By Mare Allen
It is hard to believe that the Holidays are right around the corner. I won't count down the days till Christmas and Hanukkah since time is just flying by this year. Every year the days between New Year's and the next Holiday season seem shorter and more hurried. It is only days to the year 2000 and all of us have heard bits and pieces of how computer systems will possibly be effected but there is so much more to consider. Such as any equipment with a date marking requirement for quality control or record retention it all needs to be considered.

There are ad hoc groups working on specific issues, such as inventory and testing of all software applications. Both areas under consideration for the effect of Y2K are: insurance coverage, certification programs, equipment operations such as heating and cooling systems, product dating and the ever so important payroll and pension plan administration. Virtually every piece of equipment containing a microprocessor could shut down or go haywire.

This is when Purchasing has the opportunity to think outside its box by being a resource to a Task force. It is through Purchasing most if not all the equipment, supplies and services are acquired.

Purchasing has the supplier file for a mass mailing effort; it has the database for equipment purchases and locations of the equipment. It also becomes the gatekeeper to protect the organization in future transactions relating to Y2K issues. The purchase order can be modified to include a compliance requirement.

Before adding a compliance statement to the purchase order's standard terms and conditions it is wise to have it reviewed by legal counsel to determine if it is enforceable in a court of law. The Internet has many resources relating to Y2K including checklists, inventory worksheets and of course the Consultant. Purchasing has the opportunity to display their professional and leadership talents as their respective organizations struggle to fix the Y2K problem before it is a problem.

By Ralph L. Long, C.P.M.
How do you determine who is a professional in the purchasing area? You might look for the title of "manager" or "senior" but how many of us have worked with an individual with the title but not the technical knowledge? This may be a long way to say that the C.P.M. after your name is a significant way to identify you as a professional. Your affiliate has decided to sponsor a series of review sessions so you can improve your skills and better your chances of adding the professional designation to your name. Fourteen people took advantage of the review session covering Module One of the C.P.M. exam last month. The next opportunity will be January 15, 2000 at 9:00 AM. The review will cover Module Four. Why module one than module four? That's how you qualify for the A.P.P. or (Accredited Purchasing Practitioner). You can get the A.P.P. and then immediately apply for a C.P.M. after you have passed the modules two and three. Of course you need to complete the other requirements of education and experience.

If you have any questions concerning certification check the NAPM web site at www.napm.org or give me a call. If you still need module four plan to attend the review. Remember you can take the exams in any sequence

Everyone needs to hear when they are doing a great job and you should always tell someone that they are appreciated. So I would like to take this opportunity to let all of the directors, Chairs and Officers know how much I sincerely appreciate all of their time and effort spent towards bringing our affiliate an eventful and educational year. Because of just twelve people working together to update us with information and changes to our organization, such as the Governance Study. Educational Satellite Seminars, CPM review classes and Pro-D classes. Eventful Table Top Trade Show and enjoyable golf tournament, not to mention interesting and informative speakers, we really do have a great team this year and I personally want to thank all of you very much. I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season and inspirational New Year.

Name_____________________________________________________________________________

Company ___________________________________________________ # Attending_____________

Phone#____________________________________________________________________________

Preferred
Entree(s)___________________________________________________________________________

By Scott Oldendorph, C.P.M.
The end has arrived; the end of the century actually. Have you prepared yourself for the Year 2000 and the end of our century? With all of these pressures and concerns for the future, have you slowed down long enough to remember the past century? There have been a lot of changes that have taken place this past century through different historic events, ever-changing styles and experiences with each generation. As the holidays approach and as we try to close out our century, there are many memories that are remembered through their music and songs.

On December 8, 1999 at 7:00pm at the Doubletree Hotel it is NAPM-SA's pleasure to harmoniously take you back in our past century to the era when song was harmonized by "Barbershop" singers leaving everyone smiling and laughing with their comedy and the memorable song's harmony in everyone's heart. We will be entertained for the holidays by Tucson's own Barbershop Quartet "Thursday Night 4-UM". The quartet is comprised of there lead singer, Hap Haggard who is retired from the Air Force and is now an electronic technician at Burr-Brown; their tenor Jim Haggard, who is the lead counter salesman at the Arizona Refrigeration Supplies; their baritone Gary Tuell, who is a land specialist with Pima County; and their bass Fred Koch, who is retired from US West and is now operating "The Planners" which provides planning and tour services for conventions meeting here in Tucson.

The quartet was formed in 1976 and has been keeping busy with about 50 performances each year. "Thursday Night 4-UM" is an active member of the Tucson "Sunshine' chapter of Barbershop singers and they have competed in many of the Barbershop contests reaching the finals in the Far Western District several times. Come join all of us at NAPM-SA for the last dinner meeting of the century with networking, song and harmony. Remember the entertainment is free but the food for dinner is $18. Hmm, Hmm.

By Ralph L. Long, C.P.M
The news concerning the NAPM reorganization has been a sparse over the past few weeks. District 1 had a straw poll over the Internet and without keeping count in seemed to be about even among affiliates for and against. I voted with the against side with comment that we felt the affiliate was being moved down the priority and would have little or no ability to influence the National Organization. It was suggested that maybe we only think we have the ability how! Maybe that's true. The membership will have the final vote in the late Spring when you will be ask to vote on the bylaw change.

On another subject, now is the time to work on your C.P.M. certification if you are serious about your profession. The exams are being changed after 2001. There will be a grace period when you can take the old or new exams but why worry about it. NAPM-SA is sponsoring review sessions at a reasonable price, so now is the time to get involved. See the flyer in this newsletter. I just heard Mr. Rick Hardin, recently received his lifetime C.P.M. certification. Congratulations!!

CHRISTMAS DAY           Dec. 25, 1999

NEW YEAR'S DAY              Jan. 1, 2000

NAPM Dinner Meeting      Jan. 12, 2000

C.P.M. Review Class           Jan 15, 1999
      "Module Four"

Satellite Seminar                  Feb. 3, 2000
     "Financial Analysis of Suppliers"

Table Top show                    Mar. 8, 2000

By Elliott Chaitt, Global resources Chair
International quality standards such as the ISO 9000 series continue to be a major consideration to firms wishing to compete in the global marketplace or supply products or services to customers who are ISO 9000 certified. The purchasing function has a critical impact on a company's overall ISO 9000 status because the quality of purchased materials, components and services bears directly on the quality of the end product.

In order for a purchasing function to receive ISO 9000 certification it must prepare by establishing or reviewing existing quality assurance procedures covering the following:

Provision of quality assurance training and assistance to suppliers

Periodic review of supplier quality performance and remedial action for unsatisfactory performance

This preparatory effort can be expensive and can only be accomplished with the support of top management. In some companies the team concept has been employed which has involved the full time dedication of some personnel and part time participation of quality assurance and other specialists. There are those companies who have already implemented procedures in many or all of the areas listed above. These include suppliers who have furnished material to the U.S. Armed Forces where they were subject to MIL-Q-9858A. This quality specification predates the ISO program and was to a substantial extent was the basis for ISO 9001 document which covers "design, development, production, installation and servicing".

Quality systems such as JIT, TQM and SPC have been adopted by many companies. However in many cases, these systems were not based on ISO standards and did not involve verification by recognized third party quality audit registrars
as is required to achieve ISO 9000 registration.

If your company is faced with the task of receiving ISO 9000 registration the best course of action is to seek the advice of a consultant with expertise in ISO 9000 matters.

NAPM-SA will sponsor a C.P.M. review class of Module Four for all the aspiring C.P.M./A.P.P.'S IN January. Plans are to hold this type of review each couple of months until all Modules are covered. Timing is planned so attendee's can take the module exams one at a time between review sessions. Do something for yourself in the area of professional development, plan to attend.

More information: Call Ralph Long, C.P.M. at 206-4759 or Mare Allen at 887-4816
The NAPM "C.P.M. Study Guide" (Sixth Edition, updated 1997) is required study material.

Name:_____________________Company:___________________________

Phone:____________________Fax:________________________________

Enclosed Check for $________________

("No Shows" without cancellation of 2 days notice prior to date of class will be charged $20.00)