New GRPS Purchasing Policy
Local businesses have the opportunity to invest as little or as much as they would like in the community they reside in. Grand Rapids Public Schools is trying to make the most of their community involvement with the installment of their latest purchasing policy aimed at providing a discount in the purchasing of school equipment and supplies from local businesses.
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School systems have an especially high amount of purchasing power that, when used for the benefit of the community, can have an incredible economic impact. Not only does the community directly benefit from increased sales, but the sustainability factor is heightened as well. Purchasing locally helps decrease the amount of transportation that goods need to get to their end location, which results in lessened dependence on the nation’s transport system.
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John Helmholdt, the Executive Director of Communications and External Affairs, comments below on the reasons behind the installation of the GRPS purchasing policy.
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Why did GRPS pursue this new purchasing policy?
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GRPS is strongly committed to the Grand Rapids community. We exist to serve the children, families, and taxpayers of Grand Rapids. We have a vested interest in the health and well being of our local economy, workforce, and neighborhoods. Our Local First purchasing policy is just one way for us to demonstrate our commitment to the community and leverage the tax dollars entrusted to us for maximum impact.
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What does this new purchasing policy mean for the future of GRPS?
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For one thing, it will help to establish a stronger connection between GRPS and people and businesses in the city. It sends the right message that we are committed to investing in our community. We are a major part of this community and we have a civic obligation to do everything we can to help advance our local economy and local businesses.
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Strong and growing local businesses mean more jobs, better wages, increased property values, and increased tax revenue. Our public schools are supported by the sales tax and property taxes so there is a direct benefit to GRPS when our local businesses are successful.
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How will this ultimately impact the Grand Rapids community?
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GRPS is a quarter billion dollar operation and we are one of the largest employers in the region with nearly 3,000 employees. The GRPS Local First purchasing policy not only ensures that we are investing in locally owned businesses, it also establishes an expectation and culture that we hope translates into how our employees approach the way they buy goods and services.