To best serve its members and vendors – many of which span beyond greater Houston area – Harris County Department of Education’s (HCDE) national purchasing cooperative is taking its information and networking opportunities on the road. Choice Partners regularly held the regional members workshops until the COVID-19 pandemic, and division staff are pushing to bring them back. The first was in San Antonio in January.

Choice Partners leadership and purchasing consultants recently traveled to the Dallas-Fort Worth area for two more – April 22 at the Grapevine Convention Center and April 23 at Region 11 Education Service Center. Overall, nearly 70 members were trained on the ins and outs of Choice Partners over the two days, while more than 30 vendors connected with decision makers across local school districts, colleges, counties, cities and other agencies.

Presentations included general and background information, legal compliance, navigating the Choice Partners website and rebate portal, and job order contracting.