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February 29, 2008

COMMISSION TO RECEIVE "NAVIGATOR AWARD"

On March 26 at the Cleary University Johnson Center in Howell, the Michigan Quality Council will present its Navigator Recognition award to MCB.  This is the second step in the three-phase process to achieve the Michigan Quality Leadership Award, based on the national Malcolm Baldridge Leadership Principles.  The Commission engaged in the Michigan Quality Council process as part of its Vision 2020 initiative which began in 2000.  Numerous staff, commissioners and stakeholders were actively involved in the strategic planning and visioning processes which led to Michigan Quality Council's recognition.  The Michigan Quality Council presented its Lighthouse Recognition award to MCB in 2002. 

MCB will receive the Navigator plaque in recognition of its strengths in the areas of leadership; strategic planning; consumer and market focus; measurement, analysis, and knowledge management; human resource focus; process management; and results. 

GREAT PRACTICES, GREAT RESULTS

The Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR) and the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB) will host their annual spring conferences in Bethesda, Maryland, April 20-25.  The adjacent conferences are expected to attract more than 400 administrators and professionals working in the vocational rehabilitation arena.  Officials from the federal Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) will address both conferences, with updates on their monitoring and technical assistance efforts, as well as progress reports on the reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), which includes the Rehab Act governing public rehabilitation agencies such as MCB.

"Great Practices, Great Results" is the theme of the NCSAB Conference, featuring presentations by blind rehab agencies throughout the country on their great practices leading to great results.  Topics to be covered include employment practices, business services, innovative consumer training initiatives, Independent Living services, building effective relationships with optometrists and ophthalmologists, partnerships with blind consumer organizations, relationships with Commissions and State Rehabilitation Councils (SRC's) and effective collaborations with Veterans organizations.  The conference will also host a "Brag and Steal" session, where agencies can share additional great practices.

 

DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT DECLINES IN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

 

The Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) recently released its latest report on the number of individuals with disabilities in the Federal workforce.  The Report, entitled "Improving the Participation Rate of People with Targeted Disabilities in the Federal Workforce," reveals a steady decline of individuals with disabilities being hired by the Federal government.  The full report may be accessed at http://www.eeoc.gov/federal/report/pwtd.html

According to the EEOC report, "Despite the initiatives of multiple administrations and the efforts of various agencies charged with administering programs for the employment of people with disabilities, the percentage of federal employees with targeted disabilities has declined each year since reaching a peak of 1.24% in fiscal years 1993 and 1994."

"The number of people with targeted disabilities in the permanent work force declined at a much sharper rate than that of the overall permanent federal work force.  Essentially, during the last decade, the Federal government has lost more people with targeted disabilities each year than it has hired."

The National Rehabilitation Association (NRA) asserts strongly that the Federal government should lead by example in hiring individuals with disabilities.  The NRA reports that the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) used to hire and retain many individuals with disabilities, but says that is no longer the case.  Although RSA has hired some individuals with disabilities, the number has dropped dramatically since RSA closed its Regional Offices two years ago, which employed many qualified individuals with disabilities.

 

MCB WEBSITE HIGHLIGHT-AFB SENIOR SITE, www.afb.org/seniorsite

 

Note:  This is the second of a series of articles highlighting an item of interest on the MCB website at www.michigan.gov/mcb.

The MCB website includes a link to the American Foundation for the Blind's (AFB) Senior Site, created in April 2007 by AFB to help older Americans and their family members cope with age-related eye diseases-a growing public health problem in this country.  According to a study quoted on the AFB Senior Site, by the year 2030, rates of vision loss from diseases like age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy are expected to double.

The AFB Senior Site has adjustable text, color, and contrast, and the site is accessible with screen-reader software.  The site is designed to encourage aging adults with eye diseases to live independently and productively. A nationwide database of services for seniors who are blind or have low vision provides information on topics such as where to find large print or audio books, where to receive computer training, and listings of counseling and training centers.  (Note:  MCB is included in the sources for Michigan under multiple categories, such as computer training, mobility training, employment services, and Braille instruction.)

Also on the Senior Site, a glossary of terms on age-related vision loss describes conditions such as macular degeneration and glaucoma. In addition to informative written material, a library of videos offers demonstrations on topics such as meal preparation, use of adaptive devices, shaving, and applying makeup. The site includes video testimonials from seniors who refuse to allow their vision loss to slow them down.  Visitors can participate in message boards designed to foster a sense of community among seniors and family members dealing with vision loss, and topics include exercise, travel and recreational opportunities.

Links to the AFB Senior Site have been on the MCB website since the AFB Senior Site was launched last April.  The AFB Senior Site can be accessed from MCB's Services for Blind Seniors page or from MCB's Resources page. 

 

TICKET PROGRAM PRODUCES MODEST RESULTS

In the Center for Workers with Disabilities (CWD) Working for Tomorrow newsletter, November 2007, results from research done by Mathematica Policy Research on the Ticket to Work (TTW) program continue to indicate Social Security Administration (SSA) beneficiary response to the TTW program remains low and is continuing to rise at a slow pace.  Previous reports had indicated the response to the TTW program was "underwhelming" and this trend is apparently continuing. 

The report indicates beneficiaries who assign their Ticket to an Employment Network, other than a State VR agency are more likely to receive fewer needed services and are more likely to report being dissatisfied with these services.  The report indicates State VR programs are changed very little by the TTW program and that more than 80 percent of TTW Ticket assignments are through the traditional cost reimbursement system, which was routinely done prior to the TTW program's inception.       

Overall, results indicate the TTW program did not have a significant impact on the way State VR does business or on business practices of Employment Networks in the community.  In many cases, our community partners choose to continue their partnerships with State VR agencies, rather than taking part in the TTW program.  

Michigan is experiencing trends which "mirror" results reported above.  Most beneficiaries who participate in MCB services are unaware of the TTW program, until MCB counselors inform them of this program.  One hundred percent of Ticket assignments for the MCB are with the cost reimbursement program, just as was done previously.  MCB continues to enjoy a productive and effective working relationship with community partners who continue to work together to serve blind people in the state.

 

VISIONS 2008

For the fourth time, MCB will partner with the Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled to present a vendor fair of assistive technology for people who are blind or visually impaired.  This year's VISIONS 2008 fair will be held on Wednesday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Washtenaw Community College, Morris Lawrence Building, 4800 E. Huron River Drive, in Ann Arbor.  VISIONS 2008 will feature more than 50 exhibitors and their products and services, including the latest technology as well as more traditional products and services.  Participants will have the opportunity for "hands on" product demonstrations and conversations with vendors, and sighted assistants will be available throughout the day.  Snacks, beverages, and sandwiches will be available for purchase from Michigan Commission for the Blind Business Enterprise Program vendors.  Parking and admission are free of charge, and the event is open to the public.  The first VISIONS fair was sponsored in 2000 by the Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled.  VISIONS 2002, 2004, and 2006 were co-sponsored by the library and MCB.  More than 1,200 people attended VISIONS 2006.

 

MINI-ADJUSTMENT PROGRAM IN TRAVERSE CITY

Nearly 40 Commission clients are expected to attend the first Mini-Adjustment Program Workshop of 2008, which will be held in Traverse City, March 2-7, at the Traverse City Holiday Inn.  Additional 2008 workshops will be held in Saginaw, May 18-23, in Farmington Hills, August 24-29, and in Kalamazoo this fall.  MCB clients attending the week-long Mini-Adjustment Program workshops will be introduced to a variety of skills of blindness, such as cane travel, Braille, managing time and money, adaptive kitchen skills and other skills to enhance independence.

In conjunction with the workshops, the Commission will also conduct an Employment Readiness Seminar, March 5, for 13 clients who have advanced to the job-readiness stage of their rehabilitation program.  Consumers attending the seminars will learn about various approaches to job searching, Michigan Works!, the Talent Bank, interview preparation and resume development.  They will also take part in mock interviews and hear from local employers on their workforce needs.  Additionally, consumers will receive information about social security benefits and work incentives, as well as information about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how it relates to employment of persons with disabilities.

 

CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

The Consumer Services Division continues to work together to provide comprehensive services to all of the individuals who qualify to receive rehabilitation services that will enable them to achieve their goals and objectives.  The staff collaborates with community organizations and agencies to maximize resources in order to expand an array of services and opportunities for the consumers they serve.

Many of the collaborative efforts are yielding good results.  The efforts are a direct correlation of the staff dedication and drive to provide quality, as well as timely services to individuals that are seeking MCB's assistance.  The Consumer Services Division efforts are in line with the Governor's core values, in particular, excellence and teamwork.  The staff is demonstrating the value of teamwork as they work with internal and external partners.  Further, the result of excellent services is evident in the types of outcomes that the consumers are able to achieve through MCB's staff support.  MCB provides opportunities for the staff to participate with various teams within the communities to improve relations with the local agencies for the purpose of paving the way for consumer's involvement in transitioning into education, vocational training and the employment arena.

MCB staff is aware of the importance of assisting students in transitioning programs through the intermediate school districts (ISD).  Several staff are working directly with the intermediate school districts to develop and/or improve transition opportunities for youths.   As a result of their collaboration with the ISD, several cash match agreements have resulted that allow for increased activities for high school students relating to pre- employment and/or employment activities.  These activities may include, but are not limited to, soft skill development, mentoring and job shadowing.  Detroit and Genesee ISD's employment opportunities have been achieved.  High school youth have been successful in obtaining summer employment.  The staff continues to work with the numerous ISD's to expand these opportunities.  Dialogue has been initiated with Livonia, Westland, Oakland and Ottawa county intermediate school districts to develop transition programs that will lead to pre-employment, as well as employment experiences.  The Consumer Services Director contacted community colleges to discuss the No Worker Left Behind program and the criteria for student involvement.  Each of the colleges provided a list of short term programs that are supported by this program.  Many of these short term programs are excellent training opportunities for MCB's consumers; therefore, the staff is working with the consumers to enroll them in the process through Michigan Works! to become qualified for these training opportunities.

The MCB managers continue to take initiative in developing contacts with employers within their areas.  In the West, Sherry Gordon is working with Hermann Miller, a manufacturing company for office furniture, to provide information regarding persons with disabilities in the adapted devices that are frequently used to assist individuals in employment.  The objective is to work with this company to obtain employment opportunities for MCB's consumers.  Ms. Gordon will keep MCB informed of the progress being made with this company.  Beth White is working with Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation (HSC) a manufacturing company that produces semiconductor solar panels to save energy.  This company anticipates having several hundred entry level jobs in the Saginaw County area.  Ms. White will follow up on this employment opportunity and provide the agency with additional information as it becomes available.  The Agency will continue efforts for finding appropriate contacts to develop employment relations with this company. In the East Region, Gwen McNeal has been working with MRS Business Services team and, as a result of the collaborative effort has developed an employment contact with the Children Center, a human services agency that provides a variety of services to family and children.  This agency is willing to work with MCB in filling some of their employment needs.   Ms. McNeal will follow up with this agency to assure that MCB's job ready consumers will be considered for appropriate job placement.  Ms. McNeal also participated in the Governor's Emerging Small Business and Entrepreneurs Council.  This council provides opportunities for various small businesses to become familiar with the State of Michigan contract.  The Commission for the Blinds familiarity with this council provides additional opportunities for the agency to work with these small businesses to provide them with qualified employees in a variety of occupational areas.  Most employment opportunities will come from the small business sector, working with this agency can help to provide MCB with names of small businesses and their needs for manpower.

The Consumer Services Division continues to collaborate with many partners to finalize the Summer Transition programs.  Currently, there are nine summer transition programs that are in various stages of development. As these programs are finalized, additional information will be made available.  Although the staff continues to work diligently to increase transition activities for students, in particular, during the summer months, they will be working with the community to provide employment opportunities for as many students as possible. 

The College Prep program coordinators are anticipating another year where high school juniors and seniors will have an opportunity to acquire skills that will enable them to gain a real college life experience.  This is a collaborative effort between MCB and Western Michigan University.  Staff is encouraged to discuss the benefits of this program with individuals who are anticipating attending college in the future.  This program continues to provide a valuable service to individuals in the preparation for a college career.

MCB continues to collaborate with the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) and the Office of Aging to develop opportunities for seniors with vision impairments and blindness to receive information regarding services available to them in their communities. Some of the services that are being discussed are adaptive technology training and employment opportunities.  Efforts are still being expended to develop cash match agreements with this agency.  Beth White is working with the AAA in Bay City where it appears that an agreement is forthcoming. 

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Veterans Association, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns and MCB is being finalized.  Upon the receipt of the signatures of the appropriate partners, the agreement will be implemented.  There will be a need for training to familiarize the staff with the details of the agreement and the objectives.  The Consumer Services Director met with Michigan Rehabilitation Services and the Department of Corrections to review and finalize the MOU for the Michigan Prison Reentry Initiative (MPRI).  This agreement is anticipated to be completed by mid-March 2008.  There will be a need to familiarize the staff with the components of this agreement as well.

The Consumer Services Division would like to welcome Bernie Kramer back from the Military.  He will resume his duties as the West Regional Manager.  The East Region was able to fill the vacant counselor position that covers Oakland County.  Tami Hough joined MCB as the counselor for this county.  MCB welcomes Tami as part of the Commissions family.

 

MCB TRAINING CENTER REPORT

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

As was noted in the December 2007 report, the Center has been given permission to increase its petty cash on hand to $2,000.  For the past two months, each residential student has received $30.00 each Monday morning, to be used on activities that will enable them to apply the skills they are learning in classes.  This money is also intended to cover the cost of the Saturday evening meal, which is not provided by the Dietary staff.  Thus far, this system seems to be helping students to exercise their newly developing independence more thoroughly.  To date, one student has exhausted the weekly funds before Saturday evening's dinner.  No sympathy was given and the student elected to join the group going out to eat anyway.  Perhaps they hoped for a last-minute reprieve, but none came.  We are pleased to report that this student survived nicely.  This move furthers the Centers continuing initiative to place more responsibility into the hands of students in order to better prepare them for life after training. 

  

NEW ACCESS TECHNOLOGY CLASS

Beginning in the first week of February, the MCBTC introduced a class that focuses on various access technology devices.  These include several types of Braille note takers, DAISY reading systems and PDAs.  Students cannot be placed directly into this class.  The instructors have designed an interview process to ensure that those interested in learning about access technology have more than a curious interest in the equipment being taught.  Prerequisites also include a working knowledge of Braille and a commitment to using non-visual methods to learn and operate this specially designed equipment. 

Instructors Dave Bowden, Bonnie Betz and Karen Harrington have built the curriculum, with Dave's particular expertise being the driving force behind this newest innovation in the Training Center program.  Visitors can now see the re-designed classroom and some of the advanced technology that helps persons who are blind and visually impaired to maximize their efficiency, in the classroom or on the job. 

 

LIFE SKILLS CLASS

Another curriculum change is currently underway in Kalamazoo.  Staff determined that personal management money and time (PMMT) and Communications classes were in need of updating.  While some students are in need of intensive training in the area of personal management, it is not appropriate to require many of today's students to demonstrate their ability to handle personal grooming and basic housekeeping.  In addition, some of the skills taught in the Communications class are seldom necessary teaching areas for today's students. 

Both of these instructional areas included many vital components of the MCBTC's programs however, and it was important to retain those crucial teaching areas.  Consequently, all students continue to be scheduled for one PMMT class each week.  This allows instructor student time to discuss any personal needs or concerns that an individual might have, and gives the instructor the opportunity to determine if prolonged, intensive PMMT is required. 

Training Center staff, lead by Karen Harrington with her considerable expertise in the area of communications, are developing a Life Skills class which will begin some time in March or April.  Look for curriculum details in the next MCB report. 

 

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Successful Open-House

The December Holiday Open house was wonderfully successful.  The entire day was designed and orchestrated by staff and students, working collaboratively in the celebration of everything that takes place inside these walls.  Students served as greeters, welcoming guests at the main doors.  Students worked with their instructors to create displays for each skill area.  Will Droll and his students designed an incredible display of furniture, clocks and other items that had been crafted by blind and visually impaired people in the industrial arts class.  Betty Lujan-Roberts and her students organized a Braille display where visitors could have their names written in Braille, by someone using a slate and stylus and Braille writer.  Tours were also available, naturally conducted by students.  Many visitors commented that, for the first time, they truly understood what happens at the Training Center. 

Empty Bowls Project

When a person comes to the TC, they come to receive assistance.  When that same student begins to provide assistance to others, their confidence and belief in themselves expands by leaps and bounds.  For the second year in a row, Mary Zemlick has lead students in participating in the Empty Bowls project.  Working with art students from Kalamazoo College, the members of the clay class craft bowls of clay, which are then auctioned off as part of a fund-raiser to help feed the hungry.  The project gained momentum this year, when an article appeared on the front page of the Kalamazoo Gazette on Monday, February 11, featuring the project.  Center students were not portrayed as needy or special; rather they were represented as being just another part of a project to help their community.  This is most certainly worth celebrating. 

 

SUMMER PROGRAMS

Work continues on the development and refinement of a job training program, to be operated at the Training Center for a period of six weeks during the summer.  The program may not begin in earnest until the summer of 2009, so that its success can be further guaranteed by some additional work in the development of work experience programs and efforts to obtain financial support. 

 

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT

The overall budget is in good shape through the first quarter of 2008.   As things stand right now, there is a projected surplus for 2008.  However, MCB has several expensive projects in the works that could quickly erode the expected surplus.  At this point in time, MCB lacks matching funds to fully draw down all 2008 allocated federal funds.  However, there are several DMB building construction projects for BEP facilities that should add some additional matching funds.  MCB is exploring matching fund opportunities with the Department of Education to also assist with the shortage.  MCB has until June to get all viable matching funds in place.  June is the month that Rehabilitation Services Administration makes the request for redress. 

MCB and DLEG staff again met with DMB, DLEG-Agency Services Staff and Noresco (a private Energy Service Company) to go over a preliminary assessment for comprehensive energy and operational savings for MCBTC.   The estimated yearly savings is considered to be $167,000 which at first blush seems worthwhile.  However, the $167,000 consists of monthly payments that would purchase $1.3 million dollars of improvements for the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC); Energy Management and other upgrade of systems at MCBTC over a 10 year period.  The actual yearly energy savings are projected at approximately $20,000.  The remainder of yearly savings is really just an offset to the cost of the upgrades and/or maintenance charges for the repayment period.  This assessment provides the following four options for MCB: 1.) Do nothing; 2.) Do the energy saving improvements; 3.) Pick and choose what items we want to include in the project; or 4.) Do all of the suggested upgrades.  If MCB chooses to do only the energy saving improvements or pick and choose particular items then MCB would not be able to go back in a year or two and do another agreement for additional options.   Also, this whole process needs to be bid out by DMB so if MCB opts to implement any energy performance contract it will take some time to implement.  A drawback is that many of the items included in the energy performance contract are viable costs that might be covered by capital outlay funds as opposed to MCB covering the total cost.   Also, if MCB has HVAC failure because of the obsolete equipment it could mean a disruption in services and/or the risk of health and safety issues at MCBTC.   A decision will need to be made in the near future as to how MCB will proceed with the equipment upgrades and maintenance and if it will enter into an energy performance contract.

MCB has been working with the Department of Information Technology to determine exceptions for computer equipment purchases for MCB student machines at the Training Center.  It has been necessary to get special exceptions to purchase non state issued equipment for the student machines to insure that the students can get the most diverse training possible at MCBTC.  Not being tied to the state contracts will allow MCBTC to purchase many different types of accessibility software and hardware to train and help students make the most effective technology decisions for their individual needs.

There is currently one vacancy notice posted on the Civil Service website - an Occupational Therapist vacancy at the Training Center. This vacancy had been previously posted in December but because there were only two applicants it has been posted again in hopes of having a larger pool of applicants to interview. There is also an effort underway to fill the vacant manager position at the Training Center - a Vocational Rehabilitation Manager 14 - created to take the place of the old RN Manager position held by Peggy Jackson. Due to a headcount issue within DLEG approval must be obtained from the Director's Office before proceeding any further even though MCB is still within its own headcount.

The 2008 Michigan Chapter Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MAER) Spring Conference is set for April 24-25 in Livonia. A number of staff hope to attend. Due to the current limits on training and travel, approval will need to be granted by the department. This conference is entitled "Skillfully Addressing New Challenges" and will cover a wide range of interesting topics designed for rehabilitation teachers.

There is a couple of short, telephone conferences scheduled over the next couple months sponsored by the Region V CRP-RCEP. The first one is on March 11 and is called "Ethics and the Community Rehabilitation Provider". The second one is on April 29 and is called "Vocational Implications of Psychiatric Disabilities: Intro to Mental Illness". Both of these sessions are free of charge and information about how to register has been shared with staff.

There are plans underway to develop a satisfaction survey for VR and IL clients. The specific targets for this survey are not yet complete but tentative plans are to look at two major areas. First, VR and IL consumers with an open case will be identified to assess current satisfaction with MCB services. Second, a survey is being planned to look at those individuals who were successfully employed to see if they are still employed in the same job several months after closure. More details will be available over the next couple months as the focus of the survey is narrowed down.  

A review is currently being done on the Deaf-Blind services cases. The final report for this review should be completed within the next couple weeks.

The MCB website now features audio files of the MCB video and three MCB brochures: Independent Living, Business Services, and Youth Services.  These are online as MP3 digital voice recordings, which can be played online or downloaded to a computer or MP3 player.  At this time, the state of Michigan website is limited to fairly small audio files.  Additional and larger audio files will be added to the MCB website this summer when the state of Michigan web system capacity is upgraded.  Plans include posting audio files of all MCB publications and archiving MCB Commission meetings online.

Print copies of the MCB Independent Living brochure arrived from the printer in January, and these have been distributed to all MCB offices.  The next issue of the Michigan Optometrist, the bimonthly magazine of the Michigan Optometric Association, will include information on how eye care professionals can order quantities of the brochure for distribution to their patients.

Michigan Works agencies statewide have received information about the MCB Business Services brochure for employers, and MCB has received requests for quantities of the brochure for distribution to employers at the Michigan Works Service Centers.  In addition, Michigan Works agencies have been invited to include information about the print and online Business Services brochure in their newsletters to employers.

Publicity regarding the 2007 Honor Roll Awards resulted in at least seven positive media articles during December and January, each highlighting the achievements of a local award recipient.  In addition to several community calendar articles for the MCB Training Center holiday open house and the MCB Commission meetings, a front-page story on the MCB Training Center ran in the February 18 Kalamazoo Gazette about MCB Training Center students who made ceramic bowls for the Empty Bowls fundraiser supporting local food pantries.  All MCB news stories are posted on the MCB website's Press Room page and forwarded to the DLEG Media & PR office for inclusion in the DLEG news clips and forwarding to the Governor's Office.

Plans are under way for Blindness Prevention and Services Month, a collaborative effort of MCB, the Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, Leader Dogs for the Blind, and the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology.  This will be the second year for this observance during the month of April focusing on eye care and services available to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

 

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM REPORT

 

USPS CONTRACT

Commission staff met with Stephen Leavey, MCB liaison in Washington, to discuss the details of the contract between the U S Postal Service (USPS) and the Commission for the Blind to provide food service in all of Michigan's post offices where the building population meets a minimum population standard.  USPS attorneys have reviewed the proposed agreement or contract and returned it to the Commission for their follow-up review.  As soon as the review is complete, a meeting will be scheduled to sign the contract and expect the new service to begin shortly thereafter.

 

NEW BEP OPPORTUNITIES

Joint Reserve Training Center

Construction of the new Michigan National Guard Joint Reserve Training Center, Lansing is complete.  Operation will commence as soon as the final pieces of equipment are installed.  Although the Training Center itself will house only about 300 employees, it is part of a complex of buildings which will house an additional 500 or 600 employees.  The operator will be serving breakfast and lunch to both military and civilian personnel.  Rutherford Beard will assume responsibility for the facility when it begins operation. 

Café deVille

The Business Enterprise Program has opened its first coffee shop operation, the Café deVille in Detroit's Cadillac Place.  The coffee shop serves premium coffee, coffee drinks, specialty teas, smoothies and fountain beverages.  It has begun offering breakfast pastries, and will continue to expand its breakfast offerings and develop a light lunch menu, as well.  Ron Fellows is managing the coffee shop in addition to servicing the vending machines in this building.  The coffee shop kitchen will also be an ideal base for a catering business in the building.

USPS Metroplex

BEP hoped to tell the Commissioners at this meeting that the new Pontiac area Metroplex postal facility would be on-line in just a few short weeks.  Unfortunately, BEP learned in late February about 2000 square feet of the facility's ceiling caved in, and as luck would have it, the understanding is the damage occurred over the cafeteria area.  BEP is awaiting damage estimates, and a revised move in date.  EOC chair, Rob Essenberg, has accepted operation of the Metroplex facility.  The responsible promotional agent is in close contact with both Metroplex management as well as the soon-to-be operator.

 

WORKING WITH THE EOC

The Business Enterprise Program has continued to work closely with the Elected Operators Committee.  Some of the issues under discussion or identified for future discussion are the operator annual evaluation, cafeteria building and maintenance competency, and a revision of the product inventory policy.  

The annual BEP Operators Workshop is scheduled for April 11, 12 and 13 at the Holiday Inn, Lansing.  The theme of the workshop is "Your Future and the Future of BEP".  The workshop will feature a Saturday morning plenary session, election of Committee members, a food show, Saturday afternoon break-out sessions, Saturday evening awards banquet and the Sunday morning Elected Operators Committee meeting.