In This SPECIAL Issue ...

• Semiannual Economic Forecast: Economic Slowdown to Continue in 2009.  Read more.
  
• Volunteer Positions Available — Deadline: December 15, 2008.  Read more.
  
• Register Now! 94th Annual ISM International Supply Management Conference and Educational Exhibit.  Read more.
  
• Term of the Day  Read more.
  
• Contact Us  Read more.
  

Semiannual Economic Forecast: Economic Slowdown to Continue in 2009

Economic growth in the United States will vary by industry and sector in 2009, say the nation's purchasing and supply management executives in their December 2008 Semiannual Economic Forecast. Expectations for 2009 are for the adverse conditions experienced in the second half of 2008 to continue in manufacturing, while the non-manufacturing sector foresees marginal growth say the nation's purchasing and supply management executives in their December 2008 Semiannual Economic Forecast The overall forecast lacks the sense of optimism that purchasing and supply managers have typically expressed about the U.S. economy in their annual forecast. The manufacturing sector overall is pessimistic about prospects in 2009 with revenues expected to decline in 12 of 18 industries, while the non-manufacturing sector appears more positive about the year ahead with 8 of 18 industries expecting higher-than-average revenues. Business investment, a major driver in the U.S. economy, will decline as both sectors expect a combined 7.6 percent decline in capital spending.

These projections are part of the forecast issued by the Business Survey Committee of the Institute for Supply Management™ (ISM). The forecast was released today by Norbert J. Ore, C.P.M., chair of the ISM Manufacturing Business Survey Committee; and by Anthony S. Nieves, C.P.M., CFPM, chair of the ISM Non-Manufacturing Business Survey Committee, and senior vice president — supply management, Hilton Hotels Corporation.

To read the entire release click here.

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Volunteer Positions Available — Deadline: December 15, 2008

ISM committee and project positions available:

• Conference Leadership Committee (CLC)
• Diversity Committee
• Educational Resources Committee
• Ethical Standards Committee
• Professional Credentials Committee
• Affiliate, Group and Forum Relations Committee
• Leadership Training Planning Committees (LTC)
• Project Based Volunteer Activities

Individuals interested in these volunteer positions may indicate their qualifications and personal commitment to serve ISM in the desired position on the Volunteer Position Interest Form.

For more information and to access the Volunteer Position Interest Form, visit the ISM Home Page — click here.

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Register Now! 94th Annual ISM International Supply Management Conference and Educational Exhibit

As the first and the most respected supply management institute in the world, ISM is pleased to present the 94th Annual International Supply Management Conference and Educational Exhibit.

Attend the Conference and meet the best and the brightest in supply management. Workshop presenters represent successful practitioners and experts in the field. This is your chance to find out what works, who is best-in-class and how you can gain a competitive advantage.

For complete Conference details or to register, click here.

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Term of the Day

Today's ISM Term of the Day is: COST-TO-SALES RATIOS.

Definition: Ratios used to evaluate organizational effectiveness by identifying costs to be considered, e.g., logistical functions, overhead, cost of sales and measuring these against net or gross sales.

A different Term of the Day is posted on the ISM Home Page (www.ism.ws) each day -- 7 days a week. The Term of the Day is taken from the ISM Glossary of Key Supply Management Terms.

ISM members can access the online Members Only Glossary which includes terms from the private, public, and various industry sectors, and from a wide variety of sources. The Glossary can be browsed alphabetically, or searched by keyword.

To access the online Glossary click here.

If you are not a member but would like membership information click here.

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