[vendtalk] Lone Star BLAST 2014 registration and hotel reservations now open

[Kevan Worley]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Cheryl Gross
Merchant Relations
National Association of Blind Merchants
Phone: (866) 543-6808, extension 10
cherylgross at blindmerchants.org<file:///C:\Users\Worley\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary%20Internet%20Files\Content.Outlook\ZYKODS0Q\cherylgross@blindmerchants.org>

National Association of Blind Merchants
Announces Lone Star BLAST 2014

Colorado Springs, Colorado (April 15, 2014):  The National Association of Blind Merchants (NABM)<http://www.blindmerchants.org/>, a division of the National Federation of the Blind<http://www.nfb.org/>, today announced the opening of registration and hotel reservations for Business Leadership and Superior Training (BLAST), November 2014. Lone Star BLAST 2014 will be held at the Austin Renaissance Hotel from November 18-20.

Nicky Gacos, president of the National Association of Blind Merchants, said: "In coordination with Business Enterprises of Texas and the elected committee, we have begun to plan the biggest, boldest, most far-reaching training for blind entrepreneurs and state agency personnel.  It will be a BLAST as big as Texas."

NABM and National Federation of the Blind Entrepreneur Initiative will jointly plan the conference. The group has already begun planning the biggest trade show in its history, working in conjunction with the RSA Buying Group and the Committee of Blind Operators of Texas. NABM is also pleased to announce that in coordination with the National Counsel for State Agencies for the Blind, BLAST will, again this year, feature a day-long training event exclusively for State Licensing Agency staff. The association is also working with NCSAB to offer continuing education for attorneys working with state VR agencies and Business Enterprise programs. Those sessions will take place on Tuesday, November 18.

BLAST seminars will begin the morning of Tuesday, November 18, with business development training on the morning of Wednesday, November 19.  The trade show will take place Wednesday afternoon.  There will be a full day of targeted education related to personal and professional growth on Thursday, November 20.  BLAST will conclude with an all-star Lone Star BLAST banquet and celebration on Thursday evening.
Room reservations at the luxurious Austin Renaissance, 9721 Arboretum Blvd. Austin, TX 78759, are available now at the unbelievable rate of $129.00 per night plus applicable taxes. There are a limited number of executive suites available, on a first come first serve basis, at $149.00 per night. Rooms are available from Sunday, November 16 through Saturday, November 22, 2014. Reservations should be made online at www.blindmerchants.org<http://www.blindmerchants.org/>. You may also phone the hotel at (800) 468-3571. Explain to the agent that you are registering for BLAST under the National Association of Blind Merchants group.
Act now to take advantage of early-bird registration rates. Again this year, BLAST registration will be $200.00. If you register prior to September 2, 2014 you will be charged only $160.00. Remember that the BLAST registration fee covers BLAST activities excluding out of hotel tours or events which may be offered. Your registration fee covers training, training materials, welcoming reception, leadership breakfast, trade show and trade show reception, as well as the banquet to be held on Thursday evening November 20. Register now at www.blindmerchants.org<http://www.blindmerchants.org/>. For questions or assistance with hotel reservations or Lone Star BLAST registrations please call 866-543-6808.

Austin is the home of the most diverse and lively music scene in the world.  NABM invites you to come for the high-caliber training, networking, and Texas hospitality.  In an e-mail to constituents, President Gacos said: "If you plan to attend any national training conference in 2014, make it the Lone Star BLAST!"

To offer your ideas for the kind of training you'd like to have at the Lone Star BLAST, contact Kevan Worley, program chair, at 866-543-6808 or kevanworley at blindmerchants.org<mailto:kevanworley at blindmerchants.org>.

Think training! Think opportunity! Think Austin, Texas!
Think BLAST!


At your service,

[cid:image001.jpg at 01CDBCF2.C07B8380]

Kevan Worley
Executive Director
National Association of Blind Merchants
kevanworley at blindmerchants.org<mailto:kevanworley at blindmerchants.org>
866-543-6808

Wondering what to do with your old car or truck? Donating your vehicle to the National Federation of the Blind is convenient and may qualify you for a tax deduction. Call 1-855-659-9314 or visit www.carshelpingtheblind.org<www.carshelpingtheblind.org%20> Your donation can take the blind further


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