i_i_schoolreadiness_2018a_2018-08-20t09:08:12z1 Hearing Summary

Gloria Higgins, President, Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC), came to the table to talk about the business community's involvement in early childhood development.  She stated that EPIC educates, equips, engages, and energizes the business community to support early childhood and workplace initiatives.  They support communities as they identify child care issues and ways in which the business community can lend its support.  She discussed their current work in Mesa County.  Ms. Higgens responded to questions concerning workplace childcare centers.

Laura Love, Founder, Ground Floor Media, explained how she developed a family-friendly culture in her business.  She discussed how she implemented policies and benefits that support her employees and enable them to take the time to take care of their children and family life.  She spoke about the success of implementing these benefits.

Rusty Gonzales, CEO, St. Andrews Construction Service Corp, spoke on the impact that the lack of childcare availability for his employees has on his business.  He mentioned that he has a very flexible time off policy for childcare, but it affects his productivity.  Mr. Gonzales responded to questions concerning possible solutions or programs that could be implemented that would help companies like his and how to better advertise programs that are already available.

David Hammond, Board Vice Chair, EPIC, discussed the work Larimer County's business community is doing to address childcare shortages.  He stated that a task force was formed to discuss workforce needs.  They concluded that childcare was a problem that needed to be addressed and, specifically, found that availability and affordability of childcare was an issue.  He explained that a new task force was created to look into options and make recommendations to address the issue of childcare.  The task force is headed by the Ft. Collins Chamber of Commerce and the child care industry.  Mr. Hammond responded to questions concerning public and private funding, state investment, preliminary solutions, and other possible partnerships.