OIPMAC Advocacy

As Canada' s premier association in the field of strategic supply chain management, PMAC is not only the primary source for supply chain related education training, but also plays an important role as a catalyst in the global economy. Being recognized as the pre-eminent authority in the field of purchasing and supply chain management also provides the association with an extraordinary opportunity to help shape public policy at the highest levels and establish best practice standards for both the private and public sectors.

By taking a leadership role in policy review and other advocacy-related initiatives, PMAC works to enhance visibility and credibility for the profession and to heighten the association’s profile with government and the business community. With such endeavors, PMAC remains well positioned to continue to promote the training and accreditation of purchasing and supply chain professionals in Canada. Thus through market, profession and operational leadership, PMAC is realizing its vision to become “the recognized leader in world-class strategic supply chain management.”

Building our Brand
In conjunction with redesigning our core education product, PMAC also continues to work to build the Certified SCMP brand. The renewed accreditation program has allowed PMAC to develop a clear and distinct position in the market for the brand. The intent is to enhance the awareness, recognition and understanding of the field of practice of strategic supply chain management and the unique competencies of PMAC-accredited professionals (Certified SCMPs) in the marketplace.

Supply and Demand
Building the brand involves addressing the twin issues of supply and demand. By stimulating global market demand for strategic supply chain management professionals, more accredited professionals will be hired and promoted. Equally, attracting a sufficient number of new members will help develop a critical mass of quality supply chain management professionals capable of surpassing customer expectations.

PMAC's Master Communications Plan identifies the primary stakeholder audiences that need to be engaged in dialogue, including employers, members, prospective members, the academic community, media and government. As part of an ambitious brand awareness campaign rolled out over 2006/2007, PMAC's key messages have been and continue to be communicated to these groups through an impressive array of communications tools from recruitment brochures to advertisements to web content and other marketing collateral.

Government Relations
An ongoing priority for PMAC is to build and strengthen the brand with the federal government. An extensive government relations program is in place to help emphasize to Ottawa the critical role of training in Canada’s global competitiveness.

PMAC has stressed the point that when public servants receive the training and certification they require, government is more likely to receive value for the money it spends. The message appears to have been well received. The Clerk of the Privy Council in his recent (2007) annual report to the Prime Minister indicated the public service would be making “sustained investments in development and learning,” including specific programs for functional groups.

Partnerships and Alliances
PMAC recognizes that increasing the sway of the profession in boardrooms and encouraging top talent to choose a career in supply chain management cannot be done alone. To ensure that the message is more persuasive and can reach wider audiences, PMAC collaborates or joins forces with like-minded groups, domestically and internationally.

As a pillar association, PMAC helped to found the Canadian Supply Chain Sector Council. Funded by the Government of Canada, the council addresses skills and career development requirements in the supply chain labour market. On the world stage, PMAC is a member of the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management, uniting 43 national and regional purchasing associations. Together, we work to elevate and advance the supply chain management profession across the globe.