Game On! USO Taps Exchange B2B Team to Send 250 Gaming Consoles Overseas
The Exchange is no stranger to supporting Warfighters at the tip of the spear. When the USO called, the Exchange’s business-to-business (B2B) team answered.
For this project, the USO wanted to purchase and send gaming equipment to service members supporting NATO efforts overseas. These items are in integral part of the USO’s USO2GO program, which provides customizable entertainment kits to troops serving in remote locations that do not have a traditional USO center.
Buyer Eric Hines was instrumental in getting the consoles to the USO. Hines, along with Inventory Specialist Josh Moran and Inventory Management Supervisor Andrew Torok, ensured that enough consoles were reserved with suppliers for the program.
“Our initial buy took place in October,” Hines said. “Between October and April, we were able to contribute 250 gaming consoles.”
Because of the Exchange’s support and unique capabilities in serving those who serve, the USO has since worked with the team to purchase more products from the Exchange to support Warfighters at the tip of the spear.
“They recognized our capabilities and tapped us as a resource,” Hines said. “Now they are continuing to order to meet their future needs.”
Collin Fortier, the Exchange’s B2B support liaisaon, cites the success of the collaboration as the reason for the USO’s continued business.
“They requested a number of furniture items and products from other categories, and they have asked for our help to support troops in Okinawa, Greenland and Honduras,” Fortier said.
Fortier and Hines said the relationship with the USO could not have expanded beyond the initial program without the contributions of Moran, Torok, Exchange Senior Business Analyst Melissa Cleary and Financial Operations Manager Kimberly Brown.
“Based on the success of the project, we look forward to a long-term relationship with the USO,” Fortier said. “It took a total team effort… We figured out how to do something for the Warfighters that no other retailer can do.”
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