Vendor vs. Partner By Jenn Rehse, Director of Business Development of Arizona and Lisa Folsom, Business Developer Sunland Asphalt When you hear the term “Vendor” what does that word conjure up in your mind? P.O.’s, work orders, unsolicited phone calls and/or drop ins? While some of those are true (Hey- we do have a job to do…), does the word “vendor” also make you think of fundraising, PAC’s, volunteers, donations, and event planners? Did you know that many vendors help to raise funds, plan events, and participate in organizing various events like PAC’s, golf, bowling, galas, and other networking events geared towards district fundraising? Moving from vendor to partner A ‘vendor’ sells a product or service that is transactional. There are plenty of vendors out there to choose from. But does your district have a partner? A vendor partner is someone who works hand in hand with a district, and/or their foundation, to help create opportunities, understand challenges, and listens to the needs of the district. A vendor partner brings insights, shares ideas, and discusses strategies to help district’s create sustainable goals. I am not just talking about projects or jobs here; I am speaking directly toward a district’s fundraising needs. Vendor Partners service the community through funding, volunteering, donations, and so much more. Vendor partners are here for genuine connections and long-term relationships with districts. Utilizing Vendor Partners The vendor community is a very diversified group of highly talented individuals. We attend a slew of events, so we can bring ideas to the discussions when planning, “Stronger Together!” Page 8 that you may not have thought of before. Vendor partners are a literal encyclopedia of best practices- what will work, what has not worked in the past, and generators of new ideas to get your district out of an event/fundraising slump. Not only do we provide the ideas, but we also work with districts to strategize on how to market the event, come up with theme ideas, and how best to set budgets and raise the funds needed. We collect donations, swag, and solicit sponsorships. Vendor partners will often dedicate a lot of valuable time to districts to help them achieve their foundation or fundraising goals. Behind every event, there should be a vendor partner District and Foundations should be reaching out to their vested vendor partners. We can bring insight into any event planning that is beyond useful. Vendor partners know who will attend what and can also provide small details that can make or break an event. For example, we usually know if you will be going up against another districts’ established event. We can steer the committee into a better date that will garner more attention, rather than scheduling competing events on the same day. Part of having a powerful vendor partnership is helping the district not only with their strategies for today, but also for tomorrow. So, does your vendor pass the partnership test?
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