CRLC | Supply Chain Evolution: Shaping the Future

The Columbus Region Logistics Council (CRLC), an initiative of the Columbus Chamber, is all about industry collaboration.

Thank you for joining us for an insightful event focused on exploring the transformative changes occurring in the supply chain landscape of Central Ohio! In this engaging discussion, we examined the current state of the supply chain and its projected evolution over the next 5-10 years, while delving into the profound effects these changes will have on both the local community and businesses.

During the event, we featured keynote presentations, panelists, and breakout sessions from esteemed experts, industry leaders, and community representatives who will share their insights and experiences. They provided a comprehensive overview of the current supply chain landscape in Central Ohio, discussed emerging trends, and offered predictions on its future trajectory.


Keynote Panel: Supply Chain Evolution in the Silicon Heartland

Our panel discussed how recent local events impact the regional supply chain industry in regard to our local communities, the workforce, and the events happening in Central Ohio.


Closing Keynote – The Final Word with Ken Ackerman


Breakout Sessions A

Topic Area: Sustainability

Recommended Attendees: C-Suite, Information Tech, Operations, Sustainability Professionals

Learn how you can make more green by being green!

In this presentation, you will learn how to:

🔥Translate sustainability mumbo jumbo into easy-to understand logistics concepts.

🔥Take simple steps to cut your logistics costs by up to 20% and emissions by 40% or more.

🔥Win more business with America’s largest retailers and marketplaces.

🔥Make Columbus a winner in the multi-trillion dollar economic tsunami.

🍺Brew better beer that’s cheaper and greener!

So come learn why Nike’s head of Sustainable Supply Chain Transformation called the session a “Great course for organizations early in their emissions reduction journey, or have tackled their quick wins and now want to think about “what else”.


Kevin Mireles, Chief Sustainability Officer, Cut CO2 LLC

Topic Area: Supply Chain Education

Recommended Attendees: C-Suite, Human Resources, Educators

The Ohio Supply Chain Academic Network (O∙SCAN) is a collaboration between the supply chain industry and higher education. O∙SCAN promotes the value of supply chain education and advances the field by integrating emerging technologies from the logistics industry into academic curricula. Come hear from the organization’s founders on what O-SCAN has done so far, and would like to do in the future!


Jeremy Banta headshot

Jeremy Banta, Assistant Professor – Supply Chain Management, Columbus State Community College

Steve DeNunzio, Senior Lecturer, The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business

Topic Area: Supply Chain Optimization

Recommended Attendees: C-Suite, Human Resources, Information Tech, Operations, Engineers

Learn how to support a more resilient supply chain through automation and a skilled workforce.


Michael “Mac” McVey, President, ClearView Management Resources

David DuBose, Partner, True North Growth Partners

Topic Area: Women in Supply Chain

Recommended Attendees: All

Join this session to hear from three powerful women in supply chain as they sit down together to talk about their journey to their roles and how they are mentoring other women in the industry to leadership.


Nikki Driskill, Vice President, STG Logistics

Debbie Ryan, Director, Procurement – Distribution & Logistics, LogicSource

Sara Schepman, VP, Logistics, Bath & Body Works 

Topic Area: Transportation Projects

Recommended Attendees: Information Tech, Operations

In 2020, the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Indiana Department of Transportation were awarded a USDOT grant to implement truck automation technology along Interstate 70 between Columbus and Indianapolis. This year is the time for deployment as well as expansion of the program. DriveOhio and Ease Logistics will present on the details of deployment and the future of the project.


Andrew Bremer, Managing Director of Local Affairs, DriveOhio

Abbi Failla, Vice President, Business Operations, EASE


Breakout Sessions B

Topic Area: Sustainability

Recommended Attendees: C-Suite, Operations, ESG- Environmental, Social Governance; and Facilities Managers

SWACO (Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio) will cover our Business Recycling Champion Program, its resource toolkit, up to $2,000 in financial incentives, and the free technical assistance available to Franklin County businesses. We’ll also hear from All American Moving, Storage and Delivery – Interstate Agent for Bekins Van Lines, Inc. and learn about how their efforts to recycle cardboard and Styrofoam have made their business more environmentally and financially sustainable.


Sheila Davis, Business Programs Administrator, Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO)

Dan Dragin, Owner, All American Moving, Storage, and Delivery – Interstate Agent for Bekins Van Lines, Inc.

Topic Area: DEI in Supply Chain Management

Recommended Attendees: C-Suite, Human Resources, Operations

In this session, we will discuss the importance of DEI within organizations. More specifically, we will highlight the role that SCM can play in DEI initiatives. In doing so, our speaker will highlight use cases of how companies have leveraged their supply chain processes and infrastructures to embrace and enhance DEI efforts.


Dr. Terry Esper, Professor of Logistics, The Ohio State University & CSCMP

Topic Area: Industry Tools

Recommended Attendees: C-Suite, Operations

Gain a better understanding of how to use practical tools to assess and improve the performance of your DC operations. Participants will learn what “good” looks like, where industry baselines are, and how to determine their own operational performance in comparison. We will share practical industry tools & resources to support your continuous improvement initiatives.


Michael Mikitka, EVP MHI Knowledge Center and WERC Division, MHI

Topic Area: Cyber Security

Recommended Attendees: C-Suite

In a world where AI, robotics, and automation are transforming supply chains, understanding and mitigating emerging risks becomes crucial for business survival and success. This talk is designed for busy, non-technical business leaders who need to navigate this new landscape effectively and securely. No technical jargon, just actionable insights for busy business leaders like yourself. This session will demystify the concepts around cybersecurity and introduce you to the power of Behavior Analytics. We’ll show you how this intuitive approach can protect your business from both internal and external threats while supporting your digital transformation journey. Join us to learn what it takes to navigate the future of supply chain with confidence and security. Your journey toward a resilient, technologically advanced, and risk-managed supply chain starts here.


A-Jay Orr, PMP, CEO, Simple Plan IT

Topic Area: Workforce Housing Solutions

Recommended Attendees: C-Suite, Human Resources

Beach Hawk Capital specializes in the conversion of hotels into quality housing solutions. Over the course of 10 years, we have successfully rehabbed and now manage over 1,000 workforce housing units. Our mission is to provide better living standards and financial hope for the working class. We are excited to partner with local businesses as we bring our innovative approach to this rapidly growing community with significant need for increased housing supply.


Anish Patel, Principal Partner, Beach Hawk Capital

Questions? events@columbus.org


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