First Ever Statewide Logistics & Transportation Industry Partnerships Meeting Held

It was the first of its kind – a gathering of all of the Logistics & Transportation Industry Partnerships from across the state for a one day conference in State College. The goals were to present information on issues facing the industry presented by expert resources in the field; and to give each Partnership an opportunity to present a "best practice." The day was jammed with 15 presentations and the general consensus was - "This is the best meeting I've ever been to!"

Dr. John Coyle of the Penn State Logistics Department focused on industry trends and took the group to a global perspective. Skip Becker floated the concept of a L&T University – The Baldwin Institute for Transportation Technology. Sessions on Highway Safety Issues and Taking an Active Role in Safety and Risk Management were also presented.

Sandi Vito, Deputy Secretary for Workforce Development, PA Department of Labor & Industry brought the state's perspective on the industry to the group and then opened the floor for an exchange of ideas, questions and suggestions. One of these suggestions led to a discussion of forming a statewide partnership in order to facilitate an exchange of ideas between the groups.

The highlights of the day were the presentations of best practices by each of the Partnerships. Unique training programs and pilot apprenticeship programs were introduced. A DVD aimed at students was played. Results of research and needs assessment surveys were shared. The Northeast PA Logistics & Transportation Industry Partnership presentation focused on the Career Pathways Model. Others in the room who were contemplating developing this same type of resource simply said – Great! You've done exactly what we need! The NEPA LTIP In–Demand brochures, posters, website and PowerPoints were shown and many of the other Partnerships asked for copies.

If the attendees have their way, this will be the first of regularly scheduled meetings for the Logistic & Transportation Industry Partnerships.