Happy New Year!

There's a sudden burst if optimism in the business world if you have not yet noticed.  If you are paying attention, the most telling indicator of this optimism is our own ISM-New York Report on Business.  As a participant myself, I am always interested in seeing how my views are incorporated into the overall survey and the December 2016 results were impressive.  The index is showing a positive long term outlook for business conditions in 2017.  That can be good news and bad news.

First, the good news.  With the incoming  president and administration, there exists a belief in a more business-friendly environment on the horizon.  How that translates at your organization and its plans for the future remain to be seen but my hope is for more opportunities to engage with ISM-New York.  That would include our professional development seminars and our annual conference in March.  A better business outlook usually translates into more funds for continuing education and our organization is one of the few which provides offerings geared toward our work needs and are very affordable.

There is bad news because there is always bad news in this kind of optimistic scenario.  What is the optimism was overstated and business conditions don't improve or worsen?  The reaction could lead to a downturn and that can be quite stressful to manage.  It also presents an opportunity for skilled supply chain professionals to demonstrate how we add value and what impact we can have on protecting company assets and profitability while mitigating risk.  

2017 will be a year filled with hope and optimism and I am excited to serve as your  president for the next six months. 

 

Vice President, Enterprise Spend Management - IT Sourcing and Contracts 

Financial Operations of the Americas / FMA