Description

Join us during manufacturing month for a discussion on supply chain resiliency and workforce development. You will also have the opportunity to tour Lozier Corporation- a leading manufacturer for products used by retailers in stores and warehouses, with a vision to be operationally excellent in support of retail's present and future.  Retailers have relied on Lozier's products for more than 67 years.

Join Werner's Chief Commercial Officer Craig Callahan as he discusses key factors of building and maintaining a resilient transportation network. Craig will also share insights on supply chain challenges and successes from his nearly 30 years of experience at Werner Enterprises. Werner is proudly founded and headquartered in Omaha and is among the five largest truckload carriers in the U.S., providing essential solutions for customers who value the integrity of their supply chain and require safe and exceptional on-time service.

Learn about workforce recruitment strategies and programs to attract, train, and retain skilled trades talent with Lozier's Community Outreach & Engagement Manager, Ralph Kleinsmith. Ralph will discuss their journey starting in 2011 when they recognized pressing indicators of a workforce shortage in the skilled trades career. He'll discuss the actions Lozier took, including collaborations with local schools and program development. 

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Council Meeting

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Tour of Lozier

 Featured speakers:

• Craig Callahan, Executive VP and Chief Commercial Officer, Werner

Craig Callahan, 50, is the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Werner Enterprises. Callahan has more than 25 years of experience with Werner, currently overseeing the Company’s Sales and Marketing departments. His primary responsibilities include leading sales and business development efforts across Werner’s entire suite of transportation and logistics service offerings. Additionally, he manages the Marketing and Communications team who focuses on creating and executing enterprise-wide strategic marketing campaigns to support the company’s overarching strategy, while ensuring brand consistency. With Werner’s increased focus on sustainability efforts, Callahan's team facilitates the implementation and progress of these initiatives. Together with his corporate responsibilities, Callahan serves on the Board of Directors for College World Series of Omaha, Inc., a nonprofit organization formed in 1967 to organize and enlist community support for the success and growth of each year’s event. In this current role, he sits on the Finance, Marketing and Ticketing committees. Callahan graduated from Creighton University in 1995 with a degree in finance and business management, joining the Werner team upon graduation. Craig and his wife, Tara, and his two daughters reside in Omaha.

• Ralph Kleinsmith, Community Outreach & Engagement Manager, Lozier Ralph Kleinsmith is currently the Community Outreach & Engagement Manager for Lozier.   Previous responsibilities the previous 27 years have been:  Production Supervisor & Area Manager, Human Resources Recruiter, Labor Relations Manager, and Plant Manager.   Ralph fulfills additional roles in the community as:  Advisory Board Member for Metropolitan Community College Skilled Trades, Omaha Public Schools Career Center, Millard Public Schools Career & Technical Education Advisory Board, Member of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce Workforce Committee, advisor for Iowa Western Community College Welding Program, and Board member for the North 24^thStreet Business Improvement District. Prior to Lozier, Ralph worked at Wichita State University, Texas Tech University and Creighton University in Student Services.  Ralph received a Bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a Master’s degree in Sports Administration from Texas Tech University.
  Originally from the Omaha area, Ralph and wife, Theresa have with 4 adult children.  

Meeting Location: Lozier Corporation 6336 John J Pershing Dr. Omaha, NE 68110