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OfficeMax Joins Purchasing Plan

By CARL ORTH

The Suncoast News

Published: August 6, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - Pasco County is taking it to the max - OfficeMax, that is.
OfficeMax is the first company to offer discounts through a purchasing network Pasco created this year.

With leaner government budgets in the wake of Amendment 1, the Pasco County Purchasing Department created the Florida Local Government Purchasing Network. Flag Pin, as it is called, has no membership fees.

The network has a Web site, www.FLGPN.com, or can be reached by calling the Purchasing Department at (727) 847-8194.

The Pasco Property Appraiser's Office, the Pasco Health Department, Pasco Supervisor of Elections Office and the city of New Port Richey had joined as of July 31. The first member outside Pasco County is the city of Pinellas Park.

The idea is, the bigger the purchasing network, the bigger the discounts, county leaders explained.

School districts, chambers of commerce and other agencies would benefit, said Amy Ellis, the county's public communications specialist.

The network could gain more clout as its reputation spreads to counties across the state.

"There are 20 to 25 more jurisdictions that are looking it over," Scott Stromer, the county's purchasing director, said. "It's a pretty cool deal. We were able to beat state contracting pricing. It's really the best deal going."

The contract with OfficeMax will be reviewed and updated every three months to make sure it remains relevant and adds value, Stromer said.

"All participating entities will receive competitive pricing, generous rebates, and will have access to free e-procurement tools," Stromer added in a news release. "With budgets getting tighter for both state and local governments, taking advantage of this contract makes a lot of sense."

Pasco County might save more than $25,000 annually on more than 500 commonly used office supply items through the OfficeMax contract. In addition, rebates on purchases made by the county and other entities are expected to generate at least $170,000 during the next two years.

Efforts to improve efficiency throughout Pasco County government are being spearheaded by Chief Assistant County Administrator Michele Baker. The OfficeMax contract took effect June 24 and will continue through 2013.

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