Cargo security group launches international expansion

Cargo security group launches international expansion    Scott H. Smith was elected chairman of the National Cargo Security Council for 2005 as the association of cargo transportation and security professionals transitions into an international organization. Smith is president of Eden Prairie, Minn.-based Alpha Cargo Technology LLC.
   The NCSC announced two weeks ago that it was changing its name to the International Cargo Security Council to reflect the international nature of supply chain security and its growing membership from outside the United States. Membership has quintupled to more than 1,000 members since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, according to the group.
   The name change will become official early next year.
   The Council, founded in 1971 to help companies reduce theft, also previously announced the formation of a European chapter based in Brussels, Belgium. Michael McIvor, London-based European security manager for Estee Lauder Companies, will serve as chairman of the first ICSC-Europe Steering Committee.
   “European cargo security managers have long wanted to be part of an experienced, broader-based organization to improve security of international shipments,” he said in a statement at the time. Several European companies have committed to join the European chapter, including KLM Cargo, Encrypta Products, MRC Investigations, Lucent Technologies and DHL Danzas.
   The ICSC expects to soon expand its reach with chapters in Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, Australia and East Asia.
   “Terrorism and theft are worldwide problems affecting the security and economies of all countries,” said outgoing NCSC Chairman David Jones, vice president of loss prevention for Tommy Hilfiger USA Inc. “What’s needed to better ensure safe and secure commerce everywhere are closely aligned global networks of people, best practices and technologies.”