Forum to focus on hiring the disabled
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The Maine Business Leadership Network (MEBLN) will hold its first of several regional employer forums focused on the benefits to businesses in hiring people with disabilities, part of Maine’s untapped workforce. The Maine BLN will host their initial forum in Presque Isle on Wednesday, June 5, at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, the forum’s site sponsor for the event.
“The Maine Business Leadership Network, in partnership with the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, is a state affiliate of the United States Business Leadership Network (USBLN). The BLN offers member employers resources for recruiting candidates with disabilities, information on disability issues and topics, recognition for best disability employment practices and exposure to an untapped market for their goods and services,” said Jen Webber, MEBLN spokesperson.
“We view our role as that of a catalyst and a ‘connecting point’ in the promotion of dialogue and sharing of best practices between employers, in a peer-to-peer setting,” said Jim Baumer, Maine BLN director.
“We’re excited to be launching the first of what we hope are four to six regional forums in Aroostook County. The business community, as well as the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, UMPI and the Northern Maine Development Commission have been very supportive of our efforts once we announced our willingness to launch our first forum in The County,” said Baumer.
“The Aroostook Employer Forum: Maine’s Untapped Workforce” will take place on Wednesday, June 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
“The goal of the forum is to bring together business leaders and key stakeholders who have demonstrated a commitment to hiring people with disabilities, as well as leaders that value diversity and inclusion in the region’s workforce,” said Webber.
“Data indicates that when businesses hire qualified people with disabilities, it brings greater benefits beyond just filling open positions,” said Webber.
“There’s a solid business case too. These benefits and incentives will be part of the discussion, with facilitated panels and other workshops being planned for the June 5 event,” she said.
FMI about participating as an employer, including sponsorship opportunities, contact Natalie St. Pierre, business outreach coordinator for the Disability Employment Initiative at NMDC. St. Pierre can be reached via e-mail at nstpierre@nmdc.org or by phone at 551-0763.
