Once again this year there is uncertainty in the motor carrier industry and for the country’s truck shippers. The new hours of service rules (HOS) are scheduled to become effective on July 1, and it is still unclear as to how they will impact motor carrier costs and capacity. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has asked the Court of Appeals in Washington, DC to overturn the changes the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has suggested, but the court has not yet made a decision.
The ATA and other organizations asked the FMCSA to delay enforcement at least until the court reached a decision, but they’ve refused to do so. It’s estimated that if the court ultimately rules in their (ATA’s) favor, $320 million will have been wasted. In the meantime, unless something happens in the next three weeks, the rules will take effect.
One thing is certain, however. The price of trucking is going up. ABC, YRC, and UPS Freight have announced general rate increases of 5.9%, and other carriers are expected to follow suit. YRC cited new technologies and processes necessary to manage new HOS rules as one of the reasons for their increase. (This may be true, but we see similar increases almost every year). Notwithstanding this, 3PL industry thought leaders and researchers predict the new rules will result in productivity reductions – the amount of which remains to be seen.
Bottom-line, we will see higher costs; and depending on the economy, we could experience capacity issues, as well.
Whether you are a large national retailer or a targeted and focused e-commerce company, the consumer experience is absolutely critical. In today's competitive environment, the expectations of the end user or consumer are evolving every day. According to internetretailer.com, e-commerce is predicted to grow by 13% in 2013 to an astonishing $262 billion in U.S. sales. At this pace, many organizations will have to adapt by outsourcing some or all of their fulfillment services. While many consumers are not involved or aware of the importance of fulfillment centers, their expectations of quality and accuracy of the end product are unquestionably factors in their future decisions. In an effort to separate from their competitors, many organizations are starting to offer perks, such as free shipping or same- day delivery. These aggressive offerings are certainly testing the strength and infrastructure of the supply chains and fulfillment centers across the nation.
The old statement of "You only have one chance to make a good first impression" may never be more applicable than in the order fulfillment business. Because they are the last touch in the order process, fulfillment centers play a vital role in the perception of the company inside the mind of the consumer. It only takes one bad experience to outweigh the 10 positive experiences a customer has had with a particular brand. When considering these factors, one can undoubtedly realize the importance of outsourcing its' fulfillment services to a qualified and experienced organization.
There are several ways that an online retailer can use order fulfillment to your advantage. It can be argued that the most important element in choosing the appropriate fulfillment center is how the relationship will impact your brand. Although important, this element is often overlooked when companies outsource their fulfillment services.
Most companies view order fulfillment centers as a back end necessity in the ordering process. Instead of this viewpoint, companies should regard their fulfillment centers as an opportunity to capitalize on positive branding and awareness. The quality and accuracy of an experienced fulfillment center can amplify the overall perception of a company's brand. Additional elements or services provided by a fulfillment center, like customized packaging, can also go a long way in the overall branding of a company. For example, when a customer receives an item in the mail, how has the presentation or packaging impacted their experience? Is it memorable? The answers to these questions can play a crucial role in helping a company's product stand out. The right fulfillment center can definitely help in delivering the product, but it also can be the true determining factor in the consumer's overall experience and impression of a company's brand.
As the demands and expectations grow in the e-commerce world, choosing the proper fulfillment center becomes more critical and necessary. When searching for the ideal fulfillment center, there are many qualities and services to seek in the search.
At Barrett Distribution, we know how important it is to choose the right fulfillment center. As a result, we have put together a resource for companies to use as a quick reference. We understand that choosing a fulfillment partner can be a very overwhelming endeavor. This resource can help guide a company in taking the first steps towards outsourcing their fulfillment needs with the appropriate partner. Simply click the button below for the free download.
To learn more about Barrett Distribution Centers, simply click here. Or, if you have any questions, click here to contact one of our team members.
Founded in 1819 by Andrew Jackson because of its strategic location on the Mississippi river, for almost 200 years Memphis has been an important transportation hub. Over the years, as logistics assets have been added, Memphis has become a major logistics center. Because of its world class airport and ancillary logistics assets, it is considered to be America’s Aerotropolis, “Where Runway, Road, Rail and River Merge”. Memphis boasts the country’s top cargo airport and the world’s second busiest in terms of cargo, largely due to the fact that Memphis is home to the major FedEx hub. In 2011, the airport handled 3.9 metric tons of cargo, 90% of which was distributed through FedEx’s over 300 domestic and international flights.
Memphis is only one of three U.S. cities that is served by five Class I railroads. These include the Norfolk Southern, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Canadian National, Union Pacific, and CSX. All of the railroads have identified Memphis as a high-growth market for intermodal traffic, and four of them have invested significantly to expand the capacity of their terminals.
Additionally, Memphis is currently served by two national interstate highways: I-40 and I-55. Together these two interstates provide access north-south and east-west across the entire country, connecting to ports, gateways, and other major distribution centers. These two interstates are being supplemented with two additional interstates, I-69 and I-22, as well as a regional interstate by-pass to provide increased highway capacity for the coming decades. I-69 is the so called “NAFTA Highway”, which will extend from Canada to Mexico, passing through Memphis. It has been identified as a “Highway of National Significance”. When completed, I-22 will be an important route connecting Memphis to Birmingham and Atlanta.
As for trucking, more than 400 companies operate from Memphis providing easy access to local, long distance, truckload, less than truckload, as well as specialized freight options. Located less than 500 miles from the mean center of US population, Memphis is well-positioned to serve a major portion of the country. In fact, 36% of the country can be reached overnight and almost 70% by the second day.
Furthering Memphis’ trucking advantages, an Environmental Impact Study is being prepared for a new intermodal bridge across the Mississippi River that will accommodate both vehicles and railroads. It has been identified as a bridge of national significance in a 2006 feasibility study prepared by Wilbur Smith & Associates for the Tennessee Department of Transportation. This bridge will contribute to enhanced travel through the metropolitan area and expedite freight movements to and from the area.
Memphis also stands out with it’s options for shipping via water. The Port of Memphis is the fourth largest port on the inland waterway system, located strategically between the Port of New Orleans and St. Louis. The Mississippi River serves as another alternative for shipping goods in barge loads and container-on-barge operations.
It’s no surprise that Memphis has become a hub for logistics, with an extensive network of companies focused on logistics support operations including freight forwarders and logistics service providers. There are over 300 companies that offer freight forwarder services on a wide range of commodities.
Memphis logistics operations are supported by over 100 warehouse logistics service providers in the area, ranging from the small, boutique businesses to larger generalists, some with over 3 million square feet of distribution space. Products handled include almost anything, from agricultural chemicals to zippers. In addition to their core warehouse services, most offer value added services such as trucking, pick and pack, light assembly and kitting.
Another plus for Memphis is that since much of the manufacturing and agriculture in the United States is located in the middle part of the country, it is strategically situated to serve as a focal point for supporting (?) this activity. Over 40% of the manufacturing in the United States takes place along the I-69 corridor which will pass through Memphis. For exporting, Memphis ranks 23rd out of 365 Metropolitan Statistical Areas in the U. S. and exports more than the total of 19 states. The export value has increased by $1.0 billion each year since 2005, and currently amounts to approximately $8.4 billion. The majority of water exports are bulk commodities. Synthetic fibers or plastics, industrial, organic chemicals and automotive industry goods are some of the top export commodities. New Orleans is the most important exit port for Memphis, followed by Los Angeles, Long Beach, and East Coast ports. China, Mexico, South Korea, Japan, and Australia are the top export destinations.
Many manufacturers and distributors have chosen Memphis as a site for their distribution operations; Nike, Medtronic, Williams Sonoma, and Pfizer, to name a few. Memphis has become popular with the logistics service providers, as well. One recent addition is Barrett Distribution Centers, a Franklin, Massachusetts provider. Barrett Distribtution serves an array of industries from fast moving consumer goods to the highly demanding automotive parts and online retail markets. When a firm is seeking a strategically located logistics center that has major multi-modal assets, Memphis is a clear first choice.
For more detials on the Memphis logistics industry, click here.
Learn more about our guest blogger, Cliff Lynch, by clicking here.
Company Contact: Scott Hothem, SVP Customer Solutions
508-553-8800; shothem@barrettdistribution.com
PR Contact: Michele Carroll, Carrollco Marketing
925-980-1767; michele@carrollcomarketing.com
Media Release
Barrett Distribution a Greater Memphis Chamber ‘Top 10 to Watch’ Company
3rd Generation Warehousing and Logistics Provider Recognized for Regional Growth, Investment
Franklin, MA – December 11, 2012 – Barrett Distribution Centers was named in October to the Greater Memphis Chamber’s prestigious list of ‘Top 10 to Watch’ companies. This week, the organization will celebrate and honor the companies with a dinner and feature each in its year-end online publication, the Memphis Crossroads Magazine. The ten companies represent a wide array of industries and are recognized for significant growth this year through expansion, hiring or bringing investment to Memphis.
“We are honored by this distinction and proud to contribute to the greater Memphis business community,” said COO Tim Barrett. “Memphis is an important market for Barrett Distribution Centers' customers, and accordingly, an integral part of Barrett's nationwide capabilities and strategic growth plan.”
This recognition comes on the heels of Barrett Distribution Centers’ ranking on Inc. Magazine’s Fastest Growing Inc. 500/5000 for a fourth time, and earning the Family Business Award (FBA) of Massachusetts. The third-generation family business provides supply chain management and logistics services for companies from Tivoli Audio to Kellogg, Kraft, Vibram Five Fingers and BMW.
ABOUT BARRETT DISTRIBUTION CENTERS
Barrett Distribution Centers, headquartered in Franklin, Massachusetts, and founded in 1941 as a single warehouse operation, has grown to serve a wide array of customers and industries with a network of 12 strategic distribution centers throughout the US. These facilities are designed to efficiently handle fast moving consumer goods for leaders and future leaders of the consumer electronics, chemical, food and beverage, and footwear and apparel sectors. Barrett provides both consumer direct fulfillment and retail channel delivery, with facilities and operations covering the East Coast, West Coast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. For more, please visit www.barrettdistribution.com.
CONTACT: Jim Farrell, PR First, 781-681-6616, jfarrell@prfirst.com
BOSTON and FRANKLIN, MA, ISSUED September 18, 2012…Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) Boston today announced that one of its members, the Franklin, MA based Barrett Distribution Centers has been named a finalist in the Family Business Association of Massachusetts Awards for 2012.
The Family Business Association is an independent, non-profit organization created to honor family businesses and their achievements. The organization’s goal is to highlight successful family businesses and recognize excellence within them with an annual awards program —the FBA Awards— celebrating their accomplishments, honoring their ability to deal with adversity, and recognizing them for their philanthropic efforts.
The ceremony to honor this year’s finalists will take place October 25 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, Cambridge. David Wade of WBZ-TV will be the Master of Ceremonies and Jim Rappaport, Chairman of Specialty Hospitals will be the keynote speaker. Of 400 applicants, Barrett Distribution Centers was one of ten finalists in its category in the "large business" category.
Barrett Distribution Centers has experienced strong growth, at $34 million this year, compared to $28 million last year. The third-generation family business is a supply chain and logistics company, serving as a distribution center for other companies. With clients that include Tivoli Audio, General Mills, Kraft, and Best Buy, the firm maintains headquarters in Franklin, MA but also locations in NY, MD, VA, TN and CA, and employs over 200. This recognition comes on the heels of Barrett Distribution Centers’ winning the Inc. 500/5000 2012, unveiled in the September issue of Inc. (available on newsstands August 21 to November 15 and on Inc.com). To make the cut, companies had to have achieved a minimum of 770% in sales growth. The Inc. 500's aggregate revenue is $15.7 billion, with a median three-year growth of 1,431 percent.
Arthur Barrett, president of Barrett Distribution Centers, and Tim Barrett, the company’s CEO, said in a joint statement that they were very pleased to have received both recognitions. "It is an honor to be recognized for our work by these two prestigious organizations," the brothers said in a statement. To learn more about the Family Business Association, please visit www.fbaeduc.com, or contact Liz Pratt, lpratt@fbaedu.com, or 617-218-2077. FBA maintains offices in Boston.
David Reske, president of EO Boston, said, "We are very proud of Barrett Distribution Center for its continuing commitment to excellence, business growth and the entrepreneurial spirit. Their success reflects well on the entire business community, and we can all learn from their example."
About Barrett Distribution Centers
Barrett Distribution Centers, headquartered in Franklin, Massachusetts, and founded as a single warehouse operation, has grown to serve a wide array of customers and industries with a network of 12 strategic distribution centers throughout the US. These facilities are designed to efficiently handle fast moving consumer goods for leaders and future leaders of the consumer electronics, chemical, food and beverage, and footwear and apparel sectors. Barrett provides both consumer direct fulfillment and retail channel delivery, with facilities and operations covering the East Coast, West Coast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. For more, please visit www.barrettdistribution.com.
About Entrepreneurs' Organization, Boston
The Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) – for entrepreneurs only – is a dynamic global network of more than 8,000 business owners in 40 countries. Founded in 1987 by a group of young entrepreneurs, EO is the catalyst that enables entrepreneurs to learn and grow from each other, leading to greater business success and an enriched personal life. Membership in one of EO’s 120 chapters is by invitation only; the average member is 41 years old with annual revenues of US$17.3 million. The organization is focused on engaging the world’s leading entrepreneurs to learn and grow, and proudly counts many of the world’s most successful entrepreneurial firms among its membership. The EO Boston Chapter was founded in 1994 and comprises more than 75 members. For more information on EO Boston, visit www.eoboston.org.
FRANKLIN, Mass., August 21, 2012– Barrett Distribution Centers is pleased to announce its recognition by Inc. Magazine as one of the Top 5000 fastest growing in America for a fourth time, now ranking #2978 among privately held firms in the country.
“Barrett Distribution Centers is proud to be in the company of so many of the most respected companies in America, on the Inc. 500|5000 Fastest Growing Companies list. We are grateful to our customers and team for making this achievement possible for a fourth time,” said Arthur Barrett, president of Barrett Distribution Centers.
The 2012 Inc. 500|5000, unveiled in the September issue of Inc. (available on newsstands August 21 to November 15 and on Inc.com), is the most competitive crop in the list’s history. To make the cut, companies had to have achieved a staggering minimum of 770% in sales growth. The Inc. 500’s aggregate revenue is $15.7 billion, with a median three-year growth of 1,431 percent. The companies on this year's Inc. 500 employ more than 48,000 people and generated over 40,000 jobs in the past three years. Complete results of the Inc. 500|5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/500.
"Now, more than ever, we depend on Inc. 500/5000 companies to spur innovation, provide jobs, and drive the economy forward. Growth companies, not large corporations, are where the action is,” says Inc. magazine Editor Eric Schurenberg.
Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.’s September issue. They represent the top tier of the Inc. 5000, which can be found at www.inc.com/500.
ABOUT BARRETT DISTRIBUTION CENTERS
Barrett Distribution Centers, headquartered in Franklin, Massachusetts, and founded as a single warehouse operation, has grown to serve a wide array of customers and industries with a network of 12 strategic distribution centers throughout the US. These facilities are designed to efficiently handle fast moving consumer goods for leaders and future leaders of the consumer electronics, chemical, food and beverage, and footwear and apparel sectors. Barrett provides both consumer direct fulfillment and retail channel delivery, with facilities and operations covering the East Coast, West Coast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. For more, please visit www.barrettdistribution.com.
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Summer 2012 Barrett Bugle, Digital edition
As Vibram faced the challenges of rapidly growing demand for its wildly popular footwear innovation, the company found its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and IT systems inadequate to process the growing number of orders.
Barrett worked with Vibram to address challenges, while simultaneously creating a solution to build and maintain separate order processing and management locations for web and retail orders, improve forecasting capability and bring inventory levels up to ensure responsiveness to the surging demand.
Additionally, we dealt with requirements for counterfeit product detection and management of the brand threat, while ensuring that all solutions position Vibram to scale, with orders and delivery (direct to consumer and to retail channels) capable of fast response as orders grow in number and complexity. [read more]
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Importance of Memphis Growing
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Barrett Distribution Centers "Buying In" to Memphis
MBQ: Inside Memphis Business / March 2012 / Buying In by Clifford F. Lynch
Much has been written about the transportation advantages of the Memphis metropolitan area. Five Class I railroads, a large motor carrier contingent, the largest river in the country, and a world-class airport all contribute to making Memphis and the surrounding area a major logistics hub — indeed one of the most important in the country.
Often overlooked, however, is the network of logistics service providers the city is fortunate to have in the region. These firms range from small, family-owned businesses to large national providers, and everything in between. Products handled include almost anything, from agricultural chemicals to zippers. [read more]
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President's Reflections
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 Bridging Generations for Success
By Arthur Barrett, President, Barrett Distribution Centers
I had the pleasure of chairing the 2012 Annual Convention & Exposition for the International Warehouse Logistics Association which was held this year at the historic Fairmont Hotel atop Nob Hill in San Francisco. The conference theme was appropriately, “Bridging Generations for Success.” After the Sunday afternoon golf tournament, we kicked off the three-day convention with an invitation-only dinner featuring... [read more]
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| Top Packaging Suppliers for Specialty Fulfillment |
Barrett customizes solutions which often require specialty fulfillment services from packaging to delivery. Having reviewed carrier partners earlier this year, Barrett now provides a review of the top four providers of materials typically incorporated for specialty fulfillment solutions: from quality printed cartons, specialty padded mailers and customized totes to general packaging supplies. These four companies represent the best array of products, highest-quality service and most responsive customer service in this market segment... [read more]
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Q1: How important is fuel efficiency to the Logistics industry?
A1: For private fleets and commercial carriers, fuel expenses can account for more than 25% of their total operating costs.
Q2: What are the best ways to increase fuel efficiency in tractor trailers?
A2: * Maintain speed limits: Drivers who keep within the speed limits can increase the truck's fuel economy by more than 20%.
* Avoid unnecessary idling: The average idling tractor consumes 1.2 gallons per hour or more than 8 cents a minute based on today's fuel prices.
* Keep tires inflated to the proper levels: For every 10 psi below the rated tire pressure, the truck's fuel economy decreases by 0.5%.
Q3: How are companies affected by fuel efficiency?
A3: Fuel efficiency impacts every one of the 750,000 trucking companies in the U.S, and their costs impact every consumer.
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Barrett Distribution Centers Reviews Top Packaging Supply Companies
Barrett customizes solutions which in many cases require specialty fulfillment services from packaging to delivery. Having reviewed carrier partners earlier this year, Barrett now provides a review of the top four providers of materials typically incorporated for specialty fulfillment solutions: from quality printed cartons, specialty padded mailers and customized totes to general packaging supplies. These four companies represent the best array of products, highest-quality service and most responsive customer service in this market segment:
- ARPAC Group of Chicago;
- ULINE of Pleasant Prairie, WI;
- RPC Packaging Supply, Inc. of Taunton, MA; and
- Staples.
ARPAC Group is the leading global packaging equipment manufacturer. They offer packaging solutions to companies all across the U.S. and around the world, providing Barrett’s customers with exactly what they need to package their specific product for transport to one of Barrett’s 11 distribution centers where they can be warehoused efficiently until shipped to vendors.
ULINE, a family owned business like Barrett Distribution Centers, opened in 1980. Liz and Dick Uihlein started the business from their basement after recognizing a need for a local shipping supply company. The family still owns and runs the business, now with 2,800 employees across the country, in Mexico and in Canada.
RPC Packaging Supply, Inc. attributes its success for 40 years to its loyal customers. RPC is the source for everything from inflatable protective packaging to loose fill. The company provides everything for standard shipping, as well as printing on the products and custom sizes.
Staples, the well-known office supplies store, offers a complete line of packaging materials. The convenience of walking into a nearby store or ordering from the website make it a favorite of many companies.
As a leading third-party logistics warehousing services provider, Barrett Distribution Centers knows what their clients need from their packaging supply companies. Barrett’s ongoing commitment to its customers prompted this blog to ensure their customers’ first-rate treatment every step of the way.
Barrett provides an all in one warehousing and distribution system including pick and pack and vendor managed inventory advantages that speed cycle times and reduce inventories. If you’re seeking “best of breed" distribution warehousing and a 3rd party logistics provider with over 3 generations of experience, look to Barrett Distribution Centers. Use our contact form at http://www.barrettdistribution.com/inquire or call 1-508-553-8800
QUICK LINKS: Warehousing Services Provider : Warehouse Management : Distribution Warehousing : 3rd Party Logistics Provider
Bridging Generations for Success
By Arthur Barrett, President, Barrett Distribution Centers
I had the pleasure of chairing the 2012 Annual Convention & Exposition for the International Warehouse Logistics Association which was held this year at the historic Fairmont Hotel atop Nob Hill in San Francisco. The conference theme was, appropriately, “Bridging Generations for Success.”
After the Sunday afternoon golf tournament, we kicked off the three-day convention with an invitation-only dinner featuring an entertaining talk by the inimitable Willie Brown, a 30-year member of the California State Assembly and its former Speaker, as well as the 41st mayor of San Francisco. Mr. Brown railed against term limits (which in California drove him from the state Assembly), declaring that it is the veteran politicians in both California and Washington who enjoy the experience and seniority that allows them to push through the most important legislation.
Monday morning’s keynote speaker, Matthew Kelly, is renowned for motivating audience members to become “the best version of themselves.” Author of The Dream Manager and other books, Mr. Kelly effortlessly elevates and energizes people to pursue the highest values of the human spirit. He drew a powerful connection between how employees can achieve their personal goals and ambitions while contributing to their company achieving its goals. Matthew was recruited to speak by IWLA Vice Chairman Paul Verst of Verst Group Logistics.
On Monday morning we also heard the perspective of Walt Rakowich, CEO of Prologis – the largest owner of industrial warehouse space in North America and major landlord for many IWLA members. Walt described how an improving and changing economy and other market forces are impacting both pricing for existing real estate as well as development opportunities in different industrial centers. He said the key to the future is locating distribution hubs and warehouse facilities near major population centers.
A panel moderated by IWLA Chairman Linda Hothem of Pacific American Group focused on IWLA’s Sustainable Logistics Initiative. It included Richard Bank, founder of the Sustainable Supply Chain Foundation, which provides the independent verification for participating SLI warehouses; Lisa Harrington, professor of supply chain management at the University of Maryland and Mr. Bank’s partner at SSCF; and Dr. Dale Rogers, professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Rutgers Business School.
The panel outlined the path for operators of third-party warehouses to verify their sustainability achievements for customers and government regulators. Dr. Rogers also reviewed research that shows companies with sustainability programs are more profitable, and that more corporate customers are requiring that their vendors be able to prove results of their sustainability efforts.
On Monday afternoon we set aside free time to explore all that the beautiful city of San Francisco has to offer, including several organized excursions. A trip to Alcatraz was one of the more popular activities. Some attendees chose to catch a cable car ride down to Fisherman’s Wharf and others toured the Anchor Steam Brewery and Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory. Monday evening’s informal reception offered plenty of networking opportunities for both warehouse members and exhibitors of the products and services we use to ensure we provide our customers with leading-edge technology and tools.
Tuesday morning we honored Dr. Rogers with the IWLA’s prestigious Distinguished Service Award. Ms. Hothem presented the award, remarking that Dr. Rogers has contributed enormously to the progress and growth of the warehouse industry. “He gave his time and knowledge, free of charge, to help IWLA establish its Sustainable Logistics Initiative,” she said. “He has dedicated much of his personal and professional life to researching how to environmentally improve logistics processes.”
We were then treated to a great roundtable of past, present, and future IWLA leaders. We were honored that past Chairmen Pete Dodd (1982-83), Del Conner (1992-93) Nick Weber (1993-94) and Bob Auray (2005-06) could join IWLA Treasurer Tom Herche and President Joel Anderson on stage. These veterans of our association captured our attention as they took us through the changes they witnessed in both the AWA/IWLA and the 3PL warehouse industry.
We hope they will return to our convention in Orlando in 2013 for a repeat panel discussion. Recognizing the value of these past IWLA leaders’ contributions, IWLA created a new Ambassadors Council made up of past chairmen that will allow us to draw on their experience and wisdom.
Before we broke for an afternoon of concurrent educational sessions, family business succession expert Tom Deans provided his unique and sometimes unconventional views about passing on the family business to the next generation of leaders. His talk also served as a lead-in for the half-day of workshop on the same topic that took place the next day.
The Chairman’s Reception and Banquet on Tuesday evening had the highest attendance in recent memory. Linda Hothem hosted the gathering in the Crown Room atop the Fairmont Tower, with spectacular views of San Francisco and the Bay. At my table along with my family I was honored to have Del Conner; Immediate Past Chairman and Mrs. Gary Mayfield; and their guests, Dr. and Mrs. Dale Rogers (who also were celebrating the recent birth of a grandchild).
The energy was palpable throughout a tremendous three-day conference, but especially during the Chairman’s Banquet that crowned Linda Hothem’s distinguished career in this great industry. I hope one day to earn a small fraction of the respect that these great business leaders have earned from their years of distinguished service.
It used to be an easy call. But now that the lines between the two are blurring, that's no longer the case.
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