National Industries for the Blind and DeCA Join Forces to Enhance Service to Customers

NIB President and CEO Kevin A. Lynch and DeCA Director and CEO Joseph H. Jeu Sign Joint Vision Statement

October 3, 2012, ALEXANDRIA, VA – National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) signed a joint vision statement during a special ceremony at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.

NIB and DeCA formalized their commitment to identifying and pursuing business opportunities that are mutually beneficial for both organizations. Kevin A. Lynch, President and CEO of NIB, and Joseph H. Jeu, Director and CEO of DeCA, signed the statement.

“This vision statement formalizes what has already been a strong business relationship between NIB and DeCA,” says Lynch. “Together, we can continue to provide quality goods and services, and at the same time, create more jobs for people who are blind.”

Despite continued gains in employment, 70 percent of working-age Americans who are blind are not employed. NIB’s mission is to create, sustain, and improve employment opportunities for people who are blind.

The vision statement stipulates that NIB and DeCA will each designate a senior management official to serve as a liaison between the two organizations, and mutually agree on annual goals and objectives.

“The collaborative effort between DeCA and NIB is evidenced by the signing of the joint vision statement today,” says Jeu. “Our military families set the standard every day for selfless service, and this partnership is committed to delivering innovative and quality services to all those who serve.”

NIB and DeCA have historically collaborated in the areas of retail products, services, and operational supplies for the AbilityOne® Program, a federal program that creates employment opportunities for people who are blind or severely disabled.

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About National Industries for the Blind
NIB is a nonprofit organization focused on enhancing the opportunities for economic and personal independence of people who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment. NIB and its network of 90 associated nonprofit agencies nationwide serve as the largest employer for people who are blind by the sale of SKILCRAFT® and other products and services through the AbilityOne Program, established by the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act. For more information, visit www.nib.org.

About the Defense Commissary Agency
The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5 percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices—savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country. For more information, visit www.commissaries.com.

Contact:
Mike Johnson
mgjohnson@nib.org
703-310-0568