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CORVALLIS - Oregon State University purchasing supervisor Aaron Howell has earned the 1998 State of Oregon Purchasing Hero Award.

Howell, a resident of Jefferson, was recognized for his initiative and cost savings efforts by a committee of state and local government evaluators, said Cam Birnie, of the state Department of Administrative Services.

The committee evaluated 18 nominees for the award, Birnie said.

"Aaron has been instrumental in setting new directions for the Purchasing Department at OSU," said Brian Thorsness, manager in OSU Property Management. "Aaron truly embodies our mission statement, 'Purchasing, the people who save you money,'" Thorsness said.

In nominating Howell, Thorsness said Howell's interpersonal and training skills are among his greatest assets. Howell has spent countless hours in training OSU staff in purchasing and contracting rules and procedures.

Howell has also written new administrative rules to streamline purchasing at the university and was instrumental in enhancement of OSU's purchasing web site, which spurred better communication on campus and with vendors, Thorsness said.