NABM
National Association of Blind Merchants President Receives Prestigious Appointment
05/03/13 at 02:37 PMNational Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) in Chicago, Illinois, has announced the appointment of Nicky Gacos to their Government Affairs Committee. Over many years, Mr. Gacos has served NAMA in a variety of capacities at the local and state level. He has worked for more than a decade to bring partnership and collaboration between the Randolph-Sheppard community and the vending industry, best represented by NAMA.
Vending Times Senior Editor to Facilitate “Healthy Vending” Forum at BLAST 2013
04/26/13 at 03:22 PMThe National Association of Blind Merchants (NABM) is excited to announce that Emily Jed, Senior Editor of Vending Times, will moderate the “Healthy Vending” Forum taking place Monday, May 20, and Tuesday, May 21, at the Indy Super BLAST 2013 Conference in Indianapolis.
National Federation of the Blind Launches Vehicle Donation Program
04/17/13 at 04:32 PMThe National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the oldest and largest organization of blind people in the United States, announced that it has partnered with Vehicles for Charity to launch a new vehicle donation program.
National Association of Blind Merchants teams with NAMA to offer “Quality Coffee Certificate Program” at BLAST
03/18/13 at 08:55 PMBusiness Leadership and Superior Training (BLAST) Conference organizers announced today that they will be able to offer a special “Quality Coffee Certificate Program” on Monday, May 20, as a part of the Indy Super BLAST.
Compromise or Confrontation
03/12/13 at 08:59 PMOver the past few years we have been in the forefront of the nutritional vending work. We have worked to influence any unfair legislation or regulation which would harm vending and food service operations. We believe that it is important to educate rather than mandate.
NFBEI February Blitz
03/12/13 at 07:53 PMFebruary may have been a short month but there was no lack of activity. We found ourselves tackling all sorts of Randolph-Sheppard issues.
Vending Times is now available on NFB-NEWSLINE®
03/05/13 at 07:43 PMNational Association of Blind Merchants is excited to announce Vending Times is now available on NFB-NEWSLINE®. All blind and print-disabled vend operators can now benefit from accessible news from our industry. The National Association of Blind Merchants continues to have the support of our parent organization to make exciting possibilities happen for blind vendors.
Act now and make hotel reservations for the most important Randolph-Sheppard conference of the year
02/25/13 at 05:40 PMAfter April 15th, our BLAST hotel will no longer have rooms available in our room block. On that date, the early bird registration fee of $150 is no longer in effect. Therefore, will you please help us spread the word to everyone in our Randolph-Sheppard community to "Act Now!"
As BLAST approaches, the integrity of the National Association of Blind Merchants continues to soar
02/20/13 at 09:50 PMThe pride I take in the work of the members and supporters of the National Association of Blind Merchants is profound. It is almost overwhelming. A little over one year ago, the members of the National Association of Blind Merchants recognized the capacity and commitment of Terry Smith.
Official declaration on the matter of Randolph-Sheppard vs. AbilityOne
02/14/13 at 05:53 PMI know I am naïve, but I have just reread the Schroeder memorandum and letter from '97 and ‘99. Fred Schroeder was the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration during the Clinton Administration. It just seems so clear in laying out the case for Randolph-Sheppard priority for all cafeterias and mess halls.
President Obama nominates Janet LaBreck as next Rehabilitation Services Administration Commissioner
02/07/13 at 08:39 PMThe White House has announced that President Obama has nominated Janet LaBreck to be the next Rehabilitation Services Administration Commissioner. I have had the great privilege of working with Ms. LaBreck through the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind.
The Affordable Care Act: What's in it for me?
02/06/13 at 08:04 PMWe in the Randolph-Sheppard community know how legislation, no matter how big or small, truly affects our initiatives as well as the businesses our members work so hard to not only sustain, but also to expand. The U.S. Small Business Administration has built a website and blog dedicated to providing resources and answers to some of the urgent questions in our industry.
It's a Monster day: Progress for one brings progress for all
01/30/13 at 10:30 PMSometimes I’ve heard it said by my blind merchant colleagues in Randolph-Sheppard that the focus of the National Association of Blind Merchants should solely be for the purpose of Randolph-Sheppard. I was pondering this notion today when I saw a press release celebrating the fact that Monster.com will now be fully accessible to the blind.
NCSAB Partners with Blind Merchants Association
01/25/13 at 09:50 PMThe National Association of Blind Merchants is proud to announce that the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB) will be providing an entire day of staff training on Monday, May 20th as part of the annual Business Leadership and Superior Training (BLAST) Conference.
Randolph-Sheppard community bids farewell to a partner and friend
01/25/13 at 05:35 PMIt is with mixed emotions that I blog on behalf of the National Association of Blind Merchants and our Randolph-Sheppard community to express public thanks to Kareem Dale, and by extension to the Obama Administration.
9 daily habits that will make you happier
01/23/13 at 03:45 PMIt is rare that I read polemics, missives, requests for donations for children in foreign lands or jokes sent to me by email. However, when something comes from a true star in the Randolph-Sheppard realm, I naturally give it at least some credence.
The NFBEI Yearend BLITZ
01/10/13 at 03:10 PMThe NFBEI started out as a belief by Nicky Gacos, but over the last 12 months it has quickly grown into a driving force for Randolph-Sheppard.
National Association of Blind Merchants applauds National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
01/08/13 at 05:06 PMBlind people and our children want to be able to travel safely. More than ten years ago, our members noticed that it was difficult to safely cross streets when not able to hear hybrid vehicles.
A tribute to a dear friend and great supporter
01/07/13 at 04:15 PMIt is with deep sadness, but also great pride, that I take the liberty to print the obituary of Mr. Ronald J. Blackstone.
Kwanzaa is just a made up holiday
12/27/12 at 10:55 PMAs blind people who manage businesses, doing our bit to raise public awareness about how important it is to integrate people who may be perceived as different into the mainstream of our nation, it occurred to me that we ought to be more sensitive than most to the needs and wants of all people.
Finding hope, happiness and joy during a bittersweet holiday season
12/21/12 at 05:10 PMAgainst the backdrop of gun violence, fiscal cliff, partisanship in Washington and conflict overseas, Nicky Gacos, President, National Association of Blind Merchants, makes a compelling case for faith, family and Federation.
Facing the Fiscal Cliff – How it affects the blind and the Randolph-Sheppard program
12/18/12 at 04:30 PMWe’ve all heard the back and forth. We’ve heard the partisanship. But, many in the National Association of Blind Merchants (NABM) have to wonder what does all of this talk of tax reform and spending cuts mean to us?
United States paper money does not need to be redesigned for the blind
12/17/12 at 07:10 PMSagebrush supporters keep working to undermine Randolph-Sheppard and raise costs to businesses, large and small.
NFBEI Monthly Update November 2012
12/17/12 at 04:48 PMWell, the holidays are upon us and it is that time of year to slow down, spend time with our family and friends, and reflect on our many blessings. It has been a busy time for the NFBEI. Here are some of the highlights from last month...
The Passing of Our Dear Friend Scott Young
12/14/12 at 10:47 PMIt is with a heavy heart that I write to tell all of you about the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Scott Young of Tennessee.
