Greetings:
Things are improving around the country as far as the economy goes. People that I have had the opportunity to talk with say that things at the very least are flat but some numbers are improving. I had the opportunity to go to the NAPM-Willamette Valley presentation from Tim Duy, Professor from the University of Oregon give a presentation on the economic forecast. From the numbers that were shared things will continue with very slow growth throughout the next year.
This leads us into the next two presentations for the local chapters of NAPM, on March 9th at the Red Lion here in Eugene, Kim Muinch, CPIM will have a presentation on “Lean Supplier Performance Management”. More information can be found at www.napm-willamettevalley.org. Also the Mid-Willamette Valley Chapter has their presentation by Helen Pohlig, a full day workshop on “Contract Law for Purchasing Professionals” and an evening Professional Development Meeting on “Intellectual Property Issues for Supply Management”. If you are interested in either of these events please contact Sid Brown at SIDBROWN@aol.com.
Now onto our chapter of APICS, our programs continue to receive excellent responses even in the tough economic times. The topics are relevant in good times and bad for each and every business is still looking for ways to improve productivity and the bottom line. Past events have been squarely aimed at the Sales and Operations plans and how they are linked to the rest of the organization. On March 17th we have a plant tour at Next Step Recycling. This should be an excellent tour with the focus on sustainability and recycling. Please check our calendar and the home page of the website for registration information.
Upcoming classes will be a Basics of Supply Chain class starting on April 1st, and Detailed Scheduling and Planning starting on April 6th. More information can be found on the Education page of the website and registration forms are located there also.
Ed Barth, CPIM
