Business Spotlight

Credit Union 1 has a model for success they want other Alaskan businesses to know about.“I saw really good employees drop out of the work field because they didn’t have access to child care,” said Leslie Ellis, founding CEO of Credit Union 1 (CU1). “I took a big leap of faith and had a child care center designed into [our headquarters].” As a result, CU1 families have be utilizing Little 1s Child Care at its Abbott location since 2006.

Since opening an on-site child care program at their headquarters 13 years ago, CU1 has seen an increase in employee well-being and retention – proving that a business investment in early care & learning really works!

Taking quality a step further, CU1 also employs nationally accredited early childhood educators at Little 1s and at all statewide locations, employees are reimbursed for child care costs, furthering the culture that family care is critical for company-wide retention. thread thanks Credit Union 1 for presenting at No Small Matter: A Summit on the Economic Impact of Early Care & Learning in Alaska in 2019.

At the Summit, Credit Union 1 showcased their model for success and led the conversation about the importance of early care & learning for our economy.


thread is proud to acknowledge businesses who are champions for Alaska’s young children. Whether through family-friendly policies, employer-sponsored child care, or other innovative ideas, thread applauds organizations who are leading the way in support of families with young children.

Is your business a champion for young children? Let us know!

We would like to highlight what your business is doing to support families with young children.

Please email us with your story.

More Alaska businesses who are champions for children:

  • BP Alaska
  • ConocoPhillips Alaska
  • Southeast Alaska Regional Heath Consortium (SEARHC)
  • Foundation Health Partners
  • Providence Alaska Medical Center
  • Alaska Regional Hospital
  • Southcentral Foundation
  • Target