Bridging the gap between corporate meeting professionals and procurement executives, the Association of Corporate Travel Executives, Alexandria, Va., and the American Purchasing Society, Aurora, Ill., have formed a strategic partnership providing both organizations' members with educational services in purchasing and corporate travel management.

Under the agreement, ACTE members will have access to the society's online seminars, such as Business Ethics for Buyers and Sellers, Essential Law for Buyers and Sellers, Math for Purchasing and Business, and Use of Terms and Conditions. In turn, the American Purchasing Society's members will have access to ACTE's educational sessions and events on travel management and indirect costs.

According to Richard Hough, CPP, executive vice president of the American Purchasing Society, the organization was the first to establish a national purchasing certification — the certified purchasing professional — and plans to develop a similar designation for ACTE members. The certification program “will be available by the first of the year, if not sooner,” says Hough.

Other plans for the two organizations are still under discussion, but may include an ACTE-produced trade show for members of the American Purchasing Society as well as additional member meetings and conventions.

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