Presidents Message
September 2010

By: Jo Ann Prazak, C.P.M.

September always reminds me of new beginnings.  Traditionally, this is when the new school year began. In my day the first day of school was always after the Labor Day holiday.  These days it seems as if school begins in the middle of the summer.

There was such excitement for me – opening up the fresh new supplies of notebook paper, pens, and pencils.  My mother and I would take the bus downtown Houston to shop for new clothes.  What fun!  There was the anticipation of the new teacher, new classes, reacquainting with former friends and relaying our summer stories, and the expectation of making new friends.  I tended to make some resolutions too – keeping the grades up, making a commitment to be truly interested in my studies that year, and getting more involved with school activities. 

Our NAPM meeting year begins in September too.   We welcome back our colleagues from last year.  We look forward to seeing new faces.  Not surprisingly, most of us anticipate what the new Board will be like too.   What happened during the summer months?   What do we have ahead of us in the next few months?    To what extent can I participate this year?

Here’s something we haven’t done before.  How about a bowling event?  Lucky Strike Bowling is an upscale, downtown venue that is not your run-of-the-mill bowling alley.  This place is swanky and very sophisticated.  What a great opportunity to meet your board, mingle, network and perhaps join a committee.   Remember, you will get so much more out of your membership if you get involved.   Our Special Activities committee is working through details and will have date secured – some time late October - and will announce it at our September general meeting.

We are still working diligently on getting our name change finalized.  There’s quite a bit of paperwork involved, but in the next few months, we will have authority to use the ISM-Houston designation.  I know we are excited to get this done, but we’ll try to be patient as the Name Change Committee pulls it all together.   Until then, we are still NAPM-Houston. 

Thanks to all to attended the June installation.  I appreciate the kind words of support and welcome any suggestions to make this association work better for you.  We want to continue to live up to our status as Affiliate of the Year and we have a group of dedicated board members and committee chairs that will do everything possible to bring you the most value for your money and time.

Regards
 

Jo Ann Prazak, C.P.M.
President
NAPM - Houston Inc
Direct:  281.423.0343
JoAnn.Prazak@SwiftEnergy.com

all the ISM requirements which includes updating our policies and procedures, our bylaws, strategic plan and marketing plan.   Once completed, the ISM board has to approve the name change and they meet only three times a year.  After receiving ISM approval, the Ad Hoc committee must file the name change with the State of Texas.

I know we are all excited about the name change, but I think it will probably be April 2011 before we officially become ISM-Houston.  The Ad Hoc committee will continue to publish articles in the newsletter about our progress.

Marian Nimon, M.B.A., C.P.M. Honored for Exceptional Support of Women-Owned Businesses

The Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance (WBEA) recognized Marian Nimon at their May supplier EXPO with the prestigious Corporate Advocate of the Year award.  The award is made annually to the individual corporate member that has provided exceptional support to women business development and WBEA.  Marian’s leadership through mentoring and outstanding support of the organization were primary in her achievements.  This is the second time Marian has won this award.  Marian also has recently been elected to the Board of the WBEA.

M. D. Anderson supports American women business enterprises through its’ state Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) and Federal Small Business program. The program, led by Associate Director Marian Nimon, emphasizes training, external outreach to women-owned businesses, compliance, reporting, mentoring and subcontracting.

September is the month that we collect school supplies for local elementary and secondary schools. More information around what supplies are needed, along with convenient ways to donate (Amazon Wish list) are to come shortly. Have a question, or any items that you would like to donate earlier than September? Email Matt Meyer at NAPM.Houston.School.Partnership@gmail.com

Our committee is also looking for volunteers for the upcoming year. Opportunities include volunteering for all levels of education – from elementary to  the collegiate levels. Please email Matt Meyer at NAPM.Houston.School.Partnership@gmail.com

In the course of helping their organizations achieve strategic objectives, supply professionals often have the opportunity to interact with various departments and establish internal relationships. Careful nurturing of these relationships will result in greater respect for the supply profession and reward supply professionals with a sense of job satisfaction. This satellite seminar focuses on the skills and tools supply management can use to develop internal relationships, add value in the organization, and achieve excellence.

When:  Thursday, September 30, 2010

Location:  Aramco Services Company at 9009 West Loop South in Houston, TX  77096

Time:  9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Arrive 8:15 a.m. for check in)

No cost:  Free seminar - But You Must Register

To Register Contact: Dora Valdez , email: da.valdez@aramcoservices.com
Phone: (713)-432-4174 / Fax (713)-432-8402

Program Flyer Can Be Downloaded Here

2010 - 2011 Multiple Registration Form
 

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 
               All payments and registration forms must be
               received no later than Friday October 15, 2010 .
               Handouts cannot be guaranteed if registering after
               the deadline.

Click Here For Registration Form