The Mission of ISM-7 Counties is to enhance the perception of the supply management profession and support the ideals and goals of ISM (National) by providing quality education programs for both members and non-members. In addition, ISM-7 Counties provides opportunities for supply management professionals to network among and communicate with each other and members of other supply management organizations.
Click the link below for an application:
https://www.ism.ws/secure/membership/applyonline.cfm?affiliateID=179&Renew
Why am I in Procurement? by Bev Simon
Funny how you fall into your career. I was never one to really ‘shop’ like other girls when I was growing up.
Sure, I spent my share of time in the mall, but usually in and out with a specific mission.
So, why did I end up in buying for a profession?
Could it be that my husband, the Chef, was buying for the hotel in which we both worked before we were married?
Could it be going back to junior high school when we had a mock murder trial in my history class and I was on the jury as the “Buyer of curtains and drapes for JC Penney” because that is what my next door neighbor did and I thought it was a cool job.
I had no idea it was a career or that I would end up doing it. Or that it is more than spending money.
The definition of Procurement from Wikipedia.org is:
Procurement is the acquisition of goods and/or services at the best possible total cost of ownership, in the right quantity and quality, at the right time, in the right place and from the right source for the direct benefit or use of corporations, or individuals, generally via a contract. Simple procurement may involve nothing more than repeat purchasing. Complex procurement could involve finding long term partners – or even 'co-destiny' suppliers that might fundamentally commit one organization to another.
Someone actually gave me the definition when I landed my first buying job. I never heard of Procurement until then. I knew of buying and purchasing but that was it. I had no idea what buying for a production/manufacturing facility would be like. Then again, I knew little about corporate America up until that point.
Even in today’s tough economy, I still find the role exciting. I do not, as I often have coined the term, ‘get paid to nag and spend money.’ My role in Procurement has taken me across the globe in search of goods and/or services to fulfill a requirement. I have learned about different cultures. I have travelled through the United States in search of a perfect supplier and solution to a problem. I have moved 3 times for a Procurement job. I flew on 9/9, but now drive across country after 9/11. I have eaten alligator, grits and ribs. I saw a buffalo roaming free on the side of the road in southern Illinois and my quality guy I was traveling with wanted to stop to ‘pet it.’ I have been asked to search for a variety of things throguh the years. To date, the oddest thing was an urn for my boss’ wife’s ashes. I have learned about the production of paper, candy, pharmaceuticals, plastics, hip implants, printing, chemicals, contract packaging, travel, cars. These are just some of the things I have learned about through the years. And all because I was in Procurement.
It is not just buying somethng that adds excitement to the field. It is the research, the people you meet, the learning of what really makes people tick. It is the global network of contacts, friends and business associates. And, yes, it really is global in this day and age with the internet and networking web sites like Linkedin.
Procurement is a full life cycle of a relationship. It is a marriage, a give and take to make it work. It is improving from the status quo. It is going above and beyond. It is covering and protecting yourself and the company for which you work.
Okay, I will get off my soapbox now. Like you, I hope and pray that our new Administration in 2009 will help to keep careers and jobs like this one viable in our country.
