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. 

Click Here to View the 2024-2025 Board of Directors and Award Winners

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Join us at an Upcoming Event!

You Can't Fake Influence: Master Change Management in Procurement Transformations - WEBINAR

March 27, 2025 | 12:00 pm-1:00 pm | Virtual | 1.0 CEU

Members - FREE & Non-Members $20 

*Charge is due to earned CE Credit

Join Ralph Carlton, a seasoned procurement leader with over 21 years of experience, for a powerful session on "You Can't Fake Influence: Mastering Change Management in Procurement Transformation." In this webinar, Ralph will explore the human-centered approach to leading procurement transformations, focusing on the critical role of influence in driving organizational change, improving supplier relationships, and navigating global supply chains. This session is a must for procurement professionals looking to sharpen their leadership skills and master the art of change management.

REGISTER TODAY!

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Brews for Barks - A Networking Event

April 12th, 2025 | 12:30 pm -3:00 pm | Parched Pug - 1590 S Milwaukee Ave Suite 100, Libertyville, IL 60048

Members $35 & Non-Members $45

Join ISM-Chicago & ISM-Milwaukee for Brews and Barks on April 12th at the Parched Pug! Brews for Barks is a networking event in which ISM members and family will not only have a chance to connect and network but also benefit a local charity (Reach Rescue) and small business.

REGISTER TODAY!

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ISM World 2025 (In-Person)

Jun 1-3, 2025  | Orlando, FL

Early Bird $1,195 | After October 18th, 2024 $1495

The ISM World in-person experience gives you the opportunity to be face-to-face with thought leaders, peers, and suppliers and have dedicated time to build your network and expand your knowledge on critical topics impacting the supply management profession. Get inspired by amazing keynotes, interact in engaging breakout sessions, and have fun swapping supply chain “wins” (and war stories) in a variety of attendee celebrations and small group experiences.

THINK YOU WANT THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS? Consider the ISM World all-access pass. Learn more. Read more about the All Access Pass

REGISTER TODAY!

 

Join Now!

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

March

25

2025

MEMBER WEBINAR
Member Only

Implementing Generative AI – Strategies and Successes

Implementing generative AI involves integrating advanced algorithms to create content, enhance creativity, and automate tasks. Key strategies include leveraging robust data sets, ensuring ethical use, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Successes span diverse industries, from consulting to technology to nutrition, showcasing AI's transformative potential and innovative applications. Learn how industry leading companies are making the transformation.

Online
Register Now

March

27

2025

Chapter Webinar

ISM-Chicago You Can't Fake Influence: Master Change Management in Procurement Transformations

Join Ralph Carlton, a seasoned procurement leader with over 21 years of experience, for a powerful session on "You Can't Fake Influence: Mastering Change Management in Procurement Transformation." In this webinar, Ralph will explore the human-centered approach to leading procurement transformations, focusing on the critical role of influence in driving organizational change, improving supplier relationships, and navigating global supply chains. This session is a must for procurement professionals looking to sharpen their leadership skills and master the art of change management.

Sponsor: 120 ISM—Chicago, Inc.
Online
Ralph L Carlton ll
Register Now Group Registration

March

27

2025

MEMBER WEBINAR
Member Only

Getting Started with Supply Chain Design

With FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt) embroiling global supply chains, leaders must be proactive and intentional in assessing their supply chains and designing them for the future. But how to start? Ralph Asher of Data Driven Supply Chain LLC will discuss how to get started in supply chain design and answer common questions. This talk will equip organizations to embark on their supply chain design journey, future-proof their supply chains, and build competitive moats.

This session will dive into addressing the following questions:

  • How does supply chain design differ from supply chain planning and optimization?
  • What are some of the strategic questions that we can answer with supply chain design?
  • What data do we need to get started in supply chain design? (Hint: much less than you may think!)
  • How do we measure ROI in supply chain design projects?
  • Should we build an internal team or use consultants for supply chain design projects?
  • Commercial software vs. open-source software: what are the pros and cons for supply chain design?

Online
Register Now
View All Education

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

 

February - Chicago Business Barometer™

 

The Chicago Business Barometer™ increased 6.0 points to 45.5 in February.  This is the second consecutive monthly gain, taking the reading to the highest level since June 2024, though it remains in contractionary territory for the fifteenth consecutive month.    

The rise was driven by increases in four of the five subcomponents: Production, New Orders, Supplier Deliveries and Order Backlogs, whilst Employment fell.     

 

 

Open Press Release  

Supply Management News & Reports

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March 11, 2025
Articles

In “the most challenging time” for the profession, the ISM World 2025 Annual Conference is designed to inspire and celebrate genius amid global challenges and an ever-changing supply chain canvas.

Read More

  • The DEI Debate

    March 11, 2025
    Articles
    Member Only
    Executive orders have aimed to curtail diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the public sector, and some private companies have followed suit — clouding the future of such policies in supply chain organizations.

  • Forging the Future of Factories

    March 11, 2025
    Articles
    Member Only
    U.S. manufacturing is at a crossroads as the sector seeks to balance the tools, talent and technology to make up ground lost to China.

  • How to ‘Start Changing the Narrative’

    March 11, 2025
    Articles
    Member Only
    The progress of women’s representation in the supply management profession has stalled, but numerous strategies, some as simple as being true to oneself, can help individuals — and organizations — move forward.
View 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

ISM World 2025 Registration Open

Join your peers in Orlando, Florida, June 1-3, 2025. The ISM World Annual Conference is a world-class event designed to inspire fresh thinking and provide an educational experience that unites thought leaders, supply chain and procurement professionals, and the innovative suppliers that support them.

You'll leave with new connections, fresh insights, and the inspiration to spark new ideas within your professional community. Register today for the best rates!

Register Today

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

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