cabvi to add 18 jobs: federal agency doubled contract for ... · cabvi to add 18 jobs: federal...
TRANSCRIPT
1507 Kent Street, Utica, NY
(315)797-2233 • www.cabvi.org
CABVI to add 18 jobs: Federal agency
doubled contract for call center
2
CABVI CALL CENTER CONTRACT
CONTINUED
3 - 5
CABVI SPECIAL EVENTS
6
2012 HOLIDAY APPEAL
7
TRIBUTE GIFTS
8
BOARD PROFILE: DICK DEWARCABVI President & CEO Rudy D’Amico, CABVI Board Chair Ed Welsh and Rep.
Richard Hanna (NY-24), announce the extended call center contract.
The Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) will
add 18 new jobs, most of which will go to people who are blind or visually
impaired, after a federal agency doubled the value, then extended the term, of a
contract to provide call center services.
The value of the contract will be $7.5 million over five years.
The contract is with an agency of the federal government and requires
CABVI’s Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) to verify, track and report
customer compliance with certain federal regulations.
“CABVI’s Customer Service Representatives are handling twice as many
calls than originally expected - over 140,000. Based on the call volume our
client doubled the contract,” said Rudy D’Amico, President and CEO of
CABVI.
Call Center Manager Ryan Eddy says there will be a distinct advantage for the
client. “Inbound and outbound calls will be handled more efficiently and
effectively. The addition of the new employees will drive down wait time from
callers and allow us to serve more people annually. “
2
CABVI’s call center opened in 2010. CSRs make calls
to clients of an agency of the federal government to
guide them through a certification process. The clients
are able to call the call center from anywhere in the
country, to fulfill their obligations or receive information
from CABVI’s Customer Service Representatives,
between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“This contract demonstrates the faith and confidence
that the government has in the quality of CABVI’s
abilities and workforce,” Mr. D’Amico added.
“It also reinforces CABVI’s commitment to
opportunities for upward mobility within the agency for
employees who are blind and looking for a different
career path.”
With the call center expansion CABVI’s total
employment number exceeds 220, an increase of 86
employees since 2005.
Mr. D’Amico also offered his thanks to National
Industries for the Blind (NIB) for their guidance in
securing the contract and The Community Foundation of
Herkimer and Oneida Counties and the New York State
Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped
(CBVH) for their financial support of CABVI’s effort.
“When CABVI set out to establish a call center in 2007,
as a way to provide training and employment for people
who are blind or visually impaired, the Community
Foundation and CBVH provided the means to expose our
consumers to the competitive field of customer service
call centers. The professionals at NIB helped make the
concept a reality by bringing CABVI together with the
customer.”
This is the second major Federal contract secured this
year by CABVI. In April, the United States Army
Security Assistance Command (USASAC) named
CABVI a prime vendor for Foreign Military Sales (FMS)
programs.
The FMS contract requires CABVI to provide troop
support equipment and clothing items in support of the
Aberdeen (MD) Contracting Center – Aberdeen Proving
Ground.
Through FMS, CABVI supplies U.S. allies, such as
Canada or Iraq, with individual troop requirements like
uniforms, mess kits and field packs, just to name a few
items. These products are produced by agencies that
employ people who are blind or have other severe
disabilities.
Customer Service Representatives operating phones
in CABVI’s expanded contact center.
CABVI produces or packages dozens of products in
32 distinct product lines from file folders and
garbage bags to examination gloves and green
cleaning products. The agency ships products to
every state and Puerto Rico. CABVI counts the
following among its 3000 customers:
United States Department of Defense
U.S. Department of Homeland Security/
Transportation Security Administration
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Transportation
All agencies of New York State government, political
subdivisions (counties, cities, towns and villages),
schools and public benefit corporations
Departments of the State of New York (Corrections,
Transportation, Office of Mental Health, Taxation and
Finance, General Services, etc.)
Departments of the City of New York (Human
Resources Administration, Homeless Services,
Children’s Services and Central Administrative
Services)
New York State’s ten largest counties
New York City Department of Education
New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation
(representing 15 hospitals)
New York City Transit
Metro North Railroad, Long Island Railroad
State University of New York system
SUNY Healthcare Hospitals
Staples
Grainger
MSC Direct
United Stationers
Cardinal Health
3
Thank you to our 2012 Special Event Sponsors
Air Temp Heating &
Air Conditioning, Inc.
Alliance Rubber
Arlott Office Products
Benefit Resources
Braden Packaging
Charles Gaetano Construction
Chima
Emerald Medical Products
Intgrys
Khol's
Leatherstocking Abstract, Corp.
Mayflower Trade
McDonald's
Mead Westvaco
Mountainside Medical
Plastic Bottles, Inc.
Red Steer Glove, Co.
Sempermed
Straubel Paper
Techno-Logic Solutions, Inc.
The Hartford
Uniglobe Manufacturing
Utica Valley Electric
4
A record breaking 238 guests turn out for CABVI’s
Dark Dining presented by NBT Bankby Pam DelMedico
Yes, you read it right... 238 guests attended the sixth
edition of CABVI’s Dark Dining presented by NBT
Bank. Held at the Yahnundasis Golf Club October 20, the
event raised net revenue exceeding $75,000 to help
people with vision loss receive services in Central New
York.
State Senator Joseph Griffo led the way as host. Sen.
Griffo and former New York Governor David Paterson
again recorded an hilarious TV commercial promoting
Dark Dining. Sen. Griffo also played a video message to
Dark Dining guests from Gov. Paterson.
“I see you invited Joe back this year after the a bang-up
job he did last time,” Mr. Paterson said. “Proof that
miracles really happen.” Mr. Paterson then praised the
employment opportunities provided by CABVI for
people who are blind.
Each guest had the option to wear a blindfold, test
different vision simulators, or simply enjoy the event at
their leisure. The simulators, constructed by volunteers
Hazel and Herb Black, allowed guests to see what it
would be like to have a visual impairment such as
cataracts, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, macular
degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy. The blindfold
would give the feeling of total blindness.
The silent auction featured works of art created by
blind, visually
impaired, or sighted
artists, each a local
resident and some
being CABVI
consumers. The
auction raised over
$3,400.
The Yahnundasis
culinary team
prepared an exquisite
meal using local
products that were
donated to the
CABVI Youth Volunteer, Thirawit Zimbler, poses
with his painting “Fall Landscape” featured in the
2012 silent auction.
Dark Dining guests brows the 2012 silent auction.
event. Feast your eyes on this menu...
Amuse Bouche
Prosciuto & puff pastry wrapped asparagus
with a truffle drizzle
Appetizer
Duck confit egg roll with a sweet chili sauce
and soy glaze
Salad
Aqua Vita Farms spring mix served with roasted beets,
Jones Family Farm goat cheese, drizzled with
Tassleberry Farms strawberry balsamic vinaigrette
Intermezzo
Bleu cheese mousse stuffed strawberry
with balsamic reduction
Entree
Surf & turf with potato-crusted Chilean sea bass and
braised beef short rib served with a creamy herb
mashed potato & roasted squash
Dessert
Warm apple crisp made with Twin Orchards apples
served with Roc-Star vanilla ice cream
These delectable delights were preceded by a one hour
open bar and a full hors d'oeuvre buffet.
CABVI thanks Sen. Griffo for a job well done, and
Gov. Paterson for his continued support of CABVI and
Dark Dining. The agency would also like to thank first
time chair Joannie Grande of Mac-Clark Restaurants for
her great leadership and the hard work of the planning
committee: Mindy Barstein, Kathy Beaver, Anne
D'Amico, Rudy D'Amico, Pamela DelMedico, Mary
Dougherty, Paul Drejza, Paula J. Flisnik, Steve Gannon,
Debbie Kessler, Jim Marscher, Mary Monahan,
Michelle Senus.
5
13th Annual Bramley Tournament a success!
Guests take note of the Brailled labels on the bottles
of wine imported from France by the Yahnundasis.
CNY Vision Foundation Chair Mindy Barstein, with
Assembly Woman Claudia Tenney at Dark Dining.
Roma Welsh, Dark Dining Chairwoman Joannie
Grande, and Anne D’Amico share a laugh.
State Senator Joe Griffo and CABVI President and
CEO Rudy D’Amico.
The Norman E. Bramley Memorial Golf Tournament held its 13th annual
outing September 19 to benefit CABVI. Organized by the family and friends
of Mr. Bramley, the 2012 tournament raised over $24,000.
Twenty-eight foursomes participated in this year’s event. The team of Gary
Scalzo, John Buffa, Lou Tehan and Chad DeFina won for the second time in
three years. Mr. Scalzo also donated nearly $700 in proceeds from the 50/50
raffle back to the tournament.
A longtime resident of Clarks Mills, NY, Mr. Bramley lost his vision
because of injuries he suffered while serving in the Navy during World War
II.
Since 2000, the Bramley family has raised $224,000 to support the services
and programs of the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
The committee would like to thank the event’s many
sponsors and contributors (see page 3) including Steet-Ponte
Ford, which sponsored the hole-in-one contest.
Former CABVI President Don
LoGuidice drives the 13th tee during
the 2012 Bramley Memorial.
6
Holiday AppealDecember 2012
Dear Fellow Benefactors:
A year ago I wrote to you asking for your support of the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired during the
holiday season. The response from the community so overwhelmed me that I decided to chair CABVI’s annual Holiday
Appeal again this year.
I stand behind this terrific organization because my
grandmother, Mable T. Clark, was blind and received services
from CABVI forty years ago. She served as the Matron of the St.
Luke’s Home in Utica and could continue her duties largely
because CABVI provided free services to her, and many people
like her, with vision loss.
What did the Central Association for the Blind and Visually
Impaired accomplish with your generosity from last year’s
Holiday Appeal? Let’s review some highlights:
• Over 1,200 individuals with vision loss received free services
ranging from low vision examinations to pre-vocational training
for children and adolescents
• Preschool vision screenings expanded into Fulton and
Montgomery Counties reaching over 4,000 children, catching dozens requiring doctor’s care to stave off long-term eye
disease
• The agency continued to be a laboratory to train the next generation of vision rehabilitation professionals in a partnership
with Hunter College
• CABVI secured new contracts with the State and Federal Governments, which expanded employment opportunities for
people who are blind or visually impaired. The entrepreneur in me likes the availability of good paying jobs with benefits for
people who are blind. The unemployment rate for that population is an astonishing 70 percent. CABVI is a model for the
industry. David Paterson, Former New York Governor, remarked, “Amid a national debate about equalizing competitive
benefits for the disabled, CABVI is leading the way.”
So I am asking you to join me on this journey - to keep the momentum growing for
people who are blind or visually impaired. As with any expedition, our path will offer
unique challenges but the rewards will be bountiful.
We’ll know we truly made a difference because meaningful employment for a
person who is blind is an adventure that leads to dignity, self-respect and
independence.
For others with vision loss, the path they’ll take will be a little different: an elderly
friend or loved one will learn skills to remain safe and independent in their homes
and communities, while children who need a leg up to excel at school, will get that
assistance from CABVI.
Many organizations will ask for your help this Holiday season. Please help one that
helps so many others. This year, help CABVI
Sincerely,
P.S. I contribute annually to CABVI because every dollar raised stays in Central New York serving people who are blind or
visually impaired. We are deeply grateful for your last gift. I hope you’ll renew your support today. Thank you for caring!
Harold T. Clark, Jr.
Honorary Chairperson
CABVI Holiday Appeal
7
Gifts in MemoryJuly 14, 2012 through October 31, 2012
William S. Calli
Rudy and Anne D’Amico
Antoinette Cirasuolo Pianella
Roberta True
Joan Digamus
Sandra L. Barnard
Joseph and Mary Jones
George and Barbara Mierek
Walter and Barbara Mierek
Staley Sunshine Club
Brenda Taylor
John and Jeannine Terek
Katarena Waterman
Robert and Nancy Wilson
Jack Fleury
Rudy and Anne D’Amico
Connie Gaetano
Faxton-St Luke’s Healthcare-
St. Luke’s Home
Rhea Goodman
Kenneth and Eleanor Thayer
Owen Hughes
Patricia Carnicelli
Charlene Castelletti
Michael and Jennifer Dorsino
Dorothy Farney
Deborah Favata
Cindy and P. Daniel Freudenberger
Carl and Katherine Graziadei
Michael and Christine Hoke
Lorraine M. Humphreys
Betty D. Kotary
Janet Lascurettes
Oriskany Teachers’ Association
Janice Russell
Elizabeth F. Smith
Louis and Eileen Sunderhaft
Alexandra Kogut
CABVI Employees
Ann K. Lekki
Gloria A Lekki-Macri, Esq.
Linda Martinelli
Vincent and Patricia Martinelli
Ronald Michalowski
Rudy and Anne D’Amico
Ruth Miller
William and Marjorie Callan
Robert Neuse
Roberta A Brockway
Robert A. Payne
Rudy and Anne D’Amico
Steve and Patty Gannon
Antoinette Pianella
Arline M. Dorozynski
Marie Eveges
Robert and Patricia Gondek
Mark and Janet Hanna
James and Karen Herrick
John and Cecelia Huther
Robert and Susan Kane
Linda Marino
Steve and JoAnn McCall
Daniel and Janet McCauley
Edward and Rosemary Nandzik
Parkhurst Unit 1448
Mildred Potrzeba
Eric Bjornland
Gifts in Honor
Kathy Beaver
Rehabilitation Staff at CABVI
Alice Kirker
Beverly Briggs
Linda Walsh
Lions Club of Sauquoit Valley
Legacy
SocietyGenerous contributors help the
Central Association for the Blind
and Visually Impaired provide our
vision rehabilitation services
without charge. Tens of thousands
of people who are blind or visually
impaired have benefitted from
your generosity through the years.
CABVI created the Legacy
Society to honor individuals whose
gifts through wills, life insurance,
retirement plans and various
charitable trusts or annuities have
already been received or will
someday accrue to the agency.
You can join the CABVI Legacy
Society by naming CABVI in your
will for a specific dollar amount or
a percentage of your net residual
estate. If you have a will already,
an amendment called a codicil
should suffice.
Following is sample wording of a
bequest codicil:
I give to the Central Association
for the Blind and Visually
Impaired of Utica, New York, ____
dollars ($_____) or _____% of my
net residual estate.
We are deeply grateful to each and
every donor for their thoughtful
commitment to the future financial
well-being of the Central
Association for the Blind and
Visually Impaired. For more
information about the Legacy
Society, please call Mary
Monahan, Public Relations and
Development Specialist at
(315) 797-2233.
8
Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired507 Kent StreetUtica, NY 13501
Address Service Requested
Rudy D’AmicoPresident and CEO
DIRECTORSEdward P. Welsh, ChairKenneth C. Thayer, Vice ChairJames B. Turnbull, IV, Vice ChairGen. Richard Evans, USA Ret., TreasurerMarie Bord, SecretaryMargaret G. Brown, CPARichard DewarHon. Ralph J. EannaceJoseph Gale, M.D.Shawn KellyHon. Michael J. MisiaszekCynthia J. Parlato, M.D.Barton R. RasmusCol. Paul A. Steves, USA Ret.Thomas P. Webb, O.D.
EMERITIMark H. Elias, M.D.Mrs. Robert H. Fearon, Jr.Charles A. GaetanoMrs. Emlyn I. GriffithMrs. James P. O’DonnellRobert A. Payne, Sr.Julius Perillo
C.A.B. FOUNDATIONMichael J. Misiaszek, Esq., ChairFred Sadallah, Vice ChairWilliam L. Corrigan, Secretary/TreasurerPondra Bowen-KitchenSteve CaterRay O’BrienBart RasmusEdward P. WelshMichael Wicks, Ph.D.
EMERITIRemi CharleboisJim Robinson
CNY VISION FOUNDATIONMindy S. Barstein, ChairpersonGary D. Scalzo, Vice-ChairmanTammy Puchalski, TreasurerDebbie Kessler, SecretaryAndrew Cleary, MBAPaul DrejzaRalph ImundoBarry SinnottMatthew SistiEdward P. Welsh
NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
UTICA NY
PERMIT NO. 324
Current newsletters and annual reports are available in Braille, on disk, audiocassette or onour website cabvi.org. If you prefer to receive future editions of our publications in oneof these alternative formats, call CABVI at (315)797-2233.
Established in 1929, CABVI is a not-for-profit agency that serves people who areblind or visually impaired, from newbornsto the elderly, generally free of charge.Our staff of professionals offerscomprehensive vision rehabilitation,employment and technology services,personally tailored to people with visualimpairments. Our mission is to assistpeople who are blind or visuallyimpaired achieve their highest levelsof independence.
Focus, the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired’s newsletter, is published three times annually by the Public Relations Department at the Central Association for the Blind
and Visually Impaired, 507 Kent Street, Utica, NY 13501. Volume 18, Issue 3. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Focus, Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired,
507 Kent Street, Utica, NY 13501.
(315) 797-2233 . (877) 719-9996
Board Member
Profile: Dick DewarWhile casually enjoying Dark Dining,
CABVI Board Member Dick Dewar
surveyed the scene and used one word
to describe his experience: Synergy.
“I look at everything about this
agency, the services, the people –
what’s going on here tonight – and I
see everyone moving in one direction,
helping where we can.
“That’s my definition of synergy.”
Dick’s affiliation with CABVI started
through his friendship with CABVI
President & CEO Rudy D’Amico.
“Rudy and I go back a long way. I’ve followed his involvement with the
agency. It took a while but I caught his enthusiasm.”
Dick joined the CABVI Board of Directors in 2010. “I serve with bright,
forthright people. I’ve never been more proud to be associated with a cause.
A Sunoco franchisee with stores along
the New York State Thruway, Dick is
father to three daughters, “all still living
in Central New York,” and seven
grandchildren. He shares his time with
Rita Kempson, herself a volunteer at
CABVI.
“See? That’s what I mean by synergy!”