From Your President.....

The CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) program is the next big thing at APICS. It was rolled out at the 2005 APICS International Conference in Kansas City. The purpose of this new industry educational and certification program is to meet rapidly changing needs of the supply chain management field. This program complements CPIM by providing a broader knowledge and understanding in areas of supplier and customer relations, international trade, use of IT (Information Technology) to enable the supply chain, and physical logistics. I encourage you to take advantage of all the educational opportunities offered thru APICS and local chapters. Visit http://www.apics.org/certification/cscp/default.htm to learn the specifics of CSCP.

Those of us from the Ventura APICS chapter who were unable to go to the International Conference can receive the 2005 Conference CD as part of your yearly membership dues. Just  request it online at the APICS_Bookstore or by calling APICS at (800) 444-2742. Members must request this on a yearly basis. The 2006 APICS International Conference and Exhibition is scheduled for Orlando, Florida from October 29 – 31. If you are interested in presenting at next year’s conference, you can submit your abstract by completing the APICS_2006_Call_for_Presentations_form available on the APICS website. This form defines submission requirements as well as the various educational topic areas to be addressed. The deadline for submission is January 16, 2006. This is the first year that the deadline has been extended out into January. So put your thinking caps on!

Your chapter’s board continues to work hard to bring you excellent opportunities for your personal growth through our Professional Development Meetings, plant tours, and educational offerings. But we need your input and help. Currently, there are several open board positions. This is a perfect way to obtain those APICS recertification maintenance points. The most recent position to become available is VP of Programs. Due to work commitments, Craig Sheffield has left the board. Contact any board member if you are interested in helping out. You can find the names and phone numbers on our website under Officers on the left-hand side. Clicking on the name will allow you to send an email.

Also, there are two areas on the chapter’s website – Comments/Suggestions and Membership Survey – where you can get feedback to us on the board. Please use these areas anytime to let us know how we are doing, what you want to see improved, what types of programs you would want to chapter to provide, etc. This is your chapter; we board members are just facilitators. We are committed to meeting the needs of our members and member companies.

Finally, as we bring 2005 to a close, take this time to reflect on all that has happened in the world this year. Take ownership for your own personal growth and career development. Become more involved in your chapter, be inspired, connect with others at PDMs and out in the community, and have fun. The rewards are unbelievable.

On behalf of the board, I want to wish all of you a wonderful holiday season. Together let’s make 2006 a very successful year. 

‘Til next month,

Joan