December 2009
ISM-Florida Gulf Coast, Inc.
December 2009
Dear ISM – Florida Gulf Coast member,
Your affiliate leaders have been hard at work the last several months to bring greater value to your membership in ISM-Florida Gulf Coast. This letter is to update the status of these initiatives for you.
First, progress on revamping your web site has been very gratifying. We have changed from a static information posting format to an interactive blog structure. This will allow your leaders to keep the content much more current, literally “up to the minute.” And while all functionality is not yet fully operational, the new site will allow you to give us immediate feedback, to pose questions of other members and generally to network better with your peers. Already the site contains the ability to reserve space in the many events offered by ISM-FGC directly from the event description. Check it out at ism-florida.org.
We have added two valuable features to the Career Services function of ISM-FGC. The first is formation of a LinkedIn Group exclusively for ISM-FGC members. By joining this group you will have the ability to network with your peers and tap into the wide range of expertise among our more than 200 members. The second benefit accrues from the award of a grant from Jobing Foundation. This grant will bring Jobing.com postings to the ISM-FGC site, where members can directly access the wide range of job opportunities through Jobing.com. We are the first supply management association to take advantage of this exciting new job search connection. You will find both these features under the Career Services tab at ism-florida.org.
Our January meeting (January 21, 2010) will feature the chairman of the ISM board of directors, Mr. Shelley Stewart. Mr. Stewart will speak to us on the topic of “People, Processes and Technology,” the three elements of a successful supply chain strategy. Plan to bring your supply management leaders and fellow team members to hear this vital message.
All members are reminded that an increase in annual dues of $10, necessitated by the same increase in ISM dues in 2008, was approved by the membership in 2009 (now $170). This increase becomes effective in January 2010. Your renewal billing sent from ISM in November DID NOT contain that increase. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to renew with ISM by the deadline and avoid paying this increase until the 2011 renewal cycle.
In an effort to maintain our sound financial standing, the board has implemented a charge to members for meals at the monthly meetings of $10, effective in January 2010. This is obviously still well below the cost incurred and continues to make your dinner meeting expense a great value.
We want to wish all members and their families a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.
The Board of Directors
ISM-Florida Gulf Coast, Inc.