Alabama Global Supply Chain Summit set for Birmingham

October 10, 2017

Words by Jerry Underwood

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The Alabama Global Supply Chain & Logistics Summit, an annual event designed to enhance the competitiveness of state companies at home and abroad, will be held Oct. 17-18 in the Birmingham area.

The 6^th installment of the Summit represents an opportunity for business people to engage with industry leaders from a variety of companies on the successful implementation of supply chain tactics. The conference will also focus on the latest innovations and technological advances in logistics.

The Summit, sponsored by Bank of America Merrill Lynch, will take place at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham – The Wynfrey Hotel, 1000 Riverchase Galleria, Hoover. Cost to attend is $85 per person, which includes breakfast, lunch and seminar materials.

To register or see the full agenda, visit the Birmingham Business Alliance’s website.

Mercedes is building a logistics operation in Bibb County. From left to right: Bibb County Commissioner Ricky Hubbard; Deputy Secretary of Commerce Angela Till; Jason Hoff, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz U.S. International; Lee Smith, East Region Executive with BBVA Compass and incoming 2018 BBA Chairman; and Brian Hilson, president and CEO of Birmingham Business Alliance.

Gadsden's Back Forty brewery is targeting overseas markets for its Alabama-made beer. (Image: Back Forty)

The Port of Huntsville is one of the nation's busiest airports for international air cargo.

“To be competitive in a global marketplace, Alabama companies need to have an effective supply chain in place, and this conference will help them to improve their operations,” Governor Kay Ivey said.

“It will provide Alabama businesses with critical intelligence, including best practices, that will position them to benefit from growth opportunities stemming from the expansion of our ports,” she added.

COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM

“At the Summit, businesses have the opportunity to learn how their peers have put in place supply chain strategies that have led to success both locally and internationally.”

The Summit begins on the afternoon of Tuesday, Oct. 17, with an optional tour of a Birmingham business utilizing innovation supply chain technologies. A full day of speeches and supply chain-focused panels follows on Wednesday, Oct. 18.

In a late development, representatives from Mercedes-Benz U.S. International will join the lineup of panelists and industry experts to discuss supply chain tactics and the importance of international trade to Alabama’s economy during the two-day conference. Mercedes will discuss the decision to locate its Global Logistics Center and a new after-sales North American hub in Bibb County.

Tripp Collins, chief operating officer of Gadsden’s Back Forty Beer Co., will provide a luncheon address describing how the company has managed to break into the export market amid changes in the craft beer industry.

Vic Modic, executive vice president of Trussville-based Amerex Corp., will speak that day on “Innovation and Technology in the 21^st Century Supply Chain.” Amerex, a unit of McWane Inc., is considered a leading manufacturer of firefighting equipment sold worldwide.

“Trade and foreign direct investment are increasingly important to our economy.”

Panel sessions at the Summit will focus on implementing a successful supply chain operation, managing financial risk, and the importance of international trade to Alabama’s economy.

“Supply chain efficiency and innovation continue to be relevant topics for our companies,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.

“At the Summit, businesses have the opportunity to learn how their peers have put in place supply chain strategies that have led to success both locally and internationally,” he added.

The Alabama Department of Commerce and Birmingham Business Alliance are organizing the Summit, along with the Export Alabama Alliance, a network of international trade agencies that help state companies expand their business to global markets.

“Trade and foreign direct investment are increasingly important to our economy,” said BBA President and CEO Brian Hilson. “This summit provides an opportunity for companies to network, share best practices and gain valuable insight to improve efficiencies and strategies used in global supply chains.”

For more information on the Summit, contact Beau Lore at the Alabama Department of Commerce, at beau.lore@commerce.alabama.gov or at 334-242-0450.

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