Press Release
For Immediate Release - March 7, 2008

Contact: Rob Ennamorato - Communications Specialist - (410) 737-2615 rennamorato@bism.org

Blind Industries and Services of Maryland awarded by National Industries for the Blind for efforts to improve employment among people who are blind

Baltimore, MD - Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM), a not-for-profit organization that employs people who are blind by providing high quality products to the federal government, recently received an Employment Retention/Growth/Upward Mobility Award from National industries for the Blind (NIB) for BISM's demonstrated commitment to increase employment and economic opportunities for people who are blind.

BISM President Frederick J. Puente was presented with a reward check for $13,443 and an official NIB plaque acknowledging BISM's employment efforts for fiscal year 2007.

In 2006, the NIB Board of Directors created the Employment Retention, Growth and Upward Mobility Reward Program to promote employment opportunities for people who are blind at NIB associated agencies. This program provides $500,000 in funding for reward distribution to those agencies that retain, grow, place or promote employees who are blind. NIB and its associated agencies (such as BISM) represent the single largest employment program for people who are blind in the country and work hard to deliver quality products on time and at a fair market price.

Blind Industries and Services of Maryland is celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year and has special events planned for its Baltimore, Salisbury, and Cumberland locations. For a century, BISM has offered innovative training and diverse employment opportunities for blind and visually impaired Maryland citizens of all ages.

BISM Board of Trustees officers re-elected

Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM) is pleased to announce the re-election of its Board of Trustees officers.

Chairman Donald J. Morris was originally appointed to the BISM Board of Trustees in 1989 and has served as Chairman since 1994. Mr. Morris is a successful blind entrepreneur who owns O'Leary's Emporium in Emmitsburg, MD, and also serves as Chairman of the Maryland Retailers Association (MRA).

Vice Chairman Dr. Walter A. Brown, Ed.D was originally appointed to the BISM Board of Trustees in 1989. Dr. Brown is an Assistant Professor of Higher Education Administration at George Washington University, and previously served on the Committee on the Budget in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Treasurer James R. Berens was originally appointed to the BISM Board of Trustees in 1991. Mr. Berens is the President of Wexford Science + Technology, a real estate and development company based in Baltimore.

Secretary Dr. William E. Hadlock, Ed.D was originally appointed to the BISM Board of Trustees in 1989. Dr. Hadlock, who is blind, is a retired college professor who remains active by fundraising for blind senior programs.

The BISM Board of Trustees consists of eleven members appointed for three-year terms by the Governor with Senate advice and consent. Five of the current Board of Trustees members are blind.