Supply chain specialist CHAMPS Group Purchasing (GPO), a subsidiary of The Center for Health Affairs, recently achieved a significant milestone when its portfolio reached 100 contracts for the first time in the organization’s history.

Providing members access to substantial savings in categories like medical-surgical supplies and facility maintenance, CHAMPS has expanded with new contracts in categories such as IT and software services, and maintenance, repair and operations services. As CHAMPS continues to grow both its membership base and its contract portfolio, members often cite CHAMPS’ ability to create custom contracting as a reason for their success.

“We’re crafting contracts in areas that are not classic GPO. I think it’s a credit to the contracting team and the collaborative efforts we’ve undertaken to be responsive and meet the needs of our members,” said CHAMPS Contracting Services Director Jan Elder. “In addition to the custom contracting, we’ve developed new contract categories in response to the pandemic and seen an increase in supplier referrals simply from networking and positive word of mouth.”

“This accomplishment is yet another example of the value we bring to members and our dedication to providing them with the best possible savings,” said CHAMPS Senior Director Maria Summers. “Broadening our base of local and regional contracts and adding new contract categories of interest to all members nationwide were both factors in making the current portfolio the largest that CHAMPS has ever had.”

New in 2022, CHAMPS launched its Contract Calendar, allowing opportunities for all suppliers to reap the benefits of the partnership by providing advanced notice of when specific contract categories will be reviewed. This new tool has already made an impact with the recent signing of multiple agreements as a direct result of a request for proposals.

Strengthened by an uptick in contracted suppliers, CHAMPS’ growth can also be attributed to its strong support of local, diverse and small business enterprises, which have been instrumental in progressing the economy of the communities it serves. The portfolio — which includes a variety of woman-owned, veteran-owned and minority-owned business enterprises — is a demonstration of the organization’s effort to support these businesses and provide the best savings to members.

Currently serving more than 20,000 member locations, membership in CHAMPS Group Purchasing is free and available to organizations in all classes of trade, including healthcare, education, hospitality, and business & industry across commercial sectors. For more information about CHAMPS Group Purchasing and its membership benefits, visit champsgpo.com or contact us.