From the Great Depression to Great Progress: Celebrating E&I's 90th Anniversary

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

Guest: 
Eric Frank, President & CEO, E&I Cooperative Services

In this special 90th anniversary episode, E&I CEO Eric Frank explores the Cooperative's rich history and forward-looking vision. Founded in 1934 during the Great Depression by procurement officers from Colgate, Cornell, and Syracuse University, E&I was born from a commitment to leveraging collective purchasing power for competitively solicited contracts with superior terms and conditions. Eric reflects on how the organization has grown and evolved, highlighting innovations like advanced data analytics, eProcurement, and new education and training resources. He underscores that E&I’s strong culture, dedicated team, and exclusive focus on education are key to its ongoing success and ability to adapt to emerging needs.

Relevant Links:
Watch: E&I's 90th Anniversary Video
Watch: What It Means to Be a Member-Owned Cooperative
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.