Food Logistics, the only publication exclusively dedicated to covering the movement of product through the food supply chain, this week announced the sixth annual listing of the 100 3PL and Cold Storage Providers. These third-party logistics and cold storage providers offer a broad scope of services and capabilities that enable food companies to manage costs, increase flexibility, improve service levels and operational efficiency, and reduce capital expenditures.

“Selecting the right logistics partner to manage your supply chain is of great importance to the future of any company’s operations,” explained Katherine Doherty, editor-in-chief of Food Logistics magazine. “In the food industry, outsourcing has become a foundation of competitive advantage for many companies. We provide this list to help our readers find the best 3PLs and cold storage providers for their business.”

Jamie Wally, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for WOW Logistics, adds ”We are very proud to be acknowledged as a leader in the 3pl Food Logistics industry for the 6^th year in a row.  Food Logistics has been a strategic part of our business for the past 35 years.  We believe in continuous improvement and always strive to provide best-in-class facilities, technology, and services to support the requirements of our clients.”

About Food Logistics
Food Logistics is published by Cygnus Business Media, a leading diversified business-to-business media company.  The magazine serves the information needs of food, beverage and consumer packaged goods executives involved in warehousing, transportation and information technology, as well as third-party and refrigerated service providers. Through our print and online products, we provide news, trends and best practices that help more than 25,000 grocery and foodservice suppliers, distributors and retailers make better business decisions. On the web at www.foodlogistics.com.

About WOW Logistics
Headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, WOW is a nationally recognized leader in the third-party logistics industry. In nearly 35 years, WOW has grown from a single 108,000 square foot warehouse to 7 million square feet encompassing 23 warehouse locations in three states. In addition to public and contract warehousing, WOW offers a vast array of value-added solutions including Transportation Management Services, Cheese Financing Programs, 3PL Consulting and Build-to-Suit options. WOW distribution centers offer multi-temperature ambient, refrigerated and freezer storage. Learn more at www.wowlogistics.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Chad R Collett
Vice President of Marketing
WOW Logistics Company
Phone: (800) 236-3565 x1017=
chadco@wowlogistics.com

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About WOW Logistics
Headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, WOW is a nationally recognized leader in the third-party logistics industry. In nearly 35 years, WOW has grown from a single 108,000 square foot warehouse to 7 million square feet encompassing 23 warehouse locations in three states. In addition to public and contract warehousing, WOW offers a vast array of value-added solutions including Transportation Management Services, Cheese Financing Programs, 3PL Consulting and Build-to-Suit options. WOW distribution centers offer multi-temperature ambient, refrigerated and freezer storage. Learn more at www.wowlogistics.com.

WOW Logistics - SupplyChainBrain 2011 Great Supply Chain Partner

WOW Logistics announced they have been named in SupplyChainBrain magazine’s 100 Great Supply Chain Partners. SupplyChainBrain’s 9^th annual list of 100 Great Supply Chain Partners is the result of a six-month on-line poll in which supply chain professionals were asked to nominate vendors and service providers whose solutions have made a significant impact on their company’s efficiency, customer service and overall supply chain performance.

Brad Berger, Publisher of SupplyChainBrain states, “The 2011 July/August issue of SupplyChainBrain magazine includes the select list of companies who have so impressed our readers that they deserve to be singled out and to be held up as examples for others in the industry.”

“We are honored to be acknowledged as a leader in the logistics industry” added Jamie Wally, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for WOW Logistics. “During the past 35 years we have grown our company by listening to our customers and by playing an integral role in the success of their supply chain.  Whether it is plant support or direct distribution to their end user, our commitment is to continue developing our people, processes, and technology to best support the needs of our customers.”

About SupplyChainBrain
SupplyChainBrain, the world’s most comprehensive supply chain management information resource, is accessed year round through a wide range of ever evolving multi-media formats by hundreds of thousands of senior level industry executives. In addition to addressing the fundamental principles of supply-chain management, SupplyChainBrain identifies emerging
trends, technologies and best practices, forward thinking ideas and cutting-edge solutions-and continues to write and report about these as they evolve and mature. Learn more at www.supplychainbrain.com.

About WOW Logistics
Headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, WOW is a nationally recognized leader in the third-party logistics industry. In nearly 35 years, WOW has grown from a single 108,000 square foot warehouse to 7 million square feet encompassing 23 warehouse locations in three states. In addition to public and contract warehousing, WOW offers a vast array of value-added solutions including Transportation Management Services, Cheese Financing Programs, 3PL Consulting and Build-to-Suit options. WOW distribution centers offer multi-temperature
ambient, refrigerated and freezer storage. Learn more at www.wowlogistics.com.

Howard Kamerer, President and CEO of WOW Logistics

WOW Logistics, a leader in warehousing and distribution, announced the hiring of Howard Kamerer as President & CEO.  Howard comes to WOW from Kamerer Consulting in the greater Chicago area where he has held the position of CEO since 2007. Prior to launching his own consulting firm, Kamerer was President & CEO of Startec Global Communications, President of Allied Telesys, and CEO & Founder of RedEye Networks.  Howard brings to WOW a vast experience of nearly 20 years in several areas that include executive management and leadership, sales and marketing, operations, technology and organizational development.

Howard Kamerer will be the first President in company history that is not from one of the owners’ families.  He is succeeding Matt Oswald, who has been with WOW since 2004. Matt is relocating to the East Coast to be closer to his wife’s family. He will continue as an advisor to the leadership team for at least one year to ensure a smooth transition and to explore growth
opportunities on the East Coast for WOW.  Oswald will retain his position on the Board of Directors for WOW Logistics.

Matt Oswald states “WOW was blessed to have over 500 candidates from a national search, and Howard was the perfect fit.  I’m eager to get started with the transition and know Howard is the right person to take WOW to the next level.”

Howard Kamerer adds, “I’m extremely excited to join the WOW Logistics team.  The company has a deeply rooted passion and history for customer service which I embrace enthusiastically.  WOW has developed an exceptional company culture and has a solid foundation for the future.   Together, we will continue to relentlessly focus on strategic growth by delivering innovative solutions”.

Additional information on Howard Kamerer can be found at www.linkedin.com/in/howardkamerer.

About WOW Logistics
Headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, WOW is a nationally recognized leader in the third-party logistics industry. In nearly 35 years, WOW has grown from a single 108,000 square foot warehouse to 7 million square feet encompassing 23 warehouse locations in three states. In addition to public and contract warehousing, WOW offers a vast array of value-added solutions including Transportation Management Services, Cheese Financing Programs, 3PL Consulting and Build-to-Suit options. WOW distribution centers offer multi-temperature ambient, refrigerated and freezer storage. Learn more at www.wowlogistics.com.

Rebuilding Together Team WOW Logistics

On Saturday, May 7^th, WOW Logistics joined a cast of over 1,000 volunteers to transform over 20 homes throughout the Fox Valley area of NE Wisconsin. As a main house sponsor, WOW’s volunteers teamed up with the Fox Valley Society of Human Resource Management volunteers to clean, paint and install new windows at Grace’s house. Grace, who began losing her sight at age 20 and is legally blind today has spent over 60 years in her home in which she raised three children by herself.

Amy DeBruin, Human Resources Generalist for WOW Logistics adds: “As a former member of the Board of Directors for RTFV, it was great to have WOW Logistics supporting an organization I feel strongly about.  Even though I am no longer on the Board, WOW continues to sponsor a home on Project Day, making a difference in the lives of our neighbors and throughout our community.” 

Rebuilding Together is the nation’s leading nonprofit working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize communities. Our network of more than 200 affiliates provides free rehabilitation and critical repairs to the homes of low-income Americans.

The newly elected Directors, who will serve two-year terms, are:

• Kay Schmitz, Henning Cheese
• Bill Stuart, Alpine Slicing & Conversion
• Samantha Forster, Aladdin Labels

They join existing Board members:

• Shirley Knox, Maple Leaf Cheese
• Jim Natzke, Emmi Roth USA, Inc.
• Jeanne Carpenter, Wisconsin Originals
• Todd Martin, Johnson Industries
• Amanda Carrick, Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (Ex-Officio)
• Bob Ehrenberg, Taylor Cheese/Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (Ex-Officio)

Shirley Knox was elected to serve as new WSCI President and Jim Natzke is the Board’s new Secretary Treasurer.

About WSCI:  Founded in 1994 in cooperation with the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association and the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, WSCI’s mission is to promote and support the development of a robust, profitable specialty cheese industry in Wisconsin.

Primary activities are to strengthen the position of current Wisconsin specialty cheese companies by identifying marketing opportunities and cost-sharing strategies; increase awareness of Wisconsin’s specialty cheese industry through marketing, educational and promotional activities; help people interested in crafting specialty cheeses in Wisconsin learn what they need to get started; and serve as a resource for chefs, retailers, distributors and media looking for information on or leads to Wisconsin specialty cheeses. For more information on WSCI, visit www.wisspecialcheese.org, e-mail info@wisspecialcheese.org or contact Kathy Brown at 866-740-2180.

WOW Logistics was recognized for covering all the costs of its employees’ preventative screenings, its creative activity challenges encouraging greater employee fitness, and its wellness program’s strong commitment to mental health as well as physical health. The warehousing and logistics company provides free fruit to its employees weekly, offers coronary artery calcium exams to certain at-risk employees, and provides an on-site fitness center at its corporate office.

Alla Tua Salute! – an Italian phrase meaning “To your health!” – was initiated by B2B in 2006 to encourage a competitive environment among employers in northeast Wisconsin to become known as a healthy place to work. For better or for worse, the current climate of health care management in the U.S. dictates employers educate and provide programming for employees to lead healthier lives and become smarter consumers of health care. Alla Tua Salute! honors those local firms who have a track record of success achieving these workforce goals.

To be considered for Alla Tua Salute!, companies were nominated by themselves or by a third party outlining their wellness initiatives and the impact of those initiatives in recent years. A panel of experienced health benefits experts selected winners based on various factors including ability to demonstrate improved health of its workforce and implementation of innovative wellness benefits. To read the article in its entirety, go online to www.newnorthb2b.com.

New North B2B is a monthly business-to-business magazine serving northeast Wisconsin with informative and insightful analysis of local business issues. To subscribe, or for additional information about B2B, please visit our Web site at www.newnorthb2b.com

Jim Gullickson to take lead role at La Crosse, WI Warehouse Company. 

La Crosse, Wisconsin – March 25, 2011 –Central States Warehouse (CSW) has announced the addition of Jim Gullickson as General Manager.  Jim, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the warehousing and logistics industry, will oversee all sales and operations activities for CSW. 

“We are very excited to have someone of Jim’s caliber on board with CSW. His vast expertise which ranges from engineering to lean management and inventory control will allow CSW to expand our capabilities and extend those service offerings to companies within the tri-state area” says Cliff LeCleir, CEO of Central States Warehouse. 

Gullickson adds: “I am excited to bring a new level of energy, enthusiasm, and efficiencies to the third-party logistics and storage business of Central States Warehouse.  I look forward to growing partnerships not only locally, but across the United States, by providing solutions that will impact the bottom line for their warehousing and distribution needs.” 

Prior to coming to Central States Warehouse, Jim held positions as Senior Plant Engineer for the Jack Winter Company, Distribution Manager for N. American Bear Company and Vice President of Fulfillment for Legends Golf.  

About Central States Warehouse
Headquartered in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Central States Warehouse (CSW) is a warehousing and distribution services provider and leader in providing small business incubator assistance.  CSW began operations in 1973 and now offers over 700,000 square feet of food quality and licensed warehousing space in Wisconsin. In addition to public and lease warehousing services CSW offers office space, self-storage, record management and business incubators. Learn more at www.csw-warehouse.com. 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Gullickson
General Manger
Central States Warehouse
Phone: 608-781-2818
E-mail: jim.g@csw-warehouse.com

He will be based at WOW’s Corporate Headquarters in Appleton, Wisconsin. “Scott fits well with our company culture and commitment to provide superior logistics’ services to our customers,” said Sherry Janssen, Vice President of Engineering at WOW Logistics, “His experience will enhance our ability to provide customer solutions which improve productivity, increase space utiliztion, and drive out costs to improve profitability.”

Young has been actively involved in the warehousing and logistics industry for more than 10 years. He holds a B.S. degree from Mercer University and earned his master black belt certification in Lean Six Sigma.

About WOW Logistics
Headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, WOW is a nationally recognized leader in the third-party logistics industry. In nearly 35 years, WOW has grown from a single 108,000 square foot warehouse to 7 million square feet encompassing 23 warehouse locations in three states. In addition to public and contract warehousing, WOW offers a vast array of value-added solutions including Transportation Management Services, Cheese Financing Programs, 3PL Consulting and Build-to-Suit options. WOW distribution centers offer multi-temperature ambient, refrigerated and freezer storage. Learn more at www.wowlogistics.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Chad R Collett
Vice President of Marketing
WOW Logistics Company
Phone: (800) 236-3565 x1017
chadco@wowlogistics.com

Antiterrorism partnership counts more than 10,000 members

Participation in the Customs-Trade Partnership grew at an average rate of 7.5 percent per year for the past three years, said U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Nine years after it became one of the first tools in Customs’ antiterrorism arsenal, C-TPAT remains healthy and growing, the agency reports. Data released this week show that membership in the program is 10,082. The largest portion of members are importers with 4,401 certified, followed by 2,827 carriers, and 1,109 foreign manufacturers.

Customs launched C-TPAT in early 2002 to bolster supply chain security through voluntary cooperation by importers and other segments of the supply chain. Participants agree to adopt a set of security best practices in exchange for receiving benefits from Customs. For example, a C-TPAT importer may have its cargo inspected less frequently.

To derive the benefits, Customs must validate a C-TPAT member’s security plan, and revalidate it within four years. In 2010 the agency conducted a total of 3,140 validations and revalidations.

Businesses that Customs finds are not keeping up their security standards may be suspended or removed from the program. A total of 963 companies have been suspended, and 874 removed since the program started.

Nearly half the suspensions and 40 percent of the removals have been motor carriers. Customs said it is particularly watching truck security on the Mexican border. Mexican carriers are revalidated annually because of the security threats they could pose.

Source: The Journal of Commerce
Contact R.G. Edmonson at bedmonson@joc.com.