About VAGP: History

The Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing (VAGP) has a long and varied history. The first organizational meeting was held at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond in 1957. The next year (1958), the organization became a chapter of NIGP—The Virginia Chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing—this is the year we mark our beginnings. The following year, however, NIGP eliminated all chapters. In October 1978, VAGP again joined NIGP as a chapter. The two have enjoyed a productive partnership since that time. As NIGP's largest chapter, VAGP pioneered the practice of obtaining college credits for NIGP courses. VAGP established a relationship with John Tyler Community College in 1985 to give continuing education credits to NIGP seminar participants.

VAGP has also provided NIGP with five of its presidents. They are: J. W. Huffman, G. Lloyd Nunnally, T. Gordon Sandridge, Curtis L. Walsh and Larry N. Wellman.

This history of VAGP was written to celebrate our organization's 40th year of existence and our 20th year as a chapter of NIGP. It was the brainchild of VAGP Past President John Grook. We would like to dedicate this history to the entire membership of VAGP—its past, present and future members—for they are the ones who have made this organization what it is, and they are the ones who will make it what it will be. Special gratitude is given to the past presidents, Boards of Directors, and, of course, the founders of this group of purchasing professionals.

Download the History of VAGP (1958-1998)