Business Leadership Network History

The Business Leadership Network (BLN) is a program that was developed in 1994 by the President’s Council for the Employment of Individuals with Disabilities and is supported by the US Chamber of Commerce and the US DOL. The BLN is a business-led organization whose mission is to help the business community create competitive job opportunities for workers with disabilities. We provide an environment for businesses to dialogue on issues regarding the employment and retention of workers with disabilities; we offer access to information on the ADA, pertinent trainings, tax incentives, anything that the business desires/needs, etc.

The US Business Leadership Network® (USBLN®) is the national disability organization that serves as the collective voice of over 60 Business Leadership Network affiliates across North America, representing over 5,000 employers. The USBLN® helps build workplaces, marketplaces, and supply chains where people with disabilities are respected for their talents, while supporting the development and expansion of its BLN affiliates.   In New Mexico this venture began several years through the efforts of a group of visionary business and community leaders. Though much interest was generated at the time, it wasn’t until state funding was secured in 2001 that the BLN was able to begin to build on that initial enthusiasm.  The USBLN® is the only national disability organization led by employers for employers promoting the business imperative of including people with disabilities in the workforce, marketplace and supply chain.

Funding to create, develop, and grow the New Mexico Business Leadership Network was initially provided by the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (NMDVR). Originally contracted through the Colorado Business Leadership Network, NMBLN has become an independent 501(c) 3 non-profit organization contracting directly with NMDVR as of June 2006.

The New Mexico Chapter of the BLN has experienced many successes since its inception, and has truly been a resource for both the business community as well as the state and community service agencies that it serves. 

For more information on BLNs nationally, or how to begin your own chapter, the US BLN's website is the resource for you.