NAPM-ISW's History

The Origin of NAPM-ISW
NAPM-ISW’s existence started in the summer of 1964. Since that time, the association has had a rich history of change, full of dedicated volunteer leaders who persisted in providing educational opportunities for our members, and adding value to the purchasing profession in the Treasure Valley.

Our first official "season opened in the fall of 1964 under the guidance of Ross Pulliam as President. We were the Idaho Division (Chapter) of the Purchasing Agents’ Association of Oregon, District I (District XI was formed in 1982). James "Jim" Baxter and Wilbur "Wil" Collins were trustees at the time. Jim is still an active "retired" lifetime member; Wil is the namesake of our annual scholarship.

We became a NAPM affiliated association on December 1, 1980, with a regular membership of 46 and one associate member. Shurlie Rife was President, Norma Ireland was 1st Vice-President, and Kay O’Kane was the Treasurer.

In 1992, our name was changed to NAPM-Idaho Southwest, Inc., and we currently enjoy a membership of over 60 purchasing professionals.

Advantages of Your Membership to Your Employer

Purchasing has become one of the most critical functions in modern business. To remain competitive and profitable in today’s economy, industry requires trained, skilled and competent purchasing professionals to handle the acquisition of materials, equipment and services. NAPM-ISW is dedicated to providing the avenues for growth in purchasing and materials management, and thereby enhancing the professional skills needed by the profession in industry, today and in the future.

National Affiliation

NAPM-ISW is one of over 170 local associations affiliated with the Institute of Supply Management, which incorporates over 40,000 members throughout the country.

NAPM-ISW maintains its autonomy by selecting activities, managing its affairs, and tailoring its meetings, seminars, workshops, etc., to meet the specific needs of its members. The affiliation with National also provides the advantage of nationally-known name recognition, public relations and advertising done by ISM, the recognition provided by the ISM Report on Business, a well-known and highly regarded publication and economic indicator for over 40 years.

C.P.M. Programs

Gain knowledge, confidence, respect and promotional opportunities when you earn the title of Certified Purchasing Manager. The C.P.M. program is the nationally recognized standard of competence and knowledge for the entire field of Purchasing and Materials Management.

NAPM-ISW offers workshops and various other activities throughout the year in support of the C.P.M. programs.

ISM Publications and Services

Regular members receive the ISM Report on Business, containing the national business survey and timely commodity information.

The monthly magazine; Inside Supply Management has national and international information on purchasing, as well as ISM and affiliate-related news.

ISM On-line provides access to job opportunities, networking, ISM resources and information, keyword searchable article database, supplier sourcing, and much more. To link up via modem, call 602-752-3915.

ISM can also be found on the World Wide Web, address http:/www.ism.ws.