Investing in Early Childhood is Good Business

A business’ bottom line improves with an investment in early learning for children, says renowned Canadian business leader Charlie Coffey, who will be in Salmon Arm April 20th to explain why. Coffey will provide the business equation as to why smart economic development begins with early childhood development.

Charlie Coffey will be the featured speaker at a special luncheon for business and community leaders, 11:30 - 1 p.m., April 20th at the District Education Centre (DEC) in Salmon Arm. Because of the immense popularity of this speaker, a free session for parents and community members has been arranged for 7 p.m., also at the DEC.
Coffey started his 44-year career with RBC Financial Group in native Woodstock, New Brunswick. He is the former executive vice president, government affairs and business development for RBC. Previously, Charlie headed business banking in Canada for five years.

Citing current research, and powered by his extensive business-banking career, Coffey will engage all in a thought-provoking discussion, “Getting Comfortable with the Uncomfortable”. He contends there can be economic losses in the billions if we ignore investing in human capital when it has the greatest impact - the early years.

Charlie Coffey will discuss
*why early childhood development (ECD) is an important economic issue, not just a social issue
*how the most powerful opportunities for lifelong impact occur in the first six years of life
*how ECD will improve the bottom-line of Canadian business, and
*why Canada has fallen behind other countries.

In BC, the government has set the measure that 85 per cent of all children entering kindergarten in 2015 will be ready to learn. School readiness today is only at 71 per cent. Coffey will show why business, as well as government, plays a key role in reducing these vulnerabilities and consequently minimizing business losses.
Community leadership is a passion in the life of Charlie Coffey—he believes in reaching out to people in all walks of life, understanding cultures, building relationships and speaking up about issues that need a stronger voice. Coffey points out that history has proven time and time again that shifts or changes in public policy don’t usually take off until the business community rallies behind them.

Coffey’s proven record and reputation in private, public and not-for-profit sectors across the country is a testament to this champion of children and early child development, young people, Aboriginal peoples, women entrepreneurs and women in public office. As well, Coffey actively advocates for improved education and increased diversity.

Tickets for the limited space luncheon are available at $25 (includes lunch and speaker). Pre-registration required by April 16. To register contact Bonnie at 250 804 7826 or email bkelly@sd83.bc.ca.

Partners: United Way Success by Six, Shuswap Early Childhood Development Committee, Toliver Advertising & Design, Podollan Inns, and North Okanagan-Shuswap School District