Local Roundtable of Council of Logistics Management Founded

A special regional roundtable of the Council of Logistics Management has been founded and has launched a local and regional membership campaign.

The South Texas International Roundtable held an organizational meeting and elected officers last November. The roundtable was approved by the Council of Logistics Management in December 1996. The roundtable's first official meeting was held on January 16, 1997, during which the program for 1997 was outlined, said the group's vice president and program chair Dr. Henry C. Smith, III, Assistant Professor of Accountancy at Texas A&M International University.

"The Council of Logistics Management was founded in 1963 and is a professional business organization of individuals throughout the world who have interests and/or responsibilities in logistics and related functions that make up the logistics profession. Over 12,000 men and women from a diverse worldwide population comprise the membership," Dr. Smith explained.

Smith said the Roundtable concept offers a venue to offer local programming.

"Roundtables provide a forum for Council members and non-members to conduct dialogue with educators and colleagues from business and industry on a regular basis to augment annual conferences and programs hosted by the Council," he explained.

In addition to Smith, officers for the local Roundtable include Armando Garcia of The Miles Group, Secretary/Treasurer, and Art Zeyen of Roadway, President.

Zeyen said the Roundtable is a non-political group dedicated to learning and supporting the logistics profession.

"As part of the Council, we do not endorse, sanction or discourage legislation, products or services that are somehow related to the logistics industry or offered to those who manage the logistics process. This is a professional organization of individuals who have an interest in logistics management," Zeyen said.

In addition to the officers, founding members include Lon C. Cross, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.; Mario Tello, CHB; Frank A. Vida, Brenco, Inc.; Charla Griffin, Landstar Ranger; Daniel B. Hastings, Jr., Daniel B. Hastings, Jr., Inc.; James R. Giermanski, Texas A&M International University; and Jose Luis Lozano, Contract Freighters, Inc.

Membership dues are $200 and provide members with complimentary subscription to the Journal of Business Logistics and copies of the Annual Conference Proceedings, the Bibliography on Logistics Management, the current Membership Roster, newsletter Logistics Comment, the Year End Review, use of the Council's employment clearinghouse service, reduced rates for Council publications and information on all local roundtable activities.

Smith said membership in the Roundtable should be especially attractive to Laredoans.

"Those individuals with an interest in logistics, those that work in transportation, the maquila industries, distribution and warehousing, for example, would find joining this professional group a tremendous asset. We encourage all interested persons to consider membership in the South Texas International Roundtable of the Council of Logistics Management," he said.

For additional information, contact Mr. Zeyen at 723-5292, Dr. Smith at 326-2507, or Mr. Garcia at 726-9602.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu