Learn about NAPM-OC's 2003-2004 Strategic Plan

President's Article "Lean is more than just a four letter word" By Chrys C. Varnes, C.P.M., President NAPM-Orange County, Inc. Affiliated with the Institute of Supply Management

As we close our year let's revisit our Strategic Plan and see how we measure up.
Strategic Plan Action Steps and Targets:

1. Conduct monthly dinner survey to find out more about what members want. Use this survey to tailor programs. Let members know you are reading the surveys by responding back to them using the monthly newsletter as a tool. (10 surveys)
   Each month we have studied the survey responses and responded to comments in the newsletter and have made changes as recommended.
   
   
2. Conduct a web survey of members. Form a task force to artfully craft the survey and provide incentives for members to respond. Use this survey to tailor programs. (1 survey)
   We conducted a survey of our members and used the survey to improve our services to our members. An example is the SIC codes we now include in our member directory.
   
   
3. Provide greeters and mentors for new members. Introduce members at monthly meetings keeping the introduction within the comfort zone of the individuals. (10 meetings)
   We have had greeters at each meeting and introduced new members.
   
   
4. Recruit 8 new members per month.
   While we may not have reached 8 new members each month, we have overall met this goal on an average basis.
   
   
5. Implement a new system for badges so that all members have a badge.
   We have worked hard on this goal and should have the new badges ready for the August meeting.
   
   
6. Feature a committee at each meeting, tell the members about the mission/goals of the committee and discuss opportunities for volunteerism.
   We did not feature a committee at each meeting unfortunately. And we are still short on volunteers. This is an on-going challenge since members have so many demands for their time.
   
   
7. Create a unique, educational icebreaker activity for each meeting to encourage networking and provide supply management education.
   At most of the meetings we had some type of an icebreaker activity that was also educational.
   
   
8. Find and purchase new affiliate shirts that can be used as incentive prizes and purchased to both market the association and allow members to display their pride in the organization.
   The new shirts have been delivered and will be available for purchase at the June meeting. The shirts will also be used as awards for volunteers and incentives for activities at our meetings.
   
   
9. Eliminate the use of a head table and reserved seating. Encourage all officers and committee chairs to sit with individuals they have not yet met.
   The head table was eliminated this year and officers and committee chairs made an effort to meet members they did not know.
   
   
10. Present at least two pre-dinner workshops. Provide more if attendance warrants.
    Two pre-dinner workshops were presented.
    
    
11. Explore new ideas for the annual Forum and provide a world class educational event for the members in June.
    A new venue and a world class list of paid speakers were lined up for the Forum.
    
    
12. Recognize members who have achieved certification and re-certification.
    Members were recognized and encouraged to obtain certification.
    
    
13. Provide quality speakers at monthly meetings linked to the year's theme of "Lean is more than just a four letter word.
    Our Education Resources Committee did an outstanding job lining up thought provoking speakers on the subject of Lean!
    
    
14. Provide C.P.M. workshops at least twice a year and at least two other workshops in addition to the annual Forum.
    Workshops were presented.
    
    
15. Host the Supplier Night and Supplier of the Year event to help suppliers better understand the purchasing profession.
    
    
16. Host the Executive of the Year night to help senior and executive management to understand the value of purchasing.
    We did have the Supplier of the Year event but canceled the trade show due to lack of interest. This will be revisited next year. We also need to revisit the Executive of the Year program to see if it is meeting our members' needs.
    
    
17. Use the website to increase communications with the membership.
    New additions to the website include meeting minutes, Committee reports and other materials.
    
    
18. Evaluate and implement new ways to use the website and technology in general to conduct business efficiently and effectively.
    The former "Board books" will be replaced with information on the website. Electronic dues billings are in their second year.
    
    
19. Involve the membership in writing and adopting an updated Mission Statement that will energize members and reflect the purpose of the organization.
    A revitalized mission statement was chosen.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of our Board members, committees and the membership on successfully carrying out our strategic plan action steps!

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Have an idea for a Spotlight article you would like to
see published? Simply submit it to Chuck at the NAPM-OC
office, email info@napmoc.org, telephone (714) 524-6276 or
fax (714) 993-6276
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