The Resource Group Hosts University of Missouri Crosby MBA Students

On August 17, 2016, The Resource Group hosted 70 first-year Crosby MBA students and staff from the University of Missouri for their first annual “Field Day”. The inaugural Field Day was designed for students and staff to learn more about Ascension and The Resource Group, and to help advance the students’ professional skills. The Resource Group was honored to be selected as the model corporation for this event due to a strong recruiting relationship and large alumni base within The Resource Group.

The Resource Group’s Crosby MBA alumni, including Keith Abkemeier, Julia Bagy, Allie Bock, Chris Busick, Samantha Hensley, Lauren Himmelberg, Michael Kolisch, Abby Lanza, Kelly Mesnier, and Jesse Schmidt, welcomed students and staff. Scott Caldwell, Senior Vice President for Ascension, as well as President and Chief Executive Officer for The Resource Group, kicked off the event with an overview of Ascension and The Resource Group. He shared insights gained during his career and described The Resource Group’s growth over the past seven-and-a-half years. He also spoke to challenges within healthcare supply chain and the steps that Ascension has taken to overcome them. Highlighting programs such as Heart of the House and Listen First emphasized the importance of respecting the end-user and listening to their needs. He explained that The Resource Group aims to silence the supply chain so that it functions as a utility, allowing for the focus to be on serving the end-user. Mr. Caldwell also advised the students to work for an organization that aligns well with their personal beliefs and respects personal commitments outside the organization. The students were very engaged throughout the presentation and asked insightful questions during the Q&A session.

The Resource Group’s Crosby MBA alumni, including Keith Abkemeier, Julia Bagy, Allie Bock, Chris Busick, Samantha Hensley, Lauren Himmelberg, Michael Kolisch, Abby Lanza, Kelly Mesnier, and Jesse Schmidt, welcomed students and staff. Scott Caldwell, Senior Vice President for Ascension, as well as President and Chief Executive Officer for The Resource Group, kicked off the event with an overview of Ascension and The Resource Group. He shared insights gained during his career and described The Resource Group’s growth over the past seven-and-a-half years. He also spoke to challenges within healthcare supply chain and the steps that Ascension has taken to overcome them. Highlighting programs such as Heart of the House and Listen First emphasized the importance of respecting the end-user and listening to their needs. He explained that The Resource Group aims to silence the supply chain so that it functions as a utility, allowing for the focus to be on serving the end-user. Mr. Caldwell also advised the students to work for an organization that aligns well with their personal beliefs and respects personal commitments outside the organization. The students were very engaged throughout the presentation and asked insightful questions during the Q&A session.

After the kickoff presentation and a tour of The Resource Group’s open concept office space, the students participated in a mock vendor negotiation led by Kevin Campbell, Senior Sourcing Manager, and Ted Wilkinson, Sourcing Manager. Students were divided into teams and were encouraged to think of the negotiation from either the perspective of The Resource Group or the vendor. The students assisted in developing negotiation strategies and asked questions about the User-Directed Strategic SourcingTM process. Following the mock negotiation, The Resource Group’s Crosby MBA alumni hosted a mock Career Fair for the students. Assuming the role of recruiters at a Career Fair, the alumni assisted students with creating elevator pitches, refining their networking skills, and developing thoughtful questions in preparation for their on-campus Career Fair.

Throughout the day, the students saw the dedication of The Resource Group’s alumni for the University of Missouri and their passion to give back by assisting with professional development. Robyn Ridgeway, Director of Advising and Student Services at the University of Missouri, said, “Rarely do we see this level of engagement from alumni that are willing to help our students grow as young professionals. Everyone involved provided a great example of how a career with a strong organization like Ascension can affect your life.” This event highlighted Ascension’s mission, demonstrated Ascension’s commitment to associates, and supported further growth in brand awareness.

Pictured: Scott Caldwell, Senior Vice President for Ascension and President and Chief Executive Officer for The Resource Group.