MARCH, 2014Education and certification are paramount to your career.

In our 95th year of being an affiliate of ISM, we are constantly striving to provide our members educational opportunities. Our participation at the Supply Chain Conference has provided additional funds allowing us to have things such as the half-day free seminar in March on the future of our profession and the upcoming legal seminar on May 14, 2014.

If you think you have a program you would like us to present next year, please do not hesitate to let one of your board members know or email me: president@ismggr.org.

There is a reward from ISM if you register for the International Conference by April 15. That reward will come to the affiliate as a monetary reward that can then be used by ISMGGR for educational purposes. Please see the separate article.

The Supply Chain Conference co-sponsored by ISMGGR, APICS, CSCMP, and The Right Place was again another success with a complete sell out.

Those members who attended and need the CEH hours for certification, please let me know and I will make sure that you get your documentation.

Thank you all for your support this past year.

Thomas Cole, C.P.M.PresidentISM Greater Grand Rapidspresident@ismggr.org

President’s Message

“Keep the dream alive. Hit the snooze button.”

-Anonymous

GRAND RAPIDS AREA EDUCATIONAL EVENTS

Professional Development and Networking Dinner Meeting Featuring Dr. Steven Melnyk, Michigan State University - “Inoperability – The Key to Harmonizing the Supply Chain”TUESDAY, April 8, 2014 Eberhard Center GVSU 5:00 PM Registration & Networking 6:00 PM Dinner 7:00 PM Presentation

Professional Development and Networking Dinner Meeting Featuring Ernest Gabbard, JD, C.P.M., CPSM, CPCM - “Contract Law”TUESDAY, May 13, 2014 GVSU DeVos Center 5:00 PM Registration & Networking 6:00 PM Dinner 7:00 PM Presentation

Full-Day Seminar Featuring Ernest Gabbard, JD, C.P.M., CPSM, CPCM - “Contract Risks”WEDNESDAY, May 14, 2014 GVSU DeVos Center 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

ISM GREATER GRAND RAPIDS EDUCATION SCHEDULE 2014

ISM GREATER GRAND RAPIDS EDUCATION SCHEDULE 2014 (cont’d)

ISM International Conference www.ism.ws May 5 - 7, 2014 Las Vegas, Nevada

ISM Webinar Featuring “Supply Chain and Finance”THURSDAY, April 10, 2014 12 Noon – 1:00 PM

ISM Webinar Featuring “Contracting For Services”THURSDAY, July 17, 2014 12 Noon – 1:00 PM

OTHER SCHEDULED EDUCATIONAL EVENTS

Professional Development and Networking Meeting Featuring “Employment Trends and Industry Outlook in S.W. Michigan” TUESDAY, April 15, 2014 from 5 PM to 7 PM Fetzer Center at WMU Kalamazoo 5:15 PM Hors d’oeuvres 6:00 PM Speaker/Presentation

KALAMAZOO AREA EDUCATIONAL MEETINGS

Supply chain management is now well-established. The new keys to success are seamless alignment with corporate strategy and effective integration with key partners in the supply chain. A new approach to interoperability is critical. We have to move beyond the important issues of data, processes, and measures. Alone, these are insufficient for properly aligned and effective supply chains. Issues such as expectations, roles, activities, business models, and culture are emerging as critical enablers. These additional dimensions of interoperability will enable businesses to transition from a set of discordant voices competing for attention to a harmonious band all working towards the outcome – a supply chain that is tuned.

STEVEN A. MELNYK is Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management (Ph.D. – The Ivey School, University of Western Ontario, 1981) at Michigan State University. He has co-authored 16 books on operations and supply chain management. His research interests include supply chain and design, metrics/system measurement, responsiveness supply chains, supply chain design, and Environmentally Responsible Manufacturing (ERM). Dr. Steven A. Melnyk is an active researcher whose articles have appeared in over 80 international and national refereed journals. Dr. Melnyk sits on the editorial review board for Production and Inventory Management, the Journal of Business Logistics, the Journal of Supply Chain Management, the Journal of Business Logistics, the Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management (where he is co-author for North America), and the International Journal of Production Research. Dr. Melnyk is known for his ability to bridge the gap between the academic and practitioner worlds. He has spoken extensively nationally and internationally at meetings of such organizations as ISM, APICS, Supply Chain Council, SAPICS, InterLog, General Services Administration, National Defense Industry Association, Decisions Sciences Institute, Production and Operations Management Society, and North American Research Symposium. Dr. Melnyk is part of an initiative currently being undertaken at Michigan State University to make the entire system more sustainable through an integrated approach. He is also working actively with the purchasing group at Michigan State University to bring sustainability into the purchasing function. Finally, Dr. Melnyk is now a member of the APICS 2014 Board of Directors.

Email: melnyk@msu.edu; telephone: 517-432-6410

INTEROPERABILITY - THE KEY TO HARMONIZING THE SUPPLY CHAIN!APRIL 8, 2014

ISM INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE - MAY 5-7, 2014 – LAS VEGAS, NV

It’s no secret that without our affiliates, ISM would not be the world-class organization it is. With that in mind, we have been looking for a way to increase participation at ISM2014, while supporting our affiliates. Starting March 1st and continuing through April 15th, any affiliate member who registers for ISM2014, using the affiliate three digit code #270, will trigger a $140 donation to your affiliate - that’s about 10% of the registration fee! These funds can be used to increase affiliate participation throughout the year or as your board sees fit.

This year’s Conference features T. Boone Pickens, Mark Zandi and the world famous Second City comedy troupe. CNBC calls Pickens the Oracle of Oil, because of his uncanny predictions about oil supply and cost. Tens of thousands of products in the supply chain are directly affected by oil supply and costs. That’s why you and your affiliate members need to see T. Boone Pickens at ISM2014 – because It’s All About You! Second City, on the other hand, is putting together a special show dedicated to supply chain management - with humor at our expense!

I’m asking you to communicate to your members about meeting us at ISM2014 in Las Vegas, May 5– May 7, 2014. ISM GREATER GRAND RAPIDS THREE DIGIT NUMBER IS 270.

NOTES ON THE INTERNATIONAL ISM CONFERENCE

The contemporary supply management professional (SMP) is functioning in a challenging environment, with inherent risks to be mitigated. The supply contract, which often takes the form of a purchase order, is the primary tool with which the SMP can properly allocate these risks between the purchaser and the seller.

Our speaker will provide an overview of supply risk management and demonstrate its relationship with contract law and contracting. We will also explore the essential elements of a supply contract with respect to risk mitigation and management. This will be a practical approach which can be applied in most supply management organizations.

Ernest G. Gabbard, JD, CPSM, C.P.M., CPCM

Ernest G. Gabbard has over 25 years of supply management and contract management experience and recently retired as Executive Director of Strategic Sourcing for a Fortune 1000 corporation. In this position he was the Senior Procurement Executive; with strategic responsibility for ~$4 billion global spend, across 8 diverse divisions.

Ernest Gabbard was previously in senior procurement management positions with Hughes Aircraft, Teledyne Industries and Litton Industries. He has conducted business transactions in 34 countries, and resided for almost 14 years in Europe, Asia, and Middle East.

He is a frequent speaker on these subjects for professional organizations such as Institute for Supply Management (ISM), and National Contract Management Association (NCMA). His articles on procurement and contracting management issues have been published in numerous national publications. He also wrote the chapters on “Contracting and Subcontracting” in the latest edition of The Supply Management Handbook.

Ernest Gabbard holds several college degrees, including a Juris Doctorate (law) degree, and he taught Procurement, Contract Management, and Contract Law classes for California State University and University of California. He is currently on the Board of Advisors for Supply Chain Management at Duquesne University.

AFFILIATE MEMBERS: NO CHARGEAll others: $225.00

CONTRACT LAW AND CONTRACTING FOR SUPPLIER RISK MITIGATIONMAY 14, 2014 PDM

May 5-7, 2014 Las Vegas, NV▪ RegisterOnlineNow!▪ ConferenceInformation▪ LearningTracks▪ MegaSessions▪ RegistrationInformation▪ DownloadaRegistrationForm▪ Hotel&Travel▪ Pre-ConferenceSeminars▪ ExhibitHall◦ ExhibitHallMap◦ ExhibitorProspectus(PDF)◦ ExhibitorAgreementForm◦ SponsorshipOpportunities

ISM’sannualConferencedeliversrichcontentfrompractitionerswithastrongtrackrecordinthefield.Focusontopicsthatareimportanttoyouinglobalsupplychain,logistics,bigdataandanalytics,careerdevelopment,businessacumenorindirectspend.Jointhousandsofyourpeerstoexpandyournetworkandlearnaboutthetoday’schallengesinfinance,negotiations,leadership,suppliersegmentationandcompliance.

Learning Tracks:▪ Track1—EmergingPractitioners▪ Track2—SupplyChainManagementFuelingGrowth▪ Track3—GlobalSupplyChain▪ Track4—CareerDevelopment▪ Track5—TalentManagement▪ Track6—BusinessAcumeninSupplyChain▪ Track7—Logistics▪ Track8—GlobalEconomicIndicators▪ Track9—BigData,Analytics▪ Track10—BestPracticesinIndirectSpend

Annual Conference Pricing Member Nonmem-

berValue(1/7/14) US$1,099 US$1,479Early-Bird(2/18/14) US$1,229 US$1,579StandardRate(4/17/14) US$1,429 US$1,879After4/17/14 US$1,499 US$1,949

Questions?Emailcustsvc@ism.ws.Besuretoaskaboutourspecialgrouprates.

The Focus is You!

Current C.P.M.s may take the bridge exam to meet the exam requirement for the CPSM® designation.Last day to register for the bridge exam — December 31, 2014

Last day to take the bridge exam — December 31, 2015

What is the bridge exam?The bridge exam is a single exam for C.P.M.s in good standing who wish to earn the CPSM® designation. The bridge exam covers contemporary content and material not covered in the current C.P.M. exam. It is comprised of 180 questions (all scored) and candidates will be allowed three (3) hours to test. The last day to register for the bridge exam is December 31, 2014. Please note: ISM offices are closed from December 24, 2014 through January 4, 2015.

A Bachelors' degree from a regionally accredited institution and three years of full-time professional (non-clerical, non-support) supply management experience OR five years of full-time professional (non-clerical, non-support) without a degree is also required to bridge to the CPSM®.

Who is eligible to take the bridge exam?C.P.M.s in good standing are eligible to take the bridge exam. A Bachelors’ degree from a regionally accredited institution and three years of full-time professional (non-clerical, non-support) supply management experience OR five years of full-time professional (non-clerical, non-support) without a Bachelor's degree is also required to bridge to the CPSM®. The individual must be in good standing at the time of exam registration, the time of testing, and when they apply for the designation.

How do I know if I am a C.P.M. "in good standing"?You are a C.P.M. "in good standing" if your certification is current at the time you submit both your registration for the bridge exam and your application for the CPSM® designation. If your C.P.M. has expired, even if you are within your one-year grace period, your C.P.M. is NOT in good standing.

Lifetime C.P.M.s are always considered in good standing because their certification never expires.

To check your C.P.M. status: http://www.ism.ws/certification/CPMSearch.cfm?navItemNumber=15543

What kinds of study materials are available for bridge exam preparation?ISM has developed the CPSM® Study Guide, the ISM Professional Series (a 3-volume series of books supporting the content), and the CPSM® Diagnostic Kit to help you prepare for the CPSM® Bridge Exam.

In addition, ISM has compiled a Supplemental Reading List to help candidates prepare for their exams. These books have been chosen because of their focus on the expanded components of supply management.

Additional support materials such as the ISM Supply Management Handbook and the ISM Glossary of Supply Management Terms are available.

How much does the bridge exam cost?$199 for ISM members; $299 for non-members

All prices are per exam and are in U.S. dollars.

Exam registrations are valid for one (1) year from the date that ISM processes your registration. You must test by the expiration date to avoid forfeiting your exam fees.

CPSM BRIDGE EXAM

(cont’d)

Below are the nominees for the various elected board positions for the 2014-15 program year.

Should any affiliate member wishing to run for a position as a board member, they must submit their name to the current Board Secretary, Laurene Garchow, secretary@ismggr.org, no later than April 1, 2014. The announcement of the slate of candidates will be sent out to all members via an official communication listing the candidates. You will be able to place your vote electronically for the election.

Any five or more regular members acting jointly may present to the secretary not later than one week prior to the annual meeting (April 8) the names of any candidates which they wish to nominate and the respective offices for which they are nominated. The asecretary shall announce such nominations prior to the election.

Nominees for 2014-15 Board of Directors

Ballots will be emailed to all affiliate members on April 9, 2014. There will be a two-week period in which you will be able to vote. Results will be announced April 25, 2014.

CPSM BRIDGE EXAM (cont’d)

ELECTIONS

How do I register for bridge exam? You must contact ISM to register for an exam:

Register Online Phone: 800/888-6276, or 480/752-6276, option 8 Fax: 480/752-2299

ISMAttn: Customer Service2055 E. Centennial CircleTempe, AZ 85284Last day to register for the bridge exam is December 31, 2014. Please note: ISM offices are closed from December 24, 2014 through January 4, 2015.

Last day to take the bridge exam is December 31, 2015.

Your exam registration is valid for one year from the day ISM processes your registration. Payment is required in advance. You must test by the expiration date to avoid forfeiting your exam fees.

All our computer testing is done at Pearson VUE Testing Centers and can be scheduled at your convenience.

Examination fees are $199 per exam for ISM members and $299 per exam for non-members.

ISM POSITION NOMINEE President Thomas Cole, C.P.M. 1st Vice President Kristen Klenk, CPSM 2nd Vice President Kris Busman 3rd Vice President Mark Otto, C.P.M. Treasurer Dan Hosford, CPSM Past President Kip Smalligan Secretary Laurene Garchow, CPSM

Grand Valley State University Campus

NOTE: ISM Greater Grand Rapids uses the member’s information from ISM to generate all our mailings. In other words if you don’t have the correct information on file with ISM, then we will not have the correct information on you. Each month we download what ISM has on file for our members and that is what is used to contact you. SO IF YOU CHANGE YOUR POSITION OR NEED TO CORRECT YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION, GO TO www.ism.ws/membership to update your information.

PLEASE KEEP ISM UPDATED ON YOU!

Board Members and Contact Email AddressesThomas Cole, C.P.M. – President, president@ismggr.org

Jim Armantrout, CPSM, C.P.M. – 1st Vice President, vp1@ismggr.orgKris Busman – 2nd Vice President, vp2@ismggr.org

Mark Otto, C.P.M. – 3rd Vice President, vp3@ismggr.orgMark Dunn, CPSM, C.P.M. – Treasurer, treasurer@ismggr.orgLaurene Garchow, CPSM – Secretary, secretary@ismggr.org

Lois DeHaan, C.P.M., A.P.P. – Past President, pastpresident@ismggr.orgEdwin J Mancuso, C.P.M. – Education Committee, education@ismggr.org

Kristi Paul, C.P.M. – Board Advisor, advisor1@ismggr.orgEric J Kubeck, CPSM – Board Advisor, advisor2@ismggr.org

Daniel J Hosford, CPSM – Board Advisor, advisor3@ismggr.orgDeborah B Harsha, CPSM, C.P.M. – Board Advisor, advisor4@ismggr.org

Amy Poplaski, C.P.M. – Communications Committee, communications@ismggr.org Kip Smalligan – Webmaster, webmaster@ismggr.org

ISM Greater Grand Rapids - info@ismggr.org, www.ismggr.org • National ISM - www.ism.ws

Fetzer Center at WMU Map (Click On for More Details)