It seems the dinner meetings keep getting better and better.

If you missed the December Dinner Meeting, you really missed an amazing opportunity to see how the other side thinks. And as always, the food was spectacular. For those keeping track at home, I kept my indulgence to a single helping (except for the pecan pie, my favorite). Even better than the pecan pie was the musical contribution of ISM-LA's very own, Peter Wade. Events in neighboring ballrooms all came to a stop as their attendees all rushed to our doorway for a peak at his talent. The board thanks you for your gift, Peter.

While on the subject of gratitude, a special thank you goes to all the suppliers and ISM-LA members that made our first annual Supplier/ Buyer Round Table event special. Deviating from the traditional supplier fair format of years past, this year we embraced the inherent educational opportunities available when both sides of the purchasing transaction, the buyer and the seller, meet face to face. The suppliers in attendance (IASTA, COAST/ACM, McMahan Furniture, Garrett Callahan, Stevens Air, Bear Com and Grainger) were recruited by the Board and each lead their table in round table discussions on topics like Early Supplier Involvement and Reverse Auctions.

It is important to note that the suppliers' involvement extended beyond the personal time and energy it took to prepare for and attend the meeting. Each table's financial sponsorship underlined the supplier's support for ISM-LA's continued efforts to present the best and most exciting dinner meetings possible.

The evening was also made special by the generous donations of literally box loads of unwrapped toys, all of which are going to be donated to a local charity. If you were not able to donate this month, we will be continuing the Toy Drive at next month's meeting.

Speaking of next month, don't forget to register early at www.ismla.org for the January Dinner Meeting, taking place Thursday, January 6, 2005 at 5:30pm at the Hilton LAX. The featured topic will be the STATE OF SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT- presented by CHRYS VARNEY.

In the mean time, and on behalf of my fellow Board Members, we wish you and yours the happiest Holiday Season. We will see you on the other side. Have fun and be safe.

Thanks,
Lance

Lance Hedges, C.P.M.
Director of Communications
Institute of Supply Management- Los Angeles