Guest: Kathy Fulton of the American Logistics Aid Network on 20 years of being there for others; Tariffs force changes in sourcing; New drivers of e-commerce

Our guest on this week's episode is Kathy Fulton, executive director of the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN). Twenty years ago last month, Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast, leaving in its wake an estimated $125 billion dollars of damage and countless lives changed. It was during this catastrophe that a group logisticians had an idea - and ALAN, the American Logistics Aid Network, was born. Our guest shares the work of ALAN and reflects on the organization’s past 20 years of service to the world during times of crisis.

The changing trade landscape that supply chains have experienced this year are continuing to impact where around the world products are manufactured and then sourced into the United States. And now it seems that small businesses are playing a larger role when it comes to sourcing, as companies continue to deal with the ups and downs of tariffs. This is according to a report from sourcing solutions provider Supplier.io, released this week. 

New research shows that e-commerce is swiftly becoming more complex than just the classic image of using your laptop to order from a website and have a product shipped to your home. Geopost, a large French last-mile and parcel delivery firm,  surveyed customers across 22 European countries for an annual study on e-commerce trends. They found that sector is changing fast, in large part because of the influence of Gen Z consumers. We tell you what differences this generation is making on online shopping.

Supply Chain Xchange  also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane.  It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions  Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

• American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN)
• Report: Tariffs reshape sourcing
• Gen-Z consumers drive change in e-commerce patterns
• Visit Supply Chain Xchange
• Listen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcast
• Send feedback about this podcast to [e-mail]

This podcast episode is sponsored by: Duravant Integrated Solutions

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