ISM-Chicago, Inc.

A Chapter of the Institute for Supply Management working together to advance the profession of supply management.

Chicago's Leading Supply Chain Management Professionals

ISM—Chicago is a non-profit association dedicated to strengthening the community of procurement and supply professionals in the greater Chicago area and Northwest Indiana.

As a chapter of the Institute for Supply Management® (ISM), we are committed to the ongoing professional development of our members and the purchasing/supply management profession through education, research, and communication.

Our membership is comprised of procurement and supply chain professionals and managers employed in host of companies from the government, private and public sectors. For more information on becoming a part of ISM—Chicago, click here

 

Join us at an Upcoming Event!

ISM-Chicago Career Readiness - Insights into the Opportunities in Procurement

June 24, 2025  | 12:00-1:00pm CST | Webinar

Free for Members & Non-Members

Are you entering the workforce post-graduation or considering a career in Procurement? Please join us for a career readiness panel, featuring Procurement Leaders and Recruiters from the industry. Learn what skills and experience will get you noticed and put you ahead of the curve in your Procurement career. Discussion will include career paths, resume builders, training recommendations, and more!

REGISTER TODAY!

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ISM-Chicago & CSCMP Chicago Golf Outing 

July 23, 2025  | 11:00am-6:00pm CST | Village Links of Glen Ellyn - 485 Winchell Way, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

Contact Us at contact@ism-chicago.org for special pricing.

Join us for a fun round of golf and networking as we celebrate our annual golf event for ISM-Chicago & CSCMP Chicago. Come at 11am to get your clubs and cart situated and enjoy a quick bite. Golf will start with a shotgun start at 1pm. We expect this one to fill up fast so get registered right away! For those who do not want to participate in the golf event, you can also register for dinner only and network. We will have raffles, prizes, and even a hole that has a golf ball launcher to expand the fun. We will also allow hole sponsorships that will allow some of our partners to be able to get some advertisement out to each hole.

 

President's Message

A message from the ISM—Chicago's President Shaun Jones.

Click Here to Watch

A message from  a corporate member!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW

Upcoming Events

June

26

2025

Chapter Webinar

ISM-Chicago Partnerships That Work—Because They’re Built to

Strong procurement doesn’t happen without strong relationships. This session looks at how to build real partnerships—with internal stakeholders and external suppliers—that lead to better decisions, smoother execution, and long-term results.

Sponsor: 120 ISM—Chicago, Inc.
Online
Isaac Lowery

June

26

2025

MEMBER WEBINAR
Member Only

Member Orientation

This webinar provides knowledge regarding the many benefits that come with being a part of the ISM community. Join us and learn about the essential tools, vibrant community, and exceptional learning that enhances your professional development. You'll also gain insight into the array of programs, services, and resources that are available to you through your membership.

July

15

2025

MEMBER WEBINAR
Member Only

Camouflaged Challenges in Relational Contracting: How to Best Prepare

Join us for an insightful virtual webinar on relational contracting, where we will explore how this innovative approach can generate value beyond mere cost savings. As certified coaches, our speakers have guided numerous companies through the process of establishing successful business relationships.

During this webinar, you will:

  • Understand the common challenges and obstacles experienced during the relational contract development process. Despite its many successes, relational contracting often presents challenges that are not easily detected. These camouflaged issues, if left unaddressed, can lead to significant problems.
  • Gain awareness on how to prepare well before the start of the relational contracting development process. We will share practical insights and tangible tools to help you recognize and manage potential challenges along the way.
  • Gain insights on potential solutions to common challenges. In our speaker's recently published book, we delve into these challenges through real-life case studies and provide effective solutions.
  • Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of relational contracting and ensure your business relationships thrive. Don't miss this opportunity to learn and enhance your approach to relational contracting.

Online

Welcome from the President

Welcome!  Thank you for visiting our new website.  On behalf of the board, come on in.  Explore our new site and stay a bit.

ISM—Chicago, Inc. is a non-profit organization, it has been our goal to maintain the highest level of excellence to the procurement and supply management professionals in the Midwest to continue leadership in Ethics, Professionalism, Education, Research, and Networking.  Our chapter has membership meetings where we discuss topics relevant to today's professionals and networking opportunities.  We'd love to see you on-line or in person!

ISM—Chicago offers certification courses for professionals to earn Certified Professional in Supply Management® (CPSM®) and Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity® (CPSD™).  These courses help attendees prepare to pass each section of the exam.  Each certification broadens your competencies in supply management.

Not a member of ISM—Chicago?  Please join us.  Consider this a personal invitiation from myself and the board to join as a member.  Becoming a member offers many benefits at the local and global level.  Members can find many options to help become leaders of their careers.

If you need more information, please contact the office via email at contact@ism-chicago.org or call our office at 847.298.1940.

Read Our Mission & Vision Statement

 

May - Chicago Business Barometer

 

The Chicago Business Barometer slowed 4.1 points to 40.5 in May.  This was the second consecutive fall, bring the index its lowest level since January.  The index has been below 50 for eighteen consecutive months.    

The decrease was driven by a fall in New Orders, Order Backlogs and Production.  Supplier Deliveries and Employment rose relative to April.     

 

 

Open Press Release  

Supply Management News & Reports

An Introduction to Supply Chain Optimization

June 23, 2025
Articles
  • Sponsored |

    Businesses have goals related to growth, market share, profitability, sustainability, customer service, and so on. But there are limits, like how much a factory can make, how many workers and materials are available, and how much space there is in a warehouse. To figure out the best way to run the supply chain, you have to look at lots of different options and pick the one that works best for the business. Optimization is a mathematics technique that is best suited to enable businesses to meet their objectives.

Read More

Join ISM

Your membership in ISM will provide a powerful path to stay connected, engaged, and up-to-date with everything happening in supply management. Serious procurement and supply chain professionals are dedicated to staying in the know about their profession and staying at the top of their game. An ISM membership will provide you with that and more.

More than 100 years of experience speaks for itself – ISM can help you succeed. It's our mission.

Become A Member

Unlock AI for Smarter Supply Chain Decisions

The AI Playbook for Supply Chain Professionals is your practical guide to using AI to drive smarter decisions. From supplier negotiations to risk management, this on-demand toolkit offers real-world examples, ready-to-use prompts, and expert strategies tailored to the profession. Learn how to apply AI confidently and effectively-no technical background required.

Access the Toolkit

Join the Report On Business®  Survey Panel

ISM®'s Manufacturing, Services, and Hospital Report On Business® gather data monthly through surveys of supply management professionals participating in the Business Survey Committee.

Participation in the survey panel provides many benefits:

  • Receive a copy of the just-released Report On Business® graphical data
  • Directly see how your contribution affects the markets each month
  • Earn Continuing Education Hours

Click the link below to submit your information and someone will reach out to connect for a quick virtual call!

Join the Survey Panel