How To Launch—And Scale—A Business
May 19, 2025
FM Global’s 2015 Resilience Index finds companies doing business in Norway face the fewest supply chain disruptions, while those in Venezuela face the most. The U.S. ranks in the top 25 countries (out of 130) as a country having fewer disruptions to the supply chain.
The Index divides the U.S. into three regions due to its geographic size, with each area facing its own set of natural challenges. The East coast (Region 1) faces wind hazards, while the West coast (Region 2) contends with earthquake risk and the Midwest (Region 3), although subject to tornadoes, is considered by FM Global to be the least exposed to natural hazards. Region 3 made the top 10 at 10th, while Regions 1 and 2 registered 16th and 21st, respectively.
The Index measures a country’s susceptibility to supply chain disruption and its ability to recover from this disturbance. FM Global identifies nine key drivers of resilience, including infrastructure, exposure to natural risk and political risk.
The stakes are high, and “business leaders who don’t evaluate countries and supply chain resilience can suffer long-term consequences,” says Bret Ahnell, executive vice President, Operations, FM Global. “If your supply chain fails, it can be difficult or impossible to get your market share, revenue and reputation back.”
A recent study by HMI and Deloitte finds companies plan to implement major changes to reduce their supply chain risk. Seventeen percent of firms participating in the analysis say they will invest more than $10 million in new technologies over the next two years.
The manufacturing industry provides a strong example of the need for a reliable supply chain. The government finds almost 60% of a manufactured product cost comes from value added by suppliers.
“Manufacturers must consider upgrading the tools they use to manage their supply chain because customer demand has never been greater than it is today,” Bob Farrell, CEO of supply chain software maker Kewill told Manufacturing.net. “Customers want deliveries faster and they must be accurate. Manufacturers that can’t compete with speedy, efficient deliveries will simply fall behind the competition.”
When we take a look at the world today, we consistently see wars, natural disasters and more. These external factors are bound to disrupt supply chain management. The ability of business leaders to evaluate a country’s risk and invest in supply chains are key to ensuring seamless supply-chain management.
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.