about us

Our Vision

To eliminate all barriers for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Our Mission Statement

To provide opportunities for employment and personal development for people who are blind or visually impaired to achieve greater independence.

Our Values

 
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

Lenwood Dennis
Chairman of the Board/President

William J. Craft
1st Vice President

Sandra Shelton
2nd Vice President

Harold Messick
Secretary

Ashley S. James, Jr.
Treasurer

Chi Anyansi-Archibong

Paul Marth

Dave Thompson

Christopher Peters

Richard Craig

Jeffery Claypool

Meet Our Staff

David LoPresti - President
Naari Honor- Executive Assistant
Tom Boggs - Director Of Finance
Fred Reinecke - Director Human Resources
Richard Oliver - Operations Manager
Mike Hill - National Sales Manager
Bob Gwyn - Supply Chain Manager
Jon Fender - Quality Assurance Manager
Lanee Kirby - Information Technology Administrator
Colby Templeton - Product Development Engineer
 

Senator Kay Hagan Visits IOB!

On February 18, 2009, US Senator Kay Hagan toured our facility and had the opportunity to visit with people and get a first hand look at the quality blind-made products being produced in Greensboro. During her in-state work period, Senator Hagan took the time to hear our concerns and issues that are on most American's minds these days.

Betsy Thorne, IOB's Executive Director, led the tour and introduced Senator Hagan to several key people throughout the organization. Being on the Armed Services Committee, our military textile products were of great interest. These products go to directly support our nation's war-fighters. Senator Hagan got a first hand look at the making of our MOLLE hydration carrier, JS List bag, and moisture wicking t-shirt.

Senator Hagan was able to see that people who are blind can accomplish anything given the right opportunities. Industries of the Blind would like to thank Senator Hagan for her efforts and for seeing the great need for the AbilityOne Program.

Greensboro's local Fox News channel interviewed the Senator and then included video footage of her tour of our facility. To view the video segment, please follow the link Newsmakers - Senator Kay Hagan.