New event shows companies how a sustainable supply chain and responsible
procurement strategy lead to savings

    
    PMAC and Grand & Toy offer free Sustainable Procurement Showcase in
    Vancouver and Toronto
    

TORONTO , Oct. 28 /CNW/ - Leaders in sustainable supply chain practices will share their expertise at two free Sustainable Procurement Showcases presented by the Purchasing Management Association of Canada (PMAC) and sponsored by Grand & Toy. The events, to be held in Vancouver and Toronto , will help supply chain management professionals understand how sustainability is becoming a key driver for innovative procurement solutions.

The Sustainable Procurement Showcase takes place on November 10, 2009 , at Vancouver's Fairmont Hotel and on November 13, 2009 , at Toronto's Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. Bullfrog Power is supplying clean, green electricity exclusively from wind and hydro facilities that have been certified as low impact by Environment Canada for this event.

"Sustainable procurement is an important part of the next-generation supply chain, and professionals who can leverage its benefits will give their enterprises a lasting competitive advantage," said Bob Dye , president of PMAC.

Attendees will also learn strategies they can adopt to encourage sustainable supply chain practices when working with their suppliers and partners that will maximize both profitability and corporate social responsibility.

"Supply chain and procurement strategies are closely linked together when it comes to sustainable procurement," said John Scheel , vice-president, supply chain, Grand & Toy. "Through the development of new business models, we can enhance the value of our offerings while saving money."

Bruce Lourie, best-selling author, president of The Ivey Foundation and one of Canada's leading environmental authorities, will present a keynote address that will inspire delegates to view environmental issues from new angles.

Educational sessions and case studies will also be led by respected experts, including:

    
    -  Josephine Coombe, vice-president, strategic accounts, Bullfrog Power
    -  Kevin Koertje, director of sales, Boise
    -  Scott McDougall, president and chief executive officer, TerraChoice
    -  Tim Reeve, Reeve Consulting
    -  Natasha Renaud, director communications and social responsibility,
       Grand & Toy
    -  John Scheel, vice-president, supply chain, Grand & Toy
    -  Pamela Schott, director, strategic sourcing, BMO Financial
    -  Vicki Wakefield, C.P.P., manager logistics/sustainability, University
       of British Columbia
    

There is no cost to attend this event, but delegates must register in advance. For more information and to register, please visit www.pmac.ca/sustainabilityshowcase.

About PMAC

The Purchasing Management Association of Canada (PMAC) is the leading professional association in Canada for supply chain management professionals. With more than 40,000 members and program participants working in all sectors of the Canadian economy, PMAC is the principal source of training, education and professional development for supply chain management professionals in Canada . The highest achievement in professional supply chain management education in Canada is the Certified Professional Purchaser (C.P.P.) designation.

Through its thought leadership, education programs and Professional Code of Ethics, PMAC encourages its members to recognize their responsibility to environmental issues.

For more information, visit www.pmac.ca.

About Grand & Toy

Founded in 1882, Grand & Toy is the leading single-source office solutions provider offering strategic office procurement to Canadian businesses. With its comprehensive product selection, Grand & Toy provides access to interiors, technology and imaging solutions and everyday facility and office supplies. Grand & Toy powers the potential of organizations by offering an extensive technology portal, supported by a highly trained team of Tech Solutions Advisors. It also offers essential professional services, such as human resources management, web design and hosting and shipping services.

Grand & Toy also has a firm commitment to environmental integrity and charitable outreach manifested through numerous internal and external programs.

For more information, visit www.grandandtoy.com.

For further information: or a media pass, please contact Amanda Cormier, events manager, PMAC, [phone] or [email protected], or Hilary Bassett, consultant, [phone] ext. 245 or [email protected]