Chapter Overview

ISM—Lehigh Valley has served the purchasing and supply management professionals of the Greater Lehigh Valley area since 1921. The Lehigh Valley Chapter of Institute for Supply Management draws membership from companies, non-profits, and educational institutions in Lehigh, Northampton and surrounding area.

The Lehigh Valley’s rich history is supported by it’s strong agricultural and manufacturing background.

Our Goals

Increase awareness regarding professional Supply Chain Certification opportunities.
Provide ample opportunities for members to obtain CEU’s.
Provide current relevant topics of professional interest.
Provide opportunities for networking with other Supply Chain Management professionals.
Promote the sharing of ISM resources.
Reinforce the use of ISM resources.

OUR MISSION:

To be recognized as a Center of Excellence to educate, promote, develop, and advance the purchasing and supply chain management profession creating value to our members, their companies, academia and the business community.

The local ISM—Lehigh Valley chapter is committed to provide World Class quality-learning opportunities through educational forums, certification education, career broadening, networking, and mentoring experiences by supporting and encouraging these activities to enhance professional skill sets and knowledge.

Representing the Best of the Lehigh Valley

The Lehigh Valley’s well balanced multi-faceted economy is driven heavily by strong manufacturing, health care, finance, and professional services.

41.2B GDP in 2018

The Lehigh Valley's gross domestic product reached a record high $41.2 billion in 2018 growing by 2.7% from the previous year.

90th largest economy

If the Lehigh Valley were a country, it's economy would be the 90th largest in the world. It's GDP is higher than that of Wyoming and Vermont.

The Name

Boasting the third largest population and located in Eastern Pennsylvania, the Lehigh Valley is named for the Lehigh River.

Agriculture was the major economy in the 1800’s. The building of the Lehigh Canal in 1829 was the beginning of the change towards an industrial economy. Coal could now be transported on the Lehigh Canal from Jim Thorpe to Easton and on to Philadelphia via the Delaware Canal.

By 1866, trains provided faster and cheaper transportation, moving more coal than by the canals.

Forged With Iron

During the second half of the 19th century, the Lehigh Valley was America’s largest iron producing region.

The former Bethlehem Steel Corporation, formed in 1904, grew from the Saucona Iron Company which was founded in 1857. Bethlehem Steel supplied the steel for the railroads, which contributed to further growth of the region.

Bethlehem Steel produced the nation’s first wide flange structural section, making the age of the skyscraper possible.

Conveniently Located

The Lehigh Valley is within driving distance of major centers of culture, history and industry.

The Lehigh Valley is situated approximately 50 miles north of Philadelphia, 70 miles west of New York City and 200 miles northeast of Washington, DC. The Pocono Mountains and New Jersey shore points are also within easy access of the Lehigh Valley.

The Lehigh Valley International Airport (LVIA) makes for convenient travel to most major cities across the United States