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

May

13

2025

MEMBER WEBINAR
Member Only

Navigating Tariffs: Controlling Costs and Driving Procurement Excellence

Intended for ISM Corporate Program Participants

In today's rapidly changing business environment, navigating tariffs and managing costs effectively are critical for procurement success. Join us for an insightful webinar where Kloopify experts delve into strategies to optimize supplier negotiations, meet regulatory requirements, and mitigate financial risks amidst fluctuating tariffs and economic dynamics. Discover practical insights and real-world examples showcasing how Kloopify's advanced AI platform empowers organizations to gain visibility into costs, enhance supplier relationships, and achieve sustainable cost control. This webinar offers essential knowledge for procurement professionals looking to drive efficiency and strategic value within their organizations.

Online
Register Now

May

20

2025

Chapter Webinar

ISM-Twin Cities May Professional Development Meeting -The Power of Data Driven Negotiating

Do you have timely, accurate cost data to push back price hikes when you negotiate with suppliers?  Have you built simple should-cost models to utilize in these discussions to level the playing field? 

At our May 20th meeting, ProPurchaser Founder & President, Rod Sherkin will share some time-tested insights to help you answer these questions affirmatively.   

Note: A meeting link will be sent to all registrants the day before the meeting.

Sponsor: 700 ISM—Twin Cities, Inc.
Online
Rod Sherkin
Register Now Group Registration

June

01-03

2025

EVENT

ISM World 2025 (In-Person)

The ISM World in-person experience gives you the opportunity to be face-to-face with thought leaders, peers and suppliers and have dedicated time to build your network and expand your knowledge on critical topics impacting the supply management profession. Get inspired by amazing keynotes, interact in engaging breakout sessions and have fun swapping supply chain “wins” (and war stories) in a variety of attendee celebrations and small group experiences.

 

THINK YOU WANT THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS? Consider the ISM World all-access pass. Learn more. Read more about the All Access Pass

Orlando, FL
Register Now Group Registration
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Welcome from the President

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

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 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® and CPSD 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.

ISM-TC Presentation to St Thomas Supply Chain Club

December, 2025

Supply Management News & Reports

zycus ai

Harnessing Agentic AI in Source-to-Pay: A New Era of Procurement Efficiency

May 05, 2025
Articles
  • Sponsored Content | Navigating the intricacies of procurement without real-time insights can feel like solving a puzzle blindfolded. The Evolution of Agentic AI in Source-to-Pay and the integration unveil new possibilities. From practical applications in real-world scenarios to the seamless streamlining of workflows, the journey is marked by transformative moments. Let’s delve into how Agentic AI’s impact transcends theory to reshape procurement practices and drive tangible results. 
Read More

  • The ‘$1 Million Question’ on Immigration

    May 10, 2025
    Articles
    Member Only
    Tightening policies and increased visa rejections would impact foreign-born workers, as well as companies that employ them — and, potentially, the quantity and quality of the U.S. skilled labor pool.

  • The Chaotic State of Freight

    May 10, 2025
    Articles
    Member Only
    U.S. manufacturing is at a crossroads as the sector seeks to balance the tools, talent and technology to make up ground lost to China.

  • Not Only for the Battlefield

    May 10, 2025
    Articles
    Member Only
    The military methodology of ‘wargaming’ can double as an impactful boardroom business tool to spark innovation, reduce supply chain risk and break down organizational silos.
View More

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

ISM World 2025 Registration Open

Join your peers in Orlando, Florida, June 1-3, 2025. The ISM World Annual Conference is a world-class event designed to inspire fresh thinking and provide an educational experience that unites thought leaders, supply chain and procurement professionals, and the innovative suppliers that support them.

You'll leave with new connections, fresh insights, and the inspiration to spark new ideas within your professional community. Register today for the best rates!

Register Today

Join the Report On Business®  Survey Panel

ISM®'s Manufacturing, Services, and Hospital Report On Business® gather data monthly through surveys of supply management professionals participating in the Business Survey Committee.

Participation in the survey panel provides many benefits:

  • Receive a copy of the just-released Report On Business® graphical data
  • Directly see how your contribution affects the markets each month
  • Earn Continuing Education Hours

Click the link below to submit your information and someone will reach out to connect for a quick virtual call!

Join the Survey Panel

Photo Gallery

ISM-TC Board
People sitting at conference
Picture of November 2020 PDM
Picture of Jan PDM
Slide from June 2020 PDM
Slide from May Peer Group
Slide from June 2020 PDM
Slide from March PDM
Appreciation for long time board member

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