April 03, 2015
MI Hidden Talent Tour showcases value in hiring Michiganders with disabilitiesFriday, April 3, 2015
LANSING, Mich. – After kicking off the MI Hidden Talent Tour with stops in Livonia, Marquette and Saginaw, Lt. Gov. Brian Calley and Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein today announced the remaining tour stops, where they will tell the story of how companies benefit from hiring Michiganders with disabilities.
The tour is an initiative created by Calley and Bernstein to show business leaders the value in hiring the untapped potential of Michiganders with disabilities that are often overlooked.
“We continue to hear from employers about struggles to find the right people with the right skills to fill positions within their companies,” Calley said. “What we are doing now is asking for employers to take a fresh look at Michiganders with disabilities who have often been overlooked in the past. It’s time we tap into this untapped talent pool and focus on the person first, not the disability. Companies who give talented individuals a chance to succeed will not be disappointed.”
At each stop, Calley and Bernstein are highlighting a local business setting an example for others in hiring as well as local partners available to help other businesses follow suit.
“We have already received great feedback while advocating for people with the passion, skills and energy to contribute to our workforce, but just need to be given a chance,” said Justice Richard Bernstein. “We are working to show business leaders what is possible and what can happen when employers give someone with a disability a chance. In fact, typically when any modifications are made in the workplace for someone with a disability, the changes tend to benefit the entire workforce.”
The remaining tour stops include:
Northern Michigan: Monday, April 13; 11:30-1 p.m. at Grand Traverse Industries, Traverse City, MI; Hosted by Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance.
West Michigan: Monday, April 20; 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Hope Network Education Center in Grand Rapids, MI; Hosted by Hope Network.
Southwest Michigan: Friday, April 24; 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Groves Campus in Kalamazoo, MI; Hosted by Southwest Michigan First.
Business leaders interested in attending these events should contact host groups to register. To register for the West Michigan event, click here.
###
