N ATIONAL I NDUSTRIES FOR THE B LIND S TRATEGIC P LAN October 13, 2015

2 Executive Summary Disciplined ProcessKey Threats Unfavorable changes to legislation and policy Challenging federal sales environment Federal buyers circumventing AbilityOne Key Opportunities Geographic expansion Diversification of offerings and customers Improved collaboration with program partners Six Strategies Adapting and Growing Employment in a Changing Environment

3 NIB’s Strategic Planning Process Review Vision, Mission, Values Outline NIB’s Envisioned Future Analyze NIB SWOTIdentify StrategiesDevelop TacticsDetermine Goals NIB Board Responsibility, with Staff Input NIB Staff Responsibility, with Board Guidance

4 NIB Vision and Mission Vision: Blindness is not a barrier to employment Mission: To enhance the opportunities for economic and personal independence of persons who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment

5 NIB Values We are committed to maintaining the highest level of trust and integrity while conducting business with individuals, organizations, private industry and government. We are committed to conducting business lawfully and ethically with all people who are blind, employees, associated industries, customers and suppliers. A primary goal of NIB and our associated agencies is to enhance the opportunities for personal and economic independence of people who are blind. We seek to achieve excellence in delivery of service and provision of access, both physical and programmatic. We are accountable for all our decisions and actions. We are committed to providing excellent quality, value, competitive prices and superior service to all our customers who use products and services made and/or provided by people who are blind. We are committed to recognizing the changing needs and preferences of our customers.

6 NIB SWOT Summary Unfavorable changes to legislation and policy Challenging federal sales environment Federal buyers circumventing the AbilityOne Program Geographic expansion Diversification of offerings, customers Improved collaboration with program partners Current workforce skills do not fit emerging needs Lack of diversification and agility AbilityOne business model is cumbersome Lack of access to some metro areas AbilityOne authorized Central Nonprofit Agency (CNA) Experienced staff, board Strong brand and reputation Broad NIB-associated nonprofit agency (NPA) capabilities StrengthsWeaknesses ThreatsOpportunities

7 NIB Strategies StrategyRationale 1. Diversification Opens up new customers, business lines to grow employment; reduces risk 2. Marketing Limits customer buy-arounds; promotes NPA and employee capabilities; supports diversification 3. Advocacy Strengthens ties between oversight bodies and NPA employees who are blind 4. Develop the labor force of people who are blind and respond to changes in population demographics Aligns workforce with market demand to protect and grow employment for people who are blind 5. Respond to trends in disability policy that are focusing on competitive integrated employment through a balanced approach Protects NIB’s support of the diverse population of people who are blind and ensures the AbilityOne model fits constructively within the policy 6. Maximize AbilityOne business Leverages current NIB and NPA strengths

8 NIB Envisioned Future Significantly increased employment of people who are blind Diversified 1) customers, 2) product and service offerings, and 3) business models to add a variety of employment opportunities and career tracks that are aligned with market demand and employment requirements Includes a business model for serving people who are blind of all capabilities Effected federal policy to recognize the essential role of NPAs in providing legitimate employment options for people who are blind Potentially leverage NIB’s competencies to support individuals undergoing vision loss

9 Summary These strategies will drive NIB’s future and will: –Protect and expand employment for people who are blind –Maximize NIB and associated nonprofit agency strengths –Offset weaknesses –Capitalize on new growth opportunities –Ensure NIB aligns the workforce of people who are blind with the jobs that will be available