Membership
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What does ISM-Chicago offer it's Members? 

If the Chicago office staff cannot answer your questions, they will give your referral names to contact. As this staff is versed on its membership, it can and does an excellent job of matching resources compatible with your needs.
Other activities provided:

  • Education benefits through seminars.
  • Networking events.
  • Plant tours.
  • On-line career resources.
  • Regular monthly dinner meetings - September through November and February through May each year.
  • Two to three pre-dinner meetings each month.
  • Guest speakers who are professionals in their field, for both the dinner and pre-dinner sessions.
  • They are the coordinator of activities between other professional organizations and NAPM Associations.
  • They are the home base of Chicago Membership attending the International Conference in various cities throughout the United States, in April or May of each year.
  • Publisher of the Chicago Purchasor Magazine and Business Barometer.

C.P.M (Certified Purchasing Manager)

  • What is Certification? - It is the process by which the individual constantly upgrades his or her abilities in, and knowledge of Purchasing or Supply Management.
  • Who should be Certified? - Anyone who wants to make Purchasing and Supply Management their profession.
  • Why should anyone be Certified? - In an increasingly competitive world, Purchasing and Supply Management are now gaining the respect and recognition they have long deserved. The C.P.M. designation is one more statement that Purchasing professionals live up to this reputation.
  • It contains the information required for certification.
  • How does one become Certified? - Purchase through ISM, the booklet titled "C.P.M." The Certified Purchasing and Supply Manager.

Achievement - A certificate is awarded to each candidate who completes the requirements for certification. This certification must be renewed each five (5) years to maintain its validity.

Who are the members of ISM-Chicago?

Membership in ISM-Chicago is limited to those in the Purchasing, Supply Management, or other related fields, providing that their duties do not include selling.
Membership consists of two unique types.

  1. Regular Members. Regular Members of an Affiliated Association shall be limited to the following:

    Any person interested in the supply management field shall be eligible to be a Regular Member of an Affiliated Association provided that such person (i) is not primarily engaged in sales activity; or (ii) does not solicit business on behalf of such person or his or her employer during meetings of any ISM activity, including without limitation, meetings of Affiliated Associations (including chapters), ISM Committees and ISM Groups and Forums (as defined in Policy). For the purposes of this section, “primarily” shall mean a majority of a person’s time. However, no person shall be ineligible by reason of incidentally disposing of scrap, surplus stock or equipment of the concern by which he or she is employed. The eligibility of an editor, secretary or business manager employed by an Affiliated Association shall not be affected by reason of sales activity directly related to any magazine, bulletin or other publication or exhibit, product, show or similar activity sponsored by such association.

  2. Associate Membership. A person who desires to be a member of the Association and who has an interest in the Supply Management Profession locally but does not desire to become a member of ISM at the national level. Associate Members are not regular voting members.

The total number of Regular and Associate Members in ISM-CHICAGO is approximately 1,300.
Their positions range from Expeditor to Vice President.
As a Regular Member of the Chicago Association you automatically become a member of the Institute for Supply Management.

ISM-Chicago Membership Benefits you, your organization, and the general public

ISM- Chicago membership is an enriching personal and professional investment that benefits the individual, the corporation and business communities, as well as the general public.

Individual Benefits

  • Certification program makes it possible for you to enjoy professional recognition, greater promotability, increased job knowledge, and heightened self-confidence. We can offer you the education to obtain a Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) designation.
  • National association and local affiliate involvement gives you the opportunity to remain abreast of the latest trends and developments in your field. We provide you with the connection for networking with your peers and colleagues.
  • Membership includes a reference service. Any inquiry directed to the national office on a purchasing problem receives careful attention. The range of inquiries is tremendous and frequently requires much digging and searching.
  • For members only, ISM and ISM-Chicago offer a job referral service which provides help for those seeking employment on a no charge basis.
  • Many other services are provided by both the local affiliate and ISM for its members.

Membership Cost. -  Effective January 1, 2005

  • Regular Membership total cost is $240.00 annually. A one time ISM administration fee of $20.00 is assessed to new members of ISM.  The membership dues consists of ISM-Chicago local affiliate dues of 140.00 and  ISM dues of  $100.00.
  • Associate Membership  (member of ISM-Chicago Affiliate only) cost is $140.00 annually.  To qualify  for Associate Membership your firm must have a regular member enrolled.

  • ISM-Chicago affiliate dues is non-refundable or transferable to other ISM affiliates.

ISM Chicago Office Accepts Resumes