A Message From The CEO

Dear Friends,

The year 2008 has left an indelible imprint on all of us.  The economic highs and lows will be with us for some time.  As we begin the New Year with the optimism of a fresh start, NIGP understands that members are experiencing travel restrictions as well as budget, salary and hiring freezes.

Despite the economic challenges and budget cuts, your value and professional development should never be minimized.  I would like to take this opportunity to point out how NIGP is working within your tight budget constraints to provide quality educational opportunities.

•  Onsite professional training  – our subject matter experts travel to you and
   customize your professional training

•  Increased web based professional development (Webinar) offerings
   (a Webinar Rewards program will be announced later this year)

•  Comprehensive Certification Preparation Program with online
   assessment tool

•  2009 member dues and all classroom training held at 2008 prices

•  First annual virtual trade show in April

•  New easy to navigate website coming next month

•  Access to specification library and right now resources

These are just a few of the ways in which NIGP can help ‘close the gap’ on your budget constraints and professional development.  In the coming year, the ‘close the gap’ message will be prominently emphasized and has become our new marketing campaign. Why ‘close the gap’? I think this message effectively captures how NIGP can help you, the procurement professional, ‘close the gap’ – whether it is your professional development, your paycheck, or your revenue and cost centers.

On behalf of NIGP, thank you for your commitment to NIGP and for what you do each day to ensure the best for your community.  If you would like to discuss ‘close the gap’ opportunities, please call me at 800-367-6447 x235 or email me at rgrimm@nigp.org.

Sincerely,


Rick Grimm, CPPO, CPPB

NIGP educational programs. Close the gap in your professional development.

Congratulations: 2008 NIGP Government Contractor Certificants

NIGP’s Government Contractor Certificate (GCC) program is specifically for contractors and suppliers who desire a greater awareness and understanding of public procurement processes and the government purchasing environment.

Achieving the GCC requires completion of five GCC courses. GCC courses are offered across the country throughout the year and can be hosted onsite at your location.  Complete course descriptions, schedules and locations are available at www.nigp.org/GCC.

Congratulations to the following candidates who successfully achieved the GCC certificate and the right to display the GCC logo on business cards and communications.  Your commitment to the public sector and awareness of public procurement from an inside perspective will clearly distinguish you as you establish and grow relationships in government.

AMI – Affordable Metal, Inc.
William Valdez
Director of Sales and Marketing

Asset Builders, LLC
Wayne Messam
Partner/General Contractor

Best Wells, Inc.
Fabienne Berret
President

J. Bonfill and Associates
Jacqueline Bonfill-Gee
President

CPH Engineers
Nikhil Jindal
Director of Marketing

CRJ & Associates, Inc.
Marc Fermanian
Vice President, Professional Engineer

Cherokee Enterprises, Inc.
Christine Franklin
President

Epic Consultants
Alfredo Moran
President

Graybar Electric
Jon Marceleno
Director, Defense Logistics Agency

The Hartford
Kevin Adams
PA Lead Underwriter

Lisa Bennett
Senior Legal Assistant

Helen Black
Senior Legal Specialist

Katherine Blaszczyk
Market Insight Manager

Kathryn Brown
PA Lead Underwriter

Kathleen Burdelski
PA Lead Underwriter

Robert Carbone
Lead Underwriter

Andrew Davison
Director, Large Group Underwriting

Ignatius Dudkiewicz
Senior Chief Underwriter

Sherri Enxuto
Director, NA  Customer Acquisition

Samieko Fisher
Acquisition Analyst

Linda Foerster
Senior Presale Analyst

Amanda Garner
Pre-Sales Professional

Geoffrey Gentilucc
Compliance Specialist

Jennifer Grenier
Acquisition Analyst

Debbie Grossman
Acquisition Analyst

Kevin Kriegel
Senior Acquisition Analyst

Dana MacKinnon
Vice President & Assistant General Counsel

Michael Mauch
Priority Accounts Lead Underwriter

Ann Sawicki
Chief Underwriter

William Scott
Compliance Specialist

Mark Smith
Manager, Regulatory Reviews and Compliance

Laurie Szabo
Chief Underwriter

Beth Taylor
Senior Underwriter

Sheila Wiatr
Assistant Director, Market Development

Icon Group Engineer, LLC
Johnny Clavijo
President

Kalias Corp.
Luis Paz
Project Manager

Miami Dade Expressway Authority
Karen Hollis
Purchasing Contract Agent

North Star Group, Inc.
Jose Roche
President

RamCode, Inc.
Alejandro Ramirez
President

Raul Puig Group
Ronald Duran
Senior Project Engineer

SEMCO Construction
Jennifer Sturgis
Vice President

Sim-G Technologies
Keith Jennings
Vice President, Engineering

Tri-County Pest Control South
Mark Ennis
General Manager

United HVAC Services, Inc.
Boaz Cassamajor
President

Vogel Brothers Building Company
John Julian
Senior Project Manager

To schedule a GCC course or series of classes for your organization, please contact Michael Romero at 800-367-6447 x248 or email mromero@nigp.org.

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Forum 2009: Top Ten Reasons Why You Can't Afford To Miss It

 1.  Network with over 1,200 government procurement pros representing
          state, provincial and local governments, and learn from their experiences

 2.  Learn from subject matter experts in the procurement field 

 3.  Understand key procurement trends and dynamics 
          facing governments today by spending time with leading 
          industry experts

 4.  Grow your skills through educational workshops and in-depth 
          seminars

 5.  Maximize your potential, learning how to do more with what 
          you already have

 6.  Discover new products and services by networking with suppliers 
          in the Expo

 7.   Bring home information and copies of workshop presentations to share 
          with others in your organization

 8.  Earn points toward UPPCC and other professional certifications

 9.  Thought provoking plenary sessions lead by professional speakers

10.  Close the gap…discovering ways to do more with less in this economy

For additional information, visit Forum 2009 or call Ryan Swink at 800-367-6447 x227 or email rswink@nigp.org.

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Forum Products Exposition: The Right Environment For Government Suppliers

NIGP Products Exposition
August 24 - August 25
St. Louis, Missiouri

The NIGP Forum and Products Exposition is the largest educational conference attended by government purchasing officials representing diverse agencies from the United States and Canada. 

An exhibit at NIGP allows you to reach over 1,200 public servants representing diverse agencies from federal, state, city, county, provincial, and special authorities with 97% in buying decision-making roles.

If you are interested in being an exhibitor or know of a supplier that should be at the NIGP Expo, please contact NIGP's Exhibit team at exhibit@nigp.org.

Exhibit space applications are now being accepted.  Space is filling up quickly, so don't delay.  Visit the NIGP Exposition website to view the Floor Plan. 


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Professional Development: January Seminars

"I find value in knowing that a student is more informed when they leave my class, than when they entered it.  It's my job to make a material difference in their learning process."
                                                                    NIGP Instructor, Dr. Lu Banks, Ed.D., CPPO, CPPB
                                                                    Director of Procurement Services
                                                                    Hillsborough County Department of Procurement Services
                                                                    Tampa, Florida

NIGP's unique approach to curriculum development ensures that learning experiences are grounded in practical experience and seasoned by insights from the academic community. The following are professional development opportunities for this month:

Developing and Managing RFPs 
Date:  January 21-23
Location:  Hanover, Maryland
Instructor:  Keith I. Ashby, CPPO
Hosted by:  Maryland Department of Transportation
Registration contact:  Jessica Mettle, 410-865-1386
jmettle@mdot.state.md.us

Effective Contract Writing 
Date:  January 15-16
Location:  Winter Park, Florida
Instructor:  Cuauhtemoc “Moty” Torres, MSPA, J.D.
Hosted by:  Central Florida Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Carrie F. Woodell, CPPB, CFCM, C.P.M., FCCN,
407-599-3434,
cwoodell@cityofwinterpark.org

Introduction to Public Procurement 
Date:  January 14-16
Location:  Austin, Texas
Instructor:  Mary "Jane" Lopez, CPPO
Hosted by:  Texas Association of Public Purchasers Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Ann Tillman, CTPM, 512-867-3199
ann.tillman@ers.state.tx.us

Date:  January 26-28
Location:  Hanover, Maryland
Instructor:  C. Jen Johnson, CPPB
Hosted by:  Maryland Public Purchasing Association Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Sylvia A. Jacobs, CPPB, 301-600-6804
SJacobs@fredco-md.net

Legal Aspects of Purchasing 
Date:  January 14-16
Location:  St. Petersburg, Florida
Instructors:  Barbara R. Johnson, CPPO, CPPB, and
John J. Dale, CPPB, J.D., C.P.M.
Hosted by:  Florida Association of Public Purchasing Officers, Inc.
Registration contact:  Carrie F. Woodell, CPPB, CFCM, C.P.M., FCCN,
407-599-3434
cwoodell@cityofwinterpark.org

Date:  January 21-23
Location:  Columbus, South Carolina
Instructors:  James H. Davis, CPPO, M.B.A., and Tony Reed, CPPO
Hosted by:  South Carolina Association of Governmental Purchasing Officials Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Norma J. Hall, CPPO, CPPB, CPM, 803-737-0642
nhall@mmo.sc.gov

Date:  January 26-28
Location:  Baltimore, Maryland
Instructor:  Jennie E. Readey, CPPO, CPPB
Hosted by:  Maryland Department of General Services
Registration contact:  Deborah Pecora, 410-767-4945
Debbie.Pecora@dgs.state.md.us

Date:  January 27-29
Location:  Fishersville, Virginia
Instructor:  Kenneth D. Hayslette, CPPO, C.P.M., CPCM
Hosted by:  Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing Inc. Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Katherine V. Gordon, CPPB, 703-257-8327
ggordon@ci.manassas.va.us

Planning, Scheduling and Requirement Analysis 
Date:  January 21-23
Location:  Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Instructor:  Richard L. Florey, CPPO
Hosted by:  Louisiana Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Rosemary Jackson, CPPB, 225-342-8012
Rosemary.Jackson@La.gov

Sourcing in the Public Sector 
Date:  January 14-16
Location:  Little Rock, Arkansas
Instructor:  Myra D. Smith, CPPB
Hosted by:  Arkansas Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Amy L. Stoddard, CPPB, 501-371-6055
Amy.stoddard@dfa.state.ar.us

Date:  January 26-28
Location:  Viera, Florida
Instructors:  Peter A. Rigterink, CPPO, CPPB, VCO, and
Alyce L. Benge, CPPO, C.P.M.
Hosted by:  Florida Association of Public Purchasing Officers, Inc.
Registration contact:  Carrie F. Woodell, CPPB, CFCM, C.P.M., FCCN,
407-599-3434
cwoodell@cityofwinterpark.org

Date:  January 26-28
Location:  Columbus, Ohio
Instructor:  Lynda Allair, CPPO
Hosted by:  Central Ohio Organization of Public Purchasers Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Gayle S. Blankenship, CPPB, 614-644-5993
gayle.blankenship@das.state.oh.us

To register for a seminar, or for local information, please contact the seminar coordinator listed.  All seminars are conducted from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, except as noted.   If you are interested in hosting a seminar in your area, please call Patrice Freeman at 800-367-6447 x276 or email pfreeman@nigp.org.

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CHAPTER LEADERS: Free Officer Orientation Webinar - NEW DATE

Tuesday, February 3 - NEW DATE
1PM and 2:30PM (Eastern)
Registration Deadline:  Tuesday, January 27

This free, informative Webinar is designed to answer
any questions you may have as an officer of your local
chapter.

Course Objectives:

•  Overview of the calendar year (programs, deadlines, expectations)
•  Understand the operations (forms, new assessment fee incentives,
   website, NIGP's Chapter Online Resource)
•  Recognize communications vehicles (newsletter, enet discussion list,
   regional conference calls, Leaders-In-The-Loop)
•  Identify events and promotional opportunities (purchasing month, awards,
   chapter visits, chapter Forum activities)
•  Revenue generating opportunities (seminars, NIGP free event registration
   service, GCC program, members referral payments)
•  Leadership training (quarterly Webinars, chapter leadership symposium)

To participate or if you have any questions, please email chapters@nigp.org.  Include your name, contact information, chapter affiliation and chapter role.

Log-in information will be sent to all registered participants prior to the Webinar session.



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May Certification Exams: Cert Prep Central To The Rescue

NIGP's Education team produced an exceptional suite of products to assist candidates preparing for their CPPB and CPPO exams.  

Through Cert Prep Central, candidates can chart their certification preparation and purchase a range of products and services including Prep texts and classes, online self-assessment reviews and simulated exams.  All of these products have been specifically mapped to the revised Body of Knowledge contained in the computer-based tests that will be offered by the UPPCC.

In addition to its classroom-based offerings, NIGP has an online assessment tool to help candidates identify the subject matter areas they most need to review during their exam preparations.  Once the online assessment is completed, candidates can better identify the specific preparatory products that will best meet their studying needs.  Available through Cert Prep Central:

•  A self-study review session guides the participant through the ten domains identified in the UPPCC body of knowledge.  The review session is un-timed, offers references and expert contacts, and is available to the participant for a seven-day period.

•  A simulated exam is timed and provides the candidate with a raw score.   The candidate can re-take the simulated exam multiple times during a two-day period.  With each exam, the item bank of questions is modified.  This tool is designed to offer a realistic testing environment for practice.  This assessment consists of 100 questions that must be answered in a two-hour timeframe.

Another feature of Cert Prep Central is a recommended study timeline to help candidates plan ahead for their study activities.  Whereas in the past, candidates may have attended a review class the day before the exam; this is NOT the best method to prepare for the new computer-based certification exam.  The scope of the UPPCC exam covers an entire profession.  Preparation is not simply review.  This study timeline reflects NIGP's belief that preparation for the exam is best done over a six-month period and incorporates a variety of activities.

For more information about certification preparation or the products and services that will help you achieve your certification goals, visit Cert Prep Central or contact education@nigp.com.   




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New Year's Resolution: Become An NIGP Instructor

Attend NIGP's 2009 Train-the-Trainer Program

NIGP is expanding our highly regarded training team and need certified professionals like you to share their leadership and experience with up-and-coming public procurement professionals. 

Train-the-Trainer is three days of practical, interactive exercises designed to elevate your presentation skills and help you more effectively communicate with any audience.  Whether or not you join the ranks of active NIGP Certified Trainers, you will have developed the skills to make you a more influential presenter in front of your department, agency leadership and elected officials.

 The program is offered twice a year, the 2009 dates and locations include:

             March 30 - April 1                           May 20 - May 22
              Reston, Virginia                               Portland, Oregon
        
Complete program details are found at Train-the-Trainer. Attendance earns 24 contact hours, 3 UPPCC Re-Certification Points and 2.25 CEU credits.

Six Milestones To Becoming an NIGP Instructor

1.  Acceptance into the program through application
2.  Successful completion of the three day seminar
3.  Admittance into the program
4.  Successful recommendation for further student teaching with a mentor
5.  Successful completion of a second student teaching assignment
     and recommendation for certification
6.  Personal commitment to NIGP Instructor program as a Certified Instructor

If you are interested in becoming an NIGP Certified Instructor, please contact Michael Romero at 800-367-6447 or email mromero@nigp.org.


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Member News: Scot Case Named Executive Director of the EcoLogo Program

EcoLogo™ celebrates its 20th year and names Scot Case of Terra Choice, and NIGP's Green Knowledge Community Leader, Executive Director of the EcoLogo Program.

"It is an honor to be leading the EcoLogo Program," says Case. "EcoLogo's continued success is due in large part to the producers, manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and distributors of greener products who decided that saying they're green just wasn't good enough."

Scot Case is an internationally recognized expert on responsible sourcing, green supply chains, and environmental marketing with almost 15 years of professional experience. As Vice President of TerraChoice, Scot has helped connect purchasers seeking more environmentally and socially responsible products with the manufacturers supplying them.

"It has been an exciting 20 years for EcoLogo and we are pleased to have Scot Case take the Program to new levels," says Scott McDougall, President and CEO of TerraChoice, which manages the EcoLogo Program.

EcoLogo is North America's oldest multi-attribute eco-labeling program and is a founding member of the Global Ecolabelling Network, helping to improve and develop international standards for environmental labels.

Launched in 1988 as the "Environmentally Friendly Products Program," the EcoLogo Program is now widely used around the world and throughout North America with more than 120 criteria documents, over 300 licensees and more than 7,000 certified products. Government purchasers from states, provinces and cities like New York, Illinois, Florida, California and Ontario are accepting EcoLogo. Today, EcoLogo is one of the most recognizable eco-labels in North America and can be found on consumer products in stores from coast to coast.

About EcoLogo:
EcoLogo is a third-party eco-labeling program and the only standard in North America
approved by the Global Ecolabelling Network, an international association of eco-labeling
programs, as meeting the ISO14024 environmental marketing standard.

For more information, visit www.ecologo.org.

(Source:  EcoLogo™ December 19, 2008 News Release).

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