Sycamores place second state’s premier logistics case competition

Indiana State University walked away with a $2,000 cash award and a three-day experience with Indiana's top logistics industry executives at the Conexus Indiana Logistics Case Competition.

The team members from Indiana State were among the 71 Indiana and Texas students who gathered in Indianapolis from Oct. 18-20 for the competition. The goal of the event is to increase awareness of logistics career opportunities and build the pipeline of students seeking logistics careers.

The awards for first, second and third place, totaling $8,000 in cash prizes, were presented by Indiana Sen. Michael Crider, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Transportation Committee.

This is the second year for the Logistics Case Competition. This year, the competition drew nationwide attention, and a team from St. Mary's College in San Antonio, Texas, traveled to Indianapolis to compete. Based on last year's logistics competition, four students earned internship opportunities and one student was hired by an Indianapolis manufacturing company.

"This event is supported by Indiana logistics companies that have contributed more than $40,000 in funding for the three-day event," said David Holt, vice president, operations and business development for Conexus Indiana. "In addition, more than 70 executives -- from CEOs to COOs and other company representatives -- dedicated their time to meet the students, discuss career opportunities and help encourage the next generation of logistics leaders."

A team from Purdue University Krannert School of Management placed first and won $5,000, and a team from Indiana University placed third and won $1,000.

As the "Crossroads of America," Indiana is a global logistics leader, thanks to its central location and excellent business environment. Logistics career opportunities, which pay a median salary of $74,000, are only expected to increase as the business of moving products from manufacturing floor to store shelf is projected to double by 2035. Indiana's logistics companies employ approximately 300,000 Hoosiers and an estimated 75,000 more are employed in logistics positions by the state's manufacturers.

"The Conexus Indiana Logistics Case Competition is an important part of our work to fill the pipeline with qualified skilled talent," said Mark DeFabis, CEO of Integrated Distribution Services (IDS) and chairman of the Conexus Indiana Logistics Council. "Indiana continues to leverage its central location, strong infrastructure network and strong business environment to grow its logistics advantage, and the need for skilled talent continues to increase as more companies locate and grow in Indiana."

"Students worked in teams of four to develop a solution to a real-world logistics business case that replicated the kinds of issues today's industry leaders face in the high-tech logistics environments," said Nick Hoagland, director of Supply Chain for FULLYBEAUTY Brands and vice-chair of the Conexus Indiana Logistics Council.

"Perhaps just as important," he added, "these students had access to many of the state's highest-ranking logistics executives to discuss career opportunities, learn more about the logistics industry and solidify their educational pathways for future success."

Conexus Indiana has worked closely with Indiana's universities to encourage the best and brightest students pursue degrees in logistics and supply chain management. In addition to the Conexus Indiana Logistics Case Competition, Conexus Indiana sponsors multiple opportunities for students to meet with logistics executives on campus and at Hoosier logistics company sites.

Competing Schools:

Ball State University
Earlham College
Franklin College
Hanover College
Indiana State University
Indiana University
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW)
Ivy Tech Community College
Manchester University
Marian University
Purdue University (Krannert)
St. Mary's College (San Antonio, Texas)
University of Southern Indiana
University of Evansville
University of Indianapolis
Vincennes University
Valparaiso University

Conexus Indiana Logistics Case Competition supporting logistics companies:

FULLBEAUTY Brands
Duke Realty
Frost Brown Todd
Rolls-Royce
IDS
Roche
Allison Transmission
Red Gold
MD Logistics
Cummins
Buchanan Hauling and Rigging
Merchandise Warehouse Co.
Langham Logistics
Geodis
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
Greater Indianapolis Foreign Trade Zone
Indianapolis Airport Authority
Toyota Industrial Equipment
FedEx
MBC Staffing
OFS Brands
ProLogistix

About Conexus Indiana:
For more than a decade, Conexus Indiana has been positioning the Hoosier State as the best place for the advanced manufacturing and logistics industries to invest, employ and succeed. By recruiting industry, government and academia to a shared vision for a skilled workforce and stronger business climate, Conexus Indiana creates opportunities for advanced manufacturing and logistics companies, prepares Hoosiers to succeed in the state's largest industry sector and maintains Indiana's competitive advantage. For more information, go to the Conexus Indiana website at www.conexusindiana.com.

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Photos: https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Media-Services/Submitted-Photos/Staff-Uploads/i-7TDTB2V/0/8e748a99/M/22528455_882386481927483_719453652185608148_n-M.jpg -- Indiana State University Professor Kuntal Bhattacharyya, left, poses with team members Lucas Young and Nadia Snedeker after placing second in the Conexus Indiana Logistics Case Competition Friday in Indianapolis.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Media-Services/Submitted-Photos/Staff-Uploads/i-t49hCHk/0/2673eedc/L/22519604_882386608594137_1061813130427144291_n-L.jpg -- From left, Indiana State University team members Lucas Young, Nadia Snedeker, Tanner Smith and Roland Wilson pose for a photograph.

Media contact: Libby Roerig, director of communications and media relations, Office of Communications and Marketing, Indiana State University, 812-237-3790 or libby.roerig@indstate.edu