david stokes retirement christmas party!...david stokes retirement desert star playhouse 4861 south...

The Holidays are here!

Lets have some fun!

Here is how!

Christmas Party!

Desert Star Playhouse

4861 South State, Murray

December 13, 2012

The play starts at 6 pm. They start seating at 5:30, but you must

arrive by 5:45

Food will be around $10.00 if you choose to eat there. To see a

menu first, go to:

www.desertstar.biz

The best parking is in the rear and there is some on State Street.

Inside this issue:

Combined Luncheon 1

President’s Message 2

President’s Message 3

Central Utah Director’s

Message

4

Looking Towards 2013

Jackie Cook

5

Focus on the Critical

Gordon Wells

6

Mountain States Economy 7



David Stokes Retirement 10

December 2012 Utah Purchasing News

ISM-UTAH Board

Greg Adams, President

Michael Bernard Vice President

Marge Taylor, Secretary

Bob Mooney, Treasurer

Central Utah Branch Director

Paul Buckner

Edith Rodriguez, Past President

Board Members:

Gordon Wells

Jackie Cook

Luan Green

Chris Thackeray

Janae Nietzel

Cody Muirborook

www.ismutah.org

http://www.desertstar.biz

Purchasing Newsletter

ISM-Utah President’s Message

December 2012

Wow, this year is moving fast and I am beginning to put together my data for my year end perfor-

mance appraisal. Maybe you are in the process of collecting and collating your yearly performance

data too. When I finish compiling my list of accomplishments I generally ask myself if I met or ex-

ceeded my own performance expectations and was I a strong contributor to the success of our team?

You might be asking the same questions too?

Performance

Webster’s Dictionary defines performance as: The Execution of an Action.

This past fall, one of my nephews helped his little league football team win the Mini-Bowl for 2012. If

you were to ask my family, they would say I have been obsessed in watching and re-watching the

DVD of the win. For me, the win was fun. And I am sure it was thrilling for the team, the other fans

and the coaches too. So, what’s your point(s) Greg? I like watching and examining each players’

contribution to the team’s success. How did each team member perform and what was the resulting

contribution to their success?

Like the football game questions, for the past couple of months, I have been thinking about these

two questions, Am I a contributor to the success of my supply management work team? And, how

can I step up my contribution(s) to my team’s success? Why ask the questions, you might ask? Sim-

ple; I want to make a difference”. I want to be an impact player.

Improvements can be made. In the football game, there were missed blocking assignments, illegal

hits, illegal holds; missed tackles... the list could go on and on. Kind of critical you may be saying –

maybe so. But it is exciting to know that kinks can be worked out and improvement can be made.

So where do we start in working towards making improvements? Maybe we could start by examin-

ing our past and current performance and review our efforts.

In the book: “How to Win and Influence People”, author Dale Carnegie shares this story regarding

one of the most important financiers in America of his time. He quoted the financier as saying “I

owed most of my success to the constant application of my homemade system. For years I have kept

an engagement book showing all the appointments I had during the day. My family never made any

plans for me on Saturday night, for the family knew that I devoted a part

President’s Message


of each Saturday evening to the illumination process of self-examination and review and appraisal.

After dinner I went off by myself, opened my engagement book, and thought over all the interviews,

discussions, and meetings that had taken place during the week. And then asked myself:

What mistakes did I make that time?

What did I do that was right?

What way could I have improved my performance?

What lessons can I learn for that experience?

He continues: “I often found that this weekly review made me very unhappy. I was frequently aston-

ished at my own blunders. Of course, as the years passed, these blunders became less frequent.

Sometimes I was inclined to pat myself on the back a little after one of these sessions. This system of

self-analysis, self-education continued year after year, and did more for me than any other thing I

have ever attempted.”

Interesting insight wouldn’t you say. And maybe even a new way to help us consider and increase

our performance.

I would like to issue a challenge. As you prepare for your yearend review, consider taking it to a new

level and ask yourself the four questions above. We may not have the luxury of time to be able to do

it on a weekly basis. But, if we consider taking a few minutes each month and consider our current

performance levels and what opportunities are available for enhancement we might find great new

opportunities for professional development right on our own door steps.

Happy Holidays

Final Thought: The holiday season often presents opportunities to help

others and make a difference in their lives. I hope that each of us will

seek for and identify a way(s) to brighten someone’s day during the sea-

son, particularly a child’s.

Thanks for the opportunity to be associated with you and ISM-Utah.

Presidents Message


Central Utah Director’s Message

December 2012

Hello everyone! I hope your Holiday season is going well and you are enjoying time with family and

friends. This time of year gives us the unique opportunity to ponder the great blessings of our lives

and to give thanks for all that we have been given. I hope you are taking advantage of that opportuni-

ty and that you realize the great blessings we have been given and share that Spirit with those

around you.

We had a wonderful opportunity to tour the new LDS Bishop’s Central Storehouse facility as a group

on November 8th. What a marvelous facility that is and what a great example of efficiency and utili-

zation as that Storehouse provides much needed goods across the country. It was a wonderful exam-

ple of the latest technology and procurement practices coupled with the wonderful purpose of serv-

ing those in need. It is no wonder that everyone we met there had such a wonderful demeanor and

attitude as they are truly passionate about what they do and are truly inspired in their work. What

great lessons we can learn about inspiring those who work with us and helping to lift the attitude in

our own workplaces.

Our meeting in December is our Christmas party which will take place on December 13th. I hope all

who can attend will as this will be a wonderful evening at the Deseret Star Playhouse in Salt Lake. We

will return to our regular meeting schedule on Wednesday January 16 and I look forward to seeing all

of you there. Until then please have a wonderful and safe Merry Christmas and a wonderful New

Year!

Paul Buckner

Central Utah

Directors message


Looking Towards 2013 Jackie Cook

Over time it seems the political climate has changed the season’s greeting from “Merry Christ-

mas” to “Happy Holidays”. So, I am not going to be PC, because I am sending you a “Merry Christ-

mas” greeting!

Your December may be filled with office parties, the hustle and bustle of family preparations,

and taking a little well deserved vacation time. That is certainly the case for me and my colleagues.

However the New Year is just around the corner, so, we have taken some time to think about where

we want to go in 2013. Our intent is to actually start the year with our published goals, rather than

taking two months to figure them out.

We often say in Procurement that others do not recognize our value and as a result we may

be under-utilized and under-appreciated. So, we have determined that we will put together a three-

year high level roadmap to change those perceptions. Our plan is called the “Procurement Partner-

ship Program”. It will encompass strategic direction with our clients beginning with pro-active collab-

orative conversations that will enable us to identify needs and approaches to solving problems. We

intend to bring finance into the conversation to discuss budgeting challenges. A representative from

contracting will review key vendor contracts that will expire in the next 12 to 24 months. Vendor per-

formance evaluations will be reviewed as a group and opportunities for improvement will be as-

sessed. A business process improvement specialist will be available to help the business unit address

process challenges. As we discuss the business units goals and challenges, we expect to create a stra-

tegic sourcing roadmap where we partner together to create value to the business unit.

To truly be successful, we will target our “Procurement Partnership” at a senior level for buy-

in and an operational level for tactical support. We have also determined that it is best not to bite off

more than we can chew, so we are segmenting the business over a 3-year plan and tackling areas

where we expect to gain the greatest support in 2013. If we approach the business units with respect

for their expertise and solutions that are innovative

which have not been thought of before, we will be suc-

cessful in aligning with the business in a successful part-

nership.

What are your plans for next year, and are you

building the excitement now to achieve a very merry end-

ing to 2013? I certainly wish you a Merry Christmas this

season and success in the months to come.

ISM Utah Jackie Cook


Focus on the Critical

Gordon Wells

This time of year it is easy to get overwhelmed! For many businesses this is a make or break quarter.

There are also many demands on our time that are unique to the holiday season. It is easy, and quite

normal, to feel like there just isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done. This may or may not

be true. Sometimes we have to step back and evaluate what is really critical and refocus on those things

that will bring about the greatest return. Time really is one of our greatest resources. Here are some

thoughts on possible ways to maximize the use of our time.

Reflection

A few minutes at the beginning of each week to reset our focus, and develop a personal strategy for the

week, can help us be most efficient. It can also help us make sure we are fighting the right battles and

working on the projects that are of most benefit to our mission. It is surprising how many good ideas

come to us when we pause and reflect on where we have been and where we really need to go.

Set a Plan

Set a plan and work it. Making a plan each day keeps you on track and helps you prioritize your work. If

we have a plan all other distractions can be compared to the priorities of our plan. Adjustments can be

made but without a plan everything is an adjustment and becoming overwhelmed follows naturally. I

love the logic behind the old adage “a lack of planning on your part doesn’t necessarily create a crisis on

mine.” As I said earlier, time is one of our most precious resources, so using it efficiently is essential.

Say No - Wisely

Sometimes the best answer for all involved is “no.” If we try to squeeze in another project, we really

don’t have time for, the requestor may not get the quality he wants and you may not be able to do your

best work. But saying no wisely can make a huge difference. For example, saying no to an immediate

request doesn’t mean you can’t suggest some future time that will work. Sometimes a request can be

completed equally well by someone else. It is wise to check with that person before you recommend

them. If they are okay, you have been creative in finding a solution. In any case, it is best to be compas-

sionate, and willing, but honest.

The work we do is important to the success of our companies. We need to do the very best we can. To

do that we need to be sure we are keeping our focus on the most important priorities and being sure

they get done well. Good luck, and have a peaceful, enjoyable holiday season.

ISM Utah Gordon Wells


Mountain States’ Leading Economic Indicator Slips:

Economic Confidence Sinks

November survey results at a glance:

· Leading economic indicator dips to healthy level remaining well above national index.

· Approximately 30 percent of supply managers expect no pay raise next year.

· On average, supply managers project a 1.6 percent wage gain for the next year.

· New export orders remain very healthy.

· Business confidence index plummets.

For Immediate Release: December 3, 2012

Denver, CO – For the 37th straight month, the overall index for the Mountain States region, a leading economic indicator for the three-state area of Colorado, Utah and Wyoming, advanced above growth neutral 50.0 for No-vember, and it continues to exceed the national index which declined below growth neutral for June, July and Au-gust and moved slightly above growth neutral for September and October (www.ism.ws).

Overall Index: The overall index, or Business Conditions Index, which ranges between 0 and 100, fell to a still solid 55.9, down from 58.6 in October and 61.0 in September. An index of 50.0 is considered growth neutral. The over-all index is a mathematical average of indices for new orders, production or sales, employment, inventories and delivery lead time. This is the same methodology used by the national Institute for Supply Management.

“The region has grown at a pace exceeding that of the nation. Our regional survey results over the past several months, compared to national surveys, indicate that the regional economy will continue to outperform the nation-al economy. Even so, regional growth over the next 3 to 6 months will slow, but remain positive,” Goss Institute for Economic Research Director Dr. Ernie Goss said today.

The Goss Institute conducts the monthly survey for Supply Management Institutes in the three states comprising the Mountain States region. Goss also directs Creighton University’s Economic Forecasting Group and is the Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics (http://www.ernestgoss.com/aboutus.html).

Employment: The employment index once again climbed above growth neutral. The hiring gauge fell to a softer 52.1 from October’s healthier 57.6. “For 2012, the regional economy has added jobs at its healthy pre-recession rate. Surveys indicate that business growth will slow, with job growth declining but remaining positive over the next 3 to 6 months. However even with healthy job growth for 2012, approximately 30 percent of supply manag-ers expect no pay raise next year. On average, supply managers project a 1.6 percent wage gain for the next year,” said Goss.

Wholesale Prices: The prices-paid index, which tracks the cost of raw materials and supplies, dipped to 69.7 from

October’s 71.8. “Weaker commodity prices, such as those for oil and copper, linked to slower global growth are showing up in our survey. However, I expect the Federal Reserve’s easy money policy to continue to support elevated commodity prices even with the global economic slowdown,” said Goss.

This month supply managers were asked how much they expect prices for products they purchase to change in the next six months. On average, a 2.9 percent increase is expected. This compares to a

Mountain States Economy


projected 2.2 percent increase recorded in May of this year. “Thus, supply managers have raised their

annualized projected wholesale price growth for supplies they purchase from 4.4 percent to 5.8 percent since

May,” said Goss.

Business Confidence: Looking ahead six months, economic optimism, as captured by the business confi-

dence index, plummeted to 48.9 from 56.0 in October. “Both the fiscal cliff and the uncertainty surrounding

healthcare reform were reported by supply managers as negatively affecting their economic outlook,” said Goss.

Inventories: Supply managers in the three-state region added to inventories of raw materials and supplies

for the month. The index advanced to 62.4 from October’s strong 60.8. “We have recorded inventory growth for

36 straight months. Healthy inventory growth normally signals that supply managers expect production expan-

sions in the months ahead and is consistent with economic growth,” said Goss.

Trade: The new export order reading for the Mountain States region slipped to a healthy 57.1 from Octo-

ber’s 58.3 while November imports climbed to 63.2 from 58.7 in October. “The weakening global economy has

yet to restrain regional exports. At the same time, the expanding regional economy has pushed international pur-

chases by Mountain States’ firms higher,” said Goss.

Other Components: Other components used to calculate the overall index for November were new orders

at 53.9, down from 55.9 in October; production or sales at 60.2, off from October’s higher 66.5; and delivery lead

time at 51.0, down from 52.0 in October.

The Institute for Supply Management, formerly the Purchasing Management Association, has been for-

mally surveying its membership since 1931 to gauge business conditions (www.ism.ws). The Goss Institute uses

the same methodology as the national survey. The overall index, referred to as the Business Conditions Index,

ranges between 0 and 100. An index greater than 50 indicates an expansionary economy over the course of the

next three to six months. The overall index is a mathematical average of new orders, production or sales, employ-

ment, inventories and delivery lead time.

The Creighton Economic Forecasting Group has conducted the monthly survey of supply managers in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming since 1994 to produce leading economic indicators of the Mountain States region. The Goss Institute assumed operation of the survey in August of 2008, working with NAPM-Utah (www.napmutah.org) and NAPM-Western Wyoming (http://www.ism.ws/sites/westwyoming/index.htm).

Ernie Goss Mountain States Economy

http://www.ism.ws/

http://www.napmutah.org/

http://www.ism.ws/sites/westwyoming/index.htm


Colorado: The state’s leading economic indicator, based on a monthly survey of supply managers in the

state, moved above growth neutral for November. The overall index, termed the Business Conditions Index, for

November dipped to 54.9 from 56.7 in October. Components of the Business Conditions Index for November

were new orders at 42.2, production or sales at 51.5, delivery lead time at 50.1, inventories at 59.4, and employ-

ment at 71.3. “Expanding business growth was reported across a broad range of industries in the state including

mining, durable goods manufacturing, and non-durable goods manufacturing. Furthermore, an advancing con-

struction industry is having positive impacts on firms linked to this industry,” said Goss.

Utah: The state’s overall index, or Business Conditions Index, a leading economic indicator, once again

moved above growth neutral 50.0. Based on the monthly survey of the membership of ISM-Utah

(www.napmutah.org), the overall index for November slipped to 57.3 from October’s 60.1. Components of the

Business Conditions Index for November were new orders at 57.1, production or sales at 65.2, delivery lead time

at 52.2, inventories at 62.2, and employment at 49.9. “Manufacturers in the state, especially durable goods pro-

ducers such as computer and electronic component manufacturers and metal producers, continue to experience

expanding economic conditions. Survey results point to solid but somewhat slower growth in the next 3 to 6

months,” said Goss.

Wyoming: The state’s leading economic indicator from a survey of supply managers in the state has now

climbed above growth neutral 50.0 for 37 straight months. The index, termed the Business Conditions Index, de-

clined to a solid 55.9 from October’s 57.6. Supported by NAPM-Western Wyoming (http://www.ism.ws/sites/

westwyoming/index.htm), surveys over the past several months point to positive but slowing economic growth in

the state economy for the next 3 to 6 months. Components of the overall index for November were new orders at

53.3, production or sales at 54.5, delivery lead time at 51.7, inventories at 63.6, and employment at 53.2. “Mining

firms, and firms tied to mining, are experiencing positive but slowing growth in the state. Survey of supply manag-

ers in the state over recent months point to even slower growth over the next 3 to 6 months,” said Goss.

December results will be released on January 2, the first business day in January.

For historical data and forecasts, visit our website at:

www.ernestgoss.com or

www.outlook-economic.com

www.twitter.com/erniegoss

Mountain States Economy

http://www.napmutah.org/



http://www.ernestgoss.com/

http://www.outlook-economic.com/

http://www.twitter.com/erniegoss


Congratulations to Past President David Stokes!

Newsletter

Happy Holidays Everyone!

I am pleased that we now have renewed access to Economic data and anal-

ysis from Ernie Goss. His November press release is inside. Next month we

will also renew the outstanding content from Deborah Walker CCMC. I

would like to spotlight some members in upcoming issues so if you are

aware of a colleague who’s performance is noteworthy, please let me know

Thanks!

David Stokes

Retirement

Newletter

David Jones

General Manager

PJ’s College Books

Nebraska Book Company

Business Unit 228

Taylorsville, Utah 84118

[email protected]

Work 801-966-5800

Cell 801-953-8062

May 2012 Utah Purchasing News

david stokes retirement christmas party!...david stokes retirement desert star playhouse 4861 south...

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