E&I Host:
Matt Levine, E&I Category Marketing Manager

Guests:
Raina Saxena, Sr Director of Consulting Services, GEP
Pranav Padgaonkar, Vice President of Consulting, GEP
Andrew Brennan, Vice President of Sourcing, E&I
Jill Schunk, Vice President of Strategic Alliances, E&I

Join Matt Levine as he dives into the dynamic partnership between E&I and GEP that earned recognition from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS). In this episode, you’ll hear from key players at E&I and GEP as they share how their collaborative efforts brought groundbreaking efficiency and agility to E&I’s sourcing and solicitation processes. Discover the innovative strategies that led to this prestigious award and learn how E&I and GEP’s teamwork continues to drive impactful solutions in procurement.

Relevant Links:
Read the Press Release
CIPS Award
GEP Website

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at podcast@eandi.org.

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.

E&I Host:
Matt Levine, Category Marketing Manager, E&I
Eric Frank, CEO, E&I

Guest:
Tammy Rimes, Executive Director, NCPP

In this first episode of Cooperatively Speaking’s “Frankly Speaking” series, Matt Levine and Eric Frank welcome Tammy Rimes, Executive Director for the National Cooperative Procurement Partners to discuss their recent report about the true costs of RFPs. The quick summary – RFPs can often cost more than they are worth. During the interview, Tammy talks about the report, the data, and the findings while Eric provides insights into what this means for E&I members.

Relevant Links:
The True Costs of RFPs- A Summary
RFP Tracking Report - NCPP

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at podcast@eandi.org.

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.

E&I Host:
Allison Lambert, E&I Category Marketing Manager

Guest:
David Wheeler, Senior Director of Procurement, Orange County Public Schools

In this episode of Cooperatively Speaking, David Wheeler, Senior Director of Procurement at Orange County Public Schools, joins E&I host Allison Lambert to discuss his team's experiences with cooperative contracts and the lessons learned along the way. David highlights how leveraging cooperatives, particularly for fleet maintenance and IT services, has helped streamline processes and overcome challenges. He also shares his insights on emerging trends like AI in procurement and the evolution of eProcurement platforms. David emphasizes the importance of continuous professional development for procurement professionals and encourages the continued growth of the field to keep pace with industry changes.

Relevant Links:
Orange County Public Schools Website
E&I's K-12 Commitment
E&I Website

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at podcast@eandi.org.

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.

E&I Host:
Dennis Hyde, E&I Category Marketing Manager

Guests:
Lee Beekman, Manager of Sales and Marketing, Oak Hall Cam & Gown
Paul Roche, Director of Sales, Oak Hall Gap & Gown

In this episode of Cooperatively Speaking, Dennis talks with Lee Beekman and Paul Roche from Oak Hall, a company specializing in high-quality graduation caps, gowns, and regalia. With a rich history of 135 years, Oak Hall emphasizes the importance of providing exceptional service alongside their products, ensuring that each commencement ceremony is a memorable capstone event for students and their families.

Lee and Paul discuss how they tailor their offerings to meet the unique needs of each institution, innovating with sustainable materials and custom designs to enhance school spirit. They also share insights into industry trends, highlighting a significant shift toward brand identity in regalia. Oak Hall remains committed to offering not just products, but also guidance and support to ensure successful commencement ceremonies that leave a lasting impression on graduates and their families.

Relevant Links:
E&I's Oak Hall Contract
Oak Hall Website

4o mini

Relevant Links:

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at podcast@eandi.org.

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.

E&I Host:
David Manz, Business Partnerships Manager, Facilities & Interiors

Guest:
Frank Meek, Manager, Rollins Entomology Department, Rollins, Inc.

In this spooky podcast, David welcomes Frank Meek from Rollins-Orkin, to discuss common misconceptions and provide the facts about some creepy, crawly insects: bed bugs, cockroaches, and kissing bugs. An entomologist, Frank teaches us all about bed bugs, how they multiply and spread, and where they like to hide inside facilities. He offers advice to help educational institutions find and eliminate populations that may reside in schools, on campuses, and in student residences. You’ll discover ways to protect mattresses, foundations, and box springs from these pesky pests. Frank also provides essential facts about cockroaches and kissing bugs. The discussion concludes with pest control statistics in schools and other industries, and additional advice for listeners on how to properly remove these pests from your facilities.

Relevant Links:
E&I Orkin Contract
Orkin Website
Bed Bugs
Kissing Bugs
Cockroaches
German Cockroaches
National Pest Management Association
Facts and Statistics from the NPMA Survey
Certified Bed Bug Encasements

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at podcast@eandi.org.

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.

E&I Host:
David Manz, Business Partnerships Manager, Facilities & Interiors

Guest:
Max Henderson, Assistant Vice President of Digital Forensics and Incident Response, Pondurance

Max Henderson, Assistant VP of Digital Forensics and Incident Response at Pondurance, pulls back the curtain on the escalating threats of ransomware and cyber extortion. With criminal enterprises becoming more organized and aggressive, Max emphasizes the critical need for proactive cybersecurity measures and comprehensive response plans. He reveals the alarming truth that even after ransoms are paid, stolen data often remains exposed. Discover essential advice on cyber insurance, real-time threat monitoring, and how to safeguard your institution from becoming the next target.

Relevant Links:
E&I's Pondurance Contract
Pondurance Website

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at podcast@eandi.org.

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.

E&I Host:
Allison Lambert, E&I Category Marketing Manager

Guest:
Sue Peters, E&I Vice President, K-12 Engagement

K-12 procurement is more complex than ever, with challenges like staffing shortages, cybersecurity, and budget constraints. In this Cooperatively Speaking episode, Allison Lambert and Sue Peters, E&I's Vice President of K-12 Engagement, discuss strategies to overcome these hurdles. Learn how early procurement involvement, cooperative contracts, and cross-departmental collaboration can align purchasing with educational goals, plus hear real-world success stories in managing supply chain disruptions and building supplier diversity programs.

Relevant Links:
E&I's K-12 Commitment
E&I Website

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at podcast@eandi.org.

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.

E&I Host:
Dennis Hyde, E&I Category Marketing Manager

Guest:
Nicholas Russo, B&H, Business Development and Account Manager-Apple Sales

Join us as E&I’s Dennis Hyde speaks with Nicholas Russo, Business Development Lead at B&H, about B&H’s exclusive partnership with Apple in the higher education space. They explore B&H’s role as the new Apple-authorized reseller for higher education, offering institutions access to Apple products and services like AppleCare Plus, bulk purchasing, and asset tagging. Nicholas, who spent 12 years at Apple, shares his unique insights and explains how B&H delivers a seamless, competitive experience for schools looking to equip students and staff with cutting-edge technology.

Relevant Links:
E&I's B&H Contract
B&H Website

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at podcast@eandi.org.

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.