Press Release

Javits-Wagner-O'Day Program Recognizes Outstanding Distributors

March 8, 2005
For immediate release
Contact: Eric Beale
Commercial Distribution Coordinator
Phone: (703) 603-2119
Fax: (703) 603-0655
Email: ebeale@jwod.gov

Arlington, VA-The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled recently recognized thirteen commercial office supply distribution partners as "Outstanding Distributors" for their efforts to support the Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) Program during Fiscal Year 2004.

Ten of the thirteen distributors achieving this distinction are small businesses; they include Chuckals, Inc., Prime Office Products, Benjamin Office Supply, Industries for the Blind, Inc., Stephens Office Supply, Northeast Office Supply, KM2 Incorporated, Miller's Office Products, Metro Office Products, and Caddo Design & Office Products. The remaining three businesses recognized by the Committee include Boise Cascade Office Products (BCOP Federal), Office Depot, and Corporate Express.

In order to receive the Committee's "Outstanding Distributor" distinction, distributors must maintain substantial JWOD product sales, ensure that Federal customers receive the appropriate JWOD items, produce high quality catalogs that make it easy for Federal customers to find the JWOD products they require, and market the JWOD Program through a variety of efforts.

"These valued commercial partners play an essential role in ensuring that Federal customers have easy access to the JWOD Program products they need," said Leon A. Wilson, Jr., Executive Director of the Committee.

The JWOD Program is a cost-effective way to help people who are blind or severely disabled achieve greater independence, and provide the Federal Government with a quality source of products and services. Established by Congress, the JWOD Program is a public-private partnership through which the Federal Government uses its acquisition policies to support this important socioeconomic objective. JWOD Program employment enables many individuals to reduce dependence on Government support, join the ranks of taxpayers, and contribute to the Federal Government's critical missions. JWOD Program sales account for less than one percent of all Federal procurement dollars spent; this minimal investment creates more than 45,000 job opportunities for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities.

For more information about the JWOD Distributor Program, including links to the web sites of the Outstanding Distributors mentioned above, please visit www.jwod.gov/distributors.

The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled is the independent Federal agency that administers the Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) Program, which creates jobs and training opportunities for persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities. The Committee's primary means of achieving its employment goal is through facilitating Government purchases of supplies and services from nonprofit agencies employing such individuals.