Miesemer’s career spans more than 25 years in materials management, systems implementations, program management, distribution operations, and international logistics. He was with the Hershey Co. for 15 years, most recently as director, Distribution and International Logistics, where he oversaw approximately 4 million square feet of distribution center operations in the United States and internationally.

Logistics Management’s Executive Editor Tom Andel recently sat down to chat with Miesemer to find out how he will use his administration to set new priorities and carry WERC forward.

LM : As WERC’s new president, you’ll be responsible for bringing value to the membership. How has membership helped you in your career and how will you apply your experience?

Ken Miesemer: I got put in charge of a very tough project in 1998-99 while I was with Hershey to put up a brand new distribution center. The networking contacts I made at WERC were invaluable in helping me learn from the experts from big-name companies. At the time I got the project underway and it was obvious it was going to be successful, I felt I needed to give back to WERC and the industry. I wrote the book, Startup of a World Class DC, which WERC published. I didn’t get paid for it, but it’s still a number one seller today because it’s a practical how-to.

LM : Is there one pressing need that WERC is answering?

Miesemer: Professional development is crucial and we’re trying to put an emphasis on our web site so we have more educational offerings than just a conference, research reports, and seminars.

We’re trying to accelerate the educational offerings and research available to members and the industry. Our website is available for industry folks to read a ton of material. Our goal is to be a premier resource for warehousing and distribution professionals.

LM : How do these resources impact the world outside WERC?

Miesemer: We want the industry to view our offerings as key to the development of their people and processes. A lot of companies, universities, and practitioners are using our research today to solve problems and develop plans to go forward. We have to keep enhancing those offerings so we stay current and viable.

LM : How does the world view logistics these days?

Miesemer: Overall businesses understand the value of logistics and the supply chain more and more every year. Ten years ago we were just a cost center down in the warehouse and in the logistics end of the business. Today more and more companies are embracing logistics, supply chain, warehousing and distribution as a competitive advantage, rather than just a cost. You can’t drive improvement if you don’t have the right professionals in place, and you can’t succeed if you don’t fund projects that will deliver results.

You need a holistic view of the supply chain and that forces you to get down into some of the basic disciplines and make sure they’re all working and growing together. That’s why our professional societies will be called upon not only to deliver their area very well, but to focus on growth across the entire supply chain.