The Plaza Group Expands Staff; Adds Logistics Coordinator

Online, May 26, 2011 (Newswire.com) - The Plaza Group, a leading international petrochemical marketing company, has expanded its logistics operations with the addition of Christie Allen as Logistics Coordinator.

In her new position, Allen is responsible for tank truck and rail carrier selection, carrier performance and demurrage analysis for petrochemical products. She will lead the development of a new truck carrier performance program and enhance The Plaza Group's railcar logistics through a revised tracking and tracing program, which will supply more detailed information on railcar locations to the customer service group, and optimize current contracts and freight lanes.

Randy Velarde, The Plaza Group President, said Allen is a key addition that will ensure the company continues to provide the most efficient petrochemical logistics services to both its suppliers and buyers. "As Logistics Coordinator, Allen will ensure The Plaza Group partners with the best selection of carriers to deliver the highest level of service with the fewest logistical interruptions," said Velarde. "Better logistics translate into higher profitability for our supplier partners and the best prices for the buyers who purchase their products."

Allen possesses more than 20 years of experience managing tank truck, rail and marine logistics with a focus on petrochemicals and agriculture. She is an expert in the distribution of numerous chemical products including solvents, resins and polyethylenes. Most recently, she served as Logistics Coordinator for Mosaic Crop Nutrition, a manufacturer of fertilizer products and crop nutrients. At Mosaic she was responsible for rail, truck and marine rates and operational activities. She successfully reduced the Houston facility's rail demurrage by 80 percent and generated revenue by optimizing rail storage capabilities. She has also worked within the logistics and supply chain industry for Baker Hughes and Ethyl Corporation.

Allen holds an associates degree from San Jacinto College and is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in behavioral science at the University of Houston. She is active in community outreach as a volunteer for a local women's shelter in the Bay Area near Houston and spearheaded Mosaic's efforts in the Houston Food Bank's annual Christmas drive in 2009 and 2010.

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