Economics Club - Supply (Chain) and Demand: Logistics in YoCo
August's installment of our Economics Club series, sponsored by The Glatfelter Insurance Group, featured a discussion about York County's logistics industry with a panel of experts throughout supply chain. The panel discussion highlighted how manufactured goods are packaged and moved within a factory, how trucking companies are moving goods to their point of use, and how the next generation of the logistics workforce is preparing to meet increasing demand and innovation.
About the Panelists
Joe Garner, Director of Operations, JLS Automation
With over 30 years’ experience of successful business and operational leadership, Joe Garner’s focus is identifying and developing both resources and processes that are in line with the business strategy. In this role he’s had to guide the JLS team at the work order detail level, as well as contribute strategic direction in developing and executing the businesses strategic plans at the staff level.
Ryan Polakoff, President, Nexterus
Ryan Polakoff oversees all day-to-day activity for Nexterus Inc. As the fourth generation of the Polakoff family, Ryan has worked in and around the family business his entire life. Since 2003, Ryan has worked every desk at the company to truly learn the business from the ground up. As a “what is possible?” leader, Ryan thrives in difficult situations; he enjoys dissecting complex issues, designing solutions, and implementing actionable results. Ryan is a firm believer in challenging the status quo and embraces his role as a coach. His focus is on unifying and building teams, empowering and growing leaders, and providing the necessary support and resources to keep Nexterus in growth mode.
Dr. Mohammed Raja, Associate Professor of Supply Chain Operations and Department Chair, Operations and Information Technology, Graham School of Business at York College of Pennsylvania
Dr. Mohammed Raja is the chair of the Operations and Information Technology department at York College. As a faculty member, he teaches courses in Logistics Management, Production Planning and Control, and Enterprise Resource Planning using SAP S/4HANA. He is also the founding faculty advisor for the ASCM (Association of Supply Chain Management) Student Chapter and currently serves as a board member on the ASCM - South East Pennsylvania Alliance Local Chapter.
About the Moderator
Mike Pritchard, Chief of Transportation Planning, York County Planning Commission and York Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
Mike Pritchard holds a B.A. in Political Science from Penn State and a Master's in Public Policy & Administration from York College. He is a member of the American Planning Association and the American Institute of Certified Planners. Mike's team at YCPC recently partnered with Gannett-Fleming, Inc. and the YCEA to complete the first county-wide Freight Plan for York.
The Economics Club Breakfast series offers an informative monthly breakfast and provides attendees the opportunity to network with key business and community leaders. A variety of speakers discuss economic and business updates important to York County.
Contact Casey Nixon, cnixon@yceapa.org to learn more about joining the Economics Club.
