The National Association of Goverment Suppliers was started in 1980 by Ernie Hazel III of the Hazel Company. The Hazel Company wanted a way to organize the companies independent dealers, so they may learn from one another.

The first "gathering" was to setup the structure for the NAGS organization and was lead by Dick McKay of the Thornber Company. The second gathering was the first official meeting of the NAGS members and their spouses, hosted by Dick and Florine McKay. The meeting took place at the Union League Club in Chicago, a not-for-women facility. The ladies of NAGS were the first women to gain access to the club, although some areas where restricted. At the banquet the first president of NAGS was elected, Bill Seay of Mid-West Printing, and the next meeting destination was decided, San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf.

Since then NAGS has been to many beautiful places and has grown in it's number of members and in the diversity of it's members. There is however one thing that has stayed the same...the willing to share ideas and learn from one another.