by Alice Walkup

A nonprofit organization providing support to professionals in the public sector purchasing profession recently announced the winners of its recognition awards during its annual forum.

The National Institute of Governmental Purchasing Inc. (NIGP) forum was held at the Convention Center in Tampa, Fla., Aug. 5-9. During the Aug. 8 ceremony, cities were presented with Innovations in Public Procurement Awards and Best Practices Awards.

The winners of the Innovations in Public Procurement Awards were the City of Miami Beach, Fla., and the City of Naperville, Ill. The winners of the Best Practices Awards were the City of Glendale, Ariz., and the City of West Palm Beach, Fla.

At the ceremony, the NIGP Chief Executive Officer Rick Grimm said, ?These awards demonstrate the initiative and professionalism that represent the standard of excellence we at NIGP nurture and encourage.?

The Innovations in Public Procurement Awards are given to public agencies that have demonstrated leadership in innovative practices related to technology, communication and community outreach. For the Best Practices Awards, NIGP recognizes member agencies that have enacted policies or practices that have enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of their organizations.

NIGP was founded in 1944 and is the largest international not-for-profit educational and professional services association dedicated exclusively to public procurement agencies at all levels of government.

The organization serves the public procurement profession through education and research programs, professional support and advocacy initiatives that benefit members and constituents.