Page 8 - The EDGE Summer 2025

PROCUREMENT

BY BILL MUNCH AND DIANA KERFOOT
Attention Procurement Professionals –

The Copper And Capitol Chapters Of

Bill Munch Diana Kerfoot NIGP Are For You

As members of the Arizona Association of School "The two Arizona chapters of
Business Officials (AASBO), we are connected NIGP are made up of procurement
to a very large and diverse group of procurement
professionals, representing small to large officials from a variety of state and
schools districts in Arizona. The Association local agencies, airports, cities,
of School Business Officials International counties, towns, school districts, and
(ASBO International) connects you to a more so many more."
global network of school business leaders. This
article will address the reasons and benefits for
joining the local chapters of the Institute for Have you ever been asked whether you are
Public Procurement (NIGP). NIGP currently a member of a professional organization or
has two chapters servicing Arizona. The Copper association? At some point during your career
Chapter with approximately 100 members covers as a school business official, whether it’s in
Southern Arizona and the Capitol Chapter with Finance, Human Resources, Technology Services,
approximately 500 members covers Central and Maintenance & Operations, Food Services,
Northern Arizona. This year, for the first time, the Transportation, and of course, Procurement,
Copper Chapter will host the Capitol Chapter at we’re all approached with the prospect of joining
a virtual Chapter Training Meeting on July 22, a professional organization or association that
and the Capitol Chapter will return the favor on relates to what we do every day for our districts.
September 16.
Personally, we can say that there are a multitude

Procurement professionals are also eligible of reasons to join a professional organization
to join NIGP at the national level. NIGP is an and the rewards you receive are abundant,
organization of more than 18,000 members from more so when you allow yourself to become
all over the U.S. and Canada, representing over involved and engaged. Sharing knowledge with
2,600 government agencies, including school your counterparts from other districts, helping
districts. to mentor those new to procurement, looking
for new technologies to enhance the value we
provide to our districts, seeking professional
development offerings to increase our knowledge,
earning professional recognition, taking advantage
of professional certification opportunities,
connecting and building relationships with others

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8 THE EDGE SUMMER 2025