Purchasing Cooperative Gives Back to Its Members
For Release: December 15, 2009
Contact: Gerald Brashears, 800.695.2919, ext. 3616
(Austin) – The Local Government Purchasing Cooperative Board has announced distribution of approximately $2.2 million to more than 1,050 of its members. This action is a result of continuing growth in the Cooperative’s annual purchasing volume and membership, and brings the total amount rebated to members at just over $5.6 million since 2006.
"A return of more than $2 million in rebates is clear proof of the strength of local governments working together to benefit taxpayers. The power of collective purchasing not only saves taxpayers' money, it eases compliance with state purchasing laws,” said Todd W. Pearson, mayor of the city of Rockport and chair of the Cooperative board of directors.
"From a modest start with 40 members, the Local Government Purchasing Cooperative has grown substantially since its inception in 1998. Currently we have a total purchasing volume exceeding $516 million and a membership of 3,000 that includes school districts, colleges and universities, counties, municipalities, and other local governments,” said Gerald Brashears, director of Business Services Management, Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). The continuing health of the Cooperative has resulted in more vendor service fees than needed to cover annual expenditures and the Board is extremely pleased to approve the rebates. Such a step is a direct result of the confidence members have placed in the Cooperative and their ongoing participation," he said.
Endorsed by the Texas Association of Counties, Texas Association of School Administrators, and Texas Municipal League, the Cooperative is administered and sponsored by TASB. Hundreds of vendors and thousands of items, from copier paper to fire trucks, are posted on the BuyBoard ®, the coop’s electronic purchasing system.
"Over the years, the Cooperative has continued to expand available products and services based on member needs, resulting in significant growth in purchase orders and ever increasing interest from local governments. The wide selection of vendors, great prices, convenience, and competitively procured goods and services will provide members increased benefits now and in the future," Brashears said.