Organization takes a fresh approach to revive its group focused on logistics-related opportunities and endeavors.

In an effort to provide a fresh start for its members, the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) recently announced that it is taking steps to “rejuvenate and reconstitute” its Logistics and Transportation Group (LTG).

The ISM LTG was first established in 1985 as the ISM Transportation Group, with a focus on the issues and opportunities surrounding inbound logistics, according to ISM spokesman Tom Tanel.

“For many, it was seen as one of the most neglected areas of opportunity and a veritable goldmine for purchasing savings,” he said. “At that time most suppliers dictated freight routing and charges.”

The mission of the ISM LTG, said Tanel, is to study, evaluate, and impart knowledge concerning supply management problems specific to logistics and transportation for acquisitions, contracting, purchasing, procurement and supply management professionals and to also act as a conduit for the profession.

The ISM LTG is comprised of roughly 280 ISM members, whom are primarily shippers, as well as some educators, consultants and other supply chain personnel, said Tanel. He added that the ISM is also in the process of changing its membership charter to allow carriers, system integrators and 3PLs part of its membership base, too.

He explained that the ISM board of directors voted to include a bylaw revision on the ballot for the upcoming January 2010 membership vote. The revision is to expand the definition of membership in ISM to include anyone interested in ISM.

“This should definitely expand our breadth and scope when it comes to the logistics and transportation arena,” said Tanel, whom noted that ISM LTG members must join ISM before they can join an Interest Group within ISM.

ISM LTG officials listed the following as its key focus areas:

• to provide, through one body, for members of ISM having responsibility and/or interest for the supply management of Logistics and Transportation, the opportunity to discuss and exchange information and knowledge on a cooperative basis;

• to promote local and national programs which will aid in the education and development of the Logistics and Transportation Group;

• to assist in the preparation of reports, studies or statistics of general interest and value to all ISM Logistics and Transportation Group members; and

• to work in conjunction with the ISM continuing Education Program to encourage and assist in the professional development of LTG members.

David Jacoby, ISM co-director-at-large-USA and president of Wellesley, Mass.-based Boston Strategies International, said in an interview that this news represents how the ISM LTG “is making a specific and concerted effort to help members realize the value of what the [ISM LTG] can do for its members,” by collaboration and serving as a resource base by offering opportunities for sharing information through conferences and group-sponsored initiatives.