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TradePoint offers FDA Prior Notice software

APRIL 22 -- The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued its initial Compliance Summary Information: Prior Notice with regard to the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (Bioterrorism Act - BTA). Advance or prior notice of import shipments to the US allows the FDA, with the support of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), to target import inspections more effectively and help protect the nation's food supply against terrorist acts and other public health emergencies. The FDA's first posting of information describes Prior Notice (PN) submissions received during the first two months (through February 21, 2004) after the interim final rule went into effect December 12, 2003. It provides a high level summary of the current pattern of submissions and identifies areas of concern, not the least of which is the significant number (more than half) of the total lines submitted through CBP's ACS system with incomplete PN information. Other submissions had some, but not all of the PN information required, and a few lacked any of the specific PN information.

In light of the startling statistics published by the FDA, TradePoint Systems conducted a random sampling of shipments for its own FDA BTA Prior Notice software system users for the same date range (12/12/03 through 02/21/04) as published by the FDA. TradePoint sampled approximately 21,000 shipments of its software users and found only an 8.15% rejection rate, indicating a significantly better performance for TradePoint customers than the import industry at large. TradePoint sampled an additional 17,000 customer shipments from 02/22/04 through 04/16/04 and found that the rejection rate steadily declined to only 0.17%. These positive results can be attributed to the enhancements TradePoint has added to its FDA PN processing software, resolution of CBP issues, and the fact that TradePoint's customers have become more familiar and comfortable processing the PN data.

"My hat's off to the TradePoint organization for delivering a viable FDA BTA integrated system timely and in an efficient manor", said Roger Clarke, President, Williams Clarke Company, Inc. "The installation was smooth and the operational software worked effectively straight out of the chute with a minimal amount of transmission problems."

TradePoint Systems was one of the few software providers ready and fully compliant with the FDA BTA initiative by the required date. TradePoint was among the first with the "WP' addition to this requirement. TradePoint was also the only software provider present at the CBP & NCBFAA review of the final changes before the BTA release.

"Rather than simply adding the basic functionality necessary for submission of the FDA Prior Notice data as required, we took a step back to evaluate what else we could possibly include in the software to make this requirement easier for our customers to manage", said Joe Cowan, Vice President at TradePoint Systems. "Some enhancements included adding the PN data to the parts database, so the information is pulled through to minimize data entry requirements and errors. We also added validations and edits to ensure our customers had low error rates, and we incorporated the ability to track and monitor what PN's have been submitted and confirmed. Plus we included the ability to delay transmission of PN data to meet the submission timelines established for the various modes of transportation."

"We will continue to work every step of the way with the FDA and CBP to ensure that our customers are ready in advance with all mandated changes", said Ken Halle, Chief Operating Officer at TradePoint Systems. "We pride ourselves on our customer's successes with some of the lowest error rates in the industry. TradePoint will remain at the forefront of all new programs associated with ACE, AES and C-TPAT."

FAST dedicated lane opens at Champlain, NY

CHAMPLAIN, N.Y., April 22 -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced that a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) dedicated lane opened southbound, at the Champlain, New York / Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle, Québec border crossing on April 18, 2004. FAST traffic entering Canada will continue to use the existing lane. The FAST program is a bilateral initiative between the United States and Canada designed to ensure security and safety of Americans and Canadians, while enhancing the economic prosperity of both countries.

"FAST is one of our 'smart border' initiatives. It improves security, yet moves goods faster and more efficiently across the border," said CBP Commissioner Robert C. Bonner. "Our FAST partners secure their supply chains so that their shipments are no risk for terrorism. They are rewarded with expedited processing for their shipments, and use of a FAST designated lane."

"The FAST program is an excellent example of how the government and private sector are working together to protect the security of Canada's economy," said Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Responsible for Public Security and Emergency Preparedness.

In developing the FAST program, United States and Canada have harmonized, to the maximum extent possible, their commercial processes for clearance of commercial shipments at the border. This promotes free and secure trade by using common risk-management principles, supply chain security, industry partnership, and advanced technology to improve the efficiency of screening and clearing commercial traffic at the U.S./Canada border.

Approximately 1,300 trucks cross into Champlain daily from Canada. The hours for the Champlain designated FAST lane will coincide with the heavy traffic patterns.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the protection of our nation's borders. CBP unified Customs, Immigration, and Agriculture Inspectors and the Border Patrol into one border agency for the United States.

The Canada Border Services Agency was established in December 2003, to maximize the efficiency of Canada's front-line border agencies.

Frito-Lay commends Exel transport services

COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 22 -- Exel, the global leader in supply chain management, today announced that its Transportation Services business received the prestigious 2003 Frito-Lay "Transportation Supplier of the Year" award last night at a ceremony in Dallas. Exel's Transportation Services business, which has worked with Frito-Lay for 12 years, also won the award in 1999 and 2000.

Frito-Lay tapped Exel's Transportation Services business for the honor based on its high service level, consistent productivity and integrated core competencies with ocean, rail and truckload transportation.

"Considering the transportation industry challenges such as capacity issues, new hours of service regulations, and increasing fuel prices, Exel's Transportation Services' ability to deliver productivity and continuous improvement has been outstanding," said Jill Mendenhall, senior group manager of inbound logistics, Frito-Lay North America. "The organization is a one-stop shop with a dedicated team to our business, which really set it apart."

Exel's Transportation Services business is one of 14 transportation suppliers utilized by the snack food manufacturer.

"It is a great privilege to accept this honor on behalf of our team," said Mike Musacchio, chief executive, Exel's Transportation Services business. "Our unique structure as a non-asset based company enables flexibility to quickly modify schedules to align with Frito-Lay's dynamic business. In addition, our expanding carrier base ensures that we provide a competitive cost without sacrificing exceptional service."

Exel's Transportation Services business manages three key initiatives for Frito-Lay. First, the company coordinates transportation of potatoes from 40 suppliers to approximately 15 manufacturing plants throughout the Central and Western United States. Operating in a just-in-time inventory environment, Exel's Transportation Services business completed nearly 20,000 shipments last year with a 98 percent on-time delivery rate.

Secondly, Exel's Transportation Services business utilizes its tracking and tracing tools to monitor more than 10,000 rail shipments of raw corn, potato flakes, and oil and corn meals to 32 manufacturing plants throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. In addition, the business provides freight payment services, car location message reports and specialized truck equipment brokerage. As part of this program, Exel's Transportation Services business leases and manages 285 rail cars as a value-added service to meet demand.

Finally, Exel's Transportation Services business is a core carrier for inbound and outbound shipments at Frito-Lay's new logistics center in Plano, Texas. The business coordinated 7,500 shipments last year making it one of Frito-Lay's top two providers based on volume.

"As a strategic partner with Frito-Lay, our team played a key role in the implementation of the logistics center last year," Musacchio noted. "After twelve years of working together, we can easily adapt to Frito-Lay's business changes and recommend appropriate solutions."

3PL execs certified by IWLA

CHICAGO, April 22 -- IWLA - The Association for Logistics Outsourcing, recently presented 21 third-party logistics (3PL) executives with the prestigious designation of Certified Logistics Professional.

As the premier trade association for 3PLs in North America, IWLA created the CLP designation to set standards of excellence and promote professionalism throughout the 3PL industry. To earn a CLP, individuals must complete six required courses and make an educational contribution to the industry by speaking at an IWLA educational event, writing an article for the IWLA website or quarterly magazine, or serving on an IWLA committee, council or board.

"I can think of no more deserving individuals to have earned the latest round of CLP designation," said Joel Hoiland, IWLA president and chief executive officer. "Each of these dedicated professionals have devoted their lives to not only making their respective companies successful, but also have worked to improve the 3PL industry's professionalism and standing in the world economy."

Receiving the honor at the Association's 2004 Annual Meeting in Phoenix last month were: Robert Auray, senior advisor to Kuehne & Nagle Logistics, Naugatuck, CT; Ken Ackerman, president of Ackerman Co., Columbus, OH; Tony Becker, vice chairman of Port Jersey Logistics, Jersey City, NJ; Mike Butchert, senior vice president of Murphy Warehouse Co., Minneapolis, MN; Roger Carlson, principal of Carlson Consulting Minnetonka, MN; and Robert Carwell, chairman and chief executive officer of MTE Logistix, Edmonton, AB.

Also, Bob Dineen, President of Dominion Warehousing & Distribution Services, Toronto; Bruce Edwards, chief executive officer of Exel Americas, Westerville, OH; Jim Kennedy III, chairman of Kenco Logistics Services, Chattanooga, TN; Dick Lawson, chairman of H.L. Lawson & Sons Inc., Roanoke, VA; B. Lee Mallory, president of Mallory Distribution Centers, Memphis, TN; Philip Maynard, chairman of ASW Services Inc., Mogadore, OH; Bob Moran, president of Amware Logistics, Avon, CO; Bob Ness, chairman of ODW Logistics, Columbus, OH; Gary Owen, senior advisor to Ozburn-Hessey Logistics, Nashville, TN; F. Perry Ozburn, member of the executive committee of Ozburn-Hessey Logistics, Nashville, TN; Forest Pearce, national accounts manager for Logisco, Belmont, NC; Bob Rose, Partner, Strategic Logistics, Newmarket, ON; Darby Strickland, president of Shippers Warehouse & Distribution, Dallas; Steve Tigner, president of Parkside Warehouse Inc., Rockford, IL; and Nick Weber, chairman and chief executive officer of Weber Distribution, Santa Fe Springs, CA.

For more information on IWLA's CLP program, contact Linda Wood, IWLA director of education, at (847) 813-4699 or www.lwood@iwla.com.

Viewlocity debuts new Web site

ATLANTA, April 21 -- Viewlocity, Inc., a provider of supply chain management software that helps enterprises execute operations more effectively, today announced the debut of their new website - www.viewlocity.com. The new site, designed in-house, incorporates updated content and graphics that improve both navigation and access to information.

"This is our first website overhaul in over a year," said Paul Donnelly, Viewlocity's director of marketing. "Our goal was to more clearly articulate how we help companies improve their operations through supply chain visibility and event management based solutions. This is a key medium for us and the team really did a great job to improve both our image and messaging."

Visitors to the new site can learn more about the company, news and events, solutions, and customer success stories. Global support for the company's entire product line can also be accessed through the website.

Viewlocity provides supply chain management software that helps enterprises execute operations more effectively. Our software suite is comprised of visibility, event management, and optimization components that enable companies to optimize their use of assets and monitor supply chain processes for exceptions. When exceptions occur the optimal response can be determined, minimizing disruption to the business. As a result, Viewlocity's customers can run their businesses with significantly smaller reserves of inventory, capacity and people, while improving service levels. To find out how companies like Dell, the Ford Motor Company, and over 70 other leading companies use our products to improve their operations, call 1-877-512-8900 or visit our website at viewlocity.com.

Maritime Hall of Fame to induct six

Six prominent industry figures will be inducted into the International Maritime Hall of Fame May 12 at the United Nations in New York.

The inductees are: Helen Delich Bentley, former Federal Maritime Commission Chairperson and U.S. congresswoman; Dr. James S.C. Chao, chairman of Foremost Group; Ruediger “Rudy” Mack, president of Hapag-Lloyd (America) Inc.; Efthimios E. Mitropoulos, secretary general of the International Maritime Organization; Jacques R. Saade, chairman of CMA CGM; and N. Nick Cretan, executive director of the Maritime Association of the Port of New York and New Jersey.

The 11th annual International Maritime Hall of Fame Awards Dinner will be held in the United Nations in the Delegates’ Dining Room at 6:00 p.m.

The Maritime Association of the Port of New York and New Jersey sponsors the International Maritime Hall of Fame Awards at the United Nations. Established in 1993, the Ship’s Lookout Awards highlight individuals whose unique outlooks, farsighted decisions and dedication have benefited the maritime industry in the categories of technological achievement, quality of service or outstanding product. Funds raised for the awards event promote educational services for the industry.

For more information, visit the Maritime Association’s Web site at www.nymaritime.org, or send an e-mail to Judith K. Rovins at motivjkr@aol.com.

GTS appoints Wainwright, Stephens

Global Transportation Solutions (GTS), a vendor of terminal management systems, has appointed Norman E. Wainwright to the position of vice president, operations, and David Mark Stephens to the position of manager, quality assurance.

Wainwright will direct the GTS global delivery organization, focused on marketing their TOPS Terminal Operations Productivity Solution (TOPS.) Stephens will report directly to Wainwright. GTS said it has begun to implement TOPS at the Suez Canal Container Terminal in Port Said, Egypt, and at the Maersk Minami terminal in Honmoku Terminal in Yokohama, Japan.

Wainwright has more than 25 years experience in information technology executive positions, at such companies as Hapag Lloyd, Puerto Rico Marine Management, and RCA Corp.

Stephens has 15 years of experience in transportation technology. He joins GTS from Wallenius Wilhelmsen Lines Americas, where he worked as a business analyst/project manager in developing business systems for operations. He also represented the carrier on the Customs Electronic Systems Advisory Committee. GTS said he played a key role in the implementation of a terminal management system for Wallenius Wilhelmsen. He has also worked at United Parcel Service (UPS) and Schuetz Container Systems.

UPS Foundation awards grant to Keep America Beautiful

STAMFORD, Conn., April 19 -- Keep America Beautiful, Inc. has received a $50,000 grant from The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS (NYSE:UPS). The grant will be used to support Keep America Beautiful's volunteer management program.

Keep America Beautiful, the nation's largest nonprofit community improvement and educational organization, engages individuals to take responsibility for improving their community environments. Through its national network of more than 540 affiliates and 400 more participating organizations, Keep America Beautiful annually involves millions in stewardship activities across the United States. Last year, 2.3 million volunteers from more than 14,000 communities participated in Keep America Beautiful's Great American Cleanup – an annual March through May program consisting of more than 30,000 events that clean up, fix up, beautify, paint, sustain and restore America's neighborhoods, public lands and waterways.

"We are thrilled that The UPS Foundation is supporting Keep America Beautiful, our affiliate network and our volunteers," said G. Raymond Empson, president of Keep America Beautiful, Inc. "This generous donation reflects UPS's commitment to grassroots action and volunteerism, and it will help us make a big impact on American communities. Together, our efforts will ensure improved communities today and for generations to come."

"UPS and its employees have a longstanding commitment to the communities where we live and work. Philanthropy and employee volunteerism are a part of the company's culture," said Evern Cooper, president of The UPS Foundation and vice president of UPS corporate relations. "Together with our nonprofit partners, we work to make a positive impact on the lives of people in need. UPS's support of Keep America Beautiful signifies our shared focus and commitment to improve our communities."

GlaxoSmithKline recognizes Horizon Lines

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 19 -- Horizon Lines has been awarded Best Performance for Ocean Carrier by GlaxoSmithKline pharmaceuticals' US Transportation division and FedEx Supply Chain Services. The honor was presented at its annual carrier appreciation and awards luncheon at the GSK headquarters in Raleigh, NC.

The award included special recognition of the ocean carrier's service delivery in achieving 100% billing accuracy and 100% claim-free in 2003 and was presented by Ed Huggins, manager of US Transportation for GlaxoSmithKlein. The award was accepted by Kelly Dennison, director of corporate marketing for Horizon Lines, based in Charlotte, NC.

Gabriel M. Serra, vice president and general manager Puerto Rico division, said "We are pleased to play a part in GSK¹s ability to improve the quality of life for millions through its development and distribution of pharmaceuticals. It is Horizon Lines' shared commitment to quality and service that makes the ocean transportation we provide a great fit for GSK and a valued partner for the pharmaceutical market in Puerto Rico."

Goodyear Dunlop, TNT Logistics renew Spain contract

April 19 -- TNT Logistics has renewed its logistics contract with international tyres
manufacturer Goodyear Dunlop in Spain, to provide warehousing, handling as well as to manage its national tyre distribution.

For the new contract term TNT Logistics has invested about 3 million Euro in radiofrequency equipment, security systems, and the new warehouse management system and has implemented a dedicated network in Spain. By providing visibility throughout the entire supply chain by using COAT, a Transport Management System designed by TNT Logistics, distribution lead times will be reduced as a result of which Goodyear Dunlop will be able to further improve service levels to its customers in Spain.

TNT Logistics Spain has opened a 24.000 square meters warehouse in Madrid, the Goodyear Dunlop Central warehouse where all stock is stored, and from which all distribution throughout Spain will be handled. The warehouse has been equipped with the latest technology and modern installations including sprinklers, centrally controlled fire prevention, smoke and volumetric detection and radiofrequency used for carrying out the paperless picking activities and order despatching.

TNT Logistics Spain has developed a dedicated network for tyres, composed by 17 regional transit points, fully integrated with TNT Logistics’ IT system COAT. This system allows the control of all outbound flows providing online information about deliveries. The system can be consulted by the Goodyear Dunlop sales network, providing total transparency of the supply chain.

Frank Schnitker, Supply Chain Director of Goodyear Dunlop comments: “TNT Logistics Spain significantly improves our tyre distribution system, which has resulted in the optimisation of our stock levels and the minimisation of supply chain costs, which allows us to offer a higher quality service to our customers.“

Seko Worldwide receives C-TPAT certification

ITASCA, Ill., April 19 -- SEKO Worldwide, a global provider of freight forwarding solutions, announced it has been awarded C-TPAT certification as a partner in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT). The Department of Homeland Security approved SEKO’s mission-critical application and security profile following its review.

As a member of the C-TPAT program, SEKO Worldwide will continue to enhance and maintain a detailed anti-terrorism plan and develop a self-policing program to review its security procedures on a regular basis. In order to maintain a high level of compliance with C-TPAT rules, the Company will participate in anti-terrorism training seminars, learn critical security information and best practices from the Department of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and will undergo a yearly assessment of its security program.

“Participating in C-TPAT underscores our commitment to providing a high level of security and a smooth flow of cargo for our customers throughout the many supply chains we operate in,” said William J. Wascher, CEO and president of SEKO Worldwide. “Our partnership in this important program enables us to ensure our operations against possible compromise, be able to communicate our efforts to our business partners and maintain a high level of compliance in other customs-related areas. The C-TPAT partnership program enables us to enhance anti-terrorism efforts by strengthening security measures on behalf of our customers and the nations they represent.”

Seattle Propeller Club honors Sen. Murray

SEATTLE, April 19 -- Washington State’s senior senator, Ms. Patty Murray, is this year’s Seattle Propeller Club’s Elected Official of the Year Award recipient. The honor, bestowed annually at the Seattle Maritime Festival’s Maritime Luncheon, will be presented Friday, May 7 at this year’s luncheon aboard Holland America Line’s ms Oosterdam. The luncheon is co-sponsored by the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce and the Seattle Propeller Club. The Club is a non-profit organization that promotes maritime commerce in the Puget Sound region and supports the American Merchant Marine. It also strives to foster understanding and cooperation in the public and private sectors with regard to maritime issues.

Each year the Seattle Propeller Club recognizes a local elected official whose outstanding work or service has made a significant contribution to maritime commerce in the Pacific Northwest. “Senator Murray is a vocal and committed policymaker who understands the unique role maritime commerce plays in our community,” said Propeller Club Chapter President Peter Philips. “Ms. Murray is dogged in her determination to assure our ports are secure without threatening the financial viability of vessel and port operators and the thousands of Washingtonians they employ, and her help in securing funding for Washington State’s ferry operations are evidence of her appreciation of our important role in the transportation system.”

As ranking member of the Appropriations Committee’s Sub-Committee on Transportation, and a member of the Homeland Security, and Energy and Water Development Subcommittees, Senator Murray is critical to investing in port infrastructure and security, improving waterways, and supporting the Jones Act and a strong U.S.-Flag Merchant Marine.

Of particular note is her long-standing commitment to port security. Ms. Murray created the Operation Safe Commerce initiative, a pilot program that allows the Port of Seattle to monitor and track cargo. She is helping to institute the port security grant program and advocating for increased funding for the Coast Guard and marine ‘SWAT’ teams. She also secured $9 million in funding for security improvements for Washington State Ferries.

Senator Murray’s maritime accomplishments also include securing funding for the Puget Sound Fast Freight corridor, Columbia River dredging, maritime and effective oil spill prevention initiatives.

Previous recipients include U.S. Senator Slade Gorton, and state legislators Helen Sommers, Gary Chandler, Karen Schmidt, Mike Cooper, and Jeanette Wood. Nominees are recognized for positive contributions to the Puget Sound marine community and ensuring that our region retains its traditional ties to maritime commerce.

MOL units in Shanghai logistics park

TOKYO, April 19 -- MOL today announced plans for three MOL Group companies – MOL Logistics (Japan) Co., Ltd. (MLG-JP), Shanghai HuaJia International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. (MLG-CN), and MOL (China) Co., Ltd. – to participate in the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Bonded Logistics Park (WBLP), a project approved by the Chinese government as a free trade zone.

The WBLP Grand Opening Customs Certified Ceremony was held in Shanghai on April 15, with Deputy Director of General Administration of customs Gong Zheng and Deputy Mayer of Shanghai Municipal City Zhou Yupeng in attendance. MOL Group top executives, including MOL Deputy President Hiroyuki Sato, MLG-JP President Kazuki Mori and MLG-CN CEO Preston Lui, were also on hand.

Those three companies jointly establish a new company, and will complete a warehouse in WBLP in May, and start operation in July.

In our mid-term management plan MOL STEP, MOL Group positions the logistics business as a pillar in the product transport business sector. The group’s growth strategy is based on taking advantage of new business opportunities in ocean shipping and logistics.

In the Chinese market, which shows tremendous growth, the MOL Group plans to meet customers’ expanding logistics needs by utilizing its own warehouse in WBLP, one of key logistics centers in China, and offer higher-quality solutions by taking full advantage of the MOL Group global network.

MLG-JP is the only Japanese company participating in Phase I of the project.

Rep. Allen to address Maine Maritime graduation

CASTINE, Me., April 19 -- The Honorable Tom Allen, United States House of Representatives, will address the graduating class at Maine Maritime Academy’s 61st Commencement on Monday, May 3, 2004. He will receive an honorary doctorate from the college at the ceremony.

Allen, Maine’s First Congressional District Representative, was re-elected to the post in 2002. He was later selected by House Democratic leaders to serve on the House committee on Energy and Commerce. The Committee has principal responsibility for House oversight of food and drug safety, public health, air quality and environmental health, telecommunications, consumer protection, the supply and delivery of energy, and interstate and foreign commerce. He also serves as co-chair of the House Affordable Medicines Task Force and the Bipartisan House Oceans Caucus.

A strong advocate for affordable health care and prescription medication, Allen introduced H.R. 1400, The Prescription Drug Fairness for Seniors Act, and H.R. 2356, The Prescription Drug Comparative Effectiveness Act. He is also a leader in the support of established environmental statues, and a proponent of requiring Congress to meet its financial promises under both the Individuals with Disabilities Act and the No Child Left Behind Act.

A native of Portland, Maine, Allen is a graduate of Bowdoin College. After earning a B. Phil degree in Politics at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, he worked for Senator Edmund S. Muskie. He also attended Harvard Law School, graduating in 1974. While working in a Portland law firm for 20 years, he was active in civic affairs, serving on the City Council and as Mayor of Portland.

Commencement activities will begin at 9 a.m. with the annual awards program in Delano Auditorium, Leavitt Hall. The Academy will confer eight associate in science, 137 bachelor of science, and 11 master of science degrees at the 11 a.m. ceremony in the Alexander Fieldhouse. The college will also award 15 associate in science degrees as part of its educational program with General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, Conn. Graduates represent more than 60 Maine communities and 23 other states, as well as eight countries.

TNT Logistics raises funds for World Food Program

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 19 -- TNT Logistics North America announced it raised more than $47,000 in the U.S., Canada and Mexico in the first quarter of 2004 for the United Nation’s World Food Program (WFP). These dollars were collected on behalf of WFP as part of a series of initiatives undertaken by TNT employees over the course of the first three months of the year. In calendar 2003, TNT employees raised $152,000.


TNT Logistics, as part of TPG N.V., has made a long-term commitment to WFP. TNT and WFP launched a groundbreaking partnership in 2002 that is aimed at a single common goal: fighting world hunger. By teaming up with WFP, TNT is committed to sharing its resources and know-how in order to make a lifesaving difference. Every day millions of people go to bed hungry, yet the planet produces more than enough food to provide for its entire population. The problem is getting the food to the people who need it in emergency situations. Logistics is an essential weapon in the fight against hunger.

“In addition to financial support, logistics is a key area where TNT can contribute,” said Fred Griffiths, vice president of purchasing and disbursements, and team leader for WFP participation by TNT’s North American business unit. “As a global company, we’re able to help with emergency response and supply chain improvements in getting food collected and distributed to vital parts of the world.”

The dollars raised by TNT employees are earmarked for WFP’s Global School Feeding Campaign, which has been able to demonstrate the value of tying nutrition with education and health, producing long-term benefits for pupils, their families and the communities where they live. Through fundraising efforts and volunteer programs, TNT strives to raise cash and awareness for this campaign between its global workforce and business partners.


“We were gratified we could raise $47,000 in North America in the past three months,” Griffiths added. “We need to thank all our employees, customers and vendors for their heart-felt contributions. This is an excellent start in reaching our goal of exceeding last year’s contribution.”

Set up in 1963, the World Food Program is the United Nation’s frontline agency in the fight against global hunger. In 2003, WFP fed nearly 110 million people in 82 countries, including most of the world’s refugees and internally displaced people. WFP is the largest provider of nutritious meals to poor school children and through its School Feeding program aims to ensure the world’s 300 million undernourished children are educated. Providing a nutritious meal at school is a simple but concrete way to give poor children a chance to learn and thrive. It costs 19 cents
a day or $34 per school year, to feed a child at school and yet the benefits are invaluable. For more information on WFP, please visit www.wfp.org.

Avicon sponsors Penn State's Center for Supply Chain Research

WALTHAM, Mass., April 19 -- Avicon, architects of the new supply chain, today announced that it has become a corporate sponsor of Penn State's Center for Supply Chain Research, one of the nation's leading institutions dedicated to supply chain management research and education.

"We are pleased that Avicon has joined our Corporate Sponsorship Program and look forward to the company playing a more active role in the Center's educational programs," said John J. Coyle, Founding Director of the Center for Supply Chain Research and Professor Emeritus of Business Administration. "The goal of our Corporate Sponsorship Program is to create comprehensive logistics research and education partnerships between the center and a limited number of member firms. Avicon's extensive logistics and supply chain management expertise will be an asset to our program."

Avicon will play a leading role in the Center for Supply Chain Research's Leaders Forum on Adaptive Supply Chains to be held on April 20 - 22, 2004 at The Penn State Conference Center Hotel in University Park, Pennsylvania. David Demers, president and chief strategy officer at Avicon, will serve as program director and lead a workshop on Supply Chain Transformation. Marc Linster, Avicon's chief technology officer, will lead workshops on Emerging Technologies for Adaptive Supply Chains and the Basics of RFID. Mr. Linster will also moderate a panel discussion on RFID and Technology Applications.

"Penn State's Center for Supply Chain Research is a prestigious research community of scholars and practitioners dedicated to shaping the practice of logistics and supply chain management," said Demers. "We are pleased to be part of this illustrious program and intend to be very active. We will be partnering with Penn State in the delivery of customized training on supply chain transformation. These will be offered through Penn State's Executive Programs Office."

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