Happy Procurement Month Chapter Members!
Procurement Month. In March, we proudly recognize the professionals who make a meaningful impact in the field of procurement. Procurement Month provides an opportunity to educate elected officials, administrators, our communities, and vendors about the critical role procurement plays and the exceptional work our members perform every day. It is a time to honor the dedication, integrity, and professionalism of purchasing staff across government agencies and private organizations.
To all procurement professionals — thank you for your commitment, resilience, and unwavering service. You truly make a difference.
If your Governing Body recognizes your agency for Procurement Month, please send a copy of your proclamation to secretary@cfcnigp.org for inclusion in the next newsletter. We would love to recognize all the achievements of our agencies and members! Also, please let us know of any other awards.
March Membership Meeting and Workshop. Please join us on Friday, March 13th, 2026, for our Chapter Membership Meeting and Spring Workshop. Our very own David Nash will be presenting Critical Thinking – A Critical Skill and “Surely We Can Trust the Boss, Can’t We”? (Worth 4 contact hours). Workshop pricing is $20 for virtual and in-person attendance. The Chapter Membership Meeting is at 9:00 AM. Spring Workshop is between 10 AM – 3 PM. Register at March 13, 2026 Membership Meeting and Workshop - Events - Central Florida Chapter of NIGP.
Awards. Join us at our March Membership Meeting to congratulate our annual Buyer, Manager, and Volunteer of the Year award winners!
Pro-D Opportunities Scholarships. Congratulations to our scholarship winners! We started the year off strongly with FREE Pro-D Opportunities Scholarships for 6 Chapter Members to attend NIGP FORUM (In-Person). NIGP FORUM (Virtual) Pro-D Opportunities Surveys close on March 9, 2026. RTS Room opportunities are on website site. NIGP FORUM winners will be announced at the Chapter Meeting.
Reverse Trade Show. Join us on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Orlando Theme Park Resort! Registration is available on our website. Don’t forget you can earn scholarship points by attending and volunteering! Be on the lookout for room giveaways on our website. Marketing materials will be provided to you soon.
NCPP Above & Beyond Awards. March's National Procurement Month is approaching and NCPP will rolling out the nomination period next week for the annual Above & Beyond Awards. It would be great to have some nominations from Central Florida! Twelve individuals and 3 teams will be recognized throughout that month, and this is where you come in - we need your nomination! Please take the time to nominate that person, manager or peer who really goes Above & Beyond in their procurement role. Or that team that truly makes a difference for the entire organization - there is a chance to recognize them too!
Nomination period just opened and here is the link to the form which includes a display of previous winners. Everyone complains that procurement doesn't get enough recognition and thanks - here's your chance to make that happen for someone! Deadline: March 16, 2026
Scholarship Log. If you have completed a 2025 Scholarship Application, points should be on the Scholarship Log by the March Membership and Workshop. Thank you for your patience as our team members work diligently reviewing your applications!
Mentoring Committee. If you are interested in being a mentor or a mentee, please contact Chair Fatima Calkins at FatimaCalkins@yahoo.com. Do you have questions or answers on procurement or Chapter matters? This is a great opportunity to build a relationship with another member! We are looking for both mentors and mentees.
NIGP Leadership Summit 2025. On February 18-21, 2026, NIGP held the Leadership Summit in Tucson, Arizona, providing development for our current and future leaders. The summit was broken out into 3 areas: 1) senior and experienced leaders; 2) chapter leaders; and 3) emerging leaders. Central Florida Chapter had representation in all three areas by many members! This is a highly recommended event for your professional leadership development.
Engagement. I want to encourage members to evaluate talents and strengths and identify if there are any committees or task forces opportunities that you would be willing to volunteer for in 2026. Committee chair, member, and RTS positions are available. We have much work to do as a chapter this year and we can benefit from having active volunteers. Please do not hesitate to contact me or one of the other board members with any questions you might have. Let’s make this year a fantastic year for your Chapter!
Thank you!
Luis A Aviles, CPPO, CPPB, FCCM
2026-2027 President
president@cfcnigp.org