The National Industries for the Blind (NIB) is celebrating a special anniversary — 15 years as a member of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce (The Chamber ALX).
NIB is the largest employment resource for people who are blind in the U.S. and is an active participant with the chamber. In 2024, NIB and its associated agencies provided employment to 5,142 people who are blind, culminating in more than $172 million in wages and benefits.
“We are proud to be an anchor in the Alexandria community,” said Soraya Correa, CEO of NIB. “Our ongoing engagement with the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce allows us to forge meaningful relationships across the local business community and contribute to economic growth and workforce development.”
NIB opened its 105,000-square-foot headquarters at 3000 Potomac Avenue in the city’s Potomac Yard neighborhood in 2019, four years after buying the property. Before that, NIB was headquartered at 1901 N. Beauregard Street in the West End.
Today, thousands of people who are blind use skills learned through NIB’s career training programs for careers in manufacturing and professional services, according to NIB’s website.
“Our customers get the business solutions that they need, and people who are blind are employed—it’s a win-win,” the website says. “We offer career training, which is crucial to getting Americans who are blind employed and keeping them employed.”
The organization also connected 93,007 people who are blind with rehabilitation services through its associated agencies in 2024.
As a member of The Chamber ALX, NIB said its staff regularly participate in the chamber’s nine-month Leadership Alexandria program, which supports emerging local leaders. Its employees have also been recognized by the chamber’s annual “40 Under 40” list, which NIB serves as an event sponsor.
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