Happy 2023 Members!
I am honored to have been asked to step into the President’s position for Columbia Chapter in 2023. I have been a Columbia Chapter member, probably longer than any current active member! I first joined Columbia Chapter in 1988 as a relatively new Buyer for the City of Portland. Since then I have served in various committees, as well as on the Board, including Chapter President during the 1998-99 fiscal year. This is not my first rodeo!
I am looking forward to a year of increased member participation, more learning opportunities, and fun events. We are already in the process of planning our Columbia Chapter/OPPA joint conference for March 8, so please mark your calendars! It will be a 1/2 day Virtual event, at no charge to the membership. The agenda is in the process of being finalized, but I can tell you the speakers we are lining up are top notch. Remember, March is Purchasing Month, and March 8th is Buyer’s Day.
I wish you all a healthy, prosperous, and memorable (in a good way!) new year!
Craig Johnsen
Columbia Chapter President 2023