Cooperatively Speaking

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

Guest: 
Dr. Srikant Devaraj, Syra Health 

Discover innovative ways to enhance student mental health with our latest podcast featuring Dr. Srikant Devaraj from Syra Health. Learn actionable, evidence-based strategies to provide effective and accessible mental health resources, especially during high-stress periods like the holidays. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the transformative role of technology and public health innovation and gain practical tips to make a meaningful impact on your institution’s approach to wellness.

Relevant Links:
E&I's Syra Health Contract
Syra Health'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 [email protected].

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:
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 below 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 [email protected].

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 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 [email protected].

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: 
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 [email protected].

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, 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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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: 
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 [email protected].

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 Cap & Gown
Paul LaRoche, Director of Sales, Oak Hall Gap & Gown

In this episode of Cooperatively Speaking, Dennis talks with Lee Beekman and Paul  LaRoche 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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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.