BowStern Named Unique Ability Partner

(Tallahassee, Fla.)  Tallahassee-based marketing firm BowStern Marketing Communications was named a Florida Unique Ability Partner by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). Founded in October of last year, the Florida Unique Abilities Partner Program is designed to raise awareness of the multiple benefits of employing individuals with unique abilities. BowStern’s recognition honors the commitment the company has shown to Floridians with unique abilities and underscores the company’s founding principle of social responsibility.

“We are honored to be a Florida Unique Ability Partner because a rising tide lifts all ships,” said Tom Derzypolski, President and co-founder of BowStern. “When we recognize the capability and talent of others, we tap into an incredible pool of resources that will bolster both our economy and our workforce. I am proud to be a partner of uniquely-abled Floridians and look forward strengthening our state with them.”

The DEO-administered program is intended to highlight businesses that advance the independence of Floridians with disabilities, and according to a 2016 study by Cornell University, only 31 percent of working-age Floridians with disabilities are employed. Businesses can be recognized as partners in several ways including employing persons with disabilities, providing financial or in-kind contribution to programs that serve individuals with disabilities or contribute to the establishment of a program that helps people with disabilities gain independence. BowStern makes financial contributions and Derzypolski volunteers as the Business Development Chair for RESPECT of Florida, an organization that encourages and assists Floridians with disabilities achieve maximum independence through employment.

For more information about BowStern, please visit BowStern.com or call (850) 597-9894.

About Florida Unique Abilities Partner Program
The Florida Unique Abiliites Partner Program recognizes businesses that are committed to providing career and financial opportunities to individuals with unique abilities and to assisting organizations that support them. For more information on how to join the Florida Unique Abilities Partner Program, please visit FloridaJobs.org/unique-abilities-partner-program.

About RESPECT of Florida
Established in 1974 by the Florida Legislature, RESPECT of Florida is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization designated by the Florida Department of Management Services to administer Florida’s State Use Program. Their mission is to further the policy of the state to encourage and assist blind and other severely disabled individuals to achieve maximum personal independence through useful, productive and gainful employment by assuring an expanded and constant market for their product and services, thereby enhancing their dignity and capacity for self-support.