- February 26, 2024 9:23 am·
INDIANAPOLIS, IN, Feb. 26, 2024 — Mary Ann B. Passi, CAE, has been appointed Executive Director of the Customized Logistics & Delivery Association (CLDA). She brings her more than 30…
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN, Jan. 4, 2023 – Mark McSweeney, CAE has been appointed Interim Executive Director of the Customized Logistics & Delivery Association (CLDA). McSweeney is the Vice President of Association Strategies for Raybourn Group International (RGI), which assumed management of CLDA on Jan. 1, 2023.
McSweeney has been with RGI for 10 years and has served in CEO capacities for 29 years, including national and international trade associations. He is a Certified Association Executive and received the Executive of the Year award from the Indiana Society of Association Executives. He is an active member of the American Society of Association Executives, Indiana Society of Association Executives, and Association Societies Alliance.
“We look forward to working with Mark and the rest of the RGI team,” said Jason Burns, CLDA’s president. “We chose to work with them because of their impressive record of growing membership, member engagement, member retention and the net assets of the associations they manage. We were particularly struck by their track record of increasing membership among those ages 18 to 40 by 60% over the last five years. These younger members of our last-mile community are the future of our industry and our association.”
RGI is an accredited full-service Association Management Company. The organization has managed associations with members in 107 countries that serve over 60,000 members. Headquartered in Indianapolis, RGI is one of just 15% of association management companies accredited by the AMC Institute. Since 1988 they have worked with trade and professional associations, individual membership societies, foundations, nonprofits and other membership-based organizations throughout the world.
“I am excited to work with the CLDA to help them achieve their membership and association goals,” McSweeney said. “After meeting the Board of Directors and several members, I am confident RGI is well-suited to drive membership growth, provide strategy, and a high level of service to the membership.”
An experienced transitional leader, McSweeney will serve in the role until a permanent executive director is identified. In the coming months, RGI will establish a staff team with the ideal skillsets needed to serve the CLDA priorities and ensure long-term best-in-class service in membership, marketing, meeting planning, financial, and association management.
About the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association
The Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) represents the first to final miles of the supply chain in the US and worldwide. This non-profit professional association serves the needs of its 2,900 essential service members who are logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers, air cargo logistics providers, 3PLs and vendors servicing today’s supply chain companies. The CLDA gives its members access to a diverse network of logistics professionals looking to create new business opportunities and share decades of practical insights. They provide an avenue for amplifying members’ voices on key issues and helps them participate in the regulatory discussions shaping the industry. The CLDA keeps members informed and educated on trends, current issues and best practices. For more information see www.clda.org.
Media Contact
Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com
(860) 803-1155
Hello again, my CLDA and Industry colleagues,
It’s getting close! We have now flipped the page from 2022 to 2023. That means we will be together at our Final Mile Forum here in New Orleans in about a month. And that means if you haven’t registered yet, time is running out. But it also means that you might want to start thinking about something that is definitely part of our CRESCENT CITY CULTURE and something New Orleans is known for – great food! And great food in NOLA isn’t just where you will see a white tablecloth. Some of the best food can be found where elbows on the table are allowed – our sandwich shops. Get hungry, my friends.
Hoagie, Hero, Sub. We all know the names of sandwiches served on a “submarine” or “tubular” shaped bread roll stuffed with cold cuts and cheese. However, when you venture down to Bayou Country, one name reigns supreme when it comes to the sandwich of choice…. THE PO-BOY!
Upon your descent into the Big Easy next month, and as you walk around the French Quarter, you will notice places where the glow of neon announces the sandwich as if it was a Marquee promoting the hottest Jazz Band in town. This hand carriable meal of French Bread stuffed with your favorite meat or seafood is served in varying lengths, usually from 6 inches to a feast size of 15 inches. Although, I would argue that trying to “carry” a Roast Beef Po-boy (the most popular and arguably the first) is extremely difficult. For that, you must be stationary and have plenty of napkins while preparing for your gravy bath.
The “POOR BOY” sandwich has a long history in New Orleans. Today’s modern version hasn’t changed much since the original Poor Boy sandwich was introduced many years ago. I say “many” years ago as opposed to “X number” of years ago because there is a bit of controversy as to when and from whom the term Poor Boy originated.
It has been written that as early as 1910, references to the Poor Boy Sandwich were made. Jazz great Sidney Bechet referred to the sandwich when he had recently hired an unknown cornet player named Louis Armstrong. After paying Armstrong and the other members of the band 50 cents for their gig, he said they went out and got a beer and a “Poor Boy” sandwich with their earnings. Bechet made this reference several years later as he reflected on those times in the early 1900s. Some believe that he learned of the Poor Boy name later on and just made reference to it at this point in his life.
The most accepted version of the origin of the name came around 1929. Bennie and Clovis Martin, who were Street Car Conductors originally (Yes, there are Street Cars in New Orleans, not Cable Cars or Trollies), opened a small coffee shop and Restaurant in the French Quarter in 1922. When their street car brothers went on strike in 1929, they vowed to ensure they would be fed. “We fed those men free of charge until the strike ended. Whenever we saw one of the striking men coming, we would say, ‘Here comes another poor boy.”
Growing up, I also was told that the original Poor Boy sandwich was a roast beef “debris” sandwich. My version of the story points out that the Martin Brothers would offer the men a large piece of French Bread. After slicing lengthwise to open it up, they would ladle the gravy onto both sides with just the “debris” of the cooked roast beef included. This was a “cheap” or “poor” version of a sandwich, but because of the bread and its size, it was quite filling. Today, the “Po-boy” is prepared with anything you can think of.
The name and where it originated might still have some uncertainty. And one person’s version will differ from another, as this 2016 article point outs. But, no matter how, when, or who gets the naming credit, one thing for sure is that the Po-Boy is an ingrained part of our CRESCENT CITY CULTURE!
Since most of our FMF attendees will be spending time downtown, here are some great places to get a good Po-Boy in or near the French Quarter.
Killer Po-Boys http://www.killerpoboys.com/
Johnny’s Po-Boys 511 St Louis NOLA 70130 (no website)
Mahony’s (two locations) https://mahonyspoboys.com/
Another place that had some good Po-Boys back in the day was Mothers. Still good but has gotten to be a little touristy. I think you would still enjoy it and be a little closer to the FMF hotel. https://www.mothersrestaurant.net/
For those who want to venture outside of the French Quarter, here are my two favorite places in the city for Po-Boys:
Parkway Bakery – Mid City New Orleans – Get the Roast Beef. https://parkwaypoorboys.com/
Domilise’s – Uptown New Orleans – you can’t get any more “neighborhood” than this. http://www.domilisespoboys.com/
Can’t wait to see you next month!
Hello again my CLDA and industry colleagues,
As I begin edition four of the CRESCENT CITY CULTURE, I would like to look back a bit before moving forward, especially for those who may be reading this weekly glimpse into our rich culture for the first time. For those who don’t know, I am introducing New Orleans to you one week at a time as we lead up to our CLDA Final Mile Forum in February. Which, if you’ve checked your calendar, is about 6 weeks away. Don’t delay to reserve your spot. I know that each FMF always turns out to be a great meeting. However, this year’s FMF is shaping up to be one of the best FMF Meetings that I can remember. And as a charter member of the CLDA (MCAA then) that is a long look back and a lot of remembering. It is my hope and goal that through these weekly peeks into the Big Easy way of life, you will feel like a true New Orleanian when your feet hit our below-sea-level ground in February.
Over the first three weeks, you have learned about our Mardi Gras tradition, and know we will be in the heart of it during our FMF; you have been introduced to our city’s founder, Bienville, and discovered the origination of the Crescent City nickname; and met one of our most interesting and mysterious citizens, Marie Laveau, as well as learned that because of our above-ground cemeteries we have been also known as the City of the Dead.
As we continue our excursion through the New Orleans way of life and its geography, I have a question: what is the most familiar scene of New Orleans that you can picture in your mind? Could it be the one below of the St. Louis Cathedral with Jackson Square in the foreground?
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Well, if you said yes, then you are in the majority. According to Trip Advisor, this is the most photographed scene in New Orleans and one of the most photographed scenes in the entire country.
To me, Jackson Square is the heartbeat of the French Quarter. To some that might be Bourbon Street. Although our French Quarter night life is as publicized as is spirited, I want you to know that the French Quarter, and Jackson Square in particular, takes on its own unique ambiance during the day. So, please take the time to experience the Place d’Armes, as it was called before bearing the name of our seventh president and hero of the Battle of New Orleans. But experience it during the DAY also.
The St. Louis Cathedral is the centerpiece of the square and is flanked by historic landmarks, the Cabildo and the Presbytere, both now museums filled with history and worth visiting during your trip. Lining the wrought iron fence around Jackson Square you will find artists ready to immortalize you with the Big Easy backdrop and street performers filling the air with the sound of jazz. Jackson Square is also surrounded by the elegant architecture of the upper and lower Pontalba buildings in which you will find both shops and dining. And to round out this carnival-like atmosphere, don’t forget Café Du Monde, where you can enjoy beignets and café au lait for breakfast, an afternoon delight or even a nightcap after indulging in a hurricane or two from Pat O’Brien’s.
Jackson Square is certainly filled with history. This story was written a few years ago in preparation of New Orleans’ 300-year anniversary. It will give you a little more insight to Jackson Square and allow you to enjoy a little more of our CRESCENT CITY CULTURE.
See you in February!
Hello again my CLDA and industry colleagues,
Get ready for NOLA – the CLDA FMF is getting closer and will be here before you can say alligator sauce piquant. And when you get to New Orleans, I hope you know much about our CRESCENT CITY CULTURE and really feel the ambience of the city. But for today’s little bit of fun, I think the word “aura” would be more appropriate.
New Orleans is known for many things; great food, jazz music, miles of bayous, the French Quarter, the Superdome and hosting Super Bowls, Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest and, of course, its below-sea-level terrain. Well, as a result of that last item there is another little thing that New Orleans is identified with… our cemeteries. That’s right. Many are above ground because of our negative elevation. Here’s another little thing you may not know… we have also been called the “City of the Dead” because of our many above-ground graves. There has always been a colorful aura and infatuation with the mystique of this part of our city.
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With that in mind, let’s explore another curious aspect of our storied past and meet one of New Orleans’ more mysterious citizens… Marie Laveau, the queen of Voodoo.
Now, most New Orleanians don’t talk much about Marie Laveau, let alone, Voodoo, other than to speak about it in novel ways. Such as, we might say “don’t put the Voodoo on me,” when hoping bad luck doesn’t come our way. Or we may speak about the Gris Gris, which, honestly for years I thought it was someone putting a bad spell on you, but learned it is actually the opposite.
Not sure about you, but I know I was a little off regarding my understanding of Voodoo and Marie Laveau. Maybe your perception of this might not be exactly correct either. My perception was a result of the “Hollywood” version as depicted in movies. Some dark, evil ceremony done in the shadows as Voodoo Dolls inflicted pain on its victim. Well, I learned it is actually a mixture of religious and African culture that was practiced here during the dark days of slavery. Of course, there is much more to it than just that.
Marie Laveau’s mystique fell right into place with my “perception” of the Voodoo experience. I always thought she was sort of a witch doctor as described in New Orleans folklore. Well, as it turns out, Marie Laveau was many things. A hairdresser, a nurse and healer and fairly well connected with many people. And she certainly practiced Voodoo. As she took care of people in her healing role, she would use herbs and potions. This, and her practice of Voodoo, combined with her extremely large circle of acquaintances is in part why she has become a New Orleans legend.
If you want to find out more about Marie Laveau, then get to know her here.
And when you come to New Orleans if you now have that mysterious curiosity to explore “what is this Voodoo thing?” Then maybe you should visit the Voodoo Museum.
And what about this “City of the Dead” thing? Check out one of the cemeteries when you’re here for the FMF. I would suggest St Louis Cemetery #1. It is right on the edge of the French Quarter and that is also where you will certainly get some of our CRESCENT CITY CULTURE and find the resting place of one of this city’s most mysterious and possibly misunderstood citizens… Marie Laveau.
See you in February!
Hello my CLDA and industry colleagues,
I hope everyone enjoyed learning a little bit about Mardi Gras in our first edition of the CRESCENT CITY CULTURE. Our Final Mile Forum 2023 in New Orleans, which is only about 9 weeks away, will be going on as the city ramps up the Mardi Gras season with major parades beginning to roll that weekend. So, dust off your dance shoes and get ready “second-line” your way to the Mardi Gras Celebration… of course, after a day of engaging content and networking at the FMF 2023.
Today, meet the founder of New Orleans, Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville and how New Orleans became New Orleans.
I am sure that most know that one of the nicknames of New Orleans, which is the namesake of these weekly articles, is the Crescent City. This moniker came about because of the bend in the Mississippi River at The French Quarter. Well, it was Bienville who coined this name as he called it his “Beautiful Crescent.” Bienville, along with his older brother, Pierre Le Moyne D’Iberville, explored the Northern Gulf of Mexico in the late 1600s. When D’Iberville departed, Bienville went on to discover the swath of land in the lower Mississippi that would become New Orleans. The first two streets in the French Quarter running parallel to Canal Street are named for the brothers.
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Bienville wrote to the Directors of the Company in 1717 that he had discovered a crescent bend in the Mississippi River which he felt was safe from tidal surges and hurricanes and proposed that the new capital of the colony be built there. Permission was granted, and Bienville founded New Orleans on May 7, 1718. By 1719, a sufficient number of huts and storage houses had been built that Bienville began moving supplies and troops from Mobile. (You might remember in the last CCC, Mobile, AL was once the capital of Louisiana.)
Following disagreements with the chief engineer of the colony, Pierre Le Blond de La Tour, Bienville ordered an assistant engineer, Adrien de Pauger, to draw up plans for the new city in 1720. In 1721, Pauger drew up the eleven-by-seven block rectangle now known as the French Quarter or the Vieux Carré. After moving into his new home on the site of what is now the Custom House, Bienville named the new city “La Nouvelle-Orléans” in honor of Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, the Prince Regent of France. New Orleans became the capital of French Louisiana by 1723, during Bienville’s third term.
Take a look at the street names in the French Quarter. You won’t find Main St, or 1st Avenue. The street names have purpose and meaning. Parallel streets to Canal Street start out with brothers, Iberville and Bienville as mentioned above. From there the streets alternate with Catholic Saints and illegitimate sons of King Louis XIV. Beginning with Conti, then St Louis, Toulouse, St Peter, Orleans, St Ann, Dumaine and St Phillip. The crossing streets are named for French Royal Houses. Decatur, Royal, Bourbon, Dauphine, etc.
So, when enjoying the ambience of the French Quarter, you can also enjoy a little history of the street on which you are partaking in your food, fun and libation and know that you are really enjoying our CRESCENT CITY CULTURE.
See you in February!
Hello my CLDA and industry colleagues,
As you may know by now the CLDA will be holding its Final Mile Forum 2023 in New Orleans. Plan to attend now because that is only a couple of months away. Come join us February 9 through February 11, 2023. This is one FMF that you should not miss. Of course, all attendees will benefit from the great educational content, the networking opportunities and for all the programs the CLDA will be offering at this year’s gathering. It is always a great benefit to mingle amongst your industry peers to learn of their struggles and successes and of course, to share your own. However, this year I am also hoping all will attend for another reason… and that is, to enjoy the hospitality and charm that my hometown has to offer. Come experience the CRESCENT CITY CULTURE… 2023
Welcome to New Orleans!
Over the next 8 weeks be on the lookout for the CRESCENT CITY CULTURE where I will be sharing some interesting facts about New Orleans through articles, pictures, and my own take on what I call the Ambience of New Orleans.
You will get to know a little bit about the history of the city, places to eat and drink, and things to do. You will learn about our culture … like our music and food to name a couple. It is my hope that by the time you get your first whiff of grilled oysters after stepping off the plane, our local vibe will be instilled in you, and you will in fact be an honorary New Orleanian!
If there is ever a time to come to New Orleans, it is this year. WHY? Well, let me jump right into our first edition of the CRESCENT CITY CULTURE
Happy Mardi Gras!
♫ Down in New Orleans where the blues was born, it takes a cool cat to blow a horn ♪ Ah yes, those opening lyrics to the quintessential sound of Mardi Gras, sung by The Hawketts, “The Mardi Gras Mambo,” gets both locals and visitors alike in the mood to dance in the street. You can get your Mambo Grove on here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1fBDVNn1pU
Yes, my friends, it will Mardi Gras time down in New Orleans when you are here for the FMF 2023. Friday February 10th is the first night of the major parades that will lead up to Mardi Gras Day. And three will roll that evening passing about five blocks from the hotel.
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How much do you know about “Fat Tuesday” and the Mardi Gras Season? Tuesday, February 21 is Mardi Gras Day in 2023. That day marks the end of the Mardi Gras season, and the beginning of Lent is the following day.
The Mardi Gras season is actually determined by two Christian holidays, Christmas and Easter. The season varies in length because Christmas is a stationary holiday, whereas Easter is not. Easter is the first Sunday following the first full moon after the Spring Equinox. Mardi Gras Day will be 47 days prior to Easter Sunday. So, Easter can fall on any Sunday between March 23 and April 25, thus making Mardi Gras Day fall on any Tuesday between February 3 to March 9.
As for the beginning of the Mardi Gras season, well that is the same every year. It is always 12 days after Christmas, which is January 6. This day is celebrated in Christian religions as the Epiphany, and also known as King’s Day. This day has also been referred to as Twelfth Night. In New Orleans we also know it as the day that the King Cakes come out. What’s a King Cake? Check this out to learn more about it.
Here are some other interesting things about Mardi Gras that you may not know:
The Colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold. They represent justice, faith, and power, respectively.
Mardi Gras Day is the only day it is legal to walk the streets of New Orleans with a mask on. But you have to remove it at 6PM.
The French Quarter, and particularly Bourbon Street, is known for its partying atmosphere that extends well into the wee hours of the morning. However, the one time of the year that revelry comes to an end early is when the clock strikes Midnight on Fat Tuesday night, thus marking the end of Mardi Gras and the beginning of Lent. The NOPD will clear Bourbon Street on this day with the assistance of their Mounted Division.
The first Mardi Gras Celebration was held in 1699 about 60 miles south of present-day New Orleans on the opposite side of the Mississippi River at a point named by explorer Iberville as Point du Mardi Gras.
Although the first celebration dates back to 1699, the first Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans was in 1837.
Now, as far as the first Mardi Gras Parade celebration in the US, well it is believed that it was held in Mobile, AL in 1703…when Mobile was the capital of LOUISIANA. What? After doing a little research on that, I did find evidence to support that…Hmmm??
No matter where the first Mardi Gras parade was celebrated, who celebrates it today or how it is celebrated around the world, the ONE PLACE that puts on Mardi Gras with the passion, revelry, parades, and festivities like no other place in the world is… NEW ORLEANS BABY!!
Check out more here from Arthur Hardy, THE Mardi Gras Historian.
In closing here is one more fun fact about our culture:
New Orleans is eccentric if nothing else. The first Carnival Krewe was Comus in 1857. The second Krewe didn’t come along until 1870, but today there are more than 50. Don’t worry if your Cajun French is rusty: “laissez les bon temps rouler” is a phrase that you will hear much during Mardi Gras, and many others for that matter. Pronounced “Lay-say le bon tom roll-lay”, it means “let the good times roll.”
I hope to see everyone in February – “Laissez les bons temps rouler!”
HAPPY MARDI GRAS!
WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 15, 2022 – The Customized Logistics & Delivery Association (CLDA) recently awarded its third annual CLDA Scholarships to three students who are the children of members of the association. Each student will receive a $1,000 scholarship to pursue education beyond high school.
This year’s recipients are
• Brody Bernecker, the son of Jim and Mindy Bernecker. Jim is the president of Relay Express.
• Taryn Bilchik, the daughter of Bryan and Sandy Bilchik. Bryan is the Director of IT at Need It Now.
• Kylie Jowers, the daughter of Thomas and Kimberly Dawn Jowers. Thomas is the Chief Operating Officer at ADL Delivery.
Bernecker graduated from Archbishop Alter High School in Spring Valley, OH with honors. He plans on attending Miami University in Ohio in the fall with an eye towards a career in business, finance, or entrepreneurship. He was Vice President of his high school’s Investment Club and a member of both the Key Club and the National Honor Society. He served as the captain of the schools’ Food For All effort, coordinating transportation and food for the school’s annual food drive. He played on the school’s varsity basketball and soccer teams. He was recognized as the Employee of the Month at his job at the Dayton Country Club.
Bilchik graduated from Sickles High School, Tampa, FL in the top 10% of her class. She plans on attending the University of Florida in the fall with an eye toward veterinary medicine. She got a head start on that career by becoming a Certified Vet Assistant in her Junior year of high school. This enabled her to volunteer at a local nonprofit animal clinic. She also earned the school’s Greenhand award, served as Color Guard Captain and was a member of the National Honor Society. A passionate horseback rider, she also volunteered as a counselor-in-training at Girl Scout camps and was an involved member of the Future Farmers of America.
Jowers graduated Cypress Ranch High School in Cypress, Texas with honors. She will be going to Texas State University in the fall with an eye towards a career in directing or playwriting. She graduated Cum Laude from her high school and earned recognition with membership in the International Thespian Society. In high school she was involved in theater, Color Guard, the school’s Peer Assistant Leadership program, Hero Club, and the Senior Women Club. She was an involved member of the Texas Association of Future Educators.
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. Applications were reviewed by the CLDA Cares Committee, and the decisions were made based on their backgrounds, grades, and their essays. The scholarships were funded by donations from CLDA members, vendors, and affiliates.
The CLDA Scholarships are awarded annually. Submissions for the 2023 awards should be submitted by April 1, 2023. For more information go to the CLDA Cares tab on clda.org.
About the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association
The Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) represents the first to final miles of the supply chain in the US and worldwide. This non-profit professional association serves the needs of its 2,900 essential service members who are logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers, air cargo logistics providers, 3PLs and vendors servicing today’s supply chain companies. The CLDA gives its members access to a diverse network of logistics professionals looking to create new business opportunities and share decades of practical insights. They provide an avenue for amplifying members’ voices on key issues and help them participate in the regulatory discussions shaping the industry. The CLDA keeps members informed and educated on trends, current issues and best practices. For more information see clda.org
Media Contact
Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com
(860) 803-1155
WASHINGTON, D.C. Aug. 10, 2022 — Industry executives and the supply chain’s next generation of leaders will gather virtually on Oct 6 to build the skills to take on today’s challenging times. CLDA’s annual Executive Leadership Summit (ELS) will be an interactive, online workshop featuring industry experts, logistics pros and successful CLDA members. The online event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 pm (Eastern).
This is the fifth year for the CLDA’s Executive Leadership Summit. The conference is designed to offer skill development to c-suite executives, young professionals, and managers in the leadership pipeline. Together they will build skills to take on today’s runaway inflation, to win the war for talent and to prepare for the possibility of a recession.
“This is an annual event that helps build the next generation of leaders in the last-mile industry,” says Conference Chair Brian Surber. “It is the perfect opportunity for up-and-coming executives to learn strategies from experts in the field and from our most successful and seasoned CLDA veterans. Every year we present to strengthen the talent pool in our industry and support the logistics leaders of tomorrow.”
Participants will take active roles in the sessions including participating in individual break-out rooms where they will discuss shared challenges and ways to take them on. In addition, participants will get a chance to network at a virtual happy hour at the end of the day.
Registration is now open to all in the industry with a discount for CLDA members. For more information and registration, go to the events tab at CLDA.org.
About the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association
The Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) is a non-profit professional association that connects and leads members of the time-critical logistics and delivery industries. The association serves the needs of its 2,900 essential service members who are logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers, air cargo logistics providers, 3PLs and vendors servicing today’s supply chain companies. The CLDA gives its members access to a diverse network of logistics professionals looking to create new business opportunities and share decades of practical insights. They provide an avenue for amplifying members’ voices on key issues and helps them participate in the regulatory discussions shaping the industry. The CLDA keeps members informed and educated on trends, current issues, and best practices. For more information see clda.org.
Media Contact
Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com
(860) 803-1155
WASHINGTON, D.C., Apr. 12, 2022 — Excitement is building for the 2022 CLDA Final Mile Forum & Expo. The live, three-day event from June 29 to July 1 will provide the tools to stay relevant in the final mile. The conference site, the Hyatt Regency Miami, is a landmark hotel overlooking the Miami Bay. It will provide easy access to popular attractions, like Brickell City Center, Wynwood Art District, Coral Gables, and Little Havana.
Two keynote speakers, Gene Marks and Brian Carter, will arm participants with the tools to flex in the face of disruptions.
Kicking off Day #1 will be a keynote presentation “The Great Resignation.” Conference participants will learn how to attract and retain the best personnel in a post-COVID world from columnist and business management author Gene Marks.
A past columnist for both The New York Times and The Washington Post, Marks now writes regularly for The Hill, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Forbes, Inc. Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine and The Guardian. He has written five books on business management, geared towards small and medium sized companies. His most recent is Want More Cash? 100+ Ideas and Strategies for Increasing Your Company’s Cash Flow This Year. He appears regularly on Fox Business, MSNBC, CBS and SiriusXM’s Wharton Business Channel where he talks about the financial, economic and technology issues that affect business leaders today.
Marks owns and operates the Marks Group PC, a technology and consulting services for small and medium sized businesses. Prior to starting the Marks Group PC this Certified Public Accountant spent nine years in the entrepreneurial services arm of the international consulting firm KPMG as a Senior Manager.
On Day #2 Brian Carter’s keynote address will be “Eruption Not Disruption.” It will feature the secrets of attracting the customers and workforce to grow in today’s disruptive business environment. Carter is a bestselling author and IBM Futurist whom LinkedIn dubbed “an expert you should listen to.”
In his 20 years of business success, Carter has worked with organizations of all sizes, including Microsoft, NBC, Salesforce, JP Morgan, Humana and The U.S. Army. His frequent media appearances include Bloomberg TV, ABC, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, AdWeek and The New York Times.
Carter has taught 50,000 students in topics including sales, generational differences, social media, customer service, leadership, teamwork and marketing. He has 250,000 online fans and reaches an overall audience of over three million people each year. His ideas and insights come from 20 years of trailblazing work in the modern business world, up-to-date experience and deep case-studies.
The conference will also feature educational sessions, meetings with shippers, networking events and a look at the newest industry trends and innovations at the conference’s packed exhibition hall.
Educational programs will include:
Two roundtable discussions will bring together shippers and carriers, forwarders and brokers from around the country to discuss new business, business strategies and best practices.
The three-day event will also include seven hours of networking opportunities and a look at the future of the industry with innovative solutions showcased in the Exhibit Hall.
“Members of the industry won’t want to miss out on this opportunity to meet shippers looking for carriers; stay on top of the knowledge to grow your business; get the jump on the latest technology; network with others in the business and renew connections with industry friends,” says conference chair Thomas Jowers.
For more information or to register, to go the Education and Events tab on the CLDA website CLDA members receive a discount on their registration. The association is currently taking reservations for booths in the exhibit hall and there are a variety of sponsorship opportunities available. To reserve a booth or learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact info@clda.org.
About the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association
The Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) represents the first to final miles of the supply chain in the US and worldwide. This non-profit professional association serves the needs of its 2,900 essential service members who are logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers, air cargo logistics providers, 3PLs and vendors servicing today’s supply chain companies. The CLDA gives its members access to a diverse network of logistics professionals looking to create new business opportunities and share decades of practical insights. They provide an avenue for amplifying members’ voices on key issues and helps them participate in the regulatory discussions shaping the industry. The CLDA keeps members informed and educated on trends, current issues and best practices. For more information see www.clda.org.
Media Contact
Andrea Obston
aobston@aomc.com
(860) 803-1155 – cell
WASHINGTON, D.C. Sept. 27, 2021 – Remote work and essential worker recruitment will be two of the topics at CLDA’s virtual Executive Leadership Summit (ELS) on Oct. 6 & 7. The ELS is an annual skill development workshop for c-suite executives, young professionals and managers in the leadership pipeline.
Over two days, participants will develop their skills in dealing with what conference planners are calling “The New Abnormal.” Working sessions will include:
During Courier Roundtable Discussions participants will share their experiences developing company culture and recruiting and retaining essential workers. In addition, participants will get a chance to network at a virtual happy hour at the end of Day #1
“Time is money for all of us, so we wanted to make sure this program delivered a great ROI for both the time and the money participants were investing to participate,” said Conference C-Chair, Errol Cvern. “We believe we’ve done that and that the information and solutions we will be providing will make this the most important ELS you’ll ever attend.”
Registration is now open to all in the industry with a discount for CLDA members. Companies may also get a special group rate that allows them to register up to seven participants. For more information and registration, go to the events tab at CLDA.org.
About the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association
The Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) is a non-profit professional association that connects and leads members of the time-critical logistics and delivery industries. The association serves the needs of its 2,900 essential service members who are logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers, air cargo logistics providers, 3PLs and vendors servicing today’s supply chain companies. The CLDA gives its members access to a diverse network of logistics professionals looking to create new business opportunities and share decades of practical insights. They provide an avenue for amplifying members’ voices on key issues and helps them participate in the regulatory discussions shaping the industry. The CLDA keeps members informed and educated on trends, current issues and best practices.
Media Contact
Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com
(860) 803-1155
