BuyBoard® Purchasing Cooperative Returns $2.5 Million to Members

For Release: January 2012
Contact: Gerald Brashears, 800.695.2919, ext. 3616

(Austin) – The Local Government Purchasing Cooperative Board has announced distribution of approximately $2.5 million to more than 1,000 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 $10.5 million since 2006.

“With another successful year, the Cooperative continues to grow in strength as it grows in members and vendors. Such a healthy return truly demonstrates the power of local governments working together through collective purchasing. We benefit taxpayers by saving money and easing compliance with state purchasing laws,” said Cyd Grimes, a Travis County purchasing agent and chair of the Cooperative Board of Trustees.

“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 $590 million and a membership of more than 3,600 that includes school districts, colleges and universities, counties, municipalities, and other local governments,” said Gerald Brashears, division director of Business Services, 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,” Brashears said.

The Cooperative is endorsed by the Texas Association of Counties, Texas Association of School Administrators, Texas Municipal League, and TASB. Hundreds of vendors and thousands of items, from copier paper to fire trucks, are posted on the BuyBoard®, the co-op’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.