Our Mission:
To educate and support businesses to hire, retain and improve customer services for people with disabilities.
Our Vision:
To strengthen our region such that all businesses recognize the benefits of hiring, retaining and marketing to people with disabilities.
The Washington State Business Leadership Network (WSBLN) is a state chapter of the U.S. Business Leadership Network (USBLN).
The WSBLN provides participating employers with networking opportunities, education and information on disability issues/topics,resources to effectively increase understanding and awareness on issues in the workplace, and lessons learned in recruiting, hiring, accommodating and improving customer service for people with disabilities. Additionally, the WSBLN assists businesses in navigating and directly linking to government and community resources to get their needs met.
The Washington State Business Leadership Network (WSBLN) began with a small group of employers, on February, 1999, who were concerned that more than 70% of working-age people with disabilities were unemployed.
In 2003, the WSBLN established itself as a non-profit, 501©3 organization. This model purports a primary business principle “success breeds success”. When an employer talks about the benefits of hiring candidates with disabilities, other employers are eager to do the same.
The USBLN is lead by a steering committee with representation from employers in nine regions. Katherine McCary, VP Human Resources, Sun Trust Bank, is the chair of the USBLN steering committee.
Currently there are 44 BLN's in 32 states and 2 affiliates in Canada. In 2000, 1676 employers participated in BLN activities resulting in a higher number of individuals with disabilities employed in the competitive labor market.
On a national level, BLN employer participation increased by 316% between 1999 and 2000.
Today, there are more than 5000 employers participating.
