http://www.vagp.org DECEMBER 2017
NEWS & VIEWSPubl ished for Members of the Virg in ia Associat ion of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEEtta Henry, CPPO, CPPB, CUPO, VCCO, VCO2017 VAGP President
It has been an honor and privilege to serve as your 2017 VAGPPresident. It has been a pleasure to work with so manywonderful procurement professionals throughout the year.Thanks to everyone for your friendship, expertise, great ideasand creativity! I truly appreciate the opportunity to serve andlook forward to what the future holds for VAGP as we celebratethe Association’s 60th Anniversary in 2018.
As we look back on this year, there is much to be proud of. The SpringConference provided an opportunity to focus on the value and expertise thatprocurement professionals, regardless of length of service, bring to ourorganizations and the profession as a whole. The creativity, dedication andnew ways of looking at things that many millennials and emergingprofessionals bring partnered with the experience and wisdom of moreseasoned professionals truly makes for a diverse and successfulenvironment and association. We revised the By-Laws to add a newmembership category – Retired Member – in an effort to provide thoserecently retired members who wish to remain active the opportunity toparticipate and continue to contribute to the profession.
VAGP hosted a successful Strategic Planning session at Old DominionUniversity in May. The Board worked collaboratively to develop the plan toguide the association for the next several years. Emphasis was placed oncontinuing to provide benefits to members, enhanced educational andprofessional development opportunities, collaboration and maintaining awelcoming and inclusive organization that supports the needs of itsmembers.
Ginger Gordon receivesthe Distinguished Service
Award
Kenny Crouch receivesthe Volunteer of the Year
Award
Donnie Legg receives thePresident’s Award
IN THIS ISSUE . . .President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3Get Your Staff Involved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4As The Widget Turns: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52017 VAGP Fall Symposium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Anniversaries & Reflections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Legislative Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Bee An Ambassador . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-1121st Century Procurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-13Reflections: Photo Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Education Listing of Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15-16
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DECEMBER 2017
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE CONT.BOARD OF DIRECTORSOFFICERSPresident
Etta Henry, CPPB, VCCO, VCO
President-ElectSharita Bryant, CPPB, VCO, VCA
TreasurerLorie Newton, CPPO, CPPB
SecretaryJay Smigielski, CPPO
First Past PresidentStephanie Suter, CPPO, CPPB
Second Past PresidentJan Giffin, CPPO, CPPB, VCO
First At–Large MemberBeth Dooley, CPPO, CPPB
Second At–Large MemberKristy Varda, CPPB
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONSConference
Donnie Legg, CPPO
DiversityLawrence Shaw, VCO
EducationCindy Davis Smith, CPPB
MembershipJavier Iturralde, CPPB
Professional DevelopmentTomek Kruszec
Public RelationsGinger Gordon, CPPB
TechnologyKelly Gill, CPPB, VCO
LegislativePatti Innocenti, CPPB
Executive DirectorChris Ruditys
NEWS & VIEWSEditor
LeeAnne Beatty Smith, CPPB, VCA,CUPO
Layout & Design Leslie Wright
News & Views is published quarterly and wasdesigned and created for the members of theVirginia Association of GovernmentalPurchasing, Inc. (VAGP), by WisconsinAssociation Management. Views andadvertising expressed in this newsletter are notnecessarily those of, or endorsed by, VAGP.Send correspondence to VAGP, 11801 W.Silver Spring Dr., Milwaukee, WI 532257 5 7 - 6 0 9 - 3 6 9 6 ; i n f o @ VA G P. o r g .Subscriptions are included in the annual duespaid by members. Advertising rates and poli-cies may be obtained by calling 757-609-3696.
VAGP NEWS & VIEWS
The Zone Ambassador program has grown significantly this year.Volunteers have stepped up to serve as Ambassadors for most of thezones. There are a few opportunities still available if you are interested.This is a wonderful opportunity to really connect with procurementprofessionals in your area on a wide number of topics, as well aspromote local educational and professional development opportunities.
The Association demonstrated community outreach through thesupport of two worthy organizations. At the Spring Conference, VAGPraised funds to support VetsHouse, a non-profit organization based outof Virginia that serves the homeless veterans in Hampton Roads byproviding a hand up, rather than just a hand out. The funds raised godirectly to impacting and improving veterans’ lives. At the FallSymposium, in addition to raising funds through fun and interactivegames, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a communityservice project at Project GROWS. Project GROWS is a communityfarm whose mission is to improve the overall health of children andyouth in counties around Staunton through community farming thatincludes hands-on experience, nutrition classes, and access to healthyfood. Your participation and contributions are truly making an impactin communities throughout the Commonwealth.
The Spring Conference focused on the value of those entering theprofession and the fresh approach and outlook they provide. It alsoacknowledged the importance of the experience and knowledge offeredby those who have years of experience. Together, we can continue toelevate the profession and our roles and influence within our organiza-tions. The Fall Symposium focused on the impact of informationtechnology on our organizational operations and the way we dobusiness. IT’s impact will continue to increase in the future so even ifyou are not an IT buyer, we’re all impacted and should be aware of howdaily operations will continue to evolve as a result. The message oflearning from experience while being open to new initiatives and ideascomes full circle.
AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT THE FALL SYMPOSIUM The Fall Symposium also provided an opportunity to recognize sometruly deserving individuals who have contributed significantly to VAGP.
Lisa Russell from Chesterfield County received the J. Brad OakleyScholarship. She plans to use the scholarship funds for training as sheworks toward her VCO certification.
Melissa Chasteen from Chesterfield County also received a J. BradOakley Scholarship. She plans to use the funds for professionaldevelopment as she works toward her CPPB certification.
Beth Dooley was recognized for her service as At-Large Member. Duringher tenure, she promoted the Mentor-Protégé program, managed the
DECEMBER 2017VAGP NEWS & VIEWS
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE CONT.solicitation process for the association’s management firm, and worked with protégé Carla Smith toimplement a welcome program for first time conference attendees.
Kenny Crouch received the Volunteer of the Year Award. Kenny is recently retired from theDepartment of Labor. Kenny has worked behind the scenes at many conferences and symposiumsto help ensure that the numerous details required for these events are executed in a smooth andefficient manner. Even in his retirement, Kenny has agreed to remain as a volunteer for futureconferences. This demonstrates his true dedication and commitment to the association that’s worthyof recognition.
Ginger Gorgon’s efforts to support VAGP were recognized with the Distinguished Service Award.She’s been very actively involved with VAGP for the past ten years having served in various roles toinclude chairing both the Education Committee and Public Relations Committee and serving as theSecond at-Large Member and on multiple conference committees. Ginger brings unmatched energyand enthusiasm to all that she does and many have benefitted from her contributions of time andeffort to support VAGP.
Donald Legg received the President’s Award for his many years of dedicated service to VAGP. He hasserved in many roles such as At-Large Board member, Conference Advisory Committee Chair andconstruction course developer and instructor. He is recognized as a go-to expert on a wide range ofprocurement related topics and is a relied upon mentor to many. Congratulations to all of the award recipients!
2018 ELECTED BOARD MEMBERSPresident – Sharita Bryant, VCO, VCA, VCM, Department of General ServicesPresident-Elect – Lorie Newton, CPPO, CPPB Chesterfield CountyTreasurer – Jay Smigielski, CPPO, City of SuffolkSecretary – Cindy Smith, CPPB, Washington Metropolitan AreaFirst At-Large Member – Kristy Varda, CPPB, Frederick County Public SchoolsSecond At-Large Member – Stephanie Brown, CPPB, Chesterfield CountyFirst Past President – Etta Henry, CPPO, CPPB, CUPO, VCCO, VCO, Old Dominion University Second Past President – Stephanie Suter, CPPO, CPPB, City of Lynchburg
Thank you to the Board members, the committee chairs and tothe individuals who dedicate their time and efforts to supportthe mission of VAGP. Your dedication and support are importantto the success of the VAGP and the members it serves. I feeltruly blessed to have been your President. As I’ve noted before,it’s been said that “a comfort zone is a very nice place, butnothing ever grows there”. I encourage you to step outsideyour comfort zone, network, and participate in one of the manycapacities available to serve VAGP and the profession. It’sthrough the participation of a diverse group of professionalsfrom across the Commonwealth that VAGP is able to meet itsmission, advance the profession, and remain a truly welcomingand inclusive association for procurement professionals. Nextyear will be VAGP’s 60th Anniversary! An exciting time to bepart of such a wonderful organization!
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The 2018 VAGP Board is Sworn In (l to r:Stephanie Brown, Kristy Varda, Cindy Smith,Jay Smigielski, Lorie Newton, Sharita Bryant)
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I CHALLENGE YOU TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE,GET YOUR STAFF INVOLVED!Lorie Newton, CPPO, CPPBVAGP Treasurer
As I look back over the years of my career, I realize that
my involvement in professional associations have been
more than just membership. It has helped me to develop
as a procurement professional and allowed me to network with colleagues and
develop friendships that are lifelong relationships. As I look to the future of pro-
curement and where it is going I realize that being a good manager is more than just men-
toring staff, but it also means helping them to grow professionally. VAGP offers wonderful
opportunities for their membership and all it takes is for staff to be encouraged to take full
advantage of the offerings. As the Assistant Procurement Director at Chesterfield County,
I have had the privilege of contributing to the growth of our staff. Recently,
Chesterfield County had four individuals successfully pass their CPPB exam and subse-
quently applied for scholarships through VAGP for reimbursement of the costs. Each of the
scholarship applications were awarded allowing the county to reallocate those funds for
additional training. Additionally, two staff members were awarded the J. Brad Oakley
Scholarship, again allowing the County to reallocate those training funds to other staff.
One of our goals at Chesterfield County Procurement is to allow the staff opportunities to
grow professionally meaning we are always looking for creative ways to stretch our budget
to accommodate their growth through training, conferences, outreach and other means of
professional development. Being a part of the VAGP Board for several years, I have seen
too often that our offerings are not taken advantage of. VAGP is your organization and as
members you have the opportunity to make the most of what you get out of the
organization. Let’s face it, our work environment is one of “do more with less” and when
you are looking at ways to hire and retain staff what better way than to provide a means
by which they can grow their knowledge. This can be accomplished through your
involvement in VAGP!
I would like to challenge each of you to look for ways to offer more training to staff, give
them the ability to get more involved, allow them to network and learn from their peers.
Find a way to grow your training budget. When you are looking at ways to hire and retain,
remind your management of the benefits of offering these opportunities to employees.
VAGP volunteerism is a great way to start and it doesn’t require a lot of funding just a
commitment of time. As 2017 is winding down, I am reminded that individuals like myself
have taken advantage of VAGP opportunities in the past and now I want to encourage
those who haven’t to take the lead, get involved and make a difference in the future!
DECEMBER 2017VAGP NEWS & VIEWS
DECEMBER 2017VAGP NEWS & VIEWS
AS THE WIDGETS TURN:ENVISIONED LEADERSharita Bryant, CPPB, VCM, VCO, VCAVAGP President-Elect
If you are a frequent News and Viewsreader, you may remember a similarlytitled article published just under 2years ago regarding my experience atthe NIGP Leadership Symposium.Looking back on this experience I think
that this is one of VAGP’s leadership’s bestopportunities to network with other NIGP chapterleaders and establish plans and initiatives for ourassociation. This is not a repeat article but whatmay develop into short stories on leadership andmay be valued to someone in the future(inspire!).
I believe our first example of leadership wasdisplayed in our homes during childhood. Ourparents served as the leaders in our homes,moreover lives. Our public exploration into leader-ship most likely began as a student in gradeschool. Here I had the opportunity to serve as“the line leader”. I am sure we can agree that thisis absolutely not a true representation of a leader.In fact, the teacher remained the “true” lineleader as the assigned student frequently followedthe teacher’s footsteps as the result of a classschedule or an overarching physical plan tomove the class from one point to another.
Leadership-1. The activity of leading a group of people or anorganization or “the ability” to do this. 2. The individuals who are the leaders in anorganization, regarded collectively.
By definition, when someone serves in a role ofleadership, they are not acting in a single role buton behalf of the group and should collaborate,educate, communicate, plan and execute withthe other leaders involved (stakeholders). Asdescribed above, the “line leader” is actually amember of leadership as it is by collaboration thatthe teacher is able to move the class in anorganized fashion.
Leadership is unique by individual. Partially this isPage 5
in relation to outside influences and personalbehavior and character. As such, below areseveral examples that characterize leadershipstyles:• Coercive: Leaders demand immediate compli-ance.• Authoritative: Leaders mobilize people towarda vision.• Affiliative: Leaders create emotional bondsand harmony.• Democratic: Leaders build consensus throughparticipation.• Pacesetting: Leaders expect excellence andself-direction.• Coaching: Leaders develop people for thefuture.• Bureaucratic leadership: Leaders focus onfollowing every rule.• Charismatic leadership: Leaders inspireenthusiasm in their teams and are energetic inmotivating others to move forward.• Servant leadership: Leaders focus on meet-ing the needs of the team.• Transactional leadership: Leaders inspire byexpecting the best from everyone and them-selves.
In regard to the styles listed above, what are yourthoughts? What a diverse team, right? Would yourecommend a leadership team inclusive of allstyles at one time? Great idea or not so much?Maybe not everyone on one team at a time butmaybe a combination of these leadership stylesduring the history of an organization/group. I’dsupport the idea that out of this diversified lead-ership team there could emerge a system ofphenomenal leaders. Can you identify your style?What are the principles and responsibilities ofleadership? I’d love to read/hear your thoughts soplease contact me! [email protected] Your responsecould be incorporated within the upcoming 2018VAGP Officer Boot Camp (NEW)! VAGPmembers are leaders; collectively we representadvocacy in public procurement. The VAGPLeadership team plans, speaks, and acts on themembership’s behalf.
It has been my honor to serve as your 2017President-Elect. I look forward to yourmembership and support in 2018; it’s our 60thAnniversary!
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DECEMBER 2017VAGP NEWS & VIEWS
RECAP OF THE 2017 VAGP FALL SYMPOSIUMDonnie Legg, CPPOConference Committee Chair
The VAGP Fall Symposium was held October 16-17, 2017 at
the Stonewall Jackson Hotel in Staunton, Virginia. This
year’s theme was “Information Highway – Increasing
Knowledge, Efficiency and Security”, which was well
received by the 108 members in attendance. The Host
Committee and the Conference Advisory Committee
presented VAGP members with a program full of elevated
level topics and speakers that focused on technology and
how it impacts our way of doing business.
The symposium started off with a board meeting and a
meet-and-greet in the hospitality suite on Sunday evening.
Sessions titled, “Technology Procurement and the Cloud”,
“Contract Management Tool Kit”, “Cyber Security and
Procurement Mistakes to Avoid” and “Tools and Methods for
Protecting Against Procurement Fraud” were offered over the next two days and the symposium
ended with an engaging discussion by Amazon regarding their U. S. Communities contract for online
marketing.
The VAGP selected the local charity Project GROWS to support through funds raised and donated
throughout the event. Project GROWS is a 10-acre, youth-oriented non-profit community farm in the
rolling hills of Augusta County, Virginia. Their mission is to improve the overall health of children and
youth in the Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County area through community farming that
includes hands-on experience, nutrition education, and access to healthy food. The VAGP raised funds
for Project GROWS through holding a corn hole tournament and a poker run, which together raised
$1300. Several VAGP members went to the Project GROWS farm on Sunday afternoon for a
community service event and performed various activities to get the farm ready for the fall and
winter seasons. Great job again VAGP.
The 2017 Fall Symposium proved to be another successful event
filled with education, networking, service to our association and
others, and recognition of members for their contribution to
VAGP and the profession. The results of the election were
announced and the new officers were installed signaling a begin-
ning to another great year with the VAGP.
I encourage you to mark your calendar for the 2018 VAGP Spring
Conference/Vendor Expo to be held March 5-7, 2018 at the Hilton
Richmond Downtown Hotel/Greater Richmond Convention Center
where we will celebrate 60 years of VAGP.
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DECEMBER 2017VAGP NEWS & VIEWS
ANNIVERSARIES MATTERMichael CoburnVAGP Past President
Boy, does time ever fly! I clearly remember our VAGP Fall Conference held in Alexandriaduring the same year I served as President of the Chapter. There were many reasons thatthis one stands out, but chief among them was the leadership of the Alexandria team thatprovided the hospitality and the special events few venues could provide. That committeewas chaired by Jack Pitzer, PhD, CPPO, (a future holder of the Lifetime AchievementAward.) The year was 1998. That, too, was special because it represented the 20th yearsince VAGP was established, and the 40th year of NIGP. Because of these correlatinganniversaries the NIGP Board held their meeting in conjunction with our conference. It is
interesting that in 2018 our respective anniversaries will be 40/60!
During the combined banquet, the President of NIGP and I jointly cut the anniversary cake, much likecutting a wedding cake. Some of the attendees took the opportunity to visit the ‘mall’ in Washingtonto see the many famous museums and public buildings, including the White House and the nation’sCapital.
A most special event was provided to the combined VAGP/NIGP boards and attending members. Thatwas a private, night-time tour of Mount Vernon. The famous home of George Washington was just ashort bus ride outside of old town Alexandra, out on the Potomac. Guides took us through the mansionby candle-light and told us stories pertaining to President Washington’s eating habits, his distillery, hisbedroom (in which he died), and his study that undoubted hosted a number of our forefather’s duringcolonial times.
I still have a marble paperweight on my desk that has an inscription that reads in part, “Celebratingthe past . . . Managing the Present . . . Preparing for the Future.” This commemorates the 20/40Anniversary of the highly respected public procurement organizations, VAGP/NIGP. Working and play-ing together, we shared our common hope for the future of our profession. We bonded as we sharedin this combined event that celebrated our respective creation and the ties that has changed the faceof public procurement these many years. This was something worth celebrating, and still is.
REFLECTIONS ON VAGPGinger Gordon, CPPBPR Committee Chair
As I write this last article, it saddens me that this is my last year serving on the VAGP Board. Wow, it’shard to believe it’s been almost ten years from when I first started my journey on the board. How timeflies when you are having fun! It has been a wonderful experience and an honor serving in all the variouspositions I have taken on. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the VAGP members for puttingtheir trust in me. I am appreciative of all the experience and knowledge that I have gained along the way.Also, I want to thank the VAGP Board for all their support, encouragement and guidance through theyears. I have met a lot of new people and made new friends along the way. It has been a pleasure workingand volunteering for this great organization. I wish the VAGP well and know it will continue to do greatthings!
I also want thank VAGP for presenting me with the Distinguished Service Award at this year’s FallSymposium. I was surprised, touched, and honored to receive this award.
In closing, I say good-bye to my VAGP adventure and look forward to new adventures in my life.
LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION
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DECEMBER 2017VAGP NEWS & VIEWS
Patti Innocenti, CPPBLegislative Committee Chair
The Virginia Association of Governmental
Procurement (VAGP) conducted a survey of
localities in a joint project with the Department of
Small Business and Supplier Diversity, the Virginia
Association of Counties, and the Virginia Municipal
League. The committee received a total of 19
responses from localities including: 5 cities, 8
counties, 2 towns, 1 K-12, and 3 other.
SURVEY TOPIC 1: Job Order Contracting (in
general):
52% of respondents do not use Job Order
Construction (JOC) contracting. Localities that
considered using JOC (but are not currently using
the delivery method) cited cost and availability of
contractors as reasons for not using JOC.
48% of respondents use Job Order Construction
contracting. Benefits cited include time savings for
small to medium sized projects. The availability
of quality contractors, including small and local
construction companies is another cited advantage
to this method of construction contracting. Overall,
it is a valuable tool for allows localities to be
responsive to needs for securing a contractor to
perform construction projects for unplanned
maintenance or renovation projects or emergency
work. The value-added services from a job order
construction contractor are also important, such as
project management services.
SURVEY TOPIC 2: The project cost limitations
set forth in § 2.2-4303.2 for Job Order
Construction contracts (SB 1371 (2015))
a. $5 million per one-year term
b. $500,000 per job order
79% of respondents consider the project cost
limitations to be acceptable thresholds.
21% of respondents indicated that increases are
needed for larger localities. Once the locality
reaches the per term threshold, then emergency
contracts may be necessary (where the lack of
competition may result in higher project costs).
SURVEY TOPIC 3: The architectural and
professional engineering term contract limits
set forth in § 2.2-4303.1 for Architectural and
Professional Engineering contracts (SB 1371
(2015))
a. $6 million per one-year term for local public
bodies with a population over 78,000; $500,000
for local public bodies with a population under
78,000
b. $2.5 million single project fee for local
public bodies with a population over 78,000;
$100,000 for local public bodies with a population
under 78,000
68% of respondents consider the architectural and
professional engineering term contract limits to be
acceptable.
32% of respondents recommended changes to the
architectural and professional engineering contract
term limits.
It was observed by several respondents that
thresholds associated with locality population size
restrict the ability of professional procurement
managers to use the procurement methods they
determine to be in the best interest of the entity.
Both small and large jurisdictions may benefit from
consideration of other criteria to establish contract
limits, such as credentialing from the
Commonwealth of Virginia (Virginia Contracting
Officer) or the National Institute of Governmental
Procurement (Certified Public Procurement
Officer).
For questions or to find out how you can become
involved with the VAGP Legislative Committee
please contact Patti Innocenti
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/DECEMBER 2017VAGP NEWS & VIEWS
SAVE THE DATE 60th Anniversary
2018 SPRING CONFERENCE & EXPO MARCH 5TH – 7TH
Hilton Downtown Richmond/Greater Richmond Convention Center Richmond, VA
Look for registration to be available the week of November 27th
www.VAGP.org Look for registration to begin soon!
www.VAGP.org
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DECEMBER 2017VAGP NEWS & VIEWS
an Ambassador!!Kristy Varda, CPPBSecond-At-Large Member
Be an Ambassador to help connect your part of Virginia to the VAGP leadership andmore!! We are still looking for Ambassadors in Zone 4, Zone 6, Zone 7 and Zone 9,as well as a Co-Chair for the program to help with coordination and communication.
Ambassadors work with the various committee chairs to let members in their Zoneknow about upcoming classes and events, to get classes, trainings and events sched-uled in their Zone, and to grow the membership of their Zone. Zone Ambassadors arealso advocates ready to find out how VAGP can better serve you in your procurementcareer.
If you would like more information on how you can participate you can reach me [email protected] or 540-662-3889 x 88237.
Want to know who your Ambassador is? Check it out below!
Zone 1: Ambassador is Andrea Philyaw!!! Loudoun, Fairfax, Fairfax City, City ofHerndon, Town of Leesburg, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fauquier,Prince William , Falls Church, Alexandria, Arlington
Zone 2: Ambassador is Nicole Robinson!! (Frederick, Clarke, Warren,Shenandoah, Page, Rockingham, Harrisonburg, Augusta, Highland, Bath Staunton,Waynesboro)
Zone 3: Ambassador Jennifer Stieffenhoefer!! (Rappahannock,Culpeper, Madison, Greene, Orange, Charlottesville, Albemarle, Louisa, Fluvanna)
Zone 4: Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, King George, Caroline,Westmoreland, Essex, Richmond County, North Umberland, Lancaster, King and Queen
Zone 5: Ambassador is Cassandra Smith!!! Accomack, Northampton, Mathews,Middlesex, Gloucester, James City Work, Williamsburg, Surry, Poquoson, Hampton,Portsmouth Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Isle of Wright, Franklin,Southampton, Greensville, Emporia, Sussex, Newport News
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DECEMBER 2017VAGP NEWS & VIEWS
Zone 6: King William, New Kent, Charles City, Prince George, Dinwiddie, Petersburg,Brunswick, Mecklenburg, Lunenburg, Nottoway, Amelia, Colonial Heights, Hopewell,Chesterfield, Henrico, Richmond, Powhatan, Goochland, Hanover
Zone 7: Nelson, Buckingham, Cumberland, Prince Edward, Charlotte, Halifax,Danville, Pittsylvania, Campbell, Appomattox, Lynchburg, Amherst
Zone 8: Ambassador is Simone Knowles!! (Rockbridge, Buena Vista, Lexington,Bedford, Franklin, Henry, Martinsville, Patrick, Galax, Carroll, Floyd, Pulaski, Radford,Giles, Montgomery, Roanoke, Salem, Roanoke City, Craig, Botetourt, Alleghany,Covington)
Zone 9: Bland, Wythe, Grayson, Smyth, Washington, Bristol, Scott, Lee, Wise,Norton, Dickenson, Buchanan, Russell, Tazewell
NOMINATIONS FOR SPRING AWARDSLeeAnne Beatty SmithPR Committee Member
The VAGP would like invite you to submit a nomination for Spring Conference awards.These awards are open to any VAGP member who have distinguished themselves in theareas of purchasing, involvement in association activities, and promotion of professionaldevelopment.
Nominations for the following awards are due Monday, February 5th, 2018:Buyer of the Year Manager of the YearLife Membership Distinguished Service AwardT. Gordon Sandridge
Please visit https://www.vagp.org/chapters/nigp-vagp/awards.cfm or contactSharita Bryant [email protected] for more details.
DECEMBER 2017VAGP NEWS & VIEWS
Page 12
21st CENTURY PROCUREMENTCarla Smith, CPPBEducation Committee Member/VAGP Protegé
Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer
John is an amazing way to discover
how to deal with change in your
work, your organization and life.
The story features four characters:
two mice (Sniff and Scurry) and
two little people (Hem and Haw).
They live in a maze, a representation of one's
environment, and look for cheese, representative
of happiness and success. Initially without cheese,
each group (mice or humans) travels the lengthy
corridors searching for cheese. One day both
groups happen upon a cheese-filled corridor at
Cheese Station C. Content with their find the
humans establish routines around their daily
intake of cheese, slowly becoming arrogant in the
process.
Meanwhile, Sniff and Scurry have found Cheese
Station N and new cheese. Back at Cheese Station
C, Hem and Haw are affected by their lack of
cheese and blame each other for their problem.
Hoping for change, Haw proposes a new search
for cheese; however, Hem is comfortable in his
routine and frightened by the unknown and
knocks the idea. After a while of being in denial,
the humans remain without cheese. One day, hav-
ing discovered his debilitating fears, Haw begins
to chuckle at the situation and stops taking
himself so seriously. Realizing he should simply
move on, Haw enters the maze, but not before
chiseling "If you do not change, you can become
extinct" on the wall of Cheese Station C for his
friend to ponder.
Still fearful of his trek, Haw jots "What would you
do if you weren't afraid?" on the wall and, after
thinking about that, he begins his venture. Still
plagued with worry (perhaps he has waited too
long to begin his search...), Haw finds some bits
of cheese that nourish him and he is able to
continue his search. Haw realizes that the cheese
has not suddenly vanished, but has dwindled from
continual eating. After a stop at an empty cheese
station, Haw begins worrying about the unknown
again. Brushing aside his fears, Haw's new
mindset allows him to enjoy life again. He has
even begun to smile again! Haw is realizing that
"When you move beyond your fear, you feel free."
After another empty cheese station, Haw decides
to go back for Hem with the few bits of new
cheese he has managed to find.
Uncompromising, Hem refuses the new cheese to
his friend's disappointment. With knowledge
learned along the way, Haw heads back into the
maze. While getting deeper into the maze and
inspired by bits of new cheese here and there,
Haw leaves a trail of writings on the wall. These
clarify his own thinking and give him hope that his
friend will find aid in them during his search for
new cheese. Still traveling, one day Haw comes
across Cheese Station N, which is abundant with
cheese including some varieties that are strange
to him. Haw realizes he has found what he was
looking for. After eating, Haw reflects on his
experience. He ponders a return to see his old
friend, but Haw decides to let Hem find his own
way. Using the largest wall in Cheese Station N,
Haw writes:
Change Happens
They Keep Moving the Cheese
Anticipate Change
Get Ready For the Cheese to Move
Monitor Change
Smell the Cheese Often So You Know When It Is
Getting Old
Adapt to Change Quickly
The Quicker You Let Go Of Old Cheese, the
Sooner You Can Enjoy New Cheese
DECEMBER 2017VAGP NEWS & VIEWS
Page 13
21st CENTURYPROCUREMENT CONT.Change
Move with the Cheese
Enjoy Change!
Savor the Adventure and Enjoy the Taste of New
Cheese!
Be Ready To Change Quickly and Enjoy
It Again
They Keep Moving The Cheese.
Cautious from past experience, Haw now inspects
Cheese Station N daily and explores different
parts of the maze regularly to prevent any
complacency from setting in.
Likewise, procurement is an evolving field. The
advent of cooperative contracts, new
technologies, and the millennial workforce is
changing the face of procurement. Organizations
working with and for procurement offices are
being faced with the need to adapt to the chang-
ing field of procurement. Change is never simple,
but necessary to be sure we as procurement
professionals do not run out of cheese.
1. Johnson, Spencer (1988). Who Moved My Cheese?.
G.P. Putnam’s Sons.
• Industry News• Best Practices• Photo• Book Reviews• Education Opportunities• Event Recaps• New Certifications• Tips and tricks
This is your Association and your publication—make your voice heard! All VAGP mem-bers are encouraged to send articles, press releases and photos. Published articles onpurchasing related topics may help members earn recertification points. For eligibilityrequirements, please verify directly with the certifying agency. Suppliers and contractorsare also encouraged to submit purchasing-related articles for publication. Limited oppor-tunities are available and offered at no cost!Submit your contributions to LeeAnne Beatty Smith at [email protected].
NEWS & VIEWSWe want your news and views in 2018!
Melissa Chasteen and LisaRussell receive the J. Brad
Oakley Scholarship
J. BRAD OAKLEYSCHOLARSHIP
DECEMBER 2017
Page 14
REFLECTIONS: 2017 VAGP FALL SYMPOSIUM
Michelle Chasteen(Chesterfield) enjoys
tailgating
VAGP First Timers Group
VAGP members enjoy thecornhole networking eventLorie Newton
and friend
VAGP SPONSORED NIGP CLASSES 2018 PROPOSED 2018 Seminar – Proposed Dates Location Sponsor
Intro to Public Procurement Scheduled Register Now
Jan 10th -12th Virginia Beach
Carla Smith
Getting What You Need
Through Successful Negotiations
Jan 25th -26th Chesterfield Lisa Russell
Sourcing in the Public
Sector
Feb 5th -7th Richmond Mary Zapata
Contracting for Construction Services
Feb 12th – 13th Centreville Kristen Hylton
World Class Procurement
Practices
Feb 16th Virginia
Beach
Carla Smith
Spring Conference Mar 4th -6th Richmond VAGP
CPPB Review Class Mar - TBD Richmond Roxanne Ehardt
Legal Aspects Mar 28th -30th Virginia
Tech
Kevin McDowell
Preparing for & Surviving
Internal Audit
Apr 9th Daleville Nancy Pressing
Practical Specification Writing
May 15th Centreville Kristen Hylton
Legal Aspects May 21st -23rd Chesterfield Lisa Russell
Intro to Public Procurement Jun 25th – 27th Daleville Nancy Pressing
Developing and Managing
RFPs
Jul 23rd-25th Loudoun Amy Bevins
Making Contract Fit the
Purchase
Aug 13th Centreville Kristen Hylton
Revised 12/4/2017
Page 15
VAGP SPONSORED NIGP CLASSES 2018 PROPOSED NIGP Forum Aug 19th -22nd Nashville,
TN
NIGP
Legal Aspects Sep 10th -12th Loudoun Amy Bevins
Fall Symposium Sept 24th – 25th TBD VAGP
Intro to Public Procurement Oct 1st -3rd Chesterfield Lisa Russell
Strategic Procurement
Planning
Oct 24th -26th Fairfax Cindy Smith
Practical Specification
Writing
Oct 12th Daleville Nancy Pressing
Customer Service: The Key
to Success in Procurement
Nov 8th – 9th Virginia
Beach
Carla Smith
Intro to Public Procurement Dec 3rd – 5th Loudoun Amy Bevins
Revised 12/4/2017
Page 16