Cooperative Purchasing Insights | OMNIA Partners

Part 3: Simplifying ESG Strategies for a Sustainable Transformation

May 10, 2023 / by Konica Minolta posted in K-12 Education, Business Products & Solutions, Local & State Government, Higher Education, Information Technology

Welcome to the third and final installment of our ESG series. The trilogy culminates with the topic (G) or Governance, painting the complete picture of the difficult undertaking organizations face on their path to create, launch, and manage a successful ESG program.

In our previous installments we outlined the areas that companies should be focusing on pertaining to the Environmental (E) and Social (S) elements of the newsworthy acronym. Each letter brings with it unique challenges that can impact everything from workplace culture and operational efficiencies to investor relations. Fortunately, solutions exist to ensure that data is accurately reported, and processes are well defined and consistent, while upholding privacy. In concert, this all leads to a brighter outcome for all.

How Universities Can Make More Sustainable Choices

May 9, 2023 / by Tork - An Essity Brand posted in Facilities & Infrastructure, Higher Education, Cooperative Purchasing

Students, staff and university officials all have an important part to play when it comes to implementing sustainable practices across campus. As the science points to an increasingly clear consensus and a more urgent case for action, we examine what universities can do to make study more sustainable. From using the right cleaning products, to saving water and being transparent about carbon footprints, Tork and OMNIA Partners offer best practices for educational institutions to start their journey toward becoming economically sustainable.

Testing Hybrid Learning Space: 7 Key Takeaways

April 26, 2023 / by Steelcase posted in K-12 Education, Higher Education, Cooperative Purchasing

Hybrid learning in the classroom – like hybrid work at the office – is here to stay and will continue to grow. Through OMNIA Partners, Public Sector, Steelcaseprovides solutions for hybrid learning and workplace furniture solutions to support this growing need. According to a recent global Anthology/UNESCO study, students overwhelmingly support having a hybrid option at their university or college. In fact, many say they need it to remain in school and be successful. Although schools – both K-12 and higher education – were first pressed by the pandemic into adopting emergency virtual learning options, there is still a wide gap in understanding effective and versatile ways to make both remote and in-person connections equitable, engaging and easy-to-use for educators and learners alike.

How Can Public Sector Manage Their Storage Needs?

March 30, 2023 / by SHI posted in K-12 Education, Local & State Government, Higher Education, Information Technology

If you work at an education institution or a state or local government, then modern data storage poses a particular challenge to your organization. While it is challenging to identify all of the ways that data is utilized, it is critical to be mindful of how it is used, stored, and accessed. While understanding and managing your data may seem daunting, you can overcome the challenges ahead with proper knowledge and resources, from SHI and OMNIA Partners, who can help you through the whole process.

Catering Season Serves Up Extra Revenue & Other Key Benefits to University Programs

March 1, 2023 / by OMNIA Partners posted in K-12 Education, Higher Education, Cooperative Purchasing, Food Service

As a higher education institution, you may not realize the benefits of adding a catering program to your labor retention strategy. By implementing a full catering service, you open the door to more jobs year-round so your food staff can feel at ease knowing the summer months won’t mean unemployment for them. Learn how big-name universities are leveraging cooperative contracts through OMNIA Partners to ensure that they are getting the best value out of their food service distributor.

5 Steps to Starting an Esports League and How it Benefits Your School

February 28, 2023 / by Best Buy posted in K-12 Education, Higher Education, Information Technology, Cooperative Purchasing, Esports

In 2018, the National Federation of State High School Associations recognized esports as an official sport. In 2020, U.S. colleges and universities awarded nearly $16 million in esports scholarships, prompting K12 schools to start their own esports teams.

In this blog, Best Buy Education offers steps to starting an esports league on your campus and the benefits it brings to schools and students. Procurement professionals are integral to implementing an esports program. OMNIA Partners offers competitively solicited cooperative contracts that schools can trust to effectively establish an esports program.

Regain Time by Streamlining Higher Ed Food Service Procurement Tasks

February 27, 2023 / by OMNIA Partners posted in Procurement, Higher Education, Food Service

Campus dining programs have a way of bringing students together to connect and share stories. Those connections happen at all hours across locations from food courts, catered events or the sports arena. However, with product shortages, inflation, food delivery and off-campus competition in the mix, the challenges around sourcing food for a college or university are complex.

Streamline Your Furniture Buying Process Through a Cooperative

February 24, 2023 / by OMNIA Partners posted in Furniture & Workspace Solutions, Procurement, K-12 Education, Local & State Government, Higher Education, Furniture & Installation

Every space needs furniture to be functional. Without desks, your students can’t learn comfortably. Without cubicles, your employees can’t have their own workspace. Without dorm furniture, your university students can’t live on campus. Workspace solutions and interiors are the foundation of the functionality of agencies, schools, and universities.

Six Tips for Etiquette + Protocols in the Hybrid Workplace

January 31, 2023 / by Steelcase posted in Furniture & Workspace Solutions, K-12 Education, Higher Education

As more organizations return employees to the office, many are also allowing more flexibility for employees to choose where and how they need to work. When everyone is in the office, many cultural values and social norms can go unspoken. A hybrid workplace requires more clearly communicated shared etiquette and protocols. More explicit norms will increase equity and engagement, and create a sense of inclusion and belonging. Remember to stay agile and revisit these as needs change.

Part 2: Simplifying ESG Strategies for a Sustainable Transformation

January 6, 2023 / by Konica Minolta posted in K-12 Education, Business Products & Solutions, Local & State Government, Higher Education, Information Technology

Human beings are social creatures by nature. We work in teams. We collaborate with peers. We rely on others to help us when working together towards a common goal. So, it should be no surprise that organizations are now focusing on the social aspects of their internal environment as new ESG policies and programs are being created.

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