02/21/2024
A letter from the board:
Greetings Everyone,
Remember a kinder, gentler time when most people had no idea what a supply chain was or why it might matter to them. But after the emergence of Covid four years ago, daily life was disrupted in mysterious ways. Suddenly it became hard to buy cleaning supplies, exercise equipment, even breakfast cereal. Then, for the first time in a generation, inflation reared its ugly head.
Supply chains in 2024 will improve but are still vulnerable. Today, both in our businesses and within our Forum, we are now facing the following challenges:
• Lack of skilled workers
• Cybersecurity threats
• Talent Shortages
No longer is procurement and supply chain management viewed as attractive careers by most career launchers. Colleges and universities aren’t providing any coursework or training on common enterprise software and unlikely to introduce specialized procurement and supply chain platform curriculums.
We need to ensure that Supply Chain careers will continue for future generations. Spread the word within your companies the importance of ASCM! Shoreline Forum thanks you for your active participation and engagement in our organization.
We cannot express in words how greatly we appreciate our members and friends for their support, so THANK YOU!
Thank all of you for:
• coming to our tours and Professional Development Meetings
• remain ASCM and our Forum
• renewing your membership
• maintaining your APICS certification(s)
• subscribing to our newsletter
• visiting our website
• interacting with us on LinkedIn and Facebook
• and so much more
My hope is that you share your experiences with others and encourage them to join and support our Forum. The rewards we all get out of the Shoreline Forum will increase as we get more and more people involved! There is a wealth of knowledge in the Sheboygan and Manitowoc areas and we try our best to tap into all resources and offer you ways to improve yourself, your company, and your network! So, if you have questions, ideas, suggestions or thoughts on how we are doing, or what you would like to see, I encourage to reach out to any one of us. We need you to stay involved!
Speaking of staying involved, we are looking new members to join our board. If you employer requires continuing education as part of your annual review, this is one way to achieve that goal. Additionally, it looks good on your resume!
Of course, I would be remiss if I did not also add a special “Thank You” to the volunteers on the Forum’s Board of Directors that spend countless hours over the course of the year to communicate, host events, and support forum performance. So, thanks to Steve, Mark, Michelle, and Tyler for all that you do!
Thank you for taking the time to read this message, and as always, please send your feedback - we’re excited to be your Forum!
With Thanks!
Respectfully,
Rhonda Shermeister, CPIM
Shoreline Forum President
