Company non-local, company non grata

The city of St. Petersburg's purchasing department might need to re-read its own mission statement. And throw in city ordinances, too.

By multiple promotions, the city is inviting only owners of “local companies” interested in doing business with it to attend a free reverse trade show May 7.

Though there is some confusion among city staff about what exactly “local companies” means, Louis Moore, the city's purchasing director says that for the trade show “local” means based in the city.

But the department's mission, as displayed on its Web site, “ ... is to procure supplies and services for our clients at the best value through supplier collaboration and innovative supply chain practices and technology.”

So how does an event clearly targeted to a limited group of firms mesh with providing “the best value” for its clients?

Moore says the city is just trying to encourage more St. Pete businesses to provide products and services to the city. Mayor Bill Foster is quoted in a promotional piece saying, “Cultivating those local relationships and keeping commerce at home is a win-win for everyone.”

Everyone? Coffee Talk doubts most Gulf Coast businesses outside the city would agree with such protectionism. Should Pinellas County give preference to only unincorporated area businesses? Should Clearwater exclude St. Pete firms?

And of course, the win-win concept does not extend to taxpayers when the pool of suppliers is sharply limited. Aren't taxpayers the “clients” here?

And Moore tells Coffee Talk the city does not have a local preference ordinance for city vendors.

Moore says non-local companies won't be turned away if they show up. But a company from Seminole certainly might feel a bit unwelcome. And it's not exactly a textbook way of kicking-off a strong business relationship.

According to the city, representatives from city departments responsible for purchasing materials and services valued at more than $250 million each year will be at the trade show to talk to business owners and help register them as a city vendor.

Coffee Talk suggests the trade show welcome all businesses willing to provide a products to the city. It's the only way for taxpayers to get the “best value.”

For more information on the trade show, call the purchasing and materials management department at (727) 893-7220 or visit www.stpete.org/purchase.