ISM-Twin Cities, Inc.

A Chapter of the Institute for Supply Management working together to advance the profession of supply management.

Leading Supply Chain Management Professionals

Welcome to our ISM—Twin Cities website. It should be your first stop for registering for meetings and learning what we are up to!

In the Twin Cities chapter, we have around 500 sourcing professionals in our membership, and we strive to bring everyone significant value in their professional and personal development.

We offer a mix of events using both in-person and virtual approaches. Our virtual events are conducted on Zoom so you can access them from anywhere.

If you have not already done so, bookmark this site so it is handy for you when you are looking for information about ISM. Please reach out to us at info@ism-twincities.org org with any input or questions you have.

Upcoming Events

November

18

2025

MEMBER WEBINAR
Member Only

Accelerating AI in Industry: From Machine Learning to Agentic Intelligence

Explore the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and its transformative impact across industries. This webinar will delve into the progression from traditional machine learning to generative AI and the emerging frontier of agentic AI—autonomous systems capable of goal-directed behavior. Learn how these technologies are reshaping operations, decision-making, and innovation.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand the distinctions between machine learning, generative AI, and agentic AI.
  2. Evaluate the strategic implications of adopting advanced AI systems.
  3. Explore future trends and ethical considerations in autonomous AI deployment.

Online
Register Now

November

18

2025

Chapter Meeting

ISM-Twin Cities: Right-Shoring Your Supply Chain

Nearly every company is reviewing its sourcing strategies in light of the current global economic environment and the uncertain tariff landscape. Join us for our November meeting to hear from Todd Bauman, DBA and VP of Supply Chain at Ascential Technologies, as you update these strategies.

In addition to Todd’s presentation, representatives of the University of MN faculty will join us and share their insights, as well as participate in the Q&A discussion.

Key Topics

·         From Global to Local: Explore how evolving supply chain strategies—from offshoring to reshoring and nearshoring—are redefining operational resilience and enabling faster, more customer-centric delivery.

·         Labor, Tech, and Talent: Address the real-world challenges: Is the domestic labor pool sufficient? Are our technologies scalable? Are we closing the skills gap fast enough to support reshoring?

·         Smart Shoring with IIoT, AI & Automation: Learn how intelligent technologies are reshaping location decisions—making your shoring decisions not just feasible, but a competitive advantage.

·         Quantifying Your Supply Chain Strategy: Use decision models and data-driven frameworks to make your shoring strategy measurable, defensible, and aligned with business goals.

Location
University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Business
Herbert M. Hanson Jr. Hall, Room 1-107
321 Nineteenth Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Sponsor: 700 ISM—Twin Cities, Inc.
Carlson School of Business
Todd Bauman
Register Now Group Registration

November

20

2025

MEMBER WEBINAR
Member Only

Member Orientation

This webinar provides knowledge regarding the many benefits that come with being a part of the ISM community. Join us and learn about the essential tools, vibrant community, and exceptional learning that enhances your professional development. You'll also gain insight into the array of programs, services, and resources that are available to you through your membership.

Online
Register Now Group Registration
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Welcome from the President

On behalf of myself and the board, thank you for visiting.

ISM—Twin Cities is a 100+ year old non-profit organization focused on advancing the practices of sourcing and supply chain professionals at all levels.  With nearly 500 local members, we are the go-to network for sourcing & supply chain professionals in the Twin Cities!  We provide real connections, relevant education, and leadership opportunities that can help our members advance their careers within their organizations.

Our chapter has monthly professional development meetings where we discuss topics relevant topics for sourcing and supply chain professionals while allowing for great networking opportunities. We’d love to see you online or in person!

The ISM—Twin Cities Fall Conference is a two-day in-person summit packed with fantastic speakers that provide practical strategies and ideas that attendees can take back to their workplace and apply immediately.  Held locally in Minneapolis in October of each year, it is a high value conference that is well worth the time and cost expended.

From a certification perspective, we support ISM Global’s deployment of certifications in Supply Management and Supplier Diversity.  ISM—Twin Cities offers courses to assist participants to earn and retain CPSM®, CPSD®, and APSM® certifications. These certifications are great development tools to support skill set development and career growth aspirations.

Not a member of ISM—Twin Cities yet? Please consider joining us. This a personal invitation from myself and the board to join us in our endeavors to advance supply management practices here in the Twin Cities as a member.  Becoming a member offers many benefits at both the local and global levels of ISM.

If you would like more information, please e-mail info@ism-twincities.org or call 952.564.3045.

Best Regards,
Alan

Alan Harrah, CPSM, CSCP
President
ISM—Twin Cities, Inc.

Supply Management News & Reports

Global Photo

Fast, Easy Item Classification? It’s Possible with Machine Learning and Automation

November 01, 2025
Articles

Sponsored Content | Even when you get everything right, this inefficiency eats into profits. And if something goes wrong—if you don’t have the information to determine the correct code, for example, or if a single digit is entered incorrectly—the impact on your clients (and your business) can be significant. Items might be held up in customs, sellers could be subject to fines, and customers may be forced to pay additional duties. Fair or not, these outcomes can reflect poorly on you.

Read More
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Join ISM

Your membership in ISM will provide a powerful path to stay connected, engaged, and up-to-date with everything happening in supply management. Serious procurement and supply chain professionals are dedicated to staying in the know about their profession and staying at the top of their game. An ISM membership will provide you with that and more.

More than 100 years of experience speaks for itself – ISM can help you succeed. It's our mission.

Become A Member

Member Testimonials

I consider ISM to be an integral part of what keeps me current in today’s business world! I’ve been a member of ISM since earning my Certified Professional of Supply Management in 2014, and through that set of classes I’ve been able to broaden my understanding of supply chain issues, network with other professionals, advance my career and my earnings to a much greater extent than I could have without ISM and the CPSM credentials. The CPSM course is robust for the topics it covers and depth of coverage. Once I earned it, I became motivated to keep it with the 20-hours per year CEH requirement. With that incentive in place, I’ve learned even more to help accelerate career growth. It’s been the best professional move by far. Staying current and relevant in today’s business world takes effort of some sort, ISM makes that easy and rewarding with the ISM Twin Cities fall conference and monthly meetings. Lessons and insights learned in ISM training opportunities are immediately applicable in my job, continually providing credibility in my role.

- Cindy Jerome
Production Director
Lerner Publishing

ISM and the local chapters provide access to networking, professional development, conferences, leadership opportunities, best practice benchmarking and lifelong connections. This applies to supply management professionals who are at any stage of their career. It’s really a no-brainer for anyone who is serious about their career in supply management and would like to continue their education on a reoccurring basis.
I’ve had the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors at ISM-Twin Cities for 5 years which has accelerated my leadership development and networking as a young professional. This active role in the organization has created excellent benchmarking opportunities which I can utilize at my existing employer and beyond. My network has drastically expanded in this short time and will continue to grow as I stay involved in ISM throughout my career.

- Corey Gustafson, CPSM
Commodity Manager
Entegris

Learn More

Unlock AI for Smarter Supply Chain Decisions

The AI Playbook for Supply Chain Professionals is your practical guide to using AI to drive smarter decisions. From supplier negotiations to risk management, this on-demand toolkit offers real-world examples, ready-to-use prompts, and expert strategies tailored to the profession. Learn how to apply AI confidently and effectively-no technical background required.

Access the Toolkit

ISM-Twin Cities Inc.

10700 W Highway 55, Suite 275, Plymouth, Minnesota 55441
(952) 564-3045
info@ism-twincities.org
Institute for Supply Management
We advance the strategy and practice of integrated, end-to-end supply chain management through leading edge data-driven resources, community, and education to empower individuals, create organizational value and drive competitive advantage.
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