NAPM YOUNGSTOWN. . . "AT A CROSSROAD"
by Daniel D. Baker, C.P.M., A.P.P. President NAPM Youngstown, Inc.
More than 66 years have passed since a group of local purchasing professionals recog- nized the need to organize a group dedicated and focused on advancing the purchasing profession. There wasn't the Internet, social media, LinkedIn, etc. and this was their way to meet, network and exchange ideas on a regular basis. I remember when I first joined NAPM more than 25 years ago, all the activities offered. We had "Professional Development" meetings prior to the regular meeting. Classes were offered in certifi- cation for "Certified Purchasing Manager" (C.P.M.). At least one or two plant tours were held throughout the year. We have been involved for many years providing scholarships to YSU Business College. The association has, almost since its incep- tion, sponsored the annual golf outing and "Executive Night" to raise funds necessary to provide for these scholarships.
Many years ago when I was developing the first NAPM Youngstown website, I asked one of our most senior, long-standing members to write a brief history of the beginnings of our associations. I ask you to read the complete history by Carl Blumenschein contained within.
But now, NAPM Youngstown finds itself at a crossroad. With a declining member- ship, a declining corporate backing, our supply chain professionals stretched to the max, maintaining a local organization with all the infrastructure required, is becom- ing unsustainable.
That's the bad news. The good news is there are several options.
There is a scheduled "all membership" meeting March 12, 2013 to discuss these options and decide on the track the membership feels most prudent for the associa- tion to take to move forward. A dinner will be provided at Springfield Grille, 7413 Tiffany South, Poland, Ohio 44514 at 5:30 p.m. If you can, we would also like you to bring one prospective member as our guest. Choice of Sirloin, Chicken Marsala, or Crab Cake.
I can't express to all the members how important it is to attend this meeting. This will be the meeting that will decide the ultimate future path of NAPM Youngstown!
Please RSVP to Dan Baker by email: dbaker@taylor-winfield.com by March 4, 2013.
