Recent Events

Even before the COVID-19 public health crisis, finding quality, affordable childcare was a barrier to the workforce for many working parents. The pandemic exacerbated numerous issues in an already fragile childcare system and a lack of childcare options presents a significant roadblock for parents to re-enter the workforce. There is no silver bullet to solve this problem but the need to create a childcare system to fully support working parents and the businesses in which they work has never been clearer. Join us for the next event in the Talent Forward virtual series as we address how state and federal governments, the business community, and childcare providers can collaborate to provide effective solutions.

The dates for the U.S. Chamber Foundation's premiere workforce conference have been announced. Save the date for Talent Forward 2020 on October 30, 2020.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is partnering with The Hunt Institute to understand the childcare landscape during COVID-19. This presentation will look at the actions that states have taken and the impact on childcare programs’ operations. The presentation will be followed by a discussion on opportunities for state-level engagement to support childcare businesses.

Join the U.S. Chamber Foundation at the Early Education Summit in Washington, D.C. on February 28 to learn about unique childcare challenges facing U.S. states, hear new data on the economic impact of childcare breakdowns, and listen to experts who are developing solutions.

Build Up SMC has partners countywide that are dedicated to solving childcare facility challenges. The Bend Chamber has hired a full time staff to focus on childcare needs in central Oregon. They're here to answer your questions on how they did it and where they're going.