Cooperatively Speaking

Hosted by E&I Cooperative Services

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Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Cooperatively Speaking®, a podcast by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, nonprofit procurement cooperative focused exclusively on education. Each episode, we discuss the topics most important to procurement and end-users at schools and universities. Find out more at www.eandi.org/podcast.

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60 recent

June 15, 202616 min

Relocating Faculty, Staff, and Athletic Personnel to Campus: Are You Taking Full Advantage of Resources Available?

Colleges and universities face unique relocation challenges when moving faculty, staff, and coaches to campus. Budget constraints are an obvious challenge, but unlike businesses relocating employees, school relocation packages are usually managed at the department level, leaving employees unaware of the resources that are available. In this podcast, industry leader Sirva shares best practices and real-world insights to help institutions maximize the relocation experience, improve employee satisfaction, and make the process as seamless as possible. Guest: Lindsay Silverstein, VP of Sales, SirvaE&I Host: Dennis Hyde, E&I Category Marketing ManagerCooperatively 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 UsHave 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.

May 4, 2026Episode 3424 min

Understanding Air Filtration Standards on Campus

Interested in exploring smarter, cleaner, and more strategic air filtration for the places that keep our campuses running? In this episode of Cooperatively Speaking, Starla Ford from E&I speaks with Tim Deleon from Filtration Concepts regarding one of the most referenced but least understood standards in our world, ASHRAE 52.2, and what it really means for campus facilities. Tune in for an inciteful discussion about what ASHRAE and MERV standards are and why they were instituted, filters in general, air filtration challenges, filter inventory challenges institutions face, how to select the right filters for your campus environment, indoor air quality and air quality ratings—and what this all means for colleges, universities, and K-12 schools nationwide.E&I Host: Starla Ford, Sales Enablement Manager, E&I Cooperative ServicesGuests: Tim Deleon, Director of Marketing & Sales, Filtration Concepts 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 UsHave 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.

April 29, 2026Episode 3319 min

Beyond the Classroom: Why Family Wellbeing Matters for Student Success

Listen as Allison Lambert is joined by Sarah Wood from Workplace Options to discuss why child and family wellbeing has become a critical priority for K–12 schools and higher education institutions. Tackling this growing challenge, Sarah shares insights on rising mental health needs, caregiver burnout, and the increasing complexity of support systems, while highlighting how integrated wellbeing services can better support students, families, and school communities. This conversation offers practical strategies for decision makers looking to strengthen student success, staff resilience, and family engagement in an evolving educational landscape. 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 UsHave 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.

April 13, 2026Episode 3225 min

Invisible Travelers, Real Liability: What Higher Ed Needs to Know

In higher ed, international travel safety is crucial. With studies abroad, research collaborations, global partnerships, and athletics, managing risk and protecting people is crucial. But many travel programs have not kept up with need, and schools are left with more exposure to risk than they may know. 280,000 students study abroad each year, and many institutions don’t know where all their travelers are. In this podcast, E&I and CTP discuss how institutions can help keep their college president from taking a dreaded midnight phone call to learn that traveling students are in harm's way. E&I Host: Dennis Hyde, Category Marketing Manager, E&I Cooperative ServicesGuests: Morgan Hoyt, VP of Business Development & Account Management, CTP; Ben Rader, Director of Business Development, CTP 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 UsHave 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.

October 6, 2025Episode 3121 min

Beyond the Bench: Why Ergonomics Is Your Lab’s Secret Weapon

Transforming Labs Through Ergonomics: Healthier Spaces for Better ScienceJoin Allison Lambert, Category Marketing Manager at E&I Cooperative Services, as she hosts Mark Scelfo, U.S. Managing Director at Bimos—an E&I business partner through LabRepCo—for an insightful discussion on how ergonomics is transforming laboratory environments.From preventing injuries to enhancing researcher well-being and overall lab performance, discover how smarter design and better seating choices can create healthier spaces that drive better science. Hear from Mark as he and Allison explore what it truly means to reimagine labs that put people first—and innovation forward.E&I Host: Allison Lambert, Category Marketing Manager, E&I Cooperative Services Guest: Mark Scelfo, U.S. Managing Director, BimosCooperatively 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 UsHave 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.

September 25, 2025Episode 1414 min

Procurement Unpacked: Lessons in Successful Procurement From Orange County Public Schools

NOTE: This episode of Cooperatively Speaking features David Wheeler, of Orange County Public Schools, whose recent passing has deeply saddened all who knew him. We share this recording in honor of his legacy, leadership, and the insights he generously offered. With the support of his colleagues and community, E&I Cooperative remembers David with utmost respect and gratitude.E&I Host: Sue Peters, E&I Vice President, K-12 Engagement Guest: David Wheeler, Senior Director of Procurement, Orange County Public SchoolsIn 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 WebsiteE&I's K-12 CommitmentE&I WebsiteCooperatively 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 UsHave 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.

September 18, 2025Episode 3025 min

The Real Cost of the Interim Hire

Join Matt Levine, Category Marketing Manager from E&I, as he hosts Sheila Lehker, President of Cizek Associates to talk about the true costs associated with filling roles with interim hires. As retirements mount and people begin leaving the workforce, higher education has turned to interim staff members to help fill vacancies. Whether this is a strategic move to intentionally fill the role or a financial move to attempt to save dollars, the impact can be felt across a campus. Hear from Sheila as she and Matt dive deep into the true impact of interim fixes. E&I Host: Matt Levine, Category Marketing Manager, E&I Cooperative Services Guest: Sheila Lehker, President, Cizek AssociatesCooperatively 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 UsHave 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.

September 17, 2025Episode 2916 min

Spotlight on Sponsorship: Staples Business & E&I's NextGen Leadership Program

What happens when shared values meet shared vision? In this conversation with Rick Herrmann, VP/GM of Public Sector at Staples Business, we explore the origins of Staples’ sponsorship of E&Is EdPro NextGen Leadership Program and why leadership development in education matters now more than ever. From investing in people, not just products, to preparing future-ready procurement leaders, Rick shares Staples’ commitment to driving meaningful impact in education and where this partnership is headed next. E&I Host: Casey Laurienzo, Vice President, Community Engagement & Education, E&I Cooperative ServicesGuest: Rick Herrmann, VP/GM of Public Sector for Staples Business Relevant Links:E&I's NextGen Leadership ProgramCooperatively 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 UsHave 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.

September 4, 2025Episode 2830 min

Reimagining Higher Ed Cost Structures

In this episode of Cooperatively Speaking, Matt Levine is joined by Scott Nostaja from Segal to talk about the current state of higher education finances and the need for universities to determine how to better align their spending during this evolving climate. Tackling this tough conversation, Scott shares insights on common inefficiencies, legacy costs, and external pressures shaping campus budgets, while offering practical strategies for workforce planning, prioritizing resources, and making bold organizational changes. This conversation provides a clear roadmap for navigating the financial challenges facing higher education while seizing opportunities for sustainable growth. Relevant Links:E&I's Segal ContractE&I Host: Matt Levine, E&I Category Marketing Manager, E&I Cooperative Services Guest: Scott Nostaja, Senior VP, Segal 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 UsHave 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.

August 23, 2025Episode 2712 min

Streamline Veterinary Procurement with Smarter, Tech-Driven Solutions from Patterson Vet

In this episode of Cooperatively Speaking Allison Lambert speaks with Grant Wicks, Director of Sales at Patterson Veterinary Supply, about how institutions can simplify procurement and elevate veterinary care. From AI tools that deliver radiograph results in minutes to strategic sourcing that reduces administrative burden, Grant reveals how Patterson's partnership with E&I makes it easier than ever for universities to do more with less. With access to over 80,000 SKUs—including thousands of competitively priced essentials—Patterson is a one-stop procurement partner built for higher ed. E&I Host: Allison Lambert, E&I Category Marketing Manager, Veterinary Services Guest: Grant Wicks, Director of Sales, Patterson Veterinary SupplyRelevant Links:E&I's Patterson Veterinary ContractCooperatively 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 UsHave 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.