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.