CLDA President

The CLDA recently awarded their first CLDA Scholarships to three students who are the children of those in the logistics industry. Each student will receive a $1250 scholarship pursue education beyond high school. Those applying for the scholarship had to be associated with a CLDA member and planning on attending college, a trade school or trucking school in the fall.

The three are:

• Brett Bernecker, son of the president of Relay Express in Fairfield Ohio
• Khloe Jowers, daughter of the VP and COO of ADL Delivery in Thonotosassa, FL
• Chase Picard, son of the CEO of Hackbarth Delivery Service in Mobile, AL

Brett Bernecker is an honors student and student-athlete at Archbishop Alter High School in Dayton, Ohio. He intends to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business and communication from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He has his sights set on becoming an entrepreneur. Brett is a member of the National Honor Society and is a three-year varsity letter man in soccer. He also played on the basketball and track teams. He is a member of the Key Club; Spanish Club; University Club; Dare to Care Club; Sports Club and participates in the school’s Horizons in Medicine program. He worked part-time throughout high school. He is the son of Jim Bernecker, president of Relay Express, Inc. and Mindy Bernecker of Ellis Custom Homes. “I am very honored to receive this scholarship and will work hard to represent the CLDA and delivery industry in general in a positive manner,” he said

Khloe Jowers is an honors student, student-athlete and a student leader at Cypress Ranch High School in Cypress, TX. She will be graduating Summa Cum Laude, in the top 15% of her class. A member of the National Honor Society, Khloe has also been recognized for her achievements by the Math Honor Society (Mu Alpha Theta) and the Music Honor Society (Tri-M). Her band career includes serving as Head Drum Major, Vice President and Section Leader. She plays varsity softball and is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She will be pursuing her Bachelor of Business Administration at Baylor University in the fall where she will be studying marketing and sign language interpretation. Her career aspirations include either marketing for a sports team or becoming a sign language interpreter for Walt Disney World. She is the daughter of Thomas and Kimberly Jowers of ADL Delivery. “My goal throughout all of my education is to spread positivity in all that I do. I want to help people and brighten their days and show them all the good to be excited about in the world,” she said. She lives in Cypress, TX.

Chase Picard is an honors student and student-athlete at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in Mobile, AL. He intends to study math or engineering at the University of Alabama in the fall. Right now, he is considering a career in teaching or engineering and may pursue a graduate degree. He leads his school’s Varsity Bowling Team, which he has been a part for four years. In addition, he is a member of the school’s Key Club; Green Club; Chemistry Club; and Physics Team. He is a member of the National Honor Society. Chase earned his black belt in Tae Kwon Do and teaches the discipline to children. He is also involved in his church’s youth group activities, which include volunteering at a local orphanage. He is the son of Lawrence P. Picard, a real estate broker, and Kelly Picard, the CEO of Hackbarth Delivery Service. “I am a hard worker and I am really looking forward to going to college and getting to take classes I actually like. I enjoy helping others and that is why I continued to teach Tae Kwon Do after progressing through the black belt levels. I appreciate the CLDA creating this opportunity,” he said.

The three students recognized with the CLDA’s first scholarships were chosen for their combination of high academics, leadership abilities and involvement in extracurricular activities. “We were looking for a way to recognize the leaders of tomorrow among the children of those in our industry,” says CLDA President Steve Howard. “These three students excelled in all of those categories and the references they received from school and community leaders and their guidance counselors where outstanding.” The three were selected by members of the CLDA Scholarship Committee, which included CLDA Board Members and active CLDA Members. They will be honored at the 2021 Final Mile Forum in February in Las Vegas. The scholarships were funded by donations from CLDA members, vendors and affiliates.

The association intends to present the scholarships every year and will begin taking applications from the children of member companies who will be graduating in the Class of 2021 in April.

Racial and social justice impacts every one of us. For over 40 years, the Customized Logistics & Delivery Association (CLDA) has been committed to supporting and advocating critical issues that affect our members, drivers, vendors, and affiliated partners.

As we reflect upon the tragic events of the past weeks, it is clear that systemic racial and social injustice have no place in our country, our organizations, and the communities that we serve.

The CLDA stands in unity with those grieving the loss of another life to racial injustice and any number of the 100K+ that have fallen to Covid-19.

Each of us has a role to play in the pursuit of equality and justice for our fellow man. While we do not have all the answers and we cannot remedy things over night, we can still be a catalyst for change.