On January 1 the Council of Logistics Management (CLM) will change its name to the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), reflecting the holistic role that modern logistics professionals play.

The organization will continue its efforts in logistics education, but will also focus on procurement, manufacturing, and sales and marketing. "People in our profession now have an expanded and more critical role within our companies than we did ten or even five years ago," said CLM President Elijah Ray at a press conference. "Our roles have evolved, which is why CLM is changing to reflect what's happening in the supply chain."

This is not the first time the group has changed its name to reflect current business trends. Originally the organization was called the National Council of Physical Distribution Management. In 1985 the name changed to the Council of Logistics Management to reflect the changing responsibilities of its members.

The group chose the term 'supply chain' because it is widely used and has withstood the test of time, said CLM Past President Thomas Speh. The term "professionals" signifies the association's dedication to enhancing the careers of supply chain professionals as well as advancing the overall profession, he added.

Although the scope of the organization has changed, its professional development services to its members will remain the same, noted Maria McIntyre, CLM's executive vice president.

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