WHEELING, IL — March 27, 2015 — Leading a construction company and a child care center lends Tom Fitch the metaphors he needs to make the case for early childhood education in newspapers and in front of state government committees.
“Building a strong economy requires the same approach as planning for a good construction project. A solid foundation and high-quality materials are vital. Skimp on them, and you’ll soon wish you hadn’t,” Mr. Fitch wrote in a powerful op-ed published by The State Journal-Register.
In recognition of his dedication to the early childhood education field, the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership at National Louis University is pleased to present Mr. Fitch with the 2015 Corporate Champion for Change award. Presentation of the award will take place Thursday, May 14, 2015, at the McCormick Center’s Leadership Connections™ National Conference in Wheeling, Illinois.
The Corporate Champion for Change Award originated in 2006 to recognize those in the corporate community who have played a significant role in promoting the professional development of early childhood leaders and increasing the public’s understanding of the importance of early care and education.
The McCormick Center selected Mr. Fitch because of his work advocating for children and families. Specifically, he was chosen for his work as a ReadyNation advisory board member, his compelling message in a State Journal-Register op-ed, his first-hand experience as owner of First Impressions Day Care, his involvement with the Business-Education Partnership and the Early Learning Center in Springfield, and most notably, his role in providing a platform for early childhood practitioners to advocate for themselves through a radio remote. His level of participation and advocacy in the field is something we value and believe can inspire others, including the practitioners attending Leadership Connections.
About Leadership Connections™ National Conference
Leadership Connections offers an exceptional professional development experience where early childhood professionals can learn, network, and reenergize. This year’s conference is particularly special as we celebrate our 30th company anniversary and 15th conference anniversary. The conference is designed specifically around leaders in the early childhood field and is held annually just north of Chicago.
Whatever an attendee’s role—early childhood administrator, policymaker, resource and referral specialist, college instructor, family child care provider, or independent consultant—Leadership Connections provides inspiring sessions planned with participants’ needs in mind.