Schaumberg, Ill.-based Network Services Company has been honored with a Legacy Award by Premier healthcare alliance, a company release has announced.

Premier, a provider-owned performance improvement alliance of 2,800 hospitals and nearly 100,000 other care sites, contracts with more than 1,000 suppliers. Network is one of 18 suppliers to receive the Legacy Award this year.

Winners are recognized for their outstanding support for alliance members through their Premier partnership, local customer service and engagement, value creation through clinical excellence, and commitment to lower costs.

"Our relationship with Premier allows Network the opportunity to showcase our healthcare expertise which reaches beyond product," says Natalie DePace, vice president of business development. "Our healthcare specialists have specific knowledge to support hospitals and long term care facilities in their goal to reduce infections through improved surface disinfection and hand hygiene, safeguard patients, and improve overall satisfaction."

 DePace accepted the award at Premier's 2013 annual Breakthroughs Conference and Exhibition in San Antonio, Texas. The award ceremony was held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center on Wednesday, June 12.

"Network has been supporting Premier alliance members for years offering valuable products and services that help to lower supply chain costs and improve operating efficiencies," says Durral Gilbert, president of supply chain services, Premier. "They've also supported alliance members during periods of increased need at a local level. We're honored to recognize them as one of the first Legacy Award recipients."