• The Critical Distinction Between Supplier Diversity & DEI, Supplier Diversity Leadership Series, Part 5
    Aug 22 2024

    E&I Hosts: Titus Martin, Executive Director, Supplier Diversity; Casey Laurienzo, Vice President, Community Engagement & Strategy & Culture
    Guest: Reginald Layton, Former Vice President, Supplier Diversity & Supply Chain Sustainability at Johnson Controls International Plc; Ralph G. Moore, Founder & President of Ralph G. Moore & Associates

    Join Reginald Layton and Ralph Moore from RGMA as we explore the nuanced differences between supplier diversity and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). Gain valuable insights into strategies for effectively integrating both supplier diversity and DEI initiatives to foster a more inclusive and equitable business environment at your institution. The conversation sheds light on the distinct yet complementary roles each plays in driving meaningful change.

    Relevant Links:

    • National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
    • Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
    • E&I's commitment to Supplier Diversity
    • E&I RGMA contract
    • RGMA website
    • RGMA Digital Suite for Higher Ed Video


    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
  • The Digitization of Facilities and the Blurring Lines Between IT and Facilities, Part 1
    Aug 14 2024

    E&I Host:
    David Manz, Business Partnerships Manager, Facilities & Interiors

    Guest:
    Keaton Henry, Category Sales Specialist – Connected & IAQ, Ferguson

    In part one of this series, David welcomes Keaton Henry, an industry expert at Ferguson, for an insightful discussion about industrial smart devices from an HVAC standpoint, and leak detection devices from a plumbing standpoint. Keaton covers diagnosing mechanical issues using proactive rather than reactive methods. He highlights the importance of 24/7 monitoring, receiving real-time notifications, inexpensive and risk-free ways to monitor and measure air and water quality, best practices for education, and more.

    Relevant Links:
    E&I Ferguson Contract
    Ferguson Website
    Ferguson Indoor Air Quality Solutions Web Page
    Ferguson Mechanical Solutions Web Page

    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
  • From Supplier Diversity to Sustainability: Growing Trends to Maximize Supply Chain - Supplier Diversity Leadership Series, Part 4 (feat. Reginald Layton)
    May 30 2024

    E&I Hosts: Titus Martin, Executive Director, Supplier Diversity and David Manz, Business Partnerships Manager, Facilities & Interiors
    Guest: Reginald Layton, Former Vice President, Supplier Diversity & Supply Chain Sustainability at Johnson Controls International Plc

    In part four of our Supplier Diversity Leadership Series, Titus and David welcome Reginald Layton, a renowned expert and Supplier Diversity thought leader. Reginald provides a comprehensive guide for organizations on implementing supplier diversity best practices. He highlights the value proposition of supplier diversity for educational institutions, detailing five key reasons to adopt these practices. He also explores the strong alignment between supplier diversity and sustainability, explaining how both ecosystems support each other.

    Relevant Links:

    • National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
    • Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
    • Billion Dollar Roundtable
    • E&I's commitment to Supplier Diversity
    • E&I RGMA contract
    • RGMA website
    • RGMA Digital Suite for Higher Ed Video

    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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    35 mins
  • Supplier Diversity Leadership Series, Part 3: The History of Supplier Diversity & Its Impact in Local Communities
    Jan 25 2024

    E&I Hosts: Titus Martin, Executive Director, Supplier Diversity and David Manz, Business Partnerships Manager, Facilities & Interiors
    Guest: Ralph G. Moore, Founder & President of Ralph G. Moore & Associates

    Join us for Part Three of our Supplier Diversity Series as Titus and David welcome Ralph G Moore, a veteran with over 40 years of experience and the founder of Ralph G Moore and Associates – a Chicago-based consulting firm recognized globally for supply diversity strategies and minority business development. Listen as Ralph provides a comprehensive exploration of the historical context of supplier diversity while sharing his unique perspectives, personal experiences, and success stories.

    Relevant Links:

    • E&I RGMA contract
    • E&I's commitment to Supplier Diversity
    • RGMA website
    • RGMA Digital Suite for Higher Ed Video

    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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    38 mins
  • Education & Remediation: Combating Fentanyl on Our Campuses
    Aug 28 2023

    E&I Host: David Manz, Business Partnerships Manager, Facilities & Interiors
    Guest: Thomas Licker, CEICR, CBRM, Senior Vice President, Regulatory Business Practice at First Onsite

    The opioid crisis has far reaching implications on our country's campuses. In this episode, David and our guest Tom Licker, Certified Environmental Infection Control Remediator and Certified BioRecovery Master, discuss the risks of fentanyl on campus and how important it is to be educated on how to remediate these spaces.

    Relevant Links:

    • Cleaning & Restoration Magazine: Lethal Dose
    • First Onsite: education restoration services
    • First Onsite: decontamination services
    • First Onsite: specialty cleaning services
    • E&I First Onsite contract for remediation, restoration, and reconstruction services

    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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    32 mins
  • Supplier Diversity Leadership Series, Part 2: Supplier Diversity is an Investment into the Future of Your Community (feat. Reggie Williams)
    Jun 26 2023

    E&I Hosts: Titus Martin, Executive Director, Supplier Diversity and David Manz, Business Partnerships Manager, Facilities & Interiors
    Guest: Reggie Williams, CEO of Procurement Resources, Inc.

    Tune into the second part of Titus and David's conversation with Reggie Williams, CEO of Procurement Resources and the individual who coined the phrase supplier diversity. Here, we cover what supplier diversity really means, best practices for growing your program with real-life examples, and why it's critical to include diverse suppliers in your purchasing processes.

    Relevant Links:

    • Procurement Resources, Inc. website
    • JUST Capital: an independent nonprofit dedicated to building an economy that works for all Americans by measuring and improving corporate stakeholder performance at America's largest companies
    • NASDAQ Board Diversity Rule: what companies should know
    • NASDAQ Entrepreneurial Center: to improve inclusion, access, and knowledge in entrepreneurship
    • Herndon Directors Institute: prepares minorities and women for participation on a broad range of governing boards
    • Watch Video: What is implicit bias? 2 experts on how to spot it.
    • E&I's commitment to Supplier Diversity

    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
  • Supplier Diversity Leadership Series, Part 1: Stakeholder Capitalism & What it Means to Have a True Supplier Diversity Program (feat. Reggie Williams)
    Jun 26 2023

    E&I Hosts: Titus Martin, Executive Director, Supplier Diversity and David Manz, Business Partnerships Manager, Facilities & Interiors
    Guest: Reggie Williams, CEO of Procurement Resources, Inc.

    "The tent is getting larger, and the tent doesn't have a door that is closed to anyone. The more we are all aligned in this process called stakeholder capitalism, the greater the benefits to all of us. I don't want to exclude anyone."

    Titus and David are joined by special guest Reggie Williams, CEO of Procurement Resources and the leader who coined the phrase supplier diversity. In this episode, we discuss the history of supplier diversity, including stakeholder capitalism, investing back into your community, the numbers behind why this is important, and what it truly means to have a real supplier diversity program.

    Relevant Links:

    • Procurement Resources, Inc. website
    • JUST Capital: an independent nonprofit dedicated to building an economy that works for all Americans by measuring and improving corporate stakeholder performance at America's largest companies
    • NASDAQ Board Diversity Rule: what companies should know
    • NASDAQ Entrepreneurial Center: to improve inclusion, access, and knowledge in entrepreneurship
    • Herndon Directors Institute: prepares minorities and women for participation on a broad range of governing boards
    • Watch Video: What is implicit bias? 2 experts on how to spot it.
    • E&I's commitment to Supplier Diversity

    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
  • Make the Most Out of Cooperative Purchasing (feat. Tammy Rimes from NCPP)
    Jun 22 2023

    E&I Host: David Manz, Business Partnerships Manager, Facilities & Interiors
    Guest: Tammy Rimes, MPA, Executive Director of NCPP

    Join David for Part 2 of this two-part episode featuring Tammy Rimes, Executive Director of National Cooperative Procurement Partners. In this episode, we discuss what to look for when choosing a cooperative to partner with, trends and best practices, and ultimately how to make the most out of cooperative purchasing for your organization.

    Relevant Links:

    • Download | Make the Choice: Bid or Cooperative Contract?
    • Download | Roadmap to a Cooperative Procurement Strategy
    • National Cooperative Procurement Partners (NCPP) 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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    17 mins