Cooperatively Speaking

E&I Cooperative Services
  • 5.0 (2)
  • BUSINESS

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.

  1. 10/06/2025

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

    Transforming Labs Through Ergonomics: Healthier Spaces for Better Science Join 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, Bimos 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.

    21 min

  2. 09/25/2025

    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 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.

    14 min

  3. 09/18/2025

    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 Associates 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.

    25 min

  4. 09/17/2025

    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 Services Guest: Rick Herrmann, VP/GM of Public Sector for Staples Business  Relevant Links: E&I's NextGen Leadership Program 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.

    17 min

  5. 09/04/2025

    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 Contract E&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 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.

    30 min

  6. 08/23/2025

    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 Supply Relevant Links: E&I's Patterson Veterinary Contract 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.

    13 min

  7. 08/20/2025

    Navigating Supplier Inclusion in a Changing Regulatory Environment: Supplier Inclusion Leadership Series

    As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, supplier inclusion is facing new scrutiny - and new urgency. In this insightful episode of Cooperatively Speaking, Titus Martin sits down with three  respected voices in the field—Reginald Layton, Ralph Moore, and Jesse Moore—for a candid and actionable discussion on advancing supplier diversity in higher education and beyond. Together, they explore the business case for supplier inclusion, strategies for navigating today’s complex legal environment, and practical steps institutions can take to strengthen their programs. You’ll also hear how colleges and universities can leverage their E&I membership to drive meaningful impact in this space. E&I Hosts: Titus Martin, Executive Director of ESG, E&I Cooperative Services Guest: Reginald Layton, RGMA Chief Technology Officer and former Vice President for Supplier Diversity and Supply Chain Sustainability at Johnson Controls International; Ralph Moore, Founder & President of RGMA and a Supplier Diversity Advisory Council member; Jesse Moore, (Retired) Architect of the Purdue University’s Supplier Diversity Program 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.

    28 min

  8. 07/26/2025

    Hey biomedical professional! When was the last time you checked what your samples breathe?

    What if the biggest variable in your cell culture experiment isn't what your cells are doing, but what they’re sensing? In this eye-opening episode of Cooperatively Speaking, host Allison Lambert sits down with Dr. Krista Rantanen of Baker to explore a commonly overlooked, but critical, factor in biomedical research: oxygen. They discuss how most human tissues operate at much lower oxygen levels than what’s used in traditional lab settings, and why that matters. From cancer research to stem cell studies, Dr. Rantanen explains how replicating real oxygen conditions can lead to more accurate, reliable science. The episode also touches on common misconceptions, simple tips for getting started, and emerging technologies making low-oxygen culture more accessible. Guest: Dr. Krista Rantanen, Director of Scientific Applications, Baker Host: Allison Lambert, Category Marketing Manager, E&I Cooperative Services  Relevant Links: E&I's Baker Contract 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.

    30 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    E&I Cooperative Services
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 E&I Cooperative Services
  • Show Website
    Cooperatively Speaking