[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7265]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND ON THEIR 75TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HEATH SHULER

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 12, 2011

  Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Industries for the 
Blind as it celebrates 75 years of providing employment, services, and 
training to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
  Industries for the Blind was founded in 1933. Since then, the 
organization has grown to be the largest advocacy agency for the 
visually impaired in the country, creating skilled job opportunities 
for one of America's greatest underused labor resources. Industries for 
the Blind gives people the confidence and independence to contribute to 
society and fulfill personal dreams of having a job. In so doing, they 
transform lives.
  In my Congressional District in Western North Carolina, Industries 
for the Blind of Asheville has served as an important resource for 20 
years. They provide much needed assistance and services such as mobile 
low-vision eye exams, innovative outreach programs for children and 
families, and optical services to our veterans. I would especially like 
to congratulate Industries for the Blind of Asheville on its eighth 
consecutive win of a Sky High Growth Award from the Asheville Area 
Chamber of Commerce for outstanding growth in sales and employment. The 
Asheville facility has increased its work force ten-fold since 1991, 
growing from just 9 employees to 100.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise today to recognize the 75 
years of civic leadership that Industries for the Blind has provided 
the visually impaired in Asheville, North Carolina and throughout the 
country. Their commitment to helping others live meaningful lives is 
courageous and uplifting. I am honored to celebrate Industries for the 
Blind's inspirational role in our community.

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