E&I Host: Sue Peters, E&I Vice President K-12 Engagement
Guests: Rick Gay, Executive Director of Business Services, Fort Bend ISD and Emily Rosenburg, PaymentWorks Regional Director

Payment fraud is an increasing threat to school district budgets—but it doesn’t have to be. In our latest episode of Cooperatively Speaking, we’re joined by Emily Rosenberg of PaymentWorks and Ric Gay of Fort Bend ISD to discuss how districts can proactively protect themselves through smarter vendor onboarding and cross-functional collaboration.

Learn how to spot vulnerabilities, implement low-effort fraud prevention strategies, and take advantage of E&I’s trusted partnership with PaymentWorks to simplify and secure your processes. Whether you’re facing fraud now or want to stay one step ahead, this episode is packed with practical guidance you won’t want to miss.

Tune in now to get ahead of payment fraud and protect what matters most—your district’s financial health.

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
Guest: Jeff Hunt, Partner at Legend Labs

In this episode of Cooperatively Speaking, E&I’s Dennis Hyde is joined by Jeff Hunt, founder of Legend Labs and author of Brand Under Fire: A New Playbook for Crisis Management in the Digital Age. Legend Labs specializes in branding and campus crisis assessments and management. Jeff discusses how, in today's digital era, local incidents can rapidly escalate into global news. He outlines essential principles for institutions to authentically and transparently manage crises with speed and agility. Additionally, Jeff explains how Legend Labs assists schools in conducting vulnerability assessments to identify and address potential crisis points. This podcast discusses campus crisis issues and strategies for addressing the challenges that keep college presidents up at night.

Relevant Links:

• E&I Legend Labs Contract
• Legend Labs 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
Guest: Erol Bal, HP Sales Navigator at B&H

In this episode of Cooperatively Speaking, E&I’s Dennis Hyde is joined by Erol Bal from B&H. B&H sells tens of thousands of computers and laptops to students and schools annually. Erol answers questions about the new Windows 11 upgrade, and points out that Windows 10 will still be operational, but students and faculty will lose important software updates that protect them from cyber threats. Erol also discusses the new features around Copilot, which helps students stay organized and optimizes the power of their laptop. Windows 11 offers additional upgrades including asset tagging, so enterprise customers can easily disable a device if a laptop goes missing. Erol even discusses how schools sometimes "over buy" in laptops they think they need, and how B&H can be a consulting partner to help find the optimal device for your students and faculty, instead of the most expensive device.

Relevant Links:

• E&& B&H Contract
• B&H Website
• E&I Podcast | Procuring Apple Products at B&H: The New Certified Apple Reseller for Higher Education
• "Unboxing" Apple Products on Campus, and Why an Apple Reseller Certified for Higher Ed May Save Time and Money

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: Matt Levine, E&I Category Marketing Manager
Guest: Casey Laurienzo, E&I Vice President of Community Engagement & Education

For over 90 years, E&I has championed the power of its membership, ensuring institutions have the resources they need to succeed. As the only member-owned sourcing cooperative dedicated to education, we’re deepening our investment in the field by expanding learning opportunities for members nationwide. In this episode, Matt Levine, E&I Category Marketing Manager, sits down with Casey Laurienzo, VP of Community Engagement and Education, to explore E&I’s latest initiative—Educational Forums—and how they’re designed to support and empower the education community.

Relevant Links:
E&I's EdPro Educational Forums

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: Eric Frank, E&I CEO
Guest: Greg Shabram, Chief Procurement Officer, University of Oregon

With financial pressures mounting on educational institutions, how can procurement teams navigate today’s challenges? In this episode of Cooperatively Speaking, Eric Frank, CEO of E&I, is joined by Greg Shabram, Chief Procurement Officer at the University of Oregon, to explore the trends driving uncertainty in the sector. They discuss how cooperative procurement can be a flexible tool to help institutions tackle rising costs, regulatory pressures, and financial strain. Greg shares his insights on why E&I’s member-owned approach provides unique value and flexibility to procurement leaders.

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: Allison Lambert, E&I Category Marketing Manager

Guest: Becca Finnegan, DialCare Sales Manager

As schools face ongoing challenges around student mental health, Becca Finnegan from DialCare offers a vital solution. DialCare’s telemedicine platform provides unlimited therapy sessions with experienced therapists, available seven days a week. Becca highlights the funding challenges and troubling counselor-to-student ratios schools are grappling with, and discusses DialCare’s free grant writing program to help secure essential mental health resources for students.

Relevant LInks:

E&I's DialCare Contract

DialCare'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 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: Matt Levine, E&I Category Marketing Manager
Guest: Ben Kennedy, Kennedy & Company Managing Partner

Explore the looming challenges in higher education as Ben Kennedy from Kennedy and Company joins E&I's Matt Levine to discuss proposed federal funding cuts. Hear from Ben as he outlines critical issues such as Pell Grant funding, the elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and the impact on university enrollment strategies. Kennedy offers actionable insights for higher education professionals to navigate these challenges and maintain a positive campus experience amid fiscal uncertainties.

Relevant Links:

E&I Kennedy & Company Contract

Kennedy & Company 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:
Jill Dawson, Director, Collegiate Travel Solutions, Anthony Travel

Crystal Timmerman, Director, University Travel, Anthony Travel

Learn how Anthony Travel helps educational institutions navigate duty of care in academic travel. In this episode of Cooperatively Speaking, Jill Dawson and Crystal Timmerman from Anthony Travel share their expertise on the evolving role of Travel Management Companies (TMCs), advancements in travel technology, and proactive strategies for managing emergencies. They recount real-life scenarios, including the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and domestic travel emergencies, highlighting the importance of comprehensive travel data and preparedness. This episode offers valuable guidance for institutions aiming to enhance traveler safety and risk management.

Relevant Links:

E&I Anthony Travel Microsite

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.