You were recently asked to participate in a survey asking how we could reach out and better serve the needs of our membership.

We are pleased to publish the results of this survey in this month’s issue of the Spotlight and to assure you as well that we will take those actions necessary to fulfill the needs mentioned in the survey responses.

This survey was sent out earlier this year to approximately 500 NAPM-OC members. At the start of the fiscal year, President Varnes expressed concerns about ensuring that the Supply Management needs of our association’s members were being met. A committee was quickly formed and survey questions formulated to address this issue. The survey was sent out and almost 20% of you responded, a very good response rate in the world of surveys. We thank all of you who participated.

The results were tabulated and will be posted in detail on our website. The findings were very interesting. Overall, responses were positive, and you stated that NAPM-OC is doing a good job and meeting your needs.

But you also pointed out to us gaps that need to be filled, and gave us fresh ideas and feedback that we will be able to react to in order to better serve you. We thank you for that.

As an example, although the majority felt that NAPM-OC educational opportunities met your needs and that Educational Resources enable you to fill gaps in your skills toolbox, there were sufficient numbers in the minority that did not agree with this statement to let us know that we still have ways to improve. The same can be said for providing our membership with technological skills related to the profession.

Most felt the cost of the NAPM-OC dues was a bargain for the value received, on a small minority felt it wasn’t. It will be our job to convert their opinion by delighting you, our customer, with more value for your investment in time and money.

We learned of the challenges you face, such as work, lack of time, travel difficulties, and family constraints that impact your ability to fully participate in the organization. This has always been an ongoing challenge.

You provided us input and feedback on Certification, speakers, seminars, the NAPM-OC board, networking, and many other topics that affect our professional lives. We intend to act positively to this feedback.

You have reminded us to be more accommodating to new members, unsure your comfort, and keep you better informed as to what’s happening with the organization. Steps, like posting board meeting information on our website, have already been undertaken as a response to the survey’s outcome.

You’ve given us new ideas for speakers and other issues, and told us things you are concerned with that we are all facing. Things like offshore outsourcing, the economy, jobs, downsizing, skill enhancement, the ability to market yourself and others.

And you expressed yourself in the last part of the survey about your supply management and professional goals, and what you most enjoy about your profession. These responses were especially gratifying to receive. Please be sure to look for these notes on the website.

NAPM-OC is a proactive, dynamic affiliate. We administer successful training and certificate programs, fun and cause-worthy events, we have one of the best websites in the country, we’ve twice achieved the Affiliate of Excellence award, have one of the highest dinner meeting participation rates, dedicated leadership , and many other positive points.

We will continue to improve, to serve our membership, and practice continuous improvement. Thank you again for participating.

Joe E. Polance, C.P.M.
President-Elect
NAPM-Orange County, Inc.