In conjunction with the National Association of Blind Merchants (NABM), U-Select-It, Inc. (USI) hosted NABM members for an on-site training event at USI’s corporate headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa.
Attended by over 50 individuals representing nine (9) Midwestern states, the training was in conjunction with the group’s two-day Training for Midwest States event held September 20-21. The NABM training event featured a diverse range of topics including State specific updates, a briefing from the Rehabilitation Services Administration, a discussion on opportunities for BEP vendors in inmate commissaries, and a report from the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind.
As a part of the event, the NABM group toured USI’s manufacturing facility and received hands-on equipment training on merchandisers across USI’s comprehensive equipment line of ambient snack, cold drink, refrigerated and frozen food combo, and hot beverage merchandisers.
"This training was part of NABM’s ongoing effort to ensure that state business enterprises staff and blind entrepreneurs have the latest information to help grow their business,” said Nicky Gacos, President of the National Association of Blind Merchants. “We truly appreciate the role USI played in the training and for their gracious hospitability.”
In addition, the training focused on current technology related to accessibility and suggestions on how to further improve vending machine accessibility for BEP vendors. And, a session on cashless vending was presented by USA Technologies (USAT) discussing how cashless can increase revenue for the BEP Program and for BEP vendors. After the on-site training at USI, the company hosted attendees for a cookout.
"The opportunity to co-host this event allows USI the ability to hear what is important to this distinguished customer group, especially in terms of accessibility and technology. Our product development roadmap is greatly influenced by this type of event and we are grateful to have the chance to participate with such a hands on organization as the NABM/BEP,” said Jim Chico, President of Sales of USI.
National Association of Blind Merchants – The NABM, a Division of the National Federation of the Blind, is an advocacy and support organization of blind persons employed in either self-employment work or the Randolph-Sheppard Vending Program. The NABM provides information regarding rehabilitation, social security, tax, and other issues which directly affect blind merchants. www.blindmerchants.org
About U-Select-It, Inc. - U-Select-It is a leading vending solutions provider offering the industry’s most comprehensive range integrated, full-line vending equipment, services, and technology. Family owned and operated, USI has served the vending industry for more than 85 years. www.uselectit.com
