The inception of the association originated in the mind of Mr. L. V. Guild, the Purchasing Agent for the Union Pacific Railroad Company at Salt Lake City. Mr. Guild and twelve other purchasing agents met informally on July 15, 1921, to discuss the advisability of organizing a purchasing agents association. Several subsequent meetings were held and on December 16, 1921, the Social organization was effected with a Constitution and By-Laws being adopted.

The original organization was comprised of the following thirteen charter members:

Mr. A. K. Bell
Mr. E. M. Brown
Mr. L. V. Guild
Mr. John Horlick
Mr. C. E. Jennings
Mr. George King
Mr. W. H. Lovesy
Mr. A. J. Lowe
Mr. H. I. Price
Mr. A. D. Smith
Mr. R. D. Toner
Mr. George Wilson
Mr. T. George Wood

The Utah association became affiliated with the National Association of Purchasing Agents on November 7, 1924, the 47th organization to join the National. Since that time the local association has been actively participating in the functions and programs of N.A.P.M. and has enjoyed a national reputation as to their activities, high standards of ethics and general knowledge of purchasing problems.

In 1990 the name of the association was changed from the Purchasing Management Association of Utah to NAPM-UTAH, Inc. The association has grown to over 400 purchasing professionals.

Past Presidents of the Association: