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

March

25

2025

MEMBER WEBINAR
Member Only

Implementing Generative AI – Strategies and Successes

Implementing generative AI involves integrating advanced algorithms to create content, enhance creativity, and automate tasks. Key strategies include leveraging robust data sets, ensuring ethical use, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Successes span diverse industries, from consulting to technology to nutrition, showcasing AI's transformative potential and innovative applications. Learn how industry leading companies are making the transformation.

Online
Register Now

March

27

2025

MEMBER WEBINAR
Member Only

Getting Started with Supply Chain Design

With FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt) embroiling global supply chains, leaders must be proactive and intentional in assessing their supply chains and designing them for the future. But how to start? Ralph Asher of Data Driven Supply Chain LLC will discuss how to get started in supply chain design and answer common questions. This talk will equip organizations to embark on their supply chain design journey, future-proof their supply chains, and build competitive moats.

This session will dive into addressing the following questions:

  • How does supply chain design differ from supply chain planning and optimization?
  • What are some of the strategic questions that we can answer with supply chain design?
  • What data do we need to get started in supply chain design? (Hint: much less than you may think!)
  • How do we measure ROI in supply chain design projects?
  • Should we build an internal team or use consultants for supply chain design projects?
  • Commercial software vs. open-source software: what are the pros and cons for supply chain design?

Online
Register Now

April

10

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 Bindiya Vakil will also provide insights based on respective data and research from both organizations.

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

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March 11, 2025
Articles

In “the most challenging time” for the profession, the ISM World 2025 Annual Conference is designed to inspire and celebrate genius amid global challenges and an ever-changing supply chain canvas.

Read More

  • The DEI Debate

    March 11, 2025
    Articles
    Member Only
    Executive orders have aimed to curtail diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the public sector, and some private companies have followed suit — clouding the future of such policies in supply chain organizations.

  • Forging the Future of Factories

    March 11, 2025
    Articles
    Member Only
    U.S. manufacturing is at a crossroads as the sector seeks to balance the tools, talent and technology to make up ground lost to China.

  • How to ‘Start Changing the Narrative’

    March 11, 2025
    Articles
    Member Only
    The progress of women’s representation in the supply management profession has stalled, but numerous strategies, some as simple as being true to oneself, can help individuals — and organizations — move forward.
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

ISM World 2025 Registration Open

Join your peers in Orlando, Florida, June 1-3, 2025. The ISM World Annual Conference is a world-class event designed to inspire fresh thinking and provide an educational experience that unites thought leaders, supply chain and procurement professionals, and the innovative suppliers that support them.

You'll leave with new connections, fresh insights, and the inspiration to spark new ideas within your professional community. Register today for the best rates!

Register Today

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.
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