Spotlight on Volunteers
Interview with Alta J. Cardiff, C.P.M., A.P.P.
By Stephen "Skip" Kay, C.P.M., Communications Chair/Board Member

If you have been to a Dinner Meeting within the last 2 1/2 years, you have seen some awesome changes to the general format of this event. NAPM-OC has instituted sound and graphics to the venue by incorporating a Power Point loop for members and guests to view during dinner. There are also table placards for table hosts and new members. And just who is behind all of this cutting edge creativity? It is no other than our own Alta J. Cardiff, C.P.M., A.P.P. With over 14 years of printing background, from pre-press to layout and design, it's no wonder why our Dinner Programs are such a hit!

Alta was one of our NAPM-OC Volunteers who recently went to the NAPM Summer Leadership Training Workshop in Tacoma, WA and co-presented the class titled "Making Your Affiliate Membership Directory a Profitable Venture."

Spotlight: Who is your employer, for how long and in what capacity?
Alta: I've just changed companies and am now working at Accuride International, Inc., manufacturers of drawer slides for a variety of cabinets; ATM machines, copiers, household cabinetry, furniture and desks. I've been with them since the end of July in the position of Buyer.

Spotlight: How long have you been a purchasing professional?
Alta: I've been in purchasing a little over 10 years.

Spotlight: Why did you choose the Purchasing profession?
Alta: I didn't, it chose me. I was in Condo Management buying for associations - everything from decking, asphalt, roofing and other improvements.

Spotlight: What was your most interesting purchasing experience?
Alta: It had to be the $2,500,000 roofing contract that I was responsible for. I enjoyed the entire process from competitive bidding, the negotiation process, the contract and the final completion of the project.

Spotlight: How long have you been volunteering?
Alta: I started volunteering 15 years ago. I volunteered my time to NIS, a neighborhood improvement association in my Long Beach neighborhood. I've been a volunteer with NAPM since I joined in 1996.

Spotlight: What NAPM activities have you been involved in as a volunteer?
Alta: I started with the Membership Committee when first joining the association. Since then, I've worked with all committees, mostly providing graphic arts support.

Spotlight: What was the most meaningful activity as an NAPM volunteer and why?
Alta: It has to be the Power Point presentations we use at dinner meetings because it draws attention to current activities within the organization, the dinner agenda and gives direction to future NAPM activities.

Spotlight: Who is/was your Mentor and how did they help guide you?
Alta: Beatrice Wiest was my first Mentor. She recruited me into Membership when I first joined NAPM. I also have to mention DiAnna Cowles and Judy Smith who have provided me with a broad spectrum of knowledge and support. And finally, Sara, You can't have a Mentor in NAPM without Sara Arhlen playing a major part.

Spotlight: Do you have a favorite web site?
Alta: Cnet.com. It's all about computer news and technology.

Spotlight: Do you have a message for the Membership?
Alta: Join NAPM. Be a Volunteer. The more you put into it, the more you'll get out of it!