Baby Business: The Dollars and Sense of Investing in Working Parents
Retaining skilled, productive workers is a continual challenge in today’s economy. It’s compounded by working parents who must balance work and family life, especially for workers with very young children.
A public forum from 7:30-9 a.m. on February 10 will bring together Wausau area employers, community leaders and anyone who lives or works in Marathon County. “Baby Business: The Dollars and Sense of Investing in Working Parents” looks at timely issues facing working parents and their employers.
Keynote speaker Rob Grunewald, economist with the Federal Bank of Minneapolis, will address topics such as:
- What employers can do to partner with working parents to retain quality employees
- How employers can help ensure future generations of a skilled, educated workforce
- Why investing in working parents and early childhood development yields high rates of return
Local panelists will continue the discussion: Jim McIntyre, CEO of Greenheck; Kelly Borchardt, executive director of Childcaring, Inc.; and Laura Hunt, young area professional and mother.
Attendees will view excerpts from the short film, “The Raising of America,” a documentary that explores the challenges of balancing work, life and family.
The event is free to the public and takes place at the UW Center for Civic Engagement, 625 Stewart Ave., Wausau. Continental breakfast begins at 7 a.m.
To register, go to the United Way website or call United Way of Marathon County at 715-848-2927.
Event sponsor is Marathon County Early Years Coalition. Partner is the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service and sponsors are Wisconsin Public Radio and Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce.