NIB to Showcase Outdoor Products Made by People Who Are Blind in Effort to Build Commercial Partnerships
January 23, 2013, Salt Lake City, UT – For the first time ever, National Industries for the Blind (NIB), the nation’s largest employment resource for people who are blind or visually impaired, will attend the 2013 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in Salt Lake City, Utah. NIB (booth #62047) will join hundreds of the nation’s most popular outdoor retailers and manufacturers at the largest winter sports industry gathering in the world.
In an effort to build partnerships with the nation’s leading manufacturers and retailers of outdoor apparel and equipment, NIB will demonstrate the quality and craftsmanship of products made by people who are blind.
“We have 75 years of expertise in the manufacturing industry with a highly skilled, U.S.-based workforce,” says Kevin Lynch, NIB President and CEO. “It is a natural next step for us to introduce this successful manufacturing model to the outdoor sports industry.”
NIB and its nationwide network of nonprofit agencies produce high quality, durable apparel and other outdoor gear for the U.S. military, including uniforms, protective equipment, and other accessories. These products require specialized expertise from a trained, capable workforce to meet the military’s exacting specifications.
“We have a long and successful history of outfitting our nation’s warfighters, and we’re eager to deliver the same results to our outdoor industry partners,” adds Lynch.
Several sample products manufactured by people who are blind will be on-hand at the Winter Market, including the Army and Air Force physical training uniforms, the Army combat shirt, an aviator’s kit bag, and a backpack hydration system. NIB will also emphasize its experience in green and sustainable production, making them an ideal partner for outdoor retailers and manufacturers that value environmental stewardship.
The Outdoor Retailer Winter Market is the largest winter lifestyle and sports industry gathering in the world, bringing together retailers, manufacturers, industry advocates, and the media to learn about the latest trends and products in the outdoor industry. More than 20,000 participants are expected to attend the event, which includes live demonstrations, seminars, and an exhibitor trade show.
For more information on the 2013 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, visit www.outdoorretailer.com/winter-market.
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About National Industries for the Blind (NIB)
For 75 years, NIB has focused on enhancing the opportunities for economic and personal independence of people who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment. NIB and its nationwide network of 91 associated nonprofit agencies serve as the largest employer of people who are blind by the sale of SKILCRAFT® and other products and services through the AbilityOne Program, a federal government purchasing program. For more information on NIB, visit www.nib.org.
Contact:
Laura Reimers
Vice President, Communications
703-310-0453
lreimers@nib.org