Cheyenne, Wyoming: The Cheyenne Business Leadership Network, an employment advocacy organization for people with disabilities, will host the 2010 BLN Symon Awards breakfast on September 23 from 7:30 am – 9:30 am, featuring guest speaker Spencer West. He’s on the “Me to We” speaking circuit, part of a socially-conscious Canadian entity. The 2010 BLN Symon Awards is scheduled to take place at Little America. Guest speaker Spencer West will speak on “The Power of We: Overcoming Obstacles to Make a Difference”, in which he’ll address issues the disability community faces, including bullying, discrimination, and stereotyping. Employees with disabilities as well as employers who provide jobs for those with challenges will be honored.
Spencer West Has Overcome Many Challenges, and Will Share His Story with the Cheyenne Business Leadership Network 2010 BLN Symon Awards
The honors are named after the organization’s logo, which is made up of a person in a wheelchair carrying a briefcase. The guest speaker formerly lived in Rock Springs, and when he was five years old, he lost both his legs, according to the BLN Ability Link July 2010 newsletter. But he’s overcome his challenges, and to date, has spoken to over 20,000 students around the globe.
The Director of the Cheyenne Business Leadership Network, Marla Lewis, said that 150-200 people are expected to attend this annual event to hear the young man speak and see worthy individuals and businesses get honored. Lewis heard about Spencer West through the BLN Director in Rock Springs, and chose him commenting, “…We look for speakers who will appeal to persons of all abilities, and Spencer has a unique perspective – one gained from having overcome his own personal challenges of growing up and becoming successful– with no legs. It is also significant that he has chosen to use his talent and charisma to help other children and adults to realize the power of overcoming obstacles to make a difference in the world. This is a powerful message for people of all abilities.”
Nominations for the 2010 BLN Symon Awards are being taken through September 10, and the honors will include Employer of the Year, Spirit of the Cheyenne BLN, Employee of the Year, and Outstanding Military Employee, the latter two for those with disabilities. Individuals and corporations may reserve tables by September 15 (Individual tickets are $25, corporate tables are $300). After September 15, prices go up. For more information about the Cheyenne Business Leadership Network 2010 BLN Symon Awards, go to this link here The website for the CBLN is here. You can also email the organization at wbln@vcn.com, or call 307-631-8012.
Sources:
Emails between Roy A. Barnes and Marla Lewis, July 27-28, 2010
Newsletter, BLN Ability Link, July 2010, Business Leadership Network
Various Flyers, 2010 BLN Symon Awards, Cheyenne Business Leadership Network
Comments are closed.