For the first time on Friday, Jan. 26, a statewide business coalition gathered in Rogers to discuss tackling the childcare crisis in Arkansas. Since 2020, Excel by Eight (E8) has mobilized Arkansas businesses to identify workable solutions that address the three critical elements of the childcare crisis: accessibility, affordability and quality – and its impact on the state’s current and future workforce. The coalition plans to meet quarterly to discuss policy goals ahead of the Arkansas State Legislature’s 2025 general session.