Hello Chapter Members!
As Independence Day approaches, our procurement teams continue driving essential work forward and ensuring critical goods and services are in place to support our communities. This holiday also reminds us of the strength of our country and the opportunities it provides to serve, contribute, and make a meaningful impact through public work. The CFC‑NIGP Board is grateful for your dedication during this busy season. Wishing you all a Happy Independence Day that gives you a chance to relax, celebrate, and enjoy time with those who matter most!
July Membership Meeting. Please join us on Friday, July 17, 2026, for our VIRTUAL Chapter Membership Meeting. That’s right, you read right, this meeting will be completely virtual! Our guest speaker is Darin Matthews, FNIGP, CPPO, CPSM, NIGP-CPP, Chief Procurement Officer for Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo, CA, who will be presenting on “Procurement Fraud” (1 contact hour). As always, our virtual sessions are free to the membership. The Chapter Membership Meeting and presentation begins at 12:30 PM meeting, and presentation at 1PM. If you have not done so please register at July 17, 2026 VIRTUAL ONLY Membership Meeting and Presentation - Events - Central Florida Chapter of NIGP
NIGP FORUM August 23 - 26, 2026 in Columbus, OH (In-Person). Are you going to FORUM? Let me know, president@cfcnigp.org. We’ve reserved space at the Flatiron Tavern on August 25th at 6:00 PM for a relaxed evening of good company and great food. We hope you’ll join us to unwind, connect, and enjoy their fantastic menu offerings!
CFC NIGP Fall 2026 Social Event at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. Join us for our 2026 Social Event at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in Kissimmee! Don’t forget the Chapter is subsidizing a portion of the dinner adventure for our members and their first guest to make this opportunity more affordable for our members. Additional guests attend a the regular rate. Deadline to register is September 4, 2026. Additional details are on the CFC NIGP website.
Reverse Trade Show. Don’t forget! Join us on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Orlando Theme Park Resort!!!
- Event Registration: Registrations for vendors, agencies, and the room raffle survey are located at Home - Central Florida Chapter of NIGP on the home page.
- Rooms: Scholarship points can be used for hotel rooms the day before and night of the event! A room raffle is on our website for Chapter Full Members that are registered for RTS full day and live 25 miles from the hotel location. The survey closes on August 31, 2026.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Contact Damaris Nazario at fundraising@cfcnigp.org if you would like to volunteer for RTS!There are virtual opportunities before the event and in-person opportunities on the day of the event.
2026 RTS Hotel Room Raffle Survey. Reverse Trade Show Hotel Room for the night before the event (approx. $200 value)
Scholarship includes a hotel room for 1 night. Other expenses are the responsibility of the chapter member.
NOTE: This raffle is not related to the Chapter's Pro-D Opportunity Awards Scholarship.
THIS SURVEY is your only opportunity to enter this raffle and CLOSES ON August 31, 2026. Up to ten (10) members may be selected for this opportunity.
Additional details are available on the CFCNIGP website.
Internship/Externship. Committee activities, this time of year is best described as the “Lull before the storm!” For the committee’s activities that include outreach efforts at colleges and universities we are awaiting news for the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 registrations. In the next year, the Committee intends to have active representation at the UCF, Stetson, and Bethune-Cookman career fairs where our messaging includes familiarizing college students with of the overall mission of our NIGP Chapter, an awareness of the public sector market as potential career paths, and to promote and advertise any internships and/or job openings currently posted and available if students are interested and qualify. A key focus of this committee is to increase the chances for college graduates to consider the purchasing and contracting field as possible career growth areas as they prepare to enter the workforce. “Think Public Sector!” Stay tuned, more details are coming soon!!
Engagement. As we head into the second half of the year, consider this your gentle nudge to bring your talents into the spotlight. We’ve got open roles; Committee Chairs, Committee Members, RTS,and one of them might be your perfect fit! We’ve got important work rolling, and a few extra brilliant volunteers will help us finish strong. If you’re interested or just curious, reach out to me or any board member. No surprise clipboards, promise.
Thank you!
Luis A Aviles, CPPO, CPPB, FCCM
2026-2028 President
president@cfcnigp.org