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®), Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity® (CPSD®), and Associate Professional in Supply Management® (APSM®).

 

 

 

 

 

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

Upcoming Events

November

18

2025

MEMBER WEBINAR
Member Only

Accelerating AI in Industry: From Machine Learning to Agentic Intelligence

Explore the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and its transformative impact across industries. This webinar will delve into the progression from traditional machine learning to generative AI and the emerging frontier of agentic AI—autonomous systems capable of goal-directed behavior. Learn how these technologies are reshaping operations, decision-making, and innovation.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand the distinctions between machine learning, generative AI, and agentic AI.
  2. Evaluate the strategic implications of adopting advanced AI systems.
  3. Explore future trends and ethical considerations in autonomous AI deployment.
Online

December

04

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

January

20

2026

MEMBER WEBINAR
Member Only

2026 Procurement Agenda and Key Priorities

Join us for an exclusive webinar as we unveil the results of The Hackett Group’s 2026 Procurement Agenda and Key Issues Study. This interactive session will spotlight the top challenges, priorities, and forecasts shaping the future of procurement.

Discover what matters most to procurement professionals for 2026:

  • Essential companywide objectives, emerging risks, and strategic priorities
  • Key trends set to transform procurement over the next five years
  • Transformation plans and technology strategies, including the rise of AI-enabled solutions
  • Projected changes in workloads, staffing, budgets, and technology investments

    Gain actionable insights from industry leaders and learn how your peers are preparing for success in a rapidly evolving landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to benchmark your organization and shape your strategy for the year ahead.

  • Highlights from the President

    Hello Northwest Supply Chain Professionals,

    Welcome to the 2024-2025 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.

    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 supply chain professionals and students who are the future of our profession. 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.

    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. 

    Thomas Le, CPSM

    President, ISM—Western Washington

    Supply Management News & Reports

    Data Disasters: Is Supplier Data Hindering Performance?

    October 13, 2025
    Articles

    What if the biggest threat to your procurement performance isn’t a supplier delay, but poor and insufficient data within your systems? If your organization lacks in-depth supplier information, you are not alone. 

    Read 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