RECAP: Kindergarten Readiness = Workforce Readiness Breakfast

Kindergarten Readiness = Workforce Readiness

A special breakfast event for central Ohio business leaders

Crane Group CEO Tanny Crane and Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted hosted a breakfast discussion with central Ohio business leaders to consider the ways in which early childhood investments and kindergarten readiness can lead to a stronger workforce and Ohio economy.  

PICTURES (click to enlarge)

SUMMARY OF REMARKS

Donald Pope-Davis, dean of Ohio State's College of Education and Human Ecology, stands in back of a podium with a tilted glass top and two metal side supports. A video screen in front of a brick wall to the right displays the word "WELCOME."
Donald Pope-Davis, dean of Ohio State’s College of Education and Human Ecology, welcomed business leaders to the breakfast.
Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted stands behind a podium addressing the audience. To the right is a video screen showing a headshot photo of Husted next to a green box over which are white letters that read "OHIO'S FUTURE: A look at Ohio's economy and workforce."
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted told attendees about major employers in the technology field investing in Ohio.
People sitc on chairs surrounding circular tables covered with white tablecloths in a room with a glass-and-steel wall and a concrete floor. The people are looking to the right, where outside the image the speakers and podium are located.
Central Ohio business leaders heard about the importance of kindergarten readiness in preparing the workforce of the future.
Tanny Crane, President and CEO of Crane Group, stands behind a podium and speaks into a pair of microphones attached to the podium. To the right is a video screen with a thumbnail photo of Crane next to a green box on which are white letters that read "OPENING REMARKS."
Tanny Crane, President and CEO of Crane Group, talked about why businesses must pay attention to the quality of early education.
Dr. Laura Justice, Crane Center executive director, stands to the side of the podium, her left arm resting on the podium's glass top, as she talks to the audience. On the video screen to the right are a list of "Employer Concerns" about the workforce.
Dr. Laura Justice, Crane Center executive director, discussed the concerns business operators have about the skills of employees.
Jamie O'Leary, Crane associate director of policy and external affairs, stands behind a podium addressing the audience. On the right is a video screen showing headlines from news stories about the changing workplace.
Jamie O’Leary, Crane associate director of policy and external affairs, told attendees about the importance of preparing for a changing workplace.
  • Tanny Crane, president and CEO of the Crane Group, opened the breakfast and spoke from a business perspective about the critical importance of early childhood in building a strong economy.
  • Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted highlighted how Ohio’s economy continues to thrive and is poised for future growth. Citing recent business investments and expansions in the state from companies such as Amazon and Intel, Lt. Gov. Husted noted the opportunities ahead for Ohio and the need to support working families. Citing the high cost of child care facing families, Lt. Gov. Husted rallied the group to consider the importance of strong early childhood systems and more affordable care.
  • Kenny McDonald, CEO of The Columbus Partnership, spoke in more detail about central Ohio’s workforce and the region’s growing economy.
  • Crane Center Executive Director Dr. Laura Justice and Associate Director of Policy and External Affairs Jamie O’Leary shared how early childhood education is essential in supporting today’s workforce and in preparing Ohio’s future workforce. They cited research on the 21st century skills employers will need and how the foundations for those skills are laid in early childhood.