Middle Tennessee Public Purchasing Association (MTPPA) is a chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP).

The National Institute of Governmental Purchasing Inc. is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to helping governments manage tax dollars wisely. With membership, purchasing professionals are able to access benchmark and research information, receive technical assistance and advice, and network with industry leaders and other professionals within the public purchasing field. Members also have many educational opportunities available through certification programs, seminars, publications and consulting services.

NIGP promotes the establishment of uniform public purchasing laws and simplified standards and specifications. 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.

For additional information, visit the national NIGP Website at www.nigp.org.

My colleagues on the 2011 chapter board of directors join me in thanking the chapter for the confidence you have placed in us to provide leadership this year.

This has been an exciting year so far. Our 37 members and guests have enjoyed programs both educational and enlightening with a variety of speakers. I hope the remaining year brings us more opportunities to learn about our profession, as well as to enjoy ourselves as members of MTPPA.

Our 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 Ms. Sondra Howe at Sondra.howe@tn.gov 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's not too late to become a member. If interested, please contact our 2011 Vice President of Membership, Ms. Helen Crowley, at Helen.crowley@nashville.gov.

For members, I look forward to continuing our professional relationship. Anyone thinking about becoming a member or visiting us, I look forward to meeting you soon.

Sincerely,
Davita Brown, President, MTPPA
davita_brown@nashintl.com
615-275-1468