NIGP Board to Host its Spring Meeting in San Antonio

The NIGP Board of Directors will meet for their Spring 2009 Board Study Session and Official Meeting on April 24-25, at the Marriott Riverside Hotel in San Antonio, Texas -  NIGP’s host hotel for the 2010 Forum and Products Exposition.

The spring Board meeting will include a facilitated, closed session to develop the Institute’s new strategic agenda for the next three years.  The Board study session and official meeting are open to all NIGP members and guests and will focus on revisions to the Board's policies and practices, adoption of the Institute's budget for FY10, selection of the 2012 and 2013 Forum sites, and election of officers for the next fiscal year. The Board Study Session will be held on Friday, April 24th and the Board will conduct its official business meeting on Saturday, April 25th. The agendas for both sessions are posted on NIGP's Website.

NIGP’s members are cordially invited to attend these meetings of the Board of Directors.  Direct queries regarding the meeting to Juanita Sims at 800-367-6447 x243 or jsims@nigp.org and regarding lodging information, to LaWann Terry at 800-367-6447 x242 or lterry@nigp.org.
 

Reminder: New NIGP Website, New Login Procedure

The new NIGP Website is ready for you! 

Come see how much easier it is to access your NIGP member benefits, reveiw your account and update your profile.  We have a new login procedure for this site that uses your email address and a unique password that you define.

Please take this opportunity to establish your new, unique password.  This brief procedure below will take about four minutes and allow you to get the most out of your online member benefits.

1.  To begin, use this link to the new Website to establish your personal password.  Enter your email address on this page.

After entering your address, check your email for the message containing your personalized link that will allow you to set your password.

2.  Follow the link provided in the email; this takes you to the password creation page.

3.  Once you've established your password, you will be able to login to the site.  Please login using your email address and password to confirm that your new password was properly set.  Once logged, you will go the the "My Information" page.

4.  Please review the accuracy of your information and make any edits to your information and save.

5.  Be sure to indentify and record your areas of expertise in the  “Contact an Expert” area located on the bottom of your "My Information" page. We have modernized and re-categorized the areas of expertise relevant to the procurement profession.  Take a moment to select your areas of expertise to provide powerful connections for you and other members as well as create and easy way to receive advice and get answers on a particular subject.  This benefit provides members with an easy, searchable database to locate experts quickly.

6.  Check your member profile for current contact and demographic information.  The new NIGP Website allows for easy editing of your contact information.  To ensure that you receive news and updates from NIGP and are listed correctly in the NIGP Member Directory, keep your profile information current.

We hope you are pleased with NIGP’s new look and find navigation around the site intuitive and online transactions seamless.  Be sure to visit often and stay updated on what’s happening in public procurement.  If for any reason you require assistance or have questions about our new site, don’t hesitate to contact your NIGP Membership Services department at 800-367-6447 or membershipinfo@nigp.org.

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Forum: More Reasons Why You Need To Be In St. Louis

NIGP’s five-day annual forum is the largest public procurement educational event with over 1,200 public procurement professionals from federal, provincial, state, and local government agencies from the U.S. and Canada coming together to attend workshops, networking sessions, and plenary sessions.

It is the one professional development destination procurement professionals need to attend.  The knowledge gained at this event empowers professionals to make a difference and demonstrate the value they bring to their organization and the country. See the Top Ten Reasons to attend this year's Forum in St. Louis, Missouri.  You owe it to yourself, your agency, and your constituents!

Early bird registration is extended through May 15, 2009.  View workshop descriptions* and register today to receive the very best rates available!  Attendees who register prior to the deadline receive $50 off the standard registration fee. 

Register online and select workshops, request reservations at your preferred hotel, and receive immediate Forum registration confirmation.  When you register online, you can go back and edit your workshop selections anytime during the registration period.  Unable to register online?  A print and fax/mail Registration Form is also available.

*Educational workshop topics are being finalized and will be posted within the next week. 

Forum Speaker Highlight:
                                         

John Schuster, CMC

John P. Schuster is sought by corporations, government, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs for his Executive Leadership expertise and knowledge.  He is the founding partner of The Schuster Kane Alliance, Inc., a consulting firm he started in 1981. Since he founded his business 25 years ago, John Schuster has helped business, government and non-profit enterprises meet their potential.

John has a passion for markets that work for everyone and specializes in leadership development and business-smart workplaces. His work has taken him to engagements on four continents.  John teaches leadership and strategy in the executive MBA Program at Rockhurst University in Kansas City and is the former director of the University's Center of Leadership.

On Monday, August 24, John will share his latest topic, "Leading Green: Saving the Planet with Everyday Action."  He explores the opportunities that exist to live in harmony with green principles as companies, citizens, communities, and family members. John inspires his audiences to think about today, tomorrow, next year, next decade, and the next generation — taking responsibility is at the core of green leadership.  He invites, evokes, provokes, has fun, and inspires the audience to re-imagine the danger and the opportunity we face.

John is also facilitating this year’s Executive Leadership Series on Sunday, August 23, and Monday, August 24 during the Forum.  Limited seating is available for this exclusive session. 

For more information and to register, visit NIGP 2009 Forum or contact the NIGP Office at 800-367-6447 x227. 

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Forum: Register Today for Pre-Forum Seminars

Gateway to Excellence
Sat., August 22 - Wed., August 26
St. Louis, Missouri

This year's Pre-Forum Seminars maximize your educational opportunities at the NIGP Forum.


CPPO Prep
Thursday, August 20 - Friday, August 21
Instructor:  Mary "Jane" Lopez, CPPO


CPPB Prep
Thursday, August 20 - Friday, August 21
Instructor:  William E. Hertwig, Jr., CPPO, CPPB, C.P.M., A.P.P.


Contracting for Construction Services - NEW
Friday, August 21 - Saturday, August 22
Instructor:  Edward Pabor, CPPO, C.P.M.


Fundamentals of Leadership & Management
Friday, August 21 - Saturday, August 22
Instructor:  Lynda Allair, CPPO


Chapter Leadership Symposium
Saturday, August 22
Presenters:  Belinda Reutter, CMP, CAE, Director of Membership, NIGP
                  Jennifer Steffan, Chapter Relations Manager, NIGP


Register today for Pre-Forum Seminars.  Contact Michael Romero, NIGP Events Coordinator at mromero@nigp.org or call 800-367-6447 x248.





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Forum: 2009 Executive Leadership Series

...Back by popular demand

Join the 2009 Executive Leadership Series (ELS) – a conference within a conference.  The ELS features sessions devoted to help you move beyond the operation of procurement to the change required to innovate and advance procurement.  Dedicate nine hours of your Forum experience to expand your awareness of the issues and practices that will make you a leader in your organization and your profession. 

The ELS sessions are led by John Schuster, CMC, a mentor and coach, whose expertise is leadership.  John is owner of The Schuster Kane Alliance, known for connecting soft people skills with hard business results. He has a passion: helping professionals build the leadership and social capital in their organizations necessary to successfully execute strategies on behalf of customers and shareholders.  He has led engagements in every sector of the economy and on four continents. His interests are executive teams that work, corporate cultures that execute strategy, and leaders that inspire and bring out the best in others.

ELS topics include Change, Surviving Change, Setting Goals, Personal Leadership Styles and Teams.  Seating is limited. 

View the ELS schedule, session topics and apply for attendance today.


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Share Your Vision: 13th Annual NIGP Ethics Essay Contest

This year's NIGP Ethics essay provides an outlet for your creative solutions to situations in our professional life that may not always be as far removed from our reality as we might like.  Read through the following scenario.

We have "shared services" and "green buying" ideas running amok in our agency.  How do we:

1.  Fulfill the lofty goals of our public officials and the demands of an angry public while remaining true to our laws, regulations, and procedures, 2. Look good, 3. Save money even in these bad times?

NIGP invites your response to this personally challenging scenario. Your essay should be less than 1,000 words and examine how this dilemma may develop and how such a situation is best negotiated.

Submitting Your Entry

Entries are limited to five double-spaced pages or less, and must be received on or before Monday, June 29.  Send your entry to Belinda Reutter, Member Services Director, at breutter@nigp.org.  Please include your name, address, phone and fax numbers, email address and  label '2009 Ethics Essay Contest'.  NIGP will publish the winning essay in NIGP publications.  Submission of an entry indicates your permission to publish as outlined above.  Evaluation of submittals is based on originality, format, message, content, focus, clarity, and grammar.

Contest Prizes

The winner will be notified via email and announced at the NIGP Annual Forum and Products Exposition, August 24 in St. Louis, Missouri.  The winning author receives $250, two recertification points toward CPPB and CPPO as well as points toward the National Manager and Buyer of the Year Awards. 

Questions?  Contact Belinda at breutter@nigp.org or phone 800-367-6447 x231.




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Members: NIGP Resources To Help You 'Close the Gap'

...between limited resources and limitless opportunities to succeed.

NIGP recognizes the great value you bring to your community every day, but that you’re often asked to bring more value with fewer resources.  Through your NIGP support network of over 16,000 peer professionals, 76 chapters and ongoing access to technical and educational resources, you’re well-positioned to rise to the challenge-of-the-day.

Whether you need help with an on-the-job challenge or the challenge of getting on-the-job, we have many new ways you can realize added value from your NIGP membership.

•  CAREER CORNER – Search for new jobs or new employees – it’s free to
   NIGP members

•  In between jobs?  Take advantage of our new 6-month, complimentary
   Transitional Membership.  You’ll continue to your uninterrupted access to
   the Career Corner, discussion lists and peer network (very important).

•  FORUM MONEY-SAVERS
   Access the biggest and best educational conference of its kind for public
   procurement pros – FOR LESS!
          •  10% Discount off Forum registration fees when 3 – 9 registrants from the
             same agency attend.  More than 9 attending?  You’ll enjoy a 15%
             discount.
          •  Conference-Only Registration Fee:  We’ve stripped out the cost of all
             meals (except for lunch in the exhibit hall) and pass along these
             meal-related expense savings to you.
          •  Sharing a hotel room is a wonderful way to save money and we make it
             easy to find a ‘roomy’ by providing a Roommate Matching service.

•  ONLINE EDUCATION & NETWORKING
          •  More Webinars are available this year than ever before.  Plus, we
             reduced the registration fee in FY2009 to $75, making distance learning
             even more accessible and affordable
          •  Certification Preparation begins with a visit to CERT PREP CENTRAL
             and our online assessment tool.  Find out what you know and what you
             thought you knew so you can focus your study efforts.
          •  Partner and network with peer agencies through NIGP discussion
             groups and Contact-an-Expert.  What a time saver! (...and don’t forget
             the Resource Library for time savers)

•  ONSITE EDUCATION – No travel dollars?  We have expert instructors who will
   come to you.  Let us know your training needs; we’ll customize your professional
   training program.

•  SOME THINGS DON’T CHANGE
          •  No Membership fee increase!
          •  An NIGP staff committed to supporting – YOU!

Forum questions?  Contact LaWann Terry at 800-367-6447 x242 or Ryan Swink at 800-367-6447 x227.  Membership status and benefits questions?  E-mail membercare@nigp.org or call Faye Jackson at 800-367-6447 x223.



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New Discussion List for Higher Education Members

If you are employed at universities and other higher education institutions, NIGP's new list serve is just for you.

As you know, the higher education community is often tasked to procure unique products and services, especially with respect to research needs and government grant projects. This distinctive area of public procurement could result in higher instances of sole-sourcing and difficulty locating suppliers that meet your requirements.

Join the NIGP higher education discussion list to instantly network with other members, find solutions to your unique needs and seek and share samples and templates with your peers.  For more information about the higher education discussion list, please contact Faye Jackson at 800-367-6447 x223.


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Professional Development: May and June Courses

NIGP's unique approach to curriculum development ensures that learning experiences are grounded in practical experience and seasoned by insights from the academic community.  Here's what's coming in June and July:

May

Contract Administration
Date:  May 11-13
Location:  Ocala, Fla.
Instructor:  Mark D. Hutchison, CPPO, CPPB, 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

Contracting for Public Sector Services
Date:  May 20-21

Location:  Austin, Texas

dhicks@mesd.k12.or.us

Warehousing and Inventory Control
Date:  May 19-20
Location:  Fredericksburg, Va.
Instructor:  Jennie E. Readey, CPPO, CPPB
Hosted by:  Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc. Chapter of NIGPRegistration contract:  Katherine V. Gordon, CPPB
703-257-8327
ggordon@ci.manassas.va.us

June

Adding Value to the Procurement Process
Date:  June 10
Location:  Olympia, Wash.
Instructor:  Darin L. Matthews, CPPO, C.P.M.
Hosted by:  Washington State Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Cathleen F. Robinson, CPPB
206-801-2321
crobinso@ci.shoreline.wa.us

Date:  June 22
Location:  Miami, Fla.
Instructor:  Michael E. Bevis, CPPO, C.P.M.
Hosted by:  Greater Miami Chapter of NIGP, Inc.
Registration contact:  Joe V. Rodriguez, CPPB
305-460-5121
jrodriguez2@coralgables.com

Contract Administration
Date:   June 1-3
Location:  Tallahassee, Fla.
Instructor:  Steven K. Updike, CPPB, FCPA, FCCM, FCN
Hosted by:  Florida Department of Management Services
Registration contact:  Cyndee Sams
850-921-0266
Cyndee.Sams@dms.myflorida.com

Date:  June 3-5
Location:  Columbia, S.C.
Instructors:  Norma J. Hall, CPPO, CPPB, CPM, and Christine W. Campbell, CPPO, C.P.P.
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:  June 8-10
Location:  West Chester, Penn.
Instructor:  Sally C. Barkley, CPPO, C.P.M., M.B.A.
Hosted by:  Pennsylvania Public Purchasing Association Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Robert B. Dopira, CPPB
610-278-3037
rdopira@montcopa.org

Date:  June 10-12
Location:  Houston, Texas
Instructor:  Sharon T. Gentry, CPPB, VCO, A.P.P.
Hosted by:  National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, Inc. (NIGP)
Registration contact:  Patrice Freeman
800-367-6447 x276
pfreeman@nigp.org

Developing and Managing Request for Proposals
Date:  June 8-10
Location:  Albany, N.Y.
Instructor:  Ronald L. King, CPPO, CPPB, VCO
Hosted by:  New York State Office of General Services
Registration contact:  Trenton Graham
518-473-3716
Trenton.Graham@ogs.state.ny.us

Effective Management of Construction Contracts
Date:  June 19
Location:  Toronto, Ontario
Instructor:  Aaron D. Howell, CPPO, C.P.M.
Hosted by:  Ontario Public Buyers Association, Inc. Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Gord J. Sears, CPPB
905-953-5335
gsears@newmarket.ca

Ethics: A Survival Kit for Public Procurement
Date:  June 2
Location:  Orlando, Fla.
Instructor:  Mary “Jane” Lopez, CPPO
Hosted by:  Florida Virtual School
Registration contact:  Cathy L. Brown
407-513-3333
cbrown@flvs.net

Date:  June 5
Location:  Austin, Texas
Instructor:  Mary “Jane” Lopez, CPPO
Hosted by:  Texas Association of Public Purchasers Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Ann Tillman, CTPM, CPIM
512-867-7160
ann.tillman@ers.state.tx.us

Introduction to Public Procurement
Date:  June 3-5
Location:  Plano, Texas
Instructor:  Frederick Marks, CPPO, VCO
Hosted by:  Dallas Ft. Worth Metroplex Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Cynthia L. White
972-758-3871
clwhite@ccccd.edu

Date:  June 3-5
Location:  Chicago, Ill.
Instructor:  Robin J. Rickard,  CPPO, OPBC
Hosted by:  National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, Inc. (NIGP)
Registration contact:  Michael Romero, CEM
800-367-6447 x248
mromero@nigp.org

Date:  June 10-12
Location:  Jacksonville, Fla.
Instructor:  Frank L. Pierce, CPPO, CPPB
Hosted by:  North Florida Procurement Association of NIGP
Registration contact:  Kristen L. Collora
386-313-4062
kcollora@flaglercounty.org

Legal Aspects of Public Procurement
Date:  June 3-5
Location:  Jackson, Miss.
Instructors:  Myra D. Smith, CPPB, and Suzette Moore, CPPO, CPPB
Hosted by:  Mississippi Association of Governmental Purchasing and Property Agents Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Justin Dean Stepp
601-359-7450
jstepp@mdot.state.ms.us

Date:  June 3-5
Location:  Minneapolis, Minn.
Instructor:  Jennie E. Readey, CPPO, CPPB
Hosted by:  Minnesota Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Susan M. Groth, CPPB
651-675-4481
Susan.Groth@state.mn.us

Date:  June 22-24
Location:  Ocala, Fla.
Instructor:  James H. Davis, CPPO,  M.B.A.
Hosted by:  Florida Association of Public Purchasing Officers, Inc.
Registration contact:  Carrie F. Woodell, CPPB, CFCM, C.P.M., A.P.P.
407-599-3434
cwoodell@cityofwinterpark.org

Managing Your End Users and Suppliers: It's All About Relationships
Date:  June 18
Location:  Fishersville, Va.
Instructor:  Michael E. Bevis, CPPO, C.P.M.
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

Performance Based Request for Proposals
Date:  June 1-2
Location:  Winter Park, Fla.
Instructor:  Susan L. Fitzgerald, CPPO, M.P.A., C.P.M., PMP
Hosted by:  Central Florida Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Carrie F. Woodell, CPPB, CFCM, C.P.M., FCCN
407-599-3434
cwoodell@cityofwinterpark.org

World Class Performance Practice
Date:  June 3
Location:  Grand Junction, Colo.
Instructor:  Michael E. Bevis, CPPO, C.P.M.
Hosted by:  Rocky Mountain Governmental Purchasing Association Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Danielle L. Hinz, CPPO, C.P.M.
303-651-8494
Danielle.hinz@ci.longmont.co.us

Date:  June 18
Location:  Toronto, Ontario
Instructor:  Darin L. Matthews, CPPO, C.P.M.
Hosted by:  Ontario Public Buyers Association, Inc. Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Gord J. Sears, CPPB
905-953-5335
gsears@newmarket.ca

To register for a seminar, or for local information, please contact the seminar coordinator listed.  All seminars are conducted from 8AM to 5PM, except as noted.  If you are interested in hosting a seminar in your area, please email events@nigp.org or call Patrice Freeman at 800-367-6447 x276 or Michael Romero, CEM, at 800-367-6447 x248.

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Upcoming Webinar: Green Purchasing in Tough Economic Times

How You Can Make It Work
Wednesday, April 15
1PM - 2:30PM (Eastern)
Registration Deadline:  Friday, April 24
                                                             
Course Objectives:

•  Consider how to integrate meaningful environmental considerations 
    into the routine purchasing process while reducing costs
•  Learn why even in tough economic times that green purchasing
   can save money
•  Find ways to purchase green and save money at the same time


                                            Presented by:
                                                     
                                      Scot Case, Executive Director, Ecologo

                                                             Register Today




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