news views · pdf filevagp’s annual day on the hill, held on february 5 in ... vagp will...

InsIde ThIs Issue From the Desk of the President .......................................22014 Spring Conference ....................................................3From the President-Elect ..................................................4 Amendments Come to eVA’s Quick Quote .......................4Growing NIGP’s New Governance Structure .......................5New CPPOs and CPPBs ...................................................6

UPPCC Changes to Certification Eligibility/Re-certification ...7Using LISTSERV to Reach Out .........................................8Membership = Benefits .....................................................8Upcoming Educational Offerings .....................................9Public Relations, Mentorship ............................................10Professional Development ................................................10Where in Virginia? ............................................................12

VAGP’s Day on the HillBy Patti Innocenti, CPPBLegislative Committee Chair

VAGP’s annual Day on the Hill, held on February 5 in Richmond, was a great success! VAGP was represented by ten members from the Board of Directors and the Legislative Committee who spent the day meeting with various legislators and members of the administration. During our brief sessions with five of the delegates who serve on the committee responsible for procurement law, VAGP members highlighted our position on cooperative procurement, job order construction, competitive negotiations, preferences,

and newspaper advertising. Surprisingly, the appeal to remove the requirement for newspaper advertising for RFPs met with a positive reception. Maybe next year we will see some movement on this issue. In the afternoon, we met with Nancy Rodrigues, Secretary of the Administration, and Richard Sliwoski, Director-Department of General Services. Secretary Rodrigues is quite familiar with procurement matters, particularly in the area of certification and business

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

March 2014

& News Views

(continued on page 2...)

Members of VAGP met with legislators in Richmond.

- March 2014

Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.

BoArD of DirectorsOfficers

PresidentJan Giffin, CPPO, CPPB, VCO

President-electStephanie Suter, CPPB

treasurerChristopher Cheney, CPPB

secretaryEtta Henry, CPPB, VCCO, VCO

first Past PresidentBill Lindsey, CPPO, C.P.M.

second Past PresidentKelly Okken, CPPB, VCO, VCCO

first At–Large MemberDonnie Legg, CPPO

second At–Large MemberRoxanne Ehardt, CPPO, CPPB, VCO

committee chairpersons

conferenceLorie Newton, CPPB

DiversityJerry E. Stokes, CPPB, C.P.M., VCO

educationCindy Davis Smith, CPPB

MembershipSharita Bryant, CPPB, VCO, VCA

Professional DevelopmentGreg Scearce, VCO

Public relationsGinger Gordon, CPPB

technologyJimmy MacKenzie, VCO

LegislativePatti Innocenti, CPPB

executive Directoreric Hecker

News & Views

editorLeeAnne Beatty Smith, VCA

Layout, Design & AdvertisingKim Breeding-Mercer

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, VAGP. Send correspondence to 638 Independence Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake VA 23320; (757) 609-3696; [email protected]. Subscriptions are included in the annual dues paid by members. Advertising rates and policies may be obtained by calling (757) 609-3696.

Copyright 2014. All rights reserved.

from the Desk of the PresidentBy Jan Giffin, CPPO, CPPB, VCO

This year has been off to a busy start. I was able to participate in the first annual NIGP Chapter Leadership Symposium. There were more than fifty chapters represented. The symposium was a collaborative

approach to learn about our leadership styles and how we can utilize our members’ talents. Leaders were asked to take leadership and behavior surveys. The leadership survey provided great insight to identify leadership strengths in executing, influencing, relationship building, and strategic thinking. The behavioral survey provided great insight to identify four behavior styles: Controller, Stabilizer, Analyzer, and Persuader. These assessments raised my awareness of utilizing individual strengths to build teams that have great levels of creativity, motivation, and synergy.

There was also an opportunity to brainstorm new ideas among the chapter leaders in attendance. One area of discussion revolved around problem solving and change. So often, we narrow our focus to problem areas instead of emphasizing our strengths. What is it that we are doing well and how can we apply it to those problem areas to turn them into strengths? We can take what we learn from our successes and share them with others.

We certainly want to keep our strengths in mind as Purchasing Month approaches. I can’t think of a better time to celebrate ourselves and our profession than during Purchasing Month in March. The role that each of us play in our organization is a valuable one. We are assets to our organization. We make a difference each and every day. We bring knowledge and experience to our positions. We perform in a professional manner. The support we provide assists our entities in meeting their visions and goals. Each of us should take pride in ourselves and in our profession. I want to thank each and every one of you for the many contributions you make to this industry.

I look forward to what the rest of the year holds for our membership. The Conference Advisory Committee is hard at work to provide a great Spring Conference, March 19-21 in Fairfax, Virginia. I hope to see you there!

opportunities for small, women, and minority-owned businesses. Our final meeting of the day was with Robert Gleason, the recently appointed Director of the Department of Purchases and Supply. Mr. Gleason shared the strategic approach he has developed for his department and his desire to work collaboratively with VAGP.

Thank you to the VAGP lobbyist, Andrew Sinclair, for all of his help to make this year’s Day on the Hill such a positive experience. Andrew scheduled all of our appointments, including an introduction for VAGP at the opening of the House session that day. VAGP is very fortunate to have such an effective lobbyist at the capitol and throughout the General Assembly. The Day on the Hill is a tremendous opportunity to have VAGP’s message heard and to build relationships with legislative representatives. Having a voice in the legislative process brings tremendous value back to VAGP members. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you have questions about any legislative issues at any time.

(Day on the Hill, continued from page 1...)

- March 2014


2014 spring conference

By Lorie Newton, CPPO, CPPBConference Committee Chair

Registration for the 2014 Spring Conference is under way! Join the Conference Advisory Committee as they host this event at the George Mason Conference Center and Inn, Fairfax, Virginia from March 19-21. This conference is packed with exciting workshops to help you advance your skills in procurement. The theme for this year’s conference will be announced at the opening session and the committee is excited about this

new and refreshing concept in our field. If you haven’t been to a conference in a while or this is your first time, we are confident that you will go home energized. On Thursday, we will have a vendor expo coupled with our presidential reception and dinner. Registration forms and hotel information is available on the website as well as vendor expo information at www.vagp.org/events/spring.html. I encourage each of you to reach out to your vendor communities to get them involved. In order to accommodate early arrivals, the registration desk will be open on Tuesday, March 18 from 7:00 – 8:00 pm. After registering, you can join your fellow VAGP members for networking in the hospitality suite from 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.

In conjunction with the Conference, VAGP will conduct a silent auction with all proceeds going to Alternative House, a refuge for abused and homeless children. If you would like to donate an item for the auction, information about the charity and an Auction Donation Form can be found on the VAGP website at www.vagp.org/_docs/events/spring/CharityLetter.pdf. Chesterfield County Purchasing Department has agreed to donate a gift basket to the auction and challenges other local government and state agencies to do the same. Make this donation an office affair and use your creativity to make it fun!

We look forward to seeing each of you in Fairfax!

VAGP SPRING CONFERENCE & VENDOR EXPO

When: March 19-21, 2014

Where: The Mason Inn and Conference Center4352 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030

sAVe tHe DAteVAGP and CAPA will be hosting the REVERSE TRADE SHOW this year on October 27, 2014 at the Doubletree Hotel, Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, VA (formerly the Holiday Inn Koger Center).

Although a date has not been set for the FALL SyMPOSIuM, plans are under way for this event to be held in downtown Richmond. The Conference Advisory Committee anticipates having further details available at the Spring Conference!

- March 2014


By Kimberly MadisonMarketing and Outreach, eVA Bureau

What shouldn’t be a secret to any buyer is that eVA’s Quick Quote tool is a faster way to put out an unsealed solicitation that allows users to reach three times the

number of businesses—helping increase competition to deliver the best quality goods/services at the lowest possible price. But wait…Quick Quote just got better and more user friendly!

Introducing Quick Quote Amendments! Quick Quote now provides a simple and flexible way to make changes to an Issued Quick Quote without having to Cancel and Reissue the Quick Quote. you’ll love this new feature because it gives you an easy way to make little (fix a typo in the Header) or big changes (update your specifications), which creates a new version of your Quick Quote. Vendors are then notified

automatically by the system, regardless of the type of change you’ve made.

Amending a Quick Quote includes a few new screens. One of these new screens asks whether the amendment (change you’re making) is “material.” This question is simply asking, does your change make a bid you’ve already received no longer a valid (responsive) bid and/or require the Vendor to revise and resubmit their bid.

If you’re currently a Quick Quote user, this new Amendment feature is live for you to use today. Several help guides have been created and will be posted to eVA very soon, as well as training videos. If you don’t currently use Quick Quote or need assistance, please reach out to your DPS Account Executive for help!

Amendments come to eVA’s Quick Quote

By Stephanie Suter, CPPBPresident-Elect

Happy 2014! There are many things going on this year that I am really excited to be involved with as VAGP’s President-

Elect. Not only did I get to participate in the first ever NIGP Leadership Development Symposium last month, I also get to plan the Board’s Strategic Planning Retreat in April and recruit volunteers to host and assist with future VAGP events.

The VAGP Board’s Strategic Planning Retreat happens every three years and is an opportunity for the entire Board to get together, review our mission, discuss opportunities, and set goals for the next three years. As I began to prepare and develop an agenda for the retreat, it occurred to me that we have not issued a comprehensive member survey since 2006. What better way to gather input and inform our discussions than to have feedback from the very people we are serving? Even though you may frown at the thought of another survey landing in your inbox, it is really important that we hear from everyone so we know what programs and services are most valuable to you and what could be done to ensure the value of VAGP membership continues to grow. I promise to keep the size of the survey to a minimum, and that it will take 10 minutes or less to complete. Please take the time to respond when it comes to you later this month. Our members are what

makes this organization so great and we want to hear from you.

VAGP’s event calendar for 2014 is firming up, and I can’t thank Lorie Newton enough for all of her efforts in planning our Spring Conference, Reverse Trade Show, and Fall Symposium. She has an amazing team working with her, and they have some innovative ideas to make these events some of the best VAGP has ever had. I have committed to helping Lorie find volunteers to host events for 2015 and beyond, with the hopes that having the schedule developed further out will provide more planning time for hosts and maximize the possibilities for site selection as well. If you would like to bring a conference or symposium to your area, please let me know, and I welcome the opportunity to talk to you about the possibilities. If you feel your office is too small to take on an event, consider partnering with other agencies in your area, and share in the glory.

This is going to be a great year for VAGP, and I look forward to hearing from you as we work to make VAGP a valuable resource for not only each member, but for the profession and other organizations, as well.

from the President-elect

- March 2014


By Bill Lindsey, CPPO, C.P.M1st Past President and NIGP Representative

Since the announcement of NIGP’s new governance structure in mid-November 2013, the organization has focused its

efforts on implementing a plan to allocate the existing Board of Directors members onto the various leadership roles of its new structure. Specifically, an internal election occurred between the Board members for representation on the Governing Board, the Member Council, the Talent Council or the Finance Council.

As your representative with NIGP, I was elected to the Member Council which I believe will have the most influence as it relates to a positive partnering relationship between NIGP and VAGP. As an example of the oversight responsibility of the Member Council, I have listed a few of the issues that this group will lead.

• All issues related to member governance such as eligibility and conditions of mem-bership

• All issues related to chapter governance such as charters, reinstatements and over-all chapter relationships

• Member/Chapter revocations• Review and acceptance of organizational

position papers• Development and acceptance of organiza-

tional resolutions• Issues related to ethics and professional

conduct• Establishment and administration of orga-

nizational honors and awards

With this preliminary selection of officers, the next most important strategy will be the establishment of eligibility criteria for the four bodies by February 2014. This is very important because the primary objective of the revised governance structure is to elicit more member interaction within the Institute. As an example, the previous makeup of the NIGP Board consisted of 15 members. under this new governance structure, the leadership opportunity expands to 41 individuals serving on the 4 distinct governing bodies. In other words, I envision numerous VAGP members being eligible to serve and represent our Association in many of these leadership roles.

From this very important preliminary step, the implementation plan expands towards a target date of July 1, 2015, when it

is anticipated that the full structure will be in place. For now, listed below are our next steps:

• Recruit members on the Talent Council so they can begin their work in identifying leaders to compete for election on the Governing Board, the Member Council, and the Talent Council. Recruitment for the Talent Council is slated for

March 2014 with the full Council in place by July 2014.• Approval of the needed revisions to the existing Bylaws and Board Policies that will govern the new governance structure. This is slated for May 2014.• Charge the Talent Council in recruiting volunteers from within the membership and pertinent industries for the 4 distinct govern-ing bodies. This is slated for August 2014.• Appoint members to the Governing Board and Finance Council based on recommenda-tions from the Talent Council. This is slated for November 2014.• Send a slate of qualified candidates for the Member Council to the membership for a vote. This process will be managed by the Talent Council and is slated for February 2015.

Throughout this multi-faceted implementation plan, the NIGP Board of Directors is committed to publishing information to its members regarding each step of this process. Not only will this be accomplished through information published in the Institute’s NForm electronic newsletter, but also, webinars are planned to keep the membership informed of the various implementation issues as they are finalized.

Finally, you can count on me to be your advocate during this important process and to continue to provide feedback regarding the opportunities available to our membership in participating in this new leadership structure of NIGP.

If you have any questions about this program or if I may be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].

Growing NiGP’s New Governance structure

I envision numerous

VAGP members

being eligible to

serve and represent

our Association

in many of these

leadership roles.

- March 2014


New cPPos and cPPBsCongratulations to VAGP members of the fall UPPCC class of October 2013, who are newly Certified Public Procure-ment Officers and Certified Professional Public Buyers. Your hard work and dedication paid off. We are very proud of your accomplishment. Job well done to all!

certifieD PuBLic ProcureMeNt officers (cPPo) Name Agency City Mrs. Carol A. Robinson, CPPO, CPPB, VCO, C.P.M. Norfolk Public Schools Chesapeake Mr. Scott A. Magazine, CPPO, CPPB, VCO, C.P.M. VA Dept of Correctional Education DisputantaMs. Lorie W. Newton, CPPO, CPPB Chesterfield County Hopewell Mrs. Rosalind D. Knox, CPPO, CPPB Fairfax County Government Manassas Mrs. Theresa L. Harris, CPPO, CPPB, VCO VA Dept of Motor Vehicles MoseleyMr. Joseph R. Cannon, CPPO, CPPB Hampton Roads Sanitation District NorfolkMr. Samuel T. Winder, CPPO, CPPB Norfolk Redev. & Housing Authority Norfolk Mr. Robert G. Stufflebeem, CPPO, CPPB, VCO VA Dept of Motor Vehicles RichmondMr. Javier S. Iturralde, CPPO, CPPB Fairfax County Public Schools SpringfieldMs. Kathleen J. Mosley, CPPO, VCO Norfolk Redev. & Housing Authority Virginia Beach

certifieD ProfessioNAL PuBLic Buyers (cPPB) Name Agency City Ms. Kristy D. Apperson, CPPB Fairfax County Government AshburnMs. Nancy Pressing, CPPB, VCO Radford university ChristiansburgMrs. Dani M. Erbe, CPPB City of Falls Church Falls ChurchMs. Orlena W. Bussey, CPPB, VCO Radford university FloydMs. LeeAnne Beatty Smith, CPPB,VCA James Madison university HarrisonburgMrs. Amy E. Bevins, CPPB Loudoun Water LeesburgMr. Dana M. Parent, CPPB, VCA, VCO, VCCO Virginia Department of Social Services MechanicsvilleMrs. Tammy L. Spinks, CPPB Fairfax Water NokesvilleMrs. Melinda S. Fenton, CPPB Norfolk Public Schools NorfolkMr. Gregory Scearce, CPPB VITA North ChesterfieldMrs. Kelly A. Gill, CPPB, VCO City of Petersburg North Prince GeorgeMrs. Teresa C. Anders, CPPB Radford university Rural RetreatMrs. Rebecca F. Smith, CPPB Virginia Department of Transportation Stuarts DriveMs. Marlene M. Carter, CPPB, VCO Virginia Department of Transportation SuffolkMrs. Pamela A. Turner, CPPB Virginia Department of Transportation Verona

- March 2014


iNteresteD iNJoiNiNG A coMMittee?Have a voice in your association! VAGP is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers with fresh ideas to help on the various

association committees.Your efforts are essential to moving VAGP into the future.

Learn more at www.vagp.org/about/committees.html

By Ginger Gordon, CPPBPublic Relations Chair

Recertification requirements have changed effective January 1, 2014. Recertification credit will no longer

be awarded for membership with a public procurement organization alone. Current members holding CPPO and/or CPPB certification(s) are encouraged to be mindful of the new recertification requirements and their ability to meet the new requirements should the certification holders allow the certification to expire, which would require reapplication and requalification.

A few important changes that the VAGP would like to point out:• As mentioned above, recertification credit for member-

ship with a public procurement organization alone will no longer be issued.

• Attendance at a VAGP vendor expo is no longer eligible for recertification credit (this also includes NIGP Forum ex-pos). This applies to recertification credit for members

who attended expos prior to January 1, 2014 and plan on using those credits for recertification in the future. No grandfathering.

• uPPCC now uses contact hours only versus continuing education points for determining eligibility. This change will impact any forms showing point allowance, contact hours, point allowance calculations, etc. It’s now all about contact hours (actual educational time in the session or class-room, excluding breaks and lunch time).

Please find the link to the new certification/recertification changes at the uPPCC site www.uppcc.org. I encourage all members to review the uPPCC 2014 application requirements so that when trying to recertify or receive eligibility for certification, you don’t get in a time crunch trying to meet eligibility requirements.

iMPortANt NoticeUPPCC Changes to Certification

Eligibility/Re-certification

- March 2014


By Roxanne Ehardt, CPPO, CPPB, VCOVAGP 2nd Member At-Large

Thank you VAGP members for electing me as your 2nd At-Large Member. I appreciate your confidence in me. My role in this position will be to work alongside

the President and fellow Board members to achieve the goals of the organization.

At this time I would like to address the members’ LISTSERV tool. Do you feel that no one in your organization understands what you are going through? Do you get push back from your end users? Do you feel alone when enforcing the procurement policy? Well, you are not alone, we all have felt this way at one time or another (or very frequently). The VAGP LISTSERV is a valuable tool to communicate with other procurement professionals.

Are you afraid to put your request out for all to see? Don’t be afraid or embarrassed; we have felt that way at one time or another and many have been in the exact same situation and are able to share the pros and cons.

The VAGP LISTSERV has helped me in both complex and everyday procurements. I truly value my associates’ opinions and they have helped me to defend the procurement process and policy to my end using departments and upper management. I appreciate the members who send the responses back to the list from their inquiry. In most cases, I have come across the same situation in my organization and the responses have either answered my question or helped me to understand what I need to do. If you are reading this and feel the same way, send me an email sharing ways that the LISTSERV has helped you. Enforcing the Procurement Policy can be a lonely road within your own organization but can be a heavily traveled highway with associates who are willing to help you through the LISTSERV.

(Editor’s note: You can find a guide to accessing and using the LISTSERV when you log in to Internet Member Services through www.vagp.org.)

using ListserV to reach out

By Sharita L. Bryant, CPPB, VCO, VCAMembership Committee Chair

I am overjoyed and excited to serve as the 2014 Membership Committee Chairperson and to continue to be a part of our magnificent

organization. I have been a member of the VAGP since 2007, have served on the 2007 & 2008 VAGP Professional Development Committee, was the 2008 recipient of the J. Brad Oakley Scholarship, was a 2010 graduate of the VAGP Mentor-Protégé Program, and served as the 2009 & 2010 Diversity Committee Chairperson. As you see, I am no stranger to VAGP, our purpose, and of course the BENEFITS of Membership in our Association.

I am proud to promote VAGP and the tremendous benefits of membership. Our organization is comprised of 1,000+ members making it the largest procurement association in Virginia, and is a chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP). We promote professionalism in public purchasing through education and networking, promote uniform purchasing laws by studying, discussing, and recommending legislative improvements in

governmental purchasing, and promote simplified standards and specifications for governmental purchases. In addition, our organization offers “Low Fee” and local educational opportunities for training and procurement professional recertification points. Our organization also offers a LISTSERV to send and receive emails regarding procurement issues. The LISTSERV is one of our biggest assets: it’s a FREE highway to review, comment, and/or offer advice on hundreds, maybe thousands of procurement related issues! In using the LISTSERV, you can travel through numerous topics of information and reach out and touch in “REAL TIME” hundreds of procurement professionals all while never leaving your desk!

As we charge into #VAGP2014, I would like to thank you for your continued membership. My mission, along with my fellow committee members, is to grow and enhance the association. Always remember, we are here to serve you!

Membership = Benefits

- March 2014


upcoming 2014 educational offeringsNiGP seMiNArs

NIGP seminars are taught by NIGP approved instructors and can assist those aspiring to achieve their CPPB and/or CPPO certifications. These are the standard training courses for entry-level to experienced purchasing professionals. Please visit www.VAGP.org for a list of all 2014 courses offered.

seMiNAr titLe DAtes LocAtioN CPPB PREP Apr. 21-22 Richmond

CPPO PREP Apr. 23-24 Richmond

Get What you Need Through Successful Negotiations May 1-2 Virginia Beach

Adding Value to the Procurement Process May 9 Falls Church

Risk Management in Public Contracting May 21-22 Christiansburg

Legal Aspects of Public Procurement May 28 - Jun. 10 Chesterfield

Contract Administration Jun. 4-6 Manassas

Effective Management of Construction Contracts Jun. 12-13 Virginia Beach

Legal Aspects of Public Procurement Jul. 16-18 Falls Church

Contract Administration Jul. 21-23 Henrico

LoW fee seMiNArs

Low-fee seminars are designed to offer VAGP members continuing education through courses designed to meet their particular needs. These courses are taught by instructors familiar with both the subject and Virginia Procurement Law. These courses can provide CPPO, CPPB and VCO recertification points (earn one point for a full day—eight hours of instruction time).

seMiNAr titLe DAtes LocAtioN Insurance & Bond Apr. 2 Herndon

Virginia Public Procurement Act Apr. 21 Fairfax

Competitive Sealed Bidding vs. Competitive Negotiation Apr. 24 DMV

- March 2014


By Ginger Gordon, CPPBPublic Relations Committee Chair

I am excited on my new adventure with VAGP as the 2014 Public Relations (PR) Chairperson. LeeAnne Beatty Smith, who was the PR chairperson the last several

years, has agreed to stay on the PR committee as the Vice Chairperson and will continue to manage the News & Views as editor. The revamping of this newsletter was one of many tasks she was working on and she did a wonderful job. So remember if you have a story/article you would like to share, please contact LeeAnne Beatty Smith, [email protected]. The issue deadlines are on the VAGP website at www.vagp.org/newsletter.html.

I am also on the Conference Advisory Committee for the upcoming 2014 Spring Conference. Everyone has been working hard to make this a successful event. I hope you will be able to make it; the last Spring Conference held in the Northern Virginia area was in 2005.

I am excited to announce that Friday, March 21, at the Spring Conference has been designated as “VAGP DAy” so wear your VAGP shirt to show your VAGP PRIDE! Also, during the Spring Conference, Mary Pennington, PR Committee Member, and I will have a Public Relations table set up, so please stop by and visit with us.

Oh, the excitement doesn’t stop there. VAGP is excited to announce that they have a new Protégé, Amy E. Bevins,

CPPB (pictured right), a Procurement Technician with Loudoun Water. Amy, VAGP would like to welcome you to the Mentor and Protégé Program! Many of you may have the opportunity to meet Amy at the Spring Conference, as she is serving on the Conference Advisory Committee. She is doing a great job and I can see more amazing things she has to offer VAGP.

Kathy Elgin, CPPO, CPPB (pictured right), Town of Leesburg VA, Chief Procurement Officer/Risk Management Coordinator will be Amy’s Mentor. Kathy is one of the past Presidents of the VAGP Board of Directors.

VAGP also has other qualified, outstanding professional Mentors in the program who are eager to provide assistance, leadership, and guidance. Please go to www.vagp.org/education/mentor.html for more information.

It is my pleasure to be part of VAGP and to be working on the Public Relations Committee. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].

Public Relations, Mentorship

By Gregory Scearce, CPPB, VCOProfessional Development Committee Chair

Greetings from your VAGP Professional Development Committee! 2014 has started

off a little slow, but classes are starting to get organized due to the hard work of sponsors. Currently we have the Virginia Public Procurement Act class scheduled for April 21 in Fairfax. We are also working with Don LeMond from the Department of Treasury for an Insurance and Bonds class that will be held April 2 in the town of Herndon. For more on these classes and others, please visit www.vagp.org/education/lowfee.html.

VAGP in conjunction with NAPM/SEVA will be offering a class on negotiations on May 15. Fred Marks will be teaching the

class. More details on location and cost will be coming out very soon.

The Professional Development Committee is always looking for sponsors, new instructors and new class ideas. The classes can run 4 or 8 hours and remember, if you sponsor a class, you get a free seat!

I look forward to another successful year in the Professional Development Committee and hope to see everyone at the spring conference.

Professional Development

- March 2014


TCPN saves municipalities time and money.

Overseeing services and infrastructure requires a lot of effort and planning. The Cooperative Purchasing Network (TCPN) helps simplify your steps and reduce your costs. TCPN’s contracts leverage the purchasing power of over 37,000 actively engaged government entities. All contracts are competitively bid and awarded by a single entity – Region 4 Education Service Center. TCPN monitors contracts through third-party audits and regular reviews to ensure vendor accountability. You can rely on TCPN’s lead agency’s ISO certifi ed processes, 100+ combined years of government purchasing experience and 50+ combined years of auditing experience – we know what it takes to keep a community running.

Keep your service responses on time and on budget. Go to www.tcpn.org and sign up today.

TCPN-0307_February Ad Resize-VAGP.indd 1 2/4/14 11:06 AM

- March 2014


By Jeff Moyer, CPPBPublic Relations Committee Member

cAN you NAMe tHis VirGiNiA Artist AND Her HoMe?

Long before her folk-art paintings of rural scenes and farm life earned her nationwide fame and a famous nickname, Anna Mary lived in this circa 1850, two-story, brick farm house in the southern Shenandoah Valley from 1901 to 1902. Born in upstate New york in 1860, she married and settled into farm life in 1887. During her time in Virginia she gave birth to ten children.

In 1905, the couple moved back to New york. She lost her husband in 1927 and started creating pictures in the 1930s from her memories as a farm wife in Virginia, while continuing her agricultural lifestyle until advancing age forced her to give it up.

This stately old home has been added to the state’s official list of historically significant sites, buildings, and structures. This was the first home the couple purchased, and it is the most intact of the surviving houses in which they lived during their time in the area. Among the 1,000+ paintings that Anna Mary produced in her later life, at least 38 depict scenes in Virginia, with many titles mentioning the area, including places she remembered fondly until her death at age 101 in 1961.

What was Anna Mary’s famous “artist” nickname and where in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia is this house? For extra credit, what is the house known as?

Think you know Virginia? Visit us on Facebook and be the first person to tell us the name of this botanical garden and the city it’s in! The first person to correctly comment on VAGP’s Facebook page underneath this article’s thumbnail wins a VAGP goody! Send a suggestion and picture of another Virginia landmark to feature in the News & Views to LeeAnne Beatty Smith at [email protected].

We want your news and views!This is your Association and your publication—make your voice heard! All VAGP members are encouraged to send articles, press releases and photos. Published articles on purchasing related topics may help members earn recertification points. For eligibility requirements, please verify directly with the certifying agency. Suppliers and contractors are also encouraged to submit purchasing-related articles for publication. Limited opportunities are available and offered at no cost!Submit your contributions to LeeAnne Beatty Smith at [email protected].

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