With an increase in the spate of natural disasters such as Hurricane Sandy on the New Jersey shore; and mass casualties caused by an active shooter at a Colorado movie theater and a Connecticut elementary school, leaders at companies, institutions and agencies are grappling with how to prepare an effective response to handle the aftermath. A two day symposium that focuses on applying the methods of logistics and supply chain management in a crisis will take place Feb. 5 – 7 at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront in Savannah, Ga.  The event is presented by the Center for Advanced Logistics Management (CALM) at Albany State University and hosted by the Association for Enterprise Information.  According to Dr. Bruce Strom, Executive Director of CALM, the symposium “is a clarion call for logisticians to prepare for crises and disasters.”

Logistics and supply chain practitioners from government agencies, academia and industry will discuss the challenges, opportunities and best practices used in a national crisis and disaster preparedness. Four categories will be examined:  Operations; contingency and risk management; small business capabilities and models. Marine Corps Major General Michael Dana, Assistant Deputy Commandant for Installations and Logistics Administrators is the event’s keynote speaker. Workshops will be presented about the management of disaster supply chains, the latest innovative measures used in emergency support and national case studies. 

Experts from United Parcel Service, the American Red Cross, the American Logistics Aid Network, National Defense University and the University of Maryland are presenters. “Getting supplies into areas where a disaster or crisis is occurring is critical from initial relief right through full recovery” said Dave Chesebrough, President of AFEI.  “We are delighted to support this effort and bring together such a diverse group on behalf of CALM and Albany State.”

Administrators from state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions and the business community are invited to attend.  For registration and program information, please visit www.afei.org/events/3A08.