November 13, 2023 — KI is excited to announce its second annual classroom furniture giveaway and learning space design competition for K-12 educators. Four winners will each be awarded up to $40,000-worth of KI furniture of their choosing to turn their dream learning space into a reality. Three winners will receive a furniture makeover for their classroom, lab, makerspace, or art or music space. In a new expansion of the giveaway, a fourth winner will receive a school library or media center makeover. Entries will be accepted for our second annual learning space design competition from Friday, December 1 through Sunday, December 31. (source: KI)
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October 26, 2023 — EDmarket, a leading education-focused industry association, has announced the availability of its EDmarketplace Purchasing Consortium to all independent dealers and manufacturers that are members. This membership benefit is the result of a successful pilot program and is a collaboration between EDmarket and the Independent Suppliers Group (ISG). The consortium offers a cooperative business solution that is specifically designed for education furniture focused dealers and manufacturers. Eligible EDmarket members can now access this innovative program at no additional cost.
"It is an exciting time for us," says Jim McGarry, President & CEO of EDmarket. "Two years ago, the concept of creating a purchasing consortium for dealers and manufacturers was just an idea. Now EDmarketplace is a game changer in the industry, with hundreds of thousands of dollars in sales already processed through the system in the 2023 pilot phase alone."
EDmarketplace dealers can increase their profitability and competitiveness through the program's collective buying power, which offers a better cost of goods than they could typically negotiate on their own. Just one application allows you to buy from all of the EDmarketplace's manufacturers. The consortium also simplifies billing and allows dealers to enjoy extended payment terms while still taking advantage of quick-pay discounts from manufacturers. This feature is particularly beneficial as interest rates have increased. Participating manufacturers can grow sales, increase dealer loyalty, and improve cash flow through EDmarketplace's simple, streamlined accounting system that can interact with the manufacturer's system.
Mark Hubbard, President of Paragon Furniture and EDmarket Chair, says, "As ESSER dollars fade away and the highly competitive landscape heats up, EDmarket members will be better prepared for the future with EDmarketplace. I encourage all education-focused dealers and manufacturers to explore this important new member benefit."
To learn more about the EDmarketplace program, contact Scott Beyer, Director of Business Development, or visit the EDmarket booth (#1165) at EDspaces 2023.
The highly anticipated Fall issue is now available. Find out all the ways that learning happens everywhere and see what's new at EDspaces with EDproducts Gallery.
Contact Essentials Editor Adrienne Dayton to discuss your ideas for future articles.
October 18, 2023 — Steelcase, a global design and thought leader in the world of work, has been named to the U.S. News & World Report 2024 Best Companies to Work For by Industry list in the Misc Products and Services industry.
Steelcase was ranked among 349 companies across 20 fields of work on factors contributing to job seekers’ decision-making when choosing a workplace that best meets their needs in their industries of interest. The Misc Products and Services industry also features Ebay, Mattel, Whirlpool and Nike.
"The 2024 list recognizes companies that scored highest on a variety of metrics that contribute to a positive work environment and day-to-day employee experience in their respective industries," said Susannah Snider, U.S. News managing editor of money.
To calculate the U.S. News Best Companies to Work For by Industry lists, U.S. News only considered companies that were a part of the Russell 3000 index as of June 2023 and ranked in the top 20% of their industry. Additionally, U.S. News required each company to have a minimum of 75 Glassdoor reviews written between 2020-2022 and grouped companies according to the Industry Classification Benchmark (ICB) used by the FTSE Russell.
The new recognitions expand on the general 2023-2024 U.S. News Best Companies to Work For list by looking at how companies measure up to the expectations of their employees and the standing of their competitors within their respective industries. The rankings take into account quality of pay, work-life balance, and opportunities for professional development and advancement by industry.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report,� said Donna Flynn, vice president global talent management for Steelcase. “We have been actively investing in our people during this time of change in the world of work. This recognition tells us we’re on the right path for ensuring our employees feel valued, supported and trusted – and that’s great for our business.�
In the past few years, Steelcase has also been recognized as a Best Employer for Women by Forbes, a Best Employer for New Grads by Forbes, one of America’s Most Community-Minded Companies by Points of Light, one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune and Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.
For more information about the U.S. News and World Report list, visit Best Companies to Work For by Industry.
September 8, 2023 — Business Furniture + Co., a leader in innovative workplace solutions and an EDmarket member, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of "A Learning MINDSET", a cutting-edge education studio that redefines the future of learning environments. Nestled in the heart of downtown Fishers, A Learning MINDSET invites educators and leaders to immerse themselves in an inspiring 3,700-square-foot space where the possibilities of education are explored.
Business Furniture's dedicated "Business Furniture + Edu" team, comprising expert designers, client services professionals, and installation specialists, have joined forces to shape this visionary space. This team possesses a deep understanding of the education market, keeps pace with the latest trends, and envisions what's achievable when we revolutionize education settings.
In a world where the dynamics of teaching and learning are evolving at an unprecedented pace, educators and leaders can explore the infinite possibilities that await when we shift our mindset toward education and prioritize environments where teachers thrive and students excel.
Immersive Design Showcases: Step into a realm of possibilities with immersive learning environments that push the boundaries of what's achievable in education spaces.
Interactive Workshops and Seminars: Engage in hands-on workshops and seminars that delve into the latest trends, innovative designs, and the science of learning environments.
Collaboration and Networking: Connect with like-minded professionals and share insights on reshaping the future of education.
Dedicated Expert Guidance: Our team of experts will be on hand to provide guidance, share insights, and collaborate on bespoke solutions tailored to your educational institution's needs.
"A Learning MINDSET is not just a place; it's a commitment to reshaping the future of education," said Mary Beth Oakes, CEO of Business Furniture + Co. "We believe when educators have environments where they want to work, the possibilities for learning are boundless. We invite educators, administrators, and visionaries to join us on this exciting journey."
For more information about A Learning MINDSET located at 11634 Maple Street, Fishers, IN, book your tour here: https://bit.ly/45GPCD6
September 29, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Education announced in a letter to state grantees, the state education agencies can now request a 14-month extension to spend American Rescue Plan money just as they were allowed to do under the first two allocations of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief fund.
If approved, states and districts would have the flexibility of spending ARP funds 14 months beyond the Jan. 28, 2025, deadline or until late March 2026. With the Sept. 30, 2024, ARP obligation deadline — or when school systems must commit to spending the money — only a year away, states and school districts are hurriedly looking at their options for depleting the last and largest portion of the COVID-19 recovery money. The guidance comes as states and school districts make final decisions on spending the last and largest allocation of COVID-19 relief money. Last week's letter will help in this decision-making process, said education organizations.
In the letter, the department said states and their ARP subgrantees, including districts, making extension requests will need to explain how a longer spending runway would contribute to acceleration of student learning and expand on a continued path of academic recovery. Districts will need to make extension requests through state education agencies, which will then seek permissions from the Education Department.
The department previously said it would consider requests for ARP spending extensions, and that certain ARP-supported services could continue after the obligation and liquidation period, but Monday's letter details the specific approval process for a longer ARP spending timeline. An FAQ and extension request template will be available this fall, the letter said. ARP funding for K-12 is $121.9 billion. (source: K-12 Dive)
Read CARES ESSER and GEER Liquidation Extension Request Letter
September 28, 2023 — Independent Suppliers Group (ISG) announced the promotion of Charles Forman to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective October 1. In his new role, Charles Forman will take on expanded responsibilities, including the oversight of the EPIC Business Essentials program and its cooperative contracts. This promotion is a significant step in ISG's strategic growth plan and will play a pivotal role in the upcoming CEO transition. Charles will work closely with Mike Gentile and James Rodgers, to contribute to the smooth transition of leadership as part of ISG's long-term planning.
September 7, 2023 — The Education Market Association (EDmarket) is acknowledging the achievements of young professionals in the education industry through the NexGen Rising Star Award. This award highlights individuals who are 40 years old or younger and are nominated by EDmarket members. The recipients have been chosen for their exceptional dedication to the industry, their innovative thinking, and their positive impact on student achievement and success. This initiative serves to recognize and celebrate the contributions of these emerging leaders to the education field.
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View the 2023 Class of NexGen Rising Stars
August 29, 2023 — The Education Market Association (EDmarket) has partnered with Solomon Coyle to bring you the next Project Management training course, which will be starting on October 12, 2023. This course is an excellent opportunity to take your professional development to the next level, particularly if you work in the educational marketplace.
Solomon Coyle's project management training program is designed to help dealerships protect and increase margins by managing the client, contract, and project effectively. Over five weeks, members will learn from industry-leading experts in furniture project management and gain access to valuable tools and best practices to help avoid costly mistakes and deepen customer relationships. Their training is delivered via Microsoft Teams, offering synchronous and asynchronous learning for easy access. Attendees will receive session handouts, workbooks, forms, checklists, and other professional tools to aid in their learning — successful completion of the program results in a certificate from Solomon Coyle.
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View Program Details
July 18, 2023 — EDmarketplace launched a new website. This site showcases all the vendors and a lookbook of their educational environments. It also includes a secure, backend portal for dealers and vendors with pricing, training and assets.
In addition, EDmarketplace Classroom will be returning to EDspaces 2023 in Charlotte, NC. This year's EDmarketplace manufacturers who will be showcased are: Certwood USA, Correll, Flash Furniture, Hirsch Industries, Jonti-Craft, Lesro Industries, Nook Pod, Paragon Furniture, and Screenflex Portable Solutions. In association with the EDmarket A&D Council the firms of JCJ Architecture, Ratio Design, and JCJ Architecture, Naylor Wentworth Lund Architects will create an immersive educational environment for EDspaces attendees to experience how space and design have a positive and significant impact on student learning.
Learn More About EDmarketplace
Recap EDmarketplace Classroom from EDspaces 2022
The highly anticipated Summer issue is now available. Read what's on the mind of the thought leaders changing the way we design, equip, and manage educational facilities and learning environments.
Are you a thought leader in education?
Contact Essentials Editor Adrienne Dayton to discuss your ideas for future articles.
July 18, 2023 — EDmarketplace launched a new website. This site showcases all the vendors and a lookbook of their educational environments. It also includes a secure, backend portal for dealers and vendors with pricing, training and assets.
In addition, EDmarketplace Classroom will be returning to EDspaces 2023 in Charlotte, NC. This year's EDmarketplace manufacturers who will be showcased are: Certwood USA, Correll, Flash Furniture, Hirsch Industries, Jonti-Craft, Lesro Industries, Nook Pod, Paragon Furniture, and Screenflex Portable Solutions. In association with the EDmarket A&D Council the firms of JCJ Architecture, Ratio Design, and JCJ Architecture, Naylor Wentworth Lund Architects will create an immersive educational environment for EDspaces attendees to experience how space and design have a positive and significant impact on student learning.
Learn More About EDmarketplace
Recap EDmarketplace Classroom from EDspaces 2022
June 8, 2023 — EDmarket launched a new certification program for district and industry leaders tasked with planning, designing, and implementing learning environments. The EDmarket Certified Learning Place Specialist (ECLPS) is a professional designation that recognizes professionals who have mastered core competencies in the development of learning ecosystems and space design strategies.
Under the direction of Dr. Lennie Scott-Webber, ECLPS features a research-based curriculum aimed at generating solutions that lead to measurable improvement for student outcomes. To earn the ECLPS certification, learners must complete three levels of education consisting of 10-12 courses each.
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Learn More About ECLPS
Since 2017, EDmarket member, Frank Cooney Company Inc. has been doing business as Educational Environments - by Frank Cooney Company to better describe what their business does and elevate the brand to compete in a more sophisticated market. The company is taking the next step in their branding effort, and as of May 15th, has changed to Educational Environments with the help of a new logo and logo mark.
May 18, 2023 — EDmarket joined fellow educational facilities advocates in a letter urging Congress to continue its investments in the Department of Education to "support capacity building and technical assistance for school facilities" beyond the one-time infusion of pandemic-related funding for addressing the needs and challenges that school districts have in delivering healthy, safe, educationally suitable, energy efficient, resilient public school buildings and grounds. BASIC requests that Congress appropriate $50 million to establish a program in the U.S. Department of Education that provides formula funding to State Education Agencies for states to assist LEAs with facilities data management, governance and decision making policy, planning, facilities training and technical assistance, and accountability.
May 2, 2023 — The Chairman's Advisory Committee of the Education Market Association has selected Logan Andreyko as the 2023 John L. Spalding Memorial Scholarship winner. The scholarship of $5,000 is awarded annually to a deserving student to be used for undergraduate education. Logan was sponsored by Tammy Andreyko, Superintendent at the Quaker Valley School District, and a member of the EDmarket Education Council. He is a sophomore at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio pursuing a double major in Finance and Economics.
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Learn More About JLS
April 25, 2023 — The Education Market Association launched a new membership program that recognizes outstanding young professionals 40 and under. EDmarket's NexGen Rising Stars Awards program highlights outstanding emerging leaders for their passion, creativity, and contributions to designing, managing, and equipping learning environments of the future. In its inaugural year, the program will select outstanding, "rising star" professionals to highlight and celebrate. Nominations are reviewed based on contributions and achievements in their professional role within the educational industry. NexGen candidates will also be evaluated based on community involvement, volunteer work, work-life balance, hobbies, etc. during the application process.
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Learn More About NexGen
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