# November/December 2010 # Last Modification Date: Jun 20, 2011 ### Trade & Industry Development Magazine ![November/December 2010](https://www.tradeandindustrydev.com/sites/tradeandindustrydev.com/files/trade_and_industry_development/nodes/2010/4239/TID_NovDec10Cover_Small.jpg "November/December 2010") Welcome to our Supply Chain issue! In the high-speed, globalized business world of the 21st century, supply chain management is a critical make-or-break factor. The Romans knew well how important the supply chain was, which is why they became the masters of building roads to secure their empire. The British Empire, upon which the sun never set, likewise ensured its security by having mastery of the sea. In business, supply chain management evolved to feed the assembly line, and today wrestles with complex webs of global inputs and outputs which are imperative to business survival, let alone growth. In this issue, we will examine some of the latest developments and core considerations to keep your company's supply chain clicking along at the speed of light. In his article on moving to multiple Distribution Centers, Phil Quartel offers a wealth of insight into what considerations must be accounted for in the process, and how to best grow your distribution network. John Rhodes provides an excellent examination of the Plastics industry, and discusses the latest cutting-edge technologies, such as Bioplastics and Nanocomposites. Ed McCallum examines the Metals industry, and provides an in-depth look at where it's heading and what factors are driving it. And Jennifer Alten offers an illuminating focus on Ports across the country. Also, Joan Yim, with a vast amount of experience in logistics, government and maritime affairs, offers sound advice for all of the stakeholders involved. And the Association of American Railroads and SPI's Bioplastics Council offer clear-eyed assessments of their respective industries. [View other issues ](https://www.tradeandindustrydev.com/issue-list.md) [ Click here for digital version ](https://digital.tradeandindustrydev.com/publication?i=51734) ## In this issue ### [Bioplastics Find Fertile Ground for Growth](https://www.tradeandindustrydev.com/industry/plastics/bioplastics-find-fertile-ground-growth-4526.md) BY: [ Melissa Hockstad](https://www.tradeandindustrydev.com/tid-contributors/melissa-hockstad-4527.md) Since its development as a major industry in the 1930s, the general plastics industry has grown and evolved through innovations that meet changing societal needs. Today, bioplastics represent another chapter in that continuing story. These new materials - which are biodegradable, have biobased content, or both - are complementary to existing conventional plastics and offer consumers new options to meet today's sustainability demands. The future for bioplastics is bright as new companies, new materials and new applications continue to set the stage for tremendous growth. [more....](https://www.tradeandindustrydev.com/industry/plastics/bioplastics-find-fertile-ground-growth-4526.md) Features 1 [Plastics: Update and New Developments in the Plastics Industry](https://www.tradeandindustrydev.com/industry/plastics/plastics-update-and-new-developments-plastics-4548.md) 2 [Metals Industry Creates Challenges and Opportunities](https://www.tradeandindustrydev.com/industry/metals/metals-industry-creates-challenges-and-4563.md) 3 [LOGISTICS: When One DC is No Longer Enough - Moving From a Single-Site to a Multi-Site Distribution Environment](https://www.tradeandindustrydev.com/industry/logistics-warehousing-distribution/logistics-when-one-dc-no-longer-enough-moving-4570.md) Outlooks 1 [Bioplastics Find Fertile Ground for Growth](https://www.tradeandindustrydev.com/industry/plastics/bioplastics-find-fertile-ground-growth-4526.md) 2 [Rail: Answers for the 21st Century - Outlook From the Association of American Railroads](https://www.tradeandindustrydev.com/industry/logistics-warehousing-distribution/rail-answers-21st-century-outlook-association-4537.md) Special Reports 1 [PORTS: Driving more than just the transport of goods, ports are an economic powerhouse](https://www.tradeandindustrydev.com/industry/logistics-warehousing-distribution/ports-driving-more-just-transport-goods-ports-are-4564.md) 2 [Location, Location, Location---It's All About Value](https://www.tradeandindustrydev.com/industry/logistics-warehousing-distribution/location-location-location-its-all-about-value-4567.md) Spotlights 1 [Texas’ Economy Continues to Outpace the Nation](https://www.tradeandindustrydev.com/region/texas/texas-economy-continues-outpace-nation-4496.md) 2 [Alabama: A Better Place to Build a Better World](https://www.tradeandindustrydev.com/region/alabama/alabama-better-place-build-better-world-4501.md) 3 [Logistics on the Fast Track in Georgia](https://www.tradeandindustrydev.com/region/georgia/logistics-fast-track-georgia-4505.md) 4 [Kentucky: Ideal Location and Logistical Advantages Keep Kentucky’s Companies Connected to the World](https://www.tradeandindustrydev.com/region/kentucky/kentucky-ideal-location-and-logistical-advantages-4507.md) 5 [New York State: A Premier Location for Your Business](https://www.tradeandindustrydev.com/region/new-york/new-york-state-premier-location-your-business-4518.md) ## Video - [Start with the American Dream.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dPZJzA7f5M)