Presidents Message
June  2011

By: Joseph R. Britt, CPSM

Welcome to the 2011 – 2012 program year with ISM-Houston, Inc.  Considering the rich ninety-year history of our affiliate, I am humbled with the opportunity to lead our organization this year.  Our foundation this year was solidified by the smooth transition from our outgoing President, Jo Ann Prazak, C.P.M.  We will build upon the success of Jo Ann’s tenure thus ensuring the long-term future of our affiliate.  Jo Ann’s friendship and guidance to me are invaluable. 
 

Somewhat ironically, the focus of this year will not be isolated to the 2011-2012 program year.  This would be a myopic approach.  The key theme you will hear this year is:  2016 – Our Future.  There will be neither complicated formulas nor processes but simply a concentrated strategy considering our future operations.  In order to provide the platform for professional development of our members, we will engage everyone to understand your goals.  Our members are paramount and we will strive each and every day to serve you.  During this process, we will create a vision for our 2012-2013 President, Mara Stanfield, C.P.M., and future leaders of our affiliate.
 

Please join me on the evening of June 14, 2011 to recognize the ISM-Houston Board of Directors as we prepare to plan the future of our organization.  Bring your thoughts and opinions so we can create:  2016 – Our Future.

Regards
 

Joseph R. Britt CPSM
President
ISM-Houston Inc.
Phone: 713.669.5384
Fax: 713.669.5295
jbritt@Neighborhood-Centers.org
 

2011 Billie Jean Sommer Outstanding New Member Award
BY Joseph R. Britt, CPSM
 

Ziba Mehra is Named Billie Jean Sommer Outstanding New Member
2010 - 2011 Program Year

Without the opportunity to ever personally meet Billie Jean Sommer, I can only understand her significant impact to ISM – Houston based on stories of her contributions.  The key consideration is making a tangible impact in a short period of time.  To be a member in ISM – Houston less than two years and maintain a committee position for at least six months requires someone with a focused personality.

This year’s recipient of the Billie Jean Sommer Award is the ideal example of someone making a widely recognizable impact on our affiliate.  However, the depth of this individual’s personality is even more significant.  This is a truly genuine and caring person but still tough enough to focus on the business imperatives to make our affiliate successful.  Sending emails at 6:30 in the morning, 11 in the evening, and anytime during the day is quite a normal activity for this person.  The individual is focused not only on completing the task but on exceeding expectations for everyone involved with our affiliate. 

Even more important, the recipient is always smiling.  In the face of adversity, this individual is professional and happy to serve our members.  How many of us can honestly state that we have this same approach?

So…you might ask…what did the recipient actually do to receive the award?  Let’s consider two examples.  First, take a look at the room this evening.  The meal, the podium, the speakers, the agenda and logistics.  The recipient is responsible to coordinate all aspects of our dinner meetings.  Even if it means 3 or 4 draft versions of the agenda which can be very painful.  Second, think about our affiliate’s future.  The recipient understands the future of our affiliate is certainly beyond tonight… and the remainder of this year.  This person is actively training her successor to ensure continuity in our affiliate’s operations.  She has a present-day action-oriented focus with a visionary appeal.

The genuine characteristic that really stands out to me with our recipient is perseverance, which is a personal struggle for me at times.  After facing a challenging time searching for employment, she recently obtained a position with Calpine and appears to be enjoying every single minute she is there.  Our recipient deserves this opportunity and will exceed expectations with her employer just as she does with our affiliate.

Ladies and gentlemen…Congratulations to our friend, colleague, and Programs Chair as the 2010-2011 Billie Jean Sommer Outstanding New Member Award recipient…Ziba Mehra

Member Tenures  May
 

15 Year

Lisa Honey
 

10  Year

Chandra P Dhasan, C.P.M.

5 Year

Angela Cook, C.P.M.
Carlotta Nicholas
Toya Owens Shepard
Russell Williams

 

Member Tenures  June, July and August

20 Year

Clark Alexander, C.P.M.
Guy Humphrey Jr, C.P.M.

15 Year

Evelyn K Broughton, C.P.M.
Daniel Brandt, A.P.P.

10  Year

Stephen M Pottinger, C.P.M
Stanley Ganderson, C.P.M.
Joseph A Christopher
Peter Wibawa Sutanto
Thomas L Tanel, C.P.M., CCA
Mark G Hood, C.P.M.
Brian G Corrie, C.P.M.
James L Ferrell Jr, CPSM
Henry Maddux
James F Brecker, C.P.M.
Greg L Smith, C.P.M.

5 Year

Melvin E Davis, C.P.M.
Patricia Richards
Scott Babitt
Jake Isom
Matthew R Jolk
Steve Kramr
 

NAPM Houston - Houston Business Survey
By Mike Valant C.P.M., A.P.P.

NAPM – Houston Business Survey needs you!  Please take this special opportunity to share your company’s business activities within the Houston Economy. The NAPM – Houston Business Survey is sent directly to the Dallas Federal Reserve, multiple News Services, Economic Groups and plus several local companies pay us for the report.

You are not giving any company specific details, but reporting ups or downs in Sales, Production, Employment, Purchases, Price Up or down, Lead Times, Finished Goods Inventory and comments if desired.  The ONLY person that knows who is submitting and what is submitted individually is myself.

Your company confidentially is strictly controlled.  Please join your fellow Purchasing Professionals who complete this monthly survey.

Contact Mike Valant, C.P.M. at  miekv1@windstream.net or 281 240 - 4972  

Click here for the latest NAPM Houston Business Report