![OECM Connection](https://oecm.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/oecm-connection-newsletter-header-web.png)
Unlocking the Potential of Collaboration
![Welcome to the Fall 2023 issue of the OECM Connection | Accelerating OECM's ESG strategy development and elevating our business practices in the fall 2023 issue.](https://oecm.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/oecm-connection-fall-2023-welcome-message-1024x202.png)
In this Fall 2023 issue of the OECM Connection, we are providing details on advancing OECM’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, strategic initiatives introduced by our Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) team, our recent partnership with Supply Chain Management Association Ontario (SCMAO) to grant OECM staff access to professional development courses and much more!
Highlights
![supply ontario logo on the wall](https://oecm.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/oecm-connection-fall-2023-scmao-professional-development-offerings.png)
- Highlights
Supply Ontario Enlists OECM to Support Upcoming Fleet Management Category
Supply Ontario and OECM are collaborating on an upcoming vehicle management category project for Ontario’s broader public sector, public sector, and education sector. Our recently established Collaboration Agreement is a driving force in facilitating this data-gathering initiative.
![hand cupped with the word ESG above it surrounded by symbols](https://oecm.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/oecm-connection-fall-2023-esg-strategy-update.png)
- Highlights
OECM’s ESG Strategy Development Project Entering the Implementation Stage
We see a more sustainable future as we get closer to establishing and implementing a formal ESG strategy for our organization. As we reach the end of Phase 2 of the project, OECM is preparing to engage ESG consultants to assist in formulating an implementation roadmap in 2024.
![two hands shaking each other above a laptop](https://oecm.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/oecm-connection-fall-2023-latest-agreements.png)
- Highlights
Latest Agreements Awarded
We recently introduced several new and re-tendered agreements serving the procurement needs of various sectors. Here’s an overview of our latest agreements.
![people sitting on a table signing documents](https://oecm.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/oecm-connection-fall-2023-newsletter-upcoming-agreements.jpg)
- Highlights
Upcoming Agreements | Fall 2023
Our Marketplace continues to grow in the availability of product and service offerings, as well as in the choice of supplier partners. Several new and re-tendered agreements are currently in progress and require Project Advisors and/or Evaluators.
![John Sabo, Daily Bread CEO, and Gurdeep Ahluwalia posing for a picture](https://oecm.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/oecm-connection-fall-2023-newsletter-oecm-wins-award.jpg)
- Highlights
OECM’s Charitable Endeavours Get Rewarded!
OECM received Daily Bread Food Bank’s 2023 Workplace Champion Award to recognize our work in supporting its pivotal mission of raising awareness about food insecurity and alleviating hunger and poverty in this city.
Corporate Updates
![President & Chief Executive Officer, John Sabo headshot](https://oecm.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/oecm-connection-fall-2023-newsletter-ceo-retiring.jpg)
- Corporate Updates
OECM’s President and CEO John Sabo Announces Retirement
After a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades in the public sector and eight years serving as OECM’s President and Chief Executive Officer, John Sabo is set to retire in June 2024. Our Board of Directors has commenced the search to determine a successor.
![headshots of OECM's three new board of directors](https://oecm.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/oecm-connection-fall-2023-newsletter-new-board-members.png)
- Corporate Updates
OECM’s Board of Directors Welcomes Three New Appointments
Three new dynamic members have joined our esteemed Board of Directors: Dilhari Fernando, Julia Hanigsberg, and Patricia Li. OECM’s Board plays a pivotal role in governance, policy development, and decision-making to guide our organization in achieving its strategic objectives and operational excellence.
![Brian Jeffs, new Customer Council Committee member, Executive Director of COSBO](https://oecm.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/oecm-connection-fall-2023-newsletter-new-ccc-member.jpg)
- Corporate Updates
New Advisory Member Appointed to OECM’s Customer Council Committee
OECM’s Customer Council Committee (CCC) recently welcomed Brian Jeffs, the Executive Director of the Council of Ontario Senior Business Officials (COSBO), to serve as an advisory member representing Ontario’s School Board sector. We are currently recruiting two members to represent the Broader Public Sector to join our CCC.
![illustration of people sitting on a table for a meeting](https://oecm.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/oecm-connection-fall-2023-newsletter-procurement-advisory-committee.jpg)
- Corporate Updates
New Members Join OECM’s Procurement Advisory Committees
OECM’s advisory committees are instrumental in our procurement and sourcing decisions, contributing to our dynamic Marketplace. We recently welcomed new members to our School Board and College/University Procurement Advisory Committees.
Projects & Initiatives
![](https://oecm.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/oecm-connection-fall-2023-newsletter-srm-new-initiatives.jpg)
- Projects & Initiatives
Spotlighting OECM: The SRM Team Spearhead Noteworthy Supplier Initiatives
Our supplier partners are invaluable to our success as a leading sourcing partner for Ontario’s broader public and education sectors. The Supplier Relationship Management team has established three strategic programs to increase collaboration with our supplier community.
![child looking at image, SCMAO logo, OECM logo](https://oecm.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/oecm-connection-fall-2023-scmao-professional-development-offerings.jpg)
- Projects & Initiatives
OECM Partners with SCMAO for Professional Development Offerings
Knowledge is power, and we are mobilizing our staff with everything they need to excel in their supply management and procurement careers! SCMAO has partnered with OECM to grant unlimited access to its Core Education and Professional Development offerings.
![OECM industry spotlight, graphic image of gas machines](https://oecm.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/oecm-connection-fall-2023-newsletter-is-natural-gas.jpg)
- Projects & Initiatives
Industry Spotlight: Natural Gas Management
The latest issue of the Industry Spotlight is a handy resource on Ontario’s natural gas market, sustainable alternatives to natural gas, and how OECM’s supplier partners can assist customers in their plans to curb natural gas consumption.
Events & Community
![OECM facilities summit](https://oecm.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/oecm-connection-fall-2023-newsletter-facilities-summit.jpg)
- Events & Community
OECM’s Inaugural Facilities Summit 2023
OECM’s inaugural Facilities Summit 2023 was well-received by Ontario’s municipal and education sectors. Facility professionals and leaders attended several panels, presentations, and development sessions at this two-day interactive event.
![oecm staff with their family group image](https://oecm.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/oecm-connection-fall-2023-family-day.jpg)
- Events & Community
Celebrating Family Day
Originally established as an annual company tradition, OECM’s Family Day calls for fun, food, and – you guessed it, family! This year, we also raised $2,720 from the charity draw to be donated to the Daily Bread Food Bank.
![UPCOMING EVENTS!](https://oecm.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/oecm-connection-fall-2023-events-webinars-conferences.png)
- Events & Community
Events, Webinars, and Conferences
There’s nothing we appreciate more than the opportunity to engage one-on-one with our customers, supplier partners, and industry peers at events and showcase our organization’s contributions to the ever-evolving supply chain landscape – and we sure love handing out OECM swag bags!
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