GLI Launches Network For Foreign-Born Professionals

Louisville's chamber of commerce, Greater Louisville Inc., has launched a new program aimed at bringing foreign-born professionals together.The Greater Louisville International Professionals initiative will provide opportunities online and in person for immigrants to meet. Ideally, officials say the professionals in the program would create a business environment that will attract a talented and diverse workforce to the area."We know it's successful as it's sustained," says GLI President Joe Reagan. "If people find value and connection in those relationships, then they will sustain it, they will grow it, they will decide what to do as members of this organization. It's more than an organization—this network or community will decide where to go."Reagan says G.L.I.P. is a long-term plan and he's not concerned about how the program will fare with unemployment above ten percent and rising."We're in an economic cycle and we're changing cycles right now and this is the way to conquer the issue of jobs," he says. "Jobs are created around ideas and ideas come with individuals."Although the initiative is aimed at foreign-born professionals, anyone can join. Membership is free.