Menlo Worldwide Logistics, the global logistics subsidiary of Con-way Inc., has announced that Carl R. Fowler, senior director of sales and solutions for Menlo, has been named to the newly formed U.S. Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness. Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank announced the launch of the Advisory Committee, whose first meeting is at the Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 19.

Fowler, a 20-year supply chain industry veteran, joins a group of 40 senior-level private sector representatives of multiple industries and supply chain experts appointed to the Committee by the Secretary of Commerce. In its news release issued last week, the Commerce Department said the Committee 'will advise the Secretary, the U.S. Department of Transportation and other U.S. agencies on supply chain issues that affect the international competitiveness of U.S. businesses' and will 'act as a liaison between industry and government ... ensuring regular contact with the supply chain industries, including manufacturers, distributors and exporters.' The Committee's advice will also be used in the development of a national freight policy and in executing the President's National Export Initiative, which aims to double U.S. exports by the end of 2014.

'It's an honor to serve on this prestigious advisory committee,' said Fowler. 'I look forward to a robust dialogue and the opportunity to contribute to strategies and policies that can improve the competitiveness of supply chains and transportation networks in the U.S. and with our many global trade partners.'

'The Obama administration recognizes that in order to be competitive in today's global economy, American manufacturers need to be able to move products and goods securely, quickly, and efficiently within our borders and beyond,' said Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank. 'The Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness will provide crucial input on issues related to national freight infrastructure and policies so that we can best support millions of U.S. businesses export goods, compete domestically and globally, and support American jobs.'

Committee members are leaders in their fields of expertise and represent supply chain firms, associations, stakeholders, community organizations, and also include experts from academia. The Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson will serve on the Committee as non-voting members, and the Department of Commerce will work closely with those and other agencies to coordinate government activities and programs to implement Committee recommendations.

U.S. supply chains are critically dependent on the quality and capacity of America's freight transportation network ' the largest and most extensive freight infrastructure in the world. The network serves over 7.5 million U.S. business establishments, carrying some 13 billion tons of raw materials and finished goods annually between production and consumption centers.

Mr. Fowler has 20 years of experience in manufacturing, warehousing, materials management, transportation and global supply chain management. He has been responsible for supply chain transformation initiatives for nine Fortune 500 companies, leading programs that have resulted in tens of millions of dollars in savings and efficiency gains through supply chain design and business process transformation. In his current role as Menlo's senior director of sales and solutions, Mr. Fowler leads Menlo's business development efforts in North America and is responsible for sales and solutions programs and strategies, business growth and new customer acquisition.