MS business leaders champion early childhood education at statewide conference

JANS – Senior business leaders from across Mississippi gathered in Jackson to make a powerful business case for investing in early childhood education for all children in the state. The event, hosted by ReadyNation Mississippi, highlighted the growing recognition that quality early learning opportunities are essential not only for children’s success but also for the state’s long-term economic growth.

The sixth annual convening of the Mississippi Early Childhood Investment Council took place on Friday, October 24, at the Mississippi Children’s Museum, with an opening night dinner held on Thursday, October 23, at Pulito Restaurant in Jackson. The conference brought together educators, policymakers, and business executives to discuss strategies that strengthen Mississippi’s workforce through early education initiatives.

Key speakers included Senator Nicole Boyd, Pete Smith of Capitol Resources, Scott Waller of the Mississippi Economic Council, and Dr. Tami Brooks of the Mississippi Department of Health. Each emphasized the crucial link between early education, workforce readiness, and the state’s economic competitiveness.

The Van Winkle Early Learning Collaborative joined the celebration with a unique, one-of-a-kind handprint paint project that served as a creative door prize, symbolizing the importance of investing in young hands and bright futures. Representatives from Mississippi First, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Women’s Foundation of Mississippi, and numerous other organizations were also in attendance.

A special highlight of the event was the recognition of Willie Jones, President and CEO of Dependable Source Corporation, who was honored for completing the 2025 Certification for the Business Childcare Toolkit, an innovative resource designed to help business leaders address childcare challenges in their communities.

Tonya Ware, State Director for ReadyNation Mississippi, noted the significance of the gathering, saying that the collaboration between business and education leaders “demonstrates Mississippi’s commitment to building a stronger, smarter future for every child.”