Our Mission
The goal of MPPOA is to provide quality support services to the public purchasing professionals of Michigan. This mission is accomplished through membership networking opportunities, educational seminars and cooperative purchasing arrangements. Through these efforts, the public interest of our citizens will be promoted by securing goods and services in an ethical and cost-effective manner.
About the Organization
Organized in 1971, MPPOA is a non-profit professional organization of persons (or their agencies) who are employed by or are elected representatives of a public agency or institution and whose duties consist, in whole or part, of procuring materials, supplies, equipment or professional and contractual services. We are an association comprised of purchasing officials from publicly funded agencies such as cities, counties, schools, colleges, road commissions and agencies from the state government.
MPPOA is a chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) and through this affiliation we can provide educational opportunities as well as professional certification.
Through a variety of meetings held each year, MPPOA encourages the education and training of our membership and the facilitating of networking opportunities. Our members consistently benefit from the shared experiences of fellow purchasing professionals, and we strive to offer venues that afford one-on-one and group networking so members may more easily reach out for support.
Annual Conference
Each year, MPPOA sponsors an annual, multi-day conference for its members, offering varied educational opportunities provided by a variety of experienced and knowledgeable instructors. We also include plenty of time for social events and networking opportunities. At the awards banquet held at each conference, we present the prestigious Marvin Klang Award for outstanding contributions to the purchasing field throughout an individual's career. This award is the highest honor the chapter can bestow. The organization's Purchasing Manager and Buyer of the Year awards are presented at the conference at the Awards Banquet.
Reverse Trade Fair
A Reverse Trade Fair is an event where you turn a traditional Vendor Exposition upside down. In our case, MPPOA has its member agencies man the tables and meet with Vendors from around the state and region who have purchased tickets to attend the fair. The Reverse Trade Fair, held since 2008, has replaced the Vendor Exposition traditionally held during our conference. The RTF has grown each year and is MPPOA’s single biggest fundraiser.
Proceeds from the Reverse Trade Fair subsidize our annual conference and Regional Meetings and fund our Educational Scholarships. Look for it in the spring of each year as it travels around the state.
Regional Meetings
MPPOA holds regional meetings approximately three times each year. Held in different locations around the state, a typical meeting consists of a two to three hour training session followed by a luncheon.
General Membership Meeting
General Membership Meetings are held for the purpose of electing the Association's officers and Board of Directors; voting on proposed changes to the By-Laws and to provide general information to the membership. MPPOA holds at least one general membership meeting annually, with the elections taking place at the first meeting of the calendar year.
For more information on the annual conference, the Reverse Trade Fair and other MPPOA events, visit the Upcoming Events area of our web site.
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