PMAC names winners of inaugural Awards of Distinction

Awards recognize individuals and organizations that have advanced the supply chain management profession

TORONTO, April 30 /CNW/ - The Purchasing Management Association of Canada (PMAC) today announced the winners of its three Awards of Distinction, the association's newly expanded awards program recognizing leadership and innovation in the field of practice of supply chain management.

"Our awards set the benchmark for supply chain excellence in Canada," said PMAC president Bob Dye. "Our award winners are remarkable individuals and organizations that demonstrate that the supply chain management function is a key driver of business performance."

In introducing two new awards this year, the Outstanding Achievement Award and the Supply Chain Excellence Award, PMAC is seeking to further highlight and celebrate leadership and innovation in supply chain management. PMAC continues to confer the prestigious Fellow of the Purchasing Management Association of Canada (FPMAC designation), the highest honour bestowed by the association.

Outstanding Achievement Award - Presented to an individual PMAC member who is a proven innovator and leader in supply chain management.

The winner of the 2010 Outstanding Achievement Award is Sylvain Lacoursière. Lacoursière, purchasing manager at specialty chemical producer CEPSA Quimica Bécancour, has differentiated himself through his unique expertise in starting up plants and optimizing purchasing management in manufacturing. He is also recognized for his work in raising the profile of supply chain's contribution to business in Quebec and developing the skills of the province's purchasing professionals.

"Sylvain Lacoursière's contribution to the development of the profession is exemplary," said Bernard Côté, C.P.P., president of PMAC's Corporation des approvisionneurs du Québec (CAQ), who nominated Lacoursière. "He has been a model and a catalyst, implementing the most important purchasing programs, activities and events in the province."

Supply Chain Excellence Award - Presented to an organization that is using innovative strategic supply chain management to enhance its competitive advantage.

The winner of the 2010 Supply Chain Excellence Award is Grand & Toy. Grand & Toy won for its innovative 48-hour delivery sustainable supply chain program. A leading supplier of office solutions, Grand & Toy - which made seven million deliveries in 2009 - saw the opportunity to offer an environmental alternative to next-day delivery. By encouraging a shift in customer ordering to a more sustainable 48-hour standard, Grand & Toy was able to reduce its fuel consumption and shrink its carbon footprint with less frequent deliveries.

"Corporate procurement has rapidly evolved into a sophisticated practice that factors in sustainability, business strategy and fiscal responsibility. At Grand & Toy, we recognized this shift and aligned our business with a strong commitment to sustainability," said Gary D'Andrea, chief operating officer of Grand & Toy. "This award demonstrates that our approach is resonating with our customers, supplier partners and the industry as a whole."

Fellow Designation Award - Presented to an individual who is distinguished through career achievements, contribution to PMAC and service to the community.

The winner of the Fellow Designation Award is Tim O'Brien, C.P.P., vice-president of procurement and corporate services at the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). O'Brien has brought a strategic focus to ICBC, creating a strategic sourcing group and introducing performance metrics into contracts. O'Brien served on the PMAC National board for eight years, including a term as president in 1995-1996 and led important changes in the governance of PMAC. He has also been an active member of his community, coaching kids' sports and fundraising.

"I feel so fortunate to work in supply chain management, which I believe is the most challenging and rewarding profession," said O'Brien. "I'm honoured to receive this award from my peers, since the words that come to mind when I think of previous recipients include professional, integrity and strategic."

The winners will be honoured at the PMAC National Conference on June 11, 2010 in Regina.

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.

For further information: Sharon Ferriss, vice-president of public affairs and communications, PMAC, [phone] or [email protected]