History of the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) in Michigan

In 1936 Congress enacted the Randolph-Sheppard Act, thus providing opportunities for blind people in small businesses on federal properties. Three years later Michigan enacted a similar law covering certain state facilities. Michigan is proud to be among the first, if not the first, to participate in providing job opportunities for people in Michigan who are blind. Although it is unsubstantiated, the newspaper stand in the Port Huron Post Office is thought to be the first location opened officially under the Randolph Sheppard Act.

From this small beginning, many hard-working and dedicated blind men and women have served their communities, assisted in the development of this program, and maintained successful employment and active lives. Through the years, many operators/managers have participated in the development of the policies and guidelines under which this program operates. This group of operators/managers is known today as the Elected Operators Committee in Michigan. Service and commitment characterize this committee. Many members of the committee, as well as operators at large, give up many Saturdays to wrestle with demanding questions and sometimes difficult-to-find answers. From one operator, the number of blind business people in this program has grown to more than 100 today. In addition to these employment opportunities, many of the operators are now employing additional people who are blind or have other disabilities. The variety of opportunities has expanded within the BEP, and sundry stores, snack bars, vending machines, cafeterias, and highway vending centers are the types of facilities now available. The number and type of these locations continues to grow each year as staff and operator work together.

Structure, Michigan Commission for the Blind
Under P.A. 260 of 1978, as amended, the Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) board is established as a five-member board with members appointed by the Governor. Three of the five members must be legally blind. This board meets during even-numbered months at varying locations around the state, and commission meetings are listed on the MCB website's Events Calendar.  One of the functions of the MCB board is to act upon the recommendations and presentations of the Elected Operators Committee. Policies for the Business Enterprise Program are established with the concurrence of the MCB board. The MCB board meetings, which are open to the public, usually begin at 10:00 a.m. and last until approximately 3:00 p.m. Braille and large print agendas, as well as a list of MCB activities, are available at the meeting.  The agenda is also available on the MCB website on the MCB Board page.

Announcements of upcoming meetings are made on the bid line:  1-877- 483-6367. It is the responsibility of the subcommittee chairperson to see that subcommittee members are notified of such meetings. The Elected Operators Committee operates according to bylaws. The Elected Operators Committee conducts its business according to accepted standards of parliamentary procedure. Minutes are prepared by the BEP secretary and conveyed to the Michigan Commision for the Blind board by a representative of the committee.

State Licensing Agency Structure
The Business Enterprise Program is one of several programs within the Michigan Commission for the Blind, as follows:

1. Business Enterprise Program (BEP)
2. Business Services (Services for Employers)
3. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
4. Independent Living (Services for Blind Seniors) (IL) 
5. Services for Youth (Youth Low Vision & Transition Services)
6. DeafBlind Services
7. Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center (MCBTC)

The primary contact within MCB for each BEP licensed operator is the BEP supervisor assigned to that operator's area of the state. The supervisor visits each facility/location, conducts reviews, and assists operators with business operating techniques.