Employers urged to tap untapped talent pools from refugees and local job networks

A new book, *The Refugee Advantage* by impact investor Dalton T. Sirmans, argues that refugees represent an underleveraged economic resource. Drawing on research and case studies from Afghanistan, Syria, Vietnam and Eritrea, the book urges businesses, investors and policymakers to view displaced people as sources of entrepreneurship, innovation and skilled labor that can help address talent shortages and boost local economies.

Meanwhile, the Fayette Chamber of Commerce is expanding workforce development in its community by linking local employers with job seekers through an online job board and a partnership with the Getro platform. The initiative aims to simplify hiring across sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing and professional services, helping both companies fill vacancies and residents find meaningful work close to home.