Columbus – Pearl Interactive Network of Columbus will be recognized for its record of employing a diverse workforce on behalf of individuals with disabilities by the Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities (GCPD). The recognition is part of the “Employer of the Year” awards at the GCPD Annual Awards Ceremony held Thursday, August 16, 2007 at the Statehouse Atrium in Columbus.
"Pearl Interactive has demonstrated a remarkable ability to create successful partnerships that has resulted in tremendous employment opportunities for people with disabilities", states Eric Duffy, GCPD Chair.
Merry Korn, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pearl Interactive Network began the business just two years ago. Her goal is to empower individuals with disabilities to have financial security. Ms. Korn saw an area of employment that has had tremendous growth and she has used that growth to create opportunities for employees with challenges to independently work from their homes.
Although she is a one woman marketing machine, Pearl Interactive Network recently began working with Smart Solutions, specifically Michael Testa, an Ohio Manager for State and Local Government, to increase both companies future successes. With their partnership expansion is a promise with increasing jobs for people with disabilities. Currently Pearl Interactive Network has ten employees and the majority are individuals with disabilities. The business uses computer networking to communicate with its employees. It is not a traditional call center because it works with individuals in first time employment and with displaced workers.
Merry Korn, Michael Testa and Kelly LaRosa, Director of Operations recently met with Eric Duffy and Lucille Walls, Director of GCPD, at the Solutions office. Joining this group was Lynn Aspey from Jewish Family Services. Lynn works with the Ohio Business Leadership Network (Ohio BLN) and nominated Pearl Interactive Network for this award.
Ms. Korn’s face lights up as she talks about meeting John Kemp and how he inspired her to think of this as a career voyage for individuals with disabilities. According to Merry, “Mike and Kelly help me make the vision of providing careers to populations with challenges a reality."
This company was first recognized as a leader when the Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities received a nomination submittal. According to Ms. Aspey, “I would like to see that Merry Korn receives the small business award for her creativity, drive, innovative marketing, and hiring of individuals with disabilities.”
This recognition is presented by the Employment Committee of the GCPD. Other recognition awards that will be given at the ceremony include: "Employer of the Year Awards" will be presented to Sodexho Campus Services-Franciscan University of Steubenville (medium employer) and Fifth Third Bank of Cincinnati (large employer). Also, Non-Profit Best Practices will be awarded to the OhioHealth of Columbus, the Advocacy award to Veterans First of Columbus, “Maureen Fitzgerald Leadership” award to William Bauer of Marietta, and the “Karla M. Lortz" scholarship to Nathan Crozier of Bellaire.
During the ceremony a short DVD production of the GCPD programs and a review of the year’s events will be reviewed. The theme of this year’s event is "Workers with Disabilities: Talent for a Winning Team!."
The Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities is composed of twenty-one members from throughout the state and is charged to advise the Governor and General Assembly on statewide disability issues. They educate and advocate for partnerships at the local, state and national level, and promote equality, access, independence, and the development of employment opportunities.
The Council also promotes the value of diversity, dignity and the quality of life for people with disabilities and serves as a catalyst to create systemic change promoting awareness of disability-related issues that will ultimately benefit all citizens of Ohio.
For more information about the Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities, go to www.gcpd.ohio.gov.
