Texas County Purchasing Listserve

What is it? A listserve is an e-mail tool that allows listserve members to seek information from others by sending a single message that goes to the entire group. Anyone who wishes to respond merely "replies" and the email circuits back to the entire group simultaneously. Membership is free and members will be able to discriminate between listserve e-mails and others because "TAC-PUR" will appear as a tag on each message these e-mails can be read at the most convenient opportunity.

Advantages? Comparing notes with others who hold the same job and responsibilities is often the best way to short-circuit the time/trouble of dealing with new problems. Members report that this is used in circumstances where an official is trying to take on a problem or issue that they have not tackled before and want to know how other counties deal with the same problem. Instead of getting on the phone to call around, they can e-mail the listserve and others who perform purchasing for their county immediately receive the message and may respond.

How do I join? Anyone employed with the county and who is a current member of the Texas County Purchasing Association may join the listserve. Go to the TCPA website to get membership information. If you are interested in joining the listserve, contact Candy Graves at candyg@county.org.