Event Unites Employers and Community Leaders to Foster Workforce Engagement and Economic Growth in the Tri-County Region 

LANSING, Mich. (June 20, 2024) — The Capital Area Child Care Coalition (CACCC) is pleased to announce an Employer Roundtable, a crucial event aimed at addressing the impact of childcare on the regional workforce. The event will take place on Thursday, June 20 {at this hour} at the University Club of MSU in Lansing. The CACCC is co-led by the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), Capital Area Michigan Works! (CAMW!) and the United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI).

As a group of community leaders in Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties, the CACCC is dedicated to increasing the supply of high-quality childcare in the region. Their efforts have been recognized through the regional childcare coalition grant awarded by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation’s (ECIC) Child Care Innovation Fund as part of the Caring for MI Future initiative. The coalition since being awarded has conducted research, including cataloging existing providers, surveying providers, and conducting parent focus groups, that help the coalition make data-driven decisions, including a Regional Action Plan underway.

“If we do this right together as a region, we will continue to grow the Lansing region as one of the most innovative, prosperous and competitive communities in America.” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP (left).

The Employer Roundtable aims to bring together regional employers, human resource professionals, and C-suite leaders to discuss the impact of childcare on employees and businesses. The event will provide valuable insights into the importance of quality childcare for economic prosperity and talent development. Attendees will also learn about strategies to support employees in overcoming childcare barriers, ultimately enhancing workforce engagement across sectors.

Carrie Rosingana, CEO of CAMW! (left), expressed her pride in partnering with and supporting the CACCC. She emphasized the critical role of quality child care in supporting families across all industry sectors and acknowledged the challenges it poses for individuals seeking and maintaining employment successfully.

"Having access to quality child care is critical to supporting families that work across all industry sectors and is often a barrier that impacts an individual's ability to gain and retain employment successfully," said Rosingana.

The Employer Roundtable will feature an informational roundtable session from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m., followed by an optional networking hour from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in part sponsored by PNC Bank. The event will take place at the Lower-Level Ballroom of the University Club of MSU, located at 3435 Forest Road, Lansing, MI 48910.

Chaz Carrillo, a co-chair of Greater Lansing Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (left), highlighted the economic significance of addressing child care challenges. He emphasized that practical solutions in this area would drive economic growth across industries, benefiting both individuals and employers.

"Childcare is a crucial component of our economy. Practical solutions to this issue will drive economic growth across industries and transform challenges into opportunities for our region, influencing individual economic mobility and employer production," Carrillo stated.

“As a child care provider, supporting child care aligns with Corporate Social Responsibility goals, enhances corporate reputation, and increases employee satisfaction and retention. Collaborations between businesses, government, and non-profits can create effective child care programs, benefiting the entire community,” said Santrece Roberts, owner of Caterpillar Corner Child Care. 

For more information and to register for the Employer Roundtable, please visit LEAP’s website at www.purelansing.com/childcare.

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About LEAP

The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is a coalition of area leaders partnering to build a stronger community for all — working every day to grow, retain and attract business to the Lansing, Michigan, region.