The Purchasing Management Association (PMAB) yesterday announced the formation of Bermuda's only professional association solely for purchasing management on the Island.

In a Press release issued yesterday PMAB 's stated that its fundamental goal is to be the voice of an "exciting and progressive business profession'', purchasing and supply management.

The purpose of the association is to raise the level of awareness regarding purchasing management and promoting professional development in this area and networking opportunities.

There are only four certified purchasing managers, including one Bermudian and the PMAB would like to see more certified Bermudian purchasing managers working in Bermuda.

As a non-profit organisation, PMAB intends to offer a wide range of services to their members including training, seminars, and accreditation. The association is dedicated to serving the needs of the supply management practitioner as well as the business community by advancing the strategic value of supply mangement.

The PMAB believes Bermuda's needs are specialised and for this reason, the PMAB plans to offer customised training courses for individuals and businesses.

Several of the founding members of the organisation serve on the National Training Board's advisory committee, and as a result have been instrumental in bringing the first course in the area of purchasing and supply management to Bermuda College this semester.

The course, Principles of Buying, is the first in a series of courses and seminars that will lead to an internationally recognized Certificate in Purchasing.

The certificate will form the foundation for further studies towards professional designations offered through the Purchasing Management Association of Canada and the National Association of Purchasing Management in the United States.

With purchasing, logistics and supply management playing an increasingly important role in today's leading edge organisations, the PMAB believes that more and more employers are seeking qualified professionals.

The first meeting is set for Thursday at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club. For information contact 292-2060 ext. 14 or Maureen O' Higgins at 297-7790.