ENO POLICY FORUM LOOKS AT LOGISTICS EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

With state and regional planners responsible for freight and logistics coming under increasing pressure to produce results on goods movement, intermodal demand, and clean air issues, the Eno Foundation is taking a closer look at logistics education requirements for these professionals working at metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), state DOTs, and other public agencies.

In late June, the Foundation, in cooperation with Georgia Tech, the Federal Highway Administration, and the Secretary's Policy Office at the U.S. Department of Transportation, will convene a special two-day policy forum in Atlanta to examine current requirements and suggest elements of a curriculum that would better prepare transportation planners to meet future logistics challenges.

Confirmed speakers include Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner and AASHTO President Harold Linnenkohl; Geraldine Knatz, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles; and Eno Foundation Chairman Lillian Borrone. Dr. Michael Meyer, Georgia Tech professor of civil engineering and chairman of the Transportation Research Board, will facilitate the forum sessions. Dr. Meyer is also chairman of the Eno Board of Regents.

"Our aim is to define a new framework for education in logistics and, in doing so, set an agenda for expanding the nation's goods movement capacities through improved management," says Eno Foundation President and CEO Tom Downs. "It fits squarely with the Foundation's mission to further the professional development of transportation leaders."

The event will bring together approximately 40 leaders from industry, government, and academia. Forum participants will review and discuss topics including: the economic consequences of maintaining today's logistics system, current offerings in logistics education, and logistics challenges facing public authorities.

(Posted 6/2006)