Register Today for 2010 NIB/NAEPB Annual Training Conference in Cincinnati October 6-8; Pre-Conference Communications Seminar October 5-6
Ken Murphy, Director, Communications, NIB
Registration is open for the 2010 NIB/NAEPB Annual Training Conference, scheduled for October 6-8 at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza in Cincinnati, Ohio. The conference theme is “AbilityOne: People Make it Happen.”
This is an outstanding opportunity to develop new skills, learn new information and generate fundamental ideas from excellent featured speakers and informative training sessions.
We will also honor and recognize the accomplishments of the 2010 Employee of the Year associated agency nominees and national winners because people make it happen and make all the difference!
This year, the NAEPB Communications Committee is planning a Pre-Conference Communications Seminar focusing on "AbilityOne: Telling our Story." All NIB associated agency employees, especially agency communications team members, are invited to attend. The Pre-Conference Communications Seminar is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, October 5, through Wednesday morning, October 6, before the Annual Training Conference begins.
The co-chairs of the conference planning committee lead the two local NIB associated agencies: John Mitchell, executive director of Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CAVBI), and Robin Usalis, CEO of Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Conference attendees will have the opportunity to tour both agencies and we look forward to celebrating CABVI’s 100th anniversary!
Click on the links below for more information about the conference and seminar:
Read the attached draft agenda
Register for the conference and seminar
Reserve hotel room
For more information, visit the Events page of the NIB website. If you have any questions, contact conferences@nib.org.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Rep. Lamborn, Sen Udal, Sen Bennet Support AbilityOne BSC Program in Colorado
Airmen and women at Peterson AFB served at Envision Xpress AbilityOne Base Supply CenterPeterson Air Force Base Base Supply Store Celebrates Service to Military and Community
Colorado Springs, CO – Today, U.S. Representative Doug Lamborn (R-CO-05), praised the work of the AbilityOne Program and the Envision Xpress Base Supply Center (BSC) in a letter of recognition presented at a 15th anniversary celebration at Peterson Air Force Base. The Envision Xpress BSC employs people who are blind or disabled who support the mission of airmen and women stationed at Peterson AFB.
Envision Xpress is one of 140 AbilityOne BSCs that provide mission support for ongoing base operations and outfitting for military deployments.
“On this 15th anniversary, I’m proud to recognize your part in AbilityOne’s invaluable efforts toward training and employment for more than 300 Americans who are blind across the country. I congratulate Envision Xpress for the good work they are doing not only on Peterson AFB, but throughout the country,” Rep. Lamborn said in a letter presented by John Herd, Rep. Lamborn’s regional director.
Colorado’s two U.S. Senators also had words of praise for the employees of the Envision Xpress BSC.
U.S. Senator Mark Udall (D-CO) also noted in a letter: “I am especially proud that Envision has effectively operated the AbilityOne Program here at Peterson Air Force Base, providing quality products to our service men and women and their families.”
U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) emphasized the need for equal opportunities to jobs that the AbilityOne Program provides people who are blind: “The services that the Base Supply Center provides are invaluable tools for helping America’s visually impaired and severely disabled citizens find work.”
These employees produce and ship products, provide services and staff the BSCs. Additionally, service-disabled veterans and military dependents have the opportunity to join the AbilityOne team, where they continue to play a valuable role in the military communities that are significant to their lives.
“I know from meeting these employees that this isn’t just a job to them,” National Industries for the Blind President and CEO Kevin A. Lynch said. “Envision Xpress employees work every day to enhance their personal freedom, their economic freedom and America’s freedom as they support Peterson Air Force Base’s mission.”
The first BSC was opened in October 1995, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, by LC Industries, an NIB associated agency. Now there are 140 locations on military bases and in federal buildings in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
“It has been incredible to watch not only this location grow, but also the aspirations of the employees at the Peterson BSC. I am honored to be a part of this great program that provides employment opportunities for people who are blind,” said Envision, Inc. CEO Linda K. Merrill-Parman, who oversees the operations of 15 BSCs around the country.
Government customers support the employment of qualified professionals who are blind or have other severe disabilities with each purchase under the AbilityOne Program.
About the National Industries for the Blind
NIB’s (www.NIB.org) mission is to enhance the opportunities for economic and personal independence of persons who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment. NIB and 89 associated agencies serve as the largest employer for people who are blind by the sale of SKILCRAFT® products and services through the AbilityOne Program, established by the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act.
Monday, August 16, 2010
AbilityOne Base Supply Centers Mark 15 Years
140 locations across U.S. provide jobs for 45,000 employees who are blind or have disabilitiesAlexandria, VA – National Industries for the Blind (NIB) is launching a nationwide celebration honoring the 15th anniversary of the AbilityOne Base Supply Center (BSC) program which provides mission support at 140 U.S. military bases and federal agencies nationwide.
“BSC stores are directly responsible for the employment of more than 300 Americans who are blind or have other severe disabilities, which is what our mission is all about,” said Kevin A. Lynch, president and CEO, NIB. “BSC sales provide jobs and career advancement for the 45,000 people working as part of the AbilityOne procurement program to provide products and services to the federal government and our military.”
These employees produce and ship products, provide services and staff the BSCs. Additionally, service-disabled veterans and military dependents have the opportunity to join the AbilityOne team, where they continue to play a valuable role in the military communities that are significant to their lives.
The first BSC was opened in October, 1995, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, by LC Industries, an NIB associated agency. Now there are 140 locations on military bases and in federal buildings in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
“On behalf of the AbilityOne Program, I congratulate National Industries for the Blind for 15 years of Base Supply Center excellence,” said Andrew D. Houghton, Chairperson of the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, the federal agency which administers the AbilityOne Program. “We are pleased to provide quality employment opportunities for people who are blind or have other significant disabilities while meeting federal customers' needs through onsite retail operations.”
Eight cornerstone 15th anniversary events will be held at Army, Navy, Marine and Air Force bases throughout the country. Other dozens of local events will be held at other BSC stores. The event sites include:
• August 18 – Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado
• August 26 – Fort Knox, Kentucky
• August 31 – Luke Air Force Base, Arizona
• September 1 – Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois
• September 8 – Fort Detrick, Maryland (tentative)
• September 24 – Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina
• October 14 – Fort Bragg, North Carolina
• October 20 – Travis Air Force Base, California
“The success of the AbilityOne BSC program has allowed agencies to re-invest profits back into job training programs and create more employment opportunities for people who are blind,” said Chuck Lange, Vice President for Base Supply Centers at IB Milwaukee.
Government customers support the employment of qualified professionals who are blind or have other severe disabilities through each purchase under the AbilityOne Program.
About the National Industries for the Blind
NIB’s (www.NIB.org), mission is to enhance the opportunities for economic and personal independence of persons who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment. NIB and 88 associated agencies serve as the largest employer for people who are blind by the sale of SKILCRAFT® products and services through the AbilityOne Program.
Contact:
Ken Murphy
Director, Communications
National Industries for the Blind
kmurphy@nib.org
Peterson AFB AbilityOne Base Supply Center Appreciation Day
Envision Xpress Celebrating Eight Years of Quality Service and Mission Support
COLORADO SPRINGS — The Envision Xpress Base Supply Center (BSC) will host a Community Appreciation Day Wednesday, August 18, at 10:00 a.m. on-base at the 725 West Paine Street location. Those gathered will be celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the AbilityOne Base Supply Centers and recognizing Envision Xpress’ 8-year contribution of mission critical support for base operations and the airmen and women serving Peterson AFB.
“The Envision Xpress Base Supply Center provides an important operational and mission support service to the airmen and soldiers serving their country at Peterson Air Force Base and Ft. Carson. I’m proud to recognize the contribution to the base operations the Envision Xpress employees make daily,” said Congressman Doug Lamborn of Colorado Springs, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. “Congratulations to Envision Xpress for eight years of quality service and for creating and sustaining local jobs under the AbilityOne Program for people who are blind or severely disabled.”
Since 2002, Envision Xpress has provided a full-service and flexible on-site operation at Peterson AFB. This BSC is one of 140 stores nationwide that employs people who are blind and supports the work of nearly 45,000 Americans who provide products and services through the production of SKILCRAFT® products sold through the AbilityOne Program.
Invited and confirmed VIP attendees include base officials, Congressional and community leaders.
For press credentials and clearance, please contact Rob Vernon at 703-741-7536.
WHAT: Envision Xpress BSC Community Appreciate Day
WHO: Peterson Air Force Base officials
Staff from U.S. Senator Mark Udall (D-CO)
Staff from U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO)
Col. John F. Hurd (USAF Retired), military advisor to U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn (D-CO-05)
NIB President and CEO Kevin Lynch
Envision Xpress BSC Store Manager Jerry Fordham
Colorado Springs City Councilman William “Bernie” Herpin
Mark Lucas, Executive Director, US Association of Blind Athletes
WHEN: Wednesday, August 18, 2010 – 10:00 AM
*** NOTE: Media wishing to attend the event should arrive no later than 9:15 AM ***
WHERE: 725 West Paine Street
Building 666
Peterson AFB, CO
###
Contact: Rob Vernon
Phone: 703-741-7536
Email: rvernon@golinharris.com
COLORADO SPRINGS — The Envision Xpress Base Supply Center (BSC) will host a Community Appreciation Day Wednesday, August 18, at 10:00 a.m. on-base at the 725 West Paine Street location. Those gathered will be celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the AbilityOne Base Supply Centers and recognizing Envision Xpress’ 8-year contribution of mission critical support for base operations and the airmen and women serving Peterson AFB.
“The Envision Xpress Base Supply Center provides an important operational and mission support service to the airmen and soldiers serving their country at Peterson Air Force Base and Ft. Carson. I’m proud to recognize the contribution to the base operations the Envision Xpress employees make daily,” said Congressman Doug Lamborn of Colorado Springs, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. “Congratulations to Envision Xpress for eight years of quality service and for creating and sustaining local jobs under the AbilityOne Program for people who are blind or severely disabled.”
Since 2002, Envision Xpress has provided a full-service and flexible on-site operation at Peterson AFB. This BSC is one of 140 stores nationwide that employs people who are blind and supports the work of nearly 45,000 Americans who provide products and services through the production of SKILCRAFT® products sold through the AbilityOne Program.
Invited and confirmed VIP attendees include base officials, Congressional and community leaders.
For press credentials and clearance, please contact Rob Vernon at 703-741-7536.
WHAT: Envision Xpress BSC Community Appreciate Day
WHO: Peterson Air Force Base officials
Staff from U.S. Senator Mark Udall (D-CO)
Staff from U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO)
Col. John F. Hurd (USAF Retired), military advisor to U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn (D-CO-05)
NIB President and CEO Kevin Lynch
Envision Xpress BSC Store Manager Jerry Fordham
Colorado Springs City Councilman William “Bernie” Herpin
Mark Lucas, Executive Director, US Association of Blind Athletes
WHEN: Wednesday, August 18, 2010 – 10:00 AM
*** NOTE: Media wishing to attend the event should arrive no later than 9:15 AM ***
WHERE: 725 West Paine Street
Building 666
Peterson AFB, CO
###
Contact: Rob Vernon
Phone: 703-741-7536
Email: rvernon@golinharris.com
Friday, July 23, 2010
NIB Supporting Power & Pride ADA Gala July 26, 2010
National Industries for the Blind is helping the Committee on Disability Power & Pride celebrate the 20th anniversary of the historic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), with a Gala celebration on July 26, 2010 at the National Press Club (529 14th St., NW), 7 to 11 p.m.
"We are proud to support Disability Power & Pride, including its e-Commerce website, which helps to create jobs for people who are blind or have other significant disabilities," said NIB President and CEO Kevin A. Lynch. "This dovetails with NIB's mission to enhance opportunities for economic and personal independence primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment."
This event follows a White House ceremony commemorating the ADA's enactment. Disability community leaders, champions, advocates and supporters in government, business, the arts, service organizations, academia and the grassroots will join together to celebrate the past and reinvigorate a movement to change the future. This Gala is the capstone event for the anniversary day.
Tony Coelho, Power & Pride Chair, and former Congressman who authored the ADA, said in a news release, "The words in our name -- Disability Power & Pride -- distill decades of dreams and struggles, progress and challenges, and reflect the life work of countless leaders, legislators, advocates, and individuals of all ages, abilities and political affiliations. Difficult work lies ahead to deliver on the ADA's promise, but to succeed we must come together, celebrate who we are, and build our political power."
"Each of our nation's civil rights movements have celebrated and built on hard-won legislative victories by reclaiming its identity and the power of 'differentness.' The same holds true with the disability rights movement. Same Struggle. Different Difference. Power & Pride reflects a coming of age for the disability community," says Jonathan Young, Vice Chair of Power & Pride and Chairman of the National Council on Disability, an independent federal agency that makes policy recommendations to the President and Congress.
Disability Power & Pride is a movement (more than a non-profit organization) that mobilizes all Americans with disabilities, their families, friends and allies, to speak (and sign) with one powerful voice. Information is available at www.mypowerandpride.org. Power & Pride's identity campaign, made possible through the support of National Industries for the Blind (NIB), is being launched in connection with the ADA 20th Anniversary. Visit www.mypowerandpride.com.
Power & Pride is grateful for generous support from its sponsors, led by AT&T. "We are pleased to support a leader in the disability community like Disability Power & Pride," said Cindy Brinkley, AT&T Senior Vice President, Talent Development & Chief Diversity Officer. "Throughout our history, AT&T has operated with the understanding that accessibility is more than a word; it is a commitment – to connecting all people with their worlds. That commitment drives innovation at AT&T; it reminds us to rethink possible — and it will continue to define our company and culture for decades to come."
Other Disability Power & Pride Gala sponsors include Esquire Bank, Unifund, NISH, Wounded Warrior Project, CSC, Bender Consulting, United Cerebral Palsy, Disability Opportunity Fund, Intel, The Arc of the United States, American Association of People with Disabilities and VSA.
"We are proud to support Disability Power & Pride, including its e-Commerce website, which helps to create jobs for people who are blind or have other significant disabilities," said NIB President and CEO Kevin A. Lynch. "This dovetails with NIB's mission to enhance opportunities for economic and personal independence primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment."
This event follows a White House ceremony commemorating the ADA's enactment. Disability community leaders, champions, advocates and supporters in government, business, the arts, service organizations, academia and the grassroots will join together to celebrate the past and reinvigorate a movement to change the future. This Gala is the capstone event for the anniversary day.
Tony Coelho, Power & Pride Chair, and former Congressman who authored the ADA, said in a news release, "The words in our name -- Disability Power & Pride -- distill decades of dreams and struggles, progress and challenges, and reflect the life work of countless leaders, legislators, advocates, and individuals of all ages, abilities and political affiliations. Difficult work lies ahead to deliver on the ADA's promise, but to succeed we must come together, celebrate who we are, and build our political power."
"Each of our nation's civil rights movements have celebrated and built on hard-won legislative victories by reclaiming its identity and the power of 'differentness.' The same holds true with the disability rights movement. Same Struggle. Different Difference. Power & Pride reflects a coming of age for the disability community," says Jonathan Young, Vice Chair of Power & Pride and Chairman of the National Council on Disability, an independent federal agency that makes policy recommendations to the President and Congress.
Disability Power & Pride is a movement (more than a non-profit organization) that mobilizes all Americans with disabilities, their families, friends and allies, to speak (and sign) with one powerful voice. Information is available at www.mypowerandpride.org. Power & Pride's identity campaign, made possible through the support of National Industries for the Blind (NIB), is being launched in connection with the ADA 20th Anniversary. Visit www.mypowerandpride.com.
Power & Pride is grateful for generous support from its sponsors, led by AT&T. "We are pleased to support a leader in the disability community like Disability Power & Pride," said Cindy Brinkley, AT&T Senior Vice President, Talent Development & Chief Diversity Officer. "Throughout our history, AT&T has operated with the understanding that accessibility is more than a word; it is a commitment – to connecting all people with their worlds. That commitment drives innovation at AT&T; it reminds us to rethink possible — and it will continue to define our company and culture for decades to come."
Other Disability Power & Pride Gala sponsors include Esquire Bank, Unifund, NISH, Wounded Warrior Project, CSC, Bender Consulting, United Cerebral Palsy, Disability Opportunity Fund, Intel, The Arc of the United States, American Association of People with Disabilities and VSA.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Navy Exchange Service Command Signs Memorandum of Understanding with National Industries for the Blind
Photo caption: NIB President and CEO Kevin A. Lynch with Kimberly Zeich, deputy executive director, Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled and Rear Admiral Steven J. Romano, Supply Corps, U.S. Navy Commander, NEXCOM.Alexandria, VA) National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) signed a memorandum of understanding June 21, 2010, with the intent to generate mutually beneficial business development initiatives through strategic sourcing of existing and new operational supplies, retail products, services, and contract management support.
“In just a few months we [NEXCOM and NIB] were able to come together to produce this memorandum of understand that will provide a strong framework for our partnership for collaboration and working together to identify opportunities for mutual success,” said Rear Admiral Steven J. Romano, Supply Corps, U.S. Navy, Commander, NEXCOM.
NIB President and CEO Kevin Lynch added: “NEXCOM is an important part of our military retail program. The Navy has always been a very strong supporter of the AbilityOne Program (JWOD) and this is a wonderful starting point for the future of our partnership.”
Next steps for both NIB and NEXCOM include site visits to some of NIB’s nonprofit agencies associated with the AbilityOne Program where thousands of people who are blind produce products that are sold through Navy Exchanges (NEX) and overseas NEX Depots.
About National Industries for the Blind
At NIB (www.NIB.org), our mission is to enhance the opportunities for economic and personal independence of persons who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment. NIB and 88 associated agencies serve as the largest employer for people who are blind by the sale of SKILCRAFT® products and services through the AbilityOne Program (Javits-Wagner-O'Day Program).
About Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM)
Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM), Virginia Beach, Va. NEXCOM is a non-appropriated organization employing 14,000 associates worldwide that provides management oversight for 104 Navy Exchanges, 42 Navy Lodges, 157 Navy Ship’s Stores, Military Sealift Command Ship’s Stores, Uniform Program Management Office, worldwide telecommunications services afloat and ashore, and the Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility. Average annual revenue are $2.5 billion providing an estimated $450 million savings to Sailors and their families and $51.1 million in profit contribution to Navy’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation quality of life programs.
###
Contact: Ken Murphy
Director of Communications
National Industries for the Blind
703-310-0500
kmurphy@nib.org
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
FEDERAL NEWS RADIO INTERVIEWS NIB CEO KEVIN LYNCH
Washington, DC, June 22, 2010This week, host Larry Allen talks with Kevin Lynch, President and CEO, National Industries for the Blind. NIB’s mission is to enhance the opportunities for economic and personal independence of persons who are blind.
Larry and Kevin discuss:
* An update on traditional NIB product offerings through the AbilityOne Program.
* How NIB is partnering with private sector partners
* Why NIB feels that they need to expand into services and what type of services they're exploring
* And federal contract support services being offered by NIB to the federal government and Department of Defense
Download or listen to Kevin Lynch’s interview with Larry Allen
Coalition for Government Procurement provides a voice for commercial service and product companies selling in the federal market. The Coalition has 29 years of working with decision makers in and out of government on acquisition rules and procurement issues and provides a unique perspective from their members that is shared whenever procurement policy is debated.
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