August 25, 2026 The Honorable Alan Perry Town of Hilton Head Island One Town Center Court Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 Dear Mayor Perry: On behalf of the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, I am writing to express our strong support for the Tri-Share Childcare Funding Pilot Program proposed by SOLOCO and to respectfully request that the Town of Hilton Head Island participate in this important regional initiative with an investment of $18,000. Our Chamber Board of Directors recently reviewed the Tri-Share concept and unanimously supports the initiative. We believe it represents an innovative and practical approach to addressing one of the most persistent challenges facing our employers and working families: access to affordable, quality childcare. For many families, the cost of childcare can make the difference between participating in the workforce and remaining on the sidelines. At the same time, employers throughout our region continue to identify recruitment, retention, attendance, and workforce availability as significant challenges. Tri-Share addresses both sides of that equation. The model is straightforward. Childcare costs for participating families are divided equally among three partners: • • •
the employee or parent, the employer, and the participating municipality or county.
By sharing the responsibility, no single participant carries the full burden. Employees gain access to more affordable childcare, employers gain an important tool for recruiting and retaining workers, and local governments make a targeted investment in workforce participation and economic vitality. The proposed pilot would serve Beaufort and Jasper counties, where more than 8,200 families with children under age five fall within the prime workforce demographic. Importantly, funds contributed by participating local governments would support families within their own jurisdictions. Hilton Head Island's investment would directly assist eligible Hilton Head Island families participating in the program. The benefits extend beyond the families receiving assistance. Reliable childcare helps employees remain in the workforce, gives businesses a more dependable workforce, supports our early childhood education providers, and contributes to the long-term strength of our community.