CONECT Conference Discussion

nora systems Inc. Leads Sustainability Discussion at CONECT Conference

Lawrence, MA (April 2, 2010) – The Coalition of New England Companies for Trade (CONECT) held its 14th Annual Northeast Trade & Transportation Conference in Newport, RI, March 10-12. Peter Diehm, manager, purchasing and material planning at nora systems, Inc., organized a panel entitled, "Is Your Supply Chain Green?" that touched upon a number of topics related to corporate sustainability.

An expert panel of industry professionals representing environmentally conscious, global companies like Maersk and Kraft Foods, along with progressive management consulting firm Sustainserv, came together to discuss the progress that they are making at their own companies, as well as the sustainability issues that arise in the day-to-day flow of business.

“The main focus of this panel was to discuss ways to create and enhance a sustainable corporate supply chain,” said Diehm, who moderated the panel. “The best aspect about making your supply chain more green and efficient is the fact that these practices eventually improve both your company’s carbon footprint and its bottom line.”

Diehm went on to touch upon some of the strategies that nora has adopted to reduce emissions and improve on its own efficiency and productivity throughout the supply chain. By further implementing its direct shipment program, nora reduced its emissions and saved an estimated 75 tons of carbon in 2008. Thanks to their commitment to smarter logistics planning, nora continues to find ways to keep reducing their company’s shipping emissions levels.

nora also partnered with EPA SmartWay Transportation Program recognized truckers, and is continuously improving the efficiency of internal processes. According to Diehm, “Sustainability is all about increasing efficiency.”

CONECT’s mission is to educate local, state and federal governments and the entire New England business community on the benefits and importance of free and fair trade to the region. Over 150 supply chain experts and industry leaders participated in this year’s conference.