SYNERGY 2008

For seven years Corporate United has honed its vision of a leading spend management event, resulting in the creation of the SYNERGY conference series. This tradition of exceptional content, leading speakers, and corporate collaboration in an elegant and complementary atmosphere was continued this April at SYNERGY 2008.

Representatives from more than 60 of the nation’s largest and leading companies joined Corporate United at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor for three days of what has become one of the elite events throughout the supply chain space.

This year’s event kicked off with an in-depth look at the current and future states of “green” procurement delivered by one of the nation’s leading experts on the subject; Kristin Pierre of the Environmental Protection Agency. This opening keynote discussion was well-received by an audience for whom the issue of environmental responsibility has become increasingly relevant.

Over the next two days Ms. Pierre was followed by leading academics, providers, and practitioners facilitating a series of breakout sessions covering more of the most important topics facing indirect procurement professionals today. Speakers included representatives from Dresser-Rand, Sallie Mae, BAE Systems, Source One, CH2M HILL, Bradco Supply, and Bank of America Distinguished Professor of Supply Chain Dr. Robert Handfield of North Carolina State University.

While these sessions provided both new strategies and practical solutions to the challenges faced by our attendees, dinner at the amazing National Aquarium gave everyone a chance to network and relax at one of the best facilities of its kind in the world.

The final day of the conference featured an introduction and media perspective provided by leading journalist Frank Quinn, editor of the Supply Chain Management Review. Mr. Quinn was followed by one of the most influential personalities in business over the past decade. Former congressman Michael G. Oxley, co-sponsor of the landmark Sarbanes-Oxley Act, put the finishing touch on SYNERGY 2008 by delivering the closing keynote address. Everyone in attendance was thrilled to hear Mr. Oxley discuss what he feels the legacy of this important legislation will be, and how it will continue to impact the supply chain space as well as the global corporate environment. Corporate United was honored to be able to introduce such an important speaker to our membership.

Corporate United is very pleased to continue to serve our growing membership, and in that spirit, to deliver exceptional events like SYNERGY 2008. In the days following the conference attendees have already begun to share their thoughts with us. We hope to see everyone again next spring.

“My appreciation goes out to Corporate United for a first-class event at SYNERGY last week. I look forward to…future Corporate United events!

Tim Halloran
Respironics

“I’ve attended a number of conferences, but Corporate United’s are the most beneficial. It is truly a learning experience with a fantastic format, excellent venue, and a great opportunity for networking.”

Carol Blake
Hubbell

Click here to view presentations
or contact Kimberly Busser at kbusser@corporateunited.com

November 2007
Roundtables Debrief
November marked the gathering of 42 delegates from 28 leading and innovative companies in Chicago and Philadelphia for Corporate United’s Collaborative Procurement Roundtable discussions on spend management.
Presenting for Corporate United, Gary Como and David Clevenger provided a perspective on best practices of managing indirect spend in terms of organizational structure, measuring results, functional alignment, and the e-toolbox. Discussion surrounded topics like how to make indirect spend management more visible to company leadership and most effectively market results to internal stakeholders. Participants also traded ideas around approaches to building high-powered, cross-functional teams and the unique advantages and obstacles of various organizational structures. Along with collaborating with other procurement professionals, attendees came away with a number of relevant action items and suggestions for successful implementations.

Special thanks to OfficeMax and Rhom & Haas for being such gracious hosts.


August 2007
Corporate United honored two years running on the Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazine’s Executive 100 list

Recognized for innovative group purchasing practices that lead to exceptional advantages for its members, Corporate United received a spot on the Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazine’s Executive 100 list of supply chain thought leaders for the second consecutive year. The June/July 2007 issue of the magazine cites Corporate United as offering “substantial hard cost and process savings” to its members, as well as providing the opportunity to participate in “category best practice groups for benchmarking.”


August 2007
Corporate United named to the prestigious Weatherhead Upstart Award list

The naming of Corporate United to the 2007 Weatherhead Upstart list marks it as one of Northeast Ohio’s fastest growing companies thanks to its innovative business practices, commitment to hard work and ability to strive for success.

“Corporate United is honored to be named among Northeast Ohio’s most prestigious companies,” says President Gregg Mylett. “Our innovative approach continues to result in advantages to our members and positive growth for Corporate United.”

The honor is presented by the Case Western Reserve Weatherhead School of Management and the Cleveland-based Council of Small Enterprises (COSE), which are now in their 20th year of bestowing the Weatherhead 100 award to worthy companies in the greater Cleveland/Akron area.