Region II: NIGP 2009 Public Purchasing Conference and Products Exposition

SAVE THE DATES - OCTOBER 21 - 23

The Pennsylvania Public Purchasing Association Chapter of NIGP cordially invites you to the 2009 Regional II Annual Conference, October 21-23 in Longhorne, Pennsylvania for two and a half days of purchasing sessions, a vendor/products exposition and networking with your peers.

The registration fee is $125 for NIGP National or Chapter members and $150 for non-members, with a $25 discount if you register by Monday, September 21.  If you can only attend for one day, the fee is $50.

The Conference is being held at the Sheraton Bucks County Hotel in Longhorne, Pennsylvania.  To make your room reservation, contact the hotel directly at 800-325-3535 or email www.sheraton.com/buckscounty.  Please mention that you are attending the PAPPA Conference to ensure that you receive the discounted room rate of $102 per night plus tax for single or double occupancy.

For periodic updates and additional information on the 2009 Region II Conference, visit the PAPPA website at www.pappainc.org, or call Angela Marino, CPPB at 610-437-7624 or email marino@allentowncity.org.

Conference attendees can earn up to 1.5 re-certification points toward certification.

Advocacy: Letter Writing Campaign To Support Repeal of Section 511

NIGP's Advocacy Committee requests your participation in this letter writing campaign. Now is the time to have our 'voices heard'.

The 511 Repeal Template is in support of the repeal of Section 511 of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act (TIPRA).  This act requires governments with annual spend in excess of $100 million to withhold 3 percent on payments made for most goods and services.

This letter can be sent from a Mayor, Governor or other elected official from a State or local entity to the members of the State's Congressional Delegation. 

The requirement of a 3 percent withholding places an enormous burden on each entity, which would result in a significant reduction of support for critical services to its citizens. 

The law's implementation was delayed one year but we (NIGP and others) are seeking a permanent repeal of 511.


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Professional Development: 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 CPPB
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 CPPO
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 is 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. 




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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!


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Professional Development: 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 August:

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.


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Two Upcoming Webinars: Revisiting Specs and Bids & Being Ethical

Revisiting Specifications and Bids
Tuesday, July 14
1PM to 2:30PM (Eastern)
Registration Deadline:  Wednesday, July 8

Course Objectives:

•  Learn why good specifications are crucial to
   public purchasing
•  Find out how to start the process of writing
   new specifications by finding templates and
   working with your end user
•  Understand the need to clarify requirements 
   to reduce bidder confusion

Presented by:

Eileen Youens, Associate Professor
School of Government
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Register Today. 

*Special acknowledgment and thanks to Caterpillar for their support of NIGP and the advancement of the public procurement profession through education.

__________________________________________

Being Ethical:  It's Not Always Easy
Thursday, July 16
1PM to 2:30PM (Eastern)
Registration Deadline:  Friday, July 10

Course Objectives:

•  Focus on discernment, discipline, and
   effectiveness as vital elements of
   ethical decision-making
•  Analyze both moral and business considerations
•  Review case studies that reinforce presented concepts

                                             Presented by:
                                      
                                   Rob Rickard, CPPO, OPBC
                                   Chief Procurement Officer
                                   Oregon Secretary of State

Register Today. 

*Special acknowledgment and thanks to Caterpillar for their support of NIGP and the advancement of the public procurement profession through education.


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Forum: Join TheTeam That Makes It Happen

...The Forum Quality Control Team


What is the Quality Control Team (QCT)?
The QCT is an all-volunteer group of flexible, dependable professionals willing to work behind the scenes at all Forum events.

What are the responsibilities of the QCT?
The QCT is divided into two groups: Special Events and Education

Special Events QCT Staff perform the following duties:
•  Assist and direct attendees during meal functions and social events
•  Report to the QCT Special Events Co-Chair for Assignments

Education QCT Staff perform the following duties:
•  Post signage for educational workshops
•  Introduce speakers
•  Distribute and collect workshop evaluations 
•  Hand out speaker gifts 
•  Check A/V Equipment

Workshop assignments are based on QCT workshop preferences, so volunteers are assured that they attend the workshop of their choice.  You must be a registered attendee to particpate on the Quality Contraol Team.

Why should I volunteer?
•  Each QCT volunteer qualifies for one recertification point for the CPPB
   and/ or CPPO designation
•  To be a part of the inner-workings of educational workshops
   and special events
•  To give back to the profession by donating your time and talents
•  To have fun and participate in a rewarding experience

How do I learn more about QCT?
For more information on how to be a QCT volunteer, please contact the NIGP Events Administrator, Patrice Freeman, at 800-367-6447 x276 or pfreeman@nigp.org.

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Forum: Make a New Friend - Be A Purchasing Partner

“Give what you have.  To someone, it may be better than you dare to think.”
                                                                                                Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Remember when you attended your first NIGP conference?  Not knowing anyone, not being a part of a group, finding your way alone.  You can help a first-timer feel more comfortable by becoming a “Purchasing Partner”.  Purchasing Partners are delegates who volunteer to help a first-time attendee learn the ropes and meet new people.  This doesn’t require partnering for the entire conference, but an introduction and an arrangement to meet for breakfast or another event can make a big difference to a first-timer.  Several members have formed lasting relationships by participating in previous purchasing partner events.

Take the step to make new friends and enrich another participant’s Forum experience.  Share your knowledge of previous Forums and help first-timers get the most out of their time in St. Louis.  Introductions will be made at the First-Timer's event on Saturday, August 22nd.  Bring your new friend to the Welcome Dinner and start your week making new friends and expanding your networking opportunities. 

If you would like to help enrich the experience of a first-time attendee, please contact Belinda Reutter, Director of Member Services, at breutter@nigp.org.




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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.

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 Reutter at breutter@nigp.org or phone 800-367-6447 x231.




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Welcome New Members: April/May 2009

Agency Members

Canada Science and Technology Museum
Lucie Carriere
Ottawa, ON

City of Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson Airport
Tonia Nixon
Atlanta, GA

City of Kirkwood
Kimberly Butts
Kirkwood, MO

City of Waveland
Jennifer Taylor
Waveland, MS

County of Wellington
Mark Bolzon, CPPB
Guelph, ON

Covington County Schools
Linda Woodward
Collings, MS

Davie Police Department
Lori Lysfjord
Davie, FL

Governor's Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives
Nicole Holder
Columbus, OH

Halifax Water
Michelle Comeau
Halifax, NS

Louisiana Department of Economic Development
Timothy Kemp, CPPB
Baton Rouge, LA

Louisiana Workforce Commission
Melodie Landry
Baton Rouge, LA

Maryland Transit Administration - Purchasing
Cynthia Nurse
Baltimore, MD

Metro Vancouver
Tracey Husoy, C.P.M.,CPP
Burnaby, BC

Nova Scotia Community College
Daniel MacInnis
Halifax, NS

Roseville Area Schools ISD 623
Barbara Anderson
Roseville, MN

School District of Washington
Casey Zastrow
Washington, MO

St. Louis County Library
Jenny Via, CPPB
St.  Louis, MO

Town of Aurora
Katherine Bishop, CPPB
Aurora, ON

Wake Technical Community College
Debra Wallace
Raleigh, NC

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Betty Baker
Lewisburg, WV

Individual Members

Ken Bailey
Springfield, IL

Laurie Copeland
Chiefland, FL

Miles Davis
Raleigh, NC

Cheryl Deas-Johnson
Columbia, SC

Philip Murray
Columbus, OH

Judy Olson
Oconomowoc, WI

Angela Robinson
Waldorf, MD

Rita Smith, CPPB
Palmetto, FL

John Yearwood, CPPB
Indianapolis, IN

Lifetime Members

Eugene Millet, CPPO,CPPB,GCPA
White, GA

Jack Pitzer Ph.D., CPPO
Alexandria, VA

Larry Whitt
Madison, AL

Retired Members

Colin Dawson, CPPB
Glenbrook, NV

Debra Yearwood
Indianapolis, IN

Student Members

Nanzi Flores, CPPB
St. Xavier University
Chicago, IL

Kylie Lee
Old Dominion University
Virginia Beach, VA

Alicia Williams
Troy University
Covington, GA

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Website Spotlight: Course Catalog

Looking for a specific NIGP course or educational program?  Perhaps a class in your area led by a favorite instructor?  NIGP's online course catalog is a flexible resource that helps you quickly identify upcoming NIGP professional development opportunities offered in the U.S. and Canada and on online.


Finding the Course Catalog

The course catalog is readily accessed from the Professional Development area of the NIGP Website and is the second item listed in the section's left-hand navigation menu.


Finding the Course

---

The catalog is a searchable database of currently scheduled NIGP Webinars and face-to-face courses.  There are three primary ways to find the course(s) that meet your individual needs.

1.   Global Search - Just click the yellow-orange SEARCH button without entering any keywords or advanced search criteria.  You will see a comprehensive list of all Webinars and face-to-face courses, their locations, dates of presentation, and instructors.

2.   Keyword - Enter words that may appear in the course title, the instructor name, or terms or themes that may be reference in a course description.

3.   Advanced Search - Choose specific criteria from one or more of the four drop-down menus that appear under the "Browse" title.  Your search will be increasingly more refined - and your search results narrowed -- as you select a term from each drop-down menu.

In the example above, we searched for all Legal Aspects courses being offered in Florida.  The results show that there are two Legal courses scheduled; one in July, presented in Miami by Ed Pabor, and the second, in August, is in Winter Park and presented by Myra Smith.

HINT: Because each drop-down menu reflects only the countries, states/territories, course titles, or instructors currently scheduled, clicking each menu's drop-down button is a quick way to view lists of all current seminar locations, courses or instructors.

Search Results