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Industry Insight
Time for Some Reverse Logistics Systems
by Paul Rupnow
 Looking for cash? Look at your product returns. Too many companies are still fumbling through reverse logistics processing without adequate systems to collect data, supply visibility or provide the unique decision capabilities for the special requirements of processing product returns.
Despite good intentions and a number of good reverse logistics software and IT solutions, the majority of manufacturers and retailers have failed to invest in Reverse Logistics Management Systems. Few companies realize a small investment in reverse logistics can yield big cash and profit results by reducing returns, reducing logistics and processing costs, reselling returned goods for higher prices and improving customer service.
The real question is... can you afford not to have one? More Info
RLA Salt Lake City, Utah Seminar - Dec 11, 2008
Exploring the Process of Retail Returns
 Come hear speakers representing Philips, Iomega and Hewlett-Packard. Visit with current and new business associates at the Roundtable Discussions during lunch. A panel discussion featuring the speakers and other reverse logistics professionals is sure to be informative as well.
This full day seminar begins with a continental breakfast and ends with an evening reception starting at 6:00 p.m.
We hope you will join us as we Explore the Process of Retail Returns at this Reverse Logistics Association event in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Register now to secure your spot. Overnight guests may contact Hilton Salt Lake City Airport directly for availability and rates.
New RLA Members
Dell and TNT recently joined or renewed their Gold Level RLA Membership.
NYK and TechTurn each recently joined or renewed their Silver Level RLA Membership.
RLA Members can display the RLA membership logo on their website. Membership provides passes to RLA events and access to RL Quote and conference presentations. Go online for a complete list of membership benefits.
Industry Insight
Crisis is Blessing in Disguise
by Dr.ir. Harold Krikke
 Many economists and financial specialists are fairly confident that the current recession will be over by 2010. That may or may not be true, but in fact it is of less concern that what will happen thereafter. One must look beyond the recession. What will happen next? No one knows exactly, but it is clear that we should be prepared for some more changes.
Unfortunately the credit crunch is only the first of major disruptions of our economic system. We are nearing the end of an era of almost unlimited available resources. Major oilfields are at the peak of their production, and vital materials, such as copper, are becoming scarce. Once the global economy regains momentum, oil prices will soar again. And so will commodity prices. More Info
CSR, Giving and Brand Protection Event
Boston, MA
November 3-5, 2009
 RLA proudly announces our first annual Corporate Social Responsibility, Giving and Brand Protection Event. Join us in Boston, amid the fall colors, for an exciting new conference that will highlight today's most innovative product giving programs. Also learn about best practices in brand protection.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to network with key CSR, Giving and Brand Protection thought leaders.
RL Quote
 RL Quote provides OEMs, ODMs and Retailers a way to connect with 3PSPs. With RL Quote a Manufacturer or Retailer can send out RFIs anonymously to our worldwide database of suppliers, screen through the 3PSP responses and narrow down the prospects.
The Post RFI Button makes it easier than ever to post an RFI.  One click takes you right to the data entry screen -- complete the form, submit and it's posted. It's as simple as 1-2-3.
RL Quote is available for all manufacturers and retail companies at no cost. 3PSPs that are members of RLA can respond to RFIs:
- RFI ID 116 - Leading Asset Management 3PSP Seeks ERP Solutions for Their Remanufacturing, Refurbishing, and Repair Operations.
- RFI ID 117 - Computer OEM Seeks 3PSP(s) in Latin America to Provide Logistics Services
More RFIs will be posted in the coming weeks, be sure to check back regularly. RL Quote provides OEMs, ODMs and Retailers a way to connect with 3PSPs. Get details at RL Quote.
On The Move in Reverse Logistics
ATC Technology Corporation (ATC) recently announced that Don Johnson, Chairman and CEO, will retire in June 2009. Don will remain as Chairman of the Board of Directors until then. Todd Peters the Company's Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Don in the role of CEO effective as of January 1, 2009.
Dell has appointed Ganesh S. Lakshminarayanan as the new Vice President of Global Consumer Services and Support (GCSS). In his new global role, Lakshminarayanan will handle customer contact centers in India, UK, Ireland, Xiamen (China) and Philippines.
James Hunt has joined Celestica as Vice President, After-Market Services. In this role, James is responsible for leading the strategic direction of the After-Market Services business, which includes repair, refurbishment, recovery and recycling services.
Flash Global Logistics, Inc., leading global critical logistics solutions provider, further enhances its robust service parts logistics expertise by recruiting John Wild as Director of Business Development.
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New RLA Committee
Corporate Social Responsibility
by Brian F. Eddy
 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a very hot topic that affects many stakeholders and all companies. CSR touches many aspects of a company's strategic external environment, and if effectively deployed, CSR can be a very tactical differentiated advantage to a firm's value creation and value-proposition model.
Reverse Logistics covers many process areas that directly correlate with CSR. One of the main challenges companies have with CSR is to effectively incorporate programs that create a transparent business link to their CSR efforts and create a valid business model that improves their bottom-line results. More Info
RLA Conference & Expo Las Vegas 2009
MGM Grand Hotel
February 3-5, 2009
Over 100 Exhibitors -- More than 1,500 RL Professionals Attending!
 Make plans now to join us for the 6th Annual Reverse Logistics Conference and Expo on February 3-5, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Arrive early to have some fun before the conference starts. Super Bowl Sunday in Las Vegas -- no other city  generates as much excitement around this event and no place does it better than Studio 54 at the MGM Grand. Entertain your clients at the RLA Football Party. For those who like one-on-one time with their clients, join us for the RLA Golf Tournament on Monday.
  The RLA conference kicks off on Tuesday with RLA Workshops and the RLA Industry Focus Group meetings. Wednesday will start with an industry overview and forecast followed by the keynote address--Kevin Winneroski is Vice President of Secondary Markets for Best Buy Company, Inc. Kevin is responsible for establishing the vision and goals for the company's end of life, closeout, and returned / refurbished products. You won't want to miss "Reverse Logistics: It's Not a Challenge, It's an Opportunity!"
Afternoon sessions and panel discussions, presented by RL professionals and leading academics, will focus on cutting edge reverse logistics practices. The day concludes with an evening reception.
 Thursday offers more of the same--a schedule jam-packed with sessions and panel discussions, you won't want to miss.
Be sure to visit the Exhibition Hall both days where 3PSPs will be showcasing their RL services and solutions.
If you are a Reverse Logistics professional, don't miss this event! For more information and complete details, visit www.RLAShows.com
Have an interesting story to share? Want to be part of this event? RLA speakers receive many benefits.
RLA Conference & Expo Las Vegas 2009
RLA Annual Charity Golf Tournament
 RLA has reserved the beautiful Siena Golf Club for a morning Shotgun Tournament. Sponsorships allow you to host your guests and take advantage of this great networking opportunity.
Spend some one-on-one time with your clients on Monday, February 2, 2009 at the RLA Charity Golf Tournament to benefit "Kids on the Move."
 Contact us for available sponsorship opportunities for the golf tournament. info@rltinc.comKids On The Move is a non-profit organization that provides support and services to families with children birth to age three, including families of children with special needs and also low-income families. Kids On The Move provides assistance to children and families through four main programs: Early Intervention, Early Head Start, the Early Education Center, and Noorda Family Resource Library.
For more information on Kids On The Move go to www.kotm.org.
RLA Conference & Expo Las Vegas 2009
Overcoming Budget Cuts for Travel
 Reducing your travel expenditures for the upcoming RLA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas might end up costing you more. Most OEM and Retailers are outsourcing at an accelerated rate and they are looking for RL solutions from 3PSPs to create best practices and a stronger bottom line than ever before.
That is why Eric Hemming, Director of Customer Services (NAM) for Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications says, "Our team is able to accomplish more in 2 to 3 days during the RLA event then at any other point throughout the year. Consolidating quarterly business reviews and other business sessions around the RLA event has proven to be a win-win solution for ourselves, our vendors, and our customers. Bottom line -- it's allowed us all to reduce travel expenses through prudent planning."
OEMs and Retailers are not letting budget restraints affect their ability to stay close to their vendors while encouraging innovation. Major retailers like Best Buy and Wal-Mart will be spending extra time to conduct QBRs. Not only is RLA encouraging companies to hold their QBRs at the Las Vegas show as in the past, but to pull in your next 2-3 quarters of reviews to save cost for the coming year. We have more OEMs and retailers coming this year than any past event. We're expecting over 700 companies. Take advantage of this opportunity--come prepared to meet on Sunday through Thursday.
We recently talked with the large 3PL, FedEx – they said they are coming in force to support the needs of their clients.
RLA Vegas is the most inexpensive meeting destination in the world. Flights and accommodations are reasonability priced and all meals are provided as part of your registration fees. For those OEM and Retail speakers, RLA provides Private Meeting Rooms to conduct your QBRs. Let RLA assist you in setting up meetings.
IT Committee Survey
 The Reverse Logistics Association is conducting this survey to assess how various technologies are impacting reverse supply chain operations. The goals of the survey are:
- to benchmark uptake of technology by companies that perform reverse logistics
- to identify technologies as potential competitive enablers or threats in RL
- to identify market opportunities for service and software vendors in RL
Click HERE to complete the survey. For more information, please visit the RLA IT Committee page.
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