Kenco Celebrates Six Decades of Business—and Service

Jane Kennedy GreeneCHATTANOOGA, Tenn.—August 6, 2013 (James Street Media Services)—Last week, more than 4,000 employees in 100 North American locations celebrated the 63rd anniversary of the founding of Kenco, a leading provider of distribution, transportation, and supply chain intelligence solutions.

In 1950, Kenco began with just two employees and one 100,000 square-foot facility in Chattanooga, Tenn. Today, Kenco is one of the largest family-owned and privately held third-party logistics providers (3PL) in the United States. That lone warehouse has grown to more than 100 facilities across the U.S. and Canada.

Kenco Chairwoman and CEO Jane Kennedy Greene—joined by four generations of the founding family—hosted a special ceremony at the company’s Chattanooga headquarters on August 2. They gathered to honor the founders and salute all the employees and board members who are carrying on with Kenco’s original mission, which is rooted in “a commitment to integrity over profitability.”

“We want to celebrate our history and honor our associates,” said Greene. “The same entrepreneurial spirit and guiding principles that led to the founding of our company in 1950 are still very much alive in 2013.”

During last week’s event, large trees—newly planted at “Founders Grove”—were dedicated as a permanent tribute to founders Jim Kennedy, Sr., Jim Kennedy, Jr., and Sam Smartt, Sr. The trees include a Texas Oak, Red Maple, and Southern Magnolia.

In addition to the dedication in Chattanooga, Kenco employees celebrated at each of the company’s worksites, and were applauded in a company-produced video.

“We’re a team here, and everyone contributes,” said Kenco Board Member Sam Smartt, Jr. in the video. “We all are the Kenco family, and everything we accomplish is all done together.”

About Kenco

Kenco provides integrated logistics solutions that include distribution and fulfillment, comprehensive transportation management, material handling services, real estate management, and information technology—all engineered for Operational Excellence. Woman-owned and financially strong, Kenco has built lasting customer relationships for more than 60 years. Kenco’s focus is on common sense solutions that drive uncommon value. Learn more at www.kencogroup.com. Also, connect with Kenco on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and the Kenco Blog.
 
For further information contact:
Bill Fahrenwald
James Street Associates
708-371-0110 Ext. 1-#
bfahrenwald@jamesstreetassoc.com