[vendtalk] Oklahoma & so many questions!

Mon Oct 22 14:52:11 UTC 2012

Exciting news! First, on August 25th a unanimous vote was taken after considerable open cordial discussion to disband the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of Oklahoma affiliation with their parent organization. On Saturday, October 20th, the vast majority of blind vendors in Oklahoma met to discuss creating new opportunities in Oklahoma. I was thrilled to facilitate a 4 hour discussion. We talked about transforming the program. We talked about the mutual benefits to be derived through this new collaboration with the National Federation of the Blind. After thorough discussion of a constitution there was a unanimous vote to adopt a constitution which created the Oklahoma Association of Blind Merchants, a division of the National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma and an affiliate of the National Association of Blind Merchants. What a great group of vendors and spouses took place in the discussion. An election of officers was held. Rob Brown was elected to be the President. I believe he will work closely with the elected committee, the agency, the President of NFBO, and our National Association to take on the challenges and help develop new opportunities for blind entrepreneurs in Oklahoma and the nation. 

As for rebates, it is now undeniable that many vendors have been receiving no rebates from the RSVA Pepsi rebate program. Many of their affiliates have been receiving mere pennies from this vaunted rebate program. President Gacos and his team are working closely to determine how many dollars have actually been lost to former RSVO affiliates and many blind vendors whose names were used inappropriately to garner Pepsi rebates which were never distributed. We will be working to develop better pricing throughout the country.

As for rebates, this AmeriSource program has already proven effective. Although it has only been in effect for a short time vendors who have signed up are already receiving substantial rebates.

Congratulations Oklahoma! Congratulations Illinois! These are just two of the states who have left the crumbling and dysfunctional ACB affiliate and joined the 21st Century! Together we will continue to build business opportunity and change what it means to be blind.

-----Original Message-----
From: vendtalk [mailto:vendtalk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of mazher
Sent: Monday, October 22, 2012 4:52 AM
To: 'Vendor Talk Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [vendtalk] Oklahoma & so many questions!

Kevan Worley, John Gordon: I believe you guys owe Oklahoma some serious technical assistance.  Can Terry Smith provide them with hands on help?
Sincerely meant.  
Ms. Hutson, a word of advice.  There are no magic bullets or cookie cutter recipes out there.  Almost every state has its own unique set of problems and challenges.  There are plenty of good ideas out there.  You have to make sure they will work for you.  Good luck.

-----Original Message-----
From: vendtalk [mailto:vendtalk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Rhonda Hutson
Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2012 11:31 PM
To: vendtalk at nfbnet.org; Mike Hamrick; Dr. Michael Jones; Rhonda Hutson
Cc: Renee Mark; Rob Brown; Tara Brown; Aleatha Warden; Don & Diana LaPorte; Scott Eubank; John Wardwell; David Alstatt; Glenn Benedict
Subject: [vendtalk] Oklahoma & so many questions!

I have so many questions and slowly asking them.

Apparently Illinois has figured out how to do the unassigned vending in their state. I think we have a strong enough law to do the same. I need guidance because I don't know where to begin!

Next we are trying to re-do our process in the selection process with our business plans & interview questions because some of the managers do not think the selection process is fair enough. Tim, I'll be calling you later this week. Thanks for giving me your contact information!

I'm concerned about the cancellation of the RSVA Pepsi contract ... will that raise the prices we are currently charged now even if we are going to go with Amerisource?

I'm interested in learning more about the Tennessee & the program that they were able to work out with the prisons and the software they have developed.
How much would it cost another state to come on board with this? We seem at this point to be locked into Aramark & I feel that if we had the freedom to choose our suppliers, it would give us an edge. I need to know that we have the oppoortunity with our current laws that we can decide our faith.

I am asking for guidance and honestly don't know where to begin. Oklahoma has been operating by themselves for a long time and we need advice, support and  guidance. I feel like we are fish out of the water. Please, I welcome input and wisdom.

Rhonda Hutson
918-962-5445 Home
918-774-3213 Cell
rhondahutson3 at gmail.com
Order Corinthia Falls by Kim Hutson!
www.kimhutson.com/
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