You may not know it but you are part of a “whole new APICS world” out there. The governance structure has changed and along with it APICS (listening to our own teachings) has become more lean and mean. An organization that goes back to the days of the $.85 minimum wage, $1,500 new cars, $15,000 homes, and computers and cell phones belonged to Star Trek characters. APICS then stood for “American Production and Inventory Control Society.” Times have changed dramatically, and if you've been paying attention, so has APICS. APICS had to look in the mirror and see the truth. Years ago we abandoned the meaning of the acronym as it was much too confining. We are, in fact, now an International organization that spans the entire Supply Chain Management field (unheard until 2000). We rolled over the dinosaur -- and a new "animal" emerged.
Until 2008, membership in APICS has been distributed among 14 regions, consisting of 240 Chapters, with one Region V.P. to represent each of them as a voting member on the APICS Board of Directors. Other voting members were: President, Past-President, President-Elect, Secretary/Treasurer, V.P. of VOC (Voice of the Customer), V.P. of CDC (Chapter Development Committee), and the V.P of Education. Making decisions with 21 voting members proved extremely time consuming. The APICS restructuring initiative has resulted in a number of things to help alleviate the ponderous weight of outmoded decision-making processes:
The regions were re-aligned into 9 Districts, consisting of two leaders in each: a District Director that votes, and a District Manager that has no vote -- but helps all of the Chapters within their district to better communicate and to conduct periodic meetings with all of them, and to preside over a yearly Leadership workshop for new Chapter officers.
Additionally, with the reduction of voting members in Districts, the resultant votes now consist of: Chair (formally President), Chair-elect (formerly President-Elect), Secretary/Treasurer, and 5 Directors at Large who are Industry Experts that will change with the future needs of APICS.
Past-Presidents no longer have a vote. The flexibility of Directors at Large now opens the door to greater International representation and outside influence. This brings the total voting Board down to 17 from 21.
The terms of each voting officer have been increased to two year terms -- as opposed to the previous one year term of office. This will ensure a much stronger commitment to the future of APICS.
So what do all of these changes mean for members? Just as in any business, the “powers that be” will still make the major decisions -- but now they will be much more agile and responsive to the needs of the APICS membership. The Districts are now better aligned so that they may concentrate on the healthy APICS Chapters to disseminate information, provide feedback and to ensure consistency of offerings. All of this while becoming more flexible and responsive to the changes in demand within their respective geographical areas.
Please take advantage of some of the new APICS member benefits, such as the Aberdeen Group and American Management Association (AMA) partnership. Look for updated materials in our certification programs, geared to be faster and more relevant to changing markets. You may wish to familiarize yourself with your Chapter affiliation within your District in order to get the most out of your APICS membership.
You are a valuable part of your APICS Chapter's success, as they should be to yours. With hundreds of Associations, Organizations and other Groups to choose from, your time becomes very precious -- and how and where you spend your time becomes ever more important ! APICS is committed to distinguish itself from those many organizations by bringing you, the APICS member, more value for your time and money.
Gold Rush Modesto, CA
Golden Gate San Francisco, CA
Greater San Jose San Jose, CA
Hawaii Honolulu, HI
Mission Peak Fremont, CA
Northern Sierra Reno, NV
Northwest Inland Empire Spokane, WA
Portland Portland, OR
Puget Sound Seattle, WA
Redwood Empire Santa Rosa, CA
Sacramento Sacramento, CA
Salt Lake Salt lake City, UT
Santa Clara Valley Santa Clara, CA
Solano Fairfield, CA
San Joaquin Fresno, CA
Southern Oregon Medford, OR
Southern Willamette Valley Eugene, OR
Sundance Ogden, UT
Treasure Valley Boise, ID
