Keeping Childcare in Focus: An Economic Development Priority
How the Boone Chamber and Watauga EDC Are Staying Engaged in Local & Regional Conversations
Access to affordable, high-quality childcare continues to be a critical priority of the Watauga County Economic Development Commission. This month, we have been actively engaged in conversations and collaborations that elevate this issue — both locally and statewide. From participation in the State of the Child conference in Raleigh, to spotlighting a new after-school facility through the Mind Your Business podcast, to representing North Carolina’s childcare efforts on a regional stage in Atlanta, our team remains committed to supporting solutions that strengthen families, communities, and our local workforce.
US Chamber of Commerce's Early Childhood Business Advisory Council Southern Convening
Atlanta, GA - April 3, 2025
In early April, President/CEO David Jackson was invited to present to the Southern Convening of the US Chamber of Commerce's Early Childhood Business Advisory Council in Atlanta. Delivering a presentation titled "Partnerships in Preparedness & Recovery," which highlighted Watauga County's commitment to creating community awareness and support around the early childhood and out-of-school care industries, and how those partnerships allowed for quick industry-saving action in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
Jackson then joined a team of representatives from North Carolina, including NC Chamber Foundation President Meredith Archie and Janet Singerman, President of Child Care Resources, Inc, to discuss continued state-wide collaboration and advocacy strategies. Teams from states across the Southeast US shared details about positive industry developments in their areas.
Like the 2024 Watauga County Childcare Study, the US Chamber Foundation and the NC Chamber have both recently published reports stating the economic impact quality and affordable childcare can have on economic and workforce development strategies.
As David Jackson emphasized during the event: “Childcare IS economic development.” This principle continues to guide our work as we engage with regional and statewide partners to ensure that families and businesses in the High Country have access to the childcare resources they need to thrive.
State of the Child Summit
Raleigh, NC - April 15, 2025
Boone Area Chamber President/CEO David Jackson, Director of Operations Lindsay Cook, and Content Manager Emma Faulkner attended NC Child’s State of the Child conference in Raleigh — a day focused on the well-being of North Carolina’s children and the policies that shape their futures.
Before the event, the team hand-delivered Stick Boy cookies to partners at the NC Chamber and EDPNC, bringing a small taste of Boone to our statewide collaborators.
The conference featured data-driven insight and policy solutions from state leaders and youth advocates. A standout moment was a panel on youth mental health featuring Ashe County student Paige Roten, whose honest perspective underscored the importance of including youth voices in decision-making.
Boone’s response to Hurricane Helene was highlighted in a breakout session, with AppHealthCare’s Natasha Fuller sharing how local efforts supported families and stabilized childcare after the storm—an important reminder of how deeply childcare and crisis response are connected.
The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce was recognized at the evening reception as a 2025 Champion of Childcare alongside local Representative Ray Pickett. The award honored the Chamber’s continued advocacy efforts and direct community support, including emergency tuition coverage provided to Watauga County childcare centers in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Founder's Reception
Boone, NC - April 16, 2025
The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Founder’s Reception, celebrating 76 years of service to the Boone business community and the second anniversary of our downtown office space.
The event brought together Chamber Board members, Watauga County Economic Development Commission Board Members, and community investors for an evening focused on connection and collaboration — all of whom play a vital role in advancing the region’s most pressing priorities, including access to affordable, high-quality childcare.
This gathering highlighted the strong network of partners who continue to drive progress on key regional priorities. Many of those in attendance have played a direct role in supporting efforts that strengthen early childhood infrastructure and create meaningful solutions for working families.
We are deeply grateful to those who continue to invest in our mission and in the economic health of our region. Your support allows us to keep convening conversations, building partnerships, and pursuing initiatives that make the High Country a stronger, more resilient place to live and work.
Events like the Founder’s Reception reinforce the value of cross-sector collaboration in tackling complex challenges and advancing the long-term vitality of our community. Thank you for being part of this shared work.
Mind Your Business
Building A Brighter Future for After School Care in Watauga County
WATA Radio and Streaming Platforms - April 24, 2025
Access to quality, affordable childcare remains one of the most critical economic development priorities for the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and the Watauga County Economic Development Commission.
This Mind Your Business podcast features Jennifer Warren, Executive Director of Western Youth Network, as she shares details on the organization’s Building Brighter Futures campaign — a project aimed at expanding after-school and out-of-school care across Watauga County. This initiative stands to make a meaningful impact not only for children and families, but also for employers who rely on a stable, supported workforce.
We also take a closer look at current early childhood legislation and what’s ahead as North Carolina moves toward finalizing its next state budget.
TUNE INTO MIND YOUR BUSINESS PODCAST EPISODE
Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate. Catch the show each Thursday morning at 9AM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.