February/March 2025 Volume 7, Issue 7 | | Spotlight On Our Top Supporters | | Choice Partners recognizes their top members and vendors | | |
More than 30 vendors and members were honored during Choice Partners’ (CP) with a red-carpet theme annual appreciation luncheon on January 26. Each entity was recognized as being among the top performers in their respective categories and for their significant contributions in support of the co-op. The event is an opportunity for vendors and members to network and learn how funds from the co-op help Harris County learners.
"The companies we are honoring are a small sample of our nearly 500 vendors, but they represent nearly 60 percent of the money Choice Partners generates annually,” said Jeff Drury, senior director of Choice Partners.
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Superintendent James Colbert Jr. applauded attendees for their support of public education by utilizing competitively bid contracts with Choice Partners.
Colbert’s address included a video highlighting how the national purchasing cooperative funds are leveraged to improve Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) campuses by serving unique learners from the Harris County area at its Academic and Behavior Schools (West and East), Highpoint School, Fortis Academy and the Adult Education Learning Center.
Kaisha Molinar, assistant director of planning at Lamar CISD, stated she was surprised at how much their usage of CP contracts was utilized by HCDE.
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“During our co-op meeting, our eyes were truly opened to the vast array of services provided by HCDE,” she said. “It's incredible to see how much more there is beyond Choice Partners, with so many different school districts playing a vital role in the wonderful services HCDE offers.”
Frank Medina, president of EduSource (a top vendor), shared a similar sentiment regarding HCDE services.
“I had no idea the number of programs that Harris County Department of Education was involved in. The Edu-source Corporation is thankful for the opportunity to support HCDE through Choice Partners, knowing the impact that it makes on the facilities, programs and the community.”
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Humble, Houston and Katy school districts were recognized at the luncheon as Choice Partners’ top three members. The districts use more than a dozen CP contracts to procure goods and services for student meals, employee software and supplies.
“This is our opportunity to say thank you and demonstrate how much we appreciate that they’re using our co-op and our contracts.”
Vaugn Construction was awarded as a top vendor in the Facilities and Construction category. Labatt was awarded as the top food vendor and Robert Half awarded in commodities and services, respectively.
According to Monique Joseph, CP contract manager and coordinator of the event, attendees thoroughly enjoyed the event--the theme, décor, food and presentation.
To learn more about Choice Partners, visit choicepartners.org or call 877-696-2122 to to connect with members of the CP team."
| | CP staff learning and sharing at the 2025 TASBO Engage conference in Austin, TX as a proud Business Sponsor of TASBO. Click on the image to see more of CP at the conference. | | |
Friday, April 4, 2025
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Norris Conference Center
816 Town and Country Blvd #210, Houston, TX
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Want to work at Choice?
We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where passionate individuals can thrive and contribute to our mission.
Apply today at www.choicepartners.org/careers.
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HCDE Interlocal Agreements with new members: Diversity Cyber Council, Houston, Texas; Dumas ISD, Dumas, Texas; Integral Care, Austin, Texas; San Isidro ISD, San Isidro, Texas; Santa Gertrudis ISD, Kingsville, Texas.
Out-of-state new members: Bernards Township Board of Education, Basking Ridge, New Jersey; New Bedford Public Schools, New Bedford, Mass.; Viterbo University, La Crosse, Wis.; University System of New Hampshire, Concord, N.H.; School Town of Munster; Munster, Ind.; Maryville City Schools, Maryville; Tenn.
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Recently Awarded Contracts: Early Childhood Supplies and Related Items; Financial Software, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP Systems), and Related Services; and Fine Paper and Related Items.
Recently Renewed Contracts: Drug and Alcohol Testing and Furnitures, Fixtures and Related Items; Painting, Drywall, Acoustical Ceilings, And Flooring (JOC-IDIQ); Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment (FFE) and Related Items; Construction Photographic Documentation Service; Drug and Alcohol Testing; M&O Parts and Equipment; Computers, Hardware, Technology Devices, Maintenance and Related Services; Vending Machines and Services for Beverages and Snacks; and SmallWares, Preventative Maintenance and Repair for Food Service.
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SASBO & LASBO Joint Conference & Discovery Forum
March 24-27
New Orleans, La.
CASBO Con
April 14-17
San Jose, Calif.
PPANCT
April 22-26
Grapevine, Texas.
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Do you know a vendor who has provided exemplary service? Have a statement to make about Choice Partners service quality? Want to share with others about a Choice contract that meets your needs? Submit your review using the link below. | | |
We would love for our members to host a training. Trainings are a great way to network and gain exposure. If you would like to host a training, submit your information to the link below: | | Let your contacts who are quality vendors know about these opportunities. They must register in our E-Bid system to do business with us. | | |
Choice Partners | A Division of Harris County Department of Education
6005 Westview, Houston, TX 77055
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