What We Do

The EPC coordinates the purchasing power of its member districts to obtain top quality products at the most competitive prices.  We do not purchase goods.  Through a competitive bidding process, we obtain the kind of low prices that are only offered to major purchasers.  Through the EPC a small district has the same purchasing clout as the largest district in the state.   In addition, common bidding saves time for district personnel, as does the product research performed by EPC committees made up of school personnel.

The staff & volunteer committees of the EPC:

	Prepare specifications and obtain quotes for most of the products schools need
	Research products working with the people who use them
	Review bids and select EPC vendors
	Research new product areas
	Monitor markets that are important to schools
	Distribute prices and product updates to districts
	Provide seminars for district personnel on topics of common concern
	Administer EPC Group Employee Benefit Plans for medical, dental, vision and life coverage
	Sponsor the EPC Workers Compensation Group Rating Program

The EPC is a Council of Governments governed by a constitution and an Executive Board elected by the membership.  Each member district has an EPC representative.  The paid staff of the EPC is limited to a Director, Financial Officer and Administrative Assistant, in addition to a 3 member Benefits Team.

Members pay an annual membership fee of $300 + 40 cents per enrolled student.  The EPC is funded by membership fees, interest earnings on reserves and some special program fees.

General membership meetings are held at 1 PM the 2nd Tuesday of September, November, December, February, March, May and June.

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Our History

The Southwestern Ohio Educational Purchasing Council (EPC) was formed in 1968 when 13 school districts in Montgomery and Greene Counties joined together to purchase classroom and office supplies, audio-visual equipment and other common items.  Today 126 school districts and Boards of Mental Retardation from 18 counties participate in EPC programs with a buying power exceeding $98 million.

In 1986 a central office was established to provide permanent, broad based services to member districts and to commodity committees.  In the same year the EPC Benefits Office was staffed to provide onsite administration of the health and dental insurance plans which started in 1983.  In 1998 the EPC became a Council of Governments.

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EPC Vendor Fair

Each September the EPC hosts a day long Vendor Fair giving vendors and school personnel a chance to meet and review new products. Seminars are held throughout the day in all areas.

Next Vendor Fair: September 30, 2009 at Hara Arena

Link to Vendor Fair page  

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