Celebrating Excellence: 2025 Supplier Awards Ceremony Recap  

Held on May 15, 2025

Procurement Services was thrilled to host the 2025 Supplier Awards Ceremony, a special occasion to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of our supplier partners. This year’s nominees and winners exemplify excellence, innovation, and collaboration in every sense. Here's a look at the honorees who went above and beyond in supporting Iowa State University:

 

Environmental Excellence Award - Iowa Insulation Inc.

Recognized for their commitment to sustainability, Iowa Insulation Inc. leads the way in providing environmentally preferable products and promoting energy-conscious practices that align with ISU’s initiatives.

Photo left to right: Cory Harms with ISU’s Procurement Services, Mike Bradley and Darrell Bunting with Iowa Insulation Inc.

 

Customer Service of the Year Award - Crazy Fresh

Crazy Fresh impressed us with their proactive, responsive, and professional service. Their dedication to fostering strong relationships and aligning with ISU’s needs sets a gold standard in customer care.

Photo left to right: Crazy Fresh’s Jerry Arne, Cory Harms with ISU’s Procurement Services, Vanessa Dehn and David Smith with Crazy Fresh.

Small Business of the Year Award- Schonert’s Corporate Catering & Pinnacle Productions

This year, we honored two exceptional small businesses whose innovative solutions, stellar service, and meaningful partnerships have made a significant impact on the university.

Photo left to right: Cory Harms with ISU’s Procurement Services, Adam Schonert and Sophia Schonert with Schonert’s Corporate Catering.
Photo left to right: Cory Harms with ISU’s Procurement Services and
Hassein Rife with Pinnacle Productions.

cyBUY Supplier of the Year - CDW-G

CDW-G stood out on our eProcurement platform by consistently delivering value through responsive service, up-to-date core lists, and competitive pricing tailored to ISU’s needs.

 

Photo left to right: Cory Harms with ISU’s Procurement Services and Sam Humanchuk with CDW-G.
 

Strategic Partnership of the Year Award - U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank was recognized for their extraordinary collaboration and forward-thinking approach. Their proactive initiatives and innovative solutions have elevated our partnership to new heights.

Photo left to right: Cory Harms with ISU’s Procurement Services, Stephen Jacobs, and Heather Swanson with U.S. Bank.
 

Supplier of the Year Award - Lockton

Lockton demonstrated exceptional service, adaptability, and a solution-oriented mindset. Their collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact at ISU from day 1 of their partnership.

 

Photo left to right: Cory Harms with ISU’s Procurement Services, Brandon McShane, Elizabeth Conlin and Daniel Thomas with Lockton.

 

Honorable Mentions

  • VitalRads Veterinary Imaging Specialists – Honored in the Supplier of the Year category for their 24/7 availability, rapid turnaround, and seamless support.
  • Popplers Music Store – Honored in the Customer Service category for 25 years of consistent excellence, last-minute support, and concert expertise.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who submitted nominations—your input makes this event truly meaningful. We've received enthusiastic feedback from suppliers who were honored to be recognized.

Congratulations to James Rodde and Ellen Johnsen, our 2025 Supplier Awards Nominee Winners! We’re excited to continue this tradition in 2026, including the return of our popular nomination raffle.

Here’s to another year of outstanding partnerships and shared success!