As a member-driven group purchasing organization (GPO), HE Co-op partners with national GPO Premier to help a wide range of businesses and organizations leverage their purchasing power.
Increase cost savings through group purchasing
Get access to top-tier suppliers and purchasing expertise for your business.
Email UsGet a supply chain partner who cares about your success.
With HE Co-op, businesses can:
- Access products and services at the best prices
- Reduce supply chain expenses
- Gain cost efficiencies
- Improve their bottom line
There’s zero cost to join and no catches or hidden fees, ever.
Let us show you the value we deliver.
Stop paying more than you should for supplies and services.
As a member-driven group purchasing organization (GPO), HE Co-op partners with national GPO Premier to help a wide range of businesses and organizations leverage their purchasing power.
Ready to save with HE Co-op?
1. Email us
Email us and receive a free analysis of your past purchases. We’ll identify exactly how and where you can save with us.
2. Apply to join (it’s free)
We make it easy to join, so you can focus on running your business.
3. Get the products you need
You’ll have personalized assistance and access to over 2.5 million products and services.
We partner with Premier, one of the largest GPOs in the United States.
- Over $69 billion in combined purchasing power
- Average savings of 10 percent on your purchase.
- $100 million saved in supply chain expenses
- 3,100+ negotiated contracts
Source: https://premierinc.com/what-we-do/group-purchasing
Why HE Co-op?
We are a member-driven organization that strives to provide personalized assistance so members can achieve their strategic objectives. Our members access educational and networking opportunities through peer roundtables and webinars, and our staff are experts at analyzing data to identify the best savings opportunities available.
- Help finding the contracts and products that provide the best savings opportunities for your business
- Customized data analytics and recommendations to help guide your long-term procurement strategies
- Educational opportunities to maximize your membership and see how your purchasing efforts stack up against the competition
Meet Our Team
Jennifer Ellmers provides support to the GPO by collecting, recording, and analyzing data. She maintains a strong focus on supporting contracting functions such as price activations, verifications and maintains membership rosters for HE Co-op and Premier. She is a graduate of Kirkwood Community College in the Office of Administration program.
Nancy Baumhover provides support to our non-acute healthcare, business, education, and hospitality affiliates. She brings 20+ years of experience in data analytics and contract language knowledge and adherence. Working alongside suppliers and distributors, she ensures they have the resources and tools they need to engage the customer with our national GPO.
Kaye Moeller provides support to our acute and non-acute members and affiliates in the areas of pharmacy, laboratory, and food service. She has an extensive pharmacy procurement and contracting background along with 13+ years of experience with our national GPO’s tools and resources. She is a graduate of Kirkwood Community College, a Nationally Certified Pharmacy Technician and is a Member of the Iowa Pharmacy Association, NPPA and ASHP.
Vicki Vaughan provides support to HEc members and affiliates in the administration of materials management, nursing, surgical services, imaging, IT, environmental services, facilities, and construction. Her experience prior to joining HEc includes over 23 years at Mercy Iowa City in Material Management and clinical settings. She is a graduate of Kirkwood Community College.
Brian Studier works with prospective clients and co-op members to identify cost savings opportunities and to achieve the most value from the Premier GPO contract portfolio. Brian supports customers from onboarding, through implementation and provides guidance & support throughout the life of the relationship. His 25 years of experience in healthcare product distribution, value analysis, vendor partnerships and account management are key to a successful customer experience.
Savings opportunities for your business
Premier’s extensive portfolio allows for significant savings opportunities in nearly every aspect of your business:
Product & Service Categories
HR, Finance, and Staffing
We put you in connection with regional and national companies that can assist with staffing, AP audit services, billing & debt collection, credit card services, background checks, marketing, and many other services.
Employee Discounts
Being a member of the HE/Premier GPO connection gives your employees the ability to access discounted products and services for their personal use. Popular employee discounts used include cellular phone plans, office supplies, and rental cars.
Foodservice Distribution
HE Co-op and Premier have partnered with US Foods, one of the largest food distributors in the U.S., to provide food distribution and nutrition services to help control your food costs.
Medical / Surgical Supplies
Our dedicated staff has the expertise to identify cost-saving contract opportunities within all areas of medical and surgical supplies and services.
Office Supplies & Furniture
Partnered with Premier, we contract with the largest office supply companies, as well as local, well-respected companies, to offer the widest range of products for your work space or office at the best prices available.
Housekeeping & Janitorial
We put you in connection with industry-leading janitorial suppliers and distributors, allowing you to access best pricing no matter the type of business or industry you belong to.