The Middle Tennessee Public Purchasing Association (MTPPA) is a chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP). Our goal at MTPPA is to provide the procurement professionals of Middle Tennessee with a one-stop resource to access best practices and research information, receive technical assistance and advice, in addition to networking with industry leaders and other professionals within the public purchasing field. 2014 promises to be a very exciting year with interesting speakers and relevant information. Professional development and growth are the focus for the year.

Accountability and transparency are essential principles of MTPPA. The organization assists its members in implementing uniform, accepted ways of doing business that meet the highest ethical and professional standards while promoting excellence, enhancing effectiveness and increasing public trust. We are dedicated to developing our members, both personally and professionally, as well as, promoting the procurement profession. MTPPA is a unique organization because its biggest asset is the body of members that it serves. Members draw from the knowledge and experiences of each other in an effort to constantly improve as professionals.

The members of the 2014 chapter board of directors are honored to be able to serve the chapter. We are committed to constant improvement and moving the chapter forward to continuously meet the needs of the members. The board members are dedicated to leading by example and being good stewards of the resources that have been entrusted to us. Chapter meetings are held on the third Thursday of every month unless otherwise announced. The meetings are at Nashville Electric Service (NES) located at 1214 Church Street, Nashville, Tennessee, on the third floor and begin at noon. Members and guests are welcome to purchase a lunch from the NES cafeteria or "brown bag" it. If planning to attend, please contact Sharon Garrington at sgarrington@nespower.com no later than three (3) days before the meeting.

Please use our Website http://www.mtppa.net as a source of information related to the important field of public purchasing.

It is never too late to become a member and take advantage of the invaluable resources that are available. If interested, please contact our 2014 Vice President of Membership, Ms. Chelsey Bright, at chelsey_bright@nashintl.com.

I look forward to an awesome year of learning, development and growth.

Sincerely,

Bryan E. Lillard,
MTPPA President
blillard@nespower.com
(615)747-3614