| Good afternoon, ISM-LA!
Is there anyone who is not amazed at how fast time goes by? I cannot believe that one week ago today, we were all gathering at the Hilton LAX for our February dinner meeting. I guess if there is a positive to how fast the last week flew by its that we are one week closer to March’s Purchasing Month!
The Board would like to thank everyone who attended the meeting. Our turnout continues to be a point of pride for the board. Everyone is working hard to make it as enjoyable and worthwhile as possible. Some may say it’s the food. However, I would disagree. While each month’s buffet somehow seems to improve upon its predecessor’s (this month highlight - the green bean salad) to the point that I have to exercise self discipline in keeping my trips back for seconds into from turning into trips back for thirds, I know there is more to the success than the satiation of my immense appetite. I would submit it is the incredible list of presenters that our Executive Vice President Retha Hope put together. Jerry Grestel’s presentation of the Dr. Karass approach to negotiations was a fine example of Retha’s impact on our program year.
The presentation provided a very interesting, interactive and insightful look at the very activity that defines much of our job; negotiations. Regardless of our rank or position, from expediter to Vice President, we negotiate everyday. Mr. Grestel held a mirror aloft and challenged our very approach and execution, pointing out that we are probably paying more than we have to and selling for less than we can get.
Retha has made an impact on our organization because she answered a call and volunteered her time and energy on the Board of Directors. If you are interested in serving on the Board, and taking the extra step to help ISM-LA grow, please email Membership@ISMLA.org. We will be discussing Board Membership in greater detail at next month’s meeting.
Speaking of next month, March is Purchasing Month! Admittedly, I do not know how March was lucky enough to garner such an honored distinction. What I do know is that we plan to celebrate in fine form. ISM-LA is pleased to announce the special keynote speaker of Paul Novack, C.P.M., A.P.P. As CEO of the Institute of Supply Management, Mr. Novack will be sharing his unique insights into our profession and discussing the future direction of ISM. In addition, the evening is going to get kicked off with an invigorating and honest discussion of Communications in the Corporate Environment with J.P. Reynolds of Loyola Maramount University and JPR Communications. It will be an important night, but we count on your attendance to make it special. Make sure to register at www.ISMLA.org.
Make sure you continue to check out the calendar page at www.ISMLA.org to see all the exciting and upcoming C.P.M. Review Classes, Satellite seminars and Supplier Fairs. For those of you who missed the December 31 ISM deadline to reregister and need to renew, check out the details pertaining to our special April 23rd Seminar.
As a final heads up, please note the April dinner meeting will be on April 14th, the third Tuesday of the month, not the standard second.
I know this has been a long review, and if you are still with me, I appreciate your perseverance.
Have a great February!
Thanks,
Lance
Lance Hedges, C.P.M.
Director of Communications
Institute of Supply Management- Los Angeles
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