We have now been a year into the new APICS logo and designation "The Association for Operations Management". The society remains at over 48,000 members strong. In the downsizing of Materials Management in Manufacturing we are beginning to see a return of jobs in the Materials Sector. Many companies are realizing that the Materials Management positions and the training are paramount and needed over the reductions they have made.

APICS, The Association for Operations Management, is the Global leader and premier source of the body of knowledge in operations management. Founded in 1957 with just 3 chapters the society has grown to over 270 chapters and an International Society. APICS members come from a diverse community of businesses from Manufacturing products through to the retail sector of product delivery. Recognized as the leader in CPIM, Certification in Production and Inventory Management along with CIRM, Resource Management they have added the CSCP, Certified Supply Chain Professional designation to their Presentations.

APICS is 270 Chapters strong represented by 14 Regions in North America plus the International Sector. Activities include dinner meetings with professional speakers, tours of local facilities, Regional training meetings, Seminars, and publications from the Society level. Members enjoy a monthly publication of articles of current topics along with discounts on books, journals, and publications. Chapter sponsor student chapters where interests in Operations Management draw students to chapter affiliations.

The Lima chapter conducts APICS CPIM certification training on a regular basis and will soon be conducting training on the new CSCP professional designation some time in 2006. For more information contact the President of the chapter at the e-mail address: spitzen2002@hotmail.com

To learn more about APICS visit the WEB site at: http://www.apics.org