September 9, 2008

CHANGING LIVES FOR 30 YEARS

Celebrations in honor of MCB's 30th anniversary are continuing across the state.  These outreach activities are designed to provide information to employers and/or potential consumers about the fee-free MCB services available to them.  Additional information on these events will be posted on the MCB website's Events Calendar as it becomes available:

* August 8:  The Detroit MCB office hosted a celebration in Cadillac Place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for employers, community partners, and state employees with offices in Cadillac Place.  Guests had an opportunity to hear from employers of former MCB consumers as well as the successfully employed consumers themselves about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities.  The event was greatly enhanced by the generous donation of refreshments, printing, and imprinted items with MCB contact information courtesy of Tom Schneider and the Coalition of Public Safety Employees Health Trust (COPS Health Trust) at a value of more than $5,600. 

* September 16:  The MCB Escanaba office will host a booth at the Action Day 2008 Conference at Northern Michigan University in Marquette to provide information about MCB services to individuals and organizations in the disability community.  The conference is co-sponsored by Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service (MPAS) and Superior Alliance for Independent Living (SAIL).  It is the only UP-wide conference that provides opportunities for education, networking, political activism, and personal growth geared specifically toward the disability community.  To register or for more information on the conference, contact SAIL at 800-379-7245 or 906-228-5744.

* September 24:  The Lansing MCB offices are inviting community partners to the State Capitol to hear presentations by successful consumers and other guest speakers.  In addition, there will be an MCB literature table in the lower Rotunda of the Capitol September 22-26.

* October 1:  The MCB Training Center in Kalamazoo will host an Anniversary Celebration Open House 1:00-5:00 p.m. The celebration is open to the public, and the site is accessible.   Activities will include tours of the training center, presentations by former students who are now business owners, displays featuring all aspects of MCB services, Braille demonstrations, and more.  For more information, contact Rose Beville-Sprinkle, 269-337-3760.

* October 30:  The Flint MCB office is inviting longtime and new community partners to a celebration at the Flint office featuring successful consumers and their stories.  This will be an opportunity to encourage collaboration for the benefit of consumers.

Planning is under way for possible events sponsored by staff in Gaylord and Grand Rapids.

MCB TEACHER RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL AWARD

Roberta McCall, a Rehabilitation Teacher at the Lansing MCB office, has received the Elizabeth Lennon Meritorious Achievement Award from the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER), Rehabilitation Therapy Division.  The award was presented on July 23 at the AER's international conference, which is held every other year, with this year's conference in Chicago.  The award is presented at each biennial conference to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the profession of vision rehabilitation therapy, rehabilitation teaching, general rehabilitation, or community affairs.  The award was presented on behalf of AER by Detroit MCB Rehabilitation Teacher Connie Henshaw. 

The award's namesake, Elizabeth "Libby" Lennon, was one of the Michigan Commission for the Blind's original board members when the agency was first established in 1978.  Lennon taught in programs for people who are blind or visually impaired in several other states before coming to Michigan.  After a decade of teaching in Western Michigan University's Blind Rehabilitation Program, she retired in 1978.  Active in the local community, she helped to establish the Kalamazoo Center for Independent Living and was a board member of the Voluntary Action Center of Greater Kalamazoo.  She received the Handicapped Professional Woman of the Year Award in 1971 and the Irving S. Gilmore Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002. She passed away on May 11, 2007, at the age of 97.

McCall said of receiving the award, "It's very exciting and humbling.  It's a nice connection that it's named after someone with such close ties to Michigan and MCB."

ANNUAL CONSUMER CONVENTIONS TO BE HELD THIS FALL

Michigan's two statewide consumer organizations will hold their annual conventions this fall:

On September 25-28 (Thursday through Sunday), the Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI) will hold its 35th Annual Convention at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel, 255 28th Street SW, in Grand Rapids. For more information, contact MCBVI at 1-888-956-2284 or mcbvi1@verizon.net.

On November 14-16 (Friday through Sunday), the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) of Michigan will hold its state convention at the Holiday Inn South, 6820 S. Cedar Street, in Lansing.  For more information, contact Fred Wurtzel, President, NFB of Michigan, at 517-485-0326 or f.wurtzel@comcast.net. 

It is expected that nearly 200 individuals will attend these events including commissioners and MCB staff.  These annual conventions provide opportunities for blind consumers to assemble and share views and concerns on a variety of blindness issues and to receive updates on what is happening in the blindness community and the field of blind services.  Each convention will conclude with a Sunday morning business meeting for reports, resolutions and other business.

MCB WEBSITE HIGHLIGHT--SERVICES FOR YOUTH

After a full summer of MCB youth activities, with students now returning to school, this is a good time to point out the information and resources available in the Services for Youth section of the MCB website.  From the home page menu of the MCB website, Services for Youth is the fourth item from the top.

The Overview subsection provides brief information on the Youth Low Vision Program, which provides low-vision exams, low-vision eyeglasses, and other low-vision devices worn on the head for eligible youth from birth to 26 years of age, and Transition Services, which helps students age 14 and over to successfully make the transition from high school to postsecondary education or employment.  The overview leads to more detailed information on both the Youth Low Vision Program and Transition Services, and this information includes links to information on related MCB services and a directory of Michigan Intermediate School Districts.

A Resources subsection includes links to organizations and websites for visually impaired youth and their parents, including Braille resources, Michigan and national organizations of parents of blind children, government and nonprofit agencies and organizations, and sports and recreational resources.

Under Forms and Publications web visitors can access MCB's Youth Services brochure online as a PDF file, an accessible Microsoft Word file, or an MP3 audio file.  There is also a direct phone number for ordering copies of the publication in print at no charge.

At the bottom of the page, a Frequently Asked Questions section includes information on the questions parents often ask about MCB's services for youth.

CSAVR & NCSAB HOLD FALL CONFERENCES

The Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR) and the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB) will hold their Fall Conferences in San Diego, California, November 16-21, expected to attract an estimated 400 participants.  The two organizations hold adjacent conferences twice each year to provide opportunities for administrators, professionals and partners to learn about new trends and issues affecting rehabilitation services for VR agencies and their clients.

The theme of the upcoming NCSAB Conference, November19-21, is "Categorical Services - Securing Our Future through Advocacy, Education and Collaboration."  Many presentations on this theme will focus on the challenges faced by separate agencies for the blind by those who seek mergers or consolidations with general rehab agencies.  There will also be presentations by officials from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) and the Department of Defense on a variety of topics, including the controversial troop dining issue.

Recognizing that many rehab agencies throughout the country are implementing creative and effective initiatives which lead to improved services and outcomes for blind clients, the final portion of the NCSAB Conference will be the popular "Brag and Steal" session, providing participants an opportunity to share some of their great practices, as well as to learn from others.  The MCB Mini-Adjustment Program was among the creative programs highlighted at the NCSAB Conference this past spring.

MINI-ADJUSTMENT PROGRAM IN FARMINGTON HILLS

Over 30 Commission clients attended the third Mini-Adjustment Program Workshop of 2008, which was held in Farmington Hills, August 24-29.  The final workshop of the year will be held in Battle Creek, November 16-21, at the Holiday Inn, located at 12812 Harper Village Drive in Battle Creek.  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 workshop, the Commission also conducted an Employment Readiness Seminar, August 28, for 30 clients who have advanced to the job-readiness stage of their rehabilitation program.  Consumers attending the seminars learned about various approaches to job searching, Michigan Works!, the Talent Bank, interview preparation and resume development.  They also took part in mock interviews and heard from local employers on their workforce needs.  Additionally, consumers received 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, over the summer months, initiated a number of activities that involved many consumers in a variety of summer programs.  The division also continues to work with its community partners, employers and other organizations to further promote opportunities for consumers to obtain vocational training, job placement and independent living skills. 

Summer Programs:  The Career Club summer program concluded on August 26th with a graduation at Peckham Vocational Industries in Charlotte, Michigan. The participants had an excellent opportunity to gain independent living skills, vocational exploration, team building skills, career planning, practice interviewing, and application processing.   Another summer program that has been successfully completed was the College Prep program.  This summer there were eight students that participated in this program.  These individuals had an opportunity to experience college life 101.  The program gives them a head start for their college attendance this fall.  The Detroit Summer Youth Program had its completion celebration on August 15, 2008.  The students gained valuable work experience at various human service agencies.  They improved their technology skills, communication skills and work attitude. All of the participants expressed their appreciation at the conclusion of the summer program luncheon.  The students shared their experiences and expressed a desire to participate in the summer program next year.  The Summer in the City program held in June in Grand Rapids had sixteen participants who shared in a variety of transition activities over the course of the program.  Some of the transition activities were pre-employment skills, daily living activities, advocacy and peer support. The Summer Employment Excursion (SEE) summer program completed another successful experience on August 22, 2008.  This program continues to work collaboratively with Genesee Intermediate School District and the Commission for the Blind to provide participants with opportunities to job shadow, develop resumes and acquire skills to enhance their employability.  This summer the Bear Lake Camp program provided a variety of transition activities focusing on work behaviors.  Some of the activities were fishing for careers, dressing for success, employment pyramid and financial management.  Approximately 35 students participated in the activities.  The Business Enterprise Summer Work Experience Program (SWOP) and the Vocational Rehabilitation program collaborated to provide work experience for transitioning youths between the ages of 15-21.  The Vocational Rehabilitation program provided ten referrals and the SWOP identified nine operators who were willing to host students in order that they may be able to gain some valuable work experience, as well as become familiar with the food service business.  The Quest for Success program sponsored by MCB and Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind (OUB) jointly provided a one week camping experience at Camp Tuhsmeheta for transition youths between the ages of 14-18. The summer program exposed individuals to camping life, recreational activities and some vocational exploration.  Each student expressed their appreciation at the conclusion of the program.

Customer Service Survey:  The Michigan Commission for the Blind will be conducting a consumer services satisfaction survey this fall.  The survey will include consumers from both VR and IL programs who have completed their rehabilitation program.  MCB worked with Dr. Brenda Cavanaugh from Mississippi State University Department of Blindness and Low Vision who was very helpful in providing assistance in the formulation of the questions.  The Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns will conduct the survey by phone, the data will be analyzed by MCB and subsequent recommendations for improved service delivery will be reviewed by MCB's Service Delivery Design Team. 

Community Involvement:  A number of the Consumer Services staff was active in working with their community partners to improve service delivery for MCB's consumers.  The West Region is collaborating with Hope Network of Grand Rapids to re-establish a productive partnership where Hope Network has expressed interest in working with blind and visually impaired students.  Hope Network will kick off their Project Search initiative in September.  This program will provide employment opportunities for high school transitioning youths.  This is a collaboration between Hope Network, Fifth-Third Bank, Kent County ISD and the VR program.  MCB is in discussion with Hope Network to be included as a participating partner. 

The East Region is working collaboratively with Oakland County in the development of Project Search with General Motors being the employer for this program. General Motors involvement in Project Search will provide an opportunity for Macomb County to become a partner.  The work location will be at the GM Tech Center in Warren, Michigan.  Further details will be provided as these two programs are initiated.  The staff met with Jewish Vocational Services (JWS) to discuss vocational training and job placement assistance.  The staff also provided an in-service training to JVS in order that they will become more familiar with some of the concepts in working with blind and visually impaired individuals.  A teacher from the east region provided orientation and mobility assessments for some individuals to polish up their skills so that they would meet the criteria for dog guide training.

Service Delivery Design Team:  The agency's service deliver design team (SDDT) continues to focus on issues to improve services to its consumers.  A sub-committee of the SDDT, the College Policy Review Committee, is reviewing the college policies to make recommendations regarding its findings to the SDDT.  Any and all recommendations from the group will be considered by the SDDT and the Consumer Involvement Council before any further action would be considered.  The design team also has established a small business ad-hoc committee to examine its small business policy.  This committee will be seeking input from a variety of consumers, community partners and entrepreneurs and will follow MCB's typical processes for continuous improvement.

Mini Adjustment Program:  The managers and representatives from MCBTC will be meeting in September to discuss FY 2009 mini adjustment programs and Employment Readiness Seminars (ERS). 

Personnel:  The Consumer Services Division welcomes Alice Long, secretary in Detroit and Julie Clark as a rehabilitation counselor in the Gaylord Office.  The Consumer Services Division joins in with the International AER to congratulate Roberta McCall for receiving the Elizabeth Lennon Meritorious Achievement Award for outstanding service during a professional's career.  Thanks for the great work, Roberta!

MCB TRAINING CENTER REPORT

Staffing:   Rehabilitation Teacher:  Ian Shadrick began work as the TC's newest rehabilitation teacher on June 29, 2008.  Ian fills the position vacated by Bruce Schultz, working in support services during afternoons and evenings.  He also covers a Sunday afternoon shift, welcoming new students, assigning mentors and providing the new student orientation on Sunday evening.   Ian brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the areas of access technology and low vision services to the Center staff, and has begun teaching a class in  intermediate computer skills, for students who are not quite ready for the Good Will advanced computer class.  Ian also brings experience as an orientation & mobility instructor, which greatly assists him in working with students to strengthen the skills they are learning in O&M class. 

Rehabilitation Counselor:  It is with great excitement that the TC will welcome Karen DeVera, as its newest rehabilitation counselor, on September 2, 2008.  Karen has an extensive background working in private rehabilitation agencies, workers compensation programs and, most recently, as a rehabilitation counselor for the Veterans Administration.  The Training Center is fortunate indeed to be the beneficiary of Karen DeVera's experience assisting persons with disabilities in finding successful, gainful employment. 

Mini Adjustment Program:  Under the competent direction of Bonnie Betz, Training Center Rehabilitation Instructor, and Shig Toda, Rehabilitation Teacher in the Kalamazoo regional office, MCB staff members from the Training Center and Consumer Services came together in Farmington Hills, to conduct a successful Mini Adjustment program during the week of August 25, 2008.  Bonnie and Shig are to be commended for their outstanding organization, planning, oversight and trouble-shooting.  Their efforts, along with those of the staff members who make time to work as instructors, nurses and facilitators during each Mini, truly represent the MCB in the most positive light.    

Community Partners:  In the spring of 2008, Training Center Director Christine Boone was contacted by David Gardner of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, who indicated that a donor, who wished to remain anonymous, was considering a contribution to an organization working with persons who are blind and visually impaired.  Mr. Gardner was uncertain as to the amount of money that could potentially be donated, because this particular philanthropist has made contributions of all sizes in the Kalamazoo community.  It was decided that Ms. Boone should provide the Kalamazoo Community Foundation with a number of project outlines, at various cost levels, that Mr. Gardner would then present to this benefactress.  After consultation with the entire Training Center staff, four proposals were presented.

* Updated equipment for the fitness room; in the amount of $5,000. 

* Renovation of the Training Center courtyard, including the reactivation of its central fountain; in the amount of $10,000.    

* Dormitory renovation; in the amount of $250,000. 

* Expansion of the Training Center building to house a technology center; in the amount of $500,000. 

This most generous, anonymous individual, has decided to fund all four of the projects presented.  Mr. Gardner will be receiving a check in the amount of $765,000 to be used for the completion of the projects indicated above.   

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT

Budget:     The budget through August is in very good shape.  Total funds expended and encumbered are $16,771,997 which is eighty three percent of the budget, ninety percent of the way through the fiscal year.   This should allow Vocational Rehabilitation to pay for fall tuition and give MCB a good solid financial start for 2009.  The current estimated 2009 anticipated federal grant funding is expected to be slightly less this year.  It appears that MCB could see a reduction of approximately $100,000 or less in 2009.  

The Rehabilitation Services Administration held the National Fiscal and Data Management Conference on August 17th through August 20th, 2008 in Arlington Virginia.  It has been at least four years since such a conference had been held.  Sherri Heibeck represented MCB at that conference.  The conference provided excellent information to assist with the Federal Monitoring Review scheduled to take place in March of 2009.  In addition, many of the federal reporting forms have been updated or are in the process of being updated.  Several sessions provided information on the new data collection for the updated forms.  As always, this conference provided great networking opportunities to collaborate with other states for best practices and innovative ideas.

Technology: MCB is in the process of integrating System 7 with the State of Michigan's MAIN accounting system.  What would appear on the surface to be a seamless task has required numerous hours of programming, updating, testing and implementation.  The Lansing Regional office was the first office to go live with the system.  This system streamlines the payment process for client purchases.  A statewide training session was conducted in August for support staff regarding the new processes.  It is expected that all offices should be fully integrated by the end of October. 

Personnel:  Two vacant positions have been recently filled. The Rehabilitation Counselor position in Gaylord has been filled by Julie Clark who was working as a Family Independence Specialist with DHS in Mackinac County. Her first day on the job was Monday, August 25. The other newly filled position is the Rehabilitation Counselor at the Training Center. The person starting that job on September 2 is Karen DeVera. Her most recent job experience has been with the Veterans Administration in Battle Creek and prior to that in the private rehabilitation area. Karen did her internship at MCBTC as part of her Blind Rehabilitation Teaching/Counseling program at Western Michigan University.

There are still several unfilled vacancies in the agency including a rehabilitation counselor in Lansing Regional, a rehabilitation counselor in the deaf/blind program, a tech specialist at the Training Center, and an OT position at the Training Center. Steps are being taken to fill these soon.

Training:   There are 2 training opportunities for MCB staff this fall, the first being the diversity training program planned by the MCB Diversity Committee. The dates for this program are October 20, 21, and 22. These are three, 1-day sessions being presented by Dr. Carl Flowers and Linda Hedenblad at the Great Lakes RCEP at Southern Illinois University. Staff is encouraged to sign-up for one of these dates.

The other program on the calendar is the Michigan Rehabilitation Conference scheduled at the Grand Traverse Resort on November 5-7.  Details will be going out to all staff soon with instructions for signing up. One of the highlights of this conference will be a "cracker barrel" session with Pat Cannon as the facilitator discussing the topic "Blindness - What It Is and What It Is Not". This will be an interactive conversation to explore the fears, myths, and stereotypes surrounding blindness which lead good people to unintended discrimination against blind persons.

Another planned event for MCB managers and other selected staff is the joint meeting between MCB and MRS scheduled for October 28-29 in Lansing. The highlight of this joint meeting will be presentations by Andy Levin, DLEG Deputy Director, on the No Worker Left Behind program and the Career Readiness Certificate and by Mike Flanagan, Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Department of Education, who will speak on the Merit Scholarship program. There will also be a panel discussion exploring opportunities for apprenticeships in the State of Michigan.

Action Plan:  The Planning and Quality (PAQ) Team held a meeting on July 25. The 2008 Action Plan was reviewed and updated along with a lengthy conversation about what new items to add to the Action Plan for 2008/2009 and beyond. Some of the new issues have a long range impact on the agency such as succession planning, Civil Service hiring standards, and the future needs of the blind population. Each of the focus design teams reported their latest activities. All of these teams - Service Delivery, Image & Identity, Technology, and Diversity - are very actively involved in a number of areas and anyone with an interest in participating may contact Bob Robertson at 517-373-8829 or robertsonb2@michigan.gov to get in touch with the facilitator of the particular team.

Update on MCB Communications and Outreach:            Governor Granholm has issued a proclamation naming October 2008 Investing in Abilities Month in Michigan.  To mark this special month and promote its theme of hiring people with disabilities, MCB is working in collaboration with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) to produce the October edition of the Jobs Show, the award-winning DLEG cable TV program, to inform employers about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities.  The program will feature employers of former MCB and MRS clients and will be shown on cable TV networks statewide.  (Check local listings for broadcast times.)

The MCB website (www.michigan.gov/mcb) has a new section for eye doctors including information on MCB services and a downloadable eye report form for referring patients to MCB for services.  Both the Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons and the Michigan Optometric Association will include information on the new MCB website pages in the next edition of their member magazines.

MCB Director Pat Cannon spoke about MCB services and related topics on two radio programs this summer.  On July 9, he was the guest of Bobbie Jo Hartline of WGTO (910 AM) on "Talk of the Town," a live, hour-long program with an emphasis on community organizations and services.  Pat gave an overview of MCB's services and his observations on issues related to blindness and disability.  On July 16, Pat was interviewed by Walt Sorg of WILS (1320 AM, Lansing) on MCB's summer youth programs. 

On September 30, MCB is co-hosting the Capital Area Michigan Works! Fall Job Expo to network with Lansing-area employers and provide information on MCB's business services.  Other co-hosts include Capital Area Michigan Works!, Davenport University, Fox 47 News, Lansing Community College, the Lansing State Journal, and Michigan Rehabilitation Services.

MCB has been invited again this year by the Michigan Optometric Association (MOA) to host a complimentary booth at the MOA's 40th Annual Fall Seminar October 15-16 at the Lansing Center.  This is an opportunity to provide information on MCB services to eye care professionals.

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM REPORT

Operator Activities

Customer Satisfaction Survey: The customer satisfaction survey has been completed.   In an effort to ensure operator anonymity, the survey was conducted by the Office of Disability Concerns on behalf of the Program.   Doug Spade and Mike Clement contacted every operator and recorded their responses.  In 2007, BEP had an approximate 30% response rate.  This year, due to Mr. Spade's and Mr. Clements's diligent efforts and commitment to confidential responses, there was a 100% response rate!  The survey results will be presented to the Board this fall. 

BEP Manager Training:  The fall 2008 BEP manager class is scheduled to commence on October 6th.  BEP will have 4 students in the fall 2008 class and is anxious to train these eager and interested prospective licensees. 

Licensee Retirement:  The Commission has been in conversation with the Office of Retirement Services (O R S) regarding the basis of the final average compensation (F A C) for defined benefit retirement system retirees.  Defined benefit retirement system members are licensees who signed their first agreement on or before the end of March, 1997.

Each month, the Commission reports to O R S monthly wages and hours worked for licensees participating in the defined benefit program.  Similarly, corresponding information is also reported to CitiStreet for defined contribution program members.

It has been the Commission's practice to report monthly wages based on licensee "net income" (income after the set-aside fee due has been deducted).  Correspondingly, the associated necessary retirement contributions paid by the Commission have also been based on licensee "net income".

O R S reviewed this practice and determined this approach is correct.  Reporting of wages to ORS for retirement purposes for licensees is properly based on "net income".

Retirement wage information and final average compensation is confidential.  The Commission can only provide each licensee with the amount of his or her own reported monthly wages (i.e., net income).   The Commission is unable to obtain any specific information about any licensee's retirement benefit and, as such,   licensees or retirees with specific questions regarding the calculation of their individual retirement benefit amounts must contact O R S directly themselves.

BEP Facility Activities

U S P S Metroplex:  The new Pontiac area Metroplex postal facility continues to provide more services to the facility employees.  Since assuming responsibility for this facility in late spring, service has expanded from simply operating the vending and catering and now includes operation of the grill 24/7.   Also, the process of procuring approval of the health department for the convenience store has commenced. 

Alpena CRTC:  The military dining project at the Alpena Air National Guard Base is moving along. Three operators and potential operators bid on the facility.  Based on her prior work experience, Sheila Stelmach, a potential operator living in Traverse City, was selected as the operator for the facility.  She is working with the promotional agent who has helped to bring this project to fruition and who is assigned this facility, James Hull, to prepare for serving the first deployment at the end of this month.  Ms. Stelmach has developed a standard operations procedure, hired employees and is working the base to be ready for serving troops preparing to be deployed.

Kent County Human Services:  The Kent County Office of Human Services (KCHS) is building a new facility in Grand Rapids.  The expected move date from the current facility to the new facility is October 2010.  The Program is working with KCHS to construct a new food service facility in the new building.  The Program's current KCHS licensee, Tammy Webley, will move to the new building when it opens and the old building is closed.

One Division:  BEP continues to work with the Department of Management and Budget (DMB) to design and construct a food service facility in the Grand Rapids One Division Building.  While BEP currently has vending machines in the building, the food service will be expanded to include a coffee shop style snack bar.  Projected move in date is autumn of 2009.

Lewis Cass Cafeteria:  BEP is working with DMB to design and construct a new café in the Lewis Cass Cafeteria.  While the cafeteria was certainly on the Program's schedule for an update, the process was hastened by disintegrating sewer lines which necessitated the emergency closing of the cafeteria.  While the cafeteria has been closed, a temporary snack bar was constructed on the 1st floor.  As it was the building infrastructure which failed, DMB assumed the entire cost of the repair, the construction of the temporary snack bar and the basic preparation of the facility for the café construction.  A new operator, Marlene Rothenhauser, has assumed responsibility for this facility. 

Michigan State Police Headquarters: BEP is working with DMB and the Michigan State Police (MSP) to design and construct a snack bar in the new MSP Headquarters (HQ) in downtown Lansing.  About a year ago, BEP staff spoke with DMB Real Estate Division in regard to the soon to be constructed Michigan State Police Headquarters.

The new M S P headquarters is a secured, 5 story building housing 500+ State Police (only) employees.  Most of the business would come from inside the building.   Since it is somewhat away from the main restaurant/coffee shop corridor of downtown, for a building this size BEP proposed a café of 1200 to 1500 square feet, with additional space for vending.  The café would provide soups, sandwiches, healthy snacks, salads and premium coffee.

Initial programming for the building was complete at the time of BEP's meeting and did not include space for a café, only vending space had been allotted.  After meeting with the architects and State Police, DMB met with BEP staff and offered 500 square feet (plus the previously programmed vending) for a small snack bar in the new HQ.  This allocation was substantially smaller than the standard requirement for a snack bar.  However, BEP staff accepted the offer and began developing plans for a small snack bar. 

BEP staff has recently learned about a new approach for managing small snack bars in limited spaces:  Fast Track.  The Fast Track program is an automated system in which a unique bar coded label is affixed to each product in the snack bar.  Customers shop for the item or items they wish to purchase, lay the product on the checkout counter, an automated check out counter scans each product, audibly tells the customer the cost and accepts cash, credit card or debit card payments.  The scanner also deactivates the security component of the special bar code label.  Such a system is similar to the automated checkouts that major grocery stores now offer.  The snack bar would also be equipped with security cameras and a security gate similar to those found at retail clothing stores which set off an alarm if a product with an un-deactivated bar code passes by the gate.  The licensee's responsibilities clearly are different in such an operation.  In a Fast Track facility, the licensee is responsible for making and applying the bar code piece and cleaning and stocking the concession area daily.  The licensee is not physically present in the snack bar for the entire business day.  While plans are by no means firm for such a system, BEP staff is in conversation with the State Police about the possibility of installing the Fast Track system. 

BEP Opportunity

U S P S Contract: The proposed U S Postal Service (U S P S) contract has the buy-off of all Michigan parties and has been forwarded to U S P S for their review and signature.  U S P S responsibility for this activity has changed.  Steve Leavey has retired and responsibility has transitioned.   BEP continues to follow this closely in an effort to get the contract signed and implemented as quickly as possible.  At present, it appears all parties at U S P S agree with the language of the contract but do not agree on which postal official should actually sign the contract.

Working with the EOC:  The Business Enterprise Program continues 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, a revision of the product inventory policy, revisions to the profit percentage exception request process, and revisions to the rule change approved by the Commission Board at their December 2007 meeting regarding an operator's minimum one year stay in a facility.