Message from the President

by Gailen Vick, Reverse Logistics Association

Reverse Logistics Magazine, July/Aug 2008

It is old news to report that the global economy is in a recession. But the important news is how companies are coping with the recession in their industry.How is the supply chain taking advantage of a climate to convince management to deploy those cash saving Reverse Logistics processes that have always been onthe back burner? This issue of RL Magazine shows several examples of companies that have solutions that can bring “black” to your bottom line. So make sure you find those case studies and have an internal discussion on how to make changes at your company, fast.

Today, there is valuable information that should be incorporated in your conversations with customers, vendors and your senior management teams for finding those savings that are so needed in this economic climate. Most management is so busy that they miss the discussions that have been held and presented at our RLA Conferences and Expos this last year. Go online and down load those presentations–it is part of your membership!

Now is the time for companies to be ramping up marketing efforts to increase visibility and gain attention of manufacturers and retailers.
I constantly hear that many companies want to outsource programs, but they don’t have resources to manage or possibly jettison some programs–well now is the time to use RL Quote. You the membership, helped design it, so put it to work for you–it is
part of your membership benefits.

Now is the time for 3PSPs to ramp up and gain exposure by advertising in RL Magazine (to our 78,000 readers), by exhibiting and helping those OEM and Retail companies that are looking for solutions. But more importantly, by aligning yourself with the Reverse Logistics Association and making your marketing efforts a lot easier. Many OEMs will be looking for partners to help them solve their financial problems. We’ve seen large 3PLs announce earnings statements that are less than stellar–this is going to be happening more and more, because of corporate focus
on Forward Logistics and missing the cost savings of deploying a comprehensive Reverse Logistics program.

Now is the time for companies in the 3PSP arena to get aggressive; now is the time to put forth full blown marketing efforts and show OEMs and Retailers the cost savings that they need. OEMs and Retailers are looking for solutions–please help them meet their financial missions.

Gailen Vick
President.
ReverseLogisticsAssociation.org
RLAShows.com