On August 6th, the CuyEast Chamber of Commerce Human Resources Meet-Up brought together local business owners, HR professionals, and community leaders at for an insightful discussion on leveraging the untapped workforce. Led by Chris Coon, Area Coordinator of Workforce Development for the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, the event shined a spotlight on talent pools often overlooked in traditional hiring practices.

Special guests Dan Abraham, Community Employment Coordinator at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Viktoriya Skubyak, Program Coordinator with  the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), shared powerful insights into hiring individuals who are eager and able to work but face barriers to employment.

Key Takeaways:

Broaden Your Perspective: Employers are encouraged to look beyond conventional recruitment channels to discover highly capable, motivated candidates.

Access to Resources: Numerous local and national programs can help employers connect with and support these talent groups, often with financial incentives.

Community Impact: Hiring from untapped talent pools strengthens diversity, inclusion, and economic growth in the region.

Accommodations are Key: Many assume this talent pool is challenging to work with, but with the right accommodations and a bit of preparation, they often prove to be among the most dedicated and high-performing employees.

The meet-up fostered a collaborative environment where attendees shared experiences, ideas, and strategies to fill workforce gaps while making a meaningful impact. Events like this demonstrate the power of connection, education, and a willingness to think outside the box when it comes to talent acquisition.

Interested in the next Meet-Up? Check out our upcoming events here!