Whereas, The purchasing and materials management profession has a significant role in the quality, efficiency, and profitability of business and government throughout the United States; and,

Whereas, Professionals in the purchasing and materials management field are employed in the private and public sector in profit and non-profit organizations; and,

Whereas, In addition to the purchasing of goods and services, the purchasing and materials management professionals engage in, or have direct responsibility for, functions such as executing, implementing and administrating contracts, developing forecast and procurement strategies, supervising and monitoring the flow and storage of materials, and developing working relationships with suppliers and other departments within organizations; and,

Whereas, Purchasing professionals in the public sector make important contributions to assure the efficient use of taxpayer dollars by providing efficient service while maintaining the highest standards; and,

Whereas, Local, state and federal purchasing professionals are responsible for managing and monitoring billions of dollars worth of goods and services every year which directly influences national and international economics; and,

Whereas, Michigan is committed to a procurement process that places integrity first; and,

Whereas, Michigan solicits bids in a manner that promotes full and open competition among Michigan businesses; and,

Whereas, The Michigan Public Purchasing Officers Association of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing and other associations around the globe are sponsoring activities and special events to further educate and inform the general public regarding the role of purchasing; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 2008 as Purchasing Month in Michigan.