In This Issue...

• February Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®: Business Activity at 60.1%.  Read more.
  
• Latest JPMorgan Global PMI: Global Report on Manufacturing.  Read more.
  
• Celebrate 2006 Supply Management Month.  Read more.
  
• ISM's Annual Conference Exhibit Hall Information.   Read more.
  
• Why do We Need the New CPSM Qualification?.  Read more.
  
• Term of the Day.  Read more.
  
• Contact Us.  Read more.
  

February Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®: Business Activity at 60.1%

Business activity in the non-manufacturing sector increased in February 2006, say the nation's purchasing and supply executives in the latest Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®.

The report was issued today by Ralph G. Kauffman, Ph.D., C.P.M., chair of the Institute for Supply Management™ Non-Manufacturing Business Survey Committee and coordinator of the Supply Chain Management Program, University of Houston-Downtown. "Non-manufacturing business activity increased for the 35th consecutive month in February," Kauffman said. He added, "Business Activity and New Orders increased at faster rates in February than in January. Backlog of Orders, Employment and New Export Orders also increased at faster rates, while Prices increased at a slower rate than in January. Ten of 17 non-manufacturing industry sectors report increased activity in February, compared to eight that reported increased activity in January. After indicating slower rates of growth in January, most indexes indicated increased rates of growth in February. Members' comments in February are mostly positive concerning current business conditions. Price increases are still a topic of concern for a number of members. The Prices Index declined this month, but remains in a historically high range for the ISM Non-Manufacturing Business Survey. The overall indication in February is continued economic growth in the non-manufacturing sector."

To read the entire report click here.

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Latest JPMorgan Global PMI: Global Report on Manufacturing

Growth of global manufacturing output and new orders picked up to fastest rates since mid-2004, encouraging greater creation of jobs.

Stronger growth of production, new orders and employment led to an improvement in global manufacturing operating conditions in February. The JPMorgan Global Manufacturing PMI rose for the first time in four months and, at 55.3, reached its highest for one-and-a-half years. The latest movement in the PMI suggests that the global manufacturing sector is strengthening following a steady period of consolidation seen towards the end of 2005.

For the complete release click here.

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Celebrate 2006 Supply Management Month

ISM has been preparing months in advance to capitalize on 2006 Supply Management Month at the national level. The theme for 2006 Supply Management Month is, "Supply Management: Maximizing Opportunities, Managing Risk." This theme made its debut in March 2005 when ISM launched the official supply management image campaign. The image campaign theme is designed to run for several years in order to make a memorable impact on the perception of supply management and raise awareness of the value of the profession.

This year, ISM has placed ads in two national business publications and will be running a radio spot nationwide during 2006 Supply Management Month. Watch for a print ad in BusinessWeek's March 6 and March 20 issues. Watch for a print ad in USA Today on March 24.

This month, on air credits can be heard on National Public Radio (NPR) during select newscasts and programs including "All Things Considered" and "Talk of the Nation." NPR listeners will hear an ISM credit that mentions the Supply Management Month/Image Campaign theme. A second ISM credit will mention Institute for Supply Management as the source of the monthly ISM Report On Business®. Both spots will direct listeners to the ISM Web site. These two on air spots will run nine times a week all throughout March. The on air credit spots will resume in late summer.

For more information on the 2006 Supply Management Month campaign click here.

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ISM's Annual Conference Exhibit Hall Information

"Leadership in Supply Management," that's the theme of ISM's International Supply Management Conference. Throughout the year, ISM strives to provide leading and strategic information to supply managers and this conference is the culmination of those efforts. We've put together a great agenda that includes workshops, keynote speakers, panels and networking events. The conference attracts supply management professionals who come to share their experiences and learn cutting-edge practices.

The Exhibit Hall is a great place to network, and see all 100-plus suppliers -- all in the same room.

Exhibit Hall Hours

If your company is interested in becoming an exhibitor there are still exhibit and sponsorship opportunities available. For more information click here.

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Why do We Need the New CPSM Qualification?

The development of the CPSM further enhances ISM's mission to lead supply management. The qualification will recognize the expanded education, skills and experience needed to be successful as a supply manager. Today's professionals are facing both increasingly complex supply relationships and a greater reliance on technology. ISM assumes the responsibility to raise its professional and educational standards to meet the current and future demands of the profession.

ISM's Certification Committee and ISM's Board of Directors agree that the development of the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) qualification is a necessary and forward-thinking move for the organization and the profession. The CPSM will include information on all segments of supply management as defined by ISM.

For more information on the CPSM Qualification click here.

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Term of the Day

Today's ISM Term of the Day is: LEADING INDICATOR.

Definition: A measure of economic activity that changes before the business cycle does and thus indicates its future direction.

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 Glossary of Key Supply Management Terms.

ISM members can access the online Members Only Glossary of Key Supply Management Terms 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 Glossary click here.

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

Help us update this Glossary! If you don't find the term or definition that you are looking for let us know. We will be updating the ISM Glossary in the coming months, and your input will be useful for the new edition. To contact us regarding the Glossary, e-mail: mpeck@ism.ws

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Contact Us

Questions/Comments? Contact RaeAnn Slaybaugh.

If you would like to sponsor this e-newsletter, contact Kathy Braase or Trish True.

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