Cooperative Purchasing Program Explained

Mark Painter

Blogger's Note: This from the office of state Rep. Mark Painter, D-146th Dist.

State Rep. Mark Painter will host a seminar for local businesses, governments, public authorities and nonprofit organizations to learn about COSTARS, the state cooperative purchasing program.

The event for potential purchasers and suppliers is slated for 1 p.m. July 15 in Painter's office at 600 Heritage Drive, Sanatoga. 

Those interested in attending the seminar may contact Painter's office at 610-326-9563.

"This innovative program helps small businesses learn about new sales opportunities and strengthens our local economy," Painter said. 

"For small governments and nonprofits, COSTARS is a great tool for stretching more value from every dollar by leveraging the purchasing power and discounts of the state."

During the seminar, officials in the Pennsylvania Department of General Services COSTARS office will explain the program and provide details on how to become part of it.

The COSTARS approach to cooperative purchasing uses the buying power of local entities to obtain more competitive pricing and choice than individual purchasers might be able to obtain on their own.

DGS estimates that more than 10,000 entities within Pennsylvania are eligible to become COSTARS members.