3/3/08 Governor Crist Proclaims March Purchasing Month
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2008
CONTACT:
LINDA MCDONALD
(850) 921-5266
~Recognizes professional purchasing employees throughout the State of Florida~
TALLAHASSEE - Governor Charlie Crist officially proclaimed March 2008 as Purchasing Month throughout Florida. He signed the proclamation on Feb. 14, 2008, to recognize the work of purchasing professionals in government, business and industry across Florida.
"Thousands of purchasing professionals throughout our state, in government and in the private sector, play a significant role in efficiency and effectiveness of operations, and through their combined purchasing power spend billions of dollars each year," said Department of Management Services Secretary Linda H. South. "We appreciate Governor Crist's recognition of these professionals who are committed to solid ethical standards and best practices that help serve the citizens of Florida."
The National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP), a national, membership-based non-profit organization of public sector purchasing professionals, began Purchasing Month 20 years ago. NIGP provides members with education, professional networking, research, technical assistance and certification. There are more than 9,700 certified purchasing professionals in NIGP, with 749 in Florida and 68 in the Tallahassee NIGP chapter. In addition, in partnership with the Division of State Purchasing, more than 600 Florida-specific certifications have been awarded.
"The centralized purchasing power of the state benefits Florida citizens through both quality products and volume pricing. From November 2004 through December 2007, we saved more than $76 million on six re-negotiated statewide contracts," said State Purchasing Director Charles Covington. "The integrity and reputation of purchasing professionals make it possible for state and local government agencies to get the goods and services needed to serve the people of Florida in the most efficient and economical way."
Organized in 1944, NIGP is an international not-for-profit educational and technical organization of public purchasing agencies. There are 75 affiliate chapters and one student chapter, and more than 2,400 agency members. The Tallahassee chapter has 220 members. For more information visit www.nigp.org. Learn more about the State Purchasing Division at www.dms.MyFlorida.com.
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