FOR RELEASE: May 4, 2008

Media Contacts:
ISM Public Relations
Jean McHale
800/888-6276, extension 3143
jmchale@ism.ws

Lindsey Yentes
800/888-6276, extension 3087
lyentes@ism.ws

ISM Conference is all action with eco-friendly efforts.

(Tempe, Ariz.) May 4, 2008 — Thousands of supply management professionals from around the world are gathered in St. Louis for the premiere event of the year — Institute for Supply Management™'s (ISM) 93rd Annual International Supply Management Conference and Educational Exhibit. ISM is aware of the need to minimize the environmental impact of presenting an annual event of such popularity and scale. One hallmark of this year's Conference is ISM's effort to "go green" and champion eco-friendly actions. Following are some specific ways that ISM is taking steps — and encouraging others to follow — in decreasing waste, saving energy, recycling and reusing over the next four days:

ISM Conference awash in water-saving and energy-saving efforts

• Water will be served with meals on a request-only basis and no coffee cup saucers will be used.
• Refillable water bottles will be provided to Conference attendees. Bottles can be refilled throughout the America's Center at conveniently located water dispensers.
• Conference attendees are encouraged to participate in linen/towel reuse programs offered at ISM Conference hotels Marriott Grand & Suites and Hilton at the Ballpark.

Wise paper use and proactive print sourcing

• The volume of paper used for speaker handouts has been reduced by one third.
• ISM's Conference Navigator/Program Guide is printed with soy ink.
• Conference pocket guides and various invitation cards are printed on paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
• One fun Conference specialty item — temporary tattoos celebrating ISM's new Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) qualification — are printed with vegetable oil ink on recycled paper.
• Conference Proceedings are available both on the ISM Web site in the Conference area at www.ism.ws and on a CD-ROM included in each attendee's Conference materials.

Reduce, reuse, recycle

• The ISM Conference is utilizing the Chef's Harvest program. All food served is either locally and/or organically grown.
• Conference tote bags can be reused.
• Sunday's box lunch offered in the Exhibit Hall will be provided in a reusable cooler. As mentioned earlier, the refillable water bottles will be provided with Sunday's box lunch.
• Monday's Exhibit Hall free gift is made from recycled materials.
• Large recycle bins for glass, paper, cans, bottles and name badges will be placed throughout the Exhibit Hall.

Conference Track 3 educational sessions are all related to Sustainability and Green Strategies. Featured sessions include:

• Social Responsibility: A Plan for Growth of Socially Responsible Procurement
• How to Balance Green With Getting the Green
• Sustainability: Supply Management's Action Role
• Sustainability and Supply Management: Are You Ready?
• Tuesday May 6 keynote on the topic of sustainability presented by Gerd Hofmann, head of strategic purchasing at Hugo Boss AG
• Greening Your Supply Chain

ISM is eager to keep up ongoing efforts to model responsible corporate citizenship and help preserve the environment. ISM, the America's Center, Freeman (our exhibit hall decorator) and official Conference hotels and our Conference attendees are all joining together in being proactive and forward thinking.

About Institute for Supply Management™ (ISM) www.ism.ws
As the largest supply management institute in the world, the mission of Institute for Supply Management™ (ISM) is to lead supply management. By executing and extending its mission through education, research, standards of excellence, influence building and information dissemination — including the renowned monthly ISM Report On Business® — ISM continues to extend the global impact of supply management. ISM is proud to recognize professional excellence in supply management with awards such as the ISM R. Gene Richter Awards for Leadership and Innovation in Supply Management and the J. Shipman Gold Medal Award. ISM's membership base includes more than 40,000 supply management professionals in 75 countries. Supply management professionals are responsible for trillions of dollars in the purchases of products and services annually. ISM is a member of the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM).

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