Making It Happen

Employment decisions are some of the most important your business will make. Training, productivity, retention, absenteeism - each of these considerations play into finding and keeping good employees.

Empower Missouri wants to help Missouri businesses answer questions, dispel myths and make informed decisions about one of Missouri's most under-valued resources - our diverse labor force.

There are Many Sound Economic Reasons to Employ Individuals with Disabilities

• Finding and retaining the best employee for the job
• Expanding access to new customers for your products and services
• The satisfaction of providing employment opportunities to an underserved segment of our society
• Expanding Missouri's tax base
• Helping those who want to work, to achieve self reliance

Become Active!

Once you review this site, we encourage you to contact your regional BLN. Business Leadership Network (BLN) is a national organization of business leaders who are committed to an inclusive workforce which includes people with disabilities. This organization recognizes and promotes best practices in hiring, retaining and marketing to people with disabilities. Katherine McCary, President of U.S. Business Leadership Network, recently stated that “Employers across the U.S. are finding that there are many business benefits associated with the employment of people with disabilities and the marketing of products and services to customers with disabilities.” McCary further stated, “People with disabilities have much to contribute, and businesses are taking notice by proactively and successfully including disability as a diversity strategy.”

A large number of states have chapters that are supported by the national organization and closely affiliated with their state office on disability rights and issues. Missouri has three active chapters located in St. Louis, Kansas City and in Columbia. Once you have reviewed this site, we encourage you to contact your regional BLN by clicking on the link below:
St. Louis Steve Parks
Kansas City Jeff Wilson
Columbia Trina Almond
Information from The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN), the national office, can be secured from: http://www.usbln.org

Yet, more than just doing the right thing - Empower Missouri will make a positive difference to your company's bottom line. Why? Because sound employee decisions is just good business.