>> MARCH 2003

 
 
To: All members of the PMAC Montreal West Island District.
 



>> DISTRICT WEB SITE: www.wicaq-pmac.org

>> THE NEXT GENERAL MEETING IS TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2003 AT THE DORVAL HILTON HOTEL STARTING AT 5:30PM.

 

PURCHASING MONTH
 

 
The month of March has been designated by the Purchasing Management Association of Canada (PMAC) as Purchasing Month. Purchasing Month is a universal opportunity for the Purchasing and Supply Management profession to further expand the awareness of its role to business and corporate leaders, government officials, academia, the media and the general public. P.M.A.C. through its Institutes and Districts participate by holding special events, meetings and activities throughout the month of March. Individual members can help by promoting the purchasing and supply management function within their own organizations and communities.

Members are encouraged to reacquaint themselves with the PMAC organization and the value of your membership in this Professional body. This information should also be shared with workplace colleagues, suppliers, business associates and clients.

Here in the West Island District we will hold our General Meeting on March 25th at 5:30pm at the Dorval Hilton Hotel.

As indicated in the last issue of the Communique, the March General Meeting will be sponsored by Lyreco Office Products. Under this unique initiative, Lyreco will also mount a display of specialty products and services that they supply. Lyreco Office Products specializes in Developing and Implementing purchasing solutions to meet office products needs. With locations in 18 different countries they have the capabilities and expertise to provide services and products locally, nationally and around the world. More information is available at www.lyreco.ca

 
SPECIAL NOTE TO MEMBERS
 
 
In honor of Purchasing Month, members with activities paid and who are attending the General Meeting may bring ONE (1) GUEST at no charge. You bring along your colleagues, company associates or suppliers to attend this meeting. Additional guests are welcome at $35.00 per person. Please advise Eric Leclair of your intent to attend this meeting along with the names of your guest(s).

Eric may be contacted by e-mail at eleclair@vortex-intl.com or by telephone at 514-948-5228.
 
 
GUEST SPEAKER - ROD SHERKIN
TOPIC: PURCHASING, THE UNDERVALUED LINK IN THE SUPPLY-CHAIN
 
 
Rod Sherkin is the founder of the website www.propurchaser.com which is a knowledge-tool that uses the internet to put actionable information into the hands of Purchasing professionals to help them drive down costs.

He is also the President of Sherkin & Associates Inc., a Management Consulting firm that works with organizations to improve their purchasing practices.
 

The presentation will be in two (2) parts.

  • The first half is a wake-up call to senior management. Wake up to the increased profit potential that goes hand-in-hand with improving purchasing practices. A five-step approach is outlined that management can implement immediately to start harvesting savings.
     
  • The second half is aimed at purchasing practitioners and is called "How to escape from the "Everything is Urgent zone". It provides practical advice on how to free up scarce time from hectic work schedules to devote to strategic purchasing initiatives. It then offers advice on how purchasers can maximize the savings potential of this newfound time. Special emphasis is placed on using commodity prices as negotiating weapons.
Mr. Sherkin is a recognized expert in his field, writing often on the subject of improving Purchasing practices. He has been published in a wide range of magazines such as: IVEY Business Journal, Progressive Purchaser, CAmagazine, Plant, Purchasingb2b ands The Michigan Manufacturers Association Journal. He also speaks frequently on this subject and has presented to a variety of organizations such as: Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Production and Inventory Control Association of Cleveland, PMAC, York University, and The Durham Region Manufacturers Association.

Mr. Sherkin is a graduate industrial engineer with extensive experience in both senior management and consulting. His management experience includes fifteen years as the senior executive responsible for Purchasing for Pillsbury and later, Ball Packaging. His consulting career has focused on Purchase Cost Reduction for a wide variety of clients including: Canadian Pacific Railways, Novopharm, Fomo Products USA Inc., Best Foods, Broan-NuTone, Allanson International Inc., and Moosehead Breweries.

The district will award a "door prize" of a one (1) year subscription and access to "propurchaser.com" a market value of approximately $800.00. This "door prize" will be open to all attendees whether district member or guest.
 
 

EDUCATION
 

 
The following are seminars scheduled for the next period.

Montreal Seminars
March 27-28 Strategic Supplier Cost Analysis ;
Contact the CAQ office 450-357-0033
Ottawa Seminars
May 22-23 Customs & International Trade
  Contact Robert Wein
Tel: 613-763-3417
Fax: 613-763-1096
rwein@nortelnetworks.com

More seminar information is available at www.caq.qc.ca