FOR RELEASE: May 1, 2000

(New Orleans, Louisiana) — This year marks the dawn of the new millennium and the inaugural year for the National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM) "Person of the Year" awards.

This prestigious award program recognizes outstanding achievement, beyond the regular scope of work, by its purchasing and supply professional members in five categories: Education/Learning, Leadership, Innovation/Creativity, Marketing/Communicating, and Volunteer.

Honorees:

• Education/Learning
  Robi Bendorf of Bendorf & Associates. Resides in Monroeville, PA.
• Leadership
  Mark A. Smith of Hallmark Cards. Resides in Kansas City, MO.
• Innovation/Creativity
  Matt Woolley of Samsung Austin Semiconductor. Resides in Austin, TX.
• Marketing/Communicating
  Gioi Miller of Johnson County in Kansas. Resides in Olathe, KS.
• Volunteer
  MarySue Eisenhardt of Fisher-Rosemount Systems. Resides in Austin, TX.

NAPM's newly created "Person of the Year" award is a program designed to formally recognize members who have made significant contributions in advancing education and training. Furthermore, we look toward members who show a superior ability and willingness to work positively and effectively among his or her colleagues.

These esteemed honors were presented at the NAPM 85th Annual International Purchasing Conference on May 1, 2000 in New Orleans, LA.

The National Association of Purchasing Management is a not-for-profit association providing national and international leadership in purchasing and supply management research and education. NAPM's mission is to educate, develop and advance the knowledge and skills of purchasing and supply management professionals nationwide. With 182 affiliates and 45,000 members throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, NAPM is the largest purchasing and supply professional association in the world.