Evelyn Sanchez speaks with a local vendor at the Anchor Collaborative Purchasing Fair, Nov. 14 at the UMass Amherst Henry M. Thomas III Center at Springfield

Community

UMass Connects with Local Businesses, Vendors at Anchor Collaborative Purchasing Fair

Representatives from Facilities and Campus Services took part in the Anchor Collaborative Purchasing Fair, a conference hosted by the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council held Nov. 14 at the UMass Amherst Henry M. Thomas III Center at Springfield.

The fair was created to help establish partnerships between anchor institutions such as UMass Amherst and vendors and business owners from across the region. Lynn Omasta, Business Services’ assistant director for purchasing and contracts, and contract specialist Evelyn Sanchez provided attendees with detailed information on how vendors and business owners can best engage with UMass about contract opportunities in facilities-related industries, including carpentry, utilities, painting, flooring and signage.

Other prominent local organizations that participated in the event included the City of Holyoke, Health New England, Springfield College, Baystate Health, the City of Springfield, Bay Path University and Holyoke Community College.