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OfficeMax Joins Fledgling Pasco Purchasing Network

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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 an purchasing network Pasco County created this year. With leaner government budgets in the wake of the Amendment No. 1 property tax system changes, the Pasco County Purchasing Department responded to the call for greater efficiency with the idea for the cooperative to pool resources.

The Florida Local Government Purchasing Network, or Flag Pin, has no membership fees, another inducement.

The network has its own href=http://www.FLGPN.com> Web site or it 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 of Pasco County is the city of Pinellas Park.

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

School districts, Chambers of Commerce and other such agencies would stand to benefit, Amy Ellis added as the county's public communications specialist. The network could gain more clout as its reputation spreads to other counties around the state who decide to join.

"There are 20 - 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 is unique because it will be reviewed and updated every three months to make sure it remains relevant and adds value, Stromer emphasized.

"All participating entities will receive competitive pricing, generous rebates, and will have access to free e-procurement tools," Stromer added in a press release.

"With budgets getting tighter for both state and local governments, taking advantage of this contract makes a lot of sense."

Pasco County alone 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 participating entities are expected to generate revenue of at least $170,000 during the next two years.

Efforts to improve efficiency throughout Pasco County government are being spearheaded by the Chief Assistant County Administrator, Michele Baker. The OfficeMax contract for office supplies, office paper and office furniture took effect on June 24 and will continue through 2013.

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