Toronto, ON — OECM, Ontario’s trusted partner in collaborative strategic sourcing, has reached the remarkable milestone of achieving $5.0 billion in life-to-date accumulated collaborative spend. This achievement, attained in November 2024, not only underscores the organization’s significant growth but is a testament to the strength of OECM’s partnerships with its customers and suppliers, highlighting an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional value to the Broader Public Sector (BPS).
Since its inception, OECM has evolved from a promising initiative backed by $4.4 million in seed funding from the Ontario Government beginning in 2011, to becoming self-sustaining by 2015, proving its capabilities as a not-for-profit leader in strategic procurement. Today, OECM proudly serves a diverse group of over 1,400 customers, including educational institutions, healthcare facilities, municipalities, social services, Indigenous organizations, and government agencies. Over the years, OECM has reinvested $10 million into transformational projects benefiting Ontario’s school boards, colleges, universities and municipalities, further driving innovation and sector advancement through its Sector Success Sharing (SSS) initiative.
“OECM’s journey is proof of the power of collaboration and shared purpose,” says Jim Hadjiyianni, President and CEO of OECM. “This $5.0 billion milestone belongs to our customers and suppliers whose trust and partnership have been integral to our success. Together, we’ve created a model that delivers more than just cost savings—it provides strategic value that strengthens public procurement across Ontario’s public sector.”
Celebrating Collaboration and Impact Across Ontario
Working alongside 461 trusted supplier partners, OECM provides innovative and cost-effective procurement solutions, including I.T. products and services, portable classrooms, custodial supplies, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, office supplies and equipment, and much more across 87 unique product and service categories, fostering economic growth and development within Ontario.
The organization’s success is built on a foundation of robust partnerships with suppliers, customers, various sector associations and other group purchasing organizations, as well as a shared commitment to delivering value. This collaborative spirit has allowed OECM to expand its reach and impact, driving efficiencies, enhancing quality, and ensuring that public funds are maximized for the greatest benefit.
Reinventing Value in Strategic Procurement
OECM is a critical partner in public sector procurement, driving measurable cost savings, operational efficiency, and innovative sourcing strategies that empower Ontario’s broader public sector. With a self-sustaining model, OECM’s value proposition goes beyond traditional procurement, delivering comprehensive solutions that enhance fiscal responsibility while maximizing impact. This achievement further reinforces OECM’s position as a leader in the strategic sourcing space, distinguished by its innovative approach and customer-centric values.
“OECM’s remarkable growth trajectory reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and our dedication to serving the public interest,” said Dr. F. Haider Alvi, Chair of OECM’s Board of Directors. “This milestone signifies past achievements and sets the stage for future innovation in procurement for the public sector.”
By streamlining procurement processes and leveraging economies of scale, OECM ensures that its partners meet their financial goals and unlock transformative potential within their organizations. This unwavering commitment to excellence reinforces OECM’s role as a catalyst for success, supporting public sector organizations in achieving their strategic objectives.
A Success Story of Reinvestment and Purpose
OECM’s legacy is not just one of financial milestones; it is a story of reinvestment into the communities it serves. By returning millions of dollars to its stakeholders through Sector Success Sharing (SSS) projects, OECM actively supports transformative projects that drive system innovation and positive change to create lasting value for partners across the BPS.
With this latest milestone, OECM invites its stakeholders to join in celebrating our collective achievement, which speaks to the power of strategic partnerships and shared goals. As OECM continues to chart new territories in collaborative sourcing, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to deliver value, foster innovation, and elevate the standards of public sector procurement.
For more information about OECM and its ongoing journey to redefine collaborative procurement, please contact our dedicated Customer Support team at OECM Customer Support or 1-844-OECM-900 (1-844-632-6900).
