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A Letter from the MAPP President

Welcome Missouri Association of Public Purchasing members!

Hi, my name is Kim Hopkins-Will, and as your 2024 MAPP President, I want to welcome you to MAPP 2024. First, let me share a little about myself. I have over 25 years of procurement experience in the private and public sectors. I am currently serving as Purchasing Manager for Christian County, Missouri. I am passionate about our procurement profession! I am married to Randy; we have one son, Chase; daughter-in-law, Haley; grandson, Henry; two cats, Christmas, and Mr. Binx; and a dog named Judge.

This year, MAPP has an outstanding Board of Directors. I see their excitement and willingness to give their all, and they are committed to you and your success. Here is what MAPP has in store for you.
Our theme for 2024 is: “Commitment to Excellence in Procurement.”

EDUCATION
With a MAPP membership, you receive free MAPP webinars. Subject matter experts in leadership and procurement teach the webinars. Speakers include Lourdes Coss, MPA, NIGP-CPP, CPPO (M.L. Coss and Associates, LLC), Carrie Mathes, MPA, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CFCM, C.P.M., CPP, A.P.P. (Manager for Orange County, Florida Procurement Division), and Randy G. Will, MBA, SHRM-SCP, SPHR (R.G. Will Solutions). For information on these webinars, see the MAPP events calendar for webinars, classes, and conferences.

CERTIFICATION
Every time you attend a live webinar or class, you can earn CEU points. These points will help you maintain and achieve the NIGP-CPP, CPPO, and CPPB certifications. Professional certifications verify someone’s knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform their job at high levels.
Contact Kelli Stinebrook, Professional Development Chair, today for information and details on how to get certified.

CONFERENCES & SPECIAL DATES
• February: NIGP Leadership Summit – February 22 -24, 2024 in Houston, Texas
• March: Free Webinar by Carrie Mathes – “Can You Relate? Expanding Your Sphere of Influence.”
March 8, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CST.
• April: MAPP Conference & Vendor Networking – April 10-12, 2024, in Lake of the Ozarks at Camden on the Lake conference center. See Link: MAPP Conference & Vendor Networking. Our Keynote Speaker will be Rick Grimm, CEO of NIGP. Our Special Guest will be Karen Boeger, Director of the Missouri Division of Purchasing, Office of Administration.
• August: NIGP Forum – August 25-28, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina
• September: Professional Development Day – September 20, 2024, in Lebanon, Missouri.

MARCH IS PURCHASING MONTH
March is nationally recognized as Purchasing Month. MAPP will receive a proclamation from Governor Mike Parson declaring March Purchasing Month. Do something fun in your office in March to bring awareness to our profession. Stay tuned on Facebook for upcoming March Procurement Month events.

STAY CONNECTED
Visit us at www.mappofnigp.org and follow us on social media: LinkedIn MappofNIGP, Twitter: @MappofNIGP, and Facebook: Missouri Association of Public Purchasing MAPP #3 Chapter of NIGP. 

On behalf of the MAPP Board, thank you for your membership. We are looking forward to a great and productive year.

Respectfully yours,

Kim Hopkins-Will, MBA, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB
MAPP President