My guest today is Elana Como. E Elana is CEO of the Northwest Institute for Research (NWIR). NWIRoperates the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) for 13 counties in NW PA, including Erie County. The ELRC provides a single point-of-contact for families, early childhood education professionals and communities to get information and accessservices that support high-quality childcare and early learning programs. Elana got connected during the pandemic and I quickly learned that she is one of the most well respectedprofessionals in Pennsylvania when it comes to childcare and early childhood education. Elana and I work to unpack and dive into childcare – its importance and why it one ofthe greatest business challenges we face as a country.