Mission/Purpose:

Since 1991, NAPM-GLPA has served supply management professionals in the Greater Lafayette area through the development of high ethical standards for our profession, the promotion of certification and quality educational programs, the application of purchasing and materials management methods, and the establishment of an environment which fosters networking opportunities.

General Information:

Membership is open to anyone currently employed in the field of purchasing, purchasing research, value analysis, inventory control, materials management, supply chain management or any other activity or function which is related to the purchasing or materials process.

NAPM-Greater Lafayette Purchasing Association is comprised of professionals engaged in purchasing and supply management within the Greater Lafayette area. It is one of 177 local affiliate of the Institute for Supply Management™ headquartered in Tempe, Arizona. Founded in 1915, ISM currently has over 40,000 members from around the globe.

NAPM-GLPA gathers the third Wednesday of every month for a dinner/speaker meeting. Cost for this dinner is free for members, $15.00 for non-members and $10.00 for student members.

A not-for-profit association, NAPM-GLPA offers a wide range of educational products and programs. As a member of NAPM-GLPA you will receive:

1. Inside Supply Management®
Our monthly magazine contains national and international information on new trends and developments in the profession plus insightful "how-to" articles. The magazine is published exclusively for ISM members.

2. Manufacturing and Non-Manufacturing ISM Report on Business® (ROB)
Published in Inside Supply Management®, our monthly survey of purchasing statistics is the first of its kind. It's considered by many economists to be the most reliable, near-term economic barometer available today.

3. Purchasing Advocate
No one understands better than ISM how purchasing affects the bottomline. One of our objectives is to promote the purchasing profession. Members have access to all ISM printed and electronic materials to help promote purchasing within the organizational infrastructure. We can help you communicate your value-added contributions to the senior management of your organization.

4. Affiliates
Gain valuable contacts within your community during monthly meetings and educational functions. Keep on top of local industry changes and commodity trends. Be a part of a growing association run by and for purchasing and materials management professionals.

5. C.P.M. and A.P.P. Programs
ISM offers two professional designations. The Accredited Purchasing Practitioner (A.P.P.) program is for entry-level buyers primarily engaged in the tactical or operational side of purchasing/materials management. It is also available to those outside of an organization's purchasing/materials management department with definite procurement (supply chain management) responsibilities. The Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) program focuses on the managerial, administrative, and strategic, as well as tactical aspects of the purchasing and materials management function. Both programs are designed for those working in any of the major private, public, or non-profit work sectors. Both programs are administered by ISM and members receive discounts on exams and study materials.

6. ISM Members Only Web site
Unlock the possibilities of this valuable research tool. Members can search an extensive database for information and articles on supply management issues, take part in professional forums, contact their local affiliates or other related organizations, and learn about ISM's assortment of educational products and services.

7. Committees
Acquire new skills in planning, managing, and organizing while developing your leadership potential. Some committee members report on economic conditions (the primary statistics become the highly-respected Report on Business®), direct ISM's annual conference, assist in program development, and much more. Only ISM members can participate.

8. Special Interest Groups and Forums
Gain a deeper understanding of your purchasing specialty and develop valuable connections around the world when you join and ISM special interest group or forum. Interest areas range from materials management to health care providers to federal acquisition.

9. CAPS Research
ISM members receive purchasing-related research studies and benchmarks free from CAPS, the only national not-for-profit research center in purchasing and materials management. Participants include more than one hundred Fortune 500 companies.

10. Seminars
Enhance your professional development and job performance when you enroll in ISM seminars taught by experienced instructors.

11. Professional Development Resources
Over 80 different audio/video programs and over 50 different books to choose from. All programs are designed to heighten your acumen in a variety of subjects, including: Global sourcing, negotiations, legal issues, and supply management. ISM members save on all purchases and rentals.

12. Annual International Purchasing Conference
Network with 2000 peers at the only international conference devoted exclusively to purchasing and supply management. This conference attracts distinguished speakers to discuss current national and international issues and features several sessions highlighted by prominent corporate leaders. ISM members receive significant savings on registration fees.

13. The Journal of Supply Chain Management
The nation's first scholarly journal devoted exclusively to purchasing and materials management research and development. New members receive more than one-half off the 1 year subscription rate.

14. Recognition and Awards
Earn recognition when you are rewarded for exemplary service to ISM and the profession at large. The J. Shipman Gold Medal, established in 1931, is the purchasing profession's highest honor; other awards are given to ISM members for outstanding performance in the categories of Education/Learning, Innovation/Creativity, Leadership, Marketing/Communicating and Volunteerism.

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