Promoting inclusive employment
The BC Chamber of Commerce held their Annual General Meeting and Conference from May 27 to 29 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The premier event of the year for the business community in BC, the conference draws members from across the province, with three full days of speakers, panel discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities. Located in a different host community each year, the event is a forum for new ideas and opportunities, and increases in popularity and exposure every year.
Community Living BC participated in the event as an exhibitor, sharing information about inclusion and employment for the individuals CLBC serves. Between workshops, many of the hundreds of delegates in attendance visited CLBC’s booth.
“Attending this event was a tremendous opportunity to share information with delegates about CLBC, especially the desire of people with disabilities to work,” says Barb Penner, Manager of CLBC’s Employment Initiative. “Delegates were also interested to hear about the Start with Hi initiative and took posters to hang in their chamber offices or businesses.”
Barb talked with many delegates about possible employment opportunities for people with disabilities. “Personally, when I talked with employers, I explored the possibility of connecting them with an employment service provider in their area to learn more about hiring people with a disability. The majority gave me their contact information which I’ve passed on to local service providers to connect with them.”
