2024 Breakfast Speaker Series: East Tennessee's Child Care Crisis

The chamber's Breakfast Speaker Series events provide an opportunity for businesses and the public to hear from speakers on specific topics or issues that are of importance to them, their business, and our community. Members receive discounted pricing as a benefit of membership. Attendees from the community are always welcome. 

A recent study by the Tennesseans for Quality Early Education (TQEE) estimates that the annual economic loss impact of insufficient childcare in the Knoxville area is a staggering $122M. These losses impact parents who report having to refuse work opportunities, businesses who struggle to recruit and maintain adequate workforce, and taxpayers alike. 

Join us for an informative panel discussion with key stakeholders on these issues; we'll discuss how we got here, what solutions are viable for solving the crisis, and how businesses and individuals can help.

Our emcee and moderator will be multi-Emmy and Edward R. Murrow award winning anchor and reporter, Brittany Tarwater, of WVLT Channel 8 News. Tarwater, aside from her professional accolades, will also bring her personal  experience as a working mom of two to the discussion.

Panelists:

• Senator Becky Massey
• Matt Ryerson, CEO, United Way of Greater Knoxville
• Bart McFadden, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley