The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The Western Area Purchasing Coop was created in the mid "90s for the purpose of saving Western Illinois schools' state funds.
Hancock and McDonough County schools are the board members that control the functions of the Coop with the warehouse located in La Harpe in the old Jack & Jill building.
John Meixner Regional Superintendent, heads up the Regional Office of Education in Macomb and is the fiscal agent for the Coop.
Gary Eddington Assistant Superintendent, has controlled the warehouse addition project which is now in progress.
By bidding and purchasing in bulk, schools can save up to and beyond 20%. So the savings are very significant for all schools that participate.
Presently, there are 60 school accounts plus churches and other organizations that participate in the Coop. They purchase in six categories: copy paper, paper specialty (all paper goods) maintenance, athletic, office supplies and food.
School locations go from Aledo in the North, to Pleasant Hill in the South, Maito to the East, and Hamilton to the West.
This takes in a very large area and all school supplies are delivered to the 60 locations from June to August by Terry Ferguson Trucking.
A new addition has been in the works for four years, but after a state grant for $25,000 was secured the first of 2014, it is becoming a reality.
State Rep. Norine Hammond was instrumental in securing the funds.
"The extra space in the warehouse has been needed for many years," said Ted Sharpe-Director. "It will let us stage and sort supplies faster and more accurately plus we will now have room for additional schools to join the Coop and save tax dollars."
Presently Ted Sharpe is Director, Molly Porter- Bookkeeper, Terri Sharpe retired after seven years of excellent service.
Larry Cortelyou was instrumental in the initial formation of the Coop and directing it for 16 years .