Building Solutions Through Communication

Atlas Van Lines introduced the Traffic Managers' Forum on Moving in 1968. It was a grand experiment in communication, bringing together people with greatly differing perspectives on how carriers and corporate America could work together. The idea of bridging viewpoints through open discussion was not new in itself - but no one in the van line industry had ever attempted to engage a large cross-section of those responsible for employee relocation. Many thought it would likely end up as a one-time event under the category of "nice try." According to Atlas lore, President O. H. Frisbie wagered event-organizer Jack Thorne $25 that fewer than 25 guests would show.

Frisbie lost - and gladly paid. More than 200 traffic executives and Atlas agents attended the watershed event in Shanklin Theater at the University of Evansville. George A. Gecowets, editor of Transportation & Distribution Management magazine, moderated a 2-1/2 hour panel discussion that featured representatives from General Electric Company, Ford Motor Company, Eastern Airlines and Johns-Manville Corporation.

The wisdom of Atlas' experiment in open communication has been shown year after year ever since. The Atlas Forum is widely seen as a leading institution in the relocation industry, annually drawing hundreds of people from organizations large and small. Almost exclusively men in the beginning, the profile of participants today is diverse, reflecting the vitality of contemporary corporate cultures. Although the event continually embraces new people, its purpose remains unchanged. Attendees come from virtually every industry, all over the country, to share personal experiences in relocation... and to better serve transferees by building solutions through communication.

Famous People, Memorable Speeches

Outstanding oration is a mainstay of the Forum. Over the years, a cavalcade of high-profile public figures has challenged, entertained and inspired audiences. Forum speakers have included notable figures in politics (Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford), sports (Lou Holtz, Jim Valvano), journalism (Walter Cronkite, Bob Woodward) and others. This year, the roster of great names grew with three superb speakers: Pat Summitt, coach of the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball team; keynoter Juliet Funt, professional speaker and author; and Steve Gilliland, CSP, professional speaker and author.

The Atlas Survey Turns 40

A celebration of the Forum would be incomplete without the inclusion of the Atlas Survey of Corporate Relocation. This annual companion to the Forum documents the changing attitudes and perceptions among relocation managers. Over the years, major business and news outlets such as the Wall Street Journal and U.S. Business News have reported on the survey's findings. This year, the Survey provides added depth with points for comparison and contrast that represent four decades of candid input from thousands of relocation professionals.