• Commencement Elevated: The Oak Hall Experience
    Nov 1 2024

    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












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    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.

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    20 mins
  • Bed Bugs, Cockroaches, and Kissing Bugs are Unpreventable, Here’s What You Need to Know
    Oct 28 2024

    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.

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    26 mins
  • Higher Ed Under Siege: Insights on Cybersecurity Trends from Pondurance
    Oct 10 2024

    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.

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    23 mins
  • The Savvy School Buyer: Navigating K-12 Procurement Strategies
    Sep 30 2024


    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.

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    10 mins
  • Procuring Apple Products at B&H: The New Certified Apple Reseller for Higher Education
    Sep 27 2024

    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.

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    9 mins
  • Navigating Green Travel: Higher Education’s Role in Sustainability
    Sep 20 2024

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

    Guest:
    Morgan Hoyt, Vice President of Business Development, Collegiate Travel Planners (CTP)
    Ben Rader, Director of Business Development, Collegiate Travel Planners (CTP)

    In this episode of Cooperatively Speaking, E&I’s Dennis Hyde is joined by Morgan Hoyt and Ben Rader from Collegiate Travel Planners (CTP) to explore the evolving role of sustainable business travel in higher education. The discussion covers the current sustainability landscape, tools for tracking and reducing travel emissions, and key considerations for choosing effective carbon offset providers. With practical tips and real-world examples, this episode offers valuable insights for institutions looking to align their travel programs with their sustainability goals.

    Relevant Links:
    E&I's CTP Contract
    CTP 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.

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    18 mins
  • From the Desk of a CPO - Part 1 (feat. Barry Swanson, CPO, University of Kentucky)
    Sep 19 2024

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

    Guest:
    Barry Swanson, Chief Procurement Officer, University of Kentucky

    In the first episode of Cooperatively Speaking's "From the Desk of" series, Matt Levine interviews Barry Swanson, Chief Procurement Officer at the University of Kentucky. Barry discusses his career journey from law school to higher education procurement and shares insights on key priorities like the university’s construction budget, healthcare spending, and economic engagement. He highlights the impact of procurement decisions on both the university and the state, the shift toward a service-oriented model, and the potential influence of AI. Barry also offers advice for young professionals and shares his outlook on upcoming trends in procurement.

    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.

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    24 mins
  • From the Great Depression to Great Progress: Celebrating E&I's 90th Anniversary
    Sep 13 2024

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

    Guest:
    Eric Frank, President & CEO, E&I Cooperative Services

    In this special 90th anniversary episode, E&I CEO Eric Frank explores the Cooperative's rich history and forward-looking vision. Founded in 1934 during the Great Depression by procurement officers from Colgate, Cornell, and Syracuse University, E&I was born from a commitment to leveraging collective purchasing power for competitively solicited contracts with superior terms and conditions. Eric reflects on how the organization has grown and evolved, highlighting innovations like advanced data analytics, eProcurement, and new education and training resources. He underscores that E&I’s strong culture, dedicated team, and exclusive focus on education are key to its ongoing success and ability to adapt to emerging needs.

    Relevant Links:
    Watch: E&I's 90th Anniversary Video
    Watch: What It Means to Be a Member-Owned Cooperative
    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.

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    28 mins