503.652.0945

I have been a volunteer with the Institute for Supply Management for over 8 years, holding positions with the ISM – Northeast Wisconsin, and the Northwest Supply Management Association – Portland Oregon.
The benefits received through my volunteer positions as Meeting Greeter, Director of Membership, Director of Education, & Education Committee Volunteer, have far exceeded all the time I have committed.
I have learned how a non-profit organization is run, about the different titles & responsibilities of a board of directors, what it takes to be a profitable ISM affiliate, how to persuade busy professionals to commit to dedicating their time, how to successfully organize & market an event, and the dynamics of having fun and working hard with a diverse group of team members.
 The most valuable lesson I have learned is this:  In order to be a successful business or organization, you must remember to stick to the Basics of Business, have a good budget and adhere to it, and always remember to meet the customer/member needs.
The most gratifying experiences over the years has been mentoring those who were new to Purchasing & Supply Management, and seeing them grow professionally and advance in their careers.
It’s truly been a pleasure to have worked with so many Dynamic Professionals… I am grateful  for the really Super Friends I have met in my ISM endeavors.
Sincerely,
Paulette Morris, A.P.P.,  C.P.M.,

Columbia Machine, Inc.
360.694.1501

Volunteering within NSMA has allowed me to meet a number of members, building my networking ability, and has kept me actively involved and contributing to our great organization.  From facilitating C.P.M. courses (which in turn helped me complete my C.P.M. testing), to going outside my comfort zone and working on the Internet/Services committee and feeling a sense of accomplishment in helping redesign our organization’s website – have all added to the experience of being a member.  I am currently serving a two-year term on the Board of Directors and enjoy helping set the direction of the organization and finding ways to benefit all of our members.  I would encourage any member that has a desire to be involved further in the organization to start out volunteering on a committee, or with any short term tasks that a committee may need help with.  You will find that it is fun and rewarding both personally and professionally!

Bonneville Power Administration
360.418.2518

Harriet Naylor said it best when she said, “volunteering can be an exciting, growing, enjoyable experience. It is truly gratifying to serve a cause, practice one's ideals, work with people, solve problems, see benefits, and know one had a hand in them.”  My time with NSMA as Secretary/Treasurer has allowed me the opportunity to work with a great group of people to enhance the procurement profession in the Portland-Southwest Washington area by providing education and networking opportunities.

Portland Community College
Purchasing Manager
971.722.2831

Unified Western Grocers
Sales Manager
503.658.5478

NSMA is an organization for the betterment of our profession and as a member and Director I have been able to interact with many peers.  As a group we have an obligation to train and mentor the next generation of Supply Chain professionals.  I encourage any person in the supply chain equation to become a member of NSMA.  The opportunities for learning are only limited by an individual’s imagination, determination and willingness to learn.

As a purchasing manager for a local manufacturer and Board Member of NSMA I have learned the interaction between NSMA members is a direct benefit to my employer and me.

The support of the organization is a welcome addition to anyone’s toolbox.

Georgia Pacific
Purchasing Manager
503.455.3373

Georgia Pacific Corp.
Senior Buyer
503.455.3646