The newest chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) is now official. The Desert Southwest Chapter was officially granted its Charter on May 1, 2007. Officiating at the ceremony was Mr. William E. Brewer, CPPO, C.P.M., and Second Vice President of NIGP National. Mr. Brewer personally welcomed the attending Charter Members into the new Chapter with a membership card and an NIGP lapel pin. Assisting Mr. Brewer was the newly elected President of the Desert Southwest Chapter, Rocky Brannan, CPPO, CPPB, C.P.M. Lunch was provided by the Yuma Civic and Convention Center where the event was held. Members come from many different organizations in the Yuma area, including City of Yuma, Crane Elementary School District, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Yuma Educational Materials Management Consortium, Arizona Department of Corrections, Arizona Western College, Bureau of Reclamation, Yuma County, Yuma Union High School District, Department of Defense, Department of the Navy and the Somerton School District. In conjunction with the Chartering Ceremony, a Purchasing Training Seminar was hosted by the Chapter titled “Adding Value to the Procurement Process”. The Seminar was conducted by Michael Bevis of the City of Naperville, Illinois. Mr. Bevis holds many certifications including a law degree, CPPO and C.P.M. He was named NIGP Manager of the Year for 2005, Illinois Manager of the Year in 2004, and is the first and only recipient of the Pareto Award. In addition, Mr. Bevis is a three time winner of the Excellence in Purchasing Award. The seminar was well received by all attendees.