Linking supply chain and finance is vitally important at MeadWestvaco, says Brian McClure, the company's director of global procurement and supply chain. It helps boost operational excellence, which drives productivity.

Choosing the right supply chain is key to being a good steward of the environment, says Darrell Zavitz, vice president, supply chain, at the Dow Chemical Company. Moreover, there's always good business value in waste reduction and energy conservation.

SERVICES is an acronym that stands for the menu of offerings that sets C.H. Robinson Worldwide apart from its competitors, says Jim Butts, senior vice president. But in the final analysis, a 3PL has to go beyond slogans and really partner with a customer if it is to realize its expectations.