Family Forward NC

I'm one of those people who like to make big-unimaginable-probably too big-goals every year, and I'm also the cliché person who loves to reflect and see what we did well, where we fell short, and what surprises came along the way. I also choose a word of the year. 2023 was Breakthrough, 2024 was Cultivate, and 2025 is tbd - tell me your suggestions. I love the idea of "building" on last year. To say 2024 was a great year would be an understatement. Some notable personal and professional accomplishments this year: 👩🏼💼 landed a dream role as Stanly County's EDC Director 🏠bought a house and moved 💍Got engaged 🥇recognized as North Carolina Economic Development Association Emerging Leader of the year 📰featured as a Charlotte Business Journal newsmaker 🎙️Published 21 episodes of The New Economic Developers on the Block and checked off boxes on the "dream guest" list 🎓Graduated from OU Economic Development Institute 💫finished out my year as NCEDA's Emerging Executive chair 🎤spoke on 6 panels 💭had some BIG wins, and some big losses If you had told me on this day last year what the next 365 would look like, I'd laugh in your face. The lesson here? Jump when God opens the door, and dream *bigger* than your big dreams. Happy New Year!

Congratulations to Thompson on becoming the latest Guilford Co. employer to earn their Family Forward NC certification!

Mike Gillis, CPA, PFS, CEO of DMJPS PLLC, has two children in their thirties, and when he was a young dad — being an active part of their life was important to him. Now that he’s managing 160 employees, he estimates that 80% of his staff are parents. He chats with Family Forward NC about why he's dedicated to creating a work environment where family comes first.   

Paying employees fairly is necessary, but Clifford Thompson takes it a step further: He's helping his team accumulate wealth. Clifford Thompson tells Family Forward NC that 70% of his employees have used his company's unique loan program, which helps them meet unexpected financial needs. “We know that it can be hard to accumulate wealth,” Thompsons says. “People live in a cycle of paycheck-to-paycheck, but offering a no-interest loan for ten months can give our employees a little bit of a breather.” Read more:

From Wilmington to Asheville, 35 new employers have received the Family Forward NC® Employer Certification. This brings our total number of certified employers to 107, employing 40,600 workers. Of these, 19 are women and/or minority-owned/led. Greensboro has the most certified employers in this half of the year sparked by our partnership with Action Greensboro and the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce to create the first Family Forward NC® Certified Community! ▶️ Read more: https://lnkd.in/e3GxsTqV

As a family-owned business with a strong focus on work-life balance, Thompson Traders has prioritized creating a supportive environment for its employees. But when the company learned about the opportunity to become a Family Forward NC Certified Employer, they saw it as a chance to solidify their commitment further and set themselves apart in a competitive job market: https://lnkd.in/eAC3pjZr Clifford Thompson

The first eight years of a child’s life are a critical time that builds the foundation for all future learning. North Carolinians agree that every child deserves the opportunity to be healthy, be surrounded by a family and community that has the tools to support their development, and have access to excellent learning environments. The NC Early Childhood Foundation (NCECF) is working to eliminate the barriers that are limiting some children’s success, and advocate for investing in developing systems that work for every child. Today, please consider supporting the work of NCECF by donating to our annual fund: https://bit.ly/NCECFDonate

From covering 100% of healthcare premiums to offering interest-free loans, Thompson shows how being a Family Forward NC certified company helps attract and retain talent: https://lnkd.in/eAC3pjZr

Predictable work schedules empower employees to plan their time effectively, fostering a healthier work-life balance. This is particularly valuable during the busy holiday season, allowing employees to coordinate personal commitments, family gatherings, and self-care without last-minute disruptions. For employers, offering consistent and transparent schedules can enhance staff morale, improve retention, and boost productivity, as employees feel valued and supported. Moreover, this proactive approach can reduce absenteeism and prevent burnout, keeping your team engaged and energized during one of the most demanding times of the year. Learn more about how predictive scheduling can transform workplaces at  https://lnkd.in/gM3RQUfY

Child care access is a top concern for North Carolina employers looking to attract and retain a talented workforce. Here's how Samantha Cole, the new Child Care Business Liaison at the North Carolina Department of Commerce, is bridging the gap: https://lnkd.in/gxzkm6Sf