Program Plan – October 11
Here is the working plan for our panel discussion. If you have additional topics orr questions you would like added to the discussion list please email michael_l_taylor@rl.gov  

Protecting the Environment – making the right procurement decisions

Discussion Topics:

1.      What are the most commonly available environmentally friendly products that we can purchase to make the biggest difference in our companies?  (what are the worst offenders)

2.      Are there “bogus” products we should avoid?  They make environmental claims but don’t really help?

3.      Are there products we might be asked to purchase which should be avoided at “any cost”

4.      What are some of the buzzwords and key terms that requestors might use, which should raise a cautionary flag in our actions?

5.      What types of excess, surplus, material disposal should we consider to be hazardous and in need of more elaborate disposal?

6.      What minimum qualifications we should insist on for contractors to dispose of hazardous materials?

7.      If someone takes excess material from me and says it’s for “beneficial reuse” or use for its intended purpose, is there some documentation we should insist on?

8.      What would be a good non-technical reference/training course that would help procurement personnel understand the issues/concerns relative to hazardous material disposal and remediation?

9.      What types of letters/audits/action can we expect from the EPA and how can we prepare?

10.  Under what circumstances should we consider hiring an environmental consulting company?

11.  What can contractors do that could get us in to trouble?

12.  Is there a way we can find out the performance record of subcontractors with respect to the environment?

13.  What environmental standards could a buyer in a commercial company expect to encounter in day-to-day operations?

14.  Are there State environmental regulations that differ in various States which could affect procurements or contracts that cross State lines?

15.  What are some of the international Environmental Management System (EMS) procurement standards such as ISO 14001 and when might they apply to our procurements?

16.  What are some of the Standards and regulations that apply to Federal contractors?

17.  What kind of environmental requirements may be triggered by “how” a subcontractor chooses to perform the work”?

Pacific Northwest Purchasing Conference – Portland

Early Registration extended!

October24-26.  Participate in a regional educational program. Hear nationally-known speakers on Supply Chain Topics and network with Supply Chain Professionals from throughout the northwest. Link to the conference brochure and registration information

This year’s Conference will focus on providing educational programs which will "Add Value" to each attendees' professional knowledge and personal business skills, thus allowing each attendee the ability to enhance his/her own company’s profits, no matter what business segment you work in.  The educational learning opportunities will be many, including three (3) keynote presentations, plus 28 additional breakout workshop program choices to choose from and, of course, the opportunity to network with other colleagues from the other areas of this region will be fantastic.  The Conference speakers and educational presentations will all be focus on our "Adding Value" theme.

In the brochure you will also see information regarding the Affiliate Leadership Training Workshop (ALTW), which the Northwest Purchasing Education Council (NPEC) is providing on Monday morning, October 24th, just prior to the start of the Conference.  The ALTW sessions will include training for Affiliate Presidents, Vice Presidents, Secretaries/Treasurers, and other Officers, as well as “the Necessities” for effective committees (Communications, Educational, and Membership).        Additionally, there will be training for affiliate strategies, planning and chairing effective meetings, and teambuilding, all followed by an interactive roundtable where you can also network with other affiliate leaders.  Even if you are not a volunteer leader in an educational organization, you might still find some of these training sessions interesting and you could pick up some educational information which might help you in your regular job.  There is no extra charges for attending the ALTW sessions, as that will be included in your Conference Registration.  Also, Continuous education Hours (CEH) are available for this ALTW as well as for the Conference educational sessions.

The conference cost will be $350 for Northwest Purchasing Education Council (NPEC) members and $375 for non-members.  However, we are allowing other educational associations in this region, the opportunity to allow their members to register for our conference at the “member rate”, provided that those organizations confirm to PNPC Co-Chair Sid Brown (sidbrown@aol.com) their willingness to timely communicate our Pacific Northwest Purchasing Conference News Releases to their members.  These non-member associations must provide that confirmation prior to the registration of any of their members for this conference.  Anyone receiving this announcement through their local educational association will have received it because their association has agreed to support the publicizing of this Conference and can register at the lower "member" fee.

The PNPC and ALTW will be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel, located near the Portland, OR airport (PDX).  We have arranged for a discounted rate of $104 (+ tax) per night for a two-room suite.   A “Great” facility with easy accessibility.  However, be aware that we have a limited number of rooms available for conference attendees at this reduced rate, so you are encouraged to make your hotel reservations early.

Are You Ready for an unexpected Job Interview?

Most job seekers wait to polish up their interview skills until they are looking for a new position. Important interview opportunities, however, can present themselves at any time. For example,

·         Unplanned internal job openings: There is a sudden opportunity to advance your career from within, and your boss recommends you as a candidate for the job. Are you ready to communicate your contributions to the organization?

·         A recruiter calls: The position sounds like just the career move you’ve been wanting. Will you say the right things to win the job or will you blunder your best chance?

·         A former colleague introduces you to his boss: They are building an exciting new division for their company and looking for new staff. Will you entice his interest in you as a must-have new team member?

Those who continually grow in their careers are always prepared for these situations. Their interview skills are sharp at all times. To know if your skills are sharp enough to handle a surprise interview, see if you can answer the following three questions:

1. Can you concisely state your value proposition in 30 seconds or less?
A value proposition is meant to intrigue your listener with a quick overview of your skills, expertise, and industry know-how. If you can offer a precise summary of why you are the perfect candidate for that job, you are more likely to get to the second or third interview. A concise value proposition can make a critical difference in winning you a new position.

2. Do you know your top five accomplishments, and can you communicate their impact to your employer’s bottom-line initiatives?
A list of your top accomplishments will allow a potential employer to imagine what you can do for him or her. Accomplishments give employers a way to associate your skills with their needs—and a reason to remember you. Be prepared to list your top skills and show how they can help meet corporate needs.

3. Are you prepared to answer your own toughest interview questions, or do you hope they just won’t come up?
Don’t leave yourself vulnerable to questions like “If you’re doing so well in your job, why do you want to leave?” A good recruiter or hiring manager will see you sweat and stutter and squirm; you’ll lose their confidence and destroy a chance to get your dream job. Think about the questions that will be your biggest pitfalls—and be prepared to answer them.

Be prepared to answer all these questions and more. With those answers in hand, you'll be ready for the unplanned interview so that you take your career from mediocre to marvelous with “always-ready” interview skills.

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Deborah Walker, Certified Career Management Coach
Read more career tips and see sample resumes at:   www.AlphaAdvantage.com
email: Deb@Alphaadvantage.com