[NFBofSC] 2024 State Convention Agenda

Mon Aug 12 01:48:35 UTC 2024

Stronger Together

68th Annual State Convention

National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina

Marty R. McKenzie, President

Embassy Suites by Hilton

200 Stoneridge Drive

Columbia, SC 29210

803-252-8700

Thursday, August 15 - Sunday, August 18, 2024

CONVENTION NOTES

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND PLEDGE

I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation
of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity and security for the blind; to
support the programs and policies of the Federation and to abide by its
constitution.

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND

ONE MINUTE MESSAGE

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.

INTEGRITY AND RESPECT

As with all NFB of SC functions, our members are held to the highest
standards of decorum outlined in the National Federation of the Blind Code
of Conduct. To allow all attendees the chance to benefit from all aspects of
the convention, we are committed to providing a harassment-free environment
for everyone. We appreciate your assistance in cultivating an atmosphere in
which participants from diverse backgrounds may learn, network, and share
with each other in an environment of mutual respect. Thank you for doing
your part to contribute to our community and the high expectations we strive
to maintain.

WELCOME

Welcome to the Embassy Suites Columbia-Greystone. It is our pleasure to have
you here with us for your 2024 convention. We are looking forward to a
couple of successful days of learning and camaraderie. We hope you enjoy
your time here with us and if there is anything we can do while you're
visiting, please don't hesitate to reach out. Nicole Blackwell is the
Director of Sales and Kyle Morrison is our General Manager. Enjoy!

DOG RELIEF AREA

For those with dog guides, there are two specific dog relief areas. A trash
receptacle has been placed there for convenience and tidiness. The first
area is straight out the front door of the hotel across the parking lot. The
second area is out a door near the elevators. This area has a set of steps
that must be descended. Ask the front desk if more information is needed.

Contact Us

We have several convenient ways for you to connect with us. They are:

Website:  <http://www.nfbofsc.org> www.nfbofsc.org

Phone: 803-254-3777

Address:

Federation Center of the Blind

119 S. Kilbourne Rd.

Columbia, SC 29205

National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina President:

Marty R. McKenzie

 <mailto:president at nfbofsc.org> president at nfbofsc.org 

843-939-8091

You can also find us on Facebook and X.

National Representative

Jessica Beecham, M.S.,

Business Owner

JB&K Services

Jessica Beecham was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee to Marsha and Doug
Beecham. She later became big sister to Lora Beecham. Blind from birth,
Jessica has always embraced adventure and lived life with a can do attitude.
Jessica attended elementary and high school at the Tennessee School for the
Blind. She attended college at Middle Tennessee State University, earning a
Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies with a
concentration in Therapeutic Recreation and a Masters of Science Degree in
Exercise Science.

Jessica has worked as a recreational therapist for children who are
medically fragile as well as youth and adults with drug and alcohol
dependency. In 2012, Jessica began working as Chapter and Community
Development Coordinator for the National Federation of the Blind of
Colorado, where she was instrumental in starting several new chapters and
divisions. She then went on to direct WE Fit Wellness, a company designed to
provide accessible, affordable, and achievable exercise and nutrition
solutions for individuals with disabilities. In 2018, Jessica started her
own business and became part of the Colorado Business Enterprise Program.
She currently operates a large cafeteria, convenience store, and vending
business on Buckley Space Force Base. She also works as a contractor to
provide Pre-Employment Transition Services to blind youth. 

Jessica enjoys volunteering with the National Federation of the Blind, the
oldest and largest consumer advocacy organization of the blind. She has
served as the president of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado
since 2021 and in 2023, she was elected as a member of the National
Federation of the Blind Board of Directors. Jessica aspires to spread the
love, hope, and true belief in blind people that she has found through her
engagement with the National Federation of the Blind. 

Jessica enjoys yoga, high adventure activities, and ultra running. She has
completed several marathons and ultra marathon events including the Boston
Marathon, Pikes Peak Marathon, Behind the Rocks 50k, and Pikes Peak 50 mile
race. She also enjoys exploring the city with her guide dog Prada.

As a leader in the National Federation of the Blind, Jessica hopes to
inspire others to live the lives they want, step outside of their comfort
zones, and to help spread the positive philosophy of the Federation.

SCHEDULE

Thursday, August 18, 2024

5:30 - 7:30 PM             Embassy Suites Complimentary Evening Reception

7:30 - 9:30 PM             Blind Merchants Pre-Convention Prep Session -
Consulate Board Room

Friday, August 16, 2024

10:00 - 6:00 PM           Registration - Terrace Lounge Wall 

10:00 - 6:00 PM           Exhibit Hall - Center Atrium

10:00 - 5:00 PM           Blind Merchants Snack Bags - Consulate Board Room

11:00 - 11:50 AM         At-Large Chapter - Salon F

12:00 - 1:50 PM           Youth Track - Salon E

                                      Crafts & Teambuilding Activities

Make your own artwork to share with family and friends, Build the tallest
tower using noodles and marshmallows, Wrap your friends in toilet paper!

1:00 - 1:50 PM             Blind Merchants Division - Salon F

2:00 - 3:00 PM             Pelikan Snowballs (Free to all) - Parking Lot

2:00 - 2:50 PM             SC Association of Blind Students Division - Salon
E

3:00 - 5:00 PM             Youth Track - Salon E

                                      PRIZES FOR WINNERS!

Bingo, Name that Tune, Trivia

2:00 - 3:50 PM             SC Association of Black Leaders Division - Salon
F

3:00 - 3:50 PM             Computer Science and Technology Division - 

Salon G

4:30 - 5:30 PM             Resolutions Committee - Salon F

5:30 - 6:30 PM             NFB of SC State Board Meeting - Salon D

7:00 - 10:00 PM           Reception - Salons ABC

Saturday, August 17, 2024

7:30 - 8:45 AM             Hot breakfast buffet in restaurant - Self-serve -
Boy Scouts available to assist

8:00 - 8:50 AM             Registration - Terrace Lounge Wall

8:00 - 8:50 AM             Exhibit Hall - Center Atrium

MORNING GENERAL SESSION - Salons ABC

9:00 - 9:30 AM             Welcome                                Marty R.
McKenzie

Invocation                              Trenton Smith

Presentation of Colors           Boy scouts

National Anthem                    Kaitland Davis, Heilyin Sanchez and Lily
Pryor

Host Chapter Remarks          Isaiah Nelson

9:30 - 10:00 AM           National Report,

Jessica Beecham, National Representative 

10:00 - 10:20 AM         SC Commission for the Blind,

Darline Graham, Commissioner

Carol Anderson, Director of Consumer Services

10:20 - 10:40 AM         SC School for the Deaf and the Blind,

Leslie Borton, Lead Teacher, SC School for the Blind

10:40 - 10:45 AM         Fit Break, Janice Bright, Sports and Rec 

10:45 - 11:00 AM         SC Talking Book Services, 

Jennifer Falvey, Director

11:15 - 11:30 AM         Orientation and Mobility Training Program: A
Journey to Success

                                      Dr. Tina S. Herzberg, USC Upstate
Professor

11:30 - 12:00 PM         Presidential Report

                                      Marty R. McKenzie, President

12:00 PM                      Adjourn

LUNCH BREAK

12:00 - 2:00 PM           Box Lunches - Garden Atrium

12:15 - 1:45 PM           Registration - Terrace Lounge Wall

12:15 - 1:45 PM           Exhibit Hall - Center Atrium

AFTERNOON GENERAL SESSION Salon ABC

2:00 - 2:05 PM             Welcome

2:05 - 2:20 PM             Palmetto Able Savings Account

                                      Karen Crider, State Treasurer's Office

2:20 - 2:40 PM             Kenneth Jernigan Leadership in Service Program:
Reflections from a Participant

                                      Janice Bright, NFB of SC Federationist

2:40 - 3:00 PM             DART, PUP and VTrip

                                      Ali Ruegamer, Transportation Program
Coordinator

                                      Able, SC

3:00 - 3:15 PM             Filling Your Transportation Toolbox

                                      Dr. Tina S. Herzberg, Professor

                                      University of South Carolina Upstate

3:15 - 3:20 PM             Fit Break, Lori Anne Coley

3:20 - 3:50 PM             AI: What It Can Do for You

                                      Steve Cook and Sarah Massengale

3:50 - 4:10 PM             Rocky Bottom Report, Thom Spittle, RBRCCB Chair

4:10 - 4:25 PM             NOPBC Update, Sonia Timmons, SCPOBC Leader

4:25 - 4:45 PM             Federation Center Report, David Houck, Executive

Director and Ed Bible, FCB Board Chair

4:45 - 5:00 PM             The Monarch

                                      Marty R. McKenzie, Ex Officio Trustee

                                      American Printing House for the Blind

5:00 PM                        Adjourn

EVENING BREAK

5:15 - 6:45 PM             Registration - Terrace Lounge Wall

5:15 - 6:45 PM             Exhibit Hall - Center Atrium

5:15 - 5:45 PM             Nominating Committee - Frank Coppel, Chair -
Boardroom 330

CONVENTION BANQUET

7:00-10:00 PM

Welcome                                         Marty R. McKenzie

Invocation                                        Debra Canty, Second Vice
President, NFB of SC

Keynote Address                             Jessican Beecham, National
Representative

Awarding of Scholarships               Shannon Cook, Scholarship Chair

Recognition of Sponsors                Marty McKenzie           

*	Sumter Lions' Club, Silver level sponsor
*	Neil's Lawn Service, White Cane level sponsor
*	Rockhill Lions' Club, White Cane level sponsor
*	Columbia Funeral Home, White Cane level sponsor

Midlands Gives Award                    Valerie Warrington, Treasurer

Educator of the Year Award           Tracy Spittle, Chair

Donald C. Capps Award                 David Houck, chair

Betty R. Capps Award 

Distinguished Service Award          Marty R. McKenzie, President

Presidential Citation                        Marty R. McKenzie, President

Banquet Fundraiser 

Our annual banquet fundraiser is an opportunity for individuals, chapters,
divisions, and business partners to contribute to the NFB of SC to further
programs, services, and policies of the affiliate.  Donations can be made
through Pay Pal on

 <http://www.nfbofsc.org> www.nfbofsc.org, by cash or writing a check made
payable to the NFB of SC and mailed to Federation Center of the Blind.  See
page 3 for the address. 

Adjourn

Sunday, August 18, 2023

7:30-8:20 AM               Breakfast

8:00-8:25 AM               Registration - Terrace Lounge Wall

MORNING GENERAL SESSION - SALONS ABC

8:30 - 9:00 AM             Remembering Those Who Went Before Us

A Memorial, Melinda Jones

9:00 - 9:15 AM             Federation Legislative Update from the

Legislative and Advocacy Committee

                                      David Houck, Chair and Anna Price,
Co-chair

9:15 - 9:45 AM             NFB of SC, Successful Transitions and Rocky
Bottom Treasurers Reports -- Valerie Warrington, Treasurer 

9:45 - 10:15 AM           Resolutions, David Houck, 

10:15 - 10:30 AM         Update on SUN, PAC, Dream Maker's Circle, Frank
Coppel, chair, Doing Our Fair Share Committee

10:30 - 10:35 AM         Fit Break - Melinda Jones

10:35 - 11:50 AM         Elections

11:50 - 12:00 PM         Chapter, Committee, and Division Drawings

12:00 PM                      Adjourn

Marty

Marty R. McKenzie, President

National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina

119 S. Kilbourne Road

Columbia, SC 29205

Phone: 803-254-3777

Mobile: 843-939-8091

Website: www.nfbofsc.org <http://www.nfbofsc.org/>  

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