ISM-Western Washington, Inc.

A Chapter of the Institute for Supply Management working together to advance the profession of supply management.

Western Washington's Leading Supply Chain Management Professionals

Education. Leadership. Networking.

ISM—Western Washington has been proudly affiliated with Institute for Supply Management® (ISM®) for 100 years. We are one of many global chapters representing ISM and our membership consists of a wide variety of supply management professionals in different industries and at all levels in their careers.

ISM—Western Washington remains dedicated to promoting educational and networking events for supply management professionals in the Pacific Northwest region. We support the professional certifications through ISM, including Certified Professional in Supply Management® (CPSM®) and Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity® (CPSD®).

 

 

 

 

 

ISM 2023 Conference, Dallas, Texas:  Jason Phelps, Rick McGuire, Thomas Le, Tom Derry (ISM CEO), Melinda Stewart, Lorie Day and Karen Owens.
 

Upcoming Events

July

15

2025

MEMBER WEBINAR
Member Only

Camouflaged Challenges in Relational Contracting: How to Best Prepare

Join us for an insightful virtual webinar on relational contracting, where we will explore how this innovative approach can generate value beyond mere cost savings. As certified coaches, our speakers have guided numerous companies through the process of establishing successful business relationships.

During this webinar, you will:

  • Understand the common challenges and obstacles experienced during the relational contract development process. Despite its many successes, relational contracting often presents challenges that are not easily detected. These camouflaged issues, if left unaddressed, can lead to significant problems.
  • Gain awareness on how to prepare well before the start of the relational contracting development process. We will share practical insights and tangible tools to help you recognize and manage potential challenges along the way.
  • Gain insights on potential solutions to common challenges. In our speaker's recently published book, we delve into these challenges through real-life case studies and provide effective solutions.
  • Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of relational contracting and ensure your business relationships thrive. Don't miss this opportunity to learn and enhance your approach to relational contracting.

Online
Register Now

July

17

2025

MEMBER WEBINAR
Member Only

Quarterly State of Risk Update

Join the executive leaders from ISM and Resilinc as they come together as part of a quarterly series to discuss the latest and emerging risks and disruptions impacting global supply chains. ISM CEO Tom Derry and Resilinc CEO Kamal Ahluwalia will also provide insights based on respective data and research from both organizations.

Online
Register Now

August

12

2025

MEMBER WEBINAR
Member Only

ISM Member Community Speed Networking

Are you ready to expand your network and make meaningful connections? Our virtual speed networking event is the perfect opportunity to meet new people within our growing membership community. In just one hour, you'll have the chance to engage in dynamic, one-on-one conversations with fellow members, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships. Whether you're looking to collaborate, share insights, or simply make new friends, this is your networking power hour!

Don't miss out on this fun and interactive experience. Come prepared to connect, converse, and create lasting connections.

Online
Register Now
View All Education

Highlights from the President

Hello Northwest Supply Chain Professionals,

Welcome to the 2023-2024 ISM—Western Washington professional development season.  September will kick off our yearly professional educational series again that will run monthly through May. We will have another great lineup this year.

I am also very excited to inform you that this year’s theme at ISM—Western Washington is:  “Building the Future.”

We will be focused on three key areas:

  1. Provide in-person networking events to help you meet and connect with other supply chain professionals in a relaxed environment.  These face-to-face social events are intended for our members to build their network that will help provide future opportunities in collaboration, employment and hopefully friendships across industries.
  2. Build connections between ISM professionals and students who are the future of our industry. We will accomplish this by building connections with local colleges and universities, providing additional opportunities for ISM members to mentor, guest speak and provide guidance for the next generation of supply chain professionals.
  3. Build a formalized VoM (Voice of Member) feedback system and VoM committee so we can continue to build programs and events that will shape the future of ISM—Western Washington. Your feedback and ideas are critical to continuing to improve and progress as a professional organization.

COVID has emphasized the fact that supply chain professionals always face new challenges, things to learn, ideas to explore and the need for collaboration. It was a period where our profession was tested and challenged in many ways over an intense period of time. I am confident in saying we came out the other end stronger and even more knowledgeable.  This year ISM—Western Washington will look to bring supply chain professionals in the Northwest together to share those challenging times and lessons learned while helping guide and build up those who will be the future of our profession.

I look forward to seeing you at events and engaging with you as we continue to shape the future of ISM—Western Washington. 

Jason Phelps, CPSM

President, ISM—Western Washington

Supply Management News & Reports

digital scale photo

An Introduction to Supply Chain Optimization

June 23, 2025
Articles

  • Sponsored |

    Businesses have goals related to growth, market share, profitability, sustainability, customer service, and so on. But there are limits, like how much a factory can make, how many workers and materials are available, and how much space there is in a warehouse. To figure out the best way to run the supply chain, you have to look at lots of different options and pick the one that works best for the business. Optimization is a mathematics technique that is best suited to enable businesses to meet their objectives.

Read More
View More

Join ISM

Your membership in ISM will provide a powerful path to stay connected, engaged, and up-to-date with everything happening in supply management. Serious procurement and supply chain professionals are dedicated to staying in the know about their profession and staying at the top of their game. An ISM membership will provide you with that and more.

More than 100 years of experience speaks for itself – ISM can help you succeed. It's our mission.

Become A Member

Unlock AI for Smarter Supply Chain Decisions

The AI Playbook for Supply Chain Professionals is your practical guide to using AI to drive smarter decisions. From supplier negotiations to risk management, this on-demand toolkit offers real-world examples, ready-to-use prompts, and expert strategies tailored to the profession. Learn how to apply AI confidently and effectively-no technical background required.

Access the Toolkit

Join the Report On Business®  Survey Panel

ISM®'s Manufacturing, Services, and Hospital Report On Business® gather data monthly through surveys of supply management professionals participating in the Business Survey Committee.

Participation in the survey panel provides many benefits:

  • Receive a copy of the just-released Report On Business® graphical data
  • Directly see how your contribution affects the markets each month
  • Earn Continuing Education Hours

Click the link below to submit your information and someone will reach out to connect for a quick virtual call!

Join the Survey Panel

ISM-Western Washington Inc.

Bellevue, Washington 98004
info@ismwwa.org
Institute for Supply Management
We advance the practice of supply management to drive value and competitive advantage, and contribute to a prosperous, sustainable world.
Visit ISM on Social Media
©2025 ISM. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Terms of Service