• November Non-Manufacturing Report On Business®: Business Activity at 61.3% -- Read more.
  
• National Volunteer Committee Positions Available — Deadline December 10^th -- Read more.
  
• Latest JPMorgan Global PMI Report on Manufacturing -- Read more.
  
• Special Edition of Just in ETime on December 8^th -- Read more.
  
• 90^th Annual International Supply Management Conference -- Read more.
  
• Term of the Day -- Read more.
  
• From Our Sponsor...OnVantage, Inc. -- Read more.
  
• Contact Us -- Read more.
  

Business activity in the non-manufacturing sector increased in November 2004, say the nation's purchasing and supply executives in the latest Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®.

The report was issued today by Ralph G. Kauffman, Ph.D., C.P.M., chair of the Institute for Supply Management™ Non-Manufacturing Business Survey Committee and coordinator of the purchasing and supply management program, University of Houston-Downtown. "Non-Manufacturing Business Activity increased for the 20th consecutive month in November," Kauffman said. He added, "Also in November, New Orders, Employment, Order Backlogs, Imports, Prices and Exports increased."

For the complete report click here.

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ISM provides the opportunity to all members to express their interest in ISM volunteer opportunities. The following positions are available:

• Affiliate Support Council
• Leadership Training Committees
• Certification Committee
• Diversity Committee
• Ethical Standards Committee
• Educational Resources Committee
• Permanent Conference Committee (PCC)

Individuals interested in a national volunteer position may submit their qualifications for the desired position on the Volunteer Position Interest Form. The applications for these positions will be reviewed based on the committee needs, qualities and capabilities needed, diversity, and other issues related specifically to the committee.

The Volunteer Position Interest Form must be submitted via the ISM Web site by December 10, 2004.

For more information on the Affiliate Support Council or Leadership Training Committees positions click here.

For information on all other available National Committee positions click here.

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Global Manufacturing Economy Recorded Weakest Growth Since September 2003, as Expansion of Output and New Orders Lost Momentum.

The current upturn of the global manufacturing economy lost further momentum in November. At 53.2, the Global Manufacturing PMI — a composite index produced by JPMorgan and NTC in association with ISM and IFPMM — posted its lowest level since September 2003 and a reading well below May's survey high. The majority (fourteen) of the national manufacturing economies covered performed less robustly than in October, with three (Germany, Italy and Russia) seeing a deterioration in operating conditions. The US recorded the strongest growth of all nations, followed by Switzerland, then Denmark.

Worldwide manufacturing production increased for the nineteenth successive month in November. However, after falling in each of the past four months, the Global Manufacturing Output Index registered 53.4, to signal the least marked expansion in production since July 2003. Denmark recorded the strongest growth of output of all nations, despite seeing the rate of improvement ease over the month. The US saw production expand at the least robust rate in sixteen months, but was still third-placed in the global growth league table. Output growth was relatively subdued across the European Union, with gains in the UK (the second-strongest overall and a four-month high), France and Spain largely offset by contractions in Germany and Italy — the first falls in output in these nations for fifteen months. In the Asia-Pacific region, Japan saw output expand at the least marked rate during the current one-and-a-half year period of sustained growth, and China also recorded a slower increase in production.

To read the complete release click here.

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A special edition of the Just in ETime newsletter will be sent to all subscribers on December 8th. This special edition will contain the results of ISM's 68th Semiannual Economic Forecast.

ISM will release its 68th Semiannual Economic Forecast on December 8, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. EST via Business Wire and the ISM Web site (www.ism.ws).

If you're not a current subscriber to the Just in ETime newsletter, subscribe now -- it's FREE!

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The 90th Annual International Supply Management Conference and Educational Exhibit information is now available on the ISM Web site. The Conference takes place May 8-11, 2005 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, TX. Don't miss the supply management educational event of the year.

For complete program and registration information click here.

Save $25 when you register on the ISM Web site.

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Today's ISM Term of the Day is: CONSOLIDATOR.

Definition: A carrier that collects small shipments from several shippers (less-than-truckload, less-than-carload) and consolidates them into larger shipments (truckloads, carloads, containers) for delivery to the consignee.

A different Term of the Day is posted on the ISM Home Page (www.ism.ws) each day -- 7 days a week. The Term of the Day is taken from the Glossary of Key Purchasing and Supply Terms.

ISM members can access the online Members Only Glossary of Key Purchasing and Supply Terms which includes terms from the private, public, and various industry sectors, and from a wide variety of sources. The Glossary can be browsed alphabetically, or searched by keyword.

To access the Glossary click here.

If you are not a member but would like membership information click here.

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Free Spend Management Resource Kit for Meetings & Events

Are you aware of strategies and tactics to control meeting-related spending? As a procurement professional you are well aware of cost-cutting initiatives that companies have implemented to reduce direct, indirect and even services spending over the last decade. Due to the hidden nature of meeting-related costs, similar initiatives have largely been absent for meetings expenditure. OnVantage now brings you a compilation of case studies, best practices, articles and more on the subject of managing meeting spend. If you feel you could use some tips in this area, click here to access your very own Spend Management Resource Kit for Meetings & Events.

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Questions/Comments? Contact Cheryl Chadwick.

If you would like to sponsor this e-newsletter, contact Cindy Urbaytis.