Local agencies form a task force for the betterment of people who are blind or visually impaired

July 1, 2010 – Cincinnati, OH – Two local nonprofit agencies whose missions are to promote independence for people with visual impairments, are working together through a joint planning initiative. The Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) and Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CCBVI) have formed a Joint Planning Task Force (JPTF), the purpose of which is to look strategically at how both agencies operate and leverage their collective resources to promote improved efficiencies, create more cost effective means of service delivery while providing improved and greater levels of service in line with their respective missions. The JPTF is comprised of the top executive and volunteer leadership from both organizations. Since both agencies exist to serve similar constituencies, the JPTF is set out to identify which of their collective programs and products, when implemented collaboratively, will better serve people who have vision loss. “This is an exciting time for both agencies. Never before has there been such a spirit of cooperation between CABVI and CCVBI,” states John Mitchell, CABVI executive director. “We intend to build on each other’s strengths to ensure a strong, positive impact in the Greater Cincinnati community.” Robin Usalis, CCBVI president/CEO adds, “Our respective boards and senior leadership are in full agreement that now is the time to enhance our collaborative relationship and implement those areas identified in our Needs Assessment, which was our first formal joint project.” The JPTF will meet regularly to determine what programs, products and initiatives will benefit from a collaborative focus with the end result being increased efficiencies, cost savings and more extensive community services while providing growth and sustainability for both agencies.

CABVI honored

CABVI was named non-profit of the year runner-up in the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber 2010 Small Business Awards at the annual Small Business Awards Luncheon on May 25, 2010. Pictured left to right are Kay Geiger, PNC President, John Mitchell, CABVI Executive Director, and John Bosse, Vice President Small Business Development Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber.

CABVI Elects New Board Members

The Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired elected new board members at its 99th Annual Meeting on April 30, 2010.

Norma Rashid (former WLWT news anchor), Jenny Franta (vice president and trust officer at Fifth Third Bank), and Dennis Dern (global controller for General Electric Company's Corporate Accounting Team) were newly elected.

Deborah Kendrick (writer and speaker on disability issues), Ron Ott (retired sales executive from Cincinnati Bell), and Dr. Michael Petersen, M.D., Ph.D. (chairman of the board of directors at the Cincinnati Eye Institute and director of the Division of Ophthalmology at Bethesda Hospitals) were re-elected to the board after a one-year hiatus.

Board members elected to a second three-year term include Michele Carey, Harry Dornheggen, Stephen Keckeis, Dr. Michael Lichstein, Thomas Long, and Reuben Shaffer.

Rosemary Bloom, Susan Friedlander and Norman Macon were each honored as a CABVI trustee emeritus after having served 35 years on the board.

Board officers elected for 2010 to 2011 include:  Michael Lichstein, Ph.D. as president; Dan Braun as vice president; Patricia D. Laub as vice president/secretary; Mary L. Rust as vice president; and Glen G. Vogel as vice president/treasurer.

CABVI Employee of the Year Named

Centerville, Ohio resident Richard Volkerding was recently honored by CABVI with the agency's Bradley L. Kaylor Blind Employee of the Year Award.

Volkerding is a sales associate at the agency's Office Runway base supply center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base where he has worked since 2006. His skills in working around people come from a history of nearly 30 years in management. For twenty years prior to joining CABVI, Volkerding was a contracted manager and operator for a vending business enterprise program through the Business Services for the Visually Impaired. Before that he managed a drug store.

"Richard has a real can-do attitude of optimism and determination. He combines personality and warmth with a commitment to customer needs to further our effort of exceptional customer service. As a result, many of the Base personnel have come to know Richard personally. The same positive reaction is echoed with our BSC staff, who view Richard as a teammate, a friend, and a tireless disability advocate," said Brian Powell, CABVI director of administration.

When he is not working, Volkerding enjoys spending time in his yard and attending high school and college sports with his wife, Carol.