IWLA names association’s top award in honor of Jock Menzies

The International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) has announced a new name for its IWLA Distinguished Service & Leadership Award.

During the 2014 IWLA Convention & Expo, March 23-25, 2014, in Phoenix, Ariz., IWLA will bestow the IWLA Jock Menzies Distinguished Service & Leadership Award to an outstanding leader who has had an impact on the warehouse-based third-party logistics industry. 

According to IWLA leaders, the decision to retitle the award on behalf of John T. “Jock” Menzies III, co-founder and former president of the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN), came naturally.

“We felt a strong connection between the IWLA Distinguished Service Award and our dear friend and colleague, who passed away suddenly in August 2013,” said incoming IWLA chairman of the board Tom Herche, president of United Warehouses, based in Seattle, Wash. “The award represents exemplary individuals who invest their time and efforts to advancing the industry and making difference where it matters most.” 

Menzies was a visionary humanitarian whose achievements included using logistics networks and warehousing as key components in natural disaster relief efforts through ALAN. Menzies turned 40 years of logistical knowledge into a humanitarian effort after witnessing the aftermath of 2005’s Hurricane Katrina.

The award will be announced in front of hundreds of warehouse and third-party logistics professionals from across North America as they gather for the IWLA Convention in Phoenix, Ariz., for three days of networking and professional development. With the theme “It’s About Your People,” the IWLA event will highlight the importance of team building, effective leadership and how people contribute to a company’s success in serving warehouse customers.

“This recognition serves as a reminder to all of us of the importance leadership within our companies and in the warehousing and logistics business community,” Herche said.

The 2014 IWLA Convention & Expo includes IWLA-focused meetings and time for special councils to focus on issues that affect their members’ businesses - from working with railroads to safely and responsibly handling food and chemical materials.