MCB REPORT

March 12, 2009

STIMULUS FUNDING TOPS CSAVR & NCSAB CONFERENCE AGENDAS

The Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR) and the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB) will hold their Spring Conferences in Bethesda, Maryland, April 19-24, 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, April 22-24, is "New Beginnings - Amidst Turmoil, Challenge and Hope."  Participants will learn how other agencies are coping with the turmoil of the national economy, the challenges of ever-increasing unemployment and the hopes raised by the stimulus funding proposal signed into law by President Barack Obama on February 17.

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) public rehabilitation agencies throughout the country can expect an additional $540 million to assist job seekers with disabilities to secure employment.  As a result of the Rehab Stimulus measure, the Michigan Commission for the Blind ( MCB) stands to receive an extra $2.72 million to help put blind people to work.

Many conference presentations will showcase innovative approaches to utilizing the stimulus funds over the next two years and there will be timely reports by officials from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), the federal agency overseeing public rehabilitation programs in the country.  Participants will also hear presentations by other agencies for the blind on a variety of topics, including why investing in VR is good public policy; orientation and Mobility and quiet cars; how to keep up with fast changing technological advances; distance learning for staff and clients; and working effectively with transition programs for youth.

Recognizing that many rehab agencies throughout the country are implementing creative and effective initiatives which lead to improved services and outcomes for clients with disabilities, 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.

SURVEY RESULTS SHOW POSITIVE EMPLOYER ATTITUDES

The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) released, January 13, findings of the most extensive survey in history of employers' actions and attitudes toward employing people with disabilities. The report is available at www.dol.gov/odep.

CESSI, a division of Axiom Resource Management Inc., conducted the survey of 3,797 companies, which statistically represent more than 2.4 million companies nationwide. This survey found that a majority of large businesses are hiring people with disabilities and discovering that costs for accommodations differ very little from those for the general employee population. Additionally, the survey showed that once an employer hires one person with a disability, it is much more likely that employer will hire other people with disabilities.

ODEP hailed the report, saying that the research reveals the pathway for workers with disabilities to enter and succeed in the workplace, demonstrating that employers consistently discover that hiring and retaining people with disabilities helps their bottom line and efforts to educate businesses on this fact are paying off for workers.  The survey does provide some disappointing news in that it reveals some resistance among businesses to viewing people with disabilities as able to advance up the corporate ladder.

ODEP has also articulated a "business case" or comprehensive feedback from employers on the value of employees with disabilities, which is available on the agency's Employer Assistance and Recruiting Network (EARN) Web site at www.earnworks.com/businesscase. The business case, as supported by research, is intended to facilitate a business-to-business dialogue in six areas: return on investment, human capital, innovation, marketing, diversity and social responsibility. The Web page includes links to resources at the federal, state and local government levels, including resources specifically for veterans.

ODEP is leading a 21st century federal response to the historic underemployment of people with disabilities. In collaboration with other government agencies, public and private employers, and additional stakeholders, ODEP facilitates the development and implementation of innovative policies and practices necessary to achieve a fully inclusive workplace.

BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP PROMOTES EMPLOYMENT OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN), together with GettingHired.com, announced, February 4, a partnership aimed at further promoting the recruitment and hiring of qualified job-seekers with disabilities. The partnership is designed to build upon the strengths of the USBLN's national business-to-business network and GettingHired.com's innovative internet-based portal.

"We're excited about this new opportunity to advance the workplace inclusion of workers with disabilities seeking employment based solely on their collective talents," summarized USBLN Executive Director & General Counsel John D. Kemp on the partnership with GettingHired.com. "Our partnership strengthens the national network the USBLN has been building for over ten years, combining it with new accessible technologies designed to put qualified job-seekers in touch with interested companies. This partnership is a win for everyone - including the USBLN and its affiliates and corporate members, GettingHired.com, and most of all, Americans with disabilities seeking employment."

Last November GettingHired.com announced its launch as the first employer subscription-based online career center and social networking community for people with disabilities. Incorporating advanced, ADA- and 508-compliant technology, GettingHired.com is the first job portal and social network that enables the nation's 22.3 million working age people with disabilities to connect to peers, mentors, employers, advocacy groups and a national registry of qualified job seekers.

Said Thomas Capato, CEO of GettingHired.com, of its new relationship with the USBLN: "Our partnership could not have come at a better time for potential workers with disabilities. As our economy continues to struggle, businesses will be searching for new ways to improve their bottom-line, and what better way than utilizing an untapped source of qualified new workers."

The USBLN is the only national business organization currently representing 54 BLN affiliates in 32 states - including the District of Columbia - and more than 5,000 employers using a 'business to business' strategy to promote the business imperative of including people with disabilities in the workforce and marketplace.

MINI -ADJUSTMENT PROGRAM IN DETROIT

The first Mini-Adjustment Program Workshop of 2009 was held in Detroit, March 1-6, with 35 consumers participating.  MCB clients attending the week-long Mini-Adjustment Program workshop were 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, March 5, for 21 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.  Plans are being finalized for additional Mini-Adjustment Programs and Employment Readiness Seminars this year in Escanaba, May 17-22; Clare, August 23-28; and Grand Rapids, November 15-20.

ACB LAUNCHES AUDIO DESCRIPTION PROJECT

The American Council of the Blind (ACB) announced, January 6, the establishment of its Audio Description Project ( ADP) to boost levels of description activity and disseminate information on that work across the nation.  Throughout 2009, the ADP expects to establish a broad range of activities that will build awareness of audio description among the general public as well as its principal users, people who are blind or have low vision. In addition, the ADP will:

• Offer training in audio description and work to establish standards for quality description in its various genres (media, live performance, museums, etc.); 
• Encourage the growth of audio description with an emphasis on the involvement of AD users/consumers, especially youth; 
• Disseminate information on audio description and provide general support for regional, state, and local forums; 
• Encourage studies on audio description - its efficacy as a technique for conveying visual images and its impact on literacy for children and others.

Audio describers provide services in various multi-media settings, including theater, television, video, film, exhibits, museums, and educational venues -- but also at circuses, rodeos, ice skating exhibitions and myriad sports events.  Description benefits children who are blind and others who have learning disabilities but it has been shown to boost literacy for all children.

For broadcast television, on film and videotape and on DVDs, description enhances the regular program audio, precisely timed to occur only during the lapses between dialogue. On televised programs in the United States, it is currently accessed via the Secondary Audio Program channel; after the digital conversion which began in February 2009, audio description should be available on supplementary audio channels.  For more information on audio description, visit: www.adinternational.org.

CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

This quarter has been busy and fulfilling for the Consumer Services staff.  The staff has participated in several community activities, as well as collaborated with community partners in developing agreements and participated in a joint training with Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns and the Veterans Administration. 

Community Activities

Several of the staff were involved in exploring opportunities to expand services to consumers they serve.  MCB staff made contact with the Lions Club for the purpose of discussing MCB's services.  The Lions Club is a service organization that provides an array of services to individuals within their geographical area, especially assistance to persons who are blind and visually impaired, in obtaining specialized equipment.  The staff always takes opportunity to discuss with the Lions Club members MCB's job ready consumers and how this pool of job ready individuals can be of assistance to those individuals that are in various businesses are in need of competent and qualified employees. 

Two of MCB's Consumer Services staff attended an activity related to prevention of blindness.  At this event, they were able to share with the attendees, MCB's Youth Low Vision program and how these services can assist qualified youths to obtain low vision devices through the school system in collaboration with MCB.  They also were able to discuss MCB's Vocational and Independent Living programs which afforded them an opportunity to distribute MCB's brochures, both in Spanish and Arabic, as well as alternative formats.  MCB staff conducted two Skills of Blindness classes with the staff of Hope Network, Inc., of Grand Rapids.  Training was culminated by Hope staff touring MCBTC and feedback received from Hope's Network's Project Search coordinator Maggie Koch read, "I told Pat Angerman how excited we were after visiting the MCB Training Site.  Our tour guide was wonderful and everyone was so warm and friendly.  We also learned a lot of practical information.  It was well worth the drive to Kalamazoo."

Agreements

The Consumer Services staff continues to collaborate with the intermediate school districts as well as Centers for Independent Living (CIL) to expand and renew cash match agreements.  The Macomb Intermediate School District's agreement was expanded to include more multiple impaired individuals in its program and a new staff coordinator was hired.  This staff person will attend MCBTC for orientation the first week of March.

Some of the cash match agreements that were renewed for FY 2009 are: Ingham, Eaton, Wayne County Detroit CIL, Ottawa/Kent, Marquette-Alger Regional Educational Service Agency, Ann Arbor and Genesee counties. The purpose of these agreements will promote transition activities with the intermediate school districts.  The cash match agreements with the CIL's focus on the development of soft skills and the integration of the core services to assist individuals with employment and independence.

Project Search

Several of the staff attended an all day training program regarding the goals and objectives of Project Search as well as the process to become a participant in the program.  The training was held in Clinton Township and Kalamazoo during the month of January.  At the training, the participants learned about the components necessary to establish a project search.  In order for the program to be viable, it must include an employer, a community partner, community mental health, intermediate school district and a vocational rehabilitation agency.  In several areas of the state, the Project Search programs are in various stages of development.  The initial Project Search was in Grand Rapids.  MCB is in collaboration with the committee to become a part of the future programs. Two of MCB's Consumer Services staff has attended the Project Search orientation in Cincinnati, Ohio.  It is recommended that each Project Search program should send representatives to the Cincinnati training facility for the introduction to the objectives of the program. 

The Hannahville project will focus on providing employment opportunities for residents at the local Hannahville casino after extensive training has been completed.  The casino will serve as the employer for the project.  It is anticipated that there will be several new programs being developed in the state such as Benton Harbor, Detroit, Lansing, Oakland County, and Monroe.

Veterans Training

The Consumer Services staff participated in the Veteran Administration Vocational Rehabilitation Employment (VAVRE) training in January that explained the agreement between agencies to improve relationships with the VAVRE for the purposes of expanding services to disabled service connected veterans.  MCB provides services to veterans; and, this agreement focuses on expanded ways to collaborate with the veterans to assist in areas such as job placement, transportation and child care during their rehabilitation.  Staff are in contact with veteran counselors to implement the process.

Rehabilitation Services Administration

The Michigan Commission for the Blind participated in the 2009 Monitoring Review with the Rehabilitation Services Administration the week of March 2 - 6, 2009.  Eight individuals from RSA reviewed all of MCB's programs as well as data.  RSA staff visited a number of community rehabilitation organizations where MCB consumers receive assessments and training. They also visited some intermediate school districts to discuss transition activities and cash match agreements, as well as visited Lansing, Kalamazoo and Detroit field offices.  A special visit was made to the Mini Adjustment program that was held in Detroit the same week.

Personnel

MCB has established a third region covering the Central part of the state which includes the field offices of Lansing, Flint, Saginaw and Gaylord.  As a result of the establishment of this region, an opportunity was provided for promotion for one of MCB's staff to become the district manager - congratulations to Ms. Elizabeth White.  As we look forward to continuing to provide timely services to our consumers, the assistant manager position for the East Region was established and again an opportunity was made available in order for an individual to be promoted - congratulations to Ms. Shawnese Laury Johnson.  As a result of these promotions, there will potentially be counselor positions available in the Central and East regions.  The Deaf/Blind program is in the process of filling the counselor vacancy and interview dates have been established. 

MCB TRAINING CENTER REPORT

Staffing

On January 27th, 2009, the TC welcomed its newest staff member Lee Greenacre as industrial arts instructor.  Lee comes to MCB with more than ten years of experience teaching high school and vocational students in the area of industrial technology, a Masters degree in education teaching K through 12 and his K through 12 teaching certificate.  Lee also has his Certificate in administration, another in industrial education and a vocational certification; all from the state of Michigan.  Needless to say, this experienced, enthusiastic young educator is a tremendous asset to the TC teaching staff. 

Work Experience

During fiscal year 2008, the training center began offering students the opportunity to gain some in-house volunteer work experience.  Customers enjoyed opportunities to work at the reception desk and switchboard, in the kitchen and with the maintenance staff.  Each of these volunteer work venues has offered students the chance to perform many of the duties that are associated with these jobs in the broader labor market, giving them the chance to truly test the alternative skills they are learning during class time.  The confidence that students take away from these apprenticeships is remarkable, and in one instance, volunteering at the center has already led to a student's real, part time, remunerative employment in the Kalamazoo community. 

This month, a new volunteer employment opportunity will commence, with the opening of the center's student store.  The store is being stocked with items that the TC has stocked in the past, and regularly given to students at no cost.  With the increased emphasis on self-sufficiency, students are being given the opportunity to purchase these things with their own funds.  With the opening of the store, student store managers will assume responsibility for all aspects of this business, under the over-all supervision of TC Assistant Director Bruce Schultz.  The student managers will monitor and maintain inventory, handle all customer transactions, maintain adequate records of all cash receipts, and manage ordering and re-stocking.  Once the first student manager begins work, the store will become a closed loop, self-sustaining system.  In other words, the money earned from the sale of store merchandise will be used to purchase the replacement inventory.  The continued maintenance of specialized blindness-related items will be entirely funded by the students themselves, as they purchase what they need from the store. 

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT

The budget as of February continues to be on target.  However, it is expected to improve with the anticipated American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus money that is to be awarded to MCB in the near future.  The reported monies to be appropriated to MCB are over $2 Million for Independent Living and $2.7 Million for Vocational Rehabilitation.  The details as to how and when the funds will be distributed have not yet been released.  MCB will have 2 years to expend the funds and there is no match or maintenance of effort requirement on the funds.   The Vocational Rehabilitation funds will be used for the intent of ARRA which is to create job opportunities for blind citizens in Michigan.  The Independent Living funds will be used to enhance and expand Independent Living services throughout the state. 

The second quarter of fiscal year of 2009 has provided audits of every aspect of MCB's operations.  MCB has had three different audits during this quarter.  The first is the State Single Audit performed by the State of Michigan's Auditor General's Office.  This audit is completed every two years and the audit is for FY 2007 and FY 2008 and focuses mainly on fiscal and program data. 

The second audit is the biennial COSO Internal Control Evaluation (COSO/ICE) to evaluate the Department's internal control structure as of September 30, 2008.  State departments are required by Public Act 431 of 1984 to establish and maintain an administrative control system and to review, evaluate and assess risks, controls and potential vulnerabilities.  This process involves the participation of management to perform internal assessments of its operations.  The results will be presented to the Governor.  The results of this process will also be used by both auditors and management as an assessment tool aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of Department operations. 

The final audit is the Federal 107 review.  This particular audit is only performed once every five years for every VR Agency in the country.  The MCB audit was scheduled in the fourth cycle (year) of the program. This audit is a comprehensive audit preformed by the Rehabilitation Services Administration.  During the week of March 2nd nine RSA staff arrived at Central office for a five day on site visit.  They looked at all aspects of MCB's operation including talking to Commissioners, visiting Michigan Works!, Peckham, New Horizons, a Mini Adjustment Program, various Intermediate School Districts, some of the MCB Regional Offices, and the MCB Training Center.  In addition, there were 5 days of intensive review of MCB's financial and purchasing practices, Information Technology systems and VR and IL program policy and procedures. 

The purpose of the audits is to improve MCB's systems and services and MCB's program usually benefits from many of the auditor recommendations.  A preliminary report will be issued by RSA in August.

Personnel

There have been two promotions in recent weeks. Elizabeth White has been promoted to Regional Manager of the newly created Central Region. That change became effective on February 8. Shawnese Laury has been promoted to the Assistant Regional Manager position in the Metro Detroit office. That promotion will become effective when Shawnese returns from maternity leave on March 17. Congratulations to both of them!  The vacant Assistant Regional Manager for the Central Region is currently posted and interviews should take place for that position in the near future.

Gail Toda began her duties as a Blind Rehabilitation Instructor on December 14, 2008 at the Training Center. She has over 25 years experience in the field and most recently worked as a substitute teacher at the Center and with the Michigan Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Kalamazoo.

Lee Greenacre started as the Trades Instructor at the Training Center on January 27, 2009 after working the past three years for the Saginaw School District.  He also worked as a teacher for the Beaverton Schools.

Interviews were recently held to fill the rehab counselor position in the deaf-blind unit. There is a rehab consultant position vacant at the Training Center the selection process is under way and it is hoped that a capable individual will be appointed to that position soon.

Finally, MCB has requested approval from OHR to fill two other vacant positions - a rehab counselor in Detroit to fill the vacancy created when Bob Arnold was placed on a medical lay-off and a teacher at the Training Center to fill the position made vacant by Ken Smedley's retirement.

Staff Development

The annual spring conference for MAER is scheduled for April 23-24 in Livonia. The deadline for staff to become part of the group registration is March 20.

An in-service training focusing on working with ex-offenders is scheduled for May 14 in Okemos. The trainer, Art Besse, is from Wisconsin and was highly recommended by the Region V TACE Center. Approximately 35-40 staff are scheduled to participate in that program.

Steps are being taken to provide continuing education credits for rehabilitation teachers who are certified by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals who participate in MCB's in-service trainings. MCB will also continue to provide credits for CRC counselors.

MCB Hosts Demo of Breakthrough DeafBlind Communicator

On February 24, MCB hosted a demonstration of the DeafBlind Communicator, breakthrough technology that allows a person who is both deaf and blind to communicate with anyone face-to-face without a sign language interpreter.  Cindy Caldwell, MCB DeafBlind Specialist, and Mark Carson, Midwest Sales Representative for HumanWare, the manufacturer, hosted representatives from several local organizations serving individuals who are DeafBlind at the two-hour, hands-on presentation.  The two-component device is essentially a BrailleNote with special software linked by BlueTooth to a QWERTY-keyboard cell phone.  Messages sent from the Braillenote appear on the cell phone's visual display.  Messages sent from the cell phone in "text messaging" fashion are relayed to the BrailleNote and displayed as refreshable Braille. 

In response to an MCB/DELEG media advisory regarding the demo, Walt Sorg, host of amLansing, a morning talk show on WILS 1320 AM, interviewed Cindy Caldwell and Mark Carson.  The interview was broadcast the following morning, and an audio file of the complete interview is posted on the MCB website's Press Room page under Michigan Commission for the Blind in the News.

MCB is AFB Senior Site's Agency of the Month for July 2009

MCB has been selected as the Senior Site Agency of the Month for July 2009 by the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB).  AFB Senior Site at http://www.afb.org/seniorsitehome.asp is a website for seniors experiencing vision loss sponsored by AFB.  Regarding the Senior Site agencies of the month, information on the website says, "Each of these agencies provides helpful services or support to people with vision loss such as information about living independently with vision loss or even continuing to work. Some are public agencies and others are private. Some provide services locally, some statewide, and even nationally."  Watch for more information about MCB on the AFB Senior Site in the June MCB Report.

Communications and Outreach Update

MCB has published its 2008 annual report.  The commission's first annual report includes consumer success stories, return on investment information, key accomplishments, and plans for meeting Michigan's needs in the future.  The 8.5" by 11" folded report opens to reveal a 25.5" by 22" poster on the reverse with the photos and success stories of the five consumers who received MCB Honor Roll Awards in 2008.  Print copies of the report will be mailed in late March to MCB staff and MCB partners including Governor Granholm and members of her Cabinet, the Legislature, consumer groups, eye care professionals, intermediate school districts, Michigan Works! Agencies and Service Centers, local chambers of commerce, employers, and member organizations of the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind.  The publication is online on the MCB website at www.michigan.gov/mcb, on the home page and at the top of the Resources section.  The online report is in PDF and Microsoft Word formats, and audio will be online in March if feasible with the state's current online capacity.  For a print copy of the annual report, contact Susan Turney at turneys@michigan.gov or 517-241-8631.

All Michigan Secretary of State offices are now equipped with MCB signature guides, for use by individuals who are visually impaired when signing forms for a driver's license or state I.D. card.  The signature guides, slightly larger than a standard business card, have a cut-out center that can be positioned over the signature line on a form as a guide.  The cards also include MCB's toll-free number and website address.  MCB has encouraged the Michigan Department of State to let their blind or visually impaired customers keep a signature guide, if they request one.  MCB has already received calls from several of these individuals inquiring about MCB's services.

The Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth will begin sending its electronic monthly newsletter, LEGwork, to all members of the Legislature as a way to provide them with news about all of the bureaus within the department, including MCB.  LEGwork features news and information about MCB in every issue. 

With its next news release, MCB will begin providing copies via e-mail to members of the Legislature to share news with their constituents on upcoming commission meetings, summer youth programs, and other opportunities.  This is one additional way that eligible individuals and their friends and family members can learn about the MCB services available to them.

The MCB Image and Identity Team and the MCB Service Delivery Design Team are working together to determine what transition-related publications are needed for MCB.  After the Service Delivery Design Team identifies the publications needed and their contents, the Image and Identity Team will work on the design and production of the publications.

MCB Website Highlight-Events Calendar

The Events Calendar on the MCB website at www.michigan.gov/mcb includes events sponsored by MCB and its partner organizations.  The Events Calendar is the 11th item from the top on the MCB website's main menu, or the third item from the bottom.

The MCB Events Calendar includes all of the events listed in the MCB Activity List distributed at commission meetings, plus additional events added since the most recent Activity List was compiled.  All events include the date, time, location, and a brief description of the event, plus a contact name and phone number or e-mail address for more information.  All MCB events are accessible.  For events sponsored by other organizations, please check with the contact person for specific details regarding accessibility.

The MCB Events Calendar includes these specific events:

• MCB Commission meetings
• MCB committee meetings, including the Consumer Involvement Council, Service Delivery Design Team, Cultural Diversity Committee, and Image & Identity Team, with teleconference call-in numbers and instructions for each meeting. 
• MCB Mini Adjustment Programs 
• Consumer conventions 
• Conventions, job expos, health fairs, and other events at which MCB has a table or booth and/or is an event sponsor. 
• State of Michigan events established by proclamation of Governor Jennifer M. Granholm at the request of MCB and its partners, such as Investing in Abilities Month and Blindness Prevention and Services Month.

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM REPORT

B E P Manager Training 

Four students successfully completed the fall 2008 B E P manager class on February 28th.  As the program has 5 available facilities, B E P staff fervently hopes the new potential operators begin bidding on available facilities in early March.

The spring 2009 B E P manager class commences on April 6th.  Three students are enrolled in that class.   These students will complete their training in mid-August.  It is anticipated jobs will be awaiting these students, too, as B E P anticipate at least 2 more Operator retirements in this fiscal year.

Computers for Students and Operators

The Manager's December report noted B E P staff had been working with the Vocational Rehabilitation program to develop a proposal to provide all B E P Manager students with a laptop computer, and to provide B E P licensees, under certain circumstances, with a computer.  The proposal was presented to the Committee (and a copy is included with the Commissioner's packet) at their December meeting for review and consideration.  At the February meeting, the E O C approved the proposal unanimously.  The April B E P Manager Training students will be the first class to benefit from this policy.  Shortly, the policy will be introduced to the licensees.   

B E P FACILITY ACTIVITIES

New Construction Still in Development and Process

Construction is nearing completion at the Kent County Office of Human Services (KCHS) new facility in Grand Rapids.  The expected move date from the current facility to the new facility is June 2009. 

The B E P has worked for several years with the Department of Management and Budget (DMB) to design and construct a food service facility in the Grand Rapids One Division Building. In January, DMB estimated construction costs of $230,000.  The cost of store fixtures and equipment drive the cost up even higher.  Given the limited building population, limited public access to the facility and the ever mounting cost of constructing a food service facility, the plan for a coffee shop/snack bar is being abandoned.  B E P does intend to continue to provide vending service in the current space allotted.

B E P is working together with DMB to commence the very long awaited remodel of the Lansing Cass Cafeteria.  Construction is being done in conjunction with asbestos abatement in the building.  Optimistically, the operator will be able to occupy the new space in November.  In the meantime, the licensee, Marlene Rothenhauser, has been operating a temporary snack bar that was initially envisioned to be a bare bones operation.  With her energy and creativity, Marlene is making a great success of her operation. 

B E P is also 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.  Construction plans for this new downtown Lansing snack bar are nearing the final phase.  This is a very small facility with limited storage serving customers with a snack bar and vending machines.  The location of the snack bar is ideal - right off the lobby while the vending machines are in the break rooms. 

FACILITY CLOSED

Ms. Pat Moore retired from the Business Enterprise Program on February 5th.  At the time of her retirement, she was managing the Herman Kieffer cafeteria.  During her tenure there, building management of this non-mandated facility removed the vending machines from service, and then the store from service.  They also installed a Subway kiosk on the ground level.  Consequently, sales of the facility were not meeting federal guidelines.  Retaining the cafeteria, which was in serious need of an update, is no longer feasible.  The facility was closed when Ms. Moore retired.   

B E P OPPORTUNITY

St Clair Shores Library

The St. Clair Shores Library solicited proposals to operate a coffee shop in their facility.  B E P staff procured the bid package and prepared a proposal for consideration.  Unfortunately, a local food service provider was selected for this opportunity.

Fort Custer

In December, the MI Army National Guard approached the Commission with the opportunity to provide food service at their new training center in Augusta.  B E P staff have visited the facility, and are putting together a bid package to operate the food service at this year-round facility.  Several important motions related to this project went before the Board for review and approval at a special meeting held on March 4.

WORKING WITH THE EOC

Annual Workshop

The annual B E P Operators Workshop is scheduled for April 17, 18 and 19.  The theme of the workshop is "30 Years of Success".  The workshop will feature a Saturday morning plenary session, election of Committee members, a food show, Saturday afternoon break-out sessions, and Saturday evening awards banquet and the Sunday morning Elected Operators Committee meeting.  The Workshop's featured speaker is Bob Adelman, a resident of Colorado Springs and an energetic entrepreneur who spoke at the National Business Leadership and Superior Training conference in April 2008 in Nashville, Tennessee. 

MCB Chairperson Jo Ann Pilarski is expected to attend the workshop and also other Commissioners are invited to attend.