Over 300 attendees representing 147 companies gathered in Singapore for Asia's largest reverse logistics conference! Reverse logistics professionals and leading academics from throughout Asia Pacific met to share best practices and discuss the most pressing reverse logistics challenges. Companies represented included Apple, Cisco, Dell, HP, IBM, Network Appliance, RIM and Seagate, just to name a few. Representatives from Academia included Nanyang Technical University, Singapore and Kyonggi University, Korea. The complete list of the companies that participated is available on the Event Attendees page.

On Tuesday, the conference kicked off with Workshops and Industry Committees met. Wednesday started with Gailen Vick, President and Founder of RLA, who delivered the keynote address (see Keynote article). Conference sessions and panel discussions followed which were focused on RL-specific issues such as "Returns Management Process," "Controlling Reverse Logistics Processes to Improve Bottom Line" and "How to Create and Maintain Profitable Partnerships."

During the 2-day expo, exhibitors from around the globe including Repair Group, Spring Global Mail and DEX, took advantage of the opportunity to connect with current and potential business partners.

As the conference drew to a close, Jeremy Vick, RLA VP WW Business Development, provided a recap, introduced RLA staff, global travelers and interns representing Nanyang Technical University of Singapore and Southern Methodist University in Texas. He also thanked all participants. Repair Group was named "Best Booth" with MTC as runner-up. RIM took the award for "Best Use of the VIP Program," with Jabil and DHL tying for second place. Then finally, it was time for Lucky Draw. Blackberries donated by RIM and portable disk drives from Western Digital and Toshiba were among the many great prizes in the Lucky Draw.

"The Singapore RLA conference is a great show and networking opportunity that's gathering momentum year on year. It provides a gateway to China and India for reverse logistics best practices," stated Oliver Lemanski of MGH Consulting.

Visit the Photo Gallery for more pictures from the show.

Encompass Group Affiliates, Inc., ClearOrbit, Canon, Philips and Warehouse86 recently joined or renewed their Gold Level RLA Membership.

ergoTrade AG, Pegatron Corporation, New Age Electronics, Westernacher, CacheTurn Solutions, LLC., Celestica, Enable Holdings, Inc., Regenersis plc, TIC Group, Redington India, ModusLink PTS, Katotec, Touchstone Wireless and Test Technology each recently joined or renewed their Silver Level RLA Membership.

RLA Members can display the RLA membership logo on their website. Membership provides passes to RLA events and access to RL Quote and conference presentations. Go online for a complete list of membership benefits.

Exploring the Process of Retail Returns

Come hear speakers representing Philips, Iomega and Hewlett-Packard. Visit with current and new business associates at the Roundtable Discussions during lunch. A panel discussion featuring the speakers and other reverse logistics professionals is sure to be informative as well. This full day seminar begins with a continental breakfast and ends with an evening reception starting at 6:00 p.m.

We hope you will join us as we Explore the Process of Retail Returns at this Reverse Logistics Association event in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Register now to secure your spot. Overnight guests may contact Hilton Salt Lake City Airport directly for availability and rates.

Brightstar Corp., a global leader in customized distribution and integrated supply chain solutions for the wireless industry, recently announced the appointment of Harry Lagad as president, integrated supply chain solutions.

With a career spanning over 30 years, Lagad's experience ranges across five continents and several industries covering a blend of general management, business development, manufacturing and supply chain. He has worked in leadership roles with Pacific Dunlop, Kodak, Tech Pacific (Ingram Micro), TNT, and most recently with Nokia, the world leader in mobility.

Pelican Products, Inc. recently announced that Mitra Giles has been hired to lead its Western United States sales operations.

With more than 15 years of industry and sales management experience, Ms. Giles will lead Pelican's commercial sales staff west of the Mississippi River and drive new business development in the company's multi-million dollar, Commercial Sales Division.

Prior to joining Pelican, Ms. Giles was at FedEx® Corporation as a WW Account Manager in WW Services and Emerging Products. While there she helped to execute new product launches, associated marketing campaigns and beta tests specializing in the Reverse Logistics arena.

Liquidity Services, Inc. a leading online auction marketplace for wholesale surplus and salvage assets, recently announced the appointment of Cayce Roy as EVP and President of its Asset Recovery Division. Mr. Roy will be responsible for scaling the current leadership position of LSI's commercial asset recovery business to drive its market expansion and capitalize on the substantial growth opportunities within the $60 billion reverse supply chain market.

Mr. Roy brings to LSI over 20 years of experience mostly from Amazon.com and TNT Post Group in Europe.

DEX, a leading supply chain solutions company for high-tech industries, announced that Paul Gettings has joined the company as EVP of Worldwide Sales, Marketing, and Business Development. Gettings comes to DEX from industry giant UPS, where he was the VP Customer Support and Global Management. During his tenure with UPS, he held other key executive roles including VP of Global Sales, VP Americas Region Business Development, and SVP Customer Solutions. He has more than 20 years experience in the supply chain industry with emphasis on reverse logistics, distribution centers and freight transportation on a global basis. Prior to UPS, he held executive sales and marketing positions at SonicAir, Inc.

GENCO Supply Chain Solutions recently announced the appointment of Stephen H. Fraser as president and CEO of its two reverse logistics business units, and EVP of Corporate Strategy. Mr. Fraser is responsible for strengthening and expanding GENCO's position in both, the GENCO Reverse Logistics and GENCO Pharmaceutical Services including strategy and business development as well as operations management. In his role as EVP of Corporate Strategy, Mr. Fraser will be responsible for identifying and developing integrated solutions and markets that leverage the company's core service offerings.

Choice Logistics, the global leader in mission-critical service parts logistics services, has announced the promotion of Paul Malamet, to EVP of Client Services. He will continue to lead the Sales Engineering and Client Support teams, which includes all account management and communications activities. His added responsibilities include new business development and the expansion of Choice's professional sales approach, creating synergies between the pre-sales and new client transition processes.

Economy Demands Reverse Logistics Outsourcing

This year's Singapore keynote address was presented by Gailen Vick, President and Founder, of the Reverse Logistics Association. Gailen started out talking about how we've all watched the recent economic downturn, so how it is that some companies are reporting record profit? He went on to say how now is the time for 3PSPs to be ramping up their marketing efforts as many OEMs will be looking for partners to help them solve their financial problems.

OEM, Retail and Branded companies are looking for ways to cut costs while keeping sales up. By outsourcing to the right service provider, OEMs and Retailers get the financials of the program (overhead costs) off the books; they also increase customer satisfaction and allow an expert to run the program. Additional benefits identified include Human Resources, Risk Management, Brand Recognition and Tax Advantages.

Gailen referred to the Geoffrey Moore book, "Crossing the Chasm" and how it breaks out marketing for adoption lifecycle into five main segments; innovator, early adopters, early majority, late majority and laggards. He challenged the audience to determine in which segment their company belongs.

Gailen's keynote presentation and all other Singapore presentations are available and free to RLA members for download. For a limited time, attendees at RLA Conference & Expo Singapore may apply their registration fee to an Associate level membership. For only $200.00, this Membership Upgrade will provide access to all presentations delivered in Singapore as well as all prior conferences.

MGM Grand Hotel
February 3-5, 2009

Over 100 Exhibitors -- More than 1,500 RL Professionals Attending!

Make plans now to join us for the 6th Annual Reverse Logistics Conference and Expo on February 3-5, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Arrive early to have some fun before the conference starts. Super Bowl Sunday in Las Vegas -- no other city generates as much excitement around this event and no place does it better than Studio 54 at the MGM Grand. Entertain your clients at the RLA Football Party. For those who like one-on-one time with their clients, join us for the RLA Golf Tournament on Monday.

The RLA conference kicks off on Tuesday with RLA Workshops and the RLA Industry Focus Group meetings. Wednesday will start with an industry overview and forecast followed by the keynote address--Kevin Winneroski is Vice President of Secondary Markets for Best Buy Company, Inc. Kevin is responsible for establishing the vision and goals for the company's end of life, closeout, and returned / refurbished products. You won't want to miss "Reverse Logistics: It's Not a Challenge, It's an Opportunity!"

Afternoon sessions and panel discussions, presented by RL professionals and leading academics, will focus on cutting edge reverse logistics practices. The day concludes with an evening reception.

Thursday offers more of the same--a schedule jam-packed with sessions and panel discussions, you won't want to miss.

Be sure to visit the Exhibition Hall both days where 3PSPs will be showcasing their RL services and solutions.

If you are a Reverse Logistics professional, don't miss this event! For more information and complete details, visit www.RLAShows.com

Have an interesting story to share? Want to be part of this event? RLA speakers receive many benefits.

Competing and Reversing Revenue Loss with Aftermarket Services

by James Patrican

With the recent turmoil in the financial markets and the harsh macroeconomic environment, one corner of the industry seems to be holding its own as well as providing an opportunity for companies to increasingly leverage their after-sales activities to their competitive advantage as well as generate a source of high-margin revenue.

Given its lengthy history, the aftermarket should be well defined and easy to identify. According to the Reverse Logistics Association "The aftermarket or 'reverse logistics' is all activity associated with a product or service after the point of sale, the ultimate goal is to optimize or make more efficient aftermarket activity, thus saving money and environmental resources." Full Article

As part of the ongoing efforts of RLA to serve its members, the RL Quote program was created. To put it simply, it is a source for helping OEMs, ODMs, Branded Companies and Retailers to outsource the needed services required in the aftermarket arena.

The Post RFI Button makes it easier than ever to post an RFI. One click takes you right to the data entry screen -- complete the form, submit and it's posted. It's as simple as 1-2-3.

RL Quote is available for all manufacturers and retail companies at no cost. 3PSPs that are members of RLA can respond to RFIs:

• RFI ID 114 - OEM looking for In-Country Customer Service Support & Reverse Logistics in Asia Region

More RFIs will be posted in the coming weeks, be sure to check back regularly. RL Quote provides OEMs, ODMs and Retailers a way to connect with 3PSPs. Get details at RL Quote.

Boston, MA
November 3-5, 2009

Join us next year for an exciting new conference that will showcase today's most innovative product giving programs. Participants will learn how to develop strategic programs that meet business goals and address today's most important social issues. For the first time, Reverse Logistics Association will bring together top leaders and managers, from corporate executives to supply chain specialists, to share best practices and the latest innovations in strategic product philanthropy. We will have speakers that understand corporate giving. Don't miss this opportunity to network with key giving decision makers.

Exhibitors: Join with us and bring your displays for showing the solutions you have for helping Corporate Giving managers develop the most good from the resources that they have.