Programs Information
Upcoming events:
In Collaboration with the ASCM Akron Chapter
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 – Virtual professional development meeting
Root Cause Analysis (RCA) — An Essential Skill
While it is common to complain about problems, it is less common to do a proper root cause analysis on the problems. This presentation will cover both the “why” and the “how” of RCA, and discuss how to move from fire-fighting to a more strategic approach to running a business. Example RCA tools will be included, as well insights into developing effective work plans.
Presented by: Gary Kerslake, CSCP
Customer focused, manufacturing savvy professional with over 40 years in line, staff, and consulting experience. As a consultant, Gary has worked with several of our nation’s leading corporations and government agencies. Prior to becoming a supply chain consultant, he was both a materials manager and plant manager. With his valuable hands-on manufacturing expertise, he can give his clients practical solutions to their lean or supply chain process improvement activities. He has been presented the prestigious “Award of Excellence” from the U.S. Army Materiel Command for his leadership with their Logistics Modernization Program. Gary was recently named “Instructor of the Year” and, granted a “Lifetime Achievement” award from the Wisconsin Chapter of the Association of Supply Chain Management.
Schedule: (Mountain Time Zone)
5:00pm MST – Feature presentation
6:20pm MST – Closing remarks
Location:
ONLINE meeting using Zoom software. A meeting link will be sent out the morning of the meeting.
Cost: Free for ASCM Akron and New Mexico Forum chapter members. $15 for all others.
Reservations: RSVP’s required by 10am on Tuesday, December 9th to programs@ascmAkron.org.
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Past events:
In Collaboration with the ASCM Colorado Chapter
Virtual Professional Development Meeting
Autonomous Mobile Robotics in the Warehouse
Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm (MST)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $0
*Registrants will receive a link the day before the Meeting on 11/11/2025
** Register by 11/9 at:
Topic: Autonomous Mobile Robotics in the Warehouse
Speaker: Brian Harris
In a modern supply chain world of escalating customer expectations, ongoing labor shortages, and increasing demands to lower operational costs while maximizing throughput, Autonomous Mobile Robotics (AMR) is the fastest growing technology in warehousing operations and highlights the accelerating adoption of advanced technologies by organizations looking to increase efficiency, reduce cost, improve warehouse user experience, and future-proof supply chain strategies.
This is no more evident than the 2025 Gartner Warehouse Management System Critical Capabilities Report that projects by 2028, “80% of warehouses and distribution centers will implement some form of robotics or warehouse automation.
The robotics revolution is here. Will you be ready?
Utilizing industry insights and personal experiences collaborating on Small Business to Enterprise-level robotics projects, I will dive into a holistic overview of the Autonomous Mobile Robotics landscape, explore key considerations when evaluating robotics strategies, and provide lessons learned from both successful and unsuccessful real world project examples.
Brian Harris is currently an Account Executive with Made4Net and former Enterprise Account Manager with Infios (Korber/Highjump) focused on Supply Chain Execution technologies including Warehouse Management (WMS), Robotics, Labor Management (LMS), and Transportation Management (TMS) within the Retail, eCommerce, Manufacturing, Food & Beverage, 3PL, and Consumer Goods industries.
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Virtual Professional Development Meeting
Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm (MST)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $0
*Registrants will receive a link the day before the Meeting
** Register by 10/13 at 5:00 pm (MST)
Topic: Tariffs, Technology, Transformation and Talent
Speaker: Scott DeGroot
Tariffs, Technology, Transformation, and Talent – Leading through Supply Chain Disruption
In today’s business world we are experiencing a lot of change and disruption, we will discuss what is happening and some ideas to navigate the changing world of the supply chain.
Scott is currently the Managing Director, Adjunct Lecturer, and researcher at the University of Tennessee’s Haslam College of Business Global Supply Chain Institute. Prior to that, he was the Global Vice President of Planning and Distribution at Kimberly-Clark Corporation. In this role, Scott and his team were accountable for the results delivery of Planning, S&OP, Customer-facing Logistics, Physical Logistics Operating Excellence, On-Time In-Full and North American Transport. His team delivered our products to KC’s consumers efficiently and effectively, every day, every time, and everywhere. His team optimized overall logistic spend of $1.8B, $1.7B of inventory and delivered industry leading OTIF results.
Scott was also the General Manager of Kimberly-Clark’s Eastern Grocery team in North America. Scott’s accountabilities included driving over $650MM in revenue through a highly engaged team that included Ahold, Wakefern, HEB, Publix, Delhaize and BiLo Holdings. During his 35+ years at Kimberly-Clark, Scott has held ever increasing areas of accountability and leadership including: Director of Supply Chain Strategy; Director of Consumer Planning; Director of Distribution Operations; Director of Transportation Procurement and Analysis; Director of Transportation Operations; and Regional Logistics Leader in Chester, PA, where he led all logistics operations at the largest site in the Kimberly-Clark network.
Schedule:
6:00 pm – Networking
6:30 pm – Chapter Announcements
6:45 pm – Speaker
Tickets
$0 Member Virtual
$0 Guest Virtual
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Professional Development Meeting
Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm (MDT)
Location: On-line
Cost: $0 – for virtual participants.
*Online registrants will receive a link the day before the Meeting
Topic: Lean Demand Planning
Speaker: Geoff Fry
After years of driving high inventory turns for highly configurable products by using postponement, I have recently been confronted with big inventory challenges in a consumer product marketplace, with comparatively little product variation. Instead, I am now looking to put the inventory “where the money meets the road”, or the last mile of the inventory’s journey before getting into the end customer’s hands. In this presentation, I will compare and contrast the inventory management techniques of postponement for ATO businesses with the inventory positioning across multi-level supply chains that are best suited to consumer product businesses using BTF/BTS. And, I will share stories to help folks understand the “why” and “how”, even when they are not well versed in esoteric supply chain principles.
Goeff Fry has a 25+ year career managing both operations and supply chains for diverse industries including electronics manufacturing, industrial distribution, and telecom services. He has extensive experience managing complex, global supply chains. Geoff Fry has held broad leadership roles across every function in the value chain, encompassing Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Contracts, Purchasing, Planning, Warehousing, Global Logistics, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality. He has lived and worked in North America, Asia, and Europe, specifically in the US, China, the UK, and Germany, and has managed international teams across various countries.
He is a recognized expert in change management and has led numerous Supply Chain and Manufacturing teams through major step-function transformations, including centralizing decentralized functions and building world-class procurement capabilities from the ground up. His impact is demonstrated through significant cost savings, dramatic inventory reductions, and successful digital transformations leveraging automation, AI, and data analytics. He also excels in talent development and fostering high-performing global teams.
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September is National Drive Electric Month, and PNM is thrilled to invite you to a series of exciting Electric Vehicle (EV) events across New Mexico. Whether you’re EV-curious or already driving electric, these events offer hands-on experiences, expert insights, and a glimpse into the future of clean transportation.
Here’s what’s coming up:
Santa Fe Ride & Drive Event
Friday, Sept. 19 and Saturday, Sept. 20 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Capitol Lot, 459 Old Santa Fe Trail
Hosted by PNM, this hands-on event allows attendees to test drive electric vehicles and speak with local dealerships. Fleet managers, residential customers and sustainability-minded drivers are encouraged to attend and explore EV options.
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Science, Technology, and Environment Day at the New Mexico State Fair
Friday, Sept. 12 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Expo New Mexico, 300 San Pedro NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108
PNM will participate in Science and Technology Day at the 2025 New Mexico State Fair. The event highlights science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) through interactive exhibits and educational activities. Stop by PNM’s booth to learn about electric vehicles and how they’re shaping a cleaner future.
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2nd Anual Albuquerque EV Expo
Saturday, Sept. 27 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
North Domingo Baca Park, 7521 Carmel Ave. NE, Albuquerque
PNM will attend the second annual Albuquerque EV Expo, which features a wide range of electric vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, pickups, motorcycles, e-bikes and scooters. Brands such as Tesla, Rivian, Ford, Toyota, Kia and Hyundai will be represented.
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PNM’s 4th Annual Electric Car Show on the Plaza
Saturday, Oct. 4 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Santa Fe Plaza, 63 Lincoln Ave.
PNM’s 4th Annual PNM Electric Car Show on the Plaza is more than just a showcase—it’s a celebration of innovation, sustainability, and community. Whether you’re a longtime EV driver or just EV-curious, this event is designed to spark your imagination and answer your questions. This is your chance to explore the latest in EV tech, meet the passionate people driving change, and get inspired to electrify your transportation. Register today for your chance to win a $25 gift card!
Past Events:
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In Collaboration with the ASCM Akron Chapter
Tuesday, August 12, 2025 – online professional development meeting
Feature Presentation: Negotiating in the Supply Chain World
Join us for an inspiring and knowledge-packed evening with Dave Molenda, the highly sought-after host of the popular podcast Positive Polarity and Amazon #1 best-selling author! Known for his energetic style and insightful expertise, Dave will present strategic negotiation tactics that can be immediately applied in the supply chain industry and across a wide range of sectors. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your negotiation skills or gain an edge in your business dealings, this is the event for you!
Presented by: Dave Molenda, TDC, TDFC, TEQC
After 30 years of starting his own company and growing it to $10 million in annual sales before selling it, Dave Molenda realized that his passion was helping companies thrive by overcoming their natural tendencies to retreat, not talk about the hard stuff and spin their wheels on the wrong things. Dave’s current company, Positive Polarity, is a Midwest business coaching firm that acts as the opposing force against the easy way of doing business – the way it’s always been done – with a positive and encouraging approach.
Dave’s book, Growing On Purpose, was an instant #1 Amazon Best Seller in three categories and will help strengthen your team and improve your customer’s experience!
Dave’s latest project, Positive Polarity Podcast, has over 270 episodes! Recently, the Positive Polarity Podcast achieved the top 2% of all podcasts in the world, according to Listennote.com! On this podcast, Dave and his guests discuss the intersection of business growth and personal growth. Each week they invite guests on that have found their passion in their business and together, talk about how this looks in business and how successful the outcome actually can be!
Schedule: (Eastern Time Zone)
6:50pm – Networking
7:00pm – Feature presentation
8:20pm – Closing remarks
Location:
ONLINE meeting using Zoom software. A meeting link will be sent out the morning of the meeting.
Cost: Free for ASCM Akron chapter members and ASCM New Mexico Forum members (you need to mention you are member of the ASCM NM Forum). $15 for all others.
Reservations: RSVP’s required by 10am on Tuesday, August 12th to programs@akronapics.org.
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The Tech Summit is NMTC’s flagship event, where founders, business leaders, policymakers, investors, and rising stars will come together to transform the future of tech in our state. The event features 2 thought-provoking keynote sessions from industry experts, 10 breakout sessions across 5 tracks, and networking with 750+ influential attendees from across the innovation ecosystem.
Attending the Tech Summit will provide you with a unique opportunity to gain insights from industry experts, exchange strategies with our community of thought leaders, and network with individuals who are elevating our local tech economy and keeping New Mexico at the forefront of the latest global trends.
KEY DATES:
AI Keynote Announcement – Click here for an overview
This keynote panel features nationally recognized speakers who are driving AI innovation, shaping the future of tech, and inspiring change at scale.
Discounted Admission – July 21- August 8
Tech Summit registration will be available at a heavily discounted rate for a limited time.
Member Sale Price – $50.00 (discounted from $125)
Non-Member Sale Price- $75.00 (discounted from $150)
Full Program Announcement Begins on July 21, 2025
Subscribe to our newsletter for full updates
Follow us on LinkedInfor program highlights!
For more information, visit our Tech Summit webpage.
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Location CNM Main Campus, Smith Brasher Hall 103/104 & via Zoom
Website RSVP Here
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IT’S TIME AGAIN! FREE JOB SEARCH MINI CAMP 2025!
Andrew LaCivita support@milewalk.com
Your dream job is closer than you think. I know this because, well, I’ve got the cure!
For the I-don’t-know-how-many-ith-year-in-a-row I’m running my job search greatest hits workshop called the Job Search Mini Camp.
This is ALL NEW for 2025 and will be your roadmap to a breakthrough.
Over 4 days, and 10 hours, I’m covering for totally FREE how to:
Write a résumé that instantly stands out.
Search for jobs in ways that actually work.
Interview like a pro—even if you’re out of practice.
Negotiate your salary with confidence and tact.
And, the proverbial MORE!
When? June 16–19, daily at 11 AM CDT.
Where? YouTube.
Extras? Live Q+A, real-world case studies, and access to extra tools.
Bonus: Make sure to actually register so I can send you the follow-along workbook.
June 2025 Luncheon
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
2401 12th St NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
Venue website
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BUSINESS STRATEGY
THU, APR 24, 2025 – 7 Pathways to Startup Success: Create Value Through Innovation
The Nasdaq Center is thrilled to be joined by Lori Rosenkopf, Vice Dean of Entrepreneurship at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and author of Unstoppable Entrepreneurs, to share stories and actionable insights on the rich tapestry of founders who have carved their unique pathways to drive impact through innovation. Drawing from her thirty-year career and interactions with more than 20,000 students, Lori will offer a compelling roadmap for entrepreneurial success that will challenge your limiting beliefs about entrepreneurship and reveal practical steps to help you forge your path, regardless of background, stage, or industry.
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Are We Educating the Workforce of the Future?
March 25, 2025 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET
To ensure a sustainable talent pool to meet both short-term and long-term workforce demands, employers across the country are recognizing that they can—and should—play an active stakeholder role. Given the rate at which technology, and specifically AI, is changing the nature of work, the issue of aligning education and training with in-demand skills has never been more urgent.
By attending this webcast, you will learn:
- What does the workforce need for individual economic success and effective global competitiveness?
- What is AI’s potential in meeting business workforce needs and economic demands?
- How are education institutions evolving to prepare students for the workplace of the future?
- What opportunities are there to increase and strengthen partnerships between the business community and our education systems?
- What else are leading academic institutions doing to further innovation and domestic economic growth?
Speakers
José-Marie Griffiths, President Dakota State University; CED Trustee Read Bio
Laura Ipsen, President and CEO Ellucian; CED Trustee Read Bio
Thayne McCulloh, President Gonzaga University; CED Trustee Read Bio
Pamela Whitten, President Indiana University; CED Trustee Read Bio
David K. Young (Moderator), President Committee for Economic Development Read Bio
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Go Behind the Bubbles at Gruet Albuquerque
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Los Poblanos – Lavender Production & Distillery Tour
Reserve Your Space
- Saturday, March 15, 20253-6 PM
- Saturday, April 19, 20253-6 PM
- Saturday, May 17, 20253-6 PM
Join a behind-the-scenes tour of our production space where our line of botanical body care products are hand-crafted with love. Tour guests will have the chance to meet members of our talented production team and watch our lavender essential oil be transformed into soaps, salves, spirits and more. You’ll also learn the history of how our product was started in 1999 by LP matriarch, Penny Rembe, with our signature Lavender Salve, which remains our best-selling product to this day.
Public Guests: Please meet in the Town & Ranch retail shop for the start of the tour at 4:30pm. Closed-toed shoes are required.
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Discover Why New Mexico is the Ultimate Launchpad for Innovation!
Join Us for an Exclusive Webinar on Thriving in the Land of Enchantment
When: March 5, 2025 | 1 PM – 2 PM MST
Where: Virtual Webinar (Attend from Anywhere!)
What You’ll Learn:
This one-hour session will spotlight the exceptional incentives, resources, and opportunities available to businesses that choose to innovate and grow in New Mexico. With insights from top organizations, you’ll see why the Land of Enchantment is a strategic choice to get your deep tech business off the ground!
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Presented by: Gregory L. Schlegel CPIM, CSP, Jonah
When: Tuesday, November 19th 2024, Time: 7:00PM EST or 5:00PM MST
Where: online
Cost: $0 for ASCM NM Forum members
About the Presenter:
Greg is Founder of The Supply Chain Risk Management Consortium- (30) companies who bring skills, solutions and methodologies that Identify, Assess, Mitigate and Manage Supply Chain Risk. He has been a Supply Chain Executive for several Fortune 100’s, has been a Supply Chain Executive Consultant for IBM, taught Supply Chain Risk Management at Lehigh University, is an Adjunct Professor teaching Enterprise Risk Management for Villanova University’s EMBA program and VP/Principal at SherTrack LLC.
When you RSVP for this event mention in the email that you are a member of the NM Forum, to attend for free.
Reservations: RSVPs required by 9am on Tuesday, November 19th to programs@akronapics.org
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What is Lean Six Sigma and What is it Used For?
Presented by Mark Holtzclaw
November 21, 2024 7:15 – 9:00 am MDT | Zoom
Zoom links will be sent via email prior to the event. The zoom waiting room opens at 7:15, the event will begin at 7:30 am MDT
Join us for an overview of what Lean Six Sigma is and what it can be used for. Key methodologies and tools used with Lean Six Sigma will be covered.
Mark served for 10 years in the U.S. Navy on submarines, then went on to own and operate two businesses. After that, he spent nearly 20 years as an IT Manager at Sandia Labs, where he was first introduced to Lean Six Sigma. Mark is currently working as a Sr. IT Project Manager supporting the NNSA. Mark has three Lean Six Sigma certifications: Green Belt, Black Belt, and Champion. Mark enjoys both sharing his knowledge and learning from others.
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The Power Habits® of Remarkable Resilience
Presented by: Noah St. John, PhD
When: Monday, January 13th 2025
Time: 7:00PM EST or 5:00PM MST
Where: online
Cost: $0 for ASCM NM Forum members
In today’s fast-changing world, resilience is not just a personal skill—it’s a critical business competency. The Power Habits® of Remarkable Resilience reveals the proven strategies that top organizations use to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to challenges, and maintain consistent performance under pressure.
Dr. Noah St. John, Creator of The Power Habits® System, shows how companies can build resilience at every level—empowering teams, leaders, and entire organizations to thrive in times of uncertainty. Backed by years of research and real-world success stories, this talk provides actionable steps to implement resilience-building habits that lead to higher productivity, stronger leadership, and improved employee engagement.
Key Takeaways:
• Learn the Power Habits® that drive adaptability and growth.
• Discover how resilient organizations consistently outperform their competitors.
• Build a culture of resilience to reduce turnover, increase profitability, and prepare your company for the future.
Ideal for corporate teams, leadership groups, and decision-makers, this session will equip you with the tools to make resilience a cornerstone of your organization’s success.
About the Presenter:
Dr. Noah is known worldwide as “The Father of AFFORMATIONS®” and “The Mental Health Coach to The Stars.” He’s also CEO of SJECGlobal.com, a global peak performance and leadership development company.
Working with Hollywood celebrities, 8-figure company CEOs, professional athletes, top executives and elite entrepreneurs, Dr. Noah’s coaching clients have added more than $3.2 Billion dollars in sales since 1997 by following his legendary methods.
Dr. Noah is internationally recognized for his signature coaching services; facilitating workshops at companies and organizations across the globe, and appearing on over 1,000 media outlets including ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, Entrepreneur and SUCCESS Magazine.
ONLINE meeting using Zoom software. A meeting link will be sent out the morning of the meeting.
Cost: Free for ASCM Akron chapter members and NM Forum Members. NM Forum Members.
Reservations: RSVPs required by 9am on Tuesday, November 19th to programs@akronapics.org. When you RSVP for this event mention in the email that you are a member of the NM Forum, to attend for free.
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