(WNY News Now) – Chautauqua County’s workforce struggles with childcare barriers—join the conversation on March 13 at JCC to explore impactful strategies and initiatives.
For over fifteen years, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Jamestown Community College has hosted the Women in Networking (WIN) Chautauqua program every month. This program is for business owners and individuals working in the business sector. The program is also sponsored by Community Bank and open to all.
The next WIN program will take place Thursday, March 13 at 11:30am at JCC in collaboration with the CHQ Chamber. This month’s focus is the impact of childcare on the workforce. Join us to learn more about the childcare trends and strategies that are currently affecting the workforce. Many Chautauqua County employers have indicated childcare as a main barrier for potential hires impacting their employee recruitment, retention, and productivity. As we all work together to make Chautauqua County a leader in early childhood education and economic development now and in the future, there are important new strategies/initiatives that will assist us. Real childcare solutions for employees and employers are more important than ever & they are available here in Chautauqua County!
Our speakers will include Beth Starks, Founding Consultant with Flourish Leadership Consulting and Executive Director, Chautauqua Lake Child Care Center and Sue Marker, Chautauqua Child Care Council Director, Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc.
Beth Starks is a consultant, founder, and executive leader in the non-profit / Early Childhood Education sector. An international keynote presenter and professional development provider, she has provided inspiration and educational opportunities for thousands. Beth has operated her childcare business for almost 20 years. Her core expertise rests in start-up planning, regulatory navigation, financing opportunities, strategic planning, board development and customer relations. Direct personal leadership has also been a cornerstone of her business career, emphasized in her passion for individualized growth and coaching.
Susan Marker is currently the Child Care Council Director for Chautauqua County, NY. She has a wealth of experience in both nonprofit and for-profit management. She began her career at Chautauqua Opportunities in 2008 where she served as a Child Development Specialist from 2008 to 2014, then as the Child Development Coordinator from 2014 to 2016. From 2016 to 2018, she held the position of Child Care Council Director and went on to become the Head Start Deputy Director from 2018 to 2020. Since 2020, she has resumed her role as Child Care Council Director. Prior to her career at Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. she operated a thriving in-home childcare business for ten years and worked as a Certified Montessori teacher, focusing on children aged 3 to 5 for 10 years.
Lunch will be provided at 11:30am, and the program will begin at noon. The cost to attend the lunch in person is $18 with check or credit card. This event will take place at Jamestown Community College, Carnahan Building, Room 120. To make a reservation or for more information on this monthly program, contact the SBDC at 716-338-1024 or go to our website at www.sbdcjcc.org.
The SBDC Women in Networking program was developed for women to exchange ideas, experiences, and address challenging issues. The SBDC has helped to build productive business relationships that benefit women throughout the region with this program.
Administered by the US Small Business Administration, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Jamestown Community College (JCC) vision is to create economic sustainability for all New Yorkers – one business at a time. The SBDC delivers high quality business counseling and training to clients looking to start a business or improve the performance of an existing business. Services are free and confidential and include a range of management and technical assistance from business plan development, accounting guidance, productivity enhancement and export assistance to loan information, marketing, and financial planning among other services.
As one of the largest business associations in Western New York, the CHQ Chamber builds vital connections, provides professional resources, and champions our local businesses in Chautauqua County.
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