Last week, I had the privilege of attending the World Class Supply Chain Summit, a gathering that drew professionals from various sectors, as well as students from Laurier University focusing on supply chain studies. The event also attracted members of the Halton Peel Supply Chain Council, comprising businesses involved in logistics and supply chain operations across the Halton and Peel Regions. Themed “Thriving in Volatile Times,” the 2024 Summit convened leaders from academia and industry to delve into the complexities, opportunities, and challenges of crafting and optimizing supply chains tailored for both present demands and future uncertainties, with a special emphasis on Canada’s unique challenges.
Held at the scenic Granite Ridge Golf Course in Milton on Wednesday, May 1, the 2024 Summit was a collaborative effort between the Milton Chamber of Commerce, Laurier University, and CN. The event boasted an impressive lineup of speakers, including keynote speaker Wendy Tate, a distinguished Professor from the Department of Supply Chain Management at the Haslam College of Business, University of Tennessee Knoxville. Additionally, the Summit featured notable figures such as Dr. Michael Haughton, a Professor and CN Research Fellow at the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, Wilfrid Laurier University, and Keith Reardon, Senior Vice-President of Interline and Network Development at CN, among others.
Throughout the day, attendees were treated to insightful discussions, including an industry panel moderated by Keith Reardon, which included perspectives from Doug Saunders (Director of Operations at Riptide), Warrington Ellacott (Chair of the Canadian Importers and Exporters Association), Jonathan Chia (Head of Commercial & Corporate Development at PSA Halifax), and Lisa Kusiewicz (Regional Vice President, Central Canada at Kuehne+Nagel Canada). The event also featured a dynamic student forum showcasing the perspectives from the bright minds at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Business Administration program. A concluding fireside chat provided a platform for engaging conversations with industry experts, including Johanna Carfrae (Senior Consultant at MNP), Zeina Elhami (Chief Supply Officer at Ontario Power Generation), and Wendy Tate from University of Tennessee Knoxville, offering a holistic view of the supply chain landscape.
The day featured a careful examination of the challenges the world’s supply chains are contending with. While the circumstances are uniquely challenging, the audience was reminded by Keith Reardon that times are always uncertain, and supply chains must always remain resilient and adaptable to a changing environment. Diversifying production and supply chain networks is the key to this resiliency.
The day featured ample opportunity for networking. If you are looking to connect with other businesses in this industry, or simply looking to learn more, reach out to vsingh@bramptonbot.com. The Halton Peel Supply Chain Council meets quarterly and we welcome members in the logistics space to join the network.
