How can our communities continue to thrive amidst change? With major shifts and increased uncertainty, our focus must remain steadfast on the strengths that have consistently driven inclusive economic growth and community vitality: the contributions of immigrants and international talent. We must stay focused on the long welcome and create a welcoming infrastructure for the region to be a choice destination for global talent and innovation. There are several ways to be involved and informed. 

Welcoming and Supporting Local Businesses 

In a time of uncertainty, we must remind our neighbors that home is here and that they are welcome. One way to demonstrate that is by supporting the businesses that add vitality to our neighborhoods. We encourage you to check out these directories when considering your next event, date night, or time with friends and families. If you are looking for a specific type of vendor or service, please reach out to us for recommendations.  

Staying Informed and Sharing Accurate Information 

While it does feel like everything is rapidly changing, we must stay current with information. For employers and organizations large and small, it is important to remain compliant with existing regulations while protecting their employees and operations. We invite you to attend an upcoming event we have planned in partnership with NKY Works where we will present with the Immigrant & Refugee Law Center on the ABC’s of Hiring Immigrants. We will discuss demographics and economic impacts of immigrants, the details of work authorization and immigration statuses, current regulations, and strategies to hire and retain immigrant international talent in the current context. We also invite you to review this resource from the American Business Immigration Coalition. 

Champion Smart, Immigrant Inclusive Economic Development Strategies 

Our region has the power to chart its own path in fostering an inclusive and robust economy. By focusing on supporting the immigrant and international talent already within our region, we can build resilient communities that are prepared to flourish. Here are three key strategies we can employ to attract and retain a strong immigrant and international student workforce. They are also policy priorities adopted by the Ohio Metro Chambers Coalition for 2025 under Talent Attraction.

You can see additional strategy recommendations in our previous newsletters. 

1. Accelerated Licensure for International Talent: Streamlining the process for credential recognition and professional licensure can help international professionals quickly contribute their skills to our local economy. Reducing bureaucratic barriers ensures that talent is not wasted and that industries facing skill shortages can benefit from ready, qualified professionals. 

2. Contextualized ESL Training to Support Employers: Offering English as a Second Language (ESL) programs tailored to specific industry needs can significantly enhance workplace integration. These programs not only improve language proficiency but also equip immigrants with the cultural and professional nuances required to excel in their roles, thereby increasing productivity and job satisfaction. 

3. Greater Employer Awareness of Work-Visa Readiness: Educating employers about the work-visa eligibility of international students and newcomers can demystify the hiring process and open doors to a vast, underutilized talent pool. By fostering partnerships between businesses and educational institutions, we can create clear pathways for international graduates to transition smoothly into the local workforce. 

Immigrants are not just participants in our economy; they are catalysts for neighborhood vitality, workplace diversity, and groundbreaking innovation. Their entrepreneurial spirit breathes new life into local businesses, their diverse perspectives enrich workplace cultures, and their unique experiences fuel creative problem-solving and design. In the region, these contributions are visible in the bustling corridors of international eateries, the dynamic teams within our corporations, and the innovative ideas emerging from our academic institutions. 

This February, let’s commit to leveraging our region’s existing strengths. By embracing the diverse talents within our communities, Cincinnati can not only adapt to change but lead the way in creating an inclusive, dynamic, and prosperous future for all.