Clayton Sets Standard for Professional Purchasing in North Carolina
The Town of Clayton has earned the prestigious 2025 Sustained Professional Purchasing Award (SPPA) from the North Carolina Association of Governmental Purchasing (NCAGP). This honor recognizes the Town’s Procurement Division within the Finance Department for consistent excellence in public purchasing and stands out as a significant achievement among local governments across the state.
“This award demonstrates the high standards we set across the Town of Clayton,” said Town Manager Rich Cappola. “It commends the integrity and professionalism of our Procurement Team and the important role they play in supporting the entire organization. Their work strengthens public confidence and helps our community move forward with trust and pride.”
The SPPA is presented each year by the NCAGP to member agencies that have demonstrated superior purchasing standards during the previous calendar year. It showcases public agencies whose procurement teams lead the way in implementing best practices, using innovative tools, and managing public funds responsibly to serve their communities effectively.
“Earning this award reflects the detailed work our team does behind the scenes,” said Procurement, Contracts, and MWBE Manager Shaun Mizell. “Our role is to guide departments through the purchasing process, review contracts carefully, and make sure each purchase follows state law and Town policy. We work closely with staff across the organization, so projects stay on track and public funds are handled responsibly.”
The SPPA criteria reflect a wide range of professional purchasing practices that demonstrate how procurement teams operate with transparency, fairness, and efficiency. They include the use of technology to improve efficiency, having a clear and effective procurement policy and procedures manual, outreach to minority and women-owned businesses, training for staff and internal customers, training for vendors, and the use of recycled products where possible.
“This recognition highlights the strength of our entire Finance Department,” said Finance Director Robert McKie. “Professional purchasing protects public funds, supports every project and service with accountability. When our processes are strong, our community benefits.”
Clayton was one of only 19 member agencies throughout North Carolina to receive the 2025 SPPA, reflecting its leadership procurement and professional purchasing standards among peer organizations. The award was presented during the NCAGP Annual Association Banquet & Award Presentation on March 4, in Wilmington, North Carolina.
