As Mayor, I had the pleasure to attend a special event for one of our Council Members, Gayle S. Blankenship. That event was the Annual Meeting for The Central Ohio Organization of Public Purchasers (Co-OOP) and she was introduced as the new President for Co-OOP. This is a not-for-profit organization comprised of purchasing professionals from public entities such as townships, villages, cities, counties, state, federal, schools and higher education involved in procurement and materials management. That office was the result of a lot of work as Procurement Manager for the State of Ohio, Office of Procurement Services. CO-OPP is a chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, Inc. (NIGP). This professional organization is committed to saving money through cooperative purchasing; fostering interchange of knowledge and experience; and promoting high ethical standards.

Before this honor, she received the Ohio Department of Administrative Services Quality Service Award and Superior Accomplishment Award in recognition of saving money for the state of Ohio.

She has also received the Professional Buyer of the Year Award. An award which recognizes those who have made significant contributions to purchasing, professional development, their entity, their chapter and the Institute. Recipients are nominated by their chapters. Specifically, she received this award based on a number of accomplishments, including her development of a spreadsheet analysis tool currently used as a standard procurement practice for vendors to submit price increases for procurement review and analysis.           

At that time Mrs. Blankenship stated, "Winning this award is such an honor, when I come to places like the Forum and I see the vast pool of knowledge and expertise, it makes me realize what a wonderful and powerful profession that I have. It’s a group of people that love what they do and take pride in it.

She is very involved in the education, vendor registration, finance & budget committees. She was involved with The Midwestern Bio-product Procurement System Task Force Report.

Gayle Blankenship was elected to council in 2001. She serves as the President Pro Tem of council and chairs the Planning & Visioning and Business Development Committees and sits on the Finance and Parks & Recreation Committees.

After marrying and moving to Ashville in 1992, she wanted to learn about the place which made such a big impact on her life.

Gayle’s vision for Ashville is to grow enough to provide the conveniences and necessities for the residents that make life comfortable, while at the same time keeping the heritage, history, and a town atmosphere that the residents cherish. She has her Associates degree and is working towards her Bachelor’s degree in Visual Communications.

"As a mother of a thirteen year old daughter, Gayle hopes to teach her daughter the value of being involved, speaking out, and making the world a better place when you leave it than when you came."

Thanks Gayle, and I hope to use this area to introduce other council members.