Benefits
Professional Development
Monthly professional development programs
Stay abreast of best practices, changes, trends, and new technologies in the industry. Our monthly Professional Development meetings feature local, regional, and nationally-known speakers discussing current topics in purchasing and supply chain management.
Networking
Networking opportunities
Learn from the experiences of other purchasing professionals. Forge life-long alliances and stay in-the-loop, professionally. Take advantage of the opportunities to meet and talk with other members, speakers and suppliers through PMAL events. Members say they have saved their companies tens of thousands of dollars thanks to advice from fellow members.
Professional Certification
Get help with certification
ISM offers professional certifications. Order discount study materials through ISM and take practice tests for the C.P.S.M. or C.P.M. through PMAL. Meet and support other purchasing professionals working toward certification, and get advice from experienced C.P.M.'s. Stay abreast of the new CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) certification available as of 2008.
Local Seminars
Attend local seminars
Enhance your professional development and job performance when you enroll in ISM seminars taught by experienced instructors. ISM/PMAL sponsored "Satellite Seminars" are considered by many to be the best investment you can make toward your education as a purchasing professional. These seminars feature a national panel of experts on current purchasing topics. PMAL also brings to our area, nationally-recognized, purchasing and supply chain management experts, for one or two-day seminars. Members always get a discount.
Valuable Discounts
Discounts on all ISM materials and seminars
ISM offers books, Study Guides, CD's, DVD's, online courses and seminars on Supply Management topics. All can be ordered online at www.ism.ws with discounts for current members.
Publications & Subscriptions
ISM's Inside Supply Management magazine
Membership includes a subscription to this international monthly magazine which contains national and international information on new trends and developments in the profession plus insightful "how-to" articles. The magazine is published exclusively for ISM members.
ISM Report on Business® (ROB)
Published in Purchasing Today, our monthly survey of purchasing statistics is the first of its kind. It's considered by many economists to be the most reliable, near-term economic barometer available today.
International Journal of Purchasing and Materials Management
The nation's first scholarly journal devoted exclusively to purchasing and materials management research and development. New members receive more than one-half off the 1 year subscription rate.
PMAL Buyer's Brief Newsletter
Membership in our affiliate also includes the regular PMAL newsletter "Buyer's Brief" delivered electronically and filled with association event updates, membership activities and more.
ISM Website Access
Unlimited access to ISM's website
This website includes a Member's Only section; a web page providing job-related information to purchasing and materials management professionals. This area includes searchable databases and employment listings. Only members have access to the employment database, bibliographic database of purchasing-related articles, and the networking area devoted to topical purchasing issues and challenges and the newly redesigned Online Career Center. Check out this tremendous resource at www.ism.ws.
Job Opportunity Service
Local job opportunities
PMAL members who are seeking new jobs get first shot at postings from local employers. Employers may contact our Office Manager for information on posting jobs to the "Member Resources" section of our website. This service is FREE to employers and PMAL members.
Supply-Wizard Help Line
Ask-the-Supply-Wizard Help line
Don't reinvent the wheel. If you're facing a complex purchasing project, our PMAL Board will help you find a member who's faced a similar problem. Members helping members - an invaluable benefit of PMAL membership!
Annual ISM Conference
Opportunities for education and networking
Network with over 2500 peers at the only international conference devoted exclusively to purchasing and supply management. Examine emerging trends and challenges during comprehensive workshops conducted by your peers. The annual conference attracts distinguished speakers to discuss current national and international issues and features several sessions highlighted by prominent corporate leaders. Members receive significant savings on registration fees.
Supply Management Advocate
National and local support
No one understands better than ISM how supply management affects the bottom line. One of our objectives is to promote the supply management profession. Members have access to all ISM printed and electronic materials to help promote supply management within the organizational infrastructure. We can help you communicate your value-added contributions to the senior management of your organization.
ISM Affiliates
Wide range of local and international experience
Gain valuable contacts within your community during monthly PMAL meetings and educational functions. Keep on top of local industry changes and commodity trends. Be a part of a growing association run by and for purchasing and materials management professionals.
Committees
A step forward
Acquire new skills in planning, managing, and organizing while developing your leadership potential. Participate on local and/or national committees, set membership goals, assist in program development, and much more. Get involved and make a difference.