Membership : Testimonials
“TRL, Inc. has partnered with Penn State Wilkes-Barre and with the assistance of the incumbent worker grant, we were able to identify solutions to our training needs which would enhance the skill level of the employees and allow them to better position themselves to function more effectively and efficiently in their respective occupations. We used the grant money to provide training for our Customer Service, Recruiting, MIS and Supervisory staff members. The feedback from the trainees has been positive and they look forward to additional training in order to maintain their competitive edge in the transportation industry.”
James J. Farrell Director of Human Resource
“Evans Delivery Company applied for customer service training, MS training (Excel and Access) and basic Spanish thru the Logistics and Transportation Incumbent Worker’s Training grant program. Our original intent was that the training would improve our administrative support functionality and enhance our communication skills with our customers and independent agent partners. These classes would also help us move from a transaction based company to a service based company.
Now that the training has been done I can say that we actually got more out of the training then we had originally hoped. We not only were able to be more customer focused but we also learned how to move forward together as a team. Evans Delivery Company appreciates the opportunity that the grant provided us and we also appreciate the opportunities for the industry as a whole through the Industry Partnership grant. We look forward to working with the LTIP in the future.”
Kim Lorimer
Evans Delivery
“I want you to know how impressed I am with the work of the Northeast Pennsylvania Logistics and Transportation Industry Partnership (LTIP). It is one of the best consortium startups that I have ever seen, and in my mind, serves as a national model for consortium development.
The organization of the LTIP is impressive. It is pragmatically composed of an effective combination of unified local industry representatives, educators, Workforce Investment Board members, and economic development professionals. I have seen other consortia with less inclusive memberships, and as a consequence, less power and program reach.
Form the start, the LTIP had a systematic and logical strategy based upon a highly focused purpose and mission. This focus, coupled with dedicated, energetic and highly competent steering committee members, allowed it to successfully and quickly obtain the grants needed to fund its planned program. These qualities also allowed the LTIP to complete the workforce and SWOT assessments and marketing plan that will underpin its multi-year development program, and develop a creative workforce recruiting program that includes a website and hardcopy promotional material.
The LTIP is an exceptional group, and I wish it the best of success in it’s continued excellent work.”
William Frederick,
President, Wadley-Donovan GrowthTech, LLC
Calex Logistics is a family-owned company based in Pittston, PA and founded in 1974. We are a national truckload carrier and regional warehouse provider. Calex currently owns a fleet of 170 trucks, 375 trailers and operates approximately 350,000 SF of warehouse space.
As you know the logistics business is one of razor thin profit margins. The marketplace is highly competitive and price sensitive, leaving very little capital for equipment reinvestment and employee training and development. Customers expect the highest quality service at the lowest possible price. The demand for service can also quickly change in this industry, forcing a conservative mindset to be maintained.
The Logistics and Transportation Partnership of Northeastern Pennsylvania has been a breath of fresh air to an industry traditionally lacking in communication. No other organization has put forth the effort to bring industry, education and government agencies to the same table to seek solutions to common problems. Communication lines are now open, bringing industry challenges and service providers, face-to-face on a regular basis. It is amazing to see the doors that have already opened.
Calex is excited to be taking part in this Partnership. As a company that has done minimal employee training in the past, we have welcomed the assistance provided through the Partnership. We have completed a basic computer-training course for the office staff and are about to undergo LEAN process training company wide. These are initiatives that Calex would not have been able to take on without assistance.
Other tools now in our toolbox include the Career Pathways Model, helping current and prospective employees understand their path of growth, and job preparation materials. We foresee the Career Pathways Model as being very useful in understanding the future opportunities in an industry and company like this with a very flat corporate structure.
Logistics and Transportation is going to see significant growth as prices of fuel continue to skyrocket and proximity to market becomes more and more crucial. Our geographic competitive advantages have Pennsylvania poised for substantial growth. I truly believe that the Logistics and Transportation Partnership of Northeastern Pennsylvania is preparing our businesses, employees and citizens to take full advantage of these future opportunities.