Mission Statement:

 

The Minnesota Business Leadership Network (MNBLN) is a state chapter of the United States Business Leadership Network (USBLN). The BLN offers participating employers resources for recruiting candidates with disabilities, information on disability issues/topics, recognition for best disability employment practices, and exposure to an untapped market for goods and services.

The BLN began with a small group of employers who were concerned that more than 70% of working-age people with disabilities were unemployed. 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, SunTrust Bank, is the chair of the USBLN steering committee. Currently there are 43 BLN's in 35 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 2000 employers participating.

The MNBLN began in August, 2000, when Northwest Airlines hosted an executive breakfast to launch the MNBLN. Northwest Airlines serves as the lead employer of the MNBLN. The founding members of the MNBLN steering committee include: 3M, American Express Financial Advisors, Deluxe, Medtronic, West Group, The Disability Institute, Millennium Technical Institute, and the Minnesota Dept. of Economic Security. In 2003, the MNBLN established itself as a non-profit, 501c3 organization.

Current Members of the Minnesota BLN Steering Committee:

3M
American Express
Ameriprise Financial
Cargill
Employers Association
Medtronic
MN Department of Employment & Economic Development
MN State Council on Disability
Northwest Airlines
Thomson-West
Wells Fargo

 

BLN employers are recognized both locally and nationally for upholding policies and practices that remove barriers for individuals with disabilities related to various aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, job accommodations, benefits, training and advancement.