Childcare As A Workforce Priority Is Topic Of GCDC’s Executive Leadership Breakfast

Virtual Event Set For Dec. 2

MONROE – Childcare is essential for our families, our workforce, and our community. Access to high quality childcare and enriching experiences and interactions are critical for our children for their academic, social and emotional development. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on childcare services in our communities.

Quality childcare as a workforce priority will be the topic of Green County Development Corporation’s (GCDC) annual Executive Leadership Breakfast. This year’s Executive Leadership Breakfast, set for 7:45 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2, will be virtual, with participants joining via a Zoom link. The featured speaker will be Rob Grunewald, economist with the Community Development Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. The event is free and open to the public.

Why does childcare matter? The link among access to childcare, parental employment, and overall economic growth is becoming more apparent all the time. Businesses rely on their employees, and their employees rely on access to childcare. When problems with childcare arise, parents must scramble to find alternative options  ¾ or miss work to care for their children.

For Green County parents, that can translate to working fewer hours, taking a pay cut, or leaving their jobs altogether. Likewise, our business community is harmed by their employees’ childcare challenges. Nationally, the cost of lost earnings, productivity, and revenue due to the childcare crisis totals an estimated $57 billion each year.

GCDC and the United Way of Green County have teamed up to address critical childcare needs. They are encouraging businesses to offer financial assistance to help provide support and resources to childcare providers in Green County. More information on this initiative will be shared at the Executive Leadership Breakfast event and is available online at greencountyedc.com.

While there is no cost to participate, pre-registration for the Executive Leadership Breakfast is requested. Send name and e-mail to gcdc@tds.net. Log-in information will be sent a week prior to the event.

GCDC, a multi-jurisdictional economic development corporation, was formed to bring professional economic development expertise to its member communities to create a competitive advantage to spur job creation and new investments. The organization is building the economic future of Green County communities and businesses through public-private partnerships. For more information, visit GCDC at online at www.greencountyedc.com.

‘Transforming the Future of Our Communities’ Is Topic of GCDC Annual Dinner Feb. 25

Tickets On Sale Now; Award Nominations Accepted Until Feb. 5

MONROE – What does economic development really look like? Why is it so important to our communities? How can it transform these places we call home?

The Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) will consider these questions at its Annual Dinner and Recognition Meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 25. Keynote speaker Rick Dickinson, president and CEO of Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, will share insights gained from Dubuque to help understand the issues better. Although Dubuque faced a host of challenges in previous decades, by transforming its leadership and approach to development, the city has turned itself around. Today, residents enjoy the benefits of a robust business climate and a beautifully redeveloped river district. Dickinson’s presentation promises to be relevant and enlightening for Green County elected officials, and community and business leaders.

GCDC’s Annual Meeting and Recognition Dinner is open to the public. Tickets are now available and cost $40 each; tables of eight are available. The dinner, held at Turner Hall in Monroe, begins with a social hour at 4:30 p.m. Dinner is at 6 p.m., followed by presentation of awards and the keynote speaker.

Tickets can be ordered online through a link on the GCDC website at greencountyedc.com. (A service fee applies for online orders.) To be invoiced for tickets, contact gcdc@tds.net or call the GCDC office at 608.328.9452.

GCDC is also accepting nominations for its annual awards to be presented during the event. These awards are:

  • The Outstanding Business of the Year, which honors a business that has demonstrated exemplary commitment to Green County’s economic growth. This business will have made a significant improvement to strengthen its market position or will have overcome an obstacle affecting the company’s ability to grow.
  • The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, which honors an entrepreneur with a hunger for opportunity, a growth mindset, a willingness to learn, a willingness to find solutions to challenges and problems, and a strong work ethic.
  • The Richard B. Schmied Leadership Award, which honors an individual who exemplifies the character of a true leader.

Any individual, group or business may nominate a business or leader, and businesses and individuals may nominate themselves. Businesses and individuals from throughout Green County are eligible.

To nominate a business or individual, visit greencountyedc.com and look for the link for a fillable form under the News & Events tab. A list of past winners is also available there. More information and assistance is available by emailing gcdc@tds.net or calling 608.328.9452. Nominations are due Wednesday, Feb. 5.