In his two-part audio series earlier this year, blogger extraordinairre Jon Hansen of Procurement Insights, explored the question \u201cIs the traditional association model dead?\u201d His panel of experts seemed to agree that traditional purchasing associations as we knew them are on their way out the door.<\/p>\n
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On a related note, Purchasing Magazine\u2019s Dave Hannon recently penned an article about a purchasing and supply management association that is considering allowing salespeople to become members. According to the article, that association is holding a vote among its members in December to get approval to change its bylaws so that salespeople are no longer prevented from joining. If a majority of voting members agree with the change, salespeople and purchasing professionals will have equal access to membership.<\/p>\n
While the association itself defends this proposed change as a means \u201cto better reflect the changing nature of the supply management profession,\u201d Hannon smartly gets to the heart of the matter \u2013 it\u2019s all about money and survival: \u201cThe broader membership would mean more revenue for the organization at a time when many industry organizations are struggling. [The organization\u2019s] officials confirmed the organization\u2019s membership numbers are down from past years.\u201d<\/p>\n
Indeed, in an editorial in its own publication this summer, that association\u2019s CEO wrote that the association \u201cis being challenged in the current economic environment. Revenue is declining. Last fiscal year, we posted a huge loss\u2026This will likely occur again this fiscal year\u2026.we are blessed with substantial reserves for a \u2018rainy day.\u2019 Well, it\u2019s raining.\u201d<\/p>\n
The likelihood of this change passing seems uncertain based on Hannon\u2019s research. The article includes this type of feedback:<\/p>\n
So, what does this mean? Does this mean that traditional associations are no longer sustainable doing business-as-usual? Does this mean that if the traditional association model survives, it will no longer have the benefit of being buy-side only? And will this lack of insulation from salespeople cause an exodus of purchasing and supply management members and effectively turn purchasing and supply management associations into veritable sales associations that welcome purchasers?<\/p>\n
Time will tell.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In his two-part audio series earlier this year, blogger extraordinairre […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":4029,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2784","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-procurement"],"yoast_head":"\n