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The 2012 DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for People with Disabilities Announced

We wish to congratulate the following companies who were listed on the 2012 DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for People with Disabilities. We are very that proud that seven of the ten organizations listed are members of the USBLN® including Ernst & Young; IBM; Procter & Gamble; Merck & Co.; Sodexo; KPMG; and AT&T. Five of the ten companies also serve in a leadership capacity on the USBLN® Board of Directors; Ernst & Young; IBM; Procter & Gamble; Merck & Co.; and AT&T.

The 2012 DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for People with Disabilities:

1. Ernst & Young
2. IBM
3. Procter & Gamble
4. Merck & Co.
5. Sodexo
6. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
7. Prudential Financial
8. KPMG
9. Rockwell Collins
10. AT&T

To see the 2012 top 50 Companies for Diversity from DiversityInc Magazine, click here: The 2012 DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity Announced.

Educational Track Chairs Announced for 2012 USBLN® 15th Annual Conference

It is with great enthusiasm that we announce our USBLN® 15th Annual Conference Educational Track Chairs for 2012. We are extremely privileged to have the vision and expertise of these highly respected individuals guiding and shaping our quality programming for our premier event on October 1-4, 2012 in Orlando, Florida. We are confident that the energy and dedication of Michael, Susan and Richard will be instrumental in the success of our conference! Stay tuned for our preliminary agenda to be released this May. For event details, visit: http://www.usblnannualconference.org/.

Michael F. Shriver National Business Support Executive, Global Corporate Social Responsibility Bank of America		Susan Palmer Mazrui Director, Global Public Policy AT&T Services Inc.		Richard D. Moore III, C.P.M. Manager of Supplier Diversity Southwest Airlines

Greetings and Welcome to the US Business Leadership Network

The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) is a national non-profit, non-partisan business to business network promoting workplaces, marketplaces, and supply chains where people with disabilities are included. The USBLN® serves as the collective voice of over 60 Business Leadership Network affiliates across the United States, representing over 5,000 businesses. Additionally, the USBLN® Disability Supplier Diversity Program® (DSDP) is the nation's leading third party certification program for disability-owned businesses, including service-disabled veterans.

Introduction to the USBLN® Flier - (DOC | PDF)

Leading Practices on Disability Inclusion

The USBLN® is pleased to release this joint booklet with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce entitled, “Leading Practices on Disability Inclusion” which highlights 20 successful corporate strategies that can be used by businesses of all sizes to create a more inclusive workplace, marketplace, and supply chain.

Real-life examples, such as those outlined in the booklet, are important to help businesses realize the wide range of opportunities available and the potential for replicating success. The companies and leaders featured in the publication provide valuable insights on the successes they have realized through the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of their corporate enterprises as well as in their marketing.

Leading Practices on Disability Inclusion Booklet: (DOC | PDF)

USBLN® Workplace Disability Inclusion Assessment Tool: (PDF)
(This checklist is designed to provide employers with a tool to initiate or enhance their disability-friendly corporate practices).

Employer Assistance & Resource Network (EARN)

The USBLN® is a partner in a cooperative agreement awarded to Cornell University's Employment and Disability Institute, School of Industrial and Labor Relations to establish a National Technical Assistance Center for employers on employment of people with disabilities. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), the purpose of the Center is to conduct innovative research, assist ODEP in developing demand-side policy, and share best practices with employers on the recruitment, hiring, retention and advancement of people with disabilities. To link with the National Technical Assistance Center, go to http://www.askearn.org/index.cfm. Monthly EARN News Bulletins http://www.askearn.org/m-news.cfm.

The USBLN® Welcomes Two New Team Members

WASHINGTON, DC (February 17, 2012) - Today, the US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) announced that in the spirit of continuing to strengthen the USBLN® operations they have welcomed two new Consultants to the USBLN® organization. The USBLN® is growing an incredible team that is focused on improving services to their corporate members, affiliates, certified disability-owned businesses and all stakeholders. (DOC | PDF)

USBLN® Announces its 2012 Board of Directors and Officers

WASHINGTON, DC (February 16, 2012) - Today, the US Business Leadership Network® (USBLN®) announced its 2012 Board of Directors and Board Officers. Re-elected member representation on the USBLN® Board of Directors this year includes Ann Andreosatos, Leader, Culture and Capability, North American Diversity & Inclusion Practice, Procter & Gamble; Kevin Foster, Director of Motorola's Quality Master Black Belt; and Keith Wiedenkeller, Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer, AMC Entertainment Inc. (AMC). (DOC | PDF)

USBLN® Response to Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Regarding the 503 Regulation

WASHINGTON, DC (February 6, 2012) - On December 9, 2011, the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to strengthen the current affirmative action employment requirements for people with disabilities. The USBLN® supports the U.S. Department of Labor's intent to improve the utilization of people with disabilities in the workforce, and recognizes that the current Section 503 affirmative action regulatory framework needs to be modernized, strengthened, and clarified.

In response to the NPRM, the US Business Leadership Network® (USBLN®) convened a committee comprised of Board and Corporate Advisory Board member companies to collectively develop comments inclusive of the strong expertise, experience and ideas of their stakeholders. The USBLN® member companies are committed to including disability in all their diversity efforts and each one has developed successful employment policies and practices. It is critical to the USBLN® members' continued success that the final regulations advance recruitment, hiring, retention and advancement efforts.

The USBLN® has submitted their response to the OFCCP with comments now available below, on their website and social media networks. (DOC | PDF)

USBLN® Response to NPRM Regarding the 503 Regulation

DOC: http://www.usbln.org/urls/2012_USBLN_503_Comments_2-6-12.doc
PDF: http://www.usbln.org/urls/2012_USBLN_503_Comments_2-6-12.pdf

Call for Speaker Presentations at the 2012 USBLN® 15th Annual Conference & Expo

WASHINGTON, DC (January 25, 2012) - The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) invites interested speakers to share their experience and expertise with their colleagues at the 2012 USBLN® 15th Annual Conference & Expo, "Disability Inclusion Driving Success in a Competitive Business Environment" at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld by Marriott in Orlando, Florida on October 1 - 4. Interested parties are welcomed to submit a proposal. The deadline for proposal submission is February 24, 2012 with completed proposals to be emailed to kerrell@thenextgreatevent.com. More than one presentation may be submitted for consideration; however, one form per presentation must be completed. Please note that late proposals will not be accepted. (DOC | PDF)

Complete details are contained within the Call for Presentations proposal form: (DOC Form | Accessible DOC).

USBLN® "I Am, I Can, I Do" National Public Education Campaign: First Public Service Announcement (PSA) Now Available Online

WASHINGTON, DC (December 14, 2011) - The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) is proud to launch their national public education campaign titled, "I Am, I Can, I Do." The campaign includes a series of 30 and 60 second Public Service Announcements (PSAs) showcasing people with disabilities who 'Do!'  (DOC | PDF)

USBLN® 2010 Annual Report

The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) is pleased to present its 2010 Annual Report. . This report is available to our corporate members, BLN affiliates, Organizational Allies, partners and stakeholders to demonstrate our commitment to promoting diversity in the workplace, marketplace and supply chain. It is with great humility that the USBLN® can share with you its many accomplishments, as well as our vision moving forward. (PDF | DOC)

Roadmaps For Enhancing Employment of Persons With Disabilities Through Accessible Technology

The USBLN® and ATIA Release Final Report on “Roadmaps to Enhancing Employment of Persons with Disabilities Through Accessible Technology”

• Executive Summary (PDF | DOC)
• Full Report (PDF | DOC)

Greater Kansas City gets May 2012 BLN Affiliate of the Month Award!

As of May 1, 2012 the USBLN will spotlight an Affiliate in Good Standing with the USBLN (annual dues current, Affiliate Agreement signed, 501 C3 with liability insurance) so that we can get to know each other better and have a broader understanding of who our Affiliates are. This will also be a chance to see the impact Affiliates are having on the local level towards the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace, marketplace and supply chain.

New Jersey Business Leadership Network - Disabilities At Work Radio

The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Foundation, home of the New Jersey Business Leadership Network, recently launched an Internet Radio Show called Disabilities At Work Radio. Disabilities At Work Radio is seeking businesses that support people with disabilities through philanthropy, or that go ‘beyond compliance’ in finding and hiring qualified people with disabilities to spotlight on its show.

Learn how your company can get involved with Disabilities At Work Internet Radio by contacting Patty Cullinane at 908-975-3211 or by going to www.DisabilitiesAtWork.org.

Friend them on Facebook at Disabilities At Work. Join their Tweem at disabilitiesat.

US Business Leadership Network & Pennsylvania BLN: "Tuesday Talks"
Free Calls…Valuable Networking & Education

Tuesday Talks with the PA BLN allow companies from across the state and country to quickly learn about a valuable resource or success story related to the employment of people with disabilities. These free monthly phone calls are scheduled on the second Tuesday of every month from 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST.

Participants are also able to have discussions with their peers about topics that address: ideas for accommodations; ways to improve recruitment and/or retention; ideas for becoming a company of choice for employees and customers; strategies for compliance; financial incentives available to businesses; and more!

Interested parties should pre-register to gain access to these conference calls controlled by the PA BLN.
To register, contact Stacy Kyle at 717-763-0968 ext. 115 or stacy.kyle@blnofpa.org.

Download Tuesday Talks Schedule [DOC | PDF]