Business leaders, employers and policy experts will gather in Pinehurst on Friday, August 7, to examine how child care challenges are affecting Moore County’s workforce and economy.
The Moore County Business & Child Care Summit will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. inside the Grand Ballroom at The Carolina Hotel, located at 80 Carolina Vista Drive in Pinehurst.
According to economic data shared by the event’s organizers, Moore County employers lose an estimated $33.5 million annually because workers cannot find affordable and accessible child care.
Child Care Challenges Disrupt Thousands of Workers
Organizers say more than 5,700 Moore County workers experienced employment disruptions related to child care during the past year. Those disruptions can include missing work, reducing hours, turning down promotions or leaving the workforce entirely.
The economic effects extend beyond local businesses and their employees. The child care shortage is also estimated to result in annual losses of approximately $5.3 million in state tax revenue and $4.6 million in local tax revenue.
The summit will explore how the shortage of reliable child care affects employee recruitment, retention, attendance and productivity. Participants will also discuss ways businesses can help develop or support solutions for working families.
Local Business and Community Leaders Join Panel
Kristi Maida, director of ExCEL NC, will moderate a panel featuring representatives from health care, education, child care and local business.
Scheduled panelists include:
- Julie Voigt, chief of staff at Sandhills Community College
- Jermonica Lindsey, director of Shining Stars Child Development Center
- Jonathan Davis, CEO of FirstHealth of the Carolinas and president of Moore Regional Hospital
- Hailey Caulder, owner of Pink of the Pines
Research and policy experts will also present information about the economic consequences of the child care crisis and potential strategies for improving access.
Summit Focuses on Business-Led Solutions
The event is hosted by ExCEL NC in partnership with the Moore County Chamber of Commerce, Moore County Economic Development Partnership and Partners for Children and Families, the local Smart Start organization.
Organizers say recently approved measures in the North Carolina state budget provide some support for addressing child care needs. However, local leaders believe additional work will be necessary to create sustainable options for families and employers.
Possible business-led approaches may include providing child care benefits, forming partnerships with local providers, supporting expanded capacity and advocating for policies that make care more affordable and accessible.
Local business leaders and representatives from the sponsoring organizations will be available for media interviews during the summit.
Anyone interested in attending or requesting an interview in advance may contact ExCEL NC Communications Director Emily Blevins at emily@excelnc.org.
Source: Information and economic estimates provided by ExCEL NC in a media announcement for the Moore County Business & Child Care Summit.
