SYNERGY kicked off with the State of the GPO address to bring members up-to-date on Corporate United’s status and initiatives. Since last year’s SYNERGY conference, Corporate United has added more than 20 new member companies. In addition to new members, Corporate United also announced agreements that are new to the portfolio or are in the final stages of completion – background checks and drug screening (Acxiom Information Security Services, Inc.) and pharmacy benefits management as well as several renegotiated agreements and expanded category offerings.

Day one of SYNERGY also included a Corporate United Member Advisory Board update, which was presented by Robert Lazenby of BAE Systems, Inc., and a speed networking session. A new addition to SYNERGY was the implementation and compliance workshop, which included Scott Bartel of PolyOne and Daniel Schultz of Valspar.

The second day of the conference began with breakout sessions, giving attendees the opportunity to learn about timely and relevant procurement topics, including: developing category management results, procurement thriving in the new normal and many others. The day came to a close for attendees, speakers and the Corporate United staff at Hotel Sax’s 10 Pin, which included an informal dinner, bowling and prizes.

The third and final day of the conference featured a keynote address by Dr. Marci Rossell, former chief economist and co-host for CNBC’s Squawk Box, a CPO Q&A Panel discussion, featuring: Michael Bavaro, vice president of purchasing for Henkel of America, Inc., Reuben Slone, executive vice president of supply chain for OfficeMax and Sharon Spina, head of procurement for Munich Reinsurance America, Inc., as well as a media presentation by Andrew Reese, editor of Supply & Demand Chain Executive.

Corporate United would like to thank everyone who attended SYNERGY 2010. If you were not able to attend the conference this year, we hope to see you next year. Additionally, Corporate United members can view all the event’s presentations and audio recordings of the keynote, CPO Panel and media presentations at www.corporateunited.com by going to the Document Archive within the Member Resources section (you must be logged in to view the presentations).

To read comments on the event’s presentations from fellow Corporate United members, see the member feedback section.

Click here to view pictures from the event.