October 4th, 2024
Mankato — Greater Mankato Growth, in collaboration with our Regional Economic Development Alliance partners, is excited to launch the “Whole Community Approach” to childcare. In partnership with the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, we will tie local efforts to similar projects undertaken in St. Peter, Eagle Lake, Mapleton, and Lake Crystal to address the childcare needs of our communities.
Key stakeholders are invited to attend community workshops on October 22 and 23 in Mankato and North Mankato. These workshops will uncover some of the biggest childcare challenges in our community and will find ways to meet childcare needs across the greater Mankato region while supporting our existing childcare providers and professionals.
“This is a valuable opportunity for everyone who benefits from or provides childcare to come together, share updates on current priorities, and explore how our community can better support the needs of as many families and providers as possible,” explained Jeff Andrews, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation.
Regional business leaders, community leaders including nonprofit organizations and public officials, education leaders, and existing childcare providers in Mankato and North Mankato are invited to attend the community listening sessions.
“By understanding the challenges and opportunities, we can determine the desired outcome, or win, for the community,” Andrews added. “From there, we can create the most efficient solutions.”
The listening sessions in Mankato will be held on Tuesday, October 22, with sessions in North Mankato following on Wednesday, October 23. The agenda for the events is as follows:
Tuesday, October 22 – Mankato
Bridge Plaza – 201 N Riverfront Drive, 2nd Floor
- 3:30 p.m. – Joint with North Mankato – Regional Workforce Leaders
- 5:00 p.m. – Community Leaders including nonprofit organizations and public officials
- 6:30 p.m. – Current Childcare Providers Register to attend the Mankato event: Mankato – Business of Childcare
Wednesday, October 23 – North Mankato
South Central Service Cooperative -2075 Lookout Drive
- 3:30 p.m. – Joint with Mankato – Regional Education Leaders
- 5:00 p.m. – Community Leaders including nonprofit organizations and public officials
- 6:30 p.m. – Current Childcare Providers Register to attend the North Mankato event: North Mankato – Business of Childcare
About Greater Mankato Growth
Greater Mankato Growth (GMG) is committed to advancing business for a stronger community. As the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development organization serving the regional marketplace, GMG advances business through existing business support, new business growth, business promotion, talent development, public affairs, community marketing, visitor attraction and servicing, and civic engagement.