CBA launches Critical Infrastructure Supply Chain Council

CISCC is a coordinated effort of more than 35 diverse industry trade associations to advance uniform, national polices that strengthen the country’s supply chains and ensure the timely flow of critical goods.

“The coronavirus has brought our country’s supply chains to life for consumers and policymakers, demonstrating what can happen when even just a small component of these complex networks is interrupted,” said Bryan Zumwalt, executive vice president of public affairs at the Consumer Brands Association. “The way we do business will inevitably evolve, and it’s the Council’s goal to ensure these issues are on the forefront of lawmakers’ minds, instead of an afterthought.”

The CISCC will share information with federal, state and local officials regarding the importance and operations of critical supply chains, as well as provide recommendations and suggested best practices. It also will leverage the experience and resources of its members to engage federal, state and local governments to find solutions when there are potential breakdowns. The council also will serve as a forum across industries to anticipate, spotlight and address future supply chain challenges.

The coronavirus pandemic highlights the vast, complex networks involved in getting products to store shelves. CBA research reveals it has caused production volume to increase across the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, yet 85% of CPG companies are still concerned about their ability to meet consumer demand.

The Consumer Brands Association has worked with federal and state agencies to implement common-sense policies throughout the crisis, including greater flexibility for truck weight limits and truck driver hours of service and with the U.S. House of Representatives to launch the bipartisan Congressional Supply Chain Caucus. The association has called on for a White House Office of Supply Chain to coordinate supply chain efforts across the federal government and is working closely with the U.S. Department of State on international supply chain and trade challenges.

The CISCC executive committee that will lead its priorities and initiatives include John Bode, Corn Refiners Association; Kim Cooper, North American Millers’ Association; Ross Eisenberg, American Chemistry Council; Jon Gold, National Retail Federation; Dawson Hobbs, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America; Rachel Jones, National Association of Manufacturers; Kelly Knowles, American Bakers Association; and Tom Madrecki, Consumer Brands Association.