TEMPE, AZ. - September 15, 2008 - Supply managers seeking how to successfully develop and integrate sustainability and social responsibility initiatives into their own organizations and supply chains need look no further. The world's largest and most respected supply management organization, Institute for Supply Managementâ„¢ (ISM), announces its innovative Sustainability and Social Responsibility Conference, November 6-7, 2008 at the Marriott Inn and Conference Center in Adelphi, MD. Named the country's first environmentally friendly hotel and conference center, the Marriott Inn and Conference Center has received its LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The one-and-a-half day conference offers supply management professionals an unprecedented opportunity to learn firsthand from leading multinational companies that have already implemented successful sustainability and social responsibility programs. Conference attendees will gain valuable insight into possible challenges and solutions, and be given measurement tools and best practices for developing and/or enhancing proactive sustainability and social responsibility programs of their own. They will also be provided a unique platform for active networking with other supply management professionals.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Learn from leading global management consulting firm A.T. Kearney why sustainability is important, and hear about the latest research and trends, measurement tools, challenges and benefits, and action plans for moving forward.
  
• Discover the steps News Corporation took to becoming carbon-neutral.
  
• Learn how Yellowstone National Park effectively implemented sound environmental practices in a unique photo-driven presentation.
  
• Hear firsthand how leading office furniture manufacturer Herman Miller developed a comprehensive approach to sustainability down to the design and chemical make-up of its products.
  
• Discover how information and communications technologies giant AT&T developed a collaborative sustainability process that is both equitable and profitable for its many stakeholders.
  
• Other session highlights include: Implementing sustainable sourcing solutions and developing cost-cutting strategies with suppliers that increases capacity and improves efficiencies. An overview of the recent initiatives of ISM's Committee on Sustainability and Social Responsibilities will also be given.

In addition to the Sustainability and Social Responsibility Conference, ISM will hold a pre-conference seminar on November 4-5, 2008. Topics at the pre-conference seminar will provide attendees with valuable tools to successfully move their organizations toward environmentally friendly and green supply chain practices. Pre-conference fees are $1,245 for ISM members and $1,545 for nonmembers. Save $200 off the registration fee for the Sustainability and Social Responsibility Conference by registering for the pre-conference.

Get the ISM discounted room rate of $145 per night at the Marriott Inn and Conference Center, UMUC, 800/453-0309, 3501 University Blvd., E. This rate is only offered until October 13, 2008.

As the largest supply management institute in the world, the mission of Institute for Supply Management(TM) (ISM) is to lead supply management. By executing and extending its mission through education, research, standards of excellence, influence building and information dissemination - including the renowned monthly ISM Report On Business(R) - ISM continues to extend the global impact of supply management. ISM is proud to recognize professional excellence in supply management with awards such as the ISM R. Gene Richter Awards for Leadership and Innovation in Supply Management and the J. Shipman Gold Medal Award. ISM's membership base includes more than 40,000 supply management professionals in 75 countries. Supply management professionals are responsible for trillions of dollars in the purchases of products and services annually. ISM is a member of the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM).

Institute for Supply Management™ (ISM)

Institute for Supply Management™ (ISM)

Institute for Supply Management™ (ISM) is the first supply management institute in the world. Founded in 1915, ISM exists to lead and serve the supply management profession and is a highly influential and respected association in the global marketplace. By executing and extending its mission through education, research, standards of excellence and information dissemination - including the renowned monthly ISM Report On Business® - ISM maintains a strong global influence among individuals and organizations. ISM is a not-for-profit educational association that serves professionals with an interest in supply management who live and work in more than 75 countries. ISM offers the Certified Professional in Supply Management® (CPSM®) qualification and is a member of the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM). Visit ISM's Social Responsibility and Sustainability website at www.ism.ws/sr.

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