Samantha Cole, N.C. Dept. of Commerce

Welcome back to the second season of "The New Economic Developers on the Block" podcast! In this episode, we're joined by Samantha Cole, the Child Care Business Liaison for the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Samantha brings a unique perspective on the crucial role of child care in economic development.Before joining N.C. Commerce, Samantha served as the Director of Workforce Partnerships with the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County, where she spearheaded efforts to connect individuals facing employment barriers with meaningful job opportunities. She also helped local employers implement innovative workforce development strategies.In our conversation, we explore the intersection of child care and economic development, and how economic developers can play a role in expanding access to quality child care to support businesses and families. Samantha offers valuable insights into the challenges and solutions surrounding child care access in North Carolina and shares outcomes from recent child care business roundtables.Tune in, subscribe, and stay tuned for more engaging discussions this season!