The 2023 Emerging Issues Forum, Talent First Economics, examined labor force participation and the barriers various worker groups face in finding and keeping jobs. A key barrier identified was access to childcare for parents and caregivers of young children.

This episode of "The Connector" features IEI Director Sarah Hall joined by three special guests: NC Department of Commerce Child Care Business Liaison Samantha Cole, NC Partnership for Children Director of Strategic Initiatives Mary Scott and Cleveland County Partnership for Children Executive Director Dr. Shannon White.

They dive into the new Child Care Business Liaison role, created to address the childcare gap as part of the state's economic development plan, and NC Tri-Share, a pilot program designed to make childcare more accessible for working families.

The Connector podcast explores connections being made across sectors, regions and perspectives resulting in a more vibrant and prosperous North Carolina. To learn more about the Institute for Emerging Issues, visit emergingissues.org.