Right here, in their own communities. That’s why business leaders across the nation are signing on to help child care businesses thrive. Like you, they understand that the early development of children is the foundation of adult success and productivity. An innovative program developed by First Children’s Finance, the Children’s Chamber of Commerce supports the delivery of high-quality child care, stabilizing working families today and building the workforce of tomorrow.

The Children’s Chamber of Commerce is a business-to-business partnership whose members:

• Increase access to quality child care for all children, especially children living in poverty. All children need quality care. Your investment in the Children’s Chamber helps to make quality care available to every family in your community, by strengthening the businesses that provide it.

• Create a community of champions for early care and education. With your help, we can mobilize broad public and private sector support for early learning as a strategic investment that stabilizes working families today, while building a highly-skilled workforce for the future.

• Help child care businesses benefit from local business expertise. You can share your experience and expertise with child care providers in your community to help them strengthen the business side of their operations, so they can provide sustainable, high-quality care for children.

How do I join a Children’s Chamber of Commerce?

First Children’s Finance has established regional Children’s Chambers of Commerce in Minnesota, Iowa and Michigan, and more Children’s Chambers are in the works. When you join a regional Children’s Chamber, your membership contribution helps First Children’s Finance partner with you to provide programs that assist child care businesses in your community.

Annual Membership Levels*

• Philanthropic Member:                     $5,000
• Large Business/Organization:        $2,500
• Small Business/Organization:            $500
• Individual Member:                               $50

*This is the minimum contribution for each membership level. Larger contributions are encouraged and gratefully recognized.

Become a Champion for Children today! We invite you to join a Children’s Chamber of Commerce and contribute online (see the box at right), or to contact the regional office of First Children’s Finance for additional information:

Heidi Schleuter, Iowa State Director
563-271-9890 or 319-279-6527
heidi@firstchildrensfinance.org

Monica Duncan, Michigan State Director
313-871-7100
monica@firstchildrenfinance.org

Tezikiah Gabriel, Minnesota State Director
612-279-6528
tezikiah@firstchildrensfinance.org

If you are interested in creating a Children’s Chamber of Commerce in your community, please contact our national office: