Background
Harry Leadom Sommerer was born in Philadelphia in 1885. Harry began working as a purchasing agent for the Victor Talking Machine Company, a division of RCA in Camden, New Jersey in 1909. In 1911, Harry had a son whom he named Harvey Price Sommerer. After moves of increasing responsibility in the RCA organization, Harry accepted a promotion to become the Managing Director of the Victor Talking Machine Company of Japan’s plant in Yokohama, Japan in 1930.
Harvey was convinced to join his father on this journey to Japan with Victor Talking Machine Company (later to become JVC). Harvey worked as a Buyer in the Japanese operations from 1930 – 1937. When the Second Sino-Japanese War began in 1937, both of the Sommerer’s moved back to Camden, NJ. Harvey became involved with ISM- Philadelphia upon his return from Japan and was heavily involved in the growth and advocacy of ISM – Philadelphia. Harvey also continued his RCA career as Chief Buyer for the Home Instrument Division until leaving RCA in 1947. Harvey passed away in 2007, bequeathing this scholarship fund to ISM-Philadelphia.
ISM - Philadelphia will annually award the $2500 Harvey Price Sommerer scholarship to two (2) students who is willing to advance the Supply Chain Profession and to also show a commitment to give back to his or her community and associates. By entrusting this scholarship fund to ISM-Philadelphia, Harvey P. Sommerer helped elevate not only purchasing but the supply chain in general. As a supporter of ISM-Philadelphia, Mr. Sommerer would want to see the same dedication from deserving students. Harvey wanted to inspire supply chain practitioners to continue to strive to give back to the supply chain profession.
This academic year, ISM- Philadelphia would like to recognize two students who are not only results-driven but also inspired to raise the stature of this profession. Each winner will be awarded a $2,500 scholarship for educational expenses. Applicants for the scholarship should compose a 500 word or less essay, showing their ideas necessary to attain success in this field. We want to see evidence of their involvement, knowledge, sincerity, and commitment to the betterment of the Supply Chain field.