Greater Louisville Inc. launches International Professionals initiative
Program’s mission is to attract and retain international talent
Louisville, KY (11/11/09) – Greater Louisville Inc. – The Metro Chamber of Commerce announced today the launch of the Greater Louisville International Professionals (G.L.I.P) initiative. The program will help Louisville fortify its competitive advantage by attracting top international professionals and developing the talent pool to meet future area workforce needs.
G.L.I.P is committed to providing a platform of distinct initiatives, such as social media networks, mentorship programs and events, to engage and connect accomplished individuals of the international and local community.
“We have a unique opportunity to make Louisville the hot spot for international professionals to live, work, innovate and grow,” said Joe Reagan, President and CEO of Greater Louisville Inc. “Research has shown that international talent is critical to our region’s long-term growth and prosperity. We now have a strategic program to cultivate that talent and the new ideas international citizens bring to the community.”
The immigrant population in Louisville currently exceeds 53,000 individuals. With 33 percent of foreign-born Louisvillians holding a four-year degree, the G.L.I.P. initiative will leverage the international talent to increase economic and community development.
“International professionals are poised to play an integral role in our region’s economic and business growth,” said Cedric Francois, President and CEO of Potentia Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a native of Belgium, and a member of G.L.I.P. “The initiative will help our city harness the industry, entrepreneurship and workforce benefits of a diverse citizenship.”
G.L.I.P. will recruit an inclusive network of international professionals based in Metro Louisville. Participation in the program is voluntary and requires no financial commitment. Invitations are extended, but not limited, to foreign-born professionals, executives and entrepreneurs; post-secondary international academia; and local business executives and recruiters who work internationally.
To join the Greater Louisville International Professionals, visit www.LouisvilleInternationals.com. The website provides resources on developing a wide range of personal and professional relationships through networking opportunities and social events, and can connect new international residents with local ‘Ambassadors’ from each region in the world. The website also allows employers to search resumes of international professionals and connect with other recruiters who have an interest in international talent.
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About Greater Louisville International Professionals (GLIP)
Greater Louisville International Professionals’ mission is to attract and retain international talent by showcasing Louisville as a welcoming and inclusive city of possibilities. G.L.I.P is committed to providing a platform of distinct initiatives, such as social media networks, mentorship programs and hosted events, to engage and connect the accomplished individuals of the international and local community. For more information, please visit www.LouisvilleInternationals.com. G.L.I.P. is supported by the CE&S Foundation, the Humana Foundation, Humana Inc., and Brown-Forman.
About Greater Louisville, Inc.
The mission of Greater Louisville Inc. is to provide leadership on initiatives that impact the success of the business community and contribute to the prosperity of our entire community. For more information, visit www.GreaterLouisville.com.
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Carmen Hickerson
Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications
Greater Louisville Inc. – The Metro Chamber of Commerce
614 West Main Street, Suite 6000 Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: 502.625.0204 Fax: 502.625.0010
chickerson@GreaterLouisville.com
http://www.GreaterLouisville.com
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