Unlocking the Potential of Collaboration
Welcome to the Fall 2025 edition of the OECM Connection! Innovation, inclusion, and impact take center stage in this Fall 2025 IT Special Edition issue of the OECM Connection. We are highlighting our recent initiatives, including the launch of OECM’s Indigenous Marketplace, a training program in collaboration with OPBA, the advancement of Dell’s Girls Who Game partnership, OECM’s 3rd Procurement Summit, and much more! Read our Customer Satisfaction results, and gain insights into our IT portfolio, automation in procurement, and public sector efficiencies!
Highlights
OECM Reaches New Heights in Customer Satisfaction
OECM’s latest Customer Satisfaction Survey, conducted by Nanos Research, reveals outstanding results, with 91% of customers satisfied overall, marking a 12% increase since the last survey. Respondents praised OECM’s communications, product quality, and our understanding of sector needs. A huge thank you to every customer who took the time to complete the survey and helped shape our ongoing commitment to excellence.
OECM Launches Indigenous Marketplace
We recently launched OECM’s Indigenous Marketplace, a dedicated platform featuring over 40 verified Indigenous supplier partners across a wide range of products and services. As part of our ESGI commitment, this initiative empowers public sector procurement professionals to practice inclusivity, strengthen partnerships with Indigenous communities, and support community reinvestment through every purchase.
Latest Agreements Awarded
Since our last issue of the OECM Connection, we’ve expanded our Marketplace with a range of new and re-tendered agreements, providing customers with enhanced access to qualified suppliers, premium products, and tailored solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of the broader public sector.
Upcoming Agreements
Explore our upcoming agreements currently in development and discover opportunities to get involved. By participating as a Project Advisor or Evaluator, you can help shape the sourcing process, contribute your expertise, and support the creation of high-value, sector-aligned agreements.
IT Special Edition
EUC Reimagined: Stronger Value, Greater Savings, Better Performance
A new era of End-User Computing is here. With more OEMs, deeper discounts, and broader service options, OECM’s updated EUC agreement delivers greater flexibility and savings. Discover the six reasons why you should leverage OECM’s EUC agreement and see how your organization can benefit from this enhanced offering.
Looking to upgrade your organization’s end-user computing strategy? Our EUC Agreement Brochure provides a clear overview of OEM options, discounts, and support services.
Customer Spotlight: A Strategic Shift to Paperless, Data-Driven Operations
From eliminating 50 filing cabinets to boosting financial visibility, the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN)’s digital transformation is reshaping how the district operates. Learn how OECM’s ERP Solutions and supplier Sparkrock helped them simplify processes and enhance strategic decision-making.
Artificial Intelligence in the Public Sector: An At-a-Glance Guide
Curious about AI but not sure where to start? This guide simplifies the essentials, helping public sector organizations understand the benefits, risks, and real-world applications of artificial intelligence. To explore this topic in greater depth, we invite you to read our Industry Spotlight on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
OECM’s Indigenous IT Portfolio
OECM’s Indigenous Marketplace brings together IT supplier partners offering hardware, solutions, and professional services, all from Indigenous-owned businesses. View our guide to see which supplier partner to leverage through our agreements for your next IT need.
The Power of Technology and Automation in Public Procurement
Discover how advancements in technology and automation are reshaping public-sector procurement by improving efficiency, strengthening accountability, and enabling more strategic decision-making. Written by OECM’s Khusen Shukurov, Vice President, Operations, this feature provides a detailed analysis of emerging best practices.
Industry Spotlight: Transforming Public Sector Efficiency with ERP Solutions
Learn how ERP solutions are elevating public sector efficiency by integrating systems, improving reporting accuracy, and supporting more informed decision-making. Access the full Industry Spotlight for detailed insights.
Corporate Updates
OECM Customer Council Adds New College Sector Representative
The OECM Customer Council Committee recently welcomed a new representative from the College sector, bringing valuable experience and fresh perspectives to support broader public sector collaboration.
Announcing OECM’s New Director of Supplier Relationship Management
OECM welcomes Justin Sin as Director, Supplier Relationship Management, bringing seasoned leadership to the continued advancement of SRM.
OECM Takes Additional Steps to Support Canadian Suppliers!
OECM has taken meaningful new steps to support Canadian suppliers, reinforcing its commitment to domestic sourcing, supplier growth, and local economic sustainability. Read on to discover how these changes benefit suppliers and public-sector procurement alike.
OECM Featured in Corporate Knights for ESGI Leadership in Public Procurement
OECM’s commitment to sustainable, ethical procurement earned a spotlight from Corporate Knights. Read how we’re making a difference in the supply chain landscape.
Elevating User Experience with New Web Enhancements
OECM has launched new web enhancements, including an improved Customer Dashboard and a streamlined Supplier Portal, to make accessing opportunities, resources, and reporting tools easier than ever.
Projects & Initiatives
OECM Champions STEM Education Through Girls Who Game Mentorship
OECM is proud to support the next generation of innovators through the Girls Who Game program, with OECM staff mentors helping students build confidence, leadership, and STEM skills.
OECM and OPBA Launch New Training Program for Ontario’s Public-Sector Leaders
Ontario’s public-sector leaders now have a new resource to strengthen procurement expertise. OECM and OPBA are launching a training program supported by instructional videos from OECM subject-matter experts, including Shelly Ann Henry, Director of Customer Relationship Management; Jason Lee, Senior Manager of Customer Relations, and Slavi Nalbantov, Senior Manager of Strategic Sourcing. Our experts will cover key procurement topics, such as competitive bidding and cooperative procurement, and share best practices and lessons learned.
Listening, Learning, and Acting: OECM’s Commitment to Reconciliation
OECM gathered on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to listen, reflect, and strengthen our commitment to meaningful action. Guided by Sarah Hopkins, Matriarch of Three Sisters Consulting, we explored how reconciliation must move beyond words and into ongoing, accountable practice.
CEO Insight: Three Pillars for Shared Success
At OECM, strategy is part of our everyday work – shaping how we think, collaborate, and deliver value. In his latest article, President and CEO Jim Hadjiyianni outlines how OECM’s “three-legged stool” approach of corporate strategy, customer collaboration, and supplier partnerships drives resilience, shared value, and innovation across Ontario’s public sector.
Events & Community
OECM’s 3rd Procurement Summit + survey results
OECM’s 3rd Annual Procurement Summit brought together more than 120 public sector leaders for two days of learning, collaboration, and future-focused dialogue, featuring expert speakers, cross-sector conversations, and insights shaping the next era of procurement in Ontario.
First OECM × Fastenal Canada Joint Tradeshow & Distribution Hub Tour
OECM and Fastenal Canada hosted our first joint tradeshow and distribution hub tour, bringing public sector facility and procurement teams together for hands-on learning, product demonstrations, and an inside look at Fastenal’s 200,000 sq. ft. Kitchener Distribution Hub.
Meet the Supplier Day: Pinchin Hosts Education Sessions & Laboratory Tour
OECM customers joined Pinchin Ltd. for our first Meet the Supplier Day: an in-depth learning experience featuring expert-led education sessions, hands-on lab tours, and practical insights into roofing strategy, hazardous materials, and environmental diagnostics.
Events, Webinars, and Conferences Round Up
Great conversations, meaningful connections. From conferences to networking forums, OECM spent the Summer and Fall engaging with customers and partners across Ontario. Be sure to check our Events page to see where you can meet our team next.
Social Media
Follow us on our LinkedIn account for the latest news on OECM offerings available through our Marketplace, upcoming sourcing projects, sector events, and more. Learn more about the process improvements and efficiencies that bring value to our customers and drive procurement excellence through our value-added postings. Be sure to follow OECM’s President and CEO, Jim Hadjiyianni, on LinkedIn.
