An educational session during Day Two of ProMat 2011 included a look at "The People Side of the Supply Chain." A major point of discussion during the session focused on how important it is for companies to position themselves as "an employer of choice."

"Taking steps to become the employers of choice, coupled with a strategy and willingness to embrace diversity in your workforce could make the difference between success and failure," said session presenter Dan Boos, principal and executive consultantfor Boos Consulting Services LLC.

Boos pointed out that to succeed "employer of choice" and diversity initiatives must be included as part of the company's overall human resource strategy. "You need to have a plan, and those two things must be the key components," he said.

Boos also said that the concept of being open to diversity in all areas—from gender and age to race and nationality—brings with it benefits beyond simply enhancing your ability to attract a good pool of employee talent. "By embracing different generations, genders, and cultures, you bring a much broader perspective to your company when it comes to generating ideas," he said. "This can be especially important and beneficial in discussions that take place in the context of the development of new strategies and opportunities."

Boos has more than 25 years of consulting experience and is an industry recognized expert in the fields of leadership development and organizational change management.