Business leaders, HR professionals and community partners will gather Oct. 14 for the Childcare Solutions CEO/HR Leadership Summit, an event focused on the link between childcare access, workforce retention and economic growth in Johnson County. The summit, organized by Greater Iowa City, Inc. in collaboration with the Childcare Solutions Coalition, will highlight the impact of the Johnson County Childcare Solutions Fund and its Wage Enhancement Program (WEP). Since its launch in 2023, the program has provided wage boosts at 10 licensed childcare centers, with additional centers expressing interest. The event, which is open to the public, will be held at Big Grove Brewery’s Iowa City taproom, 1225 S. Gilbert St. The first panel will feature CEOs and HR leaders discussing how childcare challenges affect different industries and the role of childcare in supporting a reliable workforce.