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National Industries for the Blind Annual Report 2009

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NIB National Industries for the Blind Logo

Building Relationships

Front Fly Sheet:

“Federal employees should feel incredibly empowered that they are helping to reduce unemployment for people who are blind by purchasing products and services produced through the AbilityOne Program. With every purchase of these products and services, federal procurement officers literally create and sustain more jobs for this underutilized, but qualified workforce.”

Kevin A. LynchPresident and CEONational Industries for the Blind

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Building Relationships

Message from the Chairman and President

People who are blind provide some of the very best products and services in the marketplace.But even top quality and best business practices won't sustain an organization if it does not cultivate strong business relationships. Fiscal Year 2009 was a year of building and strengthening these critical relationships with our customers, consumers, the disability community, legislators and our associated agencies.

To gain a greater perspective on the needs of our associated agencies, we conducted focus groups with NIB associated nonprofit agencies. We found that agency leadership is positive about NIB's new leadership and looks to us to lead in building national relationships; creating new business and job opportunities; supporting smaller emerging associated agencies; providing training and technical support; marketing the AbilityOne Program; and representing them before Congress, our customers and the general public. By better aligning our priorities with those of our associated agencies, we have reallocated resources to support the current needs of our associated agencies and our common mission of creating employment for people who are blind.

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Dr. James Kutsch, Jr. and Kevin A. Lynch

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As a result of ongoing dialogue with senior decision makers in the federal government, we have been fortunate to secure new employment opportunities for people who are blind in contract management support services, teleservices, distribution, environmentally-friendly and biobased products, high-tech military uniforms and equipment, and a number of other exciting projects. While the Department of Defense has been particularly supportive by encouraging an increase in contracts with the AbilityOne Program, we are also positioning ourselves for business opportunities with the federal civilian agencies. Our efforts to reach out to small businesses have led to some exciting new mutually beneficial partnerships. And our increased presence on Capitol Hill and our focus on strengthening relationships have given us unprecedented opportunities to participate in the new Administration's initiatives.

The end of a decade is as appropriate a time as any to lift our eyes from our day-to-day work and cast them toward the horizon. The NIB Board did just that over the course of the last year when we initiated a strategic planning process and jointly established priorities with the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled.

We wholeheartedly embraced the Committee for Purchase's Quality Work Environment initiative when the NIB Board of Directors approved a new policy that raises the bar by endorsing, promoting and encouraging the payment of at least the federal minimum wage for all employees who are blind and engaged in work under the AbilityOne Program. This action enhanced a 2000 NIB Board resolution that called for payment of at least the federal minimum wage for all employees whose only disability is blindness. The Board also approved funding for NIB to hire rehabilitation engineers, as well as grant funds to enhance the productivity of the small number of affected employees in our associated agencies.

All of these activities to enhance our business relationships have made a difference. Employment hours of people who are blind working on AbilityOne projects rose 4.3 percent over the prior year, and AbilityOne Program sales by NIB associated agencies reached a record $658.5 million. Moving forward, we have our work cut out for us to sustain these positive results!

On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of National Industries for the Blind, we extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Administration, the Congress, the Committee for Purchase, our valued customers, the disability community and our associated agencies. We value their support and will further develop our strong relationships with them to create, sustain and improve employment opportunities for the people we are in business to serve.

James A. Kutsch, Jr.Chairman of the Board

Kevin A. LynchPresident and Chief Executive Officer

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2009 Highlights

Growth in Net Employment and AbilityOne Sales

Building relationships has paid off in Fiscal Year 2009, another banner year in the growth of net employment and AbilityOne Program sales. These elements combined mean greater career opportunities for people who are blind. Some highlights from the year include:

4.3% increase in NIB AbilityOne Program employment

Net Employment – NIB AbilityOne Program employment for FY 2009 was 6 million direct labor hours worked, a 4.3 percent increase over FY 2008, exceeding the goal of 3 percent. This marks 13 years of consecutive employment growth.

New Employment Opportunities – Through the AbilityOne Program, NIB and its associated agencies generated 417 new jobs for people who are blind through new product and service additions to the procurement list.

Agency Employment – In FY 2009, 662 people who are blind obtained competitive positions with NIB associated agencies or other organizations in their communities as a result of vocational training and specialized rehabilitation services.

6.2% growth in wages paid to AbilityOne blind direct labor employees

Direct Labor Wages – The wages paid to AbilityOne blind direct labor employees grew by 6.2 percent in FY 2009.

$658.5 million in AbilityOne Program sales

AbilityOne Program Sales – AbilityOne Program sales by NIB associated agencies reached a record $658.5 million in FY 2009.

E-Commerce Sales – E-commerce sales grew by 19 percent over FY 2008, reaching $41.3 million.

New Products – NIB is dedicated to equipping the warfighter. Several new textile and niche products were added to the Procurement List in FY 2009, including military uniforms, organizational clothing and protective equipment.

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Bar Chart

NIB AbilityOne Program Employment

2002 – 4,421,893 Direct Labor Hours Worked

2003 – 4,712,182 Direct Labor Hours Worked

2004 – 4,990,542 Direct Labor Hours Worked

2005 – 5,073,445 Direct Labor Hours Worked

2006 – 5,142,703 Direct Labor Hours Worked

2007 – 5,361,846 Direct Labor Hours Worked

2008 – 5,721,298 Direct Labor Hours Worked

2009 – 6,000,000 Direct Labor Hours Worked

Measured in millions of direct labor hours worked

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Business Leaders Program Provides Professional Development Opportunities

Besides developments in adaptive technology, one of the major contributing factors that has created more diverse career choices for people who are blind is NIB’s Business Leaders Program. Launched in 2003 and already showing measurable successes, the Business Leaders Program – the first and only professional business development program for people who are blind – provides opportunities to transform capable leaders into successful business people.

The Business Leaders Program offers work experience and professional development opportunities for people who are blind, talented and ambitious, opening doors to career building and financial independence. This well-established program has gained nationwide recognition inside and outside the blindness community.

The Business Leaders Program currently offers four tracks:

Fellowship for Leadership Development – A two-year salaried program that combines formal leadership training and business-oriented job experience at the professional managerial level. Today, eight participants have successfully completed the Fellowship and four are currently enrolled.

Business Management Training – An 18-month curriculum for working professionals that develops critical business acumen and management abilities, taught by faculty from the Darden Graduate School of Business, University of Virginia. Today, 56 students have graduated from the training and 23 are currently enrolled. Seventy percent of Business Management Training participants have been promoted to professional managerial and executive positions within NIB and at NIB associated agencies.

Leaders At All Levels – On-site training available to all staff focusing on fundamental qualities that will enhance workplace effectiveness and morale. Since the five-module training began in 2005, 4,880 employees at 37 associated agencies have participated. Seventy percent of participants are direct labor employees. To promote continued learning, a sixth module was introduced in 2009.

Business Basics – Five distance learning courses provided in partnership with The Hadley School for the Blind that teach entry-level business concepts and skills. Since 2007, 176 students at 41 associated agencies have enrolled in Business Basics; seven have completed all five courses on their own and received their NIB certificate.

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Pictured left to right at the 2009 NIB/NAEPB Annual Training Conference are Business Basics certificate recipients: Eriq Cunningham, optical data entry clerk, Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind; Jeana Angelini, plant manager, Susquehanna Association for the Blind and Vision Impaired; Tim LaCroix, sewing machine operator, Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind; and Lee Strickler, customer services clerk, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland. Also pictured are Roxann Mayros, president and CEO, VisionServe Alliance, representing the Hadley School, and Sandy Finley, training and development specialist, NIB.

Also receiving certificates: Tracie Bell, director of development, West Texas Lighthouse for the Blind; Stephen Comency, accounting associate, Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment; and Thomas Graham, inventory planner, Horizon Industries.

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Jim Kesteloot

Jim Kesteloot Honored With Irwin Award

James M. “Jim” Kesteloot, former president of The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired, received the 2009 R. B. Irwin Award at the Opportunity Forum hosted by NIB and the National Association for the Employment of People Who Are Blind (NAEPB) in June 2009.

Kesteloot started his career at The Chicago Lighthouse in 1969 as a placement counselor, touring businesses to help people who were blind find jobs and to discover products that could be manufactured at the Lighthouse. Under his leadership, the organization has grown to provide a wide range of services to more than 70,000 people of all ages each year. The organization’s services include a call center to provide more career choices for employees; a library with Braille and large print textbooks; a manufacturing facility that produces custom clocks; a school for children who are blind, visually impaired or have other disabilities; a program for seniors; a radio station staffed by volunteer readers; satellite low-vision clinics at Chicago-area hospitals; a technology center and computer training

programs; and a nationwide veterans program.

The award honors the memory of Dr. Robert B. Irwin, who was instrumental in the passage of the Wagner-O’Day Act and the creation of NIB in 1938.

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Building Relationships with People

NIB Honors 2009 Employees of the Year

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David Gwin

The NIB Board of Directors voted to recognize two exceptional employees at the 2009 NIB/NAEPB Annual Training Conference in October 2009. The awards presentation is a highlight each year as conference attendees hear the inspiring life stories of the award winners and other nominees.

In 1968, the NIB Board of Directors created the Peter J. Salmon Award, named after the late Dr. Salmon who was instrumental in the passage of the Wagner-O’Day Act and the formation of NIB. The award honors those employees who excel in their positions at NIB associated agencies.

David Gwin2009 Peter J. Salmon Employee of the Year AwardNewView Oklahoma Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Since 2002, David Gwin has served as a telephone switchboard operator for NewView Oklahoma (formerly Oklahoma League for the Blind) at Tinker Air Force Base. Many people look forward to hearing “Operator 15” when they call in because of his excellent customer service skills.

He started his career at the agency in 1995 with summer employment while in high school. Gwin is truly a valued team member and has earned respect and admiration from his co-workers, base personnel and customers because of his strong work ethic and personal character. He has received numerous “Profiles in Success” recognitions for exemplary on-the-job performance.

Gwin was diagnosed with retinal blastoma at age 2, resulting in the loss of both of his eyes. He was a high achiever in school, graduating valedictorian of his class with honors in wrestling, jazz band, history and piano. Gwin graduated from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma, with a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology and communications minor.

The People Who Bring You SKILCRAFT® Ad Campaign

Everyone has a story and each employee at NIB’s associated agencies has an inspirational and

compelling one. NIB has been building relationships with agency employees and federal government customers through the “People Who Bring You SKILCRAFT” advertising campaign. The NIB Communications team visited various agencies throughout the year to gather stories from employees to feature throughout this campaign. Here is an excerpt from one of the ads:

Meet Victor Carino, a sales associate at Fort Belvoir’s SKILCRAFT Self-Service Supply Center. He says his job keeps him on his toes with a variety of responsibilities. “Our office and janitorial products not only help people like me who are visually impaired, but they help support our military. That makes me happy.” Victor is just one of the many people who bring you SKILCRAFT and other products and services through the AbilityOne Program.

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Sandra Werner with seeing eye dog

In 1996, the NIB Board of Directors established the Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement Award, which is presented to an individual who demonstrates career advancement at an NIB associated agency or in the private sector. Named after the late Mr. Samuelson, the award is a tribute to his leadership with upward mobility and placement programs for people who are blind.

Sandra Werner2009 Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement AwardIndustries for the BlindMilwaukee, Wisconsin

Sandra Werner is the inside sales supervisor in the E-commerce Department, where her team is responsible for customer retention. She began her 21-year career at IB Milwaukee as an accounting clerk, working in payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable.

When the E-commerce Department was formed in 2000, Werner became a customer service representative. She learned to use adaptive technology to navigate websites, use Excel and Word programs, and email customers and vendors. She was promoted to inside sales representative, and later was named supervisor for the department.

Werner was diagnosed with macular degeneration at age 5 and retinitis pigmentosa at age 25. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and earned an associate degree in accounting from Milwaukee Area Technical College.

Werner has demonstrated an ability to adapt and continually learn new skills to provide excellent service for her customers. She explains, “Over the last 20 years of my employment with IB Milwaukee, I

have been privileged to not only watch the amazing growth and changes within the company, but also to grow and change professionally right along with it.”

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Photos:

Victor Carino Calvin Boyce Kathy Harwood

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Building Relationships with Communities

NIB Associated Agencies Receive Honors

Several of NIB’s associated agencies across the country were recognized in their communities for their excellent work as local employers. These awards include:

AARP Best Employers Program for Workers Over 50 – San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind in Texas and Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind in North Carolina were named among top 50 companies.

2009 Employer of the Year Award from San Antonio Living Services – San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind received this local honor.

Top Workplace in Central Indiana – Bosma Enterprises in Indianapolis ranked 10th out of 46 midsize employers in the Indianapolis Star Top Workplaces 2009 program.

2009 Prince George’s County Employer of the Year – Presented to Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind, Riverdale, Maryland.

2009 Greater Rochester Executive of the Year – A. Gidget Hopf, Ed.D., president and CEO, Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI)-Goodwill of Greater Rochester Inc. in New York was honored through this award program sponsored by the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Rochester Business Journal.

Outstanding Fundraising Executive of the Year – Linda K. Merrill, CEO and president at Envision in Wichita, Kansas, was honored by the Greater Wichita Association of Fundraising Professionals Chapter.

Braille Institute of America 2009 Reflections Award – Rachel Rosenbaum, retiring president of The Carroll Center for the Blind of Newton, Massachusetts, was recognized with this award.

Employee Retention and Growth Rewards Program

The NIB Board of Directors granted a distribution to NIB associated agencies that not only sustained, but also grew employment and provided upward mobility opportunities for people who are blind. Through this direct financial assistance, the Board hopes to fuel more product and service development within associated agencies that would lead to the creation of more career opportunities. The top 10 agencies that qualified for this program in 2009 are:

San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind, San Antonio, TX Lions Services Inc., Charlotte, NC Envision Inc., Wichita, KS Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind Inc., Winston-Salem, NC Georgia Industries for the Blind, Bainbridge, GA Industries for the Blind Inc., Milwaukee, WI Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind Inc., Dallas, TX The Lighthouse for the Blind Inc., Seattle, WA Westmoreland County Blind Association, Greensburg, PA Mississippi Industries for the Blind, Jackson, MS

Employment Achievement Awards

Three of NIB’s associated agencies were recognized at the NIB/NAEPB Opportunity Forum in June 2009 for their accomplishments during the preceding fiscal year to increase employment for people who are blind and for their excellent performance on government contracts. The agencies honored were Arkansas Lighthouse for the Blind in Little Rock; Travis Association for the Blind in Austin, Texas; and Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind in North Carolina.

Mentoring Grants Assist Associated Agencies

NIB offers mentoring grants to enhance the capabilities of its associated agencies and assist emerging and newly associated agencies in making the rapid transformation into AbilityOne producing agencies:

Traditional “one-to-one” mentoring grants are designed to provide guidance to agencies in need of expert assistance from capable nonprofit agency executives with specialized expertise.

Centers of Excellence “one-to-many” mentoring grants recognize agencies with specific employment-generating projects or programs that have the potential to benefit multiple agencies.

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NIB Supports Minimum Wages for all AbilityOne Contract Employees

In July 2009, the NIB Board of Directors adopted a policy of endorsing, promoting and encouraging the payment of at least the federal minimum wage for all employees who are blind, both with and without additional disabilities, who are engaged in work on AbilityOne contracts.

Board members viewed this policy as a natural evolution of their 2000 resolution establishing minimum wage for people whose only disability was blindness. To further reinforce this position, the Board committed to the investment of significant resources to help NIB associated nonprofit agencies enhance employee productivity leading to higher wages.

The NIB Board resolution embraces the Quality Work Environment initiatives adopted by the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled.

“United We Serve” Campaign Launched Community Outreach

In 2009, NIB asked each of its associated agencies to participate in the “United We Serve: Summer of Service” volunteerism campaign, launched by the Obama Administration, encouraging organizations and

individuals to reach out and volunteer in local communities. This National and Community Service Initiative, held June 22 to September 11, 2009, was a sustained, collaborative nationwide effort to meet community needs and make service a way of life for all Americans.

Partnership With USO to Support Wounded Warriors

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the United Service Organizations (USO) and NIB, NISH and the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled established a commitment by AbilityOne Program agencies to continually serve our community on a wider scale and support the nation’s wounded warriors. Nearly 100 percent of NIB’s associated agencies agreed to support the effort.

The spirit of NIB agencies’ support was captured in comments by Vic Mende, director, rehabilitation services, Lions Volunteer Blind Industries, Morristown, Tennessee, who said:

“LVBI supports the AbilityOne/USO MOU and consider us ready, willing, available and PROUD to assemble comfort kits for wounded soldiers.”

NIB associated agencies agreed to periodically assemble comfort kits for wounded soldiers, using materials provided by the USO. This strategic alliance achieves a secondary goal of the United We Serve program by extending a commitment to public and community service beyond the three-month summer program. It also demonstrates that people who are blind or have other severe disabilities are capable and willing to contribute to the welfare of their communities and our nation’s soldiers.

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Rebecca Bridges, NIB services project specialist, shares a Braille book with children at the Charles Houston Recreation Center in Alexandria, Virginia. Several NIB employees read to children at the center and shared experiences about what it is like to be blind or visually impaired during “Education Week,” July 27-31, 2009.

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Building Relationships with Customers

New Products Developed to Equip the Warfighter

NIB associated agencies are dedicated to supporting our nation’s warfighters and will go above and beyond to produce high-quality, effective equipment to outfit the military. They have proven their ability to surge on a critical item that has high visibility with DSCP and Army leadership. Products produced to support the warfighter in 2009 include:

U.S. Army Improved Physical Fitness UniformBallistic Neck Armor Protective Enhancement (NAPE) PadArmy Advanced Combat Shirt Several Modular Lightweight Load Carrying Equipment (MOLLE) itemsU.S. Coast Guard UniformsMontana National Guard Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) deployment itemsU.S. Navy Enhanced Flight Deck Uniform National Guard Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops (PASGT) Retrofit Kit U.S. Marine Corps Next Generation Helmet Suspension SystemLow-Cost High-Velocity Parachute for Army Research Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) – Natick

Contract Management Support Program

NIB launched a new initiative in 2009 – the Contract Management Support (CMS) program – in response to the critical shortage of contract specialists in the federal government. Work began at three test sites in October 2009: an on-site location at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio; an off-base location in San Antonio; and another test site in Philadelphia. By the end of the year, in preparation for a DoD-wide CMS contract, 72 participants were enrolled in the CMS training program and four completed NIB’s CMS internship program.

The CMS program has the potential to alleviate the shortage of contract specialists in the federal government and provide hundreds of jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired through the AbilityOne Program.

NIB is the prime contractor through the AbilityOne Program for the CMS program, which provides:

Digital imaging servicesContract closeout servicesDocument destruction services

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Shay Assad, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Director of Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy, U.S. Department of Defense, spoke at the NIB/NAEPB Annual Training Conference in October 2009 in Kansas City, Missouri, and voiced his support for the CMS program.

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NIB, Associated Agencies Focus on ISO 9001 Certification

In 2009, NIB passed the ISO 9001 Surveillance Audit for the fifth year and is now registered to the new ISO 9001:2008 standard. Many of NIB’s government customers require their vendors to be ISO 9001 certified.

NIB’s goal is to help as many associated agencies as possible to implement ISO 9001. Fifteen NIB associated agencies are ISO 9001 certified and an additional 27 NIB associated agencies are actively working toward implementation.

ISO 9001 is an international, high-level quality system that helps organizations improve communications, processes and procedures to increase efficiencies in their operations. This high-level quality system is important to maintaining current business and acquiring new business.

DLA Honors Travis Association for the Blind

One of NIB’s associated agencies, Travis Association for the Blind of Austin, Texas, was recognized by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) with the Outstanding AbilityOne Program Vendor Award in January 2009. This award is presented to NIB and NISH associated agencies that exemplify overall excellence in superior product quality, on-time delivery, superior customer service, reliability, dependability, consistency and accuracy.

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Defense Logistics Agency Director Vice Admiral Alan S. Thompson, SC, USN, and Rosalie Kelley, director of distribution services, Travis Association for the Blind.

Base Supply Centers Expand Business, Demonstrate Excellence The NIB Communications Team launched a unified BSC communications plan and campaign in 2009 to create a uniform brand and consistent messaging, and developed tools for BSC operators to increase brand awareness and market the BSCs.

A new visual identity was created for the BSCs, including a logo, name (AbilityOne Base Supply Centers), tagline (Your Authorized AbilityOne Store) and presentation template. Communications tools produced included collateral, sales presentations and video, advertising, catalogs, posters and a page on the NIB website.

Several of the 133 AbilityOne BSCs were recognized for their excellent customer service and support to the local community by their customer organizations, and were joined by new BSCs opening in 2009:

The Fort Hood BSC, one of 13 operated by the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind in Texas, received the Team of Excellence Award from Fort Hood. This was the first time the award was presented to a non-military organization. The Fort Hood BSC also received the “Store of the Year” award from the Waco Division of Blind Services.

Louisiana Association for the Blind’s BSC manager at Barksdale Air Force Base, Diane May, received the Patriotic Employer Award from the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. The award is presented to individuals who contribute to national security and the protection of liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Force.

Virginia Industries for the Blind opened its new BSC at Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR). In remarks at the grand opening, Rear Admiral Vincent Griffith, commander of DSCR, said he looked forward to DSCR’s continued partnership with AbilityOne to supply services and goods to help support the aviation demand and supply chain.

Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired of Utica, New York, opened its fourth BSC at Newport Naval Station in Rhode Island. Rudy D’Amico, president and CEO of CABVI, and Captain Michel Poirier, commanding officer, Naval Station Newport, participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

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Building Relationships to Protect the Environment

Working for a Cleaner, Greener America

NIB associated agencies are leaders in creating environmentally safe products, which positions them to meet the Executive Order issued in October 2009 by President Obama. Executive Order (EO) 13514, titled “Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance,” sets sustainability goals for federal agencies and focuses on making improvements in those targeted areas.

The procurement of green products will continue to be a major component of the federal government’s greening initiatives. Providing a wide variety of green products to the federal government will help to dramatically increase the number of jobs for people who are blind while having a positive impact on the environment.

Why are many NIB associated agencies producing environmentally-friendly products? Here’s what executives at NIB associated agencies have to say:

“Our number one priority is to meet customer needs,” says Rich Weigold, vice president of manufacturing at Industries for the Blind Inc. in West Allis, Wisconsin. “We realize that the whole federal

and commercial market is shifting to the ‘green’ standard and we want to be a leading manufacturer and distributor of products that meet the standard. Increased sales means an opportunity to hire additional employees who are blind.”

“This is the right thing to do for our environment and for the future of our planet,” says Robert B. Garrett, president and CEO of North Central Sight Services Inc. in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. “Environmentally-friendly products are very popular for many good reasons. Any time you can add a new line or expand a line, you can grow employment.”

One of NIB’s associated agencies, Blind Center of Nevada, was honored in 2009 for its leadership in environmental issues by the Las Vegas Business Press as “Best Green Nonprofit Organization.” In 2005, the center began refurbishing working electronic equipment and breaking down non-working equipment into raw materials for resale. The goal is to eliminate the amount of electronic waste dumped in landfills and to provide meaningful employment to people who are blind or visually impaired.

Environmentally - Friendly Packaging

Aqueous coatings and inks – a water-based and environmentally-friendly alternative inkClay-coated news back – environmentally-friendly packaging alternative to vinyl plastics

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Environmentally –Friendly Products

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NIB associated agencies manufacture more than 1,200 products with environmental characteristics. Their dedication to environmentally-friendly products expanded in 2009 with the addition and redesign of numerous products that are biobased, compostable and biodegradable; made from 100% recycled materials; made with processed chlorine-free and recycled content; and/or packaged with environmentally-friendly packaging. Some of the new products introduced in 2009 include:

SKILCRAFT® Biobased

BioBroomsBioWrite® Pens and HighlightersCorrection Tape DispensersFlatwareGlass CleanersMulti-purpose CleanersPaper Cups with Biobased LiningRubber BandsSoy Candles

Recycled and Processed Chlorine-Free Products

BindersClocksComputer and Printer PaperCopy PaperDisposable Paper ProductsEasel PadsFile FoldersMailing LabelsReport CoversSelf-stick NotesStaplersWall PocketsWipersWriting Instruments

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Environmentally - Friendly Products

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Building Relationships with Congress

NIB continued to strengthen ties with members of Congress in 2009 through the work of NIB associated agencies that added nine new AbilityOne Champions this past year. An AbilityOne Champion is an elected policymaker who has demonstrated significant support for the AbilityOne Program and related community-based not-for-profit agencies in his or her district or state through congressional actions.

The new AbilityOne Champions were honored during the NIB/NAEPB Public Policy Forum, held in March 2009 in Washington, D.C. Four of them were newly elected to Congress in the 2008 election.

Congressional AbilityOne Champions

Sen. George Allen (VA)Sen. Jeff Bingaman (NM)Sen. Sam Brownback (KS)Sen. Richard Burr (NC)Sen. Maria Cantwell (WA)Sen. Benjamin Cardin (MD)Sen. Saxby Chambliss (GA)Sen. Thad Cochran (MS)Sen. Susan Collins (ME)

Sen. John Cornyn (TX)Sen. John Ensign (NV)Sen. Charles Grassley (IA)Sen. Tom Harkin (IA)Sen. Orrin Hatch (UT)Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX)Sen. Johnny Isakson (GA)Sen. Barbara Mikulski (MD)Sen. Bill Nelson (FL)Sen. Harry Reid (NV)Sen. Pat Roberts (KS)Sen. Arlen Specter (PA)Sen. Debbie Stabenow (MI)Rep. Neil Abercrombie (HI)Rep. Robert Andrews (NJ)Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (MD)Rep. Shelley Berkley (NV)Rep. Rob Bishop (UT)Rep. Sanford Bishop, Jr. (GA)Rep. Jo Bonner (AL)Rep. Paul Broun (GA)Rep. Michael Capuano (MA)Rep. William Lacy Clay, Jr. (MO)Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO)Rep. Howard Coble (NC)Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX)Rep. Artur Davis (AL)Rep. Danny Davis (IL)Rep. Lincoln Davis (TN)Rep. Susan Davis (CA)Rep. William Delahunt (MA)Rep. Norman Dicks (WA)Rep. Brad Ellsworth (IN)Rep. Bob Filner (CA)Rep. Barney Frank (MA)Rep. Phil Gingrey (GA)Rep. Louie Gohmert (TX)Rep. Charles Gonzalez (TX)Rep. Bart Gordon (TN)Rep. Kay Granger (TX)Rep. Ralph Hall (TX)Rep. Dean Heller (NV)Rep. Maurice D. Hinchey (NY)Rep. Mazie Hirono (HI)Rep. Steny Hoyer (MD)

Rep. Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA)Rep. Walter Jones (NC)Rep. Dale Kildee (MI)Rep. James Langevin (RI)Rep. Rick Larsen (WA)Rep. John Lewis (GA)Rep. John Linder (GA)Rep. Stephen Lynch (MA)Rep. Edward Markey (MA)Rep. Jim Marshall (GA)Rep. Jim Matheson (UT)Rep. Jim McDermott (WA)Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (FL)Rep. Dennis Moore (KS)Rep. Gwen Moore (WI)Rep. Jerrold Nadler (NY)Rep. Collin Peterson (MN) Rep. Joseph Pitts (PA)Rep. David Price (NC)Rep. Tom Price (GA)Rep. Harold Rogers (KY)Rep. Michael Rogers (MI)Rep. Mike Rogers (AL)Rep. C.A. “Dutch” Ruppersberger (MD)Rep. Tim Ryan (OH)Rep. Janice Schakowsky (IL)Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA)Rep. David Scott (GA)Rep. James Sensenbrenner (WI)Rep. Pete Sessions (TX)Rep. Louise Slaughter (NY)Rep. Vic Snyder (AR)Rep. William “Mac” Thornberry (TX)Rep. Todd Tiahrt (KS)Rep. John Tierney (MA)Rep. Edolphus Towns (NY)Rep. Melvin Watt (NC)Rep. Anthony Weiner (NY)Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (GA)Rep. Lynn Woolsey (CA)

New 2009 AbilityOne Champions

Sen. Kay Hagan (NC)Sen. Herb Kohl (WI)Sen. Patty Murray (WA)Rep. Steve Driehaus (OH)Rep. Virginia Foxx (NC)Rep. Tim Holden (PA)Rep. Tom Perriello (VA)Rep. Phil Roe (TN)Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (MS)

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Photos:

New AbilityOne Champions were honored at the March 2009 NIB/NAEPB Public Policy Forum. Pictured left to right in each photo:

Rick Bland, president and CEO, New York City Industries for the Blind, and president of NAEPB; Don Britton, executive director, Lions Volunteer Blind Industries Inc.; Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN).

Dennis Steiner, president and CEO, Susquehanna Association for the Blind and Vision Impaired (SABVI); Rep. Tim Holden (D-PA); Kay Masci, vice president for rehabilitation and education, SABVI.

Harold Knox, assistant store manager, Virginia Industries for the Blind; Rep. Tom Perriello (D-VA); Jim Meehan, operations manager, Virginia Industries for the Blind.

John Mitchell, executive director, Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired; Rep. Steve Driehaus (D-OH); Kevin Lynch, president and CEO, NIB.

Dan Boucher, executive chairman, Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind; Dan Kelly, general manager, Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind; Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC).

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Building Relationships with Federal Partners

New Administration Demonstrates Support for Disability Issues

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Special Assistant to the President Kareem Dale

During the weekend celebrating the inauguration of President Barack Obama in January 2009, representatives from NIB attended the first-ever Disability Power and Pride Inaugural Ball at the

National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The event was attended by officials from the new administration and its transition team, members of Congress and hundreds of disability leaders and advocates. NIB and NISH joined together as an AbilityOne Program sponsor to celebrate the growing strength and stature of the disability community and to provide financial support to youths with disabilities who would otherwise not be able to attend the event.

Kareem Dale, the first executive-level officer in the White House devoted exclusively to disability policy, spoke to participants at the NIB/NAEPB Public Policy Forum, held in March 2009 in Alexandria, Virginia. Dale, himself visually impaired, was an inspiration as he shared his career path to the White House and provided a fresh policy outlook for disability issues in the Obama Administration. In April, Dale issued a memorandum entitled “Accomplishments in Disability Community in First 60 Days,” followed by a White House briefing to leaders in the disability community.

Department of Defense Leaders Promote AbilityOne

General Ann Dunwoody, the Commander of the Army Materiel Command, issued a memorandum asking her commanders to find creative ways to expand involvement in the AbilityOne Program. This memo echoed the support demonstrated by Shay Assad, assistant secretary of defense for acquisition and director of defense procurement and acquisition policy, in his memorandum to Department of Defense contracting officials. He has urged the DoD acquisition community to make a personal commitment to consider the AbilityOne Program in fulfilling procurement needs.

“My Administration is committed to promoting positive change for every American, including those with disabilities. The Federal Government and its contractors can lead the way by implementing effective employment policies and practices that increase opportunities and help workers achieve their full potential. Across this country, millions of people with disabilities are working or want to work. We must ensure they have access to the support and services they need to succeed. “

President Barack ObamaNational Disability Employment Awareness Month ProclamationOctober 2009

National Disability Employment Awareness Month Focuses on Jobs

NIB coordinated a National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) awareness campaign with NISH and the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled. The campaign, in support of the AbilityOne Program, was designed to reach across the country and to the highest levels of government and the U.S. military.

President Barack Obama expressed his support in a September 30 proclamation: “The federal government and its contractors can lead the way by implementing effective employment policies and practices that increase opportunities and help workers achieve their full potential. Across this country,

millions of people with disabilities are working or want to work. We must ensure they have access to the support and services they need to succeed.”

NIB and NISH released the results of a national survey that revealed more than nine out of every 10 Americans believe the government should support employment opportunities for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities through programs such as AbilityOne. The national survey results showed:

A majority of people surveyed (78 percent) said they were comfortable with the ability of people who are blind or have other severe disabilities to make quality products and services for the government and the armed forces.

Almost all of the survey respondents (92 percent) said it is important for the government and armed forces to support the AbilityOne Program.

Page 19:

Cooperative Agreements to Support the Mission

In 2009, executives signed agreements with several organizations:

Defense Acquisition UniversityA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a strategic cooperative relationship between Defense Acquisition University (DAU) and the AbilityOne Program provides a framework for promoting educational opportunities and awareness for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities. NIB is partnering with DAU to provide the core training courses required to establish a foundation in contract management.

Internal Revenue ServiceThe IRS’s Stakeholder Partnerships, Education and Communications (SPEC) division and NIB are partnering to promote financial and tax education, free tax preparation sites and asset-building strategies for people who are blind. Through an MOU, NIB and the SPEC division will help people who are blind and their families to understand tax obligations and to enhance their money management skills.

Defense Logistics Agency NIB and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)/Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP) are collaborating to better support the U.S. military warfighter through enhanced supply chain management for products sold under the AbilityOne Program. Under the Supply Chain Alliance Charter, DLA/DSCP will collaborate with NIB to share demand planning and forecasting, increase shared oversight of contract performance, ensure quality through lean manufacturing processes, automate business systems to reduce costs, and improve business processes.

FedBid Executives from the AbilityOne Program, NIB, and FedBid Inc. signed an MOU to collaborate to help federal government agencies comply with the requirements of the AbilityOne Program by raising awareness among federal buyers of SKILCRAFT® and AbilityOne products and services. FedBid Inc. owns and operates The Buyer-Driven Marketplace®, where federal agencies compete requirements for commodities and simple services, some of which overlap with AbilityOne product offerings.

Photo:

Frank Anderson, president of Defense Acquisition University, and Tina Ballard, executive director of the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, signed an MOU in October 2009.

Members of the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (As of September 30, 2009)

Andrew D. Houghton, ChairpersonPrivate Citizen

James H. Omvig, Vice ChairpersonPrivate Citizen

Perry Edward AnthonyDepartment of Education

Abram Claude, Jr.Private Citizen

Kathleen A. JamesDepartment of the Air Force

Robert T. KellyPrivate Citizen

Paul M. LairdDepartment of Justice

J. Anthony PoleoDepartment of Defense

Department of Commerce*

Department of the Army*

Department of the Navy*

Department of Agriculture*

Department of Labor*

General Services Administration*

Department of Veterans Affairs*

Executive Director:Tina Ballard

*Pending Appointments

Page 20:

Building Relationships with Partners

NIB Supports the Blindness Community

NIB works with a variety of organizations that are committed to the common goal of supporting employment opportunities for people who are blind. NIB’s activities with some of these organizations include:

United States Association of Blind AthletesNIB and the USABA announced their renewed partnership in 2009 to support wounded veterans. The two groups are working together to enhance each organization’s mission and target initiatives on the promotion of sports and employment opportunities for people who are blind and visually impaired with an emphasis on wounded warriors and veterans who are blind.

NAPVIThe National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (NAPVI) provides support to parents of children who have visual impairments. NIB and NAPVI have established a partnership to increase the available pool of potential employees who are blind for NIB, its associated agencies and the

AbilityOne Program. NAPVI is concerned with future employment opportunities for people who are blind and approaches this commitment through education and training for the blindness community.

Blinded Veterans AssociationNIB supported the BVA as a sponsor of the group’s 64th annual national convention in August 2009. For the last three years, NIB and several associated agencies have been sponsors of the BVA Operation Peer Support. This program brings newly blinded veterans from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom to the national convention to provide them with both information and camaraderie to assist in their adjustment to blindness.

NAEPBThe National Association for the Employment of People Who Are Blind (NAEPB) represents private, nonprofit and state organizations that are committed toward the common goal of supporting employment opportunities for people who are blind. NAEPB serves as advisor and representative for NIB’s associated agencies across the country. In 2009, NAEPB continued its partnership with NIB to develop new contracts and public policy initiatives.

Wounded Warrior ProgramAmerican troops involved in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are surviving serious bodily injuries from improvised explosive devices due to improved body armor, quicker battlefield evacuation and advanced medical care. Today, soldiers and veterans are challenged to overcome serious injuries through extensive rehabilitation.

NIB is working with the leaders of the U.S. Army and Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Programs to discuss ways to help veterans obtain employment. NIB has supported several Wounded Warrior employment fairs.

World Blind UnionNIB hosted the annual meeting of the World Blind Union North American/Caribbean region in October 2009. This was an ideal opportunity to share information about new programs such as Contract Management Support and the development of biobased, environmentally-friendly products.

Before the WBU meeting, NAEPB and NIB invited representatives from the major U.S.-based organizations of and for the blind – American Council of the Blind, Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, American Foundation for the Blind, American Printing House for the Blind, Blinded Veterans Association, National Federation of the Blind and VisionServe Alliance – to discuss ways these organizations can more effectively work together to address issues affecting people who are blind.

Photo:

World Blind Union members meet at NIB headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia in October 2009.

Page 21:

2009 Financial Summary

Statement of Financial PositionAs of September 30, 2009 (Dollars in Thousands)

AssetsCash and cash equivalents - $3,581Investments - $19,171Receivables, net - $20,677

Deposits and prepaid expenses - $527Property and equipment, at cost less accumulated depreciation - $2,536Total assets - $46,492

Liabilities and Net AssetsLiabilities - $20,593Net assets ($86 temporarily restricted) - $25,899Total liabilities and net assets - $46,492

Statement of ActivitiesFor the 12 months ended September 30, 2009 (Dollars in Thousands)

Total revenue - $31,673Total expenses - $25,421Change in net assets - $6,252Net assets at beginning of year - $19,647Net assets at end of year - $25,899

Summarized from audited financial statements

Page 22:

National Industries for the Blind Associated Agencies

ALABAMAAlabama Industries for the BlindTalladega and Birmingham, AL

ARIZONAArizona Industries for the BlindPhoenix, AZ

Southern Arizona Association for the Visually ImpairedTucson, AZ

ARKANSASArkansas Lighthouse for the BlindLittle Rock, AR

CALIFORNIAEarle Baum Center of the Blind Inc.Santa Rosa, CA

Lions Center for the BlindOakland, CA

Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Oakland and San Francisco, CA

Sensory Access FoundationSunnyvale, CA

Valley Center for the BlindFresno, CA

DELAWAREDelaware Industries for the BlindNew Castle, DE

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIAColumbia Lighthouse for the BlindWashington, DC and Riverdale and Silver Spring, MD

FLORIDAFlorida Center for the Blind Inc.Ocala, FL

Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches Inc.West Palm Beach, FL

Lighthouse Central FloridaOrlando, FL

Tampa Lighthouse for the BlindTampa, FL

GEORGIACenter for the Visually ImpairedAtlanta, GA

Georgia Industries for the BlindBainbridge, Albany and Griffin, GA

Vision Rehabilitation Services of Georgia Inc.Smyrna, GA

ILLINOISThe Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually ImpairedChicago, IL

INDIANABosma Enterprises Indianapolis, IN

KANSASEnvision Inc.Kansas City and Wichita, KS

LOUISIANABlind Labor Training Center Inc.Bastrop, LA

Louisiana Associationfor the BlindShreveport, LA

The Lighthouse for the BlindCrystal Springs, Gulfport and New Orleans, LA

MAINELighthouse Industries of MainePortland, ME

MARYLANDBlind Industries and Services of MarylandBaltimore, Cumberland andSalisbury, MD

MASSACHUSETTSThe Carroll Center for the Blind Inc.Newton, MA

MICHIGANMidwest Enterprises for the Blind Inc.Kalamazoo, MI

MISSISSIPPIMississippi Industries for the BlindJackson and Meridian, MS

MISSOURIAlphapointe Association for the BlindKansas City, MO

The Lighthouse for the Blind Inc.Berkeley and St. Louis, MO

NEBRASKAOutlook-Nebraska Inc.Omaha, NE

NEVADABlind Center of NevadaLas Vegas, NV

NEW JERSEYBestwork Industries for the Blind Inc.Runnemede, NJ, and Philadelphia, PA

Cambridge Industries for the Visually ImpairedSomerset, NJ

New Jersey Association of the Deaf-Blind Inc.Somerset, NJ

NEW MEXICONew Mexico Commission for the BlindSanta Fe, NM

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NEW YORKAssociation for the Blind and Visually Impaired – Goodwill Industries of Greater Rochester Inc.Rochester, NY

Aurora of Central New YorkSyracuse, NY

Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment Inc.Binghamton, NY

Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired Utica, NY

Elizabeth Pierce Olmsted, M.D. Center for the Visually ImpairedBuffalo, NY

Lighthouse InternationalNew York, NY

New York City Industries for the BlindBrooklyn, NY

Northeastern Association of the Blind at AlbanyAlbany, NY

Southern Tier Associationfor the Visually ImpairedElmira, NY

The Visionary Media CompanyNew York, NY

NORTH CAROLINAIndustries of the Blind Inc.Greensboro, NC

LC IndustriesDurham, NC, Louisville, KY, and Ellisville, Hazlehurst, Jackson, Natchez, Sanitorium, Tupelo and Whitfield, MS

Lions Industries for the Blind Inc.Kinston, NC

Lions Services Inc.Charlotte, NC

RLCB Inc.Raleigh, NC

Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind Inc.Winston-Salem and Asheville, NC, and Mayaguez, PR

OHIOCincinnati Association for the Blind & Visually ImpairedCincinnati, OH

Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired Cincinnati, OH, and Memphis, TN

The Ohio Lighthouse for the Blind and Vision Impaired Inc.Ravenna, OH

OKLAHOMANewView Oklahoma Inc.Oklahoma City, OK

OREGONBlind Enterprises of OregonPortland, OR

PENNSYLVANIABlind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of PittsburghHomestead, PA

Center for the Blind and Visually ImpairedChester, PA

Chester County Branch Inc. Pennsylvania Association for the BlindCoatesville, PA

ForSight VisionYork, PA

Indiana County Blind Association Inc.Indiana, PA

Keystone Vocational Services Inc.Sharon, PA

North Central Sight Services Inc.Williamsport, PA

Susquehanna Association for the Blind and Vision ImpairedLancaster, Philadelphia and Somerset, PA

Washington-Greene County Branch Pennsylvania Association for the BlindWashington, PA

Westmoreland County Blind Association Greensburg and Uniontown, PA

RHODE ISLANDIN-SIGHTWarwick, RI

TENNESSEEEd Lindsey Industries for the Blind Inc.Nashville, TN

Lions Volunteer Blind Industries Inc.Johnson City and Morristown, TN

TEXASBeacon Lighthouse Inc.Wichita Falls, TX

Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind Inc.Dallas, TX

El Paso Lighthouse for the BlindEl Paso, TX

Horizon Industries/East Texas Lighthouse for the BlindTyler, TX

Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort WorthFort Worth, TX

The Lighthouse of HoustonHouston, TX

San Antonio Lighthouse for the BlindSan Antonio, TX

South Texas Lighthouse for the BlindCorpus Christi and Victoria, TX

Travis Association for the BlindAustin, TX

West Texas Lighthouse for the BlindSan Angelo, TX

UTAHUtah Industries for the BlindSalt Lake City, UT

VIRGINIAVirginia Industries for the BlindCharlottesville and Richmond, VA

WASHINGTONThe Lighthouse for the Blind Inc.

Seattle and Spokane, WA

WEST VIRGINIAThe Seeing Hand Association Inc.Wheeling, WV

WISCONSINAssociated Industries for the Blind Inc.Milwaukee, WI

Industries for the Blind Inc.West Allis and Janesville, WI

Wiscraft Inc.Milwaukee, WI

Page 24:

NIB Board of DirectorsAs of September 30, 2009

Chairperson of the BoardDr. James A. Kutsch, Jr.* President and Chief Executive OfficerThe Seeing EyeMorristown, NJ

Vice Chairperson of the BoardBrenda D. Gumbs*Vice President-Human ResourcesPerfetti Van MelleErlanger, KY

TreasurerDr. Paul M. Healy*James R. Williston Professor of Business AdministrationHarvard School of BusinessHarvard UniversityBoston, MA

SecretaryKristin Graham Koehler, Esq.PartnerSidley Austin LLP Washington, DC

Anita Shafer AaronExecutive Director and Chief Executive Officer

Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually ImpairedSan Francisco, CA

Richard C. Bland*President and Chief Executive OfficerNew York City Industries for the BlindBrooklyn, NY Daniel J. Boucher*Executive ChairmanWinston-Salem Industries for the BlindWinston-Salem, NC

Gibson M. DuTerroilPresident The Lighthouse of HoustonHouston, TX

Michael N. GilliamPresident and Chief Executive OfficerSan Antonio Lighthouse for the BlindSan Antonio, TX

The Honorable William A. Johnson, Jr.Distinguished Professor of Public PolicyRochester Institute of TechnologyRochester, NY

William B. Johnson, CPASavannah, GA

The Honorable Gary J. KrumpVice President and Director of Federal MarketingThe Rhoads GroupWashington, DC

Lou Moneymaker*President and Chief Executive OfficerBosma EnterprisesIndianapolis, IN

Major General Hawthorne L. Proctor, USA (Ret)President Proctor & Boone, LLCClifton, VA

Sarah M. Chamberlain Resnick, CPAFinance Director

Republican Main Street PartnershipWashington, DC

Billy J. SparkmanExecutive DirectorAlabama Industries for the BlindTalladega, AL

Dennis L. SteinerPresident and Chief Executive OfficerSusquehanna Association for the Blind and Vision ImpairedLancaster, PA

Ronald TascarellaSenior Vice President and Chief Credit OfficerPathFinder BankOswego, NY

Shelly TaylorPresident and Chief Executive OfficerLouisiana Association for the BlindShreveport, LA

Karen S. Walls, CPAPresidentMidwest Enterprises for the BlindKalamazoo, MI

Assistant SecretaryMary Jane Surrago CouncilwomanGlen Rock, NJ

*Executive Committee Member

Photo:

NIB Board of Directors

Back Fly Sheet:

MISSION: To enhance the opportunities for economic and personal independence of persons who are blind primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment.

VISION: Our vision is to be a premier organization of empowered employees that exceeds expectations of all stakeholders and champions opportunities for people who are blind to achieve their full potential.

VALUES: We are committed to maintaining the highest level of trust and integrity while conducting business with individuals, organizations, private industry and government.

We are committed to conducting business lawfully and ethically with all people who are blind, employees, associated industries, customers and suppliers.

A primary goal of NIB and our associated agencies is to enhance the opportunities for personal and economic independence of people who are blind. We seek to achieve excellence in delivery of service and provision of access, both physical and programmatic.

We are accountable for all our decisions and actions.

We are committed to providing excellent quality, value, competitive prices and superior service to all our customers who use products and services made and/or provided by people who are blind.

We are committed to recognizing the changing needs and preferences of our customers.

Back Cover:

NIBNational Industries for the Blind1310 Braddock PlaceAlexandria, VA 22314-1691www.nib.org

NIB Senior Management

Kevin A. LynchPresident and Chief Executive Officer

Steve BriceVice President and Chief Financial Officer

Angela HartleyExecutive Vice President

Steve HeineckeVice President, Product and On-line Marketing

Claudia “Scottie” KnottChief Operating Officer

Lynn Millar KonetschniVice President, Human Resources

Thomas PanekVice President, Relationship Management

John QuaVice President, Services Arun ShimpiVice President, Strategic Business Issues

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