• Transitioning Researchers to Secure Cloud Environments: A Best Practice Guide for Research Computing teams
    Nov 21 2024

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

    Guests:
    Dr. Jennie Wong, Global Industry Director for Education at Slalom

    Discover best practices for transitioning researchers to secure cloud environments in the latest Cooperatively Speaking podcast. Dr. Jennie Wong, Global Industry Director for Education at Slalom, shares insights from Slalom's whitepaper, co-authored with AWS, on designing and promoting Secure Research Environments (SREs). Learn how strategic principles like "speed to science" and customer-focused frameworks empower research teams while addressing risks and objections. Access the full whitepaper via E&I's website for actionable guidance.

    Relevant Links:
    Transitioning researchers to secure cloud environments: A best practice guide for research computing teams
    E&I's Slalom Contract
    Slalom's 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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    19 mins
  • E&I's Bold Investment in Educational Procurement Leadership
    Nov 20 2024

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

    Join Matt Levine and E&I CEO Eric Frank in this Frankly Speaking podcast for a compelling conversation about E&I’s bold investment in its members and the future of educational procurement. At the heart of the episode is the EdPro NextGen Leadership Program, a groundbreaking, no-cost, nine-month curriculum developed in partnership with Cornell University. This program is designed to equip educational procurement professionals with cutting-edge skills, strategic insights, and leadership expertise, culminating in an all-expenses-paid summit in 2025. Learn how E&I is empowering its members and shaping the future of educational procurement with this unparalleled commitment to professional development.

    Relevant Links:
    E&I's NextGen Leadership Program Details
    Read the Press Release

    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
  • Wellness Without Walls: Exploring Mental Telehealth for Students
    Nov 20 2024

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

    Guest:
    Nassim Bickham, VP of Care Transformation

    Explore new and effective strategies for supporting student mental health in our latest podcast episode with Nassim Bickham from E&I Cooperative’s business partner TimelyCare. Learn about practical, evidence-based strategies to help your institution provide accessible, effective mental health resources, especially during high-stress times like the holidays. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on the evolving role of technology in mental health and gain actionable tips to make a meaningful impact on your students' well-being.

    Relevant Links:
    E&I's TimelyCare Contract
    TimelyCare 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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    16 mins
  • More. Better. Faster. E&I Helps Win Procurement Consultancy of the Year Award
    Nov 8 2024

    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.

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    28 mins
  • Frankly Speaking: The True Costs of RFPs
    Nov 7 2024

    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.

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    23 mins
  • Procurement Unpacked: Lessons in Successful Procurement From Orange County Public Schools
    Nov 7 2024

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

    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 Sue Peters to share strategies on maximizing the power of cooperative contracts. From fleet maintenance to cutting-edge IT solutions, David reveals how his team has streamlined processes, controlled costs, and tackled challenges using cooperative purchasing. He offers a forward-looking take on trends like AI in procurement, the evolution of eProcurement platforms and the critical role of continuous professional development, inspiring procurement professionals to innovate and grow with this dynamic field.

    Tune in to hear how today’s top procurement leaders are driving efficiency and future-proofing their organizations!

    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.

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    14 mins
  • 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