Press Releases

February 26, 2007, Ohio—Pearl Interactive Network, a virtual workforce social enterprise that hires people with disabilities and other barriers announces a partnership with Smart Solutions, a full service IT solutions firm that specializes in business process management.

“Teaming with Smart Solutions places Pearl Interactive on a rapid growth path,” says Pearl Interactive Network founder Merry P. Korn. “Leveraging their telephone and IT system expertise, we can offer high-tech solutions that seamlessly duplicate and augment our clients’ workflows and processes. As our company grows, we further our mission and commitment to hiring people with disabilities.”

According to a 2004 Harris Survey, disabled individuals:

• are 3 times more likely to live in poverty, with an average household income below $15,000
• are 2 times more likely to have inadequate transportation
• report a 34% life satisfaction rating, compared to 64% in the general public

Companies that hire people with disabilities are not only socially responsible but are making a sound business decision:

• Companies that give opportunities to people with disabilities are perceived by the public (93%) as favorable.
• Disabilities affect 1 in 5 households—there is opportunity to tap a market with $1 trillion in annual consumer spending.
• Only 35% of disabled people are employed, but have equal or higher job performance ratings, higher retention rates and lower absenteeism.
• People with disabilities are better educated than ever, and are proven to have met or exceed challenges.
• Employing people with disabilities is good for the individual, the business and society.
• People with disabilities are motivated by a desire to give something back, and by opportunities for personal growth, job flexibility and social inclusion.

Mike Testa, Branch Manager of Smart Solutions, states “we believe that the collective talents of our full-service IT solutions paired with an established virtual workforce makes for a powerful and cost-effective solution that provides a win-win for all partners. Our clients win because they have cost-effective solutions and alternatives to traditional bricks and mortar. People with disabilities win because they can work in a home or remote environment with the supervisory and technical support that enables them to achieve financial sustenance and viable job opportunities.” Testa expounds, “we are now enabled to implement solutions based on a combination of processes and people. Because of the seamless integration of our client business processes and the luxury of Internet coupled with affordable phone service, it is irrelevant that work is performed from remote environments. As long as we demonstrate results and consistent performance, our clients are happy”.

Working with people with disabilities presents a challenge as well as an opportunity. Pearl Interactive Network’s employee disabilities range from visual impairment to carpal tunnel, musculoskeletal disorders to cancer. “What continues to amaze me is the strong work ethic, high motivation and retention rates,” states Korn. What does this mean to businesses? It means saving on overhead, reduced turnover and service reliability. Clients can expect dedicated resources, higher quality and variable cost pricing. At the same time, forward thinking companies position themselves as being socially responsive and appealing to an untapped market of people with disabilities. 

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ABOUT Pearl Interactive Network: Founded in 1995, Pearl Interactive Network is a virtual workforce offering customer service, support services and sales. They are innovative and creative, delivering quality solutions while creating opportunity. For additional information, contact Pearl Interactive Network at (614) 258-2943 or visit their website at www.Pearlinter.org.

ABOUT Smart Solutions: Smart Solutions, Inc. is a regional leader in systems integration, providing solutions such as high-end networking, document management and business process automation consulting services; LAN/WAN/Wireless network design and integration; computer hardware, software and related sales, service and support, including maintenance contracts; application and web design and development; cabling services; and, rental and redeployment services. For additional information contact Smart Solutions, Inc.: 23900 Mercantile, Cleveland, OH 44122 (216) 765-1122 www.smartsolutionsonline.com.