Bill Text: MS SC595 | 2017 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Recognize Mississippi Industries for the Blind and Executive Director Michael Chew.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2017-02-24 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC595 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2017-SC595-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2017 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Burton, McMahan, Blount, Browning, Frazier, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Parker, Seymour
Senate Concurrent Resolution 595
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MISSISSIPPI INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND FOR 75 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI AND COMMENDING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MICHAEL CHEW.
Whereas, in 1928, the Mississippi Commission for the Blind was formed to administer newly enacted legislation authorizing the state to "aid the blind, whose training is not otherwise provided for, in finding employment." After Governor Paul B. Johnson, Sr., signed the act, eight people who were blind started vocational training in Jackson in the basement of the old mental hospital on North State Street; and
Whereas, in 1942, the state agency Mississippi Industries for the Blind (MIB) was established through legislation to provide employment and training for Mississippians who are blind or visually impaired and the agency moved into the 2501 North West Street facility, its current location; and
Whereas, the mission of MIB is to provide training and employment for individuals who are blind or visually impaired and to facilitate independence and self-reliance in all aspects of their lives. MIB is a leading employer of Mississippians who are blind. MIB offers employment opportunities at all levels of the organization, from direct labor manufacturing jobs, to service jobs like document imaging and call center services, to management staff positions. For example, with over 15,000,000 pages converted, MIB has proven its capabilities to such customers as the Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission, Mississippi Department of Human Services, Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, just to name a few; and
Whereas, the vision of MIB is to have several locations across the state providing employment opportunities; in 1981, a satellite manufacturing facility was started in Meridian, Mississippi. The Meridian facility utilizes metal-working processes and products. Jobs in this facility include machine operation of stamping presses, robotic welding and various assembly operations such as drilling and riveting; and
Whereas, in September 2010, MIB became ISO 9001 certified. Throughout its history, MIB has been known for its high quality products and excellent workmanship. This certification demonstrates continuing commitment to this quality emphasis. In addition, MIB is proud to be an agency that participates in the AbilityOne Program. Through this program, MIB manufactures numerous products for Federal Government agencies. Some of these customers include the Department of Defense (DOD), U.S. Postal Service (USPS), General Services Administration (GSA), and the Department of Agriculture (USDA); and
Whereas, MIB funds its operations and employment through the sale of products it manufactures and the services it provides; MIB places a high value on its employees and its customers. MIB values each employee for their ability to perform the multitude of jobs at MIB and recognizes that all employees have a vital contribution to make to MIB's success. MIB upholds the trust given to the agency to maintain a safe and productive workplace. MIB respects the needs of its customers and strives to meet their needs not only in quality, but in delivery and quantities; and
Whereas, Michael "Mike" Chew has served as the Executive Director of Mississippi Industries for the Blind for nine years and has given great leadership to MIB and its employees. He worked to secure donations for the Anne Farmer Crews Computer Lab to improve life skills and job opportunities for Mississippians who are visually impaired through computer literacy and training:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize the extraordinary work of Mississippi Industries for the Blind and commend Executive Director Michael Chew.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to MIB Executive Director Michael Chew and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
