InsIde ThIs IssueF r o m t h e D e s k o f t h e P r e s i d e n t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

N I G P N o t e s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

I t ’ s N o t J u s t f o r t h e B o a r d A n y m o r e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

E d i t o r i a l D i s c u s s i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

E d u c a t i o n a l C a l e n d a r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Published for Members of the Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc. December 2007

V A G P C o n f e r e n c e S c h e d u l e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

C o m m i t t e e R e p o r t s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

V A G P L i s t s e r v . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 0

F r o m t h e P r e s i d e n t E l e c t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1

T h a n k Y o u f r o m K e v i n B e a r d s l e y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1

Silent Auction Helps Children Access Medical TreatmentFrom a week in a spacious vacation home on North Carolina’s Outer Banks to racing gloves signed by Richard Petty, the silent charity auction recently sponsored by the Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing (VAGP) in Virginia Beach offered a splendid array of prizes for the high bidders. The silent auction is a traditional feature of the VAGP spring and fall conferences, with proceeds used to support a local charity. The auction, held at the Oceanfront Cavalier Hotel from October 17-19 during the fall conference, netted more than $2,600 for Children’s Angel Flight (CAF). The nonprofit organization is based in Virginia Beach and offers free medical air transportation for financially-needy child patients. In the past fiscal year, CAF facilitated 931 flights, with a public benefit of over $185,000. “We are so honored that the VAGP chose Children’s Angel Flight to be the beneficiary of these generous funds,” said Suzanne Rhodes, the organization’s director of public affairs. “More than 90 percent of contributions go directly to program services. We help children and their families to find the shortest distance between home and hope.”

(From left to right:) Suzanne Rhodes from Children’s Angel Flight, Steve Patterson, a VAGP member, and Dale Johnson (also from Children’s Angel Flight) pause for a pose after the auction.

Proceeds will help children receive free medically-related flights.

Buyer of the Year

VAGP President Don Rainey (right) presents the 2007 Buyer of Year award to Robin Campbell Wyatt, CPPB, VCO (center). Robin is General Services Coordinator at Colonial Services Board in Williamsburg, and has been a member of VAGP since 2001. Congratulations, Robin!

PAGe � - December �007

BoArD of DireCTorS

officers

PresidentDonald r. rainey, CPPB, VCo

President electLisa Cumming, C.P.M., CPPB,

VCo

TreasurerCathy Hodock, CPPB

SecretaryJennifer Luchard, CPPB, VCo

first Past PresidentTimothy W. Moore, CPPB

Second Past PresidentNancy M. Davis, CPPB, CPPo,

VCo

first At–Large MemberKevin Beardsley, CPPo, CPPB

Second At–Large MemberBill Lindsey, CPPo, C.P.M.

Committee Chairpersons

ConferenceDeborah Powell, VCo

educationSteve Coomer, CPPB

MembershipKelly Shaklee Dixon, CPPB

Professional DevelopmentLinda Wade, CPPB

Public relationsStephanie Suter, CPPB

TechnologyDoug Crenshaw, CPPB, VCo

LegislativePatricia innocenti, CPPB

executive Managerelisa Wills

editorAngela Bright, CPPB

Layout, Design & AdvertisingKim Breeding

News & Views is published quarterly and was designed and created for the members of the Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc. (VAGP), by Organization Management Group, Inc. Views and advertising expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of, or endorsed by, the VAGP. Mail correspondence to 638 Independence Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake VA 23320; (757) 473-8701; vagp@managegroup.com. Subscriptions are included in the annual dues paid by members. Advertising rates and policies may be obtained by calling (757) 473-8701. Insertion deadline is generally the 15th of the month preceding publication.

Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.

From the Desk of the PresidentBy Donald R. Rainey, CPPB, VCO

As I write this article, I realize this is my last News and Views article as your VAGP President. This year has flown by so fast, but it is one that I will cherish for a lifetime. It has been incredible and exciting - a wonderful learning and growing experience, for me as

well as for the membership. I could not have made it through the year without a wonderful and talented Board of Directors, the Committee Chairs, the association’s NIGP Representatives and our management company, OMG.

At the beginning of the year there were a number of goals that I set out to accomplish, and with the help of the Board, those goals have been accomplished. Thanks to Nancy Davis, Second Past President, Pam Simpkins and Jo Thomas for a very successful Regional Conference, held at Radford University this year. The positive feedback received from those in attendance expressed a desire to hold additional Regional Conferences on a yearly basis.

Thanks to the due diligence and hard work of Bill Lindsey, 2nd At-large Member, we were able to present information to the membership at the Fall Conference regarding the establishment of a Diversity Committee within VAGP. This will require a Bylaw change that will be voted on at the Spring Conference in 2008. Finally, we have seen the membership of our Mentor-Protégé Program grow by four new protégées in 2007 alone. This is great news and I applaud the efforts of Kevin Beardsley, 1st At-large Member, for taking on this task to grow the program and recruit new members.

There were other significant accomplishments throughout the year that deserve recognition as well:VAGP Day on the Hill;Improved online shopping feature for VAGP items;Increased VAGP membership;Increased Scholarship and Award offerings;Revised the Board of Directors Manual; andImproved Internet Member Services feature on the VAGP website.

Next year promises to be a very exciting year for VAGP, as well, as we celebrate our 50th Golden Anniversary as a professional organization. What a milestone for the association. I highly recommend and encourage all, who can, to attend the Spring Conference in Richmond and the Fall Conference in Landsdowne. Let’s make this a true 50th celebration. Lisa Cumming, your incoming President, has been working very diligently with Deborah Powell, Conference Advisory Chairperson, and the host committee chairs to make the conferences, programs and events ones that we will truly remember. I have no doubt that Lisa Cumming will continue to lead VAGP in a positive direction and do a great job next year.

I’ve always said that it is not about what I do, but what I do for the membership to move this great association forward. I was blessed with a great and competent Board of Directors and group of Committee Chairs who took their time, efforts and energy to support me throughout the year. I would like to say “THANK YOU” to everyone and to keep up the good work. To Mike Bacile and Kathy Elgin, thanks to the both of you for being great sounding boards, mentors and advisors… to Elisa Wills and Gail Phillips and the OMG team - thanks for all of the time and professionalism in helping me manage the day-to-day activities for the association. Finally, I need to give a huge “THANK YOU” to the membership for supporting me throughout the year and having the confidence in electing me as your Secretary, three years ago. It has been a great year and a great honor. I have sincerely enjoyed serving as your President.

••••••

PAGe � - December �007

By Kathy ElginRegion 4 Representative (Virginia), NIGP Board of Directors

The 2007 NIGP Fall Committee and Board Meetings were held in Atlantic City, New Jersey on October 15-17, 2007. In attendance from VAGP were 2008 President Elect Cathy Hodock, 2nd Past President Nancy Davis, Amy Upson, Rick Berry, Jack Pitzer and Fred Marks. It was great to see the turnout from VAGP and members taking such an active role in furthering our procurement profession.

NIGP President Ed Grant kicked off Monday’s Strategic Planning session. Keeping our Mission (Develop, Support and Promote) as the center of focus, the Board established, modified and ultimately confirmed the following five primary goals of the Institute:

Strengthen the credibility of the public procurement profession and the public procurement professional.Enhance recognition of public procurement education.Expand the continuum of knowledge available to the membership.Meet the needs of the various segments within the public procurement profession.Expand NIGP membership by increasing member numbers in faculty and student categories.

The Committee’s work on Day Two was to propose new initiatives or confirm that existing initiatives supported the Goals established by the Board.

1.

2.3.

4.

5.

October 2007 NIGP Committee and Board Meetings – Atlantic City, NJ

At the end of the third day, eight (8) Committee initiatives ultimately made it to the Strategic Plan. These initiatives include:

Develop and implement a pilot program to directly recruit instructors. Ensure consistency in education program delivery by:

Developing a specific syllabus and lesson plans for each course curriculum under the LEAP program; Conducting an analysis of the current LEAP textbooks to determine the relevance to the CPPO/CPPB body of knowledge as defined by the UPPCC via its 2007 job analysis; andDeveloping additional support materials to support the curriculum.

Attain ANSI standardization for public procurement.Obtain approval for ACE (American Council on Education) accreditation. Issue the first Government Price Index (GPI) report. Identify, develop and implement one new, or strengthen one current, content area of the educational offerings through coordination between the Research and Education Committees annually.Develop an all-inclusive volunteer leadership training program based on association best practices.Increase student membership by 50%.

Other important Board action items included:

Selection of San Antonia, Texas as the 2010 NIGP forum site; Elected Ken Koester, CPPO, C.P.M., A.P.P as the NIGP Treasurer thru 6/30/08; Appointment of Darin Matthews, CPPO, C.P.M. to the UPPCC; and Recommended that the UPPCC appoint Ken Babich, CPPO as a member of the Board of Examiners CPPO Team and Joan Smith, CPPO, CPPB as a member of the CPPB Team.

It was a very busy and productive couple of days. As always, it was a great experience and my honor to represent the procurement professionals who serve the Commonwealth of Virginia.

THANKS!

1.

2.•

•

•

3.4.

5.6.

7.

8.

1.

2.

3.

4.

PAGe � - December �007

At the Board of Directors teleconference on September 14, 2007, the newly revised, reformatted and updated Board of Directors (BOD) Manual was approved.

The BOD Manual has been re-formatted whereby information is “chunked” and organized into logical sections. The use of “white space” improves readability. The By-Laws and Conference and Expo Guide have been separated from the Board of Directors Manual. Appendices have been eliminated.

The Appendices have been incorporated into a new section entitled, “POLICIES, PROGRAMS AND PROCEDURES.” This section includes the policies on the VAGP Financial Audit, Mentor/Protégée Program, Dues Policy, Travel Policy, Check Return Policy and the Reserve Fund Policy.

The BOD Manual now provides job descriptions for every officer and chair position. It defines Officers, Elected Board Members, Committee Chairs and Board of Directors. It provides guidance and expectations for committee members. If you are thinking about joining a committee or accepting an appointment as committee chair, review the expectations in the BOD manual. The committee descriptions include sections on Committee Purpose, Chair Responsibility, Committee Responsibility and Committee Member Benefits.

COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD:

Education, including Education PoliciesProfessional DevelopmentLegislativeMembershipTechnologyConference AdvisoryPublic RelationsFinance

The Manual also provides information on the variety of awards and scholarships that are available through VAGP. Background, Eligibility, Selection, and Type of Award are included in the descriptions of the awards.

AWARDS:

The T. Gordon Sandridge Lifetime Achievement AwardDistinguished Service Award Life Memberships Manager of the Year AwardBuyer of the Year AwardVolunteer of the Year AwardService Recognition Awards

••••••••

•

••••••

Information is provided on the scholarships available through VAGP. Sections discuss Background, Eligibility, Application Information, Selection and Award Reimbursement.

SCHOLARSHIPS:

J. Brad Oakley ScholarshipVAGP Manager-Level Scholarship

Check out the new VAGP Board of Directors Manual on the VAGP website (www.VAGP.org) inside Internet Member Services (IMS). It’s not just for the Board anymore!

••

It’s Not Just for the Board AnymoreBy Nancy M. Davis, CPPO, CPPB, VCO, Second Past-President

PAGe � - December �007

2008 CONFERENCES

SPRING March 12 - 14, at the Omni Richmond Hotel Host: Division of Purchases and Supply, Richmond Contact: Ron Bell

FALL October 29-31, at the National Conference Center at Lansdowne (tentative) Host: County of Loudoun Contact: Kirby Battle

VAGP Conference schedule

Although this edition of the newsletter marks the end of 2007, it is truly the beginning of new and greater things to come within VAGP. In 2008, we will have several new Board members comprising the VAGP Board of Directors. We will be celebrating our 50th anniversary as a professional organization and potentially establishing a new emblem as our VAGP trademark. A new Diversity Committee is being established within our association, while existing committees work to re-invent themselves to improve the services and benefits the committees should provide to members. I will be chairing the Public Relations Committee and Cindy Hatfield, City of Suffolk, will be the new Editor for the News and Views in 2008.

VAGP has come such a long way over the years, but we have many more miles to travel to achieve what is possible for our members and our profession in today’s world. Similar to our purchasing responsibilities within our individual offices, where we work, we should certainly continue to seek the most efficient and effective means of doing business to justify the value of our existence within our organizations. Services that we have purchased for years and years continue to require periodic review and analysis to maximize the prospects that we are purchasing the “latest and greatest” in the marketplace at the best available price or that we are continuing to receive the best prices for the products we regularly consume. We must do this in our workplace and we should do it for the good of our

professional organization, as well. It is crucial that we engage in a practice of continual process improvement in terms of service delivery and benefits to all of you to maintain your support and encourage the enrollment and recruitment of new members, while ensuring we continue to add value to the lives and professions of those we serve. When this is done and we feel comfortable with what has been accomplished, then we need to ask ourselves where we want to take VAGP from here and how we can do things better. This may mean taking the roads less traveled to accomplish works that could not have been imagined fifty or even ten years ago. I believe we are here – and a fitting place to be, indeed, as we enter, together, our 50th year in the professional Government Purchasing business under VAGP.

These are exciting times, and I look forward to being a part of the journey with all of you in the coming year.

*The views of this article are not the express views of VAGP or its officers and are completely and only the comments expressed by the writer.*

Editorial Discussion By Angela Bright, CPPB

VAGP Educational Offerings 1st Quarter 2008Legal Aspects of Public Procurement Jan 29 – 31 FCGC Courtney Raye, CPPB

Effective Contract Writing Jan 31 – Feb 1 COM Ginger Gordon, CPPB

Virginia Public Procurement Act Feb 6 VDOTC Courtney Raye, CPPB

Virginia Public Procurement Act Feb 11 SOTR Pat Barber, CPPB

Legal Aspects of Public Procurement Feb 13-15 COA Ann Turner

Introduction to Public Procurement Feb 27 – 29 HCTC Ron King, CPPO, VCO, CPPB

PAGe � - December �007

Conference Advisory Committee

By Deborah J. Powell, Conference Advisory Chair

If you did not attend the Fall Conference 2007 in Virginia Beach this year, this is what you missed –

Tuesday Night before the ConferenceCatching up with old friends at dinner; Walking on the boardwalk; Stopping by the hospitality suite; and networking with other purchasing professionals.

WednesdayListening to speakers like Meyera Oberndorf, the Mayor of Virginia Beach; Ed Grant, the President of NIGP; Blaine Taylor, Head Coach for ODU’s Men’s Basketball team; Educational presenters, Walker Evey, President of Design-Build Institute of America speaking on “Design-Build-Pentagon Renovation”; Marcheta Gillespie, Deputy Director of Procurement for City of Tucson speaking on “Marketing the Value of Procurement: Do They Know What You’re Worth”; Dr. Cliff McCue, Associate Professor at Florida Atlantic University speaking on “Leadership Issues”; and Tony Ellis, Division Director of Prison Industries at the South Carolina Department of Corrections speaking on “Negotiation Principles”.

Attending a First Timer’s Reception; the Host Event sponsored by Corporate Express; and the Hospitality Suite, where we engaged in more networking.

ThursdaySpecial sessions for individuals involved in procurement with localities, education, state agencies and special authorities.

Additional educational presenters, such as Ann Peshoff, Program Administrator for UPPCC on UPPCC Updates; Lori Rutland, Administrative Specialist at Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services; Stephanie Creed, Assistant Comptroller in Pulaski County, Arkansas speaking on “The Critical Difference of Networking During Disasters”; and Bill Hefty, Attorney at Law on “VPPA Legal Update”.

All of these events were followed by the Vendor Expo, where over 50 venders were available to discuss their products and services and develop relationships with their customers.

Dinner was arranged like a genuine Luau – roasted pig and all! The 2008 VAGP Officers were sworn in after dinner. Then, we extended the evening in the Hospitality Suite for more “after hours” networking.

Friday Started with a loaded buffet breakfast in the hotel restaurant, followed

by an informative Business Meeting, where awards were handed out to VAGP officers and committee members; a speaking engagement by Rick Grimm, Chief Executive Officer, NIGP on the “State of the Profession”; then, closing remarks by Don Rainey, VAGP’s President.

Of course, we could not end the Conference without some last minute networking with colleagues and friends - old and new.

But wait - you also missed the auction that was going on throughout (continued on page 7...)

Committee Reports

PAGe 7 - December �007

the conference. People were hovering over the auction tables, at the last minute of course, to make sure they placed that final bid on that special item they had to have. The generosity of the bidders there raised over $2600.00 for the Angel Flight Charity. We also had twelve (12) people in the CPPB/CPPO Review Sessions each day of the Conference, with a few of them actually taking the exam the following Saturday.

Finally you missed the re-certification points that were available by attending the conference and the various exciting and educational sessions offered there.

Although, conference locations and events may differ, one thing you can count on is the camaraderie, variety of speakers, educational topics, and yes - networking.

The hosts for the Virginia Beach Conference and all other Conference hosts deserve a huge round of applause and many thanks for their hard work in making every conference experience unique and for keeping the Virginia Public Procurement Professionals united!

Don’t miss out on the conferences and celebrations in 2008, when we will meet in Richmond in March for our Spring Conference and to celebrate VAGP’s past 50 years - and again in Loudoun County in October for the Fall Conference, where we will look at the next 50 years to come. Hope to see you at one or both events!

Education CommitteeBy Steve Coomer, CPPB, Education Committee Chair

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for letting me serve on your Education Committee for the last nine (9) or so years and as your Committee Chair for the last three (3). I have learned a lot about the purchasing profession, I did not know before, a lot about how VAGP really works, and most of all had the pleasure to meet and get to know a whole group of wonderful professionals. I want to thank the volunteers who have served on the committee with me and especially those that put up with me as the chair. As a group we have offered and held more seminars in Virginia over the last year than most of the other NIGP chapters have held in 4-5 years. I am going to be replaced as chair in 2008 by Ginger Gordon out of Manassas, please give her all the assistance you have given me (plus some) and let’s keep VAGP in the fore front for NIGP seminars. I know Ginger and the committee for 2008 will do an exceptional job, but remember you members are the key to the committee’s success. Let them know the seminars you want to take, sign up early for them, and talk as many colleagues as possible in to taking the seminar with you.

A list of the courses that NIGP offers and course descriptions can be found on the NIGP website under Education and training, then course

descriptions. If you want to take one of the seminars that have a 20 student minimum, please talk to other entities in your area and see if they are interested and how many people they can send. Decide when the good times are to have the seminars, keeping in mind the holidays, conferences, and summer vacations. These are the things the Education Committee tries to work around.

I hope to have the schedule for 2008 completed and posted to the website by the end of next week. Please check the website for the schedule of classes and the list of committee members for 2008. I wish all of you the best of luck in the future.

Legislative CommitteeBy Patti Innocenti, CPPB, Legislative Committee Chair

The Legislative Committee is actively monitoring the status surrounding the Federal Non-Wage Withholding Requirement, signed into law by Congress on May 17, 2006. This law mandates that state and local governments serve as tax collectors for the federal government by withholding and remitting 3% of most payments for products and services for federal income tax purposes. On October 10, Congress changed the date for withholding payments from January 1, 2011 to January 1, 2012 as part of the “Tax Collection Responsibility Act of 2007.” Once implemented, withholding will be required for any payment – regardless of the amount or form of the transaction – to purchase any product or service other than interest or real property. No vendor or contractor is exempt except other governments or nonprofit entities and government employees.

The impact and unintended consequences of the provision on all companies that contract with the government may be significant. The cost to governments at all levels to administer the program will be substantial and the process exceedingly complicated to implement. VAGP is also concerned that it will discourage contractors from bidding on government projects and may increase pricing.

VAGP sent position letters, stating our opposition to the legislation to the Virginia Attorney General, Robert McDonnell and Senator John Warner and Senator Jim Webb. While the impact of our letters may be small, it is part of a greater lobbying campaign conducted by National Association of Counties and the Government Withholding Relief Coalition, a group representing over thirty commercial and professional associations.

You can help by making sure that the legislative team representing your department is aware of the issue. A fact sheet on the Non-Wage Withholding Requirement is available on the VAGP Legislative webpage at www.VAGP.org/commlegi.htm.

(continued on page 8...)

Committee Reports (continued)

PAGe � - December �007

Committee Reports (continued)

Professional Development CommitteeBy Linda Wade, CPPB, Professional Development Committee Chair

In January, I will step down as your Professional Development Committee Chair to begin serving on the VAGP Board of Directors as your 2008 VAGP Secretary. I am very excited and look forward to this great opportunity to serve the membership. I am also excited to announce Kelly Okken, CPPB, VCO has been appointed to serve as your new 2008 Professional Development Committee Chair. Kelly hasserved on the Pro D Committee for many, many years and has been serving as the Assistant Chair. I know Kelly will do an outstanding job and lead the Pro D Committee to great success. Congratulations Kelly!

Looking back over the years, I have learned so much working with everyone. I am truly thankful for the opportunity to serve themembership for so many years. I would like to extend many thanks to the 2007 Pro D Committee members for another very successful year. I really appreciate your dedication and hard work to bring professional development opportunities to the membership. By year end, Pro D will have sponsored 12 low-fee seminars and 3 certification review and group exam sessions which have resulted in 20 new certified professionals in our membership! We could not have accomplished this without the support of our VAGP instructors and review sessionfacilitators. They are critical to the success of Pro D. They travel throughout Virginia and volunteer their time and effort to bring quality seminars and review sessions to the membership to ensure continued professional development opportunities. Thank you! I would also like to thank all the seminar hosts and conference committee members who volunteered their time, effort and facilities to make seminars and review sessions a reality. To the membership, thank you for your continued support over the years. Without your participation and dedication to your professional development, Pro D would not exist. Pro D exists exclusively to serve the VAGP membership.

Well, the music is beginning to play in the background so I leave you with the below important information concerning the 2008 UPPCCcertification program changes, updated Body of Knowledge, and the new 2008-1010 exam schedule. If you are not currently certified, please make this part of your professional development plan. Achieving your certification is a significant personal and professionalaccomplishment.

Thanks again to everyone!

CURRENT CPPO/CPPB EXAMINATIONS Source: NIGP BuyWeekly, June 27, 2007

The Universal Public Purchasing Certification Council (UPPCC) will continue to offer the current CPPO/CPPB written examinationsthrough July 31, 2008. Those individuals currently in process or those seeking to apply for certification in the near future should review the FAQ document at www.uppcc.org for detailed information on the transitional period and how they might be affected. Below are important dates to remember for the current CPPO/CPPB examinations:

Current CPPO/CPPB Application and Examination Deadlines March 31, 2008 Application deadline to take the current CPPO or CPPB examJuly 31, 2008 Last day to take the current CPPB or CPPO written exams

September 30, 2008 Application deadline for the C.P.M. to UPPCC BridgeDecember 31, 2008 Last day to take the written CPPB Bridge Exam

Last day to take the CPPO Bridge Exam Last day to take the CPPO Oral Panel Exam

UPPCC UPDATED BODY OF KNOWLEDGE Source: NIGP BuyWeekly, October 17, 2007

In October, the UPPCC announced the newly updated Body of Knowledge for its two public purchasing credentials; the Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) and the Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB). The Body of Knowledge dictates the content for certification examinations beginning with the October 20-25, 2008 testing window. The most notable change to the Body of Knowledge is that it is far more detailed and consists of only one overarching Body of Knowledge, rather than one for the CPPO and one for the CPPB. You will also note that individual tasks or knowledge that applies to only one program is identified immediately following the task and/or knowledge as either “CPPO ONLY” or “CPPB ONLY”. If there is no indication for a specific program, the task and/or knowledge apply to both the CPPO and CPPB.

(continued on page 9...)

PAGe � - December �007

Committee Reports (continued)

(continued on page 10...)

UPPCC 2008-2010 EXAM SCHEDULE Source: www.uppcc.org

Beginning with the first testing window in fall 2008, all UPPCC certifications will be administered in Thomson Prometric's Professional Testing Network via computer. Examinations will be delivered daily, Monday thru Saturday at a time and location selected by the candidate within the more than 300 testing centers across the U.S. and Canada. Fall examinations will always be administered during the last full week in October. Spring examinations will always be administered during the first full week in May. Advanced application is required. Please see the UPPCC exam schedule and associated deadlines below.

2008-2009 Fall Examinations Spring ExaminationsApplication Submission Deadline July 21, 2008 February 2, 2009

Application Submission Late Deadline August 4, 2008 February 16, 2009 Exam Registration Deadline September 15, 2008 March 30, 2009

Testing Dates October 20-25, 2008 May 4-9, 2009

2009-1010 Fall Examinations Spring ExaminationsApplication Submission Deadline July 27, 2009 February 1, 2010

Application Submission Late Deadline August 10, 2009 February 15, 2010 Exam Registration Deadline September 21, 2009 March 29, 2010

Testing Dates October 26-31, 2009 May 3-8, 2010

NEW CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS

Jerri Kemp, CPPB Old Dominion University

John Lasley, CPPB City of Virginia Beach

Teresa MacWelch, CPPB Fauquier County Government and Public Schools

Jerry Stokes, CPPB City of Newport News

Dwayne Young, CPPB Old Dominion University

UPCOMING VAGP LOW-FEE SEMINARS AND CERTIFICATION SESSIONS/EXAMS

Date Seminar/Session Host Location

12/14/07 Competitive Bidding vs. Competitive Negotiation City of Suffolk 3/11-3/14/08 CPPB/CPPO Review Sessions & Group Exams*** Spring Conference, Richmond

(Note: Based on 2008 UPPCC program changes, this will be the last Group Exam VAGP will be able to offer in conjunction with a VAGP Conference.)

4/1/08 Methods of Procurement City of Charlottesville Apr TBD Methods of Procurement Richmond DMV TBD How to Award to the Best Vendor City of Suffolk TBD Planning and Conducting Successful Meetings HRSD, Virginia Beach 10/07-10/10/08 CPPB/CPPO Review Sessions Only (No Group Exam) Fall Conference, Lansdowne

PAGe 10 - December �007

If you are interested in registering to attend any of the above low-fee seminars/sessions or need information about other low-fee seminars offered by Pro D, visit www.vagp.org. Advertisements for scheduled seminars are e-mailed to the membership and posted on the VAGP website with online registration information. Look for additional offerings to be added throughout 2008!

You must be pre-registered to attend CPPB/CPPO Review Sessions to reserve your seat. To sit for a scheduled CPPB or CPPO written group exam, your eligibility must be preapproved by UPPCC which can take up to 6 weeks. Please visit the UPPCC website at http://www.uppcc.org/ for complete certification information.

2007 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Eloise Bowling, CPPB City of Lynchburg 434-455-3961 eloise.bowling@lynchburgva.govCindy Hatfield City of Suffolk 757-923-2097 chatfield@city.suffolk.va.usSharita Bryant, VCA Division of Motor Vehicles 804-367-0268 Sharita.bryant@dmv.virginia.govKelly Okken, CPPB, VCO Asst. Chair James Madison University 540-568-3130 okkenkj@jmu.eduJohn McConnell, CPPO City of Virginia Beach 757-385-4438 jmcconne@vbgov.comJoe Parr, CPPB, CPPO, VCO VITA, Richmond 804-416-6062 joe.parr@vita.virginia.govMichelle Purkett, CPPB, VCO Tidewater Community College 757-822-1768 mpurkett@tcc.eduKelly Dixon, CPPB King George County 540-775-9181 kdixon@co.kinggeorge.state.va.usLinda Wade, CPPB, Chair HRSD, Virginia Beach 757-460-7311 lwade@hrsd.com

ProD exists exclusively to serve the VAGP membership. Please contact any of the above committee members near you to host or instruct a low-fee seminar, join our team, share your ideas for new seminar topics, and to offer suggestions for continuous improvement of the low-fee seminars and certification review sessions.

Committee Reports (continued)

VAGP ListserveBy Wanda Cornwell, Town of Ashland Purchasing Agent/HR Coordinator - VAGP Protégée

As a member of the Mentor-Protégé program I was fortunate enough to be paired with Nancy Davis as my Mentor. I recently asked a question on the VAGP Listserve and was so impressed with the helpful attitude and knowledgeable response that I received I sent a thank you e-mail back to the members. Nancy decided at that point that I should write an article about the Listserve, so here we go!

I can’t say enough about how helpful the Listserve has been to me. I’m sure you all know how busy our days can be and how many requests you have from every direction! I have used the Listserve for everything from policy questions to bids for Pest Control services and I always gather information that saves me time and clarifies the issue at hand. VAGP members never fail to amaze me with their willingness to help and to share the wealth of their knowledge.

If you have not used this valuable resource I encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful and very helpful service by logging in to Internet Member Services, where you can find detailed instructions. Not only will you gain knowledge and insight from folks with years of experience, you will also get to know some of the great people in the profession! Give it a try!

PAGe 11 - December �007

Thank you!By Kevin Beardsley, 1st At Large Member

I want to thank all of the members of the VAGP for giving me the opportunity to serve as your At-Large Member on the board of directors these past two years. It has been a fun and rewarding experience for me. Because of you, I have been able to give something back to an organization that has helped me throughout my career. I have met and gotten to know better a lot of very fine people. I have been given opportunities to be involved in some things of which I will always be proud.

The past two years have gone by amazingly fast. I would encourage each and every member to become more involved in VAGP. Serving on a committee or on the Board will forever change your understanding of our association and will result in connections and relationships that will last a lifetime. There is an old Chinese proverb

From the President ElectBy Lisa Cumming, CPPO, CPPB, C.P.M., VCO

As I write this article, the year 2007 is nearing its end. We have had two successful conferences this year, and I want to thank all the volunteers who worked so hard in putting them all together. I know we are all busy with our day to day schedules; so it is especially heartfelt to acknowledge dedicated groups of individuals who value their professions and the benefit VAGP has in their professions and with its members. They volunteer their time and services for the sake of VAGP and all of us, and it is truly commendable and appreciated. Kudos to all the volunteers, who offered their time and effort not only for these past two conferences held in Lynchburg and Virginia Beach, but those who volunteered and hosted conferences earlier, as well as those who have stepped up and will host upcoming conferences in the City of Richmond, Loudoun County, City of Staunton and Augusta County combined, and the City of Norfolk. Thank you! Thank you!

On a different note, the Professional Development Foundation, a separate entity from VAGP which provides scholarship and speaker funds for VAGP members and VAGP sponsored conferences, will be in a “rebuilding” mode for the next two years. The goal is to build the organization into a long term viable Foundation that members

can utilize as a resource to further their professional education. Additional updates will be provided as they develop and will be included in future News and Views articles.

Time has gone by so fast and 2007 will be over, soon. I am excited and looking forward to serving as your new President in 2008. As I sometimes say to passengers who dare to ride with me on my motorcycle…Hang on! Trust me. This will be quite an adventure!

that says, “Many hands make the load light.” That is true in many endeavors - but no more so than in the operation and leadership of a professional organization that operates mostly with volunteers. Some of us have been sitting on the sidelines for a long time. Maybe it is time for you to come off the bench and get into the game. I assure you that you will never regret it if you do.

Thanks, again, to everyone.

PAGe 1� - December �007

AD# CDG-BRA-189A19 FILE NAME: P61189_cdwg_VAGP_A&D_p_8-01.indd

PUB: VAGP

ISSUE DATE: August, 2007

SIZE: 4/C, Full Page Trim: 8.5" x 11" Live: 8" x 10.5"

MATERIALS: Submit all artwork electronically to: kbreeding@managementgroup.com hi res PDF + ship overnight (1) proof.

JWT COMMUNICATIONS ENTERTAINMENT & TECHNOLOGYONE RAVINIA DRIVE, 9TH FLOORATLANTA, GEORGIA 30346

MATERIALS CONTACT:Theresa Buchanan (770) 668-5700 x229Email: theresa.buchanan@jwt.com

©2007 CDW Government, Inc.

CDWG.com 800.767.4239

At CDW•G, we understand how the right technology can help you do more with less. We’re there with expert advice from trained technology specialists who understand the needs of state and local government. And with best-of-breed solutions from the top names in the industry in almost every technology product category imaginable, you not only get what you need, you get it whenever you need it.

When your technology budget only goes so far,

we’re there to take it farther.

3364_cdwg_VAGP_A&D_p_8-01.indd 1 5/4/07 3:39:05 PM

Job Name: 3364 JWTPDF Page: 3364_cdwg_VAGP_A&D_p_8-01.p1.pdf Process Plan: PDF Output X1a[Vector]Color: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black W: 8.5 H: 11 Scale: 100Date: May-04-2007 Time: 15:43:04 SpoolServer

PageMark-Color-Comp