E. Ray Burnett Awarded NIGP's 2008 Top Honor

Mr. E. Ray Burnett, CPPO, received the 2008 Albert H. Hall Memorial Award during the Opening Ceremonies on Saturday, July 26, 2008 in conjunction with NIGP’s 63rd Annual Forum and Products Exposition in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Albert H. Hall Memorial Award is NIGP’s top honor given annually since 1977 to publicly recognize leaders who have made major contributions to the public procurement profession over the span of their career.

Mr. Burnett began his public service in 1979 and recently retired from the City of Kansas City as their Commissioner of Purchasing and Supplies. Prior to his appointment in Kansas City, he also served as the Purchasing Director for the City of Dayton, OH and the City of North Little Rock, AR.

As an active NIGP member, Mr. Burnett has provided leadership to the national NIGP organization as a Master Instructor, as a Certified Senior Consultant for NIGP’s consultancy program, as a Chair of the Ethics and Forum Committees, and as a member of the NIGP Board of Directors. He has also been very active with several NIGP chapter affiliates including the Mid-America Council of Public Purchasing, where he served as President in 2002 and the Missouri Association of Public Purchasing.

The Albert H. Hall Award is the latest in a listing of awards honoring Mr. Burnett during his career.  In 1999, he received NIGP’s Distinguished Service Award; followed by the Presidential Spirit of NIGP Award in 2007.  He was also named Purchasing Manager of the Year in 1983 and 1985 by the Arkansas Municipal Purchasing Association and received the Corporate Impact Award from the Dayton Regional Minority Supplier Development Council in 1995.

During the Albert H. Hall Memorial Award presentation, Mr. Burnett was recognized as a person who possesses three strong skills: the ability to consult and assess what needs to be done and to get it done through results; the ability to educate, teach and inspire professionals on the fundamentals as well as best practices in our profession; and the ability to enable diversified supplier organizations to enjoy the economic benefits of participating in public bidding opportunities. Perhaps above all else, Mr. Burnett was recognized as a mentor, a leader, and a true friend.

Thai, Rennie, and Watkins Receive 2008 Distinguished Service Awards

The Distinguished Service Award (DSA), NIGP's second highest individual award, recognizes professionals who have provided extraordinary service to their entity, their community, the Institute or the purchasing profession.  Since its inception in the 1950s, this honor has been bestowed on over 100 individuals.

This year's DSA Recipients:

Dr. Khi V. Thai
Editor, Journal of Public Procurement
Retired Director, Public Procurement Research Center

Dr. Thai is the first to organize an international public procurement conference that united practitioners in order to build a new curriculum; the first to edit and publish a journal that linked professionals with theories and case studies; and the first to unite college students with the study of public procurement through online coursework.  Khi envisioned a Journal of Public Procurement, the LEAP curriculum, and the Public Procurement Research Center long before these influential materials became a reality.

Thai has built bridges that invoke a new vision for all of us - the reality that, one day, public procurement courses will be integrated into public administration programs on college campuses.


Jeanette Rennie, CPP
Senior Contracts Officer
Corporate Procurement
World Bank, Washington, D.C.

Ms. Rennie has mastered three distinct careers and three diverse levels of responsibility within the procurement profession.  She has shared Dr. Khi Thai's vision for building a bridge and was successful in creating a valuable relationship between practitioners primarily involved in private, corporate procurement and the academic community.  While the focus of the bridge was also on the delivery of curriculum to universities, Jeanette also leveraged the academic community to build an economic index that would benchmark prices for goods and services in a specific market.  Eventually, this academic partnership grew into significant research initiatives.  (Photo:  Rennie accepts award from NIGP 2nd VP, Ken Koester).

Rennie's career began in the food industry, she then took the helm of a major purchasing association and is now a key leader of the corporate procurement team at the prestigious World Bank.  Today, she continues to fulfill her vision for a strong, more vibrant profession through her Chairmanship on NIGP's Advocacy Committee and through her teachings and research on social responsibility, ethics, and lean purchasing services.  Rennie is the former President and Chief Executive for the Purchasing Management Association of Canada and current Senior Contracts Officer for the World Bank's Corporate Procurement Division in Washington, D.C. 


Ron Watkins, CPPO
Retired Purchasing Manager,
City of Grand Junction, Colorado
2004-2005 NIGP President

Mr. Watkins has enriched our world of public procurement in many ways through his long career.  In service to the profession, he has never forgotten to do the thankless errands that are necessary to foster hope and achievement.  He has been a curriculum developer, a chapter president, a surplus administrator, a Steering Committee member, a purchasing representative, a seminar presenter, a text editor, a master instructor, and a conference co-chair.  His ability to contribute on so many levels is due to his energy, enthusiasm and humor.  [ return to top ]

Snider Receives 2008 Research Scholar of the Year Award

In 2008, a new award category was established to recognize an outstanding faculty member who is driven to study and assess the profession as a preeminent researcher and scholar.  This award has been named in gratitude of Khi V. Thai and is appropriately titled the Khi V. Thai Research Scholar of the Year Award.  This inaugural award was presented to:

                                                 Dr. Keith Snider
                                        Navel Postgraduate School
                      
                          (left to right):  Kirk Buffington, NIGP President; 
                                   Dr. Keith Snider; Dr. Khi V. Thai).

Dr. Snider demonstrated a professional commitment to advancing the field of public procurement through research and the quality of his scholarly work.

Congratulations.

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Outstanding Agency Accreditation Achievement Award Recipients

NIGP’s Agency Accreditation Programs award two progressive levels of accreditation to agencies achieving premiere levels fo excellence in their procurement operations.  The Outstanding Agency Accreditation Achievement award (OA4) and the Pareto Award for Excellence in Public Procurement are achieved upon successful completion of rigorous programs requiring extensive self-evaluation and focused peer review.

                                         2008 OA4 Recipients
                                          

•  Arapahoe County, Colorado

•  Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Florida

•  City of Alexandria, Virginia

•  City of Cincinnati, Ohio

•  City of Plano, Texas

•  City of Tucson, Arizona

•  Edmonton Public Schools, Alberta

•  Henrico County, Virginia

•  Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

•  Montgomery County, Virginia

•  Ohio Department of Administrative Services

•  State of Arizona Department of Administration

•  State of Arizona Department of Emergency Military Affairs

•  Texas Department of Transportation

•  The Corporation of the City of Brampton, Ontario

•  Virginia Beach City Public Schools, Virginia

Obtaining OA4 accreditation is a prerequisite to qualifying for the pinnacle agency accreditation in public procurement, the Pareto Award of Excellence. [ return to top ]

City of St. Petersburg, Florida Receives 2008 Pareto Award of Excellence in Public Procurement

Pareto Award of Excellence in Public Procurement is tantamount to the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the Deming Prize for Quality.  This international  award is named for political sociologist and economist Velfredo Pareto (1848-1923), the father of scientific procurement and the 80/20 rule.  The Pareto Award recognizes and honors those public procurement operations that are truly best in class.  It is the highest form of peer recognition, making it the pinnacle award bestowed on an agency for outstanding achievements in public procurement.

The Pareto accreditation is awarded for a period of five years, at which time re-accreditation is required.  The criteria for achieving the Pareto Award is so difficult that only four public agencies have been able to achieve this designation since its inception in 2003.

The City of St. Petersburg, Florida is the fifth public agency whose leadership and credentials are worthy of this top honor.  

                        
                         Louis Moore, CPPO, CPPB, Director of Purchasing,
                                      City of St. Petersburg, Florida 
                         accepts the Pareto Award on behalf of his agency.

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2008 Innovations and Best Practices Awards

Governmental agencies that have a great vision for public service are known to drive that vision through innovation.  And even though change is difficult to manage, highly successful public agencies are driven to adopt the newest and best strategies in order to gain efficiencies for their operations. 

The following visionary change agents were recognized through NIGP’s 2008 Innovations and Best Practices competition.

NIGP Innovations Award - Process Management
Polk County, Florida, Purchasing Division
“Purchase of Soil Program”

NIGP Innovations Award - Customer Service
State of Alaska, Division of General Services
“Video Commercial for Vendor Training”

Best Practice Award - Process Management
Georgia Institute of Technology, Department of Housing
“Vendor Performance Reports”

Best Practice Award - Performance Improvement
State of Idaho, Department of Environmental Quality
“Employee Procurement Certification Program”

Best Practice Award - Leadership
State of Washington, Department of General Administration
“Measuring Strategic Sourcing Success”

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Johnson Receives 2008 Professional Manager of the Year Award

The Professional Purchasing Manager of the Year Award is NIGP’s third highest honor.  Nominated by their chapter, this award recognizes management professionals who have made significant contributions to purchasing, professional development, their entity, their chapter and the Institute. 

                        
                                      Barbara R. Johnson CPPO, CPPB 
                                Columbus Regional Airport Authority, Ohio

Nominated by the Central Ohio Organization of Public Purchasers Chapter of NIGP, Ms. Johnson received the award based on the following accomplishments:

•  Participated on a team that created a vendor validation process for the
   Columbus Regional Airport Authority and led the team that developed
   and implemented the process.

•  Created and distributed a procurement status tracking report to enable
   users to check on the status of purchases that do not go through the agency
   electronic approval process.

•  Coordinated the development of a Division-wide E-Document Library
   for internal agency use.

Congratulations Barb!

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Blankenship Receives 2008 Professional Buyer of the Year Award

The Professional Buyer of the Year Award is NIGP’s third highest honor.  Nominated by their chapter, this award recognizes non-supervisory professionals who have made significant contributions to purchasing, professional development, their entity, their chapter and the Institute.   

                           
                                         Gayle S. Blankenship, CPPB 
                                                   State of Ohio
                        (Photo:  Gayle accepts the DSA award from NIGP 3rd VP, 
                                                  Stephanie Creed).

Nominated by the Central Ohio Organization of Public Purchasers Chapter of NIGP, Ms. Blankenship received the award based on the following accomplishments:

•  Awarded a mandatory statewide refuse collection service and consulting needs
   analysis to allow better monitoring of costs, allow agencies to change their
   container sizes and reduce pickup frequencies.

•  Developed a spreadsheet analysis tool currently used as a standard
   procurement practice for vendors to submit price increases for procurement
   review and analysis.

•  Serves on the NASPO Midwest Region planning team. Participated in a
   multi-state award of small package delivery services and is currently involved
   in the Bioproducts initiative.

•  Received the Ohio Department of Administrative Services Quality Service
   Award and Superior Accomplishment Award in recognition of saving the
   state of Ohio $40,000

Congratulations Gayle.

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Huth Receives 2008 Anne Deatherage Meritorious Service Award

In 2005, NIGP established the Anne Deatherage Meritorious Service Award - named in honor of NIGP's Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Anne Deatherage.  This award recognizes individuals who dedicated their career to advance the public procurement profession through volunteer services. 

                                     This year's award-winner:

                 
                                                 Patti Huth
                                 Retired, Village of Lisle, Illinois
            (Photo:  NIGP President, Kirk Buffington presents award to Huth).

Ms. Huth has demonstrated the value of volunteerism - both personally and professionally.  Patti is considered the heart and soul of a major chapter affiliate - contributing time and energy not only in official capacities as Membership Representative, Treasurer, ProD Chair, Vice President, Mentor, and President, but perhaps, equally important, behind the scenes to ensure that every detail was addressed and every member felt valued.  For Huth, the glory of a title pales in comparison with the ability to lend an empathetic ear and the willingness to guide and support each member - whether a veteran or new potential member.

Huth was elected to the NIGP Board and continued to support her chapter affiliate - connecting her regional constituents to the activities of the national organization and encouraging participation at every level.  Her statewide chapter recognized her achievements by awarding Patti a first-every Distinguished Service Award.  Huth was President of the Illinois Association of Public Procurement Officials in 1994 to 1995 and the Region 8 NIGP Board Representative from January 2002 to June 2007.

Congratulations Patti!

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UPPCC: 2008 100% Certified Agencies

In 2008,  42 public entities championed the value of professionalism by ensuring that 100 percent of their professional purchasing and contracting staff achieved and retained their CPPO and CPPB designations.

100% Certified Agencies

•  Cabarrus County, North Carolina

•  City of Ames, Iowa

•  City of Chandler, Arizona

•  City of Clearwater, Florida

•  City of Durango, Colorado

•  City of Fort Collins, Colorado

•  City of Goodyear, Arizona

•  City of Milledgeville, Georgia

•  City of New Braunfels, Texas

•  City of Portland, Maine

•  City of Red Wing, Minnesota

•  City of Tarpon Springs, Florida

•  City of Virginia Beach Purchasing Division

•  County of Dinwiddie, Virginia

•  Denton County, Texas

•  El Paso County, Colorado

•  Gainesville State College, Georgia

•  Gulf Coast Community College, Florida

•  Highland County BCC, Florida

•  Hinds Community College, Mississippi

•  Kentucky Division of Engineering and Contract Administration

•  King George County, Virginia

•  Larimer County, Colorado

•  Livingston County, Michigan

•  Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality

•  Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries

•  Louisiana Prison Industries

•  Lovejoy Independent School District, Texas

•  Loxahatchee River Environmental Control District, Florida

•  Ohio Department of Aging

•  Oregon Secretary of State

•  South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism

•  St. Charles Community College, Missouri

•  Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool

•  Texas Racing Commission

•  Town of Longboat Key, Florida

•  Town of Oro Valley, Arizona

•  Town of Silver City, New Mexico

•  Township of Franklin, New Jersey

•  Unified Purchasing Cooperative of Ohio River

•  Virginia Beach City Public Schools

•  Walton County Board of Education, Georgia

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UPPCC: 2008 Sterling Award Recipients

The Sterling Award is presented in recognition of an agency's commitment to excellence demonstrated through its maintenance of a fully certified procurement staff for three consecutive years.

The UPPCC recognized the following agencies:

City of Chandler, Arizona

City of Fort Collins, Colorado

City of Red Wing, Minnesota

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Ohio Department of Aging

Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool

Town of Longboat Key, Florida

Town of Silver City, New Mexico

Virginia Beach City Public Schools, Virginia




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