Annual Report: Recognizing Commitment – Building Strength

On April 22,2005 the Logistics Institute held its 14th Annual General Meeting at the Estates of Sunnybrook in Toronto. This AGM celebrated 16 years as a corporation, 13 years as Canada’s logistics sector council, 11 years delivering certification programs and 10 years as a professional organization. In 1995, the first 52 logistics practitioners earned the P.Log. In 2005, nearly 70% of those remain active professional members, joining over 1700 P.Log. designates to date.

Fred Avery, P.Log, chaired the meeting in the absence of Frank Bennett, P.Log., the Chair of the Board. A slate of members was elected to the Board of Directors for 2005/2006, and included 4 new directors: Linda Lucas, Alberta Online Consortium, Craig McLaughlin, P.Log., Nestle Canada, Alex Tang, Magnate Logistics Group and Bryn Weadon, P.Log., Department of National Defence. Jim Davidson, P.Log, of iWheels Dedicated Logistics was elected Chair for 2005/2006. The audited statements for the 2004-5 fiscal year show the Institute to be in a very strong financial position, with revenues exceeding $1.4 million, and a year end gross surplus of $141K [before asset amortization]. For the first time, over 120 professional members voted “from a distance” using the new proxy voting procedures.

Recognizing Commitment

In appreciation of their invaluable contributions to the Institute Inuit sculptures were presented to outgoing Directors: Frank Bennett, P.Log. Mike Mroczkowski, P.Log. Sandi Pitcairn, P.Log. Sandro Sagrati, P.Log.

In his annual report, the President took members on a journey of significant growth for the Institute. In whatever ways the Logistics Institute changes over time to meet the demands of the field, core to everything the Institute does is the P.Log. The objective of the P.Log. is to hone skills, not just increase awareness, or convey information. The P.Log. certifies the competence of qualified professionals; it does not graduate students.

To that end, the value proposition of the Logistics Institute is the credibility of the P.Log. There are two dimensions to that credibility: the competence of professionals who earn the designation, built on what they know and what they can do, and the relevance of professional certification in the logistics community.

As the world of work changes, as responsibility and decision-making increasingly pervade the entire workforce, whatever one’s title or corporate position, the P.Log. adds value at all levels in the organization:

• For some, the P.Log. is a career enabler that moves one along a career path from entry to executive levels of responsibility;
• For others, the P.Log. is a competency enabler, publicly acknowledging personal accomplishment and professional status.
• For many, the P.Log. is a capacity enabler, providing the bench-strength to compete successfully in global markets;
• For all, the P.Log. is a skills enabler applicable at any level within an organization, where problem solving, decision making, team collaboration, leadership, and responsibility transform a worker into a professional.

Since the early 1990’s logistics has moved rapidly from the back room of operations to the board room of strategic developments. There are two historic reasons contributing to this change:

• Globalization of markets and economies: competition is no longer domestic; work is not just local; markets are international; sources and supplies are global Implementation of information technologies, which increase productivity, and enhanced
• communications, which connect the world and integrate activities across borders.

The Logistics Institute was founded in 1989, and grew during the period of rapid change leading into the 21st Century. At the end of the 20th Century, logistics professionalism was an idea whose time had come. The Logistics Institute was the opportunity to realize the vision on a national and global basis. The Institute’s mandate is:

• Establish a logistics profession for the purpose of providing a competent and motivated logistics workforce committed to life long learning
• Sustain logistics human resource and workforce development;
• Define logistics career opportunities for the global economy;
• Develop comprehensive training in logistics and leadership.

As a sector council, the Institute focuses on sector specific workforce development issues within national and global perspectives. A workforce development strategy begins by defining the field of expertise. First and foremost, logistics is an integrated process managing the services that affect the flow of materials and goods, as well as information and money, from source to customer. Core to this process are 3 inter-connected operations: procurement and purchasing, inventory management and control, distribution and transportation.

Logistics is the core enabler at the structural and managerial level of a company’s global competitive strategy. Strategic Supply Chains are driven by the need to create and deliver customer value. Strategic Supply chains integrate up-stream supplier networks with downstream distribution channels. Taking all things into account, the field of expertise is supply chain logistics.

As a certifying organization, the Institute establishes policies, procedures and processes whereby logistics practitioners can earn the P.Log. To earn the P.Log., practitioners must

• Successfully complete the certification program, either as the Standard Program of 6 modules or as the Executive Program
• Successfully pass the Qualifying [Q] Module, which comes into play in 2005;
• Have a minimum of 5 years work experience if doing the Standard Program and 10 years of executive experience to be accepted into the Executive Program.

By certifying practitioners, the Logistics Institute builds leaders:

• Who transform organizations as change agents and build capabilities in others to implement change;
• With the self-confidence to make difficult decisions and accept responsibility for the consequences of those decisions;
• With competitive edge to create customer value, and with competence as supply chain and logistics practitioners to sustain that value.

As a training institution, the Institute developed a frontline program within the parameters of the Career Path Model. This program focuses on tasks and responsibilities in distribution logistics, and aims to re-enforce problem solving skills. Frontline Logistics was developed in response to demand from professional and corporate members. As professionals take on more strategic roles in organizations, one of their primary responsibilities is to train and develop staff. The Institute was asked to develop training resources aimed at frontline and supervisory staff built on the same workforce and skills development principles that P.Log. certification programs are built on.

Front Line Logistics consists of 14 web-based modules, designed for self-directed learning, accessible at any time, any place, delivered individually or in specialist skills development packages. They can be customized for in-house and small group contexts.

At the AGM in 2000, the Logistics Institute officially launched the Logistics Gateway, and instantly became a “dot com company”. Four main networks create the architectural framework for the Logistics Gateway; the Community Network, the Learning Network, the Career Network and the Research and Development Network. In 2003 we launched a major initiative to remake all four networks included in the Gateway with a new look and feel, as well as build a greater capacity for Institute staff to design, develop and update information and upload new features. See www.loginstitute.ca

As a global enterprise, the Logistics Institute has initiated developments in China. On April 1, 2004, the Institute signed a formal agreement with the Shanghai Foreign Service Co, Limited to develop HR strategies and deliver training in logistics. In March 2005, the Institute’s President was officially appointed Senior International Advisor to the Shanghai Foreign Service Company and the World Exposition 2010 Group. With this honour, the Institute has a greater ability to advance logistics professionalism worldwide and connect Canadian professionals with colleagues in Shanghai and the rest of Asia.

Lorraine Behnan addressed the audience on a subject of interest to all. How do you ignite your evolution at your workplace? It’s all about taking theory and putting it into practice.

Some key topics were;

• The Right People on the Bus
• Practical Optimism
• High Performing Teamwork
• Continual Learning
• Your Personal Roadmap
  
  
• Building Trust
• What Matters the Most
• Open Flow of Communication
• Making the Connection
• Strengthen Relationships
• The Extra Mile
• A Healthy Sense of Humour

The presentation left us feeling informed and motivated to try some new methods.

About Lorraine Behnan (Key note speaker)

Lorraine Behnan is a highly recognized expert on change and communication who, for over fifteen years, has successfully motivated and trained companies and associations across North America. A former actor and writer with the internationally acclaimed, Second City Comedy Revue, Lorraine believes in the power of laughing while learning. She combines her theatrical skills with her consulting experience to create an upbeat and entertaining style that one client brilliantly described as, ‘edu-tainment’.

Since establishing ExpressionLab Communications Inc. in 1987 Lorraine Behnan has played a significant role in corporate mergers, acquisitions, and major internal changes by offering employees the skills and strategies to successfully navigate the transitions. She creates speeches and workshops that are both highly motivational and remarkably practical for today's fast-forward world.

While on the Drama Faculty at the University of Guelph, Lorraine developed and taught the extremely popular Public Speaking course. As an author, Lorraine has published, Spotlight on Presentations: A Practical Handbook for Presentation Excellence and ABC’s to a Lighter Life. Her instructional audio CD, How to Communicate to Any Audience has helped hundreds of professionals to develop and strengthen client relationships.

Click here for full AGM Agenda.

The Logistics Institute was pleased to have representatives from Athabasca University (AU) at the Annual General meeting to present information on the Professional Logistician designation being among the acceptable professional designations for applying to AU's world-renowned online MBA program. The AU MBA program recognizes the importance of the P.Log. to partially fulfill the requirements for admission to the AU MBA. Admission requirements include the P.Log. designation and at least five years of managerial experience. With a bachelor's degree, three years of managerial experience are required.

Launched in 1994, Athabasca University's MBA has grown to become Canada's largest executive MBA with over 1000 students. Recognized by Canadian Business (2001) as one of the top three executive MBAs in Canada, and by the Financial Times (U.K., 2003, 2004) as one of the top 75 executive MBAs in the world, the AU MBA offers a graduate management education that has powerful relevance to the real world of business. The high level of asynchronous, collaborative interaction between academic staff and students makes it possible to share ideas, insights, and solutions on a daily basis across geographic and organizational boundaries.

For more information, visit www.mba.athabascau.ca
Click on ADMISSIONS, then ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS and select 'professional designation'.

January 1, 2005, marked the third phase of certification requirements. Now, candidates must complete the new National Qualifying Examination in addition to all 6 modules in the Standard Certification Program to earn the P.Log.

Current Candidates

If you completed 3 or more modules by January 1, 2005, and follow up by completing all remaining modules by September 30, 2005, then you earn the P.Log. However, if you completed 3 or more modules by January 1, 2005 but do not complete remaining modules by September 30, 2005, then you must complete the National Qualifying Exam in addition to all remaining modules.

If you complete fewer than 3 modules by January 1, 2005, then you must complete the National Qualifying Exam in addition to all remaining modules to earn the P.Log.

New Candidates

New Candidates starting after January 1, 2005 must complete all six modules of the Standard Program and the National Qualifying Exam to earn the P.Log.

We encourage you to complete the certification process before new requirements come into effect.

Read all the details in this pdf document, or print it as a reference. P.Log. Certification Requirements. If you have any questions please contact Giselle

Executive P.Log. Certificate Program

The Executive P.Log. Certification Program is specifically designed for logistics practitioners with a minimum of 10 years of logistics-related experience whose career profile includes dealing with strategic level responsibilities.

Next Session

November 20 - November 25, 2005
The Banff Centre
Banff, Alberta

Application deadline: Friday, October 7, 2005

You will network with colleagues, discussing competitive market challenges and the value derived from logistics and supply chain management at the strategic level.

The Executive Certification Program is an opportunity to gain insight and knowledge in your chosen field of endeavor, to develop practical applications, exchange ideas, and in the end, earn the P.Log. designation.

To receive a full information and application package for the Executive Program, please Email Karyn or phone (416) 363-3005, Ext 13.

P.Log. Certification Modules

Summer 2005

Warmer weather is here and so are summer modules. The Logistics Institute's modules are known for being highly interactive, case driven and contain lots of diagnostics. The upcoming modules for the June to October 2005 timeframe are listed below. These modules may be taken towards meeting P.Log. certification requirments. You can also take any module to fulfill a specific training need. Modules are open for all to attend!

Associate membership is not a prerequisite for reqistration.

Modules are often fully booked well before their registration deadline - Register now!

Module	Code	Schedule	Location
Integrated Logistics Networks	5105	Anytime	Online
Supply Chain Strategies	5331	Jun 15-17	Toronto
Logistics Process Diagnostics	5230	Jun 20-Jul 15	Online
Leading & Managing Change	6230	Aug 24-26	Toronto
Team Dynamics	6129	Aug 22-Sep 16	Online
Leading & Managing Change	6230	Aug 24-26	Toronto
Supply Chain Strategies	5332	Sep 7-9	Vancouver
Logistics Process Diagnostics	5231	Sep 19-Oct 14	Online
Team Dynamics	6130	Oct 17-Nov 11	Online

Click on 2005 Module Schedule for a print friendly complete schedule for the year.

If you would like to register for a module or if you have any questions please contact Giselle via email or phone (416) 363-3005, Ext. 14.

The warm weather is here and it is time to think GOLF.

Reserve your spot TODAY for the event of the season!  

Tuesday, June 21st, 2005 is the date of the Logistics Institute's Ontario Regional golf tournament in support of the non-profit Logistics Employment Training Trust (LET Trust). This year's event will again be held at the Royal Woodbine Golf Club. 

Register online at Toronto tournament.             

Space for this year's tournament is going quickly. Don't be disappointed, sign up now!      

The $190 registration covers golf, shared carts and dinner. The format is Scramble and player registration begins at noon, with shotgun start at 1:30. A barbeque lunch will be available for a nominal charge. Dinner will be served at 7:00. To attend the dinner only is $60.00.   The event provides a unique opportunity to get to know prospective friends, customers, suppliers, business partners and sources of business referrals.  

The Ontario tournament is one of the regional golf events held annually to raise funds for scholarships under the LET Trust, which was established to assist with the ever-increasing educational costs burdening aspiring young logisticians.  

If you have any questions about the tournament, registrations or are interested in becoming a corporate sponsor, please contact Jackie via email or phone (416) 363-3005, Ext. 15.

Toronto Golf Photos

Click here for Photo Album

Click here to register for the Calgary tournament.

Calgary Tournament 2005

The Calgary Tournament will be held on June 6, 2005 at the D’Arcy Ranch. There will be a 1:00 shotgun start.

We look FOREward to seeing you there.

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2. CBSA updates directory on its offices and services
3. DFAIT updates handbook on Import / Export Commodity Codes
4. CN to introduce further appointment changes at Brampton (BIT) - June 6, 05
5. Container Security top Supply Chain concerns, says study
6. New UK explosives regulations
7. Managing rising export risks

Visit the Gateway's Virtual Magazine Rack to view other links.

CIFFA Professional Development Workshops Visit CIFFA web site for more information: http://www.ciffa.com/education_topical.asp