Wednesday, June 30, 2010

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Dr. Ronald E. Milliman, Chair, ACB Public Relations Committee

 (270) 782-9325 or (270) 996-7356 (cell)

E-mail: rmilliman@insightbb.com

PHOENIX (June 28) -- According to the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau, an estimated $2.65 million will be injected into the greater Phoenix economy thanks to the 49th annual conference and convention of the American Council of the Blind (ACB). The ACB conference and convention is being held in the Phoenix Downtown Sheraton Hotel from July 9th through the 17th. In addition to the Phoenix Downtown Sheraton Hotel, many other businesses will also greatly benefit from the ACB convention.

According to Carla Ruschival, the chair of ACB convention planning committee, "Over 1,500 blind and visually impaired people are expected to attend the convention. Our ACB members spend money in numerous local restaurants, transportation services, and tours." 

The ACB conventioneers will patronize places like Pinnacle Peak, attend Diamondbacks baseball, take tours of the city, explore the Hall of Flame, go to the Stuffington Bear Factory, the Heard Museum, Cosanti Windbell Studio, Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesen West, Phoenix Rock Gym, and the Candy Company. ACB members will also take their chances and try to "strike gold" by attending the Casino Arizona and wrapping up their week's activities by going to the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre.

In addition, the ACB convention will have a large exhibit area, selling all types of products and services for blind and low-vision people. The exhibitors come from all across the United States, as well as some foreign countries. The exhibits, which will be located on the third floor of the Phoenix Downtown Sheraton Hotel, will be open daily. There is a modest registration fee.

The American Council of the Blind is a national membership organization. Its members are blind, visually impaired, and fully sighted individuals who are concerned about the dignity and well-being of blind people throughout the nation.

Formed in 1961, the ACB is one of the largest organizations of blind people in the world, with more than 70 state and special-interest affiliates and a nationwide network of chapters and members spanning the globe.

For more information about the American Council of the Blind or the ACB national convention, contact: Melanie Brunson, Executive Director, American Council of the Blind, 2200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 650, Arlington, VA 22201; phone: (202) 467-5081 or (800) 424-8666; http://www.acb.org.