In Paula Hittle, Kansas has a winner.

For the first time ever, a food vendor associated with the Business Enterprise Program in the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services’ Services for the Blind has won national recognition.

Ms. Hittle, 25, has managed the Atrium Deli at the Frank Carlson Federal Building in Topeka for the last three years. On Thursday, November 16, she was recognized by the federal General Services Administration (GSA) as runner-up for the national Randolph-Sheppard Vendor of the Year award. Lisa Binckes, building management specialist with GSA, said the recognition for Ms. Hittle was well deserved.

"Her manner with customers is exceptional," said Ms. Binckes. "She’s very motivated and very committed to meeting customer needs."

According to Ms. Binckes, the speech Ms. Hittle made in accepting the award was forceful.

"Her speech was so heartfelt and she was so appreciative, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house," she said.

Ms. Hittle, who has been blind since age 18, got her start at managing a deli through the Business Enterprise Program. The program offers persons who are legally blind the opportunity to manage food service operations on public and private property. Managers are considered self-employed and they derive their income through the successful management of the operation.

Ms. Hittle, originally from Mayetta, said she heard about the program while she was in training at the Rehabilitation Center for the Blind. After getting into the program and receiving some basic training, she managed a small vending location in the Robert Dole Federal Building in Kansas City. But when the Topeka job opened up, she jumped at the opportunity because it was so much closer to her family in Mayetta. She said the Business Enterprise Program provides an interest-free loan to get started and some basic business courses, but after that you have to earn your own way.

"As much work and effort that you put into it, you get back," she said.

Ms. Hittle estimated she served about 300 people a day, the majority of whom work at the federal building. The deli also serves jurors in the building for federal trials and customers who come in off the street. Judging from the letters of support for the award she received from some of her federal office building customers, she has won over some appreciative customers.

"I got four or five great letters of support," she said, mentioning especially a letter from a captain in the United States Coast Guard with offices in the federal building.

The café at the Frank Carlson federal building went through a major remodeling last year, a time Ms. Hittle said was difficult. During remodeling, she operated out of a small space in the basement, selling soft drinks and not much else.

But the remodeling brought new equipment and a new atmosphere.

"It definitely needed remodeling; it used to be a dingy, dark café," she said. "Now we have a deep-fat fryer and nice ovens. We have a flash-bake oven that’s a wonderful piece of equipment. We bake our own bread. Kaiser sandwiches are our signature specialty."

David Wright, administrator of the Business Enterprise Program, said Ms. Hittle’s work ethic and her ability to relate to customers makes her a success as a deli manager.

"She’s really a people person," Mr. Wright said. "This is the first time one of our managers has received an award like this."

Mr. Wright said the Randolph Sheppard award is named after the law that went into effect in 1936 creating a program to help persons who are blind to become self-employed. He urged persons who are legally blind and interested in becoming a food vendor through the Business Enterprise Program to contact their vocational rehabilitation counselor or call the BEP’s toll free telephone number at 1-800-547-5789.

Page Last Updated: May 29, 2001