From: M Taylor 
Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2003 7:54 PM
To: mlt@mltweb.com
Subject: BuyTrain news; Alternative Disputes Resolution


August 6, 2003

Greetings   Mike Taylor   and fellow purchasing professionals.


Buyers and sellers don't always agree.  It's a fact! We wrangle over the terms of the contract more often than people think. In the vast majority of cases, it is in the best interest of both buyers and sellers to work out an agreement. Fortunately, we usually do so without getting a lawyer involved.  However, for those few high-risk disputes when we have to call in the lawyers, going to court is a lengthy and expensive option.


That's why smart buyers and sellers include contract provisions for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Mediation and Arbitration are two common methods of ADR.  ADR is generally a much quicker and lower cost way of handling disputes than going to court. It's well worth the time and effort to include ADR processes in our contracts, but there are different advantages to each.

Ken Norris, Senior Counsel for Fluor Hanford will help us understand the differences at the Pacific Northwest Purchasing Conference in October 2003. Ken will present his program  Mediation and Arbitration; Cost Effective Contract Remedies.  As a Certified Mediator for the Benton Franklin Dispute Resolution Center and an Arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau; Ken is well qualified on the topic and a great speaker.

Make plans to include ADR in your professional toolbox by participating in the 60th Pacific Northwest Purchasing Conference, October 9-11 at the Red Lion hotel in Kennewick, Washington. 

Read about all the world-class speakers and programs and download a copy of the registration brochure from the conference web site. Join purchasing professionals from 5 western states for this exciting and valuable opportunity.
http://www.napmcb.org/Conference/60thPurConf2003.htm 

Conference registration brochures are in the mail. If you haven't gotten your copy yet, download an electronic copy or contact Windy Fetterly.( )

See you at the conference,
Mike Taylor,
mlt@mltweb.com