APICS Inland Empire Recognizes Contributions and Volunteerism

The Spring Executive Panel & Networking Symposium focused on identifying potential supply chain threats and disruptions sharing with attendees from supply chain, manufacturing, logistics and distribution how to proactively deal with these pivotal changes.

CLAREMONT, Calif., June 8, 2017 — The Inland Empire Chapter of APICS,  the leading association for supply chain and operations professionals, challenged attendees to raise the bar and proactively strategize on how to prepare for and react to disruptive innovations in logistics with its expert panel presentation and discussion at its Spring Executive Panel & Networking Symposium: Disruptive Innovations in Logistics held May 6 in Corona, Calif. In addition to expert presentations, stimulating dialog and industry networking, the APICS-IE chapter also recognized individuals and companies for their contributions to the association and improving the members’ value and knowledge base. Eight awards were given in appreciation of outstanding leadership and partnership – outstanding board leaders, Kate Loin Baron and Helen Arambulo; outstanding instructor, Kevin Manning, outstanding business leader advocates, CJ Nord and Kash Gokli; outstanding partners, Classic Elegance Video, Photo & Media Transfers and CMS Circuit Solutions and outstanding association partner, Distribution Management Association.

“This year’s Symposium challenged our attendees to think strategically about the end-to-end supply chain and disruptive innovations that are coming down the pike,” says Lisa Anderson, President of APICS-IE and LMA Consulting Group.  “I was also very pleased to recognize those who have contributed greatly to APICS-IE’s success in providing value to the manufacturing, distribution and transportation communities. These events are packed with value for students, professionals and executives and require a lot of pre-planning, organization and coordination to pull off successfully, and we could not have done this without our board and volunteers.”

Award recipients pay it forward helping area companies stay current and gain access to education and resources to improve business performance and career success through all the outreach services APICS-IE provides. Susan Brunasso of Classic Elegance Video, Photo & Media Transfers is a familiar face photographing and videoing other faces at all of the APICS-IE events.  “Capturing and preserving, both enlightening and informative events has been an awesome educational privilege,” explains Brunasso. “It has been an educational and informative privileged to be of service to APICS-IE for over ten years.”

Manufacturing students are always well-represented at APICS-IE chapter meetings and events thanks to Kash Gokli, Professor of Manufacturing Practice at Harvey Mudd College. “I am honored to be associated with this vibrant APICS IE chapter,” says Gokli. “They have given to me so many opportunities to contribute, network, and learn. My students have benefited in so many ways including participating in the Student Case Competition.”

Cheryle L.  Steddom, CPA, CFO and owner of CMS Circuit Solutions adds, “The APICS-IE chapter continually provides our company, and its employees, with education and information that is not only current but relevant to our business and business partners.  We are a better company because of our association with you.”

Fellow board members Helen Arambulo and Kate Loin-Barron feel they get more from their involvement with APICS-IE than what they put in. “I really like that I can continually learn and improve myself while helping others through the APICS-IE chapter,” explains Arambulo. 

“I also feel gratitude for all the sharing and elevating of our profession with events like the Symposium, ongoing education and tours,” says Loin-Barron. “We also help students learn the business by involving them in the same activities chapter members enjoy.”

Kevin Manning, APICS-IE Director and Supply Chain Category Manager for Southern California Edison states, “I am honored to be recognized as the outstanding instructor. Being an APICS instructor has allowed me to meet so many wonderful people, and it is very rewarding to be able to teach others valuable skillsets such as CPIM. I would like to thank my mentors Phil Elhai and Sue Franks and all the people who helped me become an effective instructor, thank you!” 

California Faucets’ Supply Chain Manager and former president of ISM-LA C.J. Nord also appreciates this high performing chapter, stating, “The dedication that the APICS IE team shows to our profession is inspiring. ISM is honored to partner with APICS in our common mission to educate supply management professionals because a well-run supply chain supports job creation, and that translates to the financial well-being of families.”

APICS-IE president Lisa Anderson concludes, “A BIG thank you to all of our award winners for their dedication and contributions to our APICS-IE’s success.  Each of these award winners are epitomized with the words leadership, partnership, collaboration and value!”

The APICS-IE Fall Symposium: Trending Technologies for Manufacturing & Distribution Success will be held Saturday, November 4, 2017  at the Eagle Glen Golf Club in Corona, Calif. Fees to attend the event from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM are $15 for members, $25 for non-members and students are free. Breakfast buffet is included.

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About APICS

APICS is the leading professional association for supply chain and operations management and the premier provider of research, education and certification programs that elevate end-to-end supply chain excellence, innovation and resilience. APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) and APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) designations set the industry standard. With over 37,000 members and more than 250 international partners, APICS is transforming the way people do business, drive growth and reach global customers.

The Inland Empire Chapter covers the inland empire region of Southern California, which spans the easternmost portion of Los Angeles county in addition to San Bernardino and Riverside counties.  The chapter offers educational classes, programs and special events in the hotbeds of manufacturing and distribution activity including Ontario, Riverside, and Temecula.  APICS Inland Empire partners with other organizations supporting manufacturing and distribution such as the DMA (Distribution Management Association), neighboring APICS chapters, industry leaders and government officials in support of furthering the region’s workforce development and growth.