By: Lori Friesen, CPPB Manager, Legal & Support Services – Haldimand County Public services are increasingly expected to operate with maximum efficiency – rightfully so, as they are funded by a single taxpayer base. In a time when managers face growing pressures to over-deliver and under-promise, procurement needs are becoming increasingly complex. Legislative changes, trade agreements, […]
Read more »Have you ever wondered how your procurement operations measure up against recognized best practices? The Achievement of Excellence in Procurement® (AEP) Award, founded in 1995 by the National Procurement Institute, recognizes public and non-profit organizations that demonstrate excellence in public procurement and a commitment to the continued pursuit of excellence. The AEP Award offers organizations a […]
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By Lori Friesen, CPPBManager, Legal & Support Service – Haldimand CountyIn a previous article, I shared my thoughts on how procurement can support an organization’s strategic plan. Building on that idea, I believe it is important to identify a lesser-discussed, but equally important aspect of procurement: the soft skills. These are people-centered skills and approaches […]
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Peel Region’s Procurement Division, led by Director of Procurement Kristin Misurka, is the engine behind one of Ontario’s largest and most diverse municipal procurement portfolios. Employing a centralized model built for impact, which ensures consistency, compliance and strong governance, Peel procured over $2.4 billion in goods and services in 2024.Peel is one of only two […]
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By: Nessa Byrne, Senior Procurement Advisor – Legal & Support Services, Haldimand CountyI am coming up on my 10-year anniversary in public procurement, which has sparked some self-reflection on my journey. My hope is to share a few insights and tips with procurement newbies to let them know we all share the same struggles.Being new […]
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The 2025 Reverse Vendor Tradeshow took place on October 29, 2025, bringing together 420 vendors and suppliers and 37 public agencies with 130 public procurement staff for a full day of learning, networking, and meaningful conversations. New this year, our optional afternoon session—Understanding the RFP Process: A Supplier’s Guide—and 1:1 pre-booked Speed Networking meetings added […]
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It’s hard to believe another year is coming to a close. We’re so grateful for your dedication and contributions to the OPBA community. We are stronger together, and as OPBA grows, that rings truer every year.Your 2026 membership renewal invoice is now available. We look forward to diving into everything the new year has in […]
Read more »🏆 Each year, the OPBA Annual Conference provides an opportunity to celebrate members who are leading the way in public procurement through innovation, leadership, and service. At this year’s conference, held September 17–19 at the Nottawasaga Resort, we proudly recognized several outstanding individuals whose contributions continue to strengthen our profession and community.Judy Wilson Emerging Leader […]
Read more »You may recall that last month we introduced the Public Procurement Learning Lab – a new chapter in OPBA’s commitment to education and professional development.As the cornerstone of OPBA’s educational offerings, PPLL provides a more comprehensive and meaningful learning experience through a blend of self-paced online modules and a virtual classroom session via Zoom in […]
Read more »Whether you’re a seasoned expert or just starting your public procurement journey, OPBA’s Mentoring Program offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside professionals you might not meet in your day-to-day work.This program fosters meaningful networking, provides valuable feedback in a judgment-free environment, and supports the transfer of knowledge across generations—empowering both Mentors […]
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