[il-talk] Fwd: ICBV Office Update April 25, 2018

[Denise R Avant]

Denise R. Avant
President
National Federation of the Blind of Illinois
Live the life you want
Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Kathy Ungaro <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
> Date: April 25, 2018 at 4:00:31 PM CDT
> To: Kathy Ungaro <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
> Subject: ICBV Office Update April 25, 2018
> Reply-To: Kathy Ungaro <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
> 
> ICBV Office Update
> April 25, 2018
>  
> *1) Calendar of Events
> *2) Healthy Vending Survey
> *3) Cullen & Associates Session Update
> *4) IAMC Legislative Report
> *5) NABM President Gacos Re-Eelcted to NANA Board
> ICBV Members 2017 NAMA Experience
> *6) NAMA – Federal Issues
> *7) How Blockchain Technology Is Revolutionizing Philanthropy
> *8) Podcast: Isaac Lidsky on How to Take Control of Your Reality
> *9) How Should Entrepreneurs Pay Themselves?
> *10) Hearings on the Marrakesh Treaty
> *11) Micro Market Bill Passes Michigan Legislature
> *12) Blind Vendors Host 'Taste Of FitPick' Event In Baton Rouge
> *13) This week on Eyes On Success
> *14) Indiana Eliminates Sales Tax On Food In Vending Machines
>  
> **1 Calendar of Events
> April 26-28, 2018
> ICBV Spring Meeting, Election and Training
> Sheraton O'Hare Rosemont Hotel: 6501 Mannheim Road, Rosemont, IL Room reservations should be made directly with the hotel by April 5th. The rate is $99 per night.
>  
> Thursday April 26th will be for sub-committee meetings
> Friday morning will be an ICBV Committee meeting and the elections will be in the evening.
> Saturday morning will be training, followed by a lunch.
>  
> Saturday Luncheon:
> ICBV Member – Free Each
> Guest $40.00 payable to ICBV, mailed to ICBV 53 W. Jackson Blvd. Suite 502 Chicago, IL 60604. Please have guest lunch requests to the ICBV office by Friday April 20th. Be sure to let Letia in the BEPB office know that you are bringing a guest as well.
> 
> May 21-23, 2018
> NABM Goes to the Hill in Washington D.C.
> The National Association of Blind Merchants
> Critical Issues Conference
> May 21-23, 2018
>  
> It's not too late to register for NABM's Critical Issues Conference which is set for May 21-23, 2018, in D.C.  The conference will bring together nationally known experts as we explore the critical issues being faced by the Randolph-Sheppard Program today.  The conference will also feature time on The Hill so participants can educate their members of Congress about these critical issues.  On May 22nd, we will be conducting roundtable discussions with key federal agencies including the Department of Transportation to discuss rest area commercialization and the General Services Administration to discuss challenges faced by blind entrepreneurs on federal properties.  We kick things off at 3:15 P.M. on Monday, May 21st and wrap up by noon on Wednesday, May 23rd.  It will be a busy 48 hours in our nation's capitol and you don't want to miss it. 
>  
> If you plan on participating in our Educational Day on the Hill on Tuesday, May 22nd, we need for you to register so appointments can be made with your members of Congress.  Go to https://blindmerchants.org/day-hill-may-21-22-2018/ .  Complete the registration form and submit.  We will make appointments for you with your members of Congress.  It couldn't be easier than that. 
>  
> The host hotel will be the Marriott Key Bridge Hotel, 1401 Lee Highway, Arlington, Virginia, 22209.    BOOK YOUR HOTEL HERE>.  You may also call 703-524-6400 and ask for the NABM Fly In rate which is $199.00.  We have a block of rooms for the nights of May 20, 21, and 22.  We are almost out of rooms but we are trying to expand the room block.  If the on-line site says rooms are not available, try calling the hotel.  They can sometimes override the system and still book your room.  There are still rooms available at a slightly higher rate than our contracted rate.  There are many other hotels in the area if you are unable to get into the host hotel. 
>  
> If you have problems registering or booking a room or want to see the draft agenda, feel free to contact Terry Smith at terrysmith at epbfi.com or 865-599-7148.
>  
> July 3-8, 2018
> NFB National Convention
> Place: Rosen Shingle in Orlando Florida
> Join the largest gathering of the blind next year.
>  
> July 24-25, 2018
> NAMA DC Fly-In
> The Fairmont Hotel
> 2401 M St NW
> Washington, DC 20037
> For more information visit:
> www.namaflyin.org
> 
> Registration for the 4th annual NAMA Fly-In has surpassed 115 attendees. Be a part of the movement and make your voice count! Attend the NAMA Fly-In, July 24 - 25 in Washington DC, and advocate on issues important to the industry. Participants will be directly educating their Members of Congress on the industry and its economic impact as well as seeking their support for legislation that not only protects the industry, but helps it succeed. This event is going to provide a unique opportunity to formally announce the latest economic impact data on the industry by Congressional District and State. If you haven’t registered - please do so today in just a few minutes: ​www.namaflyin.org
>  
> November 13-16, 2018
> BLAST Conference in San Antonio, Texas
> 
> **2 Shared by Terry Smith, NFB/NFBEI - Healthy Vending Survey
> Dear Blind Entrepreneur:
>  
> The National Association of Blind Merchants, the National Automatic Merchandising Association, and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation want to hear about your experiences with vending healthier products. We understand that blind entrepreneurs have enjoyed successes and frustrations in their efforts to better serve customers who want healthier choices. We need to hear about both.
>  
> Click on the link below and complete a survey about healthier vending  and you may win a $500.00 travel voucher towards either the 2018 BLAST Conference or 2019 NAMA One Show! 
>  
> https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/hg18
>  
> The deadline is May 4th so we appreciate your prompt attention.
> Thank you in advance for your participation.
> Nicky Gacos, President
> National Association of Blind Merchants
>  
> **3 Cullen & Associates Session Update April 16, 2018
> The Illinois General Assembly reconvened last week after a three-week spring.  Seven weeks remain in the spring legislative session, which is scheduled to adjourn on May 31st.   Friday, April 13th, was the deadline to pass substantive legislation out of committees in both Chambers.  However, there have been deadline extensions on a limited basis for bills at the committee level.
>  
> Last Monday, Governor Rauner outlined his legislative agenda for the remainder of the spring session.  Rauner stated that he wants the General Assembly to send him a full, fiscal year’s balanced budget that “lives within our means” without raising taxes.  To begin the budget making process, Rauner asked the General Assembly to formally establish revenue estimates.  Rauner also called upon the General Assembly to approve pension reform, provide property tax relief through enacting mandate relief for local governments (including consolidation, restricting prevailing wage, and addressing school mandates), enhance public safety, make infrastructure improvements, and enact term limits. The State’s current bill backlog stands at $8 billion.
>  
> Governor Rauner and the four legislative leaders met last Thursday for the first time since February 14th.  Reaction to the meeting was mixed.  Senate President Cullerton called the Governor a “hypocrite” for wanting to spend the tax revenue that the Governor vetoed last year.  Speaker Madigan indicated he is ready to work in a bi-partisan fashion with Republican legislators like he did last year to end the budget crisis.  Madigan noted that he would welcome Governor Rauner to that process if he is ready to accept responsibility and manage the State and be an honest partner in the budget process.  Republican leaders characterized the meeting as “progress,” noting the Democrat leaders agreed to appoint budget negotiators and adopt revenue estimates.
>  
> Governor Rauner signed legislation last week (SB 1451 (Link/K.Burke) to create the Small Wireless Facilities Deployment Act to expand access to 5G networks.
>  
> Last week was a very busy week at the Capitol.  Both Chambers considered hundreds of bills at the committee level, in addition to considering legislation for final passage.  Below are highlights of some of the action taken this week:
>  
> A Senate committee approved legislation, SB 2610 (Clayborne), which amends the Motor Fuel Tax Law to provide that no municipality, county, or road district that received distributions of more than $1,000,000 in the previous State fiscal year may receive a future distribution of motor fuel tax moneys unless the district implements a business enterprise program setting goals for the inclusion of minority, veteran, and female-owned businesses in the procurement of contracts. The Department of Transportation is required to assist local districts in implementing the programs. The sponsor agreed to hold the bill on the Order of Second Reading for further negotiations.
>  
> The Senate Labor Committee approved legislation sponsored by Senator Hastings that would require the use of union labor at refining and petrochemical facilities through the use of approved apprenticeship programs.  Other onerous provisions included in SB 2480 are the use of “prevailing wage” without a government nexus, an overly-broad definition of construction to include other work not related to “hazardous” work (the bill’s proponents cited safety concerns as the reason for the legislation), and additional safety training regulated by the IEPA or a community college.  SB 2480 was approved by a vote of 10-5 and is now on the Order of Second Reading in the Senate.
>  
> A House committee approved legislation (HB 4100 (Kifowit)) to create the Health Care Violence Prevention Act to address violence against nursing staff.  The bill now heads to the full House for consideration.
> HB 5564 (Moeller), which would require the right to a jury trial in eminent domain procedures, failed in the Judiciary Civil Procedure Subcommittee.
> A House committee approved legislation (HB 4819 (Williams)) to require Internet service providers who contract with the State to disclose if they do not plan to follow net neutrality rules. With this legislation, Illinois is joining several states in an attempt to retain net neutrality protections prior to the federal repeal date in two weeks.  Last month, Attorney General Lisa Madigan joined several colleagues across the country in a lawsuit against the FCC over their vote to repeal net neutrality. HB 4819 is now pending before the full House.
>  
> Several gaming bills were moved to subcommittee last week, and it appears Representative Rita will be speaking with interested parties.
> Senator Lightford is facilitating meetings on bills related to title loan rate caps.
>  
> The Illinois Senate approved SJRCA 4 (Steans/Lang), which ratifies the Equal Rights Amendment to the United States Constitution, thirty-six years after the original deadline.  The measure now moves to the House for consideration.  Thirty-five of the required thirty-eight states approved the amendment by the June 30, 1982 deadline. There are differing opinions on the impact of the passage of this Constitutional Amendment in Illinois.
> Republicans in the House and Senate filed resolutions noting opposition to a graduated income tax (SR1590 (Connelly) and HR975 (Durkin)).  Democratic Gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker announced he supports a progressive income tax. 
>  
> Senator Syverson filed an amendment SB 2573 (SCA 0002) to the Automatic Telephone Dialers Act.  Specifically, the amendment redefines "recorded message" to mean any artificial or recorded communication that includes or introduces an advertisement or constitutes telemarketing without live voice interaction. The amendment prohibits an autodialer from providing inaccurate caller ID information and makes it a violation of the Act to play a recorded message placed by an autodialer without the:   (i) prior express written consent of the called party; or (ii) the prior express written consent of the called party if the call is made by or on behalf of a tax-exempt nonprofit organization or is a call that delivers a health care message made by, or on behalf of, a covered entity or its business associate.
>  
> A House Committee approved legislation by a vote of 10-6 (HB4146 (Fine)) that prevents the modification of a health insurance plan’s prescription drug formulary during a plan year if a drug has been previously approved for coverage, a prescriber continues to prescribe the drug, and a patient continues to be an enrollee of a healthcare plan. The sponsor indicated that she would hold the bill in its current form and work on an amendment.
> HB 68 (Lang) - Representative Lang introduced an amendment this week on behalf of the Kennedy Forum that would prohibit an individual or group health benefit plan from imposing prior authorization and step requirements before authorizing coverage for medication for substance use disorders.  It also requires plans to place all prescription medications for substance use disorders on the lowest tier of the drug formulary and requires coverage for a prescription medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of substance use disorders.  The insurance and PBM industries oppose the amendment.  The amendment was approved by the Mental Health Committee for consideration on the House floor by a vote of 13-6. 
>  
> Both Chambers will reconvene tomorrow, Tuesday, April 17th to consider legislation on the Order of Third Reading.
>  
> 2018 Key Session Dates:
> April 13:  Committee Deadline, both Chambers
> April 27: Third Reading Deadline for bills in first Chamber, both Chambers
> May 11:  Senate Committee Deadline, House Bills
> May 18: House Committee Deadline, Senate Bills
> May 25: Third Reading Deadline for bills in second Chamber, both Chambers
> May 31:  Adjournment
>  
> **4 IAMC Legislative Report – April 13th
> Both chambers were in session this week, with a deadline of Friday, April 13th to report substantive House bills from House committees and substantive Senate bills from Senate committees (please note that the deadline was extended for several bills). The House and Senate return Tuesday, April 17th. The focus will shift to floor action with Friday, April 27th as the Third Reading deadline to report substantive House Bills from the House and substantive Senate Bills from the Senate.
>  
> Governor Rauner said Monday he wants lawmakers to send him a budget that covers the entire next fiscal year, not just a portion of it. Rauner said achieving a full-year, balanced budget will be the focus of a meeting with the four legislative leaders on Thursday. Rauner said wants “a truly balanced budget for a full year, not a partial year, a full-year balanced budget with no new taxes that lives within our means.” He said the process should start with the General Assembly formally establishing revenue estimates for the fiscal year that starts July 1 as is required by law. “That has not been done properly in Illinois for years,” he said. At the same time, several money saving ideas Rauner proposed in his budget are meeting stiff opposition in the legislature. Rauner wants to shift pension costs for downstate school teachers away from the state and onto local school districts. He also wants to impose cost cuts on state worker health insurance.
>  
> At his Chicago news conference, Rauner laid out his agenda for the remainder of the spring session. He again called on lawmakers to approve a pension reform bill that he said will allow the state to begin rolling back the state income tax increase. He also said he wants “mandate relief” that will allow local governments to reduce their property taxes. That includes consolidating local governments, restricting prevailing wage laws and curtailing school mandates. Rauner said he wants an infrastructure improvement plan approved and wants lawmakers to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot this year to put term limits on elected officials.
>  
> The Governor and the four legislative leaders met on Thursday and agreed to at least one ground rule for budget negotiations this year. The leaders met for less than one hour in Rauner’s office. Democrats agreed to establish a formal revenue estimate for tax collections in FY19 that will be used as a basis for budget negotiations this spring. They also agreed to appoint “budgeteers” to serve on budget negotiating teams. Following the meeting, Senate President Cullerton said that Rauner “indicated the revenue estimate would include the money that came in from the tax increase that he vetoed last year.” “So now I’m going to assume he’s supportive now of the revenue estimate that he has in his own budget that has the tax increase in place,” Cullerton said. House Speaker Madigan said, “In the past, Governor Rauner has resorted to severe cuts targeting women, children and the elderly. Democrats cannot accept this. If the Governor’s agenda is to push more of his extreme cuts to health care, senior services, and resources for our most at-risk residents, or if he intends again to move the goal posts and create chaos, he should stay on the sidelines and allow serious leaders to continue working cooperatively to address the challenges facing our state.” Republican leaders left the meeting saying they were encouraged that Madigan and Cullerton will work on setting revenue estimates this year.
>  
> Cullerton also said that Rauner asked him to appoint Senate Democratic members to a task force looking into gun issues and mental health concerns. Cullerton’s response was a letter in which he said Rauner should first release $26 million in funding for mental health that his office is sitting on and the also sign the bill (HB 1468 sponsored by Representative Carroll and Senator Morrison) to impose a 72-hour waiting period on the purchase of an assault rifle.
>  
> Governor Rauner’s veto message of the bill that creates the Gun Dealer Licensing Act was finally read into the record in the Senate and the 14 day clock for the Senate to vote to override the veto started on April 10th. Senator Harmon said that he is working on the votes to override the veto of SB 1657. The bill originally passed the Senate on a vote of 30-21-1. Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Monday portrayed Governor Rauner’s veto of the bill as the height of hypocrisy, but Rauner stood his ground in demanding a more “comprehensive” solution.
>  
> With Democrat gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker saying a progressive state income tax is one of his top priorities, House Republicans united behind a resolution to pledge their opposition to the idea. House Republican Leader Durkin and all but one of the other 50 House Republicans (Representative David Harris) signed on as sponsors of HR 975, which opposes the implementation of a graduated income tax in Illinois. The resolution is currently in the House Rules Committee.
>  
> Here is a summary of some other legislation that advanced this week:
> ·         SJRCA 4 (Senator Steans and Representative Lang – On Wednesday the Senate voted 43-12-0 to ratify the federal Equal Rights Amendment that protects women’s rights. Illinois failed to ratify the amendment by 1982, the deadline set for the required 38 states to approve the amendment. Only 35 states approved it at that time. Nevada approved the amendment last year, and proponents could move to have the deadline for ratification extended. The measure is now in the House for consideration.
>  
> ·         HB 5175 (Representative Hoffman) and SB 2892 (Senator Manar) – Both bills provide a minimum salary for full-time public school teachers of $40,000 per year. According to the sponsors, Illinois has not raised the minimum mandated salary for full-time teachers since 1980. Currently, minimum mandated salaries are set at $11,000 for a teacher with a master’s degree, $10,000 for those with bachelor’s degrees and $9,000 for teachers with less than a bachelor’s degree. The bills were reported out of committee and are on Second Reading in their respective chambers.
>  
> ·         SB 1451 (Senator Link and Representative Kelly Burke) – This bill is intended to standardize and streamline regulation of small wireless cell facilities, paving the way for 5G wireless and other technology in Illinois. Governor Rauner signed the bill into law (PA 100-0585) on Thursday, and will become effective June 1, 2018. Local municipalities opposed the bill because it caps the rates they can charge companies who want to install the towers.
>  
> **5 From Terry Smith, NFB/NFBEI
> NABM President Gacos Re-Eelcted to NANA Board
> NABM President and Colorado Associates Owner and CEO Nicky Gacos, was re-elected in March to a second 3-year term on the Board of Directors of the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA). In 2015, when elected to his first term, Gacos became the first blind person to ever serve in this capacity. In his first term, Gacos worked tirelessly to align the interests of NAMA with those of blind entrepreneurs. After all, anything that impacts the convenience services industry at large impacts blind vendors and anything that impacts blind entrepreneurs is felt by the larger convenience services industry.
>  
> "I am proud to have been re-elected to a second term on the NAMA Board," said Gacos shortly after the election at the NAMA business meeting on March 21st in Las Vegas. "This position affords me the opportunity to continue to raise the profile of blind entrepreneurs in the our industry."
>  
> Gacos' election is a testament to the value blind entrepreneurs bring to the table. Last year almost 2,000 blind entrepreneurs generated approximately $725 Million in gross sales. Those sorts of numbers make blind entrepreneurs collectively a major player in our country's vending industry. And it's Gacos' intent is to leverage those numbers to better assist blind entrepreneurs. Product suppliers are noticing as blind entrepreneurs are buying hundreds of millions of dollars in merchandise. Equipment manufacturers are noticing as state agencies spend tens of millions of dollars on equipment for blind entrepreneurs.In re-electing Gacos, it is clear that NAMA recognizes it too and wants to contuse to cultivate the relationship with the Blind.
>  
> "Collectively, we have a lot to offer," Gacos explained. "Our blind entrepreneurs represent some of the brightest and best in the business and we need to put that expertise to work to not only improve the Randolph-Sheppaprd Program but to make a difference in the convenience services industry overall." He went on to say, "It is a mutually beneficial relationship and we can all help each other."
>  
> NAMA is a very influential organization politically. Over the past 3 years, NAMA has been quick to advocate on issues that are of particular interest to blind entrepreneurs. They have been particularly engaged on issues related to vending at interstate rest areas. "I am proud that in March the NAMA Board of Directors voted to take a position officially opposing rest area commercialization and the issue will be one of the ones NAMA members take to The Hill at NAMA's July Fly In," said Gacos. Neither would have probably happened if Gacos had not been on the Board and had not worked to educate NAMA members on this issue that is so important to blind entrepreneurs. Being able to bring NAMA's influence on this and other issues is a huge plus.
>  
> But there are other issues where NAMA has called upon blind entrepreneurs to use their influence on issues affecting all vending companies. Blind entrepreneurs and the convenience services industry as a whole have joined forces to fight against sugar and beverage taxes and unreasonable healthy vending mandates. Working together, the industry was able to have the well-publicized sugar tax in Chicago Cooke County repealed. Other similar measures in other jurisdictions have been defeated. Again, having Gacos on the Board was a key in being able to mobilize the blindness community on these different issues.
>  
> Gacos takes his role on the NAMA Board seriously. "Being on the NAMA Board gives the Blind a voice and I see my role as being the conduit for that voice to beard," he stated. "I do not represent just our NABM members, I represent all blind entrepreneurs." To that end, Gacos welcomes input from the blindness community on important issues. "I want to hear from all blind entrepreneurs and I don't care if they are big or small," he said. Gacos can be reached via email at nickycolorado at netscape.net and by telephone at 908-464-5359
>  
> ICBV Members 2017 NAMA Experience
> Shared by Jim Wagner
> NAMA  365 Show 2018
> I attended the NAMA show this year, the show is getting so large that I attended two days and still didn’t see everything. My takeaway came in the area of heathy product lines, from existing companies and also many new ones as well.  Please allow me to tell you about some that I’m excited about.
>     
> KIND Bars Inc.     If you don’t already know, KIND bars are already extremely popular with millennials and ever growing to customers in all categories customers.  Here are a few new Items this year.  Kind PROTEIN – a slightly larger bar packed with natural protein.  Kind PRESSED – popular flavors include, Dark Chocolate Banana, Chocolate Strawberry.
>  
> RXBAR  This spunky Start Up company is from the great city of Chicago.  I personally met with both the owners.  Within about a year their fine products are already in stores like Whole Foods & Trader Joe’s.  New to NAMA show this year.  The company tagline is “We let our ingredients do the talking:”  let me briefly describe the product.  The product is packaged the same as a Cliff Bar, with similar size.  The bar Named Peanut Butter shows this on the label and nothing else. 3 Egg Whites, 14 Peanuts, 2 Dates, No B. S.
>  
> Chocolate Chip Bar 3 Egg Whites, 6 Almonds, 4 Cashews, 2 Dates, No B. S.
>  
> Really cool owners who are motivated to get into Vending, OCS, Retail & Micro Markets as well.  The owners are planning to come out to my store for a product demo and free sampling. 
>  
> Calfia Farms -  This company new to NAMA Show had several cool health conscious offeerings.  One product line was Drinkable Yogurt (many flavors) an attractive eye catching container with an amazing tast.  The Second product I tried was called Nitro Cold.  This product is in about 14 oz. served in a really cool shaped can with a bottle top (opener required Janusz used his teeth LOL)  The can is Nitrogen Charged and the coffee beverage comes in several flavors. 
>  
> To sum up here a few good to know facts about the above products.  
> •        All Products are currently stocked at VISTAR
> •        Healthy products come with a larger cost then say a candy bar, don’t be afraid to try new items many times 40% would be the GP % in this market category.
> •        If you have Retail within the BEPB or elsewhere, you need products like these on you cash register counter.  I guarantee you have customers looking for them and they may never ask you for them instead they will walk out and find them elsewhere.
>  
> Thanks for reading , please call me or email  me with questions or comments.  
>  
> Shared by Alex Munoz
> I am writing this report to encourage all my fellow ICBV members to take the opportunity to experience this fantastic, highly educational nationwide show.
>  
> It is very hard to condense everything I saw and learned at the show in a half page report, so I decided to list three of the items that interested me the most.
>  
> The first item is an office coffee service machine by Bunn called the crescendo, this is a simple and easy to operate tabletop coffee machine with 10 programmable selections. It uses whole bean coffee and has three bins for soluble products, powdered creamer, French vanilla and hot chocolate is what the model at the show was using. This machine is small but holds a large amount of product, it is easy to clean and operate, a beautiful well-made and no nonsense machine.
>  
> The next item is another office coffee service machine called the Calabre
> This machine would be more for your high end customer as it uses three kinds of different beans and 4 soluble products, this machine is absolutely beautiful it features a 12 in. programmable led touchscreen with advertisement capabilities, it offers a small footprint and is easy to clean and operate.
>  
> The third item I would like to talk about is the Nayax cashless solutions credit card readers for vending machines. What I found interesting about this device is that it not only uses the traditional swipe method but it also uses a chip reader for added security, it offers competitive rates very similar to AirVend and USA Technologies together with telemetry options and several payment options. It was very important to me that this company offers a solution for locations with low or poor signal by using a signal repeater located where the signal is best rather than running several antennas to a spot with good signal like companies do.
>  
> I would like to finish this report by saying that this is the third time I attend a Nama show and every time I have learned something new. The industry is always changing and it is our task as vendor to keep updating the equipment and services offered by the BEPB because no one is going to do it for us.
>  
> Shared by John Holtgreve
> The push at NAMA this year was toward healthier vending options, primarily attributable to seemingly coordinated legislative attempts by multiple states and municipalities (Texas, Oregon, and Seattle to name a few) to impose up to 75% healthy vending mandates at government-controlled facilities. Pepsi has been particularly aggressive in this sector, acquiring kombucha manufacturer KeVita and expanding their sabra line to include chips and salsa and launching vitamin-infused LIFEWATR to compete with Coke’s Smart Water. Also, as micromarkets emerge as the next generation of vending, conventional machines are beginning to incorporate new technologies. In particular, AMS has developed a Bluetooth-based glass front machine with the footprint of a standard five-count glass front but without the control panel, coin mech or bill acceptor, thus adding an extra column to chip rows and an extra two columns to candy rows. The standard POS system is replaced by a Bluetooth chip which communicates with the user’s cell phone and delivers a planogram from which the user can select her desired product. This system, unlike conventional credit card processors, doesn’t require a strong Internet signal yet can still deliver sales information remotely through the proprietary app. Their system can also be integrated into existing machines. I think both the new machines, which have been developed with USI and would likely be available to the program in the coming years, and the new system could be successfully implemented both at universities and at rest areas.
>  
> **6 NAMA – Federal Issues
> Vending Machine Refrigerant Transition
>  The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) rules ban the use of R134a as a refrigerant in newly manufactured vending machines by January 1, 2019. In 2017, NAMA proactively requested the Trump Administration delay this mandate until 2022.The approach to resolve this impending dilemma is three-pronged: continue pursuing an extension from the EPA; petition Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and standards organizations to provide solutions to restrictions on placement of machines; and oppose the State of California’s proposed standards. Equipment manufacturers OEM’s) and their customers met during the NAMA Show and have agreed to fund research to aid in changes to various building codes. Due to the importance of this issue, NAMA also secured a professional consultant who specializes in working with standards organizations who is directing our work with these standards organizations. A delay of the transition date will provide flexibility for OEM’s while ensure that operators can place machines without restriction on placement.
>  
> Calorie Disclosure
>  NAMA continues to advocate to create flexibilities and certainty for operators and supplier companies (CPG) to disclose calories at the point of purchase for food and beverages sold from vending machines. In December, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it had drafted a regulation to provide certainty on the font size and other unresolved issues related to front-of-pack labeling for gum, mints and rolled candies, as well as the final compliance date. Recently, NAMA met with the
> Trump Administration to urge quick resolution and support for final action on Calorie Disclosure, including an extension that aligns with the Nutrition Facts Panel update. It is expected that the final regulation will be finalized
> by the end of March 2018, culminating in more than six years of leading the advocacy work on this impactful regulation.
>  
> During the recent NAMA Show in Las Vegas, NAMA’s government affairs team showcased a banner for industry leaders to sign to “send a message” to the FDA and the Trump Administration on this issue. The banner was signed by hundreds of show attendees and is being delivered to the Administration to push for a quick resolution on this issue with the flexibilities that the industry requested.
> Rest Stop Privatization
> President Trump’s draft Infrastructure Plan and his State of the Union address both included language for commercialization of rest areas on interstate highways. Legislation has also been introduced in Congress to make this change. NAMA has been working with blind vending operators and a coalition of industries to rebuff these efforts; a meeting was held with leadership at the Department of Transportation as well as a letter being sent to the Secretary of Transportation outlining how privatization would be detrimental to vending operators across the country who rely on Interstate traffic at these locations. NAMA recently met with top leadership at DOT and will continue to engage with the Administration and Members of Congress on this issue.
>  
> **7 Shared by Grant Station
> How Blockchain Technology Is Revolutionizing Philanthropy
> By: Diana Holder
> It all started with an unknown individual, or individuals, named “Satoshi.” In early 2009, as the world was in the early stages of one of the deepest What is Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Technology?
> A cryptocurrency is defined as “a digital or virtual currency designed to work as a medium of exchange. It uses cryptography to secure and verify transactions as well as to control the creation of new units of a particular cryptocurrency.” Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency to be invented, joined by newer ones including Ethereum, Litecoin, and Monero, amongst others.
>  
> The technology that enables the use of cryptocurrencies is referred to as blockchain technology. Without getting into the technical details, a blockchain is a distributed, public accounting ledger that allows anyone to view transactions on the network. Blockchain enthusiasts tout the technology as a means to create a more decentralized world, one in which trusted institutions, such as banks or governments, are no longer necessary in order to carry out person-to-person transactions. Entities across the globe, including those in the philanthropic sector, are currently exploring the potential uses of this technology beyond cryptocrurrencies.recessions in recent memory, Satoshi unleashed a new invention to the world: Bitcoin. Designed as a decentralized global currency, Bitcoin started trading at pennies on the dollar and has recently grabbed headlines worldwide as its value has skyrocketed. But what many people are unaware of is that Bitcoin and the technology behind it, known as blockchain technology, are opening up new opportunities in the world of philanthropy.
>  
> Read the full story here: https://grantstation.com/gs-insights/bitcoin-philanthropy?utm_source=GrantStation+Insider+%28Weekly%29&utm_campaign=2241e59151-Insider&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8fc52cd38c-2241e59151-91073929
>  
> **8 Podcast: Isaac Lidsky on How to Take Control of Your Reality
> Shared by Patti Chang, NFBI
> Love this guys philosophy. He owns one of the most successful construction firms in the country. He happens to be a blind guy who graduated Harvord at19.
>  
> And Bill Reif
> Great podcast! I am looking forward to listening to his audio book,
> available on NLS Bard as db 87485.
>  
> https://overcast.fm/+HzsAi22c4
>  
> Return to Top
>  
> **9 Shared by Business.com - How Should Entrepreneurs Pay Themselves? BY SAMMI CARAMELA Business.com / Accounting / Last Modified: April 18, 2018
> Business.com Community member Anthony Addesso asked, "I was wondering if it is better to pay myself with a paycheck, or have tax deductions taken out of each pay check, or just take a draw and try to figure out the taxes on my own and pay them quarterly?" We answered.
>  
> Being an entrepreneur isn't easy. Not only are you responsible for your business, including sales, customer service, marketing and more, you're your own boss. In other words, you're the one paying yourself – and it's not always a steady income.
>  
> Anthony Addesso, owner of Anthony Addesso Architecture, asked the Business.com community the best way to pay yourself as a business owner: "Being the owner of a services company, I was wondering if it is better to pay myself with a paycheck, or have tax deductions taken out of each pay check, or just take a draw and try to figure out the taxes on my own and pay them quarterly?"
>  
> This topic is heavily discussed on Business.com. After speaking with experts, we outlined tips and steps to paying yourself as an entrepreneur.
>  
> Business structure
> The first step to starting a business is choosing the right structure, and your decision will impact how you handle your income. According to Ina Coveney, BS, MBA, and techie business expert, you should get off a sole proprietorship and create a single-member LLC right away. [Want to change your business structure? Here's how.]
>  
> "Not only will it have no impact on how your taxes are … but also you will be incentivized to behave as a business to prevent from piercing the corporate veil," said Coveney.
>  
> You'll also have your own business account and credit card, separating your personal finances from business expenses, she added.
>  
> "Basically, every entrepreneur should have a Sub-S or LLC corporation, not only for liability protection, but so they can set up a SEP-IRA or other retirement vehicles," added Terence Michael, president and executive producer of 100% Terry Cloth, Inc. "This way they really are paying themselves first, but in a tax-deferred or tax-deductible method."
>  
> Read the full story here:  https://www.business.com/articles/entrepreneurs-paying-themselves/?marketingid=8e19d3c8809149f2a2126f9526d1fce9
>  
> **10 Shared by Patti Chang, NFBI
> This is the link to the hearings on the Marrakesh treaty. It is a testament to the tenacity and abilities of the National Federation Of The Blind to achieve equality security and opportunity. Without access to information we do not have opportunity. Scott Labarre did a great job testifying and he’s funny.
>  
> https://www.foreign.senate.gov/hearings/treaties-041818
>  
> And shared by Deborah Kent
> Here’s another article on the Marrakesh Treaty from the librarians’ perspective.
>  
> Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the Marrakesh Treaty - District Dispatch http://www.districtdispatch.org/2018/04/senate-foreign-relations-committee-hearing-on-the-marrakesh-treaty/
> Return to Top
>  
> **11 Shared by Vending Market Watch
> Micro Market Bill Passes Michigan Legislature
> MAR 28, 2018 SOURCE: NATIONAL AUTOMATIC MERCHANDISING ASSOCIATION
> (CHICAGO) March 28, 2018 – Micro market legislation has become law in the state of Michigan. On Tuesday, March 27, 2018, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed the bill passed by the state’s legislature containing micro market clarification language that was proposed by the Michigan Distributors and Vendors Association (MDVA), a NAMA State Council.
>  
> “Like many industries, ours is rapidly evolving, and we are being asked for new ways to provide products to our customers – micro markets are one of those ways for us to do so,” said Jeff Smith, NAMA Board Chair Elect and Chairman & CEO of All Star Services in Michigan.
>  
> “This legislation is important because it is a proactive measure that clarifies the micro market concept and will ensure that Michigan operators can continue to expand their business endeavors in the micro market space. We are pleased to be joining the ranks of other state councils that have pursued this issue on behalf of the industry, paving the way for micro markets to be treated similarly – from a regulatory and/or legislative perspective – across the country,” he concluded.
>  
> The bill was granted “immediate effect,” which rendered it effective upon Gov. Snyder’s signature. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) will have oversight of the implementation of the legislation.
>  
> Founded in 1936, NAMA is the association representing the $25 billion U.S. convenience services industry. With more than 1,000 member companies – including many of the world’s most recognized brands – NAMA provides advocacy, education and research for its membership. Visit NAMA on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
>  
> **12 Shared by Vending Times
> Blind Vendors Host 'Taste Of FitPick' Event In Baton Rouge For State Employees By Emily Jed Posted On: 4/16/2018
> BATON ROUGE, LA -- The National Automatic Merchandising Association's FitPick better-for-you vending program was in the spotlight at event on Apr. 6 hosted by blind vendors at the Louisiana Division of Administration Claiborne Building in Baton Rouge. 
>  
> More than 200 state employees sampled a variety of better-for-you snacks and beverages, all compliant with NAMA's FitPick nutrition program at the "Taste of FitPick" event.
>  
> Operator Shelly LeJeune manages convenience services in the Claiborne Building and, working in partnership with Louisiana's Randolph-Sheppard program manager and NAMA, is increasing the number of FitPick-compliant products available in the building. 
>  
> Vistar, Coca-Cola Co.  General Mills, Kellogg's, Mondelez and Kar's Nuts donated product for the event.  
>  
> "This 'Taste of FitPick' event was a great opportunity for the industry to showcase its commitment to FitPick and provide better-for-you snacks to state employees in Baton Rouge," said president of National Association of Blind Merchants and NAMA board member Nicholas Gacos. "Following the industry's efforts in Illinois, Connecticut and Baton Rouge, we are increasing awareness of our work and moving forward will continue to spread this important message to consumers in public spaces and beyond."
>  
> Launched in 2005, FitPick provides simple nutrition information at the point of purchase. NAMA's Nutrition Advisory Council, comprised of national recognized nutrition experts from industry, as well as leading universities and nutrition organizations oversees the strategic direction for the program, including FitPick guidelines. 
>  
> **13 This week on Eyes On Success
> 1816 Alpine Skiing in the PyeongChang Paralympics (Apr. 18, 2018)
> When you strive to be the best in the world it takes a lot of hard work and
> dedication. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Staci Mannella who
> recently competed in four Alpine Skiing events at the PyeongChang Paralympic Games. Staci talks about how she compensates for her visual limitations, prepared for the competition, and experienced the event.
>  
> 1815 Oregon Adaptive Sports (Apr. 11, 2018)
> There are many opportunities for the disabled to participate in a variety of
> sports and recreational activities these days. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Nancy Stevens of Oregon Adaptive Sports about how the program got started and what they do. Whether you are interested in skiing, cycling, kayaking, etc., there is something for you!
>  
> **14 Shared by Vending Times
> Indiana Eliminates Sales Tax On Food In Vending Machines
> by Emily Jed Posted On: 4/2/2018
> INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana lawmakers have voted to eliminate sales tax on food sold in vending machines, beginning in July 2019.
>  
> Most food bought at the grocery store is exempt from the state sales tax, but some of those same items are charged the 7% tax if sold through a vending machine.
>  
> Senate Bill 124 was authored by Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle) and Sen. Greg Walker (R-Columbus), and co-authored by Sen. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) and Sen. Lonnie Randolph. It was sponsored by Rep. David Ober (R-Albion) and Rep. Gregory Porter (D-Indianapolis).
>  
> The tax on candy and beverages sold through vending machines will remain the same, since those items are taxed in all retail channels.
>  
> 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.
> <ICBV Office Update 04_25_18.docx>