The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce introduces the groundbreaking Greater ROC Global program to attract international talent and strengthen the workforce in the Finger Lakes region

Rochester, New York – In an effort to address the ongoing workforce challenges facing the region, the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has announced the launch of Greater ROC Global, a new initiative aimed at attracting international talent to the Finger Lakes region. This ambitious program, developed in collaboration with inSpring, a national workforce development organization, is designed to help local employers fill critical job vacancies and support the long-term economic vitality of the area.

With industries such as healthcare and advanced manufacturing experiencing persistent talent shortages, Greater ROC Global will serve as a key solution by providing recruitment, training, and retention services. The program will initially focus on healthcare, aiming to bring in skilled nurses from around the world and integrate them into the regional workforce. Over time, the initiative will expand to include technical and STEM talent, strengthening Rochester’s advanced manufacturing sector as well.

Addressing Workforce Shortages in Healthcare

The first phase of Greater ROC Global will establish a healthcare center of excellence, specifically targeting the shortage of skilled clinical professionals. Through a structured education-to-practice pipeline, the program will recruit aspiring nurses from international locations, provide them with opportunities to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, and facilitate their certification and employment within Rochester’s healthcare system. The program will also support employment authorization and ensure successful community integration for the incoming talent.

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This initiative is a direct response to the workforce needs voiced by regional employers. “For years, Greater Rochester Chamber has consistently heard from our members and regional employers that access to high-quality talent has been a limiting factor in their organizational growth. We are excited to launch our Greater ROC Global program to bring new talent into our region, showcasing the vibrant community we live and work in and helping to fill these crucial talent gaps for employers,” said Bob Duffy, President & CEO of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. “We are excited to partner with our health systems in this first phase to enable them to better serve our community and access the individuals they need to for their vital work building a strong and healthy workforce. Thank you to inSpring for their partnership in this space.”

The program’s first cohort of international nurses is expected to arrive in Rochester on Monday, April 21st. Their presence will mark a significant step toward strengthening the region’s healthcare system, ensuring hospitals and medical facilities have the skilled professionals necessary to provide high-quality care to residents.

Expanding into Advanced Manufacturing and STEM Fields

As Greater ROC Global develops, its scope will expand beyond healthcare to include technical and engineering talent for the region’s growing advanced manufacturing sector. With Rochester historically being a hub for innovation and industrial growth, the need for highly skilled STEM professionals is more crucial than ever.

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Through inSpring’s extensive network of educational partners, the initiative will identify top-tier technical talent from underutilized regions across the globe. Candidates will undergo rigorous onboarding and job readiness training to ensure they meet the demands of Rochester-based employers. This approach aligns with inSpring’s Regional Talent Hub model, which establishes long-term talent solutions for communities across the United States.

“Rochester has such a rich history as a magnet for innovation in industry and education leading the way in many of America’s key sectors – and requires a robust and adaptive workforce to thrive,” said Chris Hoehn-Saric, CEO and Co-Founder of inSpring. “We’re delighted to contribute to the future growth and success of the region by embedding our Regional Talent Hub model into the community in partnership with Greater Rochester Chamber. The community here has been so welcoming and collaborative, and we are excited to play a role in building a healthy and vibrant future workforce in Rochester for years to come.”

Strengthening Rochester’s Workforce for the Future

Greater ROC Global is part of the larger OneROC alliance, which positions the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce as the regional leader for talent strategy. By working closely with local employers, educational institutions, and workforce development organizations, the initiative will provide a steady pipeline of skilled workers to fill critical job vacancies.

With Rochester’s economy depending on a strong and sustainable workforce, this initiative is a timely and strategic investment in the region’s future. Employers looking to benefit from Greater ROC Global’s talent recruitment and retention services are encouraged to explore partnership opportunities.

To learn more about the Greater ROC Global program and how employers can get involved, visit GreaterRochesterChamber.com/Greater-ROC-Global. For inquiries, contact [email protected].

As the first wave of international healthcare professionals arrives and plans for STEM expansion take shape, Greater ROC Global is poised to make a lasting impact, ensuring Rochester continues to grow as a hub for innovation, industry, and opportunity.