Since I returned to PURCHASING Magazine as chief editor two years ago, a part of the job I have enjoyed greatly is working with our Editorial Advisory Board. Many magazines have such boards, but generally the names are just wallpaper on the masthead. That is not the case here. We have a board that is very engaged in helping us develop stories and take positions on the leading issues of the day. The board helps us with editorial research and we meet at least once a year. The most recent meeting took place late last month at Harley-Davidson's conference center in Milwaukee.

The discussion was spirited, and the tone quite different from a meeting we had one year ago. Then, many companies were experimenting with reverse auctions, particularly to provide more visibility into price changes in specific markets, such as electronics. At the Milwaukee meeting, the emphasis was on rebuilding relationships and developing long-term supply agreements, again with electronics as Exhibit A. There's concern about lack of capital investment by electronics OEMs—especially semiconductor manufacturers—and the potential for huge shortages developing as soon as next year. We'll address this as a cover story in our June 20 issue as we unveil our first-ever list of top semiconductor manufacturers.

Other topics: how to sustain supply chain transformation, auxiliary compensation for supply professionals through stock options and bonuses, cost management through enhanced software, and how to nurture diverse suppliers through tough times among others. We will be presenting the board's views through stories in coming months. Please stay tuned.

And thanks to a great advisory board!