June Investor Connect: Childcare Works Presentation

The Park Hills - Leadington Chamber of Commerce invites Chamber Investors and community members to join us for the June Investor Connect meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Noon at the Cardinal Center inside the MAC Tech Building.

This month’s featured presentation will focus on one of the most critical workforce challenges facing communities and businesses today: access to quality, affordable childcare.

Across Missouri and here in St. Francois County, many employers struggle to fill positions and retain employees due to childcare barriers. When parents cannot find reliable childcare, businesses often experience increased absenteeism, reduced workforce participation, and difficulties recruiting and retaining talent. Addressing childcare challenges is not only a family issue—it is an economic development and workforce issue that affects our entire community.

Our guest speaker, Kimberly Weakley, Assistant Statewide Coordinator for Missouri Childhood Community Leaders, will present an informative discussion on the Child Care Works Program and the impact childcare availability has on workforce participation, employee retention, economic development, and community growth.

Joining the presentation will be representatives from the St. Francois County Partnership and Kids Win Missouri, who will share information about local childcare initiatives, available resources, and ways businesses and community leaders can support solutions that strengthen families and the workforce.

Business owners, managers, community leaders, and stakeholders will learn:

• How childcare access directly impacts employee recruitment and retention
• The economic impact of childcare shortages on local businesses and communities
• How the Child Care Works Program supports working families and local employers
• Ways businesses can become partners in creating sustainable childcare solutions
• Why investing in early childhood resources contributes to long-term economic growth and workforce development

Kimberly Weakley serves as the Assistant Statewide Coordinator for Missouri Childhood Community Leaders, an organization dedicated to building stronger communities through early childhood advocacy, education, and collaboration. Through her work, Kimberly helps connect local leaders, businesses, educators, and policymakers with resources and strategies that support children, families, and workforce development across Missouri.

Lunch will be catered by Hub's Pub & Grill with a menu of:
- Hawaiian Chicken & Rice
- Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Side Salad
- Green Beans
- Lemonade
- Tea 

Lunch is $14 per person.

Reservations are due by 3:00 PM on Friday, June 12, 2026.

Investor Connect is a monthly networking and educational luncheon designed to help local business and community leaders Plug In. Learn More. Do More.