Caretakers of the supply chain industry

Welcome to the fourth quarter of 2020. Who would or could have envisioned our current environment merely a year ago? In September, CSCMP completed our first ever, virtual EDGE Supply Chain Conference. It represents a real testimony to how supply chains can pivot, be resilient, and alter their course to satisfy the needs of our customers when thrown the largest curveball we've ever seen. By most, if not all, evaluations, it was quite successful. We greatly appreciate our speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, and of course attendees and members who participated. Our staff worked so hard to bring the best possible content, networking, and interactive experiences possible.

This year marked our 58th annual conference and now—when it’s so critical to stay connected—we invite you to maintain your CSCMP involvement.

Obviously, the past few months have mobilized and challenged us—probably more than ever before—but I don’t want to talk about “new normals,” “we’re in this together,” or toilet paper. If you’re like me, you’re tired of hearing about it, and little more can be said. The fact is, this is what we do … this is our reality.

We’re resilient, we respond to challenges, and we solve complex problems. It should come as no surprise to anyone that we, as a profession, rose to the occasion. We’re the people who physically make it happen for the consumers’ benefit and well-being.

You’ve probably heard me say it several times before, but, in spite of advances in data and technology, supply chain is still a people business.

As an organization, CSCMP exists to connect, educate, and develop, but we also sit on the leading edge as a witness to—and shaper of—supply chain history. So how do we invest in ourselves and those that work with us? Well one way is to maintain a strong relationship with your professional association, your CSCMP. We have professional development for every stage of one’s career. I invite you to give it a try, you’ll be impressed.

What do we offer in the way of supply chain leadership? We boast leaders who will definitely talk with you or your associates about how to navigate the supply chain profession. I've seen leaders who have decades of experience talk with students and young professionals and cultivate strong relationships. As I mentioned, it's a people business, supplemented by the greatest content ever assembled through CSCMP. We can offer the connections you need throughout your career. CSCMP members will engage with other CSCMP members. Join us.

When CSCMP says that we take our job as caretaker of the supply chain industry very seriously, what we mean is, we make it our business to get you and keep you prepared for whatever supply chain challenges come your way. Whether you’re a supply chain practitioner, an academic, or a student, the supply chain community represented by CSCMP cares about you, your professional development, and your success.

Let’s stay connected!