President's Article "What's Up? " By Chrys C. Varnes, C.P.M., President NAPM-Orange County, Inc. Affiliated with the Institute of Supply Management

At last month's dinner meeting, there was a comment indicating interest in what the Board and Committees are doing. This month I will talk about "what's up" at NAPM-OC.

Last night our NAPM-OC team worked the KOCE telethon. The show was live but the phones were not incredibly busy. The show featured a well known doctor who specializes in skin care. KOCE said that Monday is typically slow with football and other attractions. Our name was displayed on television numerous times during the event which was live at KOCE. I think we all had a good time chatting with each other!

The Board and committees spend considerable time each month planning for the general meeting events, speakers, facilities, etc. It is challenging to keep activities focused, professionally and personally enriching and fun! In addition we have been working on annual events such as Supplier's Night and the Forum. For example, the Educational Resources Committee is considering changing the location of this year's Forum as well as a different Forum format. Look for more information to follow on this.

The Communications Committee has been working with our webmaster to add additional features to our Website. As I mentioned at the meeting, soon we will be posting Committee Reports and Board Minutes on the members' section of our website. And we are looking for Stump the Expert questions. Please send them to Chuck at the office (info@nampoc.org).

In addition to their other duties, the Membership Committee is evaluating different types of badges for the members and the Marketing Committee is evaluating NAPM OC shirts that could be worn at meetings and events.

The Board has also been working on a survey to send to our members and past members if we have their e-mail address. The purpose of the survey is to continue to try to find out what the membership wants and needs from the association. Joe Polance is heading up that effort.

We need more volunteers and would welcome you to talk to any Board member or committee chair about opportunities. Soon it will also be election time and we will have some openings on the Board. I know we are all very busy and it is difficult to carve out some time but please give this some serious thought. Your association needs you!

I am a member of the ISM committee for the regional leadership conferences which are held in July. It is a good opportunity to learn what other affiliates are facing. Recently we had a meeting and everyone was talking about how we can deal with the lack of volunteers in our affiliates and the changes in our profession.

ISM recently changed their name to be reflective of the changes in our profession. There is a movement toward using the term "supply chain management" in all industries including services organizations. Just the other day I was talking to the CEO of a large company who commented to me that our affiliate was about purchasing and his real interest was supply chain. Needless to say, we had a spirited conversation! How do you feel about this name change? Do you think there is a difference between "purchasing" and "supply chain management"? Please send me an e-mail with your thoughts.

I hope you now have a little better idea about "What's Up". Happy Holidays!