ISM’s 94th Annual International Supply Management Conference and Educational Exhibit concluded this week. Over the last several days, myriad topics were covered with something for everyone to take back to their organizations.

We look forward to seeing you next year in San Diego!

94th Annual

Taking a look at the past few years, it’s clear that today’s logistical issues were yesterday’s logistics challenges, as well. In their presentation, “Combating the Logistics Perfect Storm: An Update,” Lee Buddress, Ph.D., C.P.M., Robert G. Gleason Professor and Director of the Supply and Logistics Management Program at Portland State University; and Michael E. Smith, Ph.D., associate professor of management and international business at Western Carolina University, examined a variety of transportation...

94th Annual

In their presentation, “The 7 Secrets of Strategic Sourcing,” R. David Nelson, C.P.M., senior advisor for the David Nelson Group; and Ken H. Killen, MBA, Ed.D., C.P.M., consultant for Killen Enterprises, discussed how to optimize your supply chain through supplier relationship management (SRM).

The following examines seven leading-edge SRM strategies that will enhance relationships with key suppliers and streamline the supply chain.

1. Form a team or teams (depending...

94th Annual

Since 1931, ISM has awarded an individual annually with the profession’s highest honor, the J. Shipman Gold Medal Award. It was today during a ceremony at ISM’s 94th Annual International Supply Management Conference and Educational Exhibit that this year’s recipient accepted his award: Richard D. Rich, C.P.M., director of enterprise risk management for Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc. in Tampa, Florida, and former president from 1998 to 1999 of what was then NAPM.

In his 35-year...

94th Annual

This morning’s keynote address included manufacturing and non-manufacturing economic insights from Norbert J. Ore, CPSM, C.P.M., chair of the ISM Manufacturing Business Survey Committee; and Anthony S. Nieves, C.P.M., CFPM, chair of the ISM Non-Manufacturing Business Survey Committee, and senior vice president — supply management for Hilton Hotels Corporation.

Additional economic perspectives were provided by notable economists Dr. Mickey D. levy, chief economist for Bank of America;...

94th Annual