 about us
Our Vision
To be the employer of choice in the surrounding area for people who are blind or visually impaired who are able and want to work, enriching their lives through meaningful work in a supportive environment.
Our Mission Statement
To enhance the opportunities for people who are blind to achieve greater vocational, personal and economic independence.
Our Values
EXCELLENCE
Our organization will strive for excellence in all that we do by:
Providing opportunities for organizational and personal growth
Encouraging open communications
Encouraging teamwork
Providing creative learning experiences
Providing a positive, fulfilling working environment
Providing a safe working environment
RESPECT
We will show respect for others at all times and in all places by:
Being sensitive to their attitudes, feelings and circumstances
Treating everyone in a courteous and equitable manner and expecting the same in return
COMMUNICATION
We will encourage communication that is:
Purposeful, honest and non-threatening
Clearly articulated and easily understood
Intended to promote or develop ideas and opinions
INTEGRITY
We will, at all times, behave in an ethical and trustworthy manner guided by our values, beliefs and mission.
CUSTOMER - DRIVEN
We will strive to understand our customers and to meet or exceed their expectations. Customers include employees, and others who receive our products and services.
A Brief History
Industries of the Blind, Inc. (IOB, Inc.) Greensboro traces its beginnings to 1933 when the first work program in North Carolina was organized as the Guilford County Association for the Blind for people who were blind. Our six employees made mops for commercial sales in a leased storefront.
IOB Greensboro was one of the first agencies employing blind people to become associated with the National Industries for the Blind (NIB) in 1938, and we then took our current name, Industries of the Blind, Incorporated. As an NIB agency, the number of product items produced by our employees increased and the number of employees grew to 35 blind people during World War II. During that period of time the first portion of our current building was constructed on West Lee Street, and a group medical plan and other fringe benefits were made available to employees.
IOB, Inc. entered into its first one million dollar contract in 1962. Additional important contracts followed including those for clipboards and pens in 1968. Along with the growth of work opportunities came additions, improvements and renovations to our building. Today IOB, Inc. employs over 100 employees in various manufacturing and service direct labor, supervisory and management positions. From our very beginning, our directors have believed in reinvesting excess earnings in the purchase of new equipment, the development of new products and the improvement of quality to create and sustain jobs for blind people. Our Executive Director attributes our success to " the hard work of IOB employees and the leadership of its Board of Directors that is extraordinary in its dedication to IOB's mission."
Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (JWOD)
The National Industries for the Blind was incorporated in 1938 as a result of the Wagner-O'Day Act, legislation that established a Federal market for the purchase of products manufactured by organizations employing people with severe vision disabilities. The Act was amended in 1971 as the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act to provide for the purchase of both products and services and included Federal purchasing from industries serving people with other significant disabilities. A sister organization was formed called NISH to represent these agencies with the Federal Government.
The Committee For Purchase From People Who Are Blind Or Severely Disabled is a small Federal agency, which administers the JWOD program. Their members include senior officials from major Federal procurement agencies and private citizens representing people who are blind and otherwise severely disabled who are appointed by the President of the United States.
For further information on Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act, The National Industries for the Blind, or Skilcraft products, please visit these websites:
www.nib.org
www.jwod.gov
An NIB Associated Agency
Industries of the Blind. Inc., Greensboro, is associated with National Industries for the Blind, a private not-for-profit corporation that develops new business opportunities and allocate government contracts for its associated agencies. There are 84 NIB associated agencies located nation-wide employing approximately 5,000 individuals who are blind in manufacturing, service, professional, supervisory, and management positions. These individuals choose to work at an NIB associated agency because technology, accommodations, and other specialized services are used to optimize productivity and job satisfaction.
Board of Directors
Michael G. Jackson
Chairman of the Board/President
Lenwood Dennis
1st Vice President
Jack Knowles
2nd Vice President
Glenn D. Rainey
Secretary
William O. Cordes
Treasurer
Fred Reinecke
Joe Hughes
Tom Hall
Pat Adams
Bill Linton
A.C. Jones
Harold Messick
Steve Bright
Meet Our Staff
Betsy Thorne Executive Director
David LoPresti Director of Operations
John Swaine Director of Finance
Varo Duffins Human Resources Manager
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