WAREHOUSING EDUCATION AND RESEARCH COUNCIL ( WERC )

The logistics and distribution industry is fundamentally rooted in networking , creating nationwide linkages that keep commerce moving . It ’ s no surprise then that logistics professionals are expert networkers themselves : forging new business relationships , exchanging knowledge and spreading innovation . The Warehousing Education and Research Council ( WERC ) is the only national association uniting the vast logistics industry that intersects every border and every sector . It offers members unparalleled networking opportunities that serve individuals and the industry very well .

“ I know every industry will say networking is important ,” said Tony Ward , managing director of retail for Accenture Strategy . “ It ’ s way beyond jobs and hiring , suppliers and buyers . Networking is about growth for both individuals and companies . It ’ s keeping pace with trends . It ’ s about collaborating on the complexities between source and doorstep .”

Today , Ward is president of WERC ’ s board of directors , but has been involved for 20 years . He first joined the association for the education and professional growth resources , but as his career progressed , it became important for him to be an advocate for the industry .

“ WERC has a critical role in that it puts forth fundamental tools and processes about what actually happens in a warehouse ,” said Ward . “ Then it levels up with strategies , analyses and best practices to help companies and individuals see beyond their four walls and recognize their place in the bigger supply chain picture .”

WERC is both a product of and supplier of networking . Forty years ago , a small group of individuals came together to build a network of education and research opportunities geared toward warehousing professionals . Today , its state-of-the art resources , guides and reports are made possible because of WERC ’ s network of experts . And , it supplies

170 November 2017