T h e

The National Association of
Blind Merchants
(a division of the National Federation of the Blind)
and
Business Enterprises of Texas
present
Lone Star BLAST
November 18 – 20, 2014
Proudly Sponsored by Coca-Cola
A National Training Conference for Merchant Vendors, Program Staff,
Corporate Partners, and all Blind and Vision Impaired People Interested in
Entrepreneurial Ventures.
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Business Leadership and Superior Training (BLAST) launched in March of
2002 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The goal of BLAST is to take training for blind
entrepreneurs and state agency personnel to a whole new level. This is
accomplished by:
 Increasing networking opportunities
 Bringing concentrated upward mobility training to all blind
vendors
 Developing and providing high value education
 Offering highest quality, consumer-driven training, motivation
and networking round tables
Thank you for joining us as we continue to raise standards and
expectations to a whole new level!
The National Association of Blind Merchants is a division of the National Federation
of the Blind (NFB). The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not
the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between
blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what
holds you back.
-Mark Riccobono, President, National Federation of the Blind
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The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE symbol: KO) is the world's largest
nonalcoholic beverage company. We offer a portfolio of worldclass quality sparkling and still beverages, starting with CocaCola® and extending to more than 400 brands of soft drinks,
juices, teas, coffees, waters, and sports and energy drinks.
Our mission is to refresh the world, create value and make a
difference. Our focus on the needs of our customers, consumers
and franchise partners helps us achieve and continue achieving
sustainable, quality growth. To continue to thrive as a business
over the next ten years and beyond, we are looking ahead,
understanding the trends and forces that will shape our business
in the future, and moving swiftly to prepare for what's to come.
Coca-Cola has shown generous support to the NABM, which in
turn benefits our entire industry. Please say ‘Thank You’ to the
Coca-Cola Company for their commitment to this year’s BLAST
conference as the Title Sponsor.
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Title Sponsor
Coca-Cola Refreshments
Titanium Investors
Blackstone Consulting, Inc.
Pepsico
RSA Buying Group, Inc.
Food Services, Inc.-Gainesville
Platinum Partners
Southern Foods
Brown Goldstein Levy
Nayyarson
Gold Leadership Contributors
Johnson Food Services
U-Select-It, a Wittern Group Company
Avanti Markets
LaBarre Law Offices
Mitchco International
Sodexo
Silver Superior Training Sponsors
Subway
Vistar
Libera, Inc.
Hadley School for the Blind
Nestle Waters
Nestle Professional
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Business Enterprises of Texas Program
The National Association of Blind Merchants would like to take this
opportunity to offer a very special thank you to our Texas hosts. We are
grateful for their hospitality. Business Enterprises of Texas’s commitment
to highest quality upward mobility training for all managers and staff is
one of many factors which have made it a program held in highest regard
throughout the Randolph-Sheppard industry. Thank you, Business
Enterprises of Texas.
We proudly welcome Titanium Sponsor RSA Buying Group. Randolph-Sheppard
Service Association has now launched the most dynamic rebate program for blind
vendors ever conceived. RSA - they are not with the government, but they are here
to help. Randolph-Sheppard Service Association is more than a buying cooperative.
As the program grows, they will be offering technical assistance and marketing
materials to assist all blind vendors in their quest to increase profit. Rebates are just
the beginning. Visit the booth for savings, giveaways, and drawings. Now blind
vendors can receive the best rebates in the industry on both snacks and beverages.
RSA - Reliability, Service, Accountability.
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At Pepsico, our mission is to be the world's premier consumer products
company focused on convenient foods and beverages. We seek to produce
financial rewards to investors as we provide opportunities for growth
and enrichment to our employees, our business partners and the
communities in which we operate. And in everything we do, we strive for
honesty, fairness and integrity. Our products can be found in more than
200 countries around the globe. PepsiCo is a global food and beverage
leader with a diverse product portfolio that includes 22 brands like Pepsi,
Frito-Lay, Tropicana, Gatorade, Quaker and more. Each generates more
than $1 billion each in annual retail sales. PepsiCo is proud of its
relationship with the National Association of Blind Merchants and the
National Federation of the Blind.
We welcome the protégés of the BEST program. NABM has always been committed to
providing mentorship and training for entrepreneurs, both within and in addition to
Randolph-Sheppard. This year, we proudly offer Blind Entrepreneurs Succeed Today,
director Richie Flores. Blind entrepreneurs succeed today, and will succeed tomorrow
by working together and learning from each other. Welcome, to our 20 BEST program
participants.
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At Food Services Inc. of Gainesville,
our highly recommended 100
percent success record has made us
one of the most qualified firms in
the military dining industry.
Everything is proudly achieved by
mentoring licensed blind vendors
to manage each contract
exceptionally and independently. It's our added dedication to our
vendors becoming entrepreneurs and mentors that makes us
unique amongst our peers.
Monday, November 17th, 2014
Special Notes
We are proud to announce the addition of two opportunities to enjoy
your Lone Star BLAST. These optional events are not covered by your
BLAST registration fee. Purchase tickets for these special events at the
registration table on a first come, first-served basis.
Tuesday, 12:00 p.m.
To Your Health: A Special Luncheon $40
Sponsored by the National Association of Blind Merchants
and Corporate Partner
Wedgewood Ballroom
Joel Kimmons, PhD, Center for Disease Control
Jessica Beecham, M.S., Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Consultant, National Federation of the Blind of Colorado
The Affordable Care Act, health and wellness initiatives, GSA
guidelines, and a genuine need for each of us to consider our
own personal health and wellness will be the focus of this
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special event. Emphasis will be on dietary health, exercise,
and how they relate to performance, feeling good, and
quality of life.
Wednesday, 5:45 p.m.
Enjoy Downtown Austin $15
Buses load for the ultimate Austin experience. We provide the
transportation, you create the experience. The 7 blocks of 6th
Street between Congress and IH 35 is the heart of Austin’s live
entertainment scene. Sixth Street is lined with historic
buildings, numerous bars, a host of live entertainment venues,
live music of every genre, and great food featuring everything
from chili and Tex-Mex, to Cajun and deli food. For a $15
roundtrip ticket, you will enjoy transportation leaving from the
Austin Renaissance at 6:00 p.m., and every half hour until
10:00 p.m. Return trips begin at 8:00 p.m. and run
approximately every half hour until 12:30 a.m. from 6th and
Brazos, near the Driskill Hotel. Check with the registration
table for details.
Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
Awards Banquet $50
For those who are not registered attendees for BLAST, there
will be a limited number of banquet tickets available for
Thursday evening’s Award Banquet starring Scott MacIntyre.
Tickets will cost $50, and will be available at the registration
table.
4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Registration
Plaza Booth
If you haven’t registered, please do so! If you have
pre-registered, please stop at the registration desk to
pick up your name badge and other BLAST materials.
Note: Remember that your name badge must be worn
during all BLAST activities. It is your prepaid ticket
which shows that you have registered.
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Blackstone Consulting, Inc. (BCI), a premier service provider established in 1991, began a lifelong
relationship with Business Enterprise Programs in support of Randolph Sheppard Act in 1999. We are a
team of experts in RSA to assist and empower blind vendors and state agencies to achieve the goals set
out by the government.
Our relationship with and support of the RSA have allowed us to establish 29 partnerships in Alaska,
Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New
Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Virginia, Washington DC and Wisconsin.
Our knowledge and experience in food service contracts provide necessary guidance and direction
towards winning business for the state agencies and blind vendors involved.
www.blackstone-consulting.com
Tuesday, November 18th, 2014
8:00 a.m. Registration
Plaza Booth
If you haven’t registered, please do so! If you have
pre-registered, please stop at the registration desk to
pick up your name badge and other BLAST materials.
Note: Remember that your name badge must be worn
during all BLAST activities. It is your prepaid ticket
which shows that you have registered.
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8:00 a.m. Business Enterprise Program Staff and State Attorney
General Training Symposium
Sponsored by the National Association of Blind Merchants in
partnership with the National Council of State Agencies for the
Blind
Trinity
Facilitator-Terry C. Smith, Business Opportunity Specialist,
National Federation of the Blind Entrepreneur Initiative
The National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB)
and NABM will be providing an entire day of state agency staff
and state attorney training. The training will focus on legal
issues related to the Randolph-Sheppard and Vocational
Rehabilitation Programs and best practices in state business
enterprises programs.
12:00 p.m. To Your Health: A Special Luncheon $40
Sponsored by the National Association of Blind Merchants
and Corporate Partner
Wedgewood Ballroom
Joel Kimmons, PhD, Center for Disease Control
Jessica Beecham, M.S., Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Consultant, National Federation of the Blind of Colorado
The Affordable Care Act, health and wellness initiatives, GSA
guidelines, and a genuine need for each of us to consider our
own personal health and wellness will be the focus of this
special event. Emphasis will be on dietary health, exercise,
and how they relate to performance, feeling good, and
quality of life.
Note: tickets for this health and wellness luncheon are
not covered by your BLAST registration fee. Tickets are
available on a first-come, first-served basis at a cost of $40
per attendee. Tickets can be purchased at the registration
desk, beginning Monday afternoon.
12:15 p.m. Exclusive Agency Training Luncheon
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Trinity
1:30 p.m. State Agency Training Continued
Trinity
1:30 p.m. State Attorney General Training Continued
San Saba
For over 25 years, Brown, Goldstein & Levy has
been a national leader fighting to protect the
rights of blind entrepreneurs under the
Randolph-Sheppard Act. We have represented
blind managers, groups of managers, state
licensing agencies, the National Association of
Blind Merchants, and the National Federation of
the
Blind throughout the United States. We have
also successfully represented blind vendors in
Randolph-Sheppard arbitrations against state licensing agencies and successfully
represented state licensing agencies in Randolph-Sheppard arbitrations against federal
property managers. We are here to champion your rights.
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Tuesday, November 18th, 2014 (continued)
Breakouts: First Sessions
1:30 p.m. iOS for Beginners
Pecos
J.J. Meddaugh, President, CEO, AT Guys
If you've never used a smart phone in your life or are brand
new to the iPhone, this session is for you. Learn the basics of
VoiceOver including opening apps, navigating, typing, and
reading email. Learn how to use Siri, download apps, and
practice gestures.
1:30 p.m. VIP for VIPs: Vending Improvement Program for Very
Important People
Frio
Gary Nelson, CEO, Liberty Enterprises, Inc.
With additional industry experts
Delve into resources designed for our industry to help you
excel in your business. An emphasis on technology and
trending solutions that are cost effective and easy to
implement. Leading experts will share their insights. Come
prepared to grow.
1:30 p.m. Offering Healthy Choices That Work and Make Money
Sabine
Tom Chepey, Owner/Operator, The Chuckwagon Café,
Licensed Manager, The Business Enterprises of Texas
1:30 p.m. Leadership that Gets Genuine Service
San Antonio
Jim Glick, Leadership Coach and Mentor
This session focuses on the leadership skills needed to model
and foster exceptional customer interactions, from how we
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walk in the room to how we thank customers for their
business.
1:30 p.m. En-Vision Control of Your Own Inventory through the
Latest Access Technology: ID Mate Quest
Concho
Dave Bode, President, En-Vision America
Sodexo, Inc. is a world leader in Quality of Daily Life Solutions,
serving 34,300 sites in 80 countries every day. Our experiences with
our more than 75 million consumers each day enable us to develop
Quality of Life services that reinforce the well-being of individuals,
improving their effectiveness, helping companies and organizations
to improve performance, and fighting hunger… every day. Proud to
support National Federation of the Blind and proud to have a
number of Randolph-Sheppard partnerships.
Nestlé Waters focuses on delivering the most suitable healthy hydration
solutions for everyone. Being the world's leading bottled water company
is based on a solid economic model: strong brands, global presence,
innovation capacity, environmental stewardship and passionate people.
Learn more at
www.nestle-waters.com.
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Tuesday, November 18th, 2014 (continued)
Breakouts: Second Sessions
3:30 p.m. Selling Healthy: New Opportunities and New Products
with the Healthy Customers Market
San Marcos
Joel Kimmons, PhD, Center for Disease Control
Dr. Kimmons will review the basics on healthy items and how
they fit nutrition guidelines, as well as how Blind
Entrepreneurs can adjust their offerings to attract new
customers with different food interests. Discussion will
include how partners in leadership and worksite wellness of
the facilities served can promote sales.
3:30 p.m.
Low Vision Logic: Empowering Entrepreneurs with
Winning Strategies for Maximizing Effectiveness
Sabine
Eileen Rivera Ley, CEO, Ley and Associates LLC.
Leaders and entrepreneurs with low vision can enjoy more
rewarding careers by learning and applying Low Vision Logic.
While the average low vision intervention strives to maximize
use of vision, these methods aim to maximize function.
Participants will come away with the motivation and ability to
apply this practical and systematic methodology for
evaluating their own alternative low vision and non-vision
options, confidently and competently using the right tools and
strategies for long-term personal success.
3:30 p.m. Making the Micro Market Magic
Frio
Ben White, Adjunct Professor, Carroll College, President,
Vending Insights Inc.
Professor White, a subject matter expert, will walk you
through the process of creating and operating an auto
attended store.
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3:30 p.m. Brand New Words: The Connection Between What You
Say and Why I Pay
San Antonio
Corbb O’Connor, Business Growth & Communications
Consultant, O'Consulting Group
During this presentation, we will have an opportunity to
identify the areas in which our marketing contradicts the
experience that we want customers to have. We’ll look at how
to leverage inexpensive tools to turn your most loyal
customers into unpaid, walking billboards.
4:00 p.m. Your Phone Can Make You Money
Pecos
J.J. Meddaugh, President, CEO, AT Guys
Learn about useful apps and tools to benefit your business.
From social media and promotion, to accounting and
bookkeeping, many free and low-cost apps are available to
help take your business to the next dimension. This session
will focus on iPhone and iPad apps though many programs
will work on Android as well.
4:00-6:00 p.m. Business Enterprises of Texas Elected Committee of
Managers Meeting
Wedgewood Ballroom
Texas managers and other BLAST attendees are welcome.
6:30 p.m. Welcoming Reception and Heart of Texas Barbeque
Grand Ballroom
This is the perfect networking event. Share ideas for success
with colleagues and make lifelong friends. Celebrating more
than 75 years of Randolph-Sheppard and more than 125
years of Coca-Cola refreshments. Enjoy friends, music,
Texas barbeque with all the trimmings, and cash bar.
Note: Remember that your name badge must be worn during
all BLAST activities.
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LaBarre Law Offices P.C. is wholly owned and operated by Scott C.
LaBarre. Mr. LaBarre specializes in Randolph-Sheppard law, employment
law, disability rights, Social Security matters, business law, and other
general civil litigation. Scott LaBarre greatly enjoys working with blind
merchants because he believes firmly in achieving the letter and spirit of
the Randolph-Sheppard Act and its overarching goal of promoting the
maximum vocational potential of blind operators. Contact Mr. LaBarre at
slabarre@labarrelaw.com.
MITCHCO INTERNATIONAL is a privately owned Defense Contractor
focused on providing the staffing and food service support to military
facilities throughout the United States. MITCHCO INTERNATIONAL has
partnered with Randolph-Sheppard food service vendors to provide food
services to our clients, and we are full-fledged supporters of the
Randolph-Sheppard Act.
Wednesday, November 19th, 2014
7:00 a.m. Registration
Plaza Booth
7:15 a.m. Annual Leadership Breakfast
Grand Ballroom A
Master of Ceremonies –Kevan Worley, Executive Director,
National Association of Blind Merchants
Welcoming Remarks:
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Veronda Durden, Commissioner, Texas Department of
Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
Nicky Gacos, President, National Association
of Blind Merchants
Clayton Hell, Chairman, Elected Committee of Managers,
Business Enterprises of Texas
Leadership address-Mark A. Riccobono, President, National
Federation of the Blind
Attention: BEST mentors and protégés, you have reserved
seating at the leadership breakfast.
Long gone are the days of dull, office vending machines. Picture
walking into your break room and having the freedom to browse through hundreds of delicious, fresh items on open shelves in
your very own convenience store. Avanti Markets utilizes groundbreaking technology to offer companies state-of-the-art 24
hour micro-markets, complete with touch screen kiosks to allow employees easy access to purchases without ever leaving
their workplace. Our brand emphasis has always been to provide and sustain a healthy lifestyle for employees both in and
outside of work. With Avanti Markets employees can not only watch what they eat at work, but purchase take-home items for
continuing the right healthy mindset. Avanti Markets wants to work with you to create a sustaining healthy workplace for you
and your employees!
Wednesday, November 19th, 2014 (continued)
9:00 a.m. Upward Mobility Training Session I
Grand Ballroom A
9:00 a.m. - What To Do When There’s Too Much To Do
Laura Stack, Productivity Pro
9:45 a.m. - Randolph-Sheppard and Entrepreneurship
Janet LaBreck, Commissioner, Rehabilitation
Services Administration, United States
Department of Education
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10:10 a.m. - The Future of Entrepreneurship for the
Blind: A Perspective from Washington DC
Catriona MacDonald, President, Linchpin
Strategies, LLC., Policy Advisor, National
Council of State Agencies for the Blind
10:30 a.m. – Is Legislation the Answer?
Terry C. Smith, Business Opportunity
Specialist, National Federation of the Blind
Entrepreneur Initiative
10:45 a.m. - Break
11:05 a.m. - Consumer Engagement and the Future of
Unattended Retail
Lori Salow Marshall, Founder, CEO and Board
Director, BYNDL
11:30 a.m. - Making Micro Market Magic Money
Jim Brinton, CEO, Avanti Markets
11:40 a.m. - A Trade Association Partnership: The
Importance of NAMA
Eric Dell, Senior Vice President, Government
Affairs, National Automatic Merchandising
Association
12:00 p.m. - Cooking Up the Magic for your Quick Service
Restaurant
Chef Neil Doherty, Senior Director, Culinary
Development, Sysco.
Enjoy the show as the chef demonstrates the
tips, the trends, and the tastes to satisfy your
customers.
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Nestlé is the world's leading
nutrition, health and wellness
company. Our mission of "Good
Food, Good Life" is to provide
consumers with the best tasting,
most nutritious choices in a wide
range of food and beverage
categories and eating occasions,
from morning to night.
Vending Times is the largest and most influential publication in the
vending industry and has more than 16,000 subscribers. It is the goto source of information for operators engaged in supplying
refreshment vending and feeding; manual and mobile food and
beverage; bulk confection and novelty vending; and amusement and
music services to clients on route delivery or onsite bases. Vending
Times is now available on NFB-NEWSLINE®. www.vendingtimes.com
Wedneday, November 19th, 2014 (continued)
12:00 p.m. Trade Show
Rio Grande Exhibit Hall
Taste and touch the latest and greatest exhibits of business
products, food, and technology, sponsored by the National
Association of Blind Merchants. This product and services
showcase will also feature experts who can answer your
specific questions about accessible technology, legal issues,
partnering for military and other government contracts, social
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security, vending, marketing, financial planning, and more. Go
to the show!
Many food service, vending, and access technology exhibitors
will have extraordinary specials available only for this
tradeshow. Please support those companies that support the
blind merchants of Randolph-Sheppard. Many companies will
have drawings for cash, gifts and products. Register at each
booth.
Note: Your BLAST nametag is your ticket into the trade show.
Attention all BLAST attendees from Texas:
The National Federation of the Blind of Texas is offering you a
chance to win a $100.00 Visa gift card in celebration of your
first-class citizenship participation in the growth of our state’s
economy. Please visit us at the NFB Newsline for Texas table
and complete a brief survey. You will get a tasty treat and
completing the survey will automatically enter you in the
drawing. The winning name will be drawn prior to
adjournment on Thursday evening.
Libera’s Business Enterprise Program (BEP) was created
to help VR and/all BEP managers supervise all aspects of
an agency’s Business Enterprise requirements. The
application allows staff to manage the operators,
facilities, equipment, sites, and potential sites associated
with Business Enterprise. The BEP application utilizes the System 7
Framework™, meaning it can easily integrate into an agency’s existing VR
case management system to fully meet agency needs. System is fully
ADA/508 compliant and can work with telephone to enable data to be
entered via the phone. System7™ can interface with any other system i.e.,
VR, state fiscal system, etc.
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Wedneday, November 19th, 2014 (continued)
2:30 p.m. State Licensing Agency Round Table
Wedgewood Ballroom
This exclusive roundtable provides the opportunity for
administrators and staff to share information.
4:00 p.m. Building Connections Reception
Rio Grande Exhibit Hall
Mix and mingle with your peers and colleagues! Enjoy a cash
bar after an exiciting afternoon at the trade show.
5:45 p.m. Enjoy Downtown Austin
Buses load for the ultimate Austin experience. We provide the
transportation, you create the experience. The 7 blocks of 6th
Street between Congress and IH 35 is the heart of Austin’s live
entertainment scene. Sixth Street is lined with historic
buildings, numerous bars, a host of live entertainment venues,
live music of every genre, and great food featuring everything
from chili and Tex-Mex, to Cajun and deli food. For a $15
roundtrip ticket, you will enjoy transportation leaving from the
Austin Renaissance at 6:00 p.m. and every half hour until 10:00
p.m. Return trips begin at 8:00 p.m. and run approximately
every half hour until 12:30 a.m. from 6th and Brazos, near the
Driskill Hotel. Check with the registration table for details.
U-Select-It - The Leading Vending Machine
Manufacturer - USI vending machines are built for
maximum customer satisfaction, low maintenance
and affordability with machines paying for
themselves on every vend. Whether you are just
starting a vending machine business, or growing an
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existing one, let our 82 years of expertise work for you. We cover all
aspects of the vending machines industry including financing, service,
energy efficiency, and healthy, environmentally friendly vending options.
To learn more visit www.uselectit.com or call 800-247-8709.
Nayyarsons
We are proud to have been an integral part of BLAST from the
beginning. From the first BLAST conference held in Las Vegas until now,
we have been here. We will continue to be here for the NABM, the
BLAST conferences, our current partners, and future partners.
Nayyarsons Corporation was founded on Long Island, NY, in 1991 and
has operated as a professional food serviceestablishment for more than
20 years. Nayyarsons is now successfully working in 37 sites in 16 states
and growing.
National Vending –
Your choice for Premier Vending and Foodservice
Management Services –Our customer centric
approach delivers customized solutions to meet your
needs anywhere in North America with a single point
of contact. We offer professional, consistent, local
service with commission consolidation, invoice
aggregation and 24/7 web enabled account tracking. Find us online at
www.nationalvending.com or call us toll free at 866-VENDING.
Thursday, November 20th, 2014
8:00 a.m. Registration
Plaza Booth
9:00 a.m. Upward Mobility Training Session II
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Grand Ballroom A
9:00 a.m. - Create Your Own Destiny
Michael Hingson, President, The Michael Hingson
Group, Inc.
9:35 a.m. - Leadership is Not For Whiners
Kevin Adams, President, Skill Connections
“Success is Not For Whiners” exposes the
negatives that hold all of us back and
releases the knowledge of habits and choices that
must be made to experience true successes.
10:10 a.m. - Break
10:30 a.m. - Creating Your Future in Vending Today
Ben White, Adjunct Professor, Carroll College,
President, Vending Insights, Inc.
11:00 a.m. - Taking Inventory and Restocking the Shelves
of Randolph-Sheppard
Deanna Jones, Manager/Program Analyst,
Rehabilitation Services Administration, United
States Department of Education
Jesse Hartle, Specialist, Rehabilitation Services
Administration, United States Department of
Education
11:25 a.m. - Greater Than Yourself: The Ultimate Lesson In
Leadership
Steve Farber, President, Extreme Leadership,
Inc.
12:30 p.m.
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Lunch-n-Learn
Grand Ballroom A
Master of Ceremonies - Nicky Gacos, President, National
Association of Blind Merchants
Special presentations from:
John Murn, Director, RSA Buying Group
Colleen Wunderlich, Director, Forsythe Center for
Entrepreneurship, Hadley School for the Blind
Reflecting the Flame, Passing the Torch - Dr. Marc
Maurer, Immediate Past President, National Federation of
the Blind
Southern Foodservice Management is one of
America’s industry-leading onsite dining service
contractors. We partner with Fortune 500
companies along with education, healthcare and
government facilities throughout the country. As
four-time winner of GSA’s national operator-of-theyear competition, we understand what it takes to acquire and successfully
manage state and federal government dining service contracts.
Most important, our firm has emerged as a leading Randolph-Sheppard teaming
partner. We now have over forty-five years combined successful R/S partnering
experience… and, we’re learning more every day about meeting blind vendor
needs. Our goal is to help lead Randolph-Sheppard toward its great potential.
We welcome the opportunity to prove ourselves to you.
Vistar has fully experienced
teams servicing the areas of
vending, coffee service,
theatre, concessions, retail,
fundraising, hospitality, and more. Whether you are a
single business unit just starting out, or have multiple
locations coast-to-coast, with our 20 distribution
centers and 12 merchant marts, we can service your
needs.
.
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Thursday, November 20th, 2014 (continued)
Breakout Session
2:30 p.m. Daily Lunch Plate Specials, Planning and Costing
Trinity B
Tom Chepey, Owner/Operator, The Chuckwagon Café,
Licensed Manager, The Business Enterprises of Texas
2:30 p.m. VIP for VIPs: Vending Improvement Program for Very
Important People, Session 2. Vending 101, Implementing
the Basics to Ensure Success
Pecos
Gary Nelson, CEO, Liberty Enterprises, Inc.
Designed to help you and your team refine each and every
aspect of your operation. Take home tangible concepts from
our toolbox and intercept some tested skills to boost
operational performance. Come prepared to grow.
2:30 p.m. What Makes for a Successful Vending Visit
San Marcos
Ben White, Adjunct Professor, Carroll College, President,
Vending Insights Inc.
2:30 p.m. How to Work with Low Achievers
Sabine
Jim Glick, Leadership Coach and Mentor
This session focuses on how to correct the behaviors and
productivity of low achievers. We look at why they are low
and provide tips on how to move them up the scale of
success.
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SUBWAY® restaurants are creating new quick-serve
options perfect for the Randolph-Sheppard environment.
Many public buildings are perfect settings for your Subway
location. Your customers want to eat fresh. Today, the
SUBWAY® brand is the world's largest submarine
sandwich chain with more than 37,000 locations around the
world. We’ve become the leading choice for people seeking quick, nutritious
meals that the whole family can enjoy. As we continue to grow, we are
guided by a passion for delighting customers by serving fresh, delicious,
made-to-order sandwiches.
Thursday, November 20th, 2014 (continued)
2:30 p.m. Low Vision Logic: Empowering Entrepreneurs with
Winning Strategies for Maximizing Effectiveness
San Saba
Eileen Rivera Ley, CEO, Ley and Associates, LLC.
2:30 p.m. Your Phone Can Make You Money
San Antonio
J.J. Meddaugh, President, CEO, AT Guys
Learn about useful apps and tools to benefit your business.
From social media and promotion, to accounting and
bookkeeping, many free and low-cost apps are available to
help take your business to the next dimension. This session
will focus on iPhone and iPad apps though many programs
will work on Android as well.
6:30 p.m. Awards Banquet
Grand Ballroom A
Master of Ceremonies – Mike Hooks, Director, Business
Enterprises of Texas
Guest speaker – Scott MacIntyre, blind singer, songwriter,
pianist, finalist on American Idol
Presentation of National Association of Blind Merchants
Entrepreneur of Excellence Awards – presented by Nicky,
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Gacos, President, National Association of Blind Merchants,
Colleen Wunderlich, Director, Forsythe Center for
Entrepreneurship, Hadley School for the Blind
The mission of The Hadley School for the
Blind is to promote independent living
through lifelong, distance education programs for individuals who are
blind or visually impaired, their families and blindness service providers.
Hadley has a course for you if you are: A blind or visually impaired
individual 14+ years of age; a relative of a blind or visually impaired
child; a family member of a blind or visually impaired adult; or a
professional in the blindness field. Hadley has also just launched a
curriculum targeted to blind entrepreneurs. Contact us toll free at 800323-4238.
Johnson Food Services, LLC
Johnson Food Services, LLC (“JFS”) is a limited liability company that was
formed in 2002 with Donald Johnson, and American Service Contractors, LP
(“ASC”) as its members. Mr. Johnson serves as President and Jim Ed Rice of
ASC serves as Operations Officer. Johnson Food Services, LLC, an equal
employment opportunity employer, provides jobs for more than 1,500 workers
in Columbia and surrounding environs.
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Friday, November 21st, 2014
9:00 a.m. Upward Mobility Training Session III
Grand Ballroom B
9:00 a.m. - National Federation of the Blind
Entrepreneur Initiative: Consumers Meeting
the Challenge for Tomorrow
Nicky Gacos, President, National Association of
Blind Merchants
9:30 a.m. - A 12 Step Program to a Healthy RandolphSheppard Program
Terry C. Smith, Business Opportunity Specialist,
National Federation of the Blind Entrepreneur
Initiative
10:00 a.m. - Future Challenges: The RSA Perspective- A
Q&A
Deanna Jones, Manager/Program Analyst,
Rehabilitation Services Administration, United
States Department of Education
Jesse Hartle, Specialist, Rehabilitation Services
Administration, United States Department of
Education
10:45 a.m. - What’s Next for the NFBEI-An Open
Discussion
11:00 a.m.
Adjourn
National Association of Blind Merchants
www.blindmerchants.org
866-543-6808
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