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The Cheyenne Business Leadership Network (BLN) is an employer-led coalition dedicated to promoting opportunities that benefit businesses and people with disabilities. Established as a national initiative in 1994, the BLN currently operates in 41 states. The Cheyenne BLN is sponsored by the Wyoming Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Synergy HRD & Associates, and many local businesses.

 

 

 

2008 Festival of Trees - Register Now



Presenting Cheyenne Business Leadership Network's

2008 Festival of Trees

Celebrating Cheyenne's Premier Holiday Event!

November 21 & 22, 2008                   

    NEW LOCATION :  Kiwanis Community House

•     NEW EVENT: Friday Night is Family Night!

•       Bring the whole family to view the trees! Enjoy hot cocoa & cookies (sponsored by Security First Bank), face painting, see Santa & Mrs. Clause, vote for your favorite tree, and take your Holiday photos in the beautiful trees.

Family Night Admission: Bring a new Teddy Bear(s) for our Bear Tree to be auctioned off Saturday Night!

•      THE GALA & AUCTION: Saturday Night

    November 21, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

•     No Host cash bar and Irish Harp Christmas Music

•      New!!! Elegant holiday dinner prepared by Chef Troy Haller of the Historic Plains Hotel

•     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! Select and purchase an "Ultimate Christmas Present" for someone you love including trips, wine making tour, and some surprises!

•     Trees will be delivered (by Arrow Moving & Storage) to your business or home on Monday, November 24th, (the week of Thanksgiving) so you can decorate early for the holidays.

•      Ask about pre-purchased tree options before November

•   Tickets:    $50 Individuals      $500 -Table of Eight

•    Tickets available at The Plains Hotel, American National Bank, &  Chamber of Commerce.

To become a sponsor, to order your Custom Themed Christmas tree, or for more information please contact: Marla Lewis, Director at 631-8012 or wbln@vcn.com or visit Cheyenne-bln.com

All proceeds from the Festival of Trees are used for the MentorAbility Youth Program of the Cheyenne Business Leadership Network. The program teaches area youth with disabilities skills to transition into the workplace after the leave school.


NEW!!!!!   Pre-Purchased Tree Options!!! Eliminate pre-holiday decorating rush and hassle by ordering a Christmas tree now! Save time and frustration.  Have a beautiful custom-decorated theme tree delivered to your door, or we'll even come decorate it right in your office.

And while you're at it, why not order a tree to be donated in your business name to a special family, organization or charity or your choice?

•     $1000-- Custom Theme Tree up to 7' tall & Four Complimentary Tickets for the FOT Gala night

•     $2000-- Custom Theme Tree 8' - 12' tall & Eight Complimentary Tickets for FOT Gala.

•Choose your Custom Theme Tree design & colors and our designers will decorate it. Please tell us your theme before November 7

    Choice of Tree Delivery:

•       Your tree can be delivered to your office Monday, Nov 24th during office hours. It will be on display with your business name during the festival, or

•     We will come to your office prior to the Festival and decorate the tree onsite, or

•       We will delivery this tree to a charity/ family/organization of your choice for their enjoyment during the holidays. Dedicate this tree" in memory of..." or "in honor of..."

To order your Custom Themed Christmas Trees please contact:

Marla Lewis, Director at 631-8012 or wbln@vcn.com

All proceeds from the Festival of Trees are used for the MentorAbility Youth Program of the Cheyenne Business Leadership Network. The program teaches area youth with disabilities skills to transition into the workplace after the leave school.


2008 Festival of Trees Sponsorship Opportunities

Premier Sponsor - $5,000

•·         Recognition at top of Logo Sponsor Tree

•·         Recognized event sponsor on all advertising

•·         Theme Tree decorated in your name for auction

•·         Your banner displayed at all Festival events

•·         Eight Festival event tickets - $360 value

•·         Recognition on Web site

•·         One year BLN Membership- $250 value

•·         1st right to accept next year's Premier Sponsor opportunity

  Tree Topper - $2500

•·         Recognition near top of Logo Sponsor Tree

•·         Theme Tree decorated in your name for auction

•·         Your banner displayed at all Festival events

•·         Eight Festival event tickets - $360 value

•·         Recognition in all advertising and events

•·         Recognition on Web site

•·         One Year BLN Membership - $250 value

         Shooting Star - $1,000

•·         Recognition on Logo Sponsor Tree

•·         Theme Tree decorated in your name for auction

•·         Your Logo displayed at Festival of Trees events

•·         Four Complimentary Festival of Trees tickets  - $160 value

•·         Your logo on all marketing materials

•·         One Year BLN Membership - $250 value

  Magic Maker - $500

•·         Theme Tree decorated in your name

•·         Your Logo displayed at Festival of Trees event

•·         Two Complimentary Festival Event tickets - $80 value

•·         One year BLN Membership -$250 value

  Santa's Helper - $400  or small tree or item donated for auction

•·         Recognition at Festival event

•·         Logo displayed at Festival of Trees event

•·         Two Complimentary Festival event tickets - $80 value

Festival Friend - $250

•·         Wreath decorated in your name for silent auction

•·         Your Logo displayed at Festival of Trees event

Tiny Tim Trimmers- $100

•·         Wreath decorated in your name

•·        Recognition at Festival events

To become a sponsor please contact Marla Lewis, Director, at 631-8012


2008 CBLN Symon Award Winners          

EMPLOYER of the Year:

Nominees:

•        Attorney General's Office

•        Allstate Call Center

•        YMCA

Winner:

Allstate

Allstate Call Center.   Cheryl Crawford, who was a client of both the Division of Vocational and Magic City Enterprises had tried in vain to find work and was not successful.  The outlook was so grim that Cheryl even contemplated moving to Tennessee to live with her brother and look for work there.  It took some convincing for Cheryl that things would get better.   Allstate call center was part of a collaborative employment effort along Magic City and DVR when they first opened in Cheyenne and t first Cheryl expressed a great deal of skepticism when being urged to apply for work there, even though she had similar work experience.

Initially we received a phone call from Tasha Bell who is with HR and she stated that Allstate would have a computer ready for Cheryl's and would schedule her for training. DVR assisted Magic City Enterprises to job coach Cheryl. Again, there was some resistance from Cheryl as she was adjusting to a new work environment. Eventually with the encouragement of the staff of Allstate, Cheryl developed into a superb worker.  She was on time, took an active role in learning the responsibilities of her job and was willing to ask questions if she didn't understand.

The staff at Allstate even offered to continue to pay for the costs of any supplemental training even after her case was closed with DVR.  They truly have an understanding of the challenges that persons with disabilities face in the arena of employment. 

I am happy to report that Cheryl continues to be successful at her job and enjoys her work.  She was one of the first visually impaired people in the State of Wyoming to become proficient in many of the programs and software utilized by Allstate. Again, all of this would not be possible without the assistance of Allstate.

Therefore, it is my privilege and honor to recommend Allstate as employer of the year. They have truly excelled at meeting the challenges of employing persons with disabilities and are a role model for other businesses in the community to follow.

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR:

Nominees:

•        Linda Torres - Magic City Enterprises 

•        Barbara McKenzie - CRMC

•        Prapee Temple - YMCA

•        Keylee Lovercheck - YMCA

•        Cheryl Crawford - Allstate Call Center

•        Alma Schlosser - Western States Learning Corp.

•        Adeena France - LifeCare  

•        Monique Rodriguez - Eileen's Cookies

Winner:

 

Cheryl Crawford- Allstate Call Center - I would like to nominate Cheryl Crawford as employee of the year.  Cheryl has had an incredibly difficult journey to achieve the success that she now enjoys.  Initially she has worked for 5 years before the
business that she worked for folded and left the state. She had tried
unsuccessfully when applying for other employment.  She almost contemplated
leaving the state and considered living with her brother in Tennessee
and looking for employment there. Others did not give up and encouraged.
Cheryl to continue looking for employment with their assistance.

When initially approached with the prospect of working in the Allstate call center there was some anxiety and trepidation.  Cheryl wasn't sure that
accommodations could be made for her and was concerned about her ability to complete the training. With the assistance of Magic City enterprises, Vocational Rehabilitation and Allstate, Cheryl gradually eased into her job. All three entities were able to train Cheryl in learning the necessary skills she would need to be a successful employee.

Cheryl now looks forward to her job and her self esteem and her
motivation have improved drastically.  She is truly a team player and
enthusiastic worker. Cheryl was one of the first visually impaired people in the State of Wyoming to successfully use the technology utilized by Allstate. 

This truly attests to Cheryl's can-do spirit and work ethic. Therefore, I am recommending that Cheryl Crawford be nominated for employee of the year. 

Military Employee/Veteran 

Nominees:

•        Carla Winkler, 90th Command Operations  Group

•        Jeff Teasley, Volunteer at VA Medical Center

Winner:

 

Jeff Teasley Jeff Teasley is a Navy Veteran who has been described as "The Original Energizer Bunny", a person who roles with the punches with everything in life, and feels best when he is helping others.  Jeff was a stay-at-home dad and has spent most of his adult life helping others, including volunteering at Gilchrest School and Central High, particularly helping mentor with the football teams. He has been a role model to many young people including his three sons, and wife Cathy. In his role as volunteer today at the VA hospital, he works tirelessly to help fellow veterans and spouses to fight for and receive veteran benefits they are entitled to. He has self-knowledge of the VA benefits system and is more than willing to help others find answers and advocate for them. He was just recently selected to represent the Cheyenne VA in a conference in Washington, DC to train on more ways to help the local VA help veterans. He is also a past member of the Mayor's Council on Disabilities, where he was an advocate for American Disabilities Acts regulation.  Despite spending most of the past three years in a chair as the result of degenerative spine complications, he is always upbeat, willing to help and make life better for others.

Spirit of the Cheyenne BLN:

Nominees:

•        Darrell Hamilton - Magic City Enterprises

•        Brenda Oswald - Alliance for Self Determination

 Winner:

Brenda Oswald One of the most passionate advocates for people with disabilities in the entire state, Brenda Oswald, has spent most every waking moment of the last ten years dedicated to her ambition of giving self-determination to people in Wyoming with disabilities.  Among her many and  tireless accomplishments are: She was instrumental in establishing the Wyoming Youth Leadership Forum in 1999, enabling over 175 young adults to gain leadership skills; She has worked with self-advocates to teach them to speak for themselves and raised public awareness across the state, especially to policy makers; she was the Executive Director for the Governor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities for ten years, growing the scope and development of the council to what it is today; she helped develop the Crossroads Media Campaign - a weekly radio show and magazine that has reached over 23,000 in Wyoming, bringing awareness and advocacy at many levels across the state;  Brenda was instrumental in the passage and implementation of the People First Language Bill that was implemented in Wyoming this year. Brenda has recently taken her passion for working with people with disabilities to a new level by founding the Alliance for Self Determination, which provides services for people utilizing child, adult and ABI waiver programs.  Brenda was also an advocate and supporter for the initial funding seed money for the Business Leadership Network start-ups in both Cheyenne and in Evanston. Brenda and her entire family are supporters and advocates for all aspects of helping people with disabilities, in the true Spirit of the BLN.

Director's Choice

Winner:

 

Sierra Trading Post

The first nominator said:

 Sierra Trading Post hired several clients and are always open to exploring possible matches for clients strengths.  I know of 2 clients who are hearing impaired and currently working in the return department earning well above minimum wages plus benefits.  They also hired a client who has autism and has promoted him after he completed college classes and who is now working as a digital graphic technician, also earning good wages.  They always have time to discuss clients and are very worthy of being selected as Employer of the Year.

The second said:

Sierra Trading Post is always willing to hire people with disabilities and give them a chance. Even when the person doesn't work out in a particular position, they have never let that negatively influence the decision to hire the next person with a disability. With a company like this in our community, people with disabilities have a great opportunity for employment with a business that we know will not discriminate or segregate. 

    

Guest Speaker was Major Daniel M. Gade, former Associate Director for Domestic Policy for the White House's Domestic Policy Council, and the first Associate Director to have acquired a disability as the result of wartime injuries. Major Gade was responsible for disability and healthcare issues, as well as matters relating to active military personnel and veterans. During his service under Operation Iraqi Freedom, he was decorated for valor and received two Purple Hearts.

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

                                                                                               

To register for this important event please e-mail wbln@vcn.com, call 307-631-8012 or register on the website at http://www.cheyenne-bln.com/  



Spring CBLN Career Fair Resounding Success!

State of WY booth

Over 250 people of all abilities attended the CBLN Spring Career Fair held April 25th at the LCCC Center for Conferences.  Twenty-nine employers were present to accept résumés, applications, and hold interviews for the job seekers who attended.  The crowd was very diverse - students and youth searching for part-time and summer jobs; veterans; senior citizens wanting part or full-time work; and others currently employed who were seeking better prospects.

AAFES careeer Fair Booth

 Even the blustery and windy day did not hamper spirits as attendee's mingled with and conversed with potential employers. The career fair provides each job seeker an opportunity to show off their talents and enthusiasm to local businesses that are searching for new employees.  The businesses in turn get a chance to meet job seekers in a relaxed environment for a first-hand chance to interview and evaluate prospective job seekers.

BLM booth

The CBLN career fair is held each spring to encourage the employment of persons with disabilities and to promote a diverse workplace for all businesses and organizations in the Cheyenne community.  For more information or to inquire about inclusion in the 2009 CLBN career fair, please contact Marla Lewis, Director at 631-8012 or wbln@vcn.com.

 

career fair attendees

 DVR/WFS


Disability Awareness Training Available!

If your staff has not recently attended a training program for disAbility awareness for co-workers and customers, or you do not have a disAbility awareness program with your HR resources, you can schedule a training class to be held at your place of business.

Let the BLN deliver professional instruction to help your staff provide quality customer service to people with disabilities and fellow employees with disAbilities.  To schedule a training session, please contact Marla Lewis at 631-8012, or email at wbln@vcn.com  Training is complimentary for BLN business partners, members, and sponsors, and at a low cost of $5.00 per person for non-BLN members.


Fall 2007 Mentoring Day

Business Leadership Network in Cheyenne held a fall Mentoring Day on November 9 for  for youth in our community with disabilities.  Eleven area youth spent the morning discovering skills and education needed to succeed in the workplace of the 21st Century. These youth from Youth Alternatives and the CLAS programs job shadowed with their mentors to experience career exploration.

The following local business partners mentored youth this past fall:

  • The Cheyenne Police Department
  • Magic City Enterprises
  • Mountain Regional Services, Inc.
  • The Bicycle Station
  • Ken Vernon, ERA Realty
  • LCCC Discover Children's Center
  • Robert Georges, Hair Designer
  • Cheyenne Animal Shelter
  • Sam Merich, East High School Principle
  • KRRR Radio Station

Your business can help with future mentoring day opportunities by volunteering to spend a fun and educational day mentoring:

• Volunteer as a business partner/mentor

Nominate a youth for a day of mentoring

Please call to sign up today for next quarter Mentoring

For additional information about the MentorAbility program please contact:

Marla Lewis, Director        631-8012          wbln@vcn.com

2101 O'Neil Ave, Cheyenne WY   82009

 


  • 54 million Americans are people with disabilities
  • 65% of Americans with disabilities are unemployed or under-employed
  • Businesses are challenged by chronic labor shortages
  • People with disabilities represent the largest pool of untapped labor
  • Customers with disabilities control discretionary income of nearly $200 billion (twice the teen market)
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