CSCMP—Your Partner in Good Times and in Bad

The worldwide economic situation is daunting—no doubt about it. At CSCMP, these circumstances challenge us to offer unique products and programs that will have a dynamic impact on our members’ careers.

by Rick Blasgen,

President and CEO of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)

We also understand that when budgets are tight, companies tend to cut discretionary travel. Therefore, it becomes our mandate to create events that supply chain management professionals cannot afford to miss, even in difficult times. At CSCMP’s Annual Global Conference, September 20–23 in Chicago, you’ll meet and hear from SCM leaders who are not just reacting to current conditions, but are taking bold steps to position their companies for future success. You’ll get new ideas and the right tools to produce the results you need today and in the future at this world-class event.

One important initiative for CSCMP, this year and beyond, is to develop strategic relationships with businesses around the world, alliances that will allow them to utilize our vast resources in a different way than our traditional individual memberships have offered. Our organization boasts the world’s greatest concentration of supply chain brainpower, and we are now making our resources available to businesses like never before.

CSCMP continues to be the most valuable resource for global logistics and supply chain practitioners, providing the education, research and connections they need to grow their businesses, as well as their own careers.

But back to the economy: the recovery in the United States is going to take time. And, although President Barack Obama recently signed a $787 billion (US) fiscal stimulus package into law, it remains unclear as to how much of this money will be spent on true job creation, and how soon its effects might be felt.

Most business leaders believe, however, that when the economy does begin to improve, the growth will be significant, and talented supply chain managers will be in great demand both in the United States and around the world. I am convinced that we will soon enter a period I call the “Post-Recession Rally,” one that will occur not only in the financial markets but in business activity for companies working now to take advantage of these future opportunities.

Interestingly, opportunities for logistics and supply chain professionals are still abundant, in spite of the challenging business climate. Even in tough times, supply chains must operate, and this is good news for our profession. Our discipline will, in fact, continue to contribute in significant ways. But I also believe we need to be more persuasive in educating government and business leaders about what we do, and how the logistics and SCM forces can and will help pull us all out of this economic malaise. In the U.S., 10 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is logistics costs. Increasing our productivity through innovation, collaborative strategies and efficient new technologies will all play a role in helping economies around the world recover. It is definitely a global effort—trade relies on us to get the job done.

Now is not the time to sit on the sidelines. Supply chain managers should use this down time wisely, so when the opportunities arise, they’ll be ready to get back in the game…and win.