From suncat0 at gmail.com Thu May 2 01:18:55 2013 From: suncat0 at gmail.com (Joe Sontag) Date: Wed, 1 May 2013 21:18:55 -0400 Subject: [Vendorsmi] What Happened During the Closed Session of the EOC Meeting? Message-ID: The first fallout from this monster has reached my in-box and I now present it as I received it. Don't waste time asking who's behind it or calling me ugly names when I tell you truthfully that I don't know. I don't care who wrote it; but I agree with the author's point of view. Joe Sontag Well! Well!, Mr Chaney, You threw Hazel under the bus again by voting to keep her off the EOC chair. You seem to talk out of both sides of your mouth while trying to get the operators to take you seriously. Everyone knows "Bobbie" is an agency man all the way. This is the real reason he got bounced off the EOC the first time. He serves for personal glory, not for the operators benefit. Mr. Essenberg, you have a lot of balls trying to tell operators they can't ask questions about BEP finances. One doesn't forfeit their 1st Amendment rights when joining the EOC. We have the right to speak our mind. Operators, do you know that Essenberg and Chaney are having secret weekly meetings with BEP staff? Wonder why? Do you like the "mushroom game" of being kept in the dark and fed horse shit? Wake up people, this program will never get stronger while this type of deception is allowed to continue. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From suncat0 at gmail.com Thu May 2 01:56:42 2013 From: suncat0 at gmail.com (Joe Sontag) Date: Wed, 1 May 2013 21:56:42 -0400 Subject: [Vendorsmi] The 4/30/2013 EOC Meeting Message-ID: <89793931CDD849C491B05FE954C73C4D@Reputercat0> If you missed it, here's a link to a recording of this disaster. https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/22266576/A000014.MP3 Is it any wonder the BEP faces the kind of threats that we're seeing currently? The closed session appears to have been a rip on Hazell Brooks, who was taken to the wood shed and told to keep her mouth shut about her concerns regarding BEP financials and the recent audit findings. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From suncat0 at gmail.com Fri May 3 20:33:31 2013 From: suncat0 at gmail.com (Joe Sontag) Date: Fri, 3 May 2013 16:33:31 -0400 Subject: [Vendorsmi] Two Docs you Need to Know about Message-ID: <7F242B10DC614E8EA9E925821AC7AE2B@Reputercat0> Read these carefully and tell me what you think. I'll say that the Program won't be fixed just by changing the paperwork. At the very least, the fix will require Management that understands the importance of personal self-control, why operators' and potential operators' Social Security numbers and other sensitive information must be protected as well as verified, that values Program integrity and performance over ass-protecting, but I know not to get my hopes up. Joe Sontag -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Evaluation 1.doc Type: application/msword Size: 35328 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Op Selection System Update.doc Type: application/msword Size: 23552 bytes Desc: not available URL: From suncat0 at gmail.com Sat May 11 16:04:24 2013 From: suncat0 at gmail.com (Joe Sontag) Date: Sat, 11 May 2013 12:04:24 -0400 Subject: [Vendorsmi] Fw: [OVER] STANDARD: House Oversight Standing Committee Meeting Message-ID: ----- Original Message ----- From: "Oversight" To: Sent: Friday, May 10, 2013 11:04 Subject: [OVER] STANDARD: House Oversight Standing Committee Meeting > House Standing Committee Meeting > > Oversight, Rep. Tom McMillin, Chair > > DATE: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 > > TIME: 2:30 PM or after committees are given leave by the House to meet, > whichever time is later. > > PLACE: Room 326, House Office Building, Lansing, MI > > AGENDA: > HB 4001 (Rep. Shirkey) Civil rights; public records; statewide standards > for freedom of information act costs; modify. (Testimony Only) > > HB 4314 (Rep. McMillin) Civil rights; public records; freedom of > information act open government commission; create. (Testimony Only) > > To view text of legislation go to: > http://www.legislature.mi.gov/mileg.aspx?page=CommitteeBillRecord > > Committee Clerk: Joy Brewer > Phone: 517-373-8474 > e-Mail: joybrewer at house.mi.gov > > Individuals who wish to bring written testimony need to supply a minimum > of thirty copies for distribution. > > Individuals needing special accommodations to participate in the meeting > may contact the Chair's office. > > Schedule changes or cancellations available at www.legislature.mi.gov or > 24 hours at (517) 373-8140. > > Notice posted: 5/10/2013 > _______________________________________________ > To manage your membership please visit > http://legislature.mi.gov/mileg.aspx?page=listserversignup From f.wurtzel at att.net Tue May 14 19:58:21 2013 From: f.wurtzel at att.net (Fred Wurtzel) Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 15:58:21 -0400 Subject: [Vendorsmi] Time Sensitive -- Blind Birding on CBS News Tonight Message-ID: <016101ce50dd$63a2ef20$2ae8cd60$@att.net> Hello, Donna Posont has asked me to post this announcement. Donna is studying to be a naturalist at the University of Michigan - Dearborn. She is an active member of the Dearborn Chapter and is a former officer in the NFB of Michigan. She has been developing, as part of her studies, a "Birding By Ear" program for blind children and others. She has received grant funding for her work and has been featured on the Cornell University Web site, the premier birding center in the U.S. Tune in, tonight, to the CBS Evening News at 6:30 pm Eastern. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From suncat0 at gmail.com Tue May 14 22:17:17 2013 From: suncat0 at gmail.com (Joe Sontag) Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 18:17:17 -0400 Subject: [Vendorsmi] Fw: Port Huron and Mentors Message-ID: Much as predicted here. At least there was a response. What do you think? ----- Original Message ----- From: Garnet To: John McEntee ; Joe Sontag Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 17:28 Subject: Fwd: Port Huron and Mentors Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: "Zanger, Connie (LARA)" Date: May 14, 2013, 12:53:58 PM EDT To: "Garsvend at aol.com" Cc: Rob Essenberg , "resolutioncomm at sbcglobal.net" , "sjx3 at sbcglobal.net" , "keathleygreg at yahoo.com" , "jiggyzee at att.net" , "Kevin Tomczack (momandmikey at hotmail.com)" , "Nathanual Prater (thecrave at me.com)" , "lisalweber at yahoo.com" , "osvrjo at gmail.com" , "lucynmisty at yahoo.com" , "Hull, James (LARA)" , "Rodgers, Edward (LARA)" , "Luzenski, Sue (LARA)" , "Pemble, Mike (LARA)" , "Belknap, Katie (LARA)" Subject: RE: Port Huron and Mentors Good morning, Garnet; Thank you for your inquiry regarding the Port Huron Vending Route. It is always appreciated when Committee members and operators bring their questions directly to the Agency, rather than continue to wonder and speculate. The following responds to your two inquiries. Regarding the I-94 Port Huron Vending Route: You are correct. The condition at of the Port Huron Vending Route had seriously deteriorated. Not only had Mr. Pertee failed to service the vending route, he also failed to maintain the equipment and report equipment malfunctions. While the Agency cannot verify your assertion that Mr. Pertee failed to pay sales tax, you may be correct that he was deficient in this aspect of his business, as well. And, you are correct that it is the Program?s goal to provide opportunities for blind persons to have a viable means of making a living. To that end, Agency staff attempted to work with Mr. Pertee to assist him in properly managing this facility. You may also know that more than one E O C member attempted to help Mr. Pertee. Perhaps even Mr. Pertee?s classmates reached out to him. Unfortunately, Mr. Pertee was not receptive to these attempts. Mr. Pertee surrendered his license to operate a Business Enterprise Program facility in the State of Michigan on Friday, May 3rd, turning over his keys to Agency staff that afternoon. On Monday, May 6th, a product inventory was taken and the vending machine locks removed and replaced. On that same day, the Agency signed a temporary operator Agreement with All Star Vending. It is the same Agreement the Agency uses when engaging any temporary operator. Just as other temporary operators use State of Michigan equipment, All Star Vending, as the temporary operator, is using State of Michigan equipment. All Star immediately began servicing the sites on the vending route. On Friday, May 9th, B E P management and E O C leadership visited 3 of the 6 sites on this vending route. This group found the vending machines (except where waiting for parts) to be fully functional, immaculately clean and fully stocked. While this may not be the way you would have resolved this issue, the Agency chose this resolution as best for the Program for the following reasons: ? The Agency?s Memorandum of Understanding with M DOT includes this condition: Assure that vending machines will not be inoperable more than 12 consecutive hours without just cause. Assume complete responsibility for damage or theft of vending machines, vending machine areas and all contents. Vandalized machines will normally be removed within 24 hours. One of each product type machine must be operable and vending products at all times. Given this requirement, the vending machines had to be brought back to full service immediately. ? The need for an operator was immediate. To comply with the Memorandum of Understanding, the Agency could not leave the vending facility unattended while the established bid process unfolded and an operator could be identified. ? The Agency considered many temporary operators, including recently graduated students. It was our judgment that a temporary operator would not have the resources as you described to build up the vending route. And, it was our judgment that it would be a grave disservice to turn the vending route over to a brand new operator. ? The repair service procurement process the Agency is constrained to use is cumbersome and causes delays in bringing equipment to full service. You are all too well aware, perhaps painfully so, of the delays that occur due to the repair service process. In light of the need to meet the conditions of the Memorandum of Understanding, the Agency did not have the luxury of completing the repairs. ? The need for fully stocked vending machines was immediate. While the State of Michigan has a statewide contract with Gordon Food Service, the Agency has recently had significant difficulties with Gordon?s honoring B E P purchase orders issued against the contract. Most recently these difficulties have been experienced at Cadillac Place and the Environmental Protection Agency. Again, In light of the need to meet the conditions of the Memorandum of Understanding, the Agency did not have the luxury of utilizing the established product procurement process. ? Finally, the Agency wished to have the facility up and running well prior to the first of the summer holiday weekends. Any one of these factors would be a challenge for an operator coming to this facility. Taken all together, the Agency judged it to be onerous to expect an operator to assume these responsibilities. Additionally, the Agency wished to have the facility up and running well prior to Memorial Day holiday weekend; and to have it well established by the Labor Day holiday weekend. It was our judgment that the use of All Star Vending as a temporary operator was the right solution. Early in October, the Agency will evaluate the business. Based on the evaluation results, the facility (all 6 sites) will be placed on the bid line. Regarding Mentors: The Agency has often used retired B E P operators as mentors for struggling or new operators. The Agency has used Bill Myers as a mentor on several occasions. And despite our pleas, Bill has always refused payment for his services. Recently, the Agency arranged with Tom Carpenter to mentor Henry Mosley as Henry moved from the Hannah Building to the Romney Building, a politically very sensitive facility. Also recently, Brenda Karsies mentored new operator Silvia Trevino at the Kent County D H S office. The Program did not compensate these mentors, and for reasons of client confidentiality, cannot inquire of Voc Rehab if they provided this service. While we have reached out to other retirees, they have not always been willing or available to assist. It is hoped this information has been helpful to you, Garnet. As always, if you have further questions or require additional information, you are invited to contact me or James Hull. With best regards always, Constance Zanger Business Enterprise Program Manager Bureau of Services for Blind Persons Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs 517/335.3639 517/335.5140 (facsimile) From: Garsvend at aol.com [mailto:Garsvend at aol.com] Sent: Saturday, May 11, 2013 4:35 PM To: Zanger, Connie (LARA) Cc: abj.vending at yahoo.com; jrvending87 at yahoo.com; sunkat at wmis.net; sjx3 at sbcglobal.net; keathleygreg at yahoo.com; resolutioncomm at sbcglobal.net; jiggyzee at att.net Subject: Port Huron and Mentors Hi Constance, I was very disappointed to find out that the Port Huron vending route was turned over to the private sector. I know this route was run down and needs a lot of work. Mr. Pertee had this route for almost 2 years and no real or effective corrective action ever took place. How could anyone not paying sales tax, not filling the machines, no inventory, etc. last so long. Now, why is the agency taking a job opportunity away from a qualified candidate? Why are you turning state owned equipment over to the private sector? I've heard the inventory was an issue. There has been many inventory shortage issues in the past and there was always a way to deal with it. I'm sure if an existing operator was to accept this route they would be willing to use their own money for the starting inventory. Just like I had to do. The agency could get caught up in less than 30 days. I feel the agency took the easy way out even though the agency is just as responsible for the condition of this route as the prior operator. It's a shame. Isn't the purpose of the agency to employ blind people and not sited people. Also. I would like to know how many operators have agency provided mentors? I would like to know who the mentors are and how much they are getting paid? Is VR or the BEP paying for their services? Are there former BEP retirees providing that service? Thanks as always, Gar -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From terrydeagle at yahoo.com Wed May 15 02:19:01 2013 From: terrydeagle at yahoo.com (Terry Eagle) Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 22:19:01 -0400 Subject: [Vendorsmi] Fw: Port Huron and Mentors In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <7A61DF6E36394156A260C85A19B575FC@TerryPC> This is PURE B.S. 4 BP and blind vendors. Here are my ifs: If the BEP management and promotional agent were aware of the ongoing problems with the Port Huron route and Mr. Pertee, the route should and would not have deteriorated to the condition and point it did. If the BEP had really cared about replacing Mr. Pertee with a qualified blind temporary operator, they would have drawn from those of us who have a proven track record as temps and are on such list. More BS4BP in their choice of sighted outside vendor. Kiss BEP good-bye, while BEP management is busy kissing EOC leadership, instead of doing their job for blind vendors. If the Promotional Agent was making regular site visits, then action could have and should have been taken to document and remove Mr. Pertee in a timely manner, as is routinely done by BEP management when they don't like an operator for being factually outspoken, or an advocate, or are affiliated with NFB. If BEP paid their invoices in a timely manner, they would not have any problem getting product from Gordon Food Service. In other words, if BEP management led by good example, and do exactly what they expect from some Blind vendors, GFS and other sources would be available for product on short notice. If BEP management acted in the same fashion as they did during the Snyder transition period at the State Library/Muesum facility to provide inventory and equipment, then All-Star Bending would not be needed, and a blind temporary operator could and should have replaced Mr. Pertee. Perhaps BEP management was simply sleeping on-the-job and unaware and could not act timely to benefit a blind person and BEP for employment of the blind, rather than making excuses for giving away employment opportunities for the blind and future of BEP. If the BEST (Business Enterprise Support Team) was employed the way it was intended and approved by the MCB Board, the problems with Mr. Pertee could have and should have been identified and dealt with in one way or another during the six month probationary period, and likely removed in the same manner as Mr. Larry Ball was treated and removed from the BEP, notwithstanding the litigation and settlement cost to BEP. Now we the blind lose much more in job opportunities, as BEP management sleeps on-the-job. If promotional agents were made accountable equally, then the incompentent, behind-in-their-duties, and site visit no-show state employees would have been treated in the same manner as Ms. Mary Jenkins and Mr. David Robinson. Oh that's right, those two were identified as affiliated with NFB and true advocates for blind vendors. And of course, there is a double standard where it comes to accountability of some Promotional agents, especially if sighted, non-NFB affiliated, and willing to sleep with BEP management. Then accountability looks the other way, as the same performance goes undisciplined. If BEP and BS4BP management was so concerned about FULL SERVICE, then we would not have minimal producing facilities, a cafeteria closed at the Anderson Building, and one operator operating two facilities, halfway across the state, while another operator remains out-of-country beyond the 60-days without an approved leave, and not having to surrender the facility, or suspension of license for not being in compliance with BEP Administrative Rules. OH, that's right, the rules apply differently if you are a black female, a white male, or you are bought off or sleep with BEP management. If the BEP rules are being followed, then why is All-Star vending being given a guaranteed six month temporary assignment, unlike blind temporary operators, whom are only guaranteed thirty day operation of a facility. Sure looks like more discrimination against the blind. If the BEP rules are being followed by BEP and BS4BP management, why is the Port Huron vending route not on the bid line. Just mor BS4BP and the future of BEP. If the law is being followed, then why was the solicitation for an outside source not made public, so qualified blind business persons could bid on the temporary contract? Perhaps there is an intimate relationship or nepotism involved in this transactiom? If the bid process for the Anderson building cafeteria was determined by the Department of Attorney General to be in violation of the BEP Administrative Rules, then how is this outsourcing not also in violation of BEP rules and illegal? If the law is being followed, then why did the EOC not have "active participation" or "input" into the award of a six month temporary operation of the vending facility to an outside vendor? It is not reasonable to assume thatjust because EOC Chair Rob Essenberg is in an intimate relationship with BEP management, that he speaks for the elected body of operators. However, If Rob Essenberg was simply appointed promotional agent, as BEP management desires, and had been assigned to Mr. Pertee, Mr. Essenberg could have mentored Mr. Pertee on how to operate a non-profitable facility, gotten unlimited financial support from MCB, showed an inflated bogus profit the last month, and promoted to a top location, which he need not be at regularly. SUCCESS for both Mr. Pertee and the BEP! If Garnett does not stop asking vital questions of BEP and BS4BP, then she too faces an illegal closed meeting of the EOC, to be warned to cease-and-desist such embarrassing and humiliating questions, or risk facing the consequences, just as Ms. Brooks recently faced the consequences squad. In other words, STOP being an independent thinker and questioner. Rob Essenberg can and was elected by EOC to do those tasks, if he so desires and chooses to do for you and Ms. Brooks. Get with the EOC BEP management program and protocol, or lose your license and livelihood. Don't you get the writing on the wall, darn it, Garnett? -----Original Message----- From: Vendorsmi [mailto:vendorsmi-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Joe Sontag Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 6:17 PM To: VENDORSMI List Subject: [Vendorsmi] Fw: Port Huron and Mentors Much as predicted here. At least there was a response. What do you think? ----- Original Message ----- From: Garnet To: John McEntee ; Joe Sontag Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 17:28 Subject: Fwd: Port Huron and Mentors Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: "Zanger, Connie (LARA)" Date: May 14, 2013, 12:53:58 PM EDT To: "Garsvend at aol.com" Cc: Rob Essenberg , "resolutioncomm at sbcglobal.net" , "sjx3 at sbcglobal.net" , "keathleygreg at yahoo.com" , "jiggyzee at att.net" , "Kevin Tomczack (momandmikey at hotmail.com)" , "Nathanual Prater (thecrave at me.com)" , "lisalweber at yahoo.com" , "osvrjo at gmail.com" , "lucynmisty at yahoo.com" , "Hull, James (LARA)" , "Rodgers, Edward (LARA)" , "Luzenski, Sue (LARA)" , "Pemble, Mike (LARA)" , "Belknap, Katie (LARA)" Subject: RE: Port Huron and Mentors Good morning, Garnet; Thank you for your inquiry regarding the Port Huron Vending Route. It is always appreciated when Committee members and operators bring their questions directly to the Agency, rather than continue to wonder and speculate. The following responds to your two inquiries. Regarding the I-94 Port Huron Vending Route: You are correct. The condition at of the Port Huron Vending Route had seriously deteriorated. Not only had Mr. Pertee failed to service the vending route, he also failed to maintain the equipment and report equipment malfunctions. While the Agency cannot verify your assertion that Mr. Pertee failed to pay sales tax, you may be correct that he was deficient in this aspect of his business, as well. And, you are correct that it is the Program's goal to provide opportunities for blind persons to have a viable means of making a living. To that end, Agency staff attempted to work with Mr. Pertee to assist him in properly managing this facility. You may also know that more than one E O C member attempted to help Mr. Pertee. Perhaps even Mr. Pertee's classmates reached out to him. Unfortunately, Mr. Pertee was not receptive to these attempts. Mr. Pertee surrendered his license to operate a Business Enterprise Program facility in the State of Michigan on Friday, May 3rd, turning over his keys to Agency staff that afternoon. On Monday, May 6th, a product inventory was taken and the vending machine locks removed and replaced. On that same day, the Agency signed a temporary operator Agreement with All Star Vending. It is the same Agreement the Agency uses when engaging any temporary operator. Just as other temporary operators use State of Michigan equipment, All Star Vending, as the temporary operator, is using State of Michigan equipment. All Star immediately began servicing the sites on the vending route. On Friday, May 9th, B E P management and E O C leadership visited 3 of the 6 sites on this vending route. This group found the vending machines (except where waiting for parts) to be fully functional, immaculately clean and fully stocked. While this may not be the way you would have resolved this issue, the Agency chose this resolution as best for the Program for the following reasons: . The Agency's Memorandum of Understanding with M DOT includes this condition: Assure that vending machines will not be inoperable more than 12 consecutive hours without just cause. Assume complete responsibility for damage or theft of vending machines, vending machine areas and all contents. Vandalized machines will normally be removed within 24 hours. One of each product type machine must be operable and vending products at all times. Given this requirement, the vending machines had to be brought back to full service immediately. . The need for an operator was immediate. To comply with the Memorandum of Understanding, the Agency could not leave the vending facility unattended while the established bid process unfolded and an operator could be identified. . The Agency considered many temporary operators, including recently graduated students. It was our judgment that a temporary operator would not have the resources as you described to build up the vending route. And, it was our judgment that it would be a grave disservice to turn the vending route over to a brand new operator. . The repair service procurement process the Agency is constrained to use is cumbersome and causes delays in bringing equipment to full service. You are all too well aware, perhaps painfully so, of the delays that occur due to the repair service process. In light of the need to meet the conditions of the Memorandum of Understanding, the Agency did not have the luxury of completing the repairs. . The need for fully stocked vending machines was immediate. While the State of Michigan has a statewide contract with Gordon Food Service, the Agency has recently had significant difficulties with Gordon's honoring B E P purchase orders issued against the contract. Most recently these difficulties have been experienced at Cadillac Place and the Environmental Protection Agency. Again, In light of the need to meet the conditions of the Memorandum of Understanding, the Agency did not have the luxury of utilizing the established product procurement process. . Finally, the Agency wished to have the facility up and running well prior to the first of the summer holiday weekends. Any one of these factors would be a challenge for an operator coming to this facility. Taken all together, the Agency judged it to be onerous to expect an operator to assume these responsibilities. Additionally, the Agency wished to have the facility up and running well prior to Memorial Day holiday weekend; and to have it well established by the Labor Day holiday weekend. It was our judgment that the use of All Star Vending as a temporary operator was the right solution. Early in October, the Agency will evaluate the business. Based on the evaluation results, the facility (all 6 sites) will be placed on the bid line. Regarding Mentors: The Agency has often used retired B E P operators as mentors for struggling or new operators. The Agency has used Bill Myers as a mentor on several occasions. And despite our pleas, Bill has always refused payment for his services. Recently, the Agency arranged with Tom Carpenter to mentor Henry Mosley as Henry moved from the Hannah Building to the Romney Building, a politically very sensitive facility. Also recently, Brenda Karsies mentored new operator Silvia Trevino at the Kent County D H S office. The Program did not compensate these mentors, and for reasons of client confidentiality, cannot inquire of Voc Rehab if they provided this service. While we have reached out to other retirees, they have not always been willing or available to assist. It is hoped this information has been helpful to you, Garnet. As always, if you have further questions or require additional information, you are invited to contact me or James Hull. With best regards always, Constance Zanger Business Enterprise Program Manager Bureau of Services for Blind Persons Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs 517/335.3639 517/335.5140 (facsimile) From: Garsvend at aol.com [mailto:Garsvend at aol.com] Sent: Saturday, May 11, 2013 4:35 PM To: Zanger, Connie (LARA) Cc: abj.vending at yahoo.com; jrvending87 at yahoo.com; sunkat at wmis.net; sjx3 at sbcglobal.net; keathleygreg at yahoo.com; resolutioncomm at sbcglobal.net; jiggyzee at att.net Subject: Port Huron and Mentors Hi Constance, I was very disappointed to find out that the Port Huron vending route was turned over to the private sector. I know this route was run down and needs a lot of work. Mr. Pertee had this route for almost 2 years and no real or effective corrective action ever took place. How could anyone not paying sales tax, not filling the machines, no inventory, etc. last so long. Now, why is the agency taking a job opportunity away from a qualified candidate? Why are you turning state owned equipment over to the private sector? I've heard the inventory was an issue. There has been many inventory shortage issues in the past and there was always a way to deal with it. I'm sure if an existing operator was to accept this route they would be willing to use their own money for the starting inventory. Just like I had to do. The agency could get caught up in less than 30 days. I feel the agency took the easy way out even though the agency is just as responsible for the condition of this route as the prior operator. It's a shame. Isn't the purpose of the agency to employ blind people and not sited people. Also. I would like to know how many operators have agency provided mentors? I would like to know who the mentors are and how much they are getting paid? Is VR or the BEP paying for their services? Are there former BEP retirees providing that service? Thanks as always, Gar From suncat0 at gmail.com Mon May 20 16:45:35 2013 From: suncat0 at gmail.com (Joe Sontag) Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 12:45:35 -0400 Subject: [Vendorsmi] The 5/18 BEP Mandatory Meeting Message-ID: Here is a link to a recording of BSBP Director Rodgers' presentation to that meeting and the lengthy question and answer sessions that followed https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/22266576/Rodgers_051813.mp3 Because the function of the meeting was to give notice of coming increased reporting requirements for BEP operators beginning in calendar year 2014, some are wondering why it was felt necessary to have an expensive gathering just to get the word out, but I think the q/a portion was worth it, if only to show just what we can expect from the new Bureau in the future. I'm saving my few thoughts for another time. Joe Sontag -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: