Canada Passes 'Buy Canada' Resolution

Canadian mayors passed a resolution last Saturday that would potentially shut out U.S. bidders from city contracts in response to the U.S. administration's "Buy American" policy.

The nonbinding resolution was passed at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference in Whistler, British Columbia.  According to Federation president, Jean Perrault, the fair trade resolution was developed in reaction to protectionist provisions in President Barack Obama's stimulus bill.

"The U.S. protectionist policy is hurting Canadian firms, costing Canadian jobs and damaging Canadian efforts to grow our economy in the midst of a worldwide recession," said Perrault. "A solution is urgently needed. Jobs are on the line."

The "Buy American" policy was introduced by the Obama administration into the stimulus package which requires projects funded with stimulus money to use only US-made steel, iron and manufactured goods.

In the U.S., "Buy American" supporters want to make sure that the billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars being spent will revive the economy and create jobs at home.  However, the provision has angered international governments.

Since the "Buy American" provisions were introduced, Canadian companies have said they have been facing increasing difficulties in winning government contracts in U.S states and cities.  Clark Somerville, an Ontario mayor, said its council passed a new procurement policy two weeks ago that prohibits American bids on local work after companies complained they were being shut out of American markets.

The head of the Federation said the delegates hope the resolution, that will not take effect for 120 days, will help strengthen Prime Minister Stephen Harper's case as he lobbies the U.S. for relief from the "Buy American" provision.  Perrault said the Federation and Canadian provinces are also pushing for a fair trade agreement between Canada and the U.S. that would protect jobs and industries on both sides of the border.

Source:  The Associated Press, Canada passes "Buy Canada" type resolution, by Charmaine Noronha, June 6, 2009.

Education: Virtual Prep Classes for Certification - NEW

CPPB and CPPO Classes Without The Travel 

NIGP's new virtual prep classes consist of six live Webinars and homework assignments that include recordings, online practice quizzes, reading assignments and online discussion within a two-week period (July 23 - August 5).  Attendance at all sessions of the virtual course is mandatory and monitored.  Successful completion of the virtual course will earn 16 contact hours. 

CPPB Virtual Prep
Instructor:  William E. Hertwig, CPPO, CPPB, C.P.M., A.P.P.

Thursday, July 23         Preparing for the UPPCC 
1PM to 2:30PM             Certification Exam 

Monday, July 27           Session One
12Noon to 1:30PM
Wednesday, July 29     Session Two
12Noon to 1:30PM
Friday, July 31              Session Three
12Noon to 1:30PM
Monday, August 3         Session Four
12Noon to 1:30PM
Wednesday, August 5   Session Five
12Noon to 1PM

CPPO Virtual Prep
Instructor:  Mike Bevis, CPPO, C.P.M.

Thursday, July 23         Preparing for the UPPCC
1PM to 2:30PM             Certification Exam  

Monday, July 27           Session One
3PM to 4:30PM
Wednesday, July 29     Session Two
3PM to 4:30PM
Friday, July 31              Session Three
3PM to 4:30PM
Monday, August 3         Session Four
3PM to 4:30PM
Wednesday, August 5   Session Five
3PM to 4PM

Registration is limited and will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.  Early registration is encouraged.  The registration and payment deadline is Friday, July 17. 

For more information, email distancelearning@nigp.org or call Kathleen Ridgely at 800-367-6447 x273. 




[ return to top ]

Save the Date: Join A FREE Online Certification Chat

Do you have questions about CPPB and CPPO Certification and preparing for the exam?

               Join us on Tuesday, July 7 from 1PM to 2PM (Eastern) 
     as Chat Hosts Carol D. Hodes, CAE, Director of Education, NIGP and
Ann Peshoff, Executive Director, UPPCC answer your certification questions.


 This live event requires no registration and is free to members and non-members.

You can submit questions before the chat to onlinechat@nigp.org and you will be able to text questions during the chat. 

Directions on texting questions during the Online Certification Chat will be provided when you login.  Answers to all text questions will be visible during the online chat, and a full transcript will be posted to the website after the chat.

If you have any questions,  please contact distancelearning@nigp.org.

We look forward to chatting with you on July 7!


[ return to top ]

Webinar Fans: A Rewards Program Created Just For You

NIGP's Webinar Rewards Program Thanks You For Your Loyalty

This program is designed to keep your training
expenses low and your professional development
experience high. 

The NIGP Webinar Rewards Program adds immediate
value to every dollar you spend on a Webinar. 

Here's how it works:

Purchase five Webinars in a calendar year and you'll receive one Webinar FREE.  It's that easy.

Email distancelearning@nigp.org with any questions or to redeem your FREE Webinar. 

Webinar Rewards Program is individual-based and non-transferable.  Free Webinar is non-redeemable for cash and must be used within six months from final purchase.



[ return to top ]

Professional Development: July and August 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 July and August:

JULY

Adding Value to the Procurement Process
Date:  July 13
Location:  Baton Rouge, La.
Instructor:  Michael E. Bevis, CPPO, C.P.M.

Hosted by:  Louisiana Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Elizabeth Kunjappy, CPPB
225-219-2123

Elizabeth.kunjappy@la.gov

Date:  July 24
Location:  Colorado Springs, 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

World Class Procurement Practices
Date:  August 14
Location:  Salem, Ore.
Instructor: Darin L. Matthews, CPPO, C.P.M.
Hosted by:  Oregon Public Purchasing Association, Inc. Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Mickey M. Kemper, CPPB
503-986-2244
mickey.m.kemper@state.or.us

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.






[ return to top ]

Upcoming Webinars: What's In The Fine Print and Why...

Standard Purchase Order Terms and Conditions for Goods
Tuesday, June 23
1PM to 2:30PM (Eastern)

Standard Purchase Order Terms and Conditions for Construction
Wednesday, June 24
1PM to 2:30PM (Eastern)

Standard Purchase Order Terms and Conditions for Services
Thursday, June 25
1PM to 2:30PM (Eastern)
Registration and Payment Deadline:  Friday, June 19

Course Objectives:

•  Consider the nature and purpose of the purchase order for goods ,
   construction, and services and apply the legal requirements of
   the purchase order to the business purposes of the organization

•  Develop new and/or revise existing purchase order documents to better
   fit organizational needs

                                                  Presented by
                                       
                                   Mike Bevis, CPPO, C.P.M., PMP
                    Chief Procurement Officer, City of Naperville, Illinois










  [ return to top ]

Forum: Your Gateway To Excellence

 
NIGP’s 2009 Forum will lead procurement pros to the
Gateway to Excellence

America’s Center, St. Louis
Sat., August 22 - Wed., August 26
St. Louis, Missouri

Forum Highlights:

Welcome Dinner - Saturday, August 22
The Gateway opens on Saturday at 6:30PM
with entertainment* by master guitarist and
humorist Mike Rayburn.  Mike is hilarious, inspirational,
motivational and musically amazing.  His comedic
presentation skills, astounding guitar creations, and contagious
zest for life challenge and encourage audiences to step beyond
their perceived limitations.  Mike is a regular attraction at Carnegie Hall
and his blend of music, humor and insight will keep you laughing
throughout the evening and for months to come. 

The Welcome Dinner also features presentation of The Albert H. Hall Memorial Award.  This 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.

4 Remarkable and Inspiring Plenary Speakers
•  Meagan Johnson - Zap The Gap 
   Sunday, August 23
•  John Schuster - Leading Green: Saving The Planet
   With Everyday Action
   Monday, August 24
•  Patrick Kuhse - Eight Slippery Steps To Unethical Behavior
   Tuesday, August 25
•  FDNY Chief Richard Picciotto - Last Man Down
   Wednesday, August 26

50 Workshops - 5 Procurement Themes
Green, personal development, procurement practices, research and technology.                                                                                

200 Exhibitors
From across the country, across industries and across two half-days of products exposition.  Monday, August 24 and Tuesday, August 25.

40 Peer2Peer Networking Sessions
•  Traditional - agency and community based sessions
•  Gateway sessions - ask questions of subject matter experts- NEW
•  Open Source - spontaneous topics and problem solving - NEW

Premier Events
•  A Night at the Museum  Sunday, August 23 – 6p.m. to 11p.m.
   Join us Sunday evening in the 600,000 square-foot St. Louis City Museum,
   former home of the International Shoe Company. The City Museum is an
   eclectic mix of children's playground, funhouse, surrealistic pavilion, and
   architectural marvel made out of unique, found objects from within
   St. Louis’city limits.  Enjoy circus performers and other extraordinary
   entertainment** as well as a scrumptious meal featuring St. Louis delicacies.

•  NIGP Awards Luncheon  Monday, August 24 – 12:30p.m. to 2:30p.m.
   Celebrate excellence at NIGP’s annual red carpet awards luncheon. Enjoy
   a fabulous lunch as we recognize and honor the agencies, individuals and
   chapters that have demonstrated and achieved their commitment to excellence.

•  Baseball at Busch Stadium - Cardinals v. Astros Tuesday, August 25
   NIGP has secured a limited number of tickets to the Cardinals/Astros game
   on Tuesday, August 25.  Why not enjoy a game during your free time in
   St. Louis?  Game starts at 7:15. The stadium is approximately eight blocks
   from the downtown area. 

•  Presidential Banquet  Wednesday, August 26 – 6:30p.m. to 11:30p.m.
   This regal evening is the culmination of NIGP’s 64th Annual Forum.
   Enjoy a lavish meal as you compare highlights from this year’s Forum with
   your friends, new and old.  After dinner, live up your last Forum evening with
   music by the Spectrum Band and dancing in the ballroom.

Infinite Memories

Register Today.  For more information, visit Forum 2009 or call LaWann Terry at 800-367-6447 x242.

*Entertainment sponsored by the National Business Council.

**Entertainment sponsored by AutoZone, Inc.




[ return to top ]

Forum: Money-Saving Opportunities...

...that meet your tight budget constraints to bring you a quality Forum experience. 

Group Discounts

•  3-9 registrants from the same agency - 10% off*
•  10 or more - 15% off*

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.

•  Share a Hotel Room

This is a wonderful way to save money. We make it 
easy through our Roommate Matching service.

For more information, email lterry@nigp.org or call
LaWann Terry at 800-367-6447 x242.

*Discount based on standard, full Forum registration fee.




[ return to top ]

Airport Purchasing Group Hosts Annual Conference in Conjunction with Forum

The Airport Purchasing Group (APG) will host its annual conference in conjunction with the NIPG Forum on Wednesday, August 26, through Thursday, August 27.  Events on Wednesday will run concurrently with NIGP covering airport related topics.  APG exclusive events will be held on Thursday, August 27.

Featured Seminar:

Capital Improvement Projects/Federal Stimulus Dollars – Getting Funding and Managing Responsibility

Learn about FAA grant funding and compliance and reporting in this multi-day seminar with Nancy Williams, FAA’s National Resource Specialist for Policy and Legislation. 

Wednesday, August 26
8AM to 5PM

•  Airport Networking Session – Let’s Talk Airports
•  FAA – Part I – Capital Improvement Projects – Getting Funding
•  De-icing or Anti-icing?  What’s an Airport to Do?
•  Chief Richard Picciotto, FDNY Chief, Last Man Down

Thursday, August 27
8AM to 5PM
•  FAA – Part II – Learn How To Navigate Resources and Get Answers
•  Airport Lighting
•  Airline Discussion
•  General Membership Meeting
•  Tour of St. Louis/Lambert Airport

For more information, contact LaWann Terry at 800-367-6447 x242 or visit www.nigp.org/eweb/docs/forum/APGRegForm.pdf

*Subject to change.  


[ return to top ]

Website Spotlight: Powerful ARRA Links and More

Did you know that time-saving ARRA resources, advocacy letter templates, cooperative purchasing sources, state procurement sites, and more are available to you through the NIGP Website?

In each edition of BuyWeekly we'll focus on a specific section or feature of the NIGP Website.  We hope that this helps you become more familiar with the many labor-saving assets we make available to NIGP members and members of the procurement community through our site.

To inaugurate the series, we feature the power of the "Links" page and its value as a stepping-off point to a world of useful tools and references.


What you'll find on Links.

  [ return to top ]