[Vendorsmi] Fw: BLAST+ Document for Wide Distribution

Tue Jun 21 19:24:34 UTC 2011

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Kevan Worley 
To: 'Al Falligan' ; 'Art Stevenson' ; Charles and Betty Allen ; 'Harold Wilson' ; 'Jim Farley' ; 'John Fritz' ; 'Kim Williams' ; 'Lynn Reynolds' ; 'Nick Gacos' ; 'Scott Young' ; 'Sharon Paris' ; 'Sharon Paris' ; 'Virgil Stinnett' ; 'Dave Merritt' ; David Phillips ; 'don hudson' ; 'Gene Fleeman' ; HackneyCharles at aol.com ; 'Jeremiah Wells' ; 'Joe Shaw' ; John Gerber ; 'john Jones' ; 'Lorraine Magnessun' ; 'Manny Sifuentes' ; 'Mary Hayes' ; 'Pamela' ; 'Ray Marshall' ; suncat0 at gmail.com ; 'Willie Black' 
Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 11:57
Subject: BLAST+ Document for Wide Distribution

Greetings,

What happened to spring? It is already hot as a blast furnace. Speaking of BLAST, hotel rooms are really moving quickly. This is truly exciting. We must act now. I hope that you plan to attend BLAST+ in Nashville, Tennessee on September 21st through the 24th.  As you probably know, this is a first rate conference facility. BLAST+ will be hosted by one of the top rated hotels in the Marriott chain. Room rates are only $114.00 plus tax. Please send this information to the blind vendors and the staff members with whom you work.

We are only months away from our 2011 BLAST+ training and networking conference. This year's blockbuster and empowering BLAST+ training agenda has not been completely finalized. It is coming together, and we are extremely excited about the array of instruction that we will be able to provide at a reasonable cost to agencies, organizations, and blind entrepreneurs. BLAST+ (Business Leadership and Superior Training) will offer a robust, expanded curriculum and a larger show of exhibitors than ever before.

Former New York Governor David Patterson will share his experience. As the first blind Governor in the nation, he has much to say about the bureaucracy, business, and blindness. We will hear from Dave Ramsey as well as Chris LoCurto from Dave's team of wealth building experts. Many will recognize Dave Ramsey's name from his bestselling book The Total Money Makeover. He is heard by millions on hundreds of radio stations. Mr. Ramsey is seen on the FOX Business channel.  We will also hear from Eric Alexander. He accompanied Eric Weihenmayer  to the top of Mount Everest.  Mr. Weihenmayer was the first blind person to summit Everest. Eric has inspired thousands with his stories of extreme outdoor, "daring do."  He is in high demand by Fortune 1000 companies. Eric teaches and truly does inspire leadership through teamwork. 

Many agencies are finding successful vocational outcomes through self-employment. Many blind people want to open businesses. This year, BLAST+ partners with the University of New Orleans-Center for Entrepreneurship (ExcEL). September 21st and 22nd we will offer several targeted short courses to meet the needs of anyone interested in building small business opportunities. Here are some examples:

Asset Management-Advanced Class   

Time length 1:15

This session will utilize financial statements to assess and make financial decisions for businesses that want to check on the health of the business compared to other businesses in the same sector, make decisions regarding expansion, and strategic planning. What can I as a business owner learn about my business's current health and potential longevity?

Components of the Business Plan-Beginner Class   

Time length 1:15

This session will focus on the various components of a complete business plan. Participants will receive an outline of a complete business plan which includes but is not limited to, the business environment, industry information, marketing and promotional information, operations, and management. Everything a business owner would need to seek a loan from a bank, or make decisions about their business is included in this session, including three years of financial statements and a balance sheet.

Entrepreneurship Motivation-Beginner Class   

Time length 1:15

This session is on providing over-the-top customer service. It will include a short video titled Give Them the Pickle, and will be followed by discussion and exercises.

Growth Firms-Advanced session

This session will be geared towards expansion funding and will be taught by Professors from Vanderbilt University, a Nashville banker  and representatives of the United States Small Business Administration.

Apps for the Visually Impaired-Advanced Class    

Time length 1:15

This session is about apps for the Apple I Pad, I Touch, and I Phone that are accessible to the blind and visually impaired. Instruction provided by University of New Orleans and Hadley school for the Blind.

We are developing additional curriculum in partnership with Tennessee Services for the Blind and the NFB Jernigan Institute. BLAST+ will offer officials from state agencies two exclusive sessions to share ideas and information with one another. It is likely that officials from RSA, GSA, USPS, SBA, the Department of Labor and others will present at the conference. 

This year BLAST+ (re-branded to include new programming) adjusts its focus to deal with the reality of a changing Randolph-Sheppard and a changing business climate for the blind and those professionals with whom we work. Wednesday and much of Thursday we will offer additional  instruction and motivational presentations for those working to build business opportunities in addition to, or independent of Randolph-Sheppard. We are finalizing plans for EBay training and other opportunities to investigate internet based businesses.

Given the interest already being expressed by technology, business product, restaurant, vending and equipment companies, the BLAST+ Trade Show will be the largest in our prestigious history. You should know that BLAST+ is an RSA approved, quality upward mobility training conference. As always, the food and beverage, the entertainment, excursions and networking will be well worth everyone's time. We know that budgets are tight. But, the BLAST+ conference is worth it because it provides not only motivation, but we offer solutions which bring results. We are expanding BLAST+ to offer blind vendors training which will certainly enhance their business operations. As you can see, we are also bringing training curriculum to anyone interested in business development. I am asking that you circulate information about the new BLAST+ experience to all of the rehabilitation counselors within your agency. As you know, Randolph-Sheppard is not for everyone. We need to reach blind clients and those working in the arenas of self-employment. I would love to visit with you to answer any questions that you might have. There are a few scholarships available. We may be able to direct you and your constituents to funding sources. 

We hope this gives you a good sense of the quality curriculum we will offer. We know it will meet your need for high quality instruction, networking, team-building, leadership development, information exchange and career exploration. 

In the meantime, get your approval, secure your funding, and make your plans and reservations at the Nashville Airport Marriott Hotel. Rooms can be booked now. Simply call the Nashville Airport Marriott (615-889-9300), tell them that you are booking for the National Association of Blind Merchants, BLAST +. Rooms are available at the unbelievably low rate of $114.00 per night plus applicable taxes. These rates are effective from Monday the 19th through Saturday, September 24th, 2011. Music city is beautiful in the fall and as always, space is at a premium. Act quickly to enjoy the party and promise of BLAST +. Register online for BLAST+ to take advantage of the early bird registration rate or call our office for further details. More detailed information is in the Save the Date material on our website (www.blindmerchants.org.) You can also see examples of previous BLAST educational conferences on our website. Thank you. See you at BLAST+.

At Your Service,

Kevan Worley

Executive Director

National Association of Blind Merchants
1-866-543-6808

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