With the support of more than 20 Indiana logistics companies and 18 universities and colleges, Conexus Indiana took a significant step forward today in developing the next-generation logistics workforce. Purdue University Krannert School of Management walked away with a $5,000 cash award and a 3-day experience with Indiana’s top logistics industry executives committed to developing talent to fuel Indiana’s position as the “Crossroads of America.”
“I can’t reiterate enough the value of case competitions and the opportunity to work with a new team on a new program in an important industry,” said Joshua Groh, a junior studying finance at Purdue University Krannert School of Management and a member of the winning case competition team. “I was very impressed with the event as a whole, especially the interaction with companies and the enthusiasm of the Conexus Indiana professionals.”
The team members from Purdue University Krannert School of Management were among the 71 Indiana and Texas students who gathered in Indianapolis from Oct. 18-20 for the Conexus Indiana Logistics Case Competition. The goal of the event was to increase awareness of logistics career opportunities and build the pipeline of students seeking logistics careers. The awards for first-, second- and third-place, totaling $8,000 in cash, were presented by Indiana State Senator Michael Crider, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Transportation Committee.
Conexus Indiana Logistics Case Competition winners from Purdue University Krannert School of Management. Pictured (L-R) are Indiana State Senator Michael Crider, Krannert team members Lawson Drury, Shane Flanagan, Parker Campbell and Joshua Groh, and Conexus Indiana Board Chair Chip Edgington.
This is the second year for the Logistics Case Competition. This year, the competition drew nationwide attention, and a team from St. Mary’s College in San Antonio, Texas, traveled to Indianapolis to compete. Based on last year’s logistics competition, four students earned internship opportunities and one student was hired by an Indianapolis manufacturing company.
“This event is supported by Indiana logistics companies that have contributed more than $40,000 in funding for the 3-day event,” said David Holt, vice president, operations and business development for Conexus Indiana. “In addition, more than 70 executives – from CEOs to COOs and other company representatives – dedicated their time to meet the students, discuss career opportunities and help encourage the next generation of logistics leaders.”
The team from Indiana State University placed second and won $2,000, and the team from Indiana University placed third and won $1,000.
As the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana is a global logistics leader, thanks to its central location and excellent business environment. Logistics career opportunities, which pay a median salary of $74,000, are only expected to increase as the business of moving products from manufacturing floor to store shelf is projected to double by 2035. Indiana’s logistics companies employ approximately 300,000 Hoosiers and an estimated 75,000 more are employed in logistics positions by the state’s manufacturers.
“The Conexus Indiana Logistics Case Competition is an important part of our work to fill the pipeline with qualified skilled talent,” said Mark DeFabis, CEO of Integrated Distribution Services (IDS) and chairman of the Conexus Indiana Logistics Council. “Indiana continues to leverage its central location, strong infrastructure network and strong business environment to grow its logistics advantage, and the need for skilled talent continues to increase as more companies locate and grow in Indiana.”
“Students worked in teams of four to develop a solution to a real-world logistics business case that replicated the kinds of issues today’s industry leaders face in the high-tech logistics environments,” said Nick Hoagland, director of Supply Chain for FULLYBEAUTY Brands and vice-chair of the Conexus Indiana Logistics Council. “Perhaps just as important,” he added, “these students had access to many of the state’s highest-ranking logistics executives to discuss career opportunities, learn more about the logistics industry and solidify their educational pathways for future success.”
Conexus Indiana has worked closely with Indiana’s universities to encourage the best and brightest students pursue degrees in logistics and supply chain management. In addition to the Conexus Indiana Logistics Case Competition, Conexus Indiana sponsors multiple opportunities for students to meet with logistics executives on campus and at Hoosier logistics company sites.
Competing Schools:
Ball State University
Earlham College
Franklin College
Hanover College
Indiana State University
Indiana University
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW)
Ivy Tech Community College
Manchester University
Marian University
Purdue University (Krannert)
St. Mary’s College (San Antonio, Texas)
University of Southern Indiana
University of Evansville
University of Indianapolis
Vincennes University
Valparaiso University
Conexus Indiana Logistics Case Competition Supporting Logistics Companies
FULLBEAUTY Brands
Duke Realty
Frost Brown Todd
Rolls-Royce
IDS
Roche
Allison Transmission
Red Gold
MD Logistics
Cummins
Buchanan Hauling and Rigging
Merchandise Warehouse Co.
Langham Logistics
Geodis
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
Greater Indianapolis Foreign Trade Zone
Indianapolis Airport Authority
Toyota Industrial Equipment
FedEx
MBC Staffing
OFS Brands
ProLogistix