Towson University Enhances Campus Recreation with Cooperative Purchasing

Jan 13, 2025   |   Matrix Fitness

Transforming campus recreation requires more than just vision—it demands strategic partnerships and smart procurement. When Towson University set out to expand its campus recreation center with a 100,000-square-foot facility, they faced a daunting task: equipping the space with high-quality fitness equipment while navigating the challenges of public procurement. 

By leveraging the cooperative purchasing power of OMNIA Partners and partnering with Matrix Fitness, Towson not only streamlined the process but also secured top-tier equipment and strengthened valuable relationships. 

Here’s how cooperative purchasing helped Towson University create a thriving fitness hub for its students and staff. 

Challenge: Equipping a New Campus Recreation Center

When Towson University expanded its campus recreation center with a 100,000-square-foot facility, the team faced a major challenge: equipping the 22,000-square-foot fitness floor with high-quality equipment while navigating the complexities of public procurement. 

As a state institution, Towson University needed to follow rigorous procurement guidelines, which often involve a lengthy and restrictive bidding process. According to Grady Sheffield, Director of Campus Recreation, “We knew we didn’t want to go through the bidding process, which could mean we wouldn’t get the equipment we wanted, and we knew we wanted Matrix equipment.”

Burdick Hall Gym - Matrix Fitness

The Solution: Cooperative Purchasing with OMNIA Partners

Towson University leveraged the cooperative purchasing agreements available through OMNIA Partners, enabling the campus recreation team to bypass traditional procurement hurdles. Cooperative purchasing allowed Towson to access pre-negotiated contracts with Matrix Fitness, providing both cost savings and efficiency. 

“Had we not had this contract, we might not have been able to fill our space with the quality of equipment we wanted,” Sheffield explained. “The cooperative was a win-win for everyone involved.” 
 

Significant Time Savings
The cooperative purchasing agreement eliminated the need for a lengthy bidding process, enabling the Towson team to move quickly. When Towson recently updated its fitness layout, the project’s $120,000 equipment purchase was completed in just two months. 

“Without this agreement, it would have taken much longer and been significantly more frustrating,” Sheffield said. 
 

Cost Savings 
While Sheffield couldn’t provide exact figures, he estimated that the cooperative saved Towson “a couple hundred thousand dollars or more” on the initial purchase of nearly $1 million in Matrix equipment. 
 

Strengthened Partnerships 
Beyond operational benefits, cooperative purchasing fostered a long-term relationship between Towson and Matrix Fitness. Sheffield emphasized the importance of these professional connections: “The people at Matrix are now valued colleagues. That relationship wouldn’t be what it is today without this partnership.” 

Key Benefits of Cooperative Purchasing

Cooperative purchasing offers public institutions like Towson University numerous advantages, including: 

  • Streamlined Procurement Processes: Avoiding the challenges of traditional bidding saves time and effort.
  • Access to High-Quality Suppliers: Contracts are competitively solicited and publicly awarded with trusted vendors, ensuring quality and compliance. 
  • Cost Savings: Leveraging collective buying power results in substantial financial benefits. 
  • Operational Efficiency: Quick turnarounds due to strong supplier relationships enables faster project completion. 

Towson University’s successful partnership with OMNIA Partners and Matrix Fitness underscores the transformative potential of cooperative purchasing in public sector procurement.

Grady Sheffield Quote

About Matrix Fitness and OMNIA Partners

Matrix Fitness is the industry’s fastest-growing commercial fitness brand and a favorite choice among health clubs, luxury resorts, wellness centers and universities worldwide. The brand’s unparalleled growth is attributed to an unwavering dedication to their customers. 

The Matrix Fitness and OMNIA Partners partnership provides your organization with the ability to purchase fitness equipment and services at discounted prices. This streamlined acquisition process helps organizations save a significant amount of time and money typically allocated to contract production and negotiations. 

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