July 18, 2005

Dear Department Director:

I’m certain that you are familiar with the cafeterias, snack stands, and vending facilities owned by the Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) and operated by independent entrepreneurs who are blind.  As you know, these businesses are given priority to provide food service in state-owned and state-occupied buildings.  In case you have not already received this information, I would like to make you aware of a recent change in the promulgated rules for the vending facility program under 1978 PA 260, effective October 2004, which expands the definition of food service to include catering and coffee service.  As such, Business Enterprise Program (BEP) operators should be approached first for any department or office sponsored functions where such services are to be provided.

Please make your employees aware that their local Michigan Commission for the Blind cafeteria, snack stand, or vending machine operator is ready to assist them with meeting their catering and office coffee service needs.  Any facility operator will be glad to provide these services directly or refer employees to a nearby operator who can meet their individual needs.

I would like to emphasize that operators of the food service facilities owned by the Michigan Commission for the Blind are independent business owners.  Although operators must meet the high standards of the commission and the local health department, individual operators are free to provide any food items, menus, and services that meet the needs and preferences of their customers.  Reflecting the current trends and tastes of today, many operators feature gourmet and health-conscious foods and beverages.  Operators are prepared to help employees custom-design a menu for any special event or meeting, whether the need is for box lunches, a simple sandwich platter, a continental breakfast, or an elaborate buffet of soups, salads, breads, main dishes, hot and cold side dishes, beverages, and desserts.  In addition, snack and beverage machines can be located wherever needed upon request.

For additional information on the services available from Michigan Commission for the Blind food service operators, your employees are invited to contact the commission’s Business Enterprise Program staff at 517-373-3459.

I appreciate your assistance in communicating this information to your employees.

Sincerely,

(signature)

David C. Hollister, Director

Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth