thoughtleaders
BY MITCH MAC DONALD, GROUP EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
They said it couldn’t
be done. So how
did Joel Anderson
manage to boost his
trade association’s
membership during
the trough of
a man
a recession?
with a plan
interview with
Joel D. Anderson
THE CONVENTIONAL WISDOM SAYS THAT AN ECOnomic slump is no time to try to build up a trade association’s membership or launch a series of bold new initiatives.
But apparently Joel D. Anderson either never got the word
or chose to ignore it. Since taking the reins of the
International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA)
three years ago, Anderson has worked steadily to inject a
new sense of purpose into the venerable organization. He
has revitalized IWLA’s government affairs program,
expanded its education offerings, and—perhaps most
impressive of all—implemented a membership recruitment
and retention program that led to positive financial growth
in 2009.
Anderson, who serves as the group’s president and chief
executive officer, has long experience in the association
world. Prior to joining IWLA, he spent 28 years with the
California Trucking Association, the last 13 as executive vice
president and CEO. Before joining CTA, Anderson was an
economist with the California Public Utilities Commission.
He has a community college teaching credential in marketing and distribution, and has served on state and national
panels on transportation, goods movement, and mobility.
Anderson spoke recently with DC VELOCITY Group
Editorial Director Mitch Mac Donald about the challenges
facing IWLA’s members, the shifting regulatory winds, and
what shippers might not know about 3PL services.
QCould you start by telling us a little bit about your background and how you came to be where you are
today?
