Call for Nominations for 2010 BLN Symon Awards!

This is your chance to nominate and recognize local heroes:

• Businesses that regularly employ persons with disAbilities;
• Community Partners/Individuals who work towards the employment and success of individuals with disAbilities; and/or
•  Employees with disAbilities who have overcome challenges to excel in their career and workplace.

2010 Award Categories:

• Employer of the Year
• Employee of the Year (with a disAbility)
• Outstanding Military Employee (with a disAbility)
• Spirit of the Cheyenne BLN
• All nominees will be recognized at the Symon Awards on September 23, 2010 at Little America Ballroom in Cheyenne.

2010 Symon Awards Nomination Form

NOTE: For each nomination you are submitting please send a short letter describing why you believe this employer/ person would be a good candidate for this award.  Include a contact number so we can invite the nominee to the awards breakfast. Remember - you may make multiple nominations or nominate your own company!

q   Employer/Provider Nomination       q Employee Nomination    q Military Employee

Nominee’s Name: _________________________ Daytime Phone Number: _____________

Company or Employer: ______________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________

Company Representative: _________________  Length of Employment:  _____________

Person making this Nomination: _____________________Title: ____________________

Organization: _________________________   Your Company Phone#: ________________

Nominations due by September 10^th, 2010.

Nominate on  this Web site, e-mail to: wbln@vcn.com, or print and mail this page to: BLN,  2101 O’Neil Ave, Cheyenne, WY,   82001

Call BLN Director, Marla Lewis, for more information at 631-8012.

Volunteer with BLN to Help People with Disabilities

 Business Leadership Network is looking for an “AmeriCorp Volunteer” to assist with day-to-day activities and special events.

AmeriCorps volunteer address critical needs in communities all across America. As an AmeriCorps Volunteer for the BLN, you can:

• Volunteer an average 20 hours per week for one year
• Social Security recipients – this will not affect your benefits
• Earn a stipend of up to $3500 per year – (approx $290 month)
• Assist the BLN to find employment for people with disabilities and help the director plan and manage events

 What is AmeriCorp?

AmeriCorps is an opportunity to make a big difference in your life and in the lives of those around you. It’s a chance to apply your skills and ideals toward helping others and meeting critical needs in the community.

Each year, AmeriCorps offers 75,000 opportunities for adults of all ages and backgrounds to serve through a network of partnerships with local and national nonprofit groups.

Benefits of Service

As an AmeriCorps Volunteer, you’ll gain new skills and experiences—and you’ll also find the tremendous satisfaction that comes from helping others.

Please call  or e-mail Marla Lewis to interview for a volunteer position today:

631-8012 or email to wbln@vcn.com

2010 BLN SYMON Awards & Breakfast

Each fall, the Cheyenne Business Leadership Network holds an award ceremony celebrating National DisAbility Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The focus is to recognize: DisAbility Friendly Businesses that regularly employ persons with disAbilities; Community Partners who work towards the employment and success of individuals with disabilities; and Employees with DisAbilities who have overcome challenges to excel in their career and workplace

2010 BLN Symon Awards and Breakfast

WHEN:  Thursday, September 23rd, 2010

TIME:    7:30 am – 9:30 am

PLACE:  Little America, Grand Ball Room, Cheyenne

Guest Speaker: Spencer West

Speech Topic: The Power of We: Overcoming Obstacles to Make a Difference

Presentation Highlights and Take-aways:

• Clear messages on addressing bullying, discrimination and stereotyping
• Offering solutions on how to overcome obstacles, turning stumbling blocks into stepping stones
• Anyone can make a difference because compassion has no limitation and a helping hand has no boundaries

Originally from Rock Springs, Wyoming, inspirational and charismatic Spencer West speaks candidly about the struggles he overcame after losing his legs at the age of five, and how he never lost the hope or courage he needed to overcome personal obstacles. Filled with both humor and humility, his thought-provoking message inspires people to find opportunity in every challenge. With every speech, Spencer leaves an indelible mark on his audiences, instilling hope and strong leadership so that they can inspire others to create positive change.

Spencer has helped young people overcome daily challenges, offering concrete actions to find personal strength and believe in themselves as active change-makers. His words have encouraged thousands of young people to become more socially involved in their communities and around the world.

Please take a few minutes to view Spencer’s inspirational video at:  

http://www.metowe.com/speakers/spencer-west/

Reserve Table or Seat Tickets Today:

Please RSVP by Thursday September 15^th. No tickets will be sold at the door.

• Admission price if reserved before September 15th:

Individual- $25; Corp. Table- $300 

• Admission price if reserved after September 15th:

                 Individual- $35; Corp. Table- $350

Register TODAY on this website, e-mail wbln@vcn.com, or call 307-631-8012.

The Symon Awards are a Cheyenne Business Leadership Networks production sponsored in part by the State of Wyoming - Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and many local community business partners.

   Save the Date.....

 Three Exciting Dates and events for 2010…..

• Thursday, Nov. 18: Ladies Night Out…. NEW!!!!
• Friday, Nov. 19: Family Night
• Saturday, Nov.20: Gala, Auction & Silent Auction

Exciting New Location! Old West Museum

  ...........

in the power of a community coming together for three of Cheyenne’s Premier Holiday Events to help provide miracles and employment for local citizens with disabilities.

Call Marla Lewis at 631-8012 or Lynn Kirkbride a 631-0894:

• To volunteer to help create this year’s event
• To reserve your table for this year’s special event
• To sponsor this year’s event

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Help local youth with disabilities by attending and enjoying an elegant evening with your friends!100% of the proceeds from the Festival of Trees are used to support the “MentorAbility Youth Career Development Program” of the CBLN. This program provides career development tools and skills for area youth with disabilities to help them transition into the workplace after they leave school.

Family Night- Thursday, November 19th, 6:00 -8:00 pm

• Admission: Bring a new toy or game to be donated to a local youth organization
• Vote for your Favorite Tree for “People’s Choice Award”
• Free Hot Chocolate, Coffee & Cookies
• View the Beautiful Christmas Trees
• Take Family Photos with the Trees & Wreaths
• FREE Temporary Tattoos/Face Painting for the kids
• Donations accepted for the MentorAbility Youth Program

Gala Night- Friday, November 20th, 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm

• Cash Bar opens at 6:00
• Elegant Holiday Dinner
• Christmas Tree and Wreath Auction
• “Ultimate Christmas Gift” Auction
• Silent Auction
• Jewelry Raffle
• During this elegant evening, purchase a beautiful new tree for your home or office, or donate one to a family or organization of your choice!
• Trees will be delivered to your business or home on Monday, November 23rd (the week of Thanksgiving)
• Ask about pre-purchased tree options before November 5th.

Celebrate and enjoy the season by attending the event and helping area youth with disabilities!
$50.00 Individual Seating	$500.00 Table of 8