Business leaders, HR professionals and community partners will gather Oct. 14 for the Childcare Solutions CEO/HR Leadership Summit, an event focused on the link between childcare access, workforce retention and economic growth in Johnson County.
The summit, organized by Greater Iowa City, Inc. in collaboration with the Childcare Solutions Coalition, will highlight the impact of the Johnson County Childcare Solutions Fund and its Wage Enhancement Program (WEP). Since its launch in 2023, the program has provided wage boosts at 10 licensed childcare centers, with additional centers expressing interest.
The event, which is open to the public, will be held at Big Grove Brewery’s Iowa City taproom, 1225 S. Gilbert St. The summit will open with a cocktail welcome at 3:30 p.m. and conclude with a networking reception at 6 p.m. The program, scheduled from 4 to 5 p.m., will feature two moderated panels.
The first panel will feature CEOs and HR leaders discussing how childcare challenges affect different industries and the role of childcare in supporting a reliable workforce.
For the second panel, attendees will hear childcare directors, board members and parents share perspectives on the program’s impact, including classroom stability, operational improvements and support for working families.
Confirmed speakers include:
Vikram Israni, president and CEO, GreenState Credit Union
Megan Alter, Iowa City councilor and director of English Language Arts, Measurement Research Development, ACT Inc.
Chelsey Markle, executive director, The Arc of Southeast Iowa
Ashley Cooney, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, and parent
Additional speakers will be announced on Greater IC’s website.
Registration is encouraged, as space is limited. To learn more or register, visit Greater IC’s registration page.
