Alliance President Yockey Recognized with Award

Alliance President and CEO Courtney Yockey has been recognized for his significant contributions to Effingham County as the Chairman of the Childcare Research Committee.  This Committee was established in March of 2022 to research and identify underlying issues with childcare services throughout the County, develop a plan to overcome these workforce related hurdles, and work with the County Board on implementation.  The Effingham County Board presented Mr. Yockey with the Chairman’s Commendation Award during their January Board Meeting. 

Under Mr. Yockey’s leadership, the Childcare Research Committee developed a three-tiered plan that addressed the retention of existing licensed childcare providers, encouraged the expansion of the current childcare services capacity, and offered temporary support to Effingham County residents who needed assistance but were unable to qualify for the State of Illinois’s Child Care Assistance Program.  The Committee’s efforts resulted in securing over $323,000 for childcare initiatives in Effingham County and the creation of an additional 110 licensed childcare slots.

Although the work of the Childcare Research Committee wrapped up at the end of 2024, the work to support economic vitality in the community has not stopped.  The Alliance continues to collaborate with local government to address workforce related issues and provide local employers with the tools and resources they need to prosper in Effingham County.

The Alliance Board of Directors congratulated Courtney and thanked him for his exemplary leadership and dedication to advancing Effingham County.