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July 15, 2003
GovPro E-Newsletter
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Tuesday, July 15, 2003 Volume 2, Issue 27
Welcome to the GovPro Newsletter brought to you by the Penton Government Media Group. Look forward to news, resources, product and supplier information, and links relating to the government market.
If this message was sent in error or you wish to unsubscribe, see the unsubscribe information below.
Sponsored by Crown Equipment
CONTENTS
P-Cards Program Prevents Problems Self-Supporting Parks a Possibility Wagons Ho! Western Cities Grow Tax Exemptions for State Vehicles Chatter Provides E-Gov Guidance Dollars After Dollars News of the Weird
FEATURES
CITYS P-CARD PROGRAM FIGHTS FRAUD
Over the course of the last decade, credit card use by federal, state, and local government employees has skyrocketed. In 2001 alone, more than 3.1 million charge cards circulated among government agenciesenough to provide three of every four government employees with their own cards. This trend toward government credit card usage, largely fueled by the need to eliminate the paperwork associated with everyday purchases, seemed like a panacea for purchasing and accounting departments charged with tracking their organizations spending needs while streamlining back office operations.
Unfortunately, several news articles about credit card abuse by government employees in recent months have shown that procurement cards are not foolproof. Of particular shock value was the story about a handful of Navy cardholders who used government-issued credit cards to buy jewelry, gamble, and even hire prostitutes. Also alarming was a report that credit cards were being issued to government employees with bad credit histories. To top it off, officials admitted that preventing abuse among the governments enormous pool of credit card users was difficult because fraudulent use could only be tracked long after purchases were made. For full text and graphics visit: http://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/27765/
STATE PARKS--UNTAPPED NATURAL WEALTH by Holly L. Fretwell for Intellectual Ammunition, a publication of The Heartland Institute, Chicago, Illinois
Across the country, state governments drowning in red ink are looking for ways to save money or increase revenues. Fortunately, there is a step they can take that can cut expenses and increase returns--while better serving citizens and improving the natural environment at the same time. The step: making their state parks financially more self-sufficient.
State parks are immensely popular. According to the National Association of State Park Directors, state parks receive more than 766 million visits per year. More people visit state parks than visit national parks, national forests, and other federal lands combined.
Already, state parks generate a higher percentage of their operating funds from park visitors than do national parksan average of 40 percent compared with 11 percent. When other sources of funding, such as private donations and concessions, are included, the figure reaches 48 percent. For full text and graphics visit: ht/tp://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/?/
WESTERN CITIES GROWING FAST
Large suburban cities in the West, led by Gilbert, AZ, dominated the list of America's fastest-growing cities, according to population estimates released by the U. S. Census Bureau. Between April 1, 2000, and July 1, 2002, Gilbert was the fastest-growing of 242 cities with populations of 100,000 or more.
In addition to the estimates for large cities, the Census Bureau also released tabulations--for the first time since Census 2000--for all of America's 19,451 incorporated places, as well as its minor civil divisions. Cities with populations of 10,000 or more were ranked within their states.
Gilbert, south of Phoenix, grew by 23 percent, to a total of 135,005 residents. Rounding out the top five fastest-growing large cities were North Las Vegas (18%) and Henderson (17%) in Nevada, and Chandler (14%) and Peoria (13%) in Arizona.
Gilbert, Chandler and Peoria are in Maricopa County, AZ, and all three cities were among the 10 fastest-growing from 1990 to 2000. North Las Vegas and Henderson are in Clark County, Nev., and also were among the top five fastest-growing places in the 1990s.
While cities in Arizona, Nevada and California dominated the list of fastest-growing places, Joliet, IL, ranked 10th with an 11.4% rate of growth.
The estimates show no change in the rankings of the 10 largest cities since Census 2000. Of the 10 largest cities, Phoenix (3.8%) and San Antonio (3.7%) grew the fastest from 2000 to 2002, followed by San Diego (3%), Houston (2.9%) and Los Angeles (2.8%).
The estimates are based on Census 2000. They were updated using administrative records. Incorporated places include cities, towns, villages and boroughs in most states. Most minor civil divisions for which the Census Bureau produces population estimates are towns and townships in the Northeastern and some Midwestern states. For more information about geographic areas for which the Census Bureau produces population estimates, see http://eire.census.gov/popest/geographic/estimatesgeography.php
CROWN EQUIPMENT
Crown Equipment designs, manufactures, distributes, services, and supports material handling products that provide customers with superior value. Electric lift trucks range from hand pallet trucks to very narrow-aisle (VNA) turret trucks. http://www.crown.com/gsa1
NEWS
GOVERNMENT VEHICLES TAX EXEMPT IN NEVADA
Effective July 1, 2003, the sale or lease of a motor vehicle to a governmental entity is exempt from sales and use tax. Governmental entities include any state agency, a county, city, district or any local government entity.
This exemption is valid regardless of whether the title passes to the governmental entity during the use of the vehicle.
UTAH LAUNCHES 24/7 E-GOV CHAT SERVICES
Utah residents trying to renew their car registration online or navigate the 109 other applications available on the states Web site can now get help round the clock from the sites new live chat service.
Starting this month, anyone visiting http://www.utah.gov can chat with a state customer service representative in real-time on their computer 24-hours a day, seven days a week, in a first of its kind service in the nation, state Chief Information Officer Val Oveson said.
Theres really no restrictions on the uses of it, anyone whos interested in whats going on in state government or anyone who has a problem or concern with the Web site or with the government can initiate a chat, Oveson said.
Such real-time service has been available on the Internet for several years, but only five states have recently added live help functions to their Web sites, said Amy Sawyer, general manager of Utah Interactive, the company that manages Utahs portal. Virginia was the first to do so last year, followed by Arkansas, Maine and Ohio, but their services are available only during regular business hours.
Utah officials decided to provide 24/7 customer service about a year ago when Utah Interactive began developing the chat service as part of an overhaul of the state Web site.
COST-BENEFIT RATIO
Was $117 million spent last year by federal government to maintain Medicare/Medicaid fraud combat programs in 49 states and D.C. worth the cost? A report by HHS Inspector General shows the program recovered over $288 million.
NEWS OF THE WEIRD: Bizarre but true stories about real people. http://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/28321/
LINKS
It's Fast! It's Fun! It's new Technology! A new way to obtain information on the latest safety products. To view Safety E-Deck from Occupational Hazards magazine. CLICK HERE! http://demg.penton.com/turnstyle.php?ID=9072
ORIX Public Finance, a leading provider of innovative financing for state and local municipalities, offers flexible terms, expedient processing and time-tested expertise. Let an ORIX professional help you today. http://www.orixfin.com
Federal Signal will accelerate your response time with electronic and mechanical outdoor warning sirens, software, and the Informer tone-alert radio. http://www.federalwarningsystems.com
PPI Modular Structures Inc. is a construction company that provides modular and pre-manufactured buildings. Custom applications are our specialty! http://www.ppimod.com
OLYMPIA! The only name you need to know for your office machine requirements! Paper Shredders, Typewriters, Calculators, Paper Handling Equipment. http://www.olympia.to
As a global leader in office furniture, Haworth offers a comprehensive line of furniture and service solutions for any office. http://www.haworth.com
Dawn Enterprises, a long time GSA choice for ultra-secure trashcans, planters, benches and bollards manufactured in either concrete or stone, in the colors of your choice. http://www.trashcans.com
GEM is the zero-emission transportation solution for your fleet needs. This Low Speed Vehicle is ideal for those everyday short distance trips. http://www.gemcar.com/gsa
John Deere. Better macines, greater choices. Lower prices, fewer hassles. Our complete online catalog brings the John Deere showroom right to you. http://www.JohnDeere.com/GovSales
Newark InOne is the only electronics distributor to have a catalog-wide GSA Schedule (GS-06F-0044M) exclusively for the supply of over 150,000 electronic components and supplies. Visit http://www.teamgov.com or contact 1.800.TEAM.GOV (832.6468) for a FREE catalog or to place your next order.
SimplexGrinnell: Your OneStop* provider for integrated fire, security and communications. Serving you via the GSA Schedule. To learn more, visit: http://www.simplexgrinnell.com/gsa
Custom-designed Meyer snow plows fit exact vehicle frame and weight specifications for exceptional performance in all applications. Visit: http://www.meyerproducts.com
Safety Storage, the first choice for custom and pre-fabricated hazardous storage buildings. http://www.safetystorage.com
C & H Distributors provide a fast, efficient way to purchase shelving, cabinets, packaging and shipping products, or office furniture. Visit: http://www.chdist.com
You may qualify for a FREE Magazine Subscription
Complimentary subscriptions to Government Product News, a product-driven resource, and Government PROcurement, editorial targeting the public sector purchasing professional are available to those who qualify. To subscribe to Government Product News visit: http://www.submag.com/sub/gn To subscribe to Government Procurement visit: http://www.submag.com/sub/gp
Copyright 2003 Penton Media, Inc.
Welcome to the GovPro Newsletter brought to you by the Penton Government Media Group. Look forward to news, resources, product and supplier information, and links relating to the government market.
If this message was sent in error or you wish to unsubscribe, see the unsubscribe information below.
Sponsored by Crown Equipment
CONTENTS
P-Cards Program Prevents Problems Self-Supporting Parks a Possibility Wagons Ho! Western Cities Grow Tax Exemptions for State Vehicles Chatter Provides E-Gov Guidance Dollars After Dollars News of the Weird
FEATURES
CITYS P-CARD PROGRAM FIGHTS FRAUD
Over the course of the last decade, credit card use by federal, state, and local government employees has skyrocketed. In 2001 alone, more than 3.1 million charge cards circulated among government agenciesenough to provide three of every four government employees with their own cards. This trend toward government credit card usage, largely fueled by the need to eliminate the paperwork associated with everyday purchases, seemed like a panacea for purchasing and accounting departments charged with tracking their organizations spending needs while streamlining back office operations.
Unfortunately, several news articles about credit card abuse by government employees in recent months have shown that procurement cards are not foolproof. Of particular shock value was the story about a handful of Navy cardholders who used government-issued credit cards to buy jewelry, gamble, and even hire prostitutes. Also alarming was a report that credit cards were being issued to government employees with bad credit histories. To top it off, officials admitted that preventing abuse among the governments enormous pool of credit card users was difficult because fraudulent use could only be tracked long after purchases were made. For full text and graphics visit: http://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/27765/
STATE PARKS--UNTAPPED NATURAL WEALTH by Holly L. Fretwell for Intellectual Ammunition, a publication of The Heartland Institute, Chicago, Illinois
Across the country, state governments drowning in red ink are looking for ways to save money or increase revenues. Fortunately, there is a step they can take that can cut expenses and increase returns--while better serving citizens and improving the natural environment at the same time. The step: making their state parks financially more self-sufficient.
State parks are immensely popular. According to the National Association of State Park Directors, state parks receive more than 766 million visits per year. More people visit state parks than visit national parks, national forests, and other federal lands combined.
Already, state parks generate a higher percentage of their operating funds from park visitors than do national parksan average of 40 percent compared with 11 percent. When other sources of funding, such as private donations and concessions, are included, the figure reaches 48 percent. For full text and graphics visit: ht/tp://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/?/
WESTERN CITIES GROWING FAST
Large suburban cities in the West, led by Gilbert, AZ, dominated the list of America's fastest-growing cities, according to population estimates released by the U. S. Census Bureau. Between April 1, 2000, and July 1, 2002, Gilbert was the fastest-growing of 242 cities with populations of 100,000 or more.
In addition to the estimates for large cities, the Census Bureau also released tabulations--for the first time since Census 2000--for all of America's 19,451 incorporated places, as well as its minor civil divisions. Cities with populations of 10,000 or more were ranked within their states.
Gilbert, south of Phoenix, grew by 23 percent, to a total of 135,005 residents. Rounding out the top five fastest-growing large cities were North Las Vegas (18%) and Henderson (17%) in Nevada, and Chandler (14%) and Peoria (13%) in Arizona.
Gilbert, Chandler and Peoria are in Maricopa County, AZ, and all three cities were among the 10 fastest-growing from 1990 to 2000. North Las Vegas and Henderson are in Clark County, Nev., and also were among the top five fastest-growing places in the 1990s.
While cities in Arizona, Nevada and California dominated the list of fastest-growing places, Joliet, IL, ranked 10th with an 11.4% rate of growth.
The estimates show no change in the rankings of the 10 largest cities since Census 2000. Of the 10 largest cities, Phoenix (3.8%) and San Antonio (3.7%) grew the fastest from 2000 to 2002, followed by San Diego (3%), Houston (2.9%) and Los Angeles (2.8%).
The estimates are based on Census 2000. They were updated using administrative records. Incorporated places include cities, towns, villages and boroughs in most states. Most minor civil divisions for which the Census Bureau produces population estimates are towns and townships in the Northeastern and some Midwestern states. For more information about geographic areas for which the Census Bureau produces population estimates, see http://eire.census.gov/popest/geographic/estimatesgeography.php
CROWN EQUIPMENT
Crown Equipment designs, manufactures, distributes, services, and supports material handling products that provide customers with superior value. Electric lift trucks range from hand pallet trucks to very narrow-aisle (VNA) turret trucks. http://www.crown.com/gsa1
NEWS
GOVERNMENT VEHICLES TAX EXEMPT IN NEVADA
Effective July 1, 2003, the sale or lease of a motor vehicle to a governmental entity is exempt from sales and use tax. Governmental entities include any state agency, a county, city, district or any local government entity.
This exemption is valid regardless of whether the title passes to the governmental entity during the use of the vehicle.
UTAH LAUNCHES 24/7 E-GOV CHAT SERVICES
Utah residents trying to renew their car registration online or navigate the 109 other applications available on the states Web site can now get help round the clock from the sites new live chat service.
Starting this month, anyone visiting http://www.utah.gov can chat with a state customer service representative in real-time on their computer 24-hours a day, seven days a week, in a first of its kind service in the nation, state Chief Information Officer Val Oveson said.
Theres really no restrictions on the uses of it, anyone whos interested in whats going on in state government or anyone who has a problem or concern with the Web site or with the government can initiate a chat, Oveson said.
Such real-time service has been available on the Internet for several years, but only five states have recently added live help functions to their Web sites, said Amy Sawyer, general manager of Utah Interactive, the company that manages Utahs portal. Virginia was the first to do so last year, followed by Arkansas, Maine and Ohio, but their services are available only during regular business hours.
Utah officials decided to provide 24/7 customer service about a year ago when Utah Interactive began developing the chat service as part of an overhaul of the state Web site.
COST-BENEFIT RATIO
Was $117 million spent last year by federal government to maintain Medicare/Medicaid fraud combat programs in 49 states and D.C. worth the cost? A report by HHS Inspector General shows the program recovered over $288 million.
NEWS OF THE WEIRD: Bizarre but true stories about real people. http://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/28321/
LINKS
It's Fast! It's Fun! It's new Technology! A new way to obtain information on the latest safety products. To view Safety E-Deck from Occupational Hazards magazine. CLICK HERE! http://demg.penton.com/turnstyle.php?ID=9072
ORIX Public Finance, a leading provider of innovative financing for state and local municipalities, offers flexible terms, expedient processing and time-tested expertise. Let an ORIX professional help you today. http://www.orixfin.com
Federal Signal will accelerate your response time with electronic and mechanical outdoor warning sirens, software, and the Informer tone-alert radio. http://www.federalwarningsystems.com
PPI Modular Structures Inc. is a construction company that provides modular and pre-manufactured buildings. Custom applications are our specialty! http://www.ppimod.com
OLYMPIA! The only name you need to know for your office machine requirements! Paper Shredders, Typewriters, Calculators, Paper Handling Equipment. http://www.olympia.to
As a global leader in office furniture, Haworth offers a comprehensive line of furniture and service solutions for any office. http://www.haworth.com
Dawn Enterprises, a long time GSA choice for ultra-secure trashcans, planters, benches and bollards manufactured in either concrete or stone, in the colors of your choice. http://www.trashcans.com
GEM is the zero-emission transportation solution for your fleet needs. This Low Speed Vehicle is ideal for those everyday short distance trips. http://www.gemcar.com/gsa
John Deere. Better macines, greater choices. Lower prices, fewer hassles. Our complete online catalog brings the John Deere showroom right to you. http://www.JohnDeere.com/GovSales
Newark InOne is the only electronics distributor to have a catalog-wide GSA Schedule (GS-06F-0044M) exclusively for the supply of over 150,000 electronic components and supplies. Visit http://www.teamgov.com or contact 1.800.TEAM.GOV (832.6468) for a FREE catalog or to place your next order.
SimplexGrinnell: Your OneStop* provider for integrated fire, security and communications. Serving you via the GSA Schedule. To learn more, visit: http://www.simplexgrinnell.com/gsa
Custom-designed Meyer snow plows fit exact vehicle frame and weight specifications for exceptional performance in all applications. Visit: http://www.meyerproducts.com
Safety Storage, the first choice for custom and pre-fabricated hazardous storage buildings. http://www.safetystorage.com
C & H Distributors provide a fast, efficient way to purchase shelving, cabinets, packaging and shipping products, or office furniture. Visit: http://www.chdist.com
You may qualify for a FREE Magazine Subscription
Complimentary subscriptions to Government Product News, a product-driven resource, and Government PROcurement, editorial targeting the public sector purchasing professional are available to those who qualify. To subscribe to Government Product News visit: http://www.submag.com/sub/gn To subscribe to Government Procurement visit: http://www.submag.com/sub/gp
Copyright 2003 Penton Media, Inc.
