[Iabs-talk] {Spam?} Fwd: ICBV Office Update July 19, 2016
Denise Avant
davant1958 at gmail.com
Wed Jul 20 23:55:40 UTC 2016
Denise R. Avant
President, National Federation Of The Blind Of Illinois
Live the life you want
> Begin forwarded message:
>
> From: Kathy Ungaro <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
> Subject: ICBV Office Update July 19, 2016
> Date: July 19, 2016 at 9:39:35 PM CDT
> To: Kathy Ungaro <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
> Reply-To: Kathy Ungaro <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
>
>
> ICBV Office Update
> July 19, 2016
> <applewebdata://394070A1-E682-447F-A6BC-D47F674D7FA9>
> *1) Calendar of Events
> *2) Call to Action Department of Defense
> *3) Cullen & Associates Session Update
> *4) Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired
> AppleVis and Advocating for Accessible Apps
> Introduction to Braille, UEB Edition
> Geraldine Lawhorn Leaves a Legacy of Love
> *5) Eyes on Success – Accessibility at IBM
> *6) Pace Chicago ADA Paratransit Customer Notice
> *7) NFB-Newsline Added Candidate Information for Upcoming Presidential Elections
> *8) Micro Markets Lift Vending Industry Revenue to $20.9 Billion
> *9) Indiana Vending Company Wins Partial Victory in Sales Tax Case
> *10) RSA Management Group Information
>
> <applewebdata://394070A1-E682-447F-A6BC-D47F674D7FA9>**1 Calendar of Events
> July 23, 2016
> On Saturday, July 23, the Chicago Chapter of the NFBI will hold its annual
> picnic at the Lincoln Park Zoo’s Landmark Café. Federationists and friends
> will gather between noon and three PM for food and fellowship. You may
> purchase food at the café or bring your own picnic.
>
> July 28-29, 2016
> The National Council on Disability will conduct its next quarterly meeting in Minneapolis, MN on July 28-29. During the meeting, the Council will host three public comment periods to hear from the community on these topics:
>
> 1. The Connection Between Disability and Poverty (11:15 AM – 11:45 AM Central Time).
> 2. Economic Mobility Gridlock: Systemic Challenges, Incompatibilities and Contradictions (1:30 PM – 2:00 PM Central Time).
> 3. Creating Systems To Get Disabled People Out of Poverty (3:45–4:15 PM Central Time).
>
> “Many public policies developed decades ago came from the assumption that recipients with disabilities were dependent and must stay on assistance programs for survival forever,” said NCD Chair Clyde Terry. “That mindset no longer reflects the expectations for, or the reality of, Americans with disabilities in the 21st century. Today, perhaps the best definition of independent living is a paycheck and money in the bank. In order to work, public policy must progress with the times in order to facilitate maximum self-sufficiency and independence.”
>
> Interested parties are welcome to join in person or by phone in a listening-only capacity (other than the period allotted for public comment as noted below). Details about the quarterly meeting and the town halls sessions are as follows:
>
> WHAT: NCD Summer Quarterly Meeting
> DATES: Thursday, July 27-28
> LOCATION: Radisson Blu Downtown, Bergen Meeting Room, 35 South Seventh Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402
> TIMES: The meeting on Thursday, July 28 will begin at 9 AM and conclude at 4:15 PM, Central Time. The meeting the following day on Friday, July 29 will begin at 9:00 AM and conclude at 12:30 PM, Central Time.
>
> This meeting is open to the public and interested parties may join in-person or by phone in a listen-only capacity using the following call-in information: Call-In Number: 888-510-1765; Passcode: 5785469; Meeting Name: NCD Meeting; Host Name: Clyde Terry.
>
> A CART streamtext link has been arranged for each day of the meeting.
>
> On Thursday, July 28 beginning at 9:00 AM, CT, the web link to access CART is: https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=072816ncd900am.
> On Friday, July 29, beginning at 9:00 AM, CT, the web link to access CART is: https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=072916ncd900am.
>
> The focus of the summer meeting’s presentations to the National Council on Disability will be on poverty, as will its three public comment opportunities. The meeting on Friday will be the Council’s business meeting and a discussion of proposed NCD policy priorities for the future fiscal year.
>
> PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
> To better facilitate the public comment sessions, any individual interested in providing public comment is asked to register his or her intent to provide comment in advance by sending an email to PublicComment at ncd.gov with the subject line “Public Comment” with your name, organization, state, and topic of comment included in the body of your email. All emails to register to present public comment in person at the quarterly meeting must be received by COB Tuesday, July 25. Due to time constraints, NCD asks all those making comments to limit their statements to three minutes.
>
> For more information, contact:
> Name: Lawrence Carter-Long
> Phone: 202-272-2004
> Email: LCarterLong at ncd.gov
>
> September 17, 2016
> October Fest, which will be held at the home of Patti and Francisco Chang - Cost $25 per ticket make your reservation with Patti Chang - Pattischang at gmail.com <mailto:Pattischang at gmail.com> or 773-307-6440. Also let her know if you will be contributing any items like desserts etc.
>
> October 29-30, 2016
> Save the Date - The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois will hold its State convention on October 28-30, 2016. The convention will be held at the Chicago Naperville Marriott Hotel, 1801 N. Naper BLVD, Naperville, Il. 60563 Room rates are $104 per night For reservations call 630-505-4900
>
> We now have a theme for our convention, “Conquering the Odds.”
> When we as individuals and as a whole rise above the low expectations society has for blind people we are “Conquering the Odds.”
>
> <applewebdata://394070A1-E682-447F-A6BC-D47F674D7FA9>**2 Shared by Terry Smith, NFBEI
> This is a duplicate post if you have done this already, thank you. If you have not, and I am still waiting to hear from several Illinois members; please do this as soon as possible. If you are in Illinois, I need you to e-mail or call me to let me know you did your part so that I can check you off the list. Thanks, Kathy
>
> This is important:
> Dear Randolph-Sheppard Entrepreneur, friends and business associates: Your help is desperately needed and it will only take a few seconds of your time. The Department of Defense is promulgating rules that will effectively eliminate the Randolph-Sheppard priority for troop dining contracts on military bases. 40+ blind vendors will lose their jobs and future opportunities will be lost forever. Vendors in states that depend on set aside from these contracts will face significant increases in set aside fees and/or the elimination or reduction in fringe benefits. We cannot let this happen. Let your voice be heard. Submit a comment today.
>
> Simply click on the link below, click the red box that applies to you, enter your name and state, and hit Submit. It couldn't be easier. Your friends and family can submit comments as well by clicking on Other Stakeholder. We cannot allow this to happen. Act now. We only have 1 month to submit comments and convince DOD to pull the proposed rule.
>
> https://nfb.constituentvoice.net/nfbreg/ <https://nfb.constituentvoice.net/nfbreg/>
>
> Thank you for your prompt attention to this very important matter.
> Terry Smith
> NFBEI
>
> <applewebdata://394070A1-E682-447F-A6BC-D47F674D7FA9>**3 Shared by Tom Cullen; Cullen & Associates
> Session Update – July 15, 2016
> Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger announced Thursday that Illinois’ backlog of unpaid bills will grow to $10 billion by year’s end, and vendors will wait an average of six months for payment from the State. According to Munger, the State will spend $2.5 billion more than it takes in over the next six months forcing her office to “triage” payments for those most in need. While payments as a rule will continue to be treated on a first-in, first-out basis, according to the Comptroller priority will be given to: (1) nonprofits not covered by court orders or consent decrees that continue to provide services without an FY16 budget (autism services, programs for the homeless, mental health services, etc); (2) business owners who provided goods and services to the State in good faith last year without payment; and (3) colleges, universities, and MAP Grant students who faced significant cuts and delays last fiscal year.
>
> An additional 17 groups have joined the Pay Illinois Now Coalition, a growing group of social service providers that is suing the State of Illinois for lack of payment for contracts entered into during FY16. According to recent court filings, the providers have not been paid for work provided last fiscal year despite the passage of the stopgap budget at the end of June. As a result of the continued lack of payment, the providers plan to continue with the lawsuit. A full copy of the amended complaint is here.
>
> Legislation was filed this week in the Illinois House (HB6596/McSweeny) to create the Public Water Supply School Testing Act which requires, beginning January 1, 2017, that water supplies available for drinking water use in all classroom-instruction public school buildings and charter school buildings be tested for lead at least once a year.
>
> The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Business and Economic Development Corporation announced this week that Vetter, a German based pharmaceutical service provider, plans to develop a new production and distribution facility in Des Plaines. According to Vetter, the company plans to develop a $320 million state of the art facility, the first of its kind manufacturing facility outside of Germany. Vetter currently operates a product facility and sales office in Skokie, Illinois.
>
> 1115 Waiver work groups will begin meeting next week as part of the Administration’s efforts to streamline services and control costs in the area of behavioral health. The move is part of the Healthcare and Human Services Transformation underway in Illinois that seeks to pay for value instead of volume; focus on prevention; make evidence-based and data-driven decisions; and move recipients from institutional to community care. The 1115 Waiver will seek federal match for previously grant or GRF-funded services.
>
> Another ACA healthcare plan will shut down as Land of Lincoln Health announced it will be liquidating due to significant financial losses in Illinois. Forty-nine thousand plan participants will be given time to migrate to a new plan, and Land of Lincoln will continue paying claims in the immediate future. Last month, the Department of Insurance ordered Land of Lincoln Health, one of two dozen federally-funded co-ops, to stop renewing policies for small and large businesses, stop selling all new plans without permission, and not to pay $31.8 million in the risk adjustment payment owed to the federal government. Acting Director Melissa Dowling stated that a mid-year liquidation to meet the risk adjustment payment would trigger marketplace disruption, noting that the insurer’s net income is “inadequate” to meet existing and projected obligations. Land of Lincoln sued the federal government last month for $73 million, the amount they claim is owed from the federal government as part of the risk corridor program. Land of Lincoln lost $90 million in 2015 and reported another $17 million in losses through May 31, 2016.
>
> On Tuesday, Governor Rauner created a bipartisan commission to reform Illinois’ school funding formula. The report is due to the Governor and General Assembly by February 1, 2017 so action may be taken during the 2017 Legislative Session. The 30-member Commission will be composed of five designees from the Administration and each of the legislative leaders. Secretary of Education Beth Purvis will chair the Commission. A complete listing of Governor Rauner’s appointments is here. Both the House and the Senate tried to pass legislation this year to reform the school funding formula.
>
> The State of Illinois 2015 Disparity and Availability Study found that disparities exist between the availability of minority-owned and female-owned businesses and their utilization on State contracts and associated subcontracts, as well as throughout the wider Illinois economy. In response to the Study, Governor Rauner filed Executive Order 16-08, which directs the Department of Central Management Services to institute a number of reforms to how it currently administers the State of Illinois Business Enterprise Program (BEP). It also directs CMS to investigate and, if needed, take appropriate steps to implement a sheltered markets initiative that will increase the number of businesses owned and controlled by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities doing business with the State. The Executive Order takes effect immediately.
>
> Republican David Welter of Morris was appointed Representative of the 75th District to fill the term of former State Representative John Anthony, who resigned last month to accept a job with the Department of Corrections. Welter currently serves as the Chairman of the Grundy County Board and will run for the seat in the November election.
>
> John Bartman of Marengo has been selected by the Democratic Party of McHenry County to replace Representative Jack Franks on the November ballot. Bartman will face Republican challenger Steven Reick for the 63rd District seat.
>
> Omar Aquino of Chicago was sworn in earlier this month to replace retiring Senator Willie Delgado. Aquino won a contested primary earlier this Spring to be on the ballot in the November election.
>
> IMPORTANT DATES
> Veto Session – November 15-17, 29, 30 & December 1
>
> <applewebdata://394070A1-E682-447F-A6BC-D47F674D7FA9>**4 From Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired <applewebdata://394070A1-E682-447F-A6BC-D47F674D7FA9>
> Seminars at Hadley Presents:
> AppleVis and Advocating for Accessible Apps
> Date: Wednesday, July 27, 2016
> Time: 2:00 PM CDT; 19:00 GMT
>
> For users of technology who are blind or deaf-blind, accessibility of apps (applications) can be a major challenge. Would you like to learn more about how to become an active advocate for accessible app technology?
>
> Join Seminars at Hadley as Scott Davert, Coordinator of the New York Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program, shares methods and strategies to advocate for the accessibility of apps. Although the primary focus will be on iOS apps, many of the ideas and experiences shared can be applied to apps on any platform.
>
> Larry Muffett, a member of Hadley’s Seminars team, will moderate this 60-minute seminar. A question and answer session will be included as part of the seminar. This seminar is an audio-only seminar. Space is limited. Please only register if you know you are available to attend so that others are not closed out. Register now for AppleVis and Advocating for Accessible Apps <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=807570&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hadley.edu%2FSeminarDetails.asp%3Fsid%3D330>.
>
> Open for Enrollment: Introduction to Braille, UEB Edition
> Would you like to read braille visually? Learn the fundamentals of the new Unified English Braille (UEB) code, including the letters of the alphabet, numbers and punctuation, giving you the tools to communicate in writing with family members or clients who read braille. This introductory course is the perfect springboard to learning to read and write uncontracted UEB like a pro. Find out more about Introduction to Braille, UEB Edition course <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=807570&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhadley.edu%2FShowCourseDetail.asp%3Fcourseid%3DIBR-123%23more>.
>
> Geraldine Lawhorn Leaves a Legacy of Love
> Geraldine "Jerrie" Lawhorn, a Hadley teacher for more than four decades, passed away at age 99 last week. A pioneer in the deaf-blind community and an irreplaceable member of the Hadley family, Jerrie will be greatly missed. Read the article about Jerrie written in the Chicago Sun-Times <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=807570&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fchicago.suntimes.com%2Fnews%2Fgeraldine-lawhorn-author-performer-teacher-deaf-blind-pioneer%2F>.
>
> Stay in Touch!
> Visit Hadley's Facebook page to connect with other students, get the latest news on what's happening at Hadley and find out relevant information on current topics in the blindness community. Connect with Hadley on Facebook <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=807570&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fhadleyinstitute>.
>
> Did you receive this email as a forward? Sign up here for eConnect <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=807570&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhadley.edu%2FeNewsletter.asp>.
> <applewebdata://394070A1-E682-447F-A6BC-D47F674D7FA9>**5 This Week Eyes on Success
> 1629 Accessibility Initiatives at IBM (Jul. 13, 2016)
>
> IBM shares its accessibility expertise with the wider community in order to
> improve accessibility for all. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Erich
> Manser and Drew LaHart of IBM's accessibility team about their Quick Guide for developers, their plan for making many of their tools and resources open source, and their commitment to accessibility.
>
> Find the audio and show notes at:
> www.EyesOnSuccess.net <http://www.eyesonsuccess.net/>
>
> <applewebdata://394070A1-E682-447F-A6BC-D47F674D7FA9>**6 Shared on il-talk
> NOTICE TO PACE CHICAGO ADA PARATRANSIT CUSTOMERS ONLY EFFECTIVE FRIDAY JULY 15, 2016
>
> On July 15, 2016, Pace will implement two important changes for Chicago ADA Paratransit customers.
>
> 1. There will be a new, special number to call to check on the status of your ride. This number can be used to check on trips booked through any Chicago ADA carrier. This number cannot be used to book trips, only to check on their status.
>
> Call 1-800-606-1282 and press option 1 to check on your booked trip.
>
> Passengers will continue to call their current carrier to book trips.
>
> 2. Trips will now be distributed among all Chicago ADA carriers, regardless of zone. That means a different carrier than the one you called to book your trip may pick you up. You will continue to call the same number you currently do to book your trips. Please note that all carrier vehicles are marked with a Pace logo.
>
> These changes are for Chicago riders only. Suburban ADA riders are not affected.
>
> <applewebdata://394070A1-E682-447F-A6BC-D47F674D7FA9>**7 Shared by Scott White, NFB
> The best tool for voters is information! In an effort to help our subscribers become more informed voters, NFB-NEWSLINE has added candidate information for the upcoming presidential elections.
>
> Just in time for the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, you can log into NFB-NEWSLINE and get up to the minute information about the leading candidates for the 2016 Presidential Election.
>
> To hear about the candidates for the upcoming 2016 Presidential Election using the telephone access method, press five on the main menu for "Newspapers in a Different State," then five for 2016 "Presidential Election." From there you can choose "Breaking News," "Daily Newspaper," "International," or "Magazine" search results for Clinton or Trump. You will be able to read articles from today's and yesterday's publications.
>
> To read about candidates for the 2016 Presidential Election using NFB-NEWSLINE Mobile, choose "Publications," then "Publication Options," then "All Publications" and look for "Breaking News Search Results" or "Daily Newspaper Search Results" or "International Search Results" or "Magazine Search Results" for Clinton and Trump to read the most current information available.
>
> In order to obtain this information, we have performed a Global Search for the candidates under "Breaking News" or "Daily Newspaper" or "International" or "Magazines" and created the articles listed in this new section called "2016 Presidential Election." To obtain further information, you can use the Global Search function to search under additional topics.
>
> Additional election information will be added as it becomes available. Don't forget to get out and vote!
>
> Your NFB-NEWSLINE Team
> NFB-NEWSLINE, A service of the National Federation of the Blind
> Make the print yours with KNFB Reader at www.knfbreader.com <http://www.knfbreader.com/>
>
> <applewebdata://394070A1-E682-447F-A6BC-D47F674D7FA9>**8 From Vending Market Watch - Micro Markets Lift Vending Industry Revenue to $20.9 Billion by Emily Refermat On Jun 27, 2016
>
> The full State of the Industry PDF report with graphs included within the text can be found here. http://www.vendingmarketwatch.com/document/12222476/2016-state-of-the-vending-industry-report <http://www.vendingmarketwatch.com/document/12222476/2016-state-of-the-vending-industry-report>
>
> Since the industry started recovering from the Great Recession, there has been a new business model emerging. During the hard years, it became apparent to many operators it was time to gain operating efficiencies and better control costs. This has led to a steady increase in the investment in vending management systems (VMS) as a way for operators to manage their businesses more effectively. In 2015, operators using VMS report it has helped increase same store sales, cut unprofitable accounts, cut labor and vehicles costs, increase product variety, all while maintaining or increasing sales and profits. Cashless payment acceptance is also being adopted at a faster rate. It has increased sales in many locations, according to operator comments. In part due to this strengthening of business practices, the aggregate revenue for the industry has grown nearly 4 percent in the past year to reach $20.9 billion, the highest it has been in 6 years.
>
> In addition to vending technology, micro markets have been invigorating revenues. Thanks to the open shopping experience with new products and broader appeal, micro markets are driving interest by workplaces and consumers. Both are requesting this type of solution from operators at an increasing pace. Micro markets have also brought new equipment providers, new smaller location solutions, and additional product suppliers to the industry. In 2015, the percentage of revenue associated with micro markets rose to a record-breaking 10.2 percent of the total, making it the highest revenue-providing service segment after vending machines.
>
> It’s not surprising that micro markets have been doing so well. Many of the challenges vending has and is currently facing don’t exist with a micro market. One example is that many consumers no longer value convenience as they once did. Instead, having grown up with restaurants and convenience stores on every corner, they like product variety, and trendy items as well as saving time. A vending machine’s limited choices can’t compete, especially now that healthier items are being required in many places, taking up real estate in the already limited vending machine. The open concept of micro market shelving allows additional product choices, better meeting the expectations and needs of the consumer. Micro markets also come with an inventory management system, which makes determining profitable products easier from day one. Despite the benefits of micro markets, the segment is not without challenges. Managing the increased number of SKUs in the warehouse, hiring the right staff to analyze reports and making changes in the markets is challenging, as well as training or hiring the right type of driver to best service the market. Plus, locations are much more individualized when shopping a market. The same product doesn’t work everywhere, keeping it from being a one size fits all type of service solution.
>
> Acquisitions remain fairly constant
> While the number of operations that divested or acquired business in 2015 shrank a little, the percentages stayed pretty consistent with prior years. Just less than a quarter of operators reported acquiring companies last year (see chart 6). Many of these acquisitions appear to be smaller operations. The percentage of operations making under $1 Million in revenue each year dropped by 1 percent in 2015 (see chart 2). Mid-size and large operations grew. The number of extra-large operations declined. Comments suggest that pricing challenges among very competitive regions as well as those that are not utilizing technology are struggling.
>
> In 2015 there was a shift in some of the locations operators served. Manufacturing and offices remain very important, but vending operators are diversifying their location mix which makes those percentages shrink due to the total percentage of 100 (chart 3). In actual numbers, it is unlikely these locations are decreasing. In chart 3B, nearly half of operators report servicing more locations in 2015, which would support the theory there are a greater number of vending, micro market, and office coffee service customers now, than in 2014. One area that has been added is military bases which showed a substantial increase, despite still only representing 8.7 percent of the total serviced locations. Operators report economies increasing, many slowly, but businesses are hiring, leading to additional services and sales.
>
> Non business and industry sites, such as restaurants, hospitals and correctional facilities have seen more service from operators as well. Even schools, which initially suffered due to the U.S. Department of Agriculture rules about what products could be sold in school vending machines, has rebounded. New products that meet guidelines have been introduced to the vending channel, which has allowed operators to successfully serve this niche. Some of the new products are a result of suppliers no longer keeping certain products available only in vending or only in retail channels in a siloed sales model as well as new product entrants. It has resulted in a greater variety of healthier products available to operators today, although more are still needed with longer shelf lives and broader consumer appeal.
>
> Technology combats rising costs
> The cost of doing business is ever increasing. The vending industry is no exception. Operators have raised prices at a greater level in 2015, than in the previous year, and over half of them have absorbed cost increases as well (see chart 5). Taking better control of the vending business and managing it more effectively, is another solution operators are using to handle the increased cost of doing business. More than a third eliminated unprofitable accounts, rearranged routes and reduced service frequency. Much of this was done with VMS.
>
> In 2015, operators were asked if they utilized a VMS; 54 percent said yes. When looking at the operators that reported increased revenues in 2015, the percentage rose to 62.6 percent. For operators that reported a decrease in their revenue for 2015, only 32.1 percent used a VMS. Using a system to manage vending data seems to help operators stay in the black. Many commented on technology innovations saying “it helped me learn my business better and grow our overall sales within locations” as well as “it has been a huge positive.” Those operators embracing VMS are also looking at other systems such as business intelligence software, e-commerce, warehouse picking solutions, customer relation management (CRM) tools and more, suggesting a more modern, innovative future for automated retail.
>
> Boost in cashless vending
> The number of vending machines that accept credit and debit cards has hit 15 percent, the highest on record (see chart 10). Not just the percentage, but the actual number of cashless readers has also increased, because in 2015 the approximate number of vending machines dropped to 4.5 million, down from around 5 million, predominantly to the addition of micro markets. Operators adding cashless payment acceptance tend to comment that it has produced a sales lift. It benefits the operators’ bottom line, but also increases customer satisfaction.
>
> Many operators use two-tier pricing now that it is available, to cover the fees charged for taking credit cards. Despite this movement towards a more cashless vending experience, the majority of vending machines still only accept cash or coins — a statistic that puts the vending industry at a disadvantage compared to its competitors for the consumer snack and daytime meal dollar.
>
> While there has been conflicting information about how the Europay, MasterCard and Visa (EMV) or chip cards will affect vending, this is not a top critical issue for operators, who are working with processors to manage any fees they have experienced.
>
> Micro markets change the landscape
> At an all-time high were operators reporting micro markets as the primary driver of their positive bottom lines. Yet, the percentage of operators that offer micro markets is less than 50 percent (see Micro Market Breakout). Roughly a third of micro market operators have 50 micro market locations, or less. The average is 13, although that number is misleading. Operators usually try a couple markets, and if the concept works for them, jump into the segment quickly, placing micro markets fast. This produces large gaps in the number of micro markets reported, which brought down the average.
>
> There still remains 57.3 percent of operators who are holding out, not willing to take micro markets on as a new service segment. In an attempt to discover how much micro markets are affecting operators’ success, we compared operators who reported a decrease in revenue for 2015 compared to 2014 to those that reported an increase. Of those operators who reported decreased revenue in 2015, 85 percent of them did not offer micro markets. Of those that reported an increase in revenue, only 45 percent did not offer micro markets.
>
> Product category review
> Candy/snack/confections and cold beverage segments continue to make up the majority share of revenue for operators. Both saw increases in 2015 in revenue and unit sales (see chart 14). The large variety of cold beverages from bottled water to ready-to-drink teas and coffees has helped sales in this category remain strong, but energy drinks did the best of all the cold beverage categories.
>
> Candy/snack/confections
> According to sales data provided by Cantaloupe Systems and extrapolated for the entire industry, candy did well, accounting for nearly 28 percent in annual revenues (see chart 14). Bagged candy grew the most from 2014, pushing revenues up nearly 33 percent. Chocolate candy and non chocolate candy both saw increases as well, however, the non chocolate category brought in nearly twice the amount of revenue. The only candy category to decline in 2015 was gum and mints, which lost units, if not sales revenue.
>
> For snacks, those categorized as nutritious showed the largest increase, 31.7 percent for revenue. This growth is unsurprising as consumers are moving towards certain types of healthier snacks and alternative options. Nuts and seeds also did well, as did food snacks, both growing more than 20 percent in revenue.
>
> Despite the focus on healthy items, consumers still like indulgences, a fact supported by the revenue growth in pastry, 19.7 percent, as well as chips 13.9 percent. Bagged snacks grew the least, but still showed a positive movement of 2.3 percent for revenue.
>
> Cold beverage
> Energy drinks grew the most in both revenue and unit sales, according to Cantaloupe data. In both the smaller 12 ounce size as well as the larger 16 to 20 ounce size, the revenue growth was over 27 percent. The next strongest cold beverage category was large non-carbonated drinks. This would include ready-to-drink iced teas, coffees, water and flavored waters.
>
> These are similar to trends seen in the U.S. Liquid Refreshment Report released by Beverage Marketing Corporation. Bottled water has had an especially notable year, with volume growing by 7.9 percent. Carbonated soft drinks remain on the decline across all retail segments according to the Beverage Marketing Corporation, but this is not the case in the vending industry, which saw that segment increase between 10 to 13 percent in revenues compared to the prior year.
>
> Milk sales remain low in vending machines with 47.5 percent of operators reporting that in 2015 they didn’t even offer milk. Of those that did offer milk, nearly 12 percent of operators reported increasing milk sales in 2015, which was higher than the 8.8 percent that decreased milk sales. The rest, about 31.9 percent, reported no change.
>
> Operators diversify
> In 2015, operators continued their trend of offering additional services, beyond traditional workplace refreshment. More than 9 percent are utilizing their staff, product inventory, logistics or other business acumen to expand their businesses (11B). Operators report supplying repair services for vending equipment or coffee brewers, acting as a distributor for certain brands, catering, wholesaling and subsidized product delivery via free vend vending machines among the other services contributing to their annual revenues.
>
> Challenges: preferences, hiring
> A primary challenge for operators is the very individualized preferences of consumers. Operators report a lack of appreciation for the service they provide. Consumers today overlook convenience, traveling to competitors to get the exact flavor or type of product they want. Customer loyalty is low to service, but exceptionally high to the product.
>
> Micro markets certainly alleviate some of these challenges, but it’s not a realistic option for many locations. Operators are trying to figure out how to provide the same level of product customization for vending customers using VMS data as well as better communicate with consumers. Operators are trying QR codes, mobile apps, video screens, social media and loyalty cards that work at a vending machine to engage the consumer in a more positive way.
>
> Another difficulty operators are reporting is finding and retaining dedicated employees. Across the foodservice industry, especially restaurants, companies are feeling the squeeze of not having enough quality employees. Specifically in vending, micro market and OCS, operators talked about the difficulty in finding and keeping good route drivers as one of their top concerns. Hiring the correct employees to deal with new micro market business was a close second.
> For most operators, vending is a core business that is relatively flat. Many revenue increases in vending have been a result of better cost control and eliminating unprofitable locations and products, all through technology. This has moved VMS and similar business management solutions from good-to-have to must-have. The strongest segment in 2015 was micro markets, which represented a record percent of revenue compared to other services offered. Micro markets are poised for continued growth for the foreseeable future, furthering the gap between operators that do offer it and those that don’t. As for new segments, operators are diversifying into many different areas, expanding offerings and the types of locations they service, all of which will continue into 2016.
>
> <applewebdata://394070A1-E682-447F-A6BC-D47F674D7FA9>**9 From Vending Times - Indiana Vending Company Wins Partial Victory In Sales Tax Case by Emily Jed
> Issue Date: Vol. 56, No. 7, July 2016, Posted On: 7/1/2016
>
> INDIANAPOLIS -- RDM Sales and Service scored a partial victory against the Department of Revenue in the Indiana Tax Court on June 23. At issue was whether all of RDM's vending machine and cafeteria sales are subject to sales tax and negligence penalties.
>
> RDM Sales and Service, based in Ferdinand, IN, reportedly sold food through vending machines and operated two cafeterias at business locations owned by third parties. The DOR claimed that, following an audit, RDM did not report all vending machine and cafeteria food sales subject to sales tax during the 2006-08 tax years. It issued proposed assessments of tax, interest and penalties to RDM. The vending company filed a protest and the department denied it in 2009. RDM then filed a tax appeal in 2010. In 2013, DOR filed a motion for summary judgment.
>
> On June 23, the court granted summary judgment on DOR's claim that bottled water and fruit juice sold at regular price from vending machines is subject to sales tax. However, RDM won a partial victory when the court ruled that bottled water and fruit juice dispensed from vending machines for free or at a discounted rate to exempt customers was not subject to sales tax.
>
> The court also ruled that food sold by RDM for immediate consumption was subject to sales tax even though the foodservice provider only operated the cafeterias where the food was served and didn't own them. The court also ruled that the DOR could impose penalties on RDM for not paying sales tax because the vending company "relied unreasonably" on a 2004 tax clarification without fully investigating the rule.
>
> The court, however, did not rule on whether cut or repackaged food, pasteurized food requiring cooking or bakery items sold without utensils were subject to sales tax. A separate trial regarding RDM's tax liability for these items will be held at a later date.
>
> See the full ruling here. http://www.in.gov/judiciary/opinions/pdf/06231601mbw.pdf <http://www.in.gov/judiciary/opinions/pdf/06231601mbw.pdf>
>
> <applewebdata://394070A1-E682-447F-A6BC-D47F674D7FA9>**10 RSA Management Group Information
> RSA Management Purchase Power Deals
> Earn Extra Rebates on the following:
> Please make extra note of the deals ending July 31, 2016.
>
> NEW DEALS THIS WEEK
> CHEEZ IT GROOVES – PRE BOOK SPECIAL
> Deal Date: through july 31, 2016 – fOR DELIVERIES FROM AUGUST 1-31, 2016
>
> Rebates Products
> $1.80 per case (up to 49 cases) – 1.65 oz. Cheez-It Cheddar Ranch Grooves 60 ct.
>
> $3.60 per case back to case 1 (50-114 cases) - 1.65 oz. Cheez-It Cheddar Ranch Groove 60 ct.
>
> $1.80 per case (up to 49 cases) – 1.65 oz. Cheez-It Hot & Spicy Grooves 60 ct.
>
> $3.60 per case back to case 1 (50-114 cases) - 1.65 oz. Cheez-It Hot & Spicy Groove 60 ct.
>
> HOSTESS
> Deal Date: through july 31, 2016
>
> Rebates Products
> $0.72 per case – 3.81 oz. SS Chocolate Zingers 36 ct. UPC 888109131784
>
> $0.72 per case - 3.81 oz. SS Chocolate Zingers FOA 36 ct. UPC 888109131791
>
> $0.72 per case - 3.81 oz. SS Vanilla Zingers 36 ct. UPC 888109131760
>
> $0.72 per case - 3.81 oz. SS Vanilla Zingers FOA 36 ct. UPC 888109131760
>
>
>
>
>
> Deals Ending July 31, 2016
> AQUAFINA - THROUGH AUTHORIZED PEPSI DISTRIBUTOR
> Deal Date: through july 31, 2016 -Take Delivery by august 7, 2016.
>
> Rebates Products
> $1.00 per case - 20 oz. Aquafina 24 ct. - PBC serviced accounts ONLY
>
> $2.00 per case - 12 oz. Aquafina Sparkling Sleek Can 12 ct – ALL FLAVORS
>
> $2.00 per case - 12 oz. Aquafina Sparkling Sleek Can 12 ct – ALL FLAVORS
>
> FOLGERS
> Deal Date: through jULY 29, 2016
>
> Rebates Products
> $3.00 per case 1.05 oz. 100% Colombian Regular & DC Frac Pack
>
> $3.00 per case 1.4 oz. Classic Roast & 100 % Colombian Filter Pack
>
> $3.00 per case 1.4 oz. Black Silk Filter & Black Silk Frac Pack
>
> $3.00 per case 0.8 oz. Special Roast Frac Pack
>
> $3.00 per case 0.9 oz Classic Roast Regular and DC Filter Pack
>
> $3.00 per case 0.9 oz. Classic Roast Regular and DC Vacket
>
> $3.00 per case 1.05 oz. Classic Roast Regular Filter and Vacket Pack
>
> $3.00 per case 1.5 oz. Classic Roast Frac Pack
>
> $3.00 per case 1.75 oz. Gourmet Supreme & 100% Colombian Frac Pack
>
> $3.00 per case 1.75 oz. Millstone Colombian Supremo and Breakfast Blend
>
> $3.00 per case 2 oz. Café Bustelo Frac Pack
>
> GATORADE and AMP- THROUGH AUTHORIZED PEPSI DISTRIBUTOR
> Deal Date: through JuLY 31, 2016 -Take Delivery by AUGUST 7, 2016.
>
> Rebates Products
> $1.50 per case – 20 oz. Gatorade 24 ct - ALL FLAVORS
>
> $1.50 per case - 16 oz. AMP – ALL FLAVORS 12 ct.
>
> LIPTON BOTTLES - THROUGH AUTHORIZED PEPSI DISTRIBUTOR
> Deal Date: through JuLY 31, 2016 -Take Delivery by AUGUST 7, 2016.
> Rebates Products
> $2.00 per case – Lipton Tea Bottles 24 count case - ALL FLAVORS
>
> MAXWELL HOUSE – MIX AND MATCH
> Deal Date: through jULY 31, 2016
> Rebates Products
> $1.00 per case Order 25 cases mix and match
>
> $1.50 per case Order 26-50 cases mix and match
>
> $2.00 per case Order 51 or more cases mix and match
>
> 4 Qualifying Flavors:
>
> 1.2 oz. Spec. Delivery OCS SHY Regular or 1.3 oz Decaf
>
> 1.1 oz. MB OCS SHY Regular or Decaf
>
> PEPSI - THROUGH AUTHORIZED PEPSI DISTRIBUTOR
> Deal Date: through july 31, 2016 -Take Delivery by august 7, 2016.
> Rebates Products
> $1.50 per case 20 oz. Wild Cherry, Mist and Mug 24 ct. PBC serviced accounts ONLY
>
> $2.00 per case 20 oz. Pepsi Cherry Vanilla 24 ct.
>
> STARBUCKS- THROUGH AUTHORIZED PEPSI DISTRIBUTOR
> Deal Date: through JuLY 31, 2016 -Take Delivery by AUGUST 7, 2016.
> Rebates Products
> $2.00 per case – 16 oz. Starbuck’s Double Shot Mocha Spice and Vanilla Spice 12 ct.
>
> $2.00 per case 13.7 oz. Frappaccino 12 ct – ALL FLAVORS
>
> Deals Ending in September 30, 2016
> BISCOMERICA
> Deal Date: through September 30, 2016
> Rebates Products
> $1.20 per case - 2 oz. Sweet Serenity Choc. Chip Cookie 60 ct.
>
> $.96 per case - 3 oz. Sweet Serenity Choc. Chip Cookie 48 ct.
>
> $0.48 per case - 5 oz. Basil’s Vanilla Fudge Sandwich Cremes 24 ct.
>
> $1.80 per case - 1.75 oz. Sun Maid Blueberry Yogurt Cookies 60 ct.
>
> $1.44 per case 3 oz. LSS Knotts Strawberry Cookies 48 ct.
>
> $0.96 per case 3 oz. LSS Basil’s Brownie Crisps Cookies 48 ct.
>
> $1.80 per case 2 oz. Columbus Cappuccino 60 ct.
>
> PEELED SNACKS
> Deal Date: througH September 30, 2016
> Rebates Products
> 10% per case - Peeled Snacks and Peas-ALL FLAVORS
>
> TITAN TEA
> Deal Date: through September 30, 2016
> Rebates Products
> $2.00 per case Titan Tea – ALL FLAVORS
>
> Deals Ending in December
> BAI 5
> Deal Date: through DECEMBER 31, 2016
> Rebates Products
> $1.25 per case -18 oz. Bai 5 All Flavors
>
> BODY ARMOR SUPERDRINKS – ORDER THROUGH DPSG
> Deal Date: througH DECEMBER 31, 2016
> Rebates Products
> $1.00 per case -16 oz. Body Armor SuperDrinks - ALL FLAVORS
>
> CHEESEWICH
> Deal Date: througH DECEMBER 31, 2016
> Rebates Products
> $1.44 per box - 2.5 oz. ALL FLAVORS
>
> FERRERO
> Deal Date: througH DECEMBER 31, 2016
> Rebates Products
> $2.40 per case - Nutella & GO!
>
> $.45 per box - 1 oz. Tic Tac Fresh, Orange, Strawberry and Wintergreen Mints
>
> $1.65 per case - 3.4 oz. Tic Tac Bottle Pack Freshmint and Orange
>
> $3.50 per case - Ferrero Rocher 3 pack
>
> $3.50 per case - Raffaello 3 pack
>
> GOETZ CANDY COMPANY
> Deal Date: througH DECEMBER 31, 2016
> Rebates Products
> $3.00 per case -1.9oz. Caramel Creams
>
> HEALTHY WARRIOR CHIA BARS
> Deal Date: THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2016.
> Rebates Products
> $2.25 per case - PB Cacao Protein Bar - UPC 852684003460
>
> $2.25 per case - Honey Almond Protein Bar - UPC 852684003477
>
> $2.25 per case - Lemon Goldenberry Protein -UPC 852684003446
>
> $2.25 per case - Dk Choc/Coco/Sea Salt Protein-UPC 852684003453
>
> $1.75 per case Healthy Warrior Chia Bars-ALL OTHER FLAVORS
>
> HINT WATER
> Deal Date: THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2016.
> Rebates Products
> $1.00 per case – 16 oz. 12 packs - ALL FLAVORS
>
> KIND BAR
> Deal Date: througH DECEMBER 31, 2016
> Rebates Products
> $1.75 per case - 1.4 oz. Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt
>
> $1.75 per case - 1.4 oz. Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate
>
> $1.75 per case - 1.4 oz. Caramel Almond & Sea Salt
>
> $1.75 per case - 1.4 oz. Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew
>
> $1.75 per case - 1.4 oz. Cranberry Almond
>
> SKINNY POP POPCORN
> Deal Date: througH DECEMBER 31, 2016
> Rebates Products
> $1.00 per case - .65 oz. White Cheddar and Original Popcorn
>
> $1.00 per case - 1 oz. White Cheddar and Original Popcorn
>
> $2.00 per case - 4.4 oz. White Cheddar and Original Popcorn
>
> $2.00 per case - 4.4 oz. Black Pepper and Sweet Popcorn
>
> Thank you,
> Kathy Ungaro
> ICBV, Business Manager
> (630)234-4444
>
> Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors
> 53 W. Jackson Blvd. Suite 502
> Chicago, IL 60604
>
>
> This message (including attachments) is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete it without further distribution and reply to the sender that you have received the message in error.
More information about the IABS-Talk
mailing list