GROW NKY Releases Regional Immigrant Integration Plan

First-ever plan in Northern Kentucky has recommendations for better integrating immigrants into the local community, economy, and workforce

Covington, KY – GROW NKY, the strategic workforce collective working to leverage Northern Kentucky’s assets to grow, attract and retain a globally competitive workforce, released a regional immigrant integration community plan today. The 2020 Gateways for Growth Northern Kentucky Community Welcoming Plan is the culmination of a year-long strategic planning process with key regional stakeholders, and bolstered by research released by New American Economy (NAE) in partnership with the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Duke Energy and Gateway Community and Technical College in June 2019.

“Successful immigrant integration drives economic growth,” said Leisa Mulcahy, Managing Director of GROW NKY and Vice President of Workforce at NKY Chamber. “Data indicates that immigrants represent a rich potential pool for workforce talent right here in Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties.”

The 2020 Gateways for Growth Northern Kentucky Community Welcoming Plan outlines action steps to:

• Celebrate and promote Northern Kentucky’s global diversity
• Encourage and support strong immigrant leadership and civic engagement
• Facilitate meaningful cross-cultural connections
• Provide equitable access to community, health, and safety services
• Support students in gaining the education required to success in the workforce
• Establish and support inclusive recruitment, retention, and advancement strategies
• Enhance access to career pathways

Northern Kentucky was one of 14 communities selected nationally for the 2019 Gateways for Growth award to receive research from NAE on the economic impact of immigrants on the local economy, as well as technical assistance from NAE and Welcoming America to support the planning process. The NKY Chamber also received a matching grant of $12,500 from Duke Energy. Grant partners included Northern Kentucky Workforce Investment Board, Duke Energy, Gateway Community and Technical College, and Catholic Charities of Louisville, Kentucky – Office for Refugees.

“We are excited to see a tangible, comprehensive strategy come as the result of months of planning and stakeholder engagement,” said Kate Brick, Director of State & Local Initiatives at New American Economy. “Northern Kentucky continues to show a clear commitment to ensuring the region is welcoming and inclusive for all, and the local economy will reap those benefits.”

The Gateways for Growth Northern Kentucky Community Welcoming Plan was originally scheduled to be unveiled during the NKY International Festival. The event was postponed due to precautions put in place around COVID-19, and will be rescheduled to a later date. To learn more about GROW NKY visit nkychamber.com/GROW.

Read the full report here.

About GROW NKY

GROW NKY is a collective impact strategy comprised of a coalition of leaders across key industries, educational institutions, and community organizations working collaboratively to leverage the region’s assets to grow, attract and retain a globally competitive workforce. GROW NKY brings together workforce partners to address the regional skills and people gap and focuses on ensuring Northern Kentucky can support business growth through a strategic workforce effort. Learn more at www.nkychamber.com/grow.

About New American Economy

New American Economy (NAE) is a bipartisan research and advocacy organization founded to educate, empower and support policymakers, influencers, and citizens across the country that see the economic and social benefits of a smart approach to immigration reform. NAE has created a coalition of civic, business, and cultural leaders who span the political spectrum and represent all 50 states. NAE makes the case for smart immigration reform in four ways: 1) we use powerful research to demonstrate how immigration impacts our economy, 2) we organize champions at the grassroots and influencer levels to build support for immigration, 3) we partner with state and local leaders to advocate for policies that recognize the value immigrants add locally, and 4) we show immigrant contributions to American culture through film, food, art, sports, comedy, and more.