Did you know that disabled individuals now comprise the largest minority group in the country? The numbers of disabled individuals are increasing and may soon comprise as much as 20% of the job candidate pool. That makes their success vital to your business. Further, research suggests consumers feel positively toward, and prefer to patronize, companies that employ people with disabilities.

In addition, employment for these individuals is vital to their independence, empowerment and quality of life.

We can work together to build the talent pool and improve employment opportunities for qualified disabled workers. The New Jersey Business Leadership Network (NJBLN) at the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce provides us with an unprecedented chance to increase the opportunities for accessible employment for individuals with disabilities while providing New Jersey employers access to hiring from this talent pool.

We need your help – your tax-deductible contribution – to make the NJBLN a visible and effective force in the state. While the NJBLN is just in its inaugural year, it is backed by the stellar reputation of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, which has achieved national acclaim for its work in education and workforce preparedness.

There are three ways you can support the work of the BLN. Pick one, two or ALL THREE:

• Become a member of the NJBLN,
• Sponsor an activity of the NJBLN, and
• Subscribe to the job board website, www.AccessibleEmployment.org, which will be launched in October.

Membership fees are reasonable, sponsorship comes with entitlements to increased visibility, and subscriptions to the website generate a 15% commission to the BLN. The information below outlines the various financial options available to companies that want to demonstrate their commitment to the disabled community by supporting the NJBLN. To join the BLN, contact John Sinzer at 609-989-7888.