FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Houston, TX (February 16, 2016) – On Tuesday, February 23, the TAACCCT Leveraging, Integrating, Networking, and Coordinating Supplies (LINCS) Grant and San Jacinto College International Business, Logistics & Maritime Program along with the Houston Area Urban League are hosting the “Developing a Sustainable Supply Chain Workforce for America’s Distribution Hub for the Next Generation” event. The gathering will be held at the Houston Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, 1801 Allen Parkway, from 6 - 8 p.m., with an anticipated 300 industry guests. After a one-hour reception, guest speakers Rick Blasgen, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), and Ricky Kunz, the Port of Houston Authority’s Chief Commercial Officer, will address their industry peers followed by a Q&A session.
Houston, a busy United States supply chain hub, is home to the Port of Houston Authority, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, as well as a network of freeways and railways that lead to elsewhere in the US, Canada and Mexico. However, to many at the mention of supply chain, the popular question arises, “What exactly is a supply chain?”. Without knowing it, we frequently find ourselves using supply chain skills in our everyday lives. Whether you order a product, build it, move it, ship it, distribute it, or manage the coordination process, you are in supply chain management. The field of supply chain management is projected to grow 22% during the next 5 to 7 years – faster than most fields.
As a solution to the increasing demand for supply chain professionals, the LINCS - Supply Chain Management program was established in 2014 through the US Department of Labor’s TAACCCT Federal Grant program. LINCS curriculum educates and prepares students for CSCMP SCPro™ Fundamentals certification exams. LINCS students include college students, potential job applicants, displaced workers, long-term unemployed workers, and veterans entering the workforce. Additionally, the program serves workers who are presently employed, but require additional training to improve positions, increase wages and broaden career options; high school graduates who are currently enrolled in colleges or technical schools; and high school seniors who are undecided about what jobs or careers to pursue after high school graduation. LINCS consortium members include 9 colleges and 3 universities, with San Jacinto College leading the consortium with students earning CSCMP certifications
“With the current talent gap in the supply chain industry it is important we continue our efforts to plan for the future generation of supply chain professionals,” said Rick Blasgen, President and Chief Executive Officer of CSCMP. “Through CSCMP’s SCPro™ Fundamentals certifications we hope to provide the tools and knowledge to those who seek or wish to advance in a supply chain career,” he concluded.
The Houston Area Urban League empowers minority and urban core communities. With the talent gap in the supply chain industry, and education through the LINCS program, there is an opportunity for economically disadvantaged people in the Houston community to find stable careers.
“Part of maintaining a global supply chain center requires having the workforce to keep up with the demand. By ensuring we have the professional talent, Houston’s port will continue to evolve along with the growing supply chain industry,” said Ricky Kunz, Port of Houston Authority’s Chief Commercial Officer.
Attendees are encouraged to RSVP by telephone at (281) 459-7177 or via e-mail RSVP.IBUS@sjcd.edu.
About LINCS Supply Chain Management
LINCS (Leveraging, Integrating, Networking, and Coordinating Supplies) is a national supply chain management education and certification program funded by a $24.5 million U.S. Department of Labor TAACCCT grant. Certifications are earned through the Council for Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP). LINCS is administered by a consortium of 9 colleges and 3 universities led by a national team from Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and prepares participants desiring employment for a multitude of supply chain management positions across various functions of companies through its eight SCM certifications options. For more information, please visit LINCSeducation.org or call (954) 201-8440.
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Contact:
Margaret A. Kidd
San Jacinto College North
Project Director,
TAACCCT LINCS Grant, San Jacinto College
T: (281) 459-7177
or
Leslie J. Backus
National Principal Investigator
TAACCCT LINCS Grant, Broward College
T: (954) 201-8444