President's Article Initiating Supply Management Excellence By Beatrice S. Wiest, C.P.M., President NAPM-Orange County, Inc.

“All things of this world are subject to constant change. Be mindful and strive on.”  Buddha

Reflecting on the recent events that took place during the “Attack on America”, I have been struggling for an appropriate president’s message for this month’s Spotlight. Although suggestions have been made to include only those issues that pertain to Purchasing, such as upcoming seminars and workshops or the issue of NAPM versus ISM, I feel there is no way to ignore what happened in America on September 11, 2001. While I believe that we, the people of the United States of America must deplore the senseless loss of life that took place, I also recognize that we have been inundated with newspaper articles, television viewing, telephone calls, and email from friends and relatives. And as we continue to grieve both publicly and privately, we must continue to move forward.

As we strive on, we can look forward to the next C.P.M. Module 3 Exam preparation workshop to be held at the association office on Saturday, October 13, 2001. The new Satellite Seminar Series will launch on Thursday, October 25, 2001 with a presentation titled, “Advanced Negotiations: Kicking It Up a Notch”. Having attended satellite seminars in the past, I strongly recommend them as a great value; packed full of educational and information offerings. The satellite seminars are recognized at a National level as some of the most highly attended educational events presented.

During the past month, NAPM-O.C. participated in the Orange County Electronics Expo held on September 12-13, 2001 at the Orange County Fairgrounds. A dedicated group of volunteers manned our booth and marketed the benefits of becoming a member of NAPM-O.C. A special thanks goes out to Gloria Torres, our Marketing Committee Chair, for coordinating the volunteers so that the NAPM-O.C. booth was always manned, and for setting up and tearing down our exhibit.

Our Corporate Sponsorship Program continues to grow, and we now have four companies that are Platinum Sponsors. Those companies are:

These sponsors support NAPM-O.C. with funds to be used for educational purposes. Please visit the web links for these sponsors on our website and mention you appreciate their support of our Affiliate.

Corporate Sponsorship forms and an explanation of the benefits may be found on our website and downloaded for easy use. Or emails may be sent to Chuck Ayres, Executive Secretary at info@napmoc.org with suggestions of companies that may be interested in supporting NAPM-O.C.’s educational endeavors.

Planning is progressing with the “Supply Management Showcase” event to be held on Friday, March 22, 2002 at the Marriott Hotel in Irvine. This event is a “reverse trade show” in which you, as the purchasing/supply management professional may source your company needs. Please contact Judith Smith, C.P.M. at jasmithcpm@hotmail.com if your company can participate or if you know of other companies that may be interested.

We have been fortunate to have two volunteers come forward to accept and share the duties of House Chair. We welcome Tom Clarizio and Francisco Sanchez as House Co-Chairs, and appreciate their volunteering immensely.

We still have two important positions open for volunteers:

• Table Top Coordinator - Duties include organizing and coordinating a supplier table top exhibit planned for the first quarter of 2002.
  
  
• Forum Chairperson - Duties include coordinating and presenting an all day educational event planned for the second quarter of 2002.

Last but not least, the issue of NAPM versus ISM. In 2000 a vote was taken by National to change our name from National Association of Purchasing Management to Institute of Supply Management. The change is planned for full implementation by 2002 at the National level however, each affiliate will have the opportunity to either adopt or decline the change. NAPM-O.C. currently has an ad hoc committee investigating the proposed changes and a recommendation will be forthcoming before 2002. Until then, let us continue to be NAPM-O.C. and strive on.