Executives Partnering to Invest in Children - EPIC

10/16/2026

Strong communities are built when business leaders and early childhood advocates come together around a shared vision.

EPIC is proud to recognize Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, Northern Colorado Kids Thrive and United Way of Larimer County as the 2026 co-recipients of the EPIC Early Childhood Champion Award. 🏆

Through their collaborative leadership, these organizations united employers, providers, families and community leaders to pass Larimer County Ballot Measure 1B, establishing a dedicated, long-term investment in childcare. This investment will help improve affordability, expand capacity and support Colorado's workforce and children for years to come.

We look forward to celebrating their impact at EPIC's 17th Annual Business Leaders Event on November 11 at Coors Field, alongside business and community leaders committed to building a stronger future for Colorado.

🔎 Learn more about EPIC's Annual Business Leaders Event: https://ow.ly/qw6A50ZYh8I

10/16/2026

Across Colorado, churches have spaces that could help meet a growing need: access to affordable, available childcare.

Join Executives Partnering to Invest in Children - EPIC and Abundant Ground-A Congregational Land Initiative on Tuesday, October 27 from 10-11 a.m. MT for a free virtual webinar exploring how congregations can support childcare through their property and partnerships, without operating a center themselves.

We'll explore how congregations can: Use their property to support childcare, housing and redevelopment, partner with childcare providers and community organizations, learn from existing projects and identify funding, resources and next steps.

All are welcome! 📝 Register for free to explore how congregations can help address childcare needs in their communities: https://ow.ly/FJfq50ZXQpR

10/16/2026

What does it look like when an employer puts employee needs at the center of its workplace strategy?

At Guild, it looks like The Beehive, an onsite childcare center designed to help employees and their families thrive.

In a newly released video from Pivotal, Executives Partnering to Invest in Children - EPIC President and CEO Nicole Riehl, Guild CEO Bijal Shah and Guild employee and parent Margaret Cunningham share perspectives on the impact of this investment, from the difference it makes for families to the value it brings to employers through workplace culture, brand reputation and community engagement.

🎥 Hear from the leaders driving this investment and the families experiencing its impact firsthand.

What happens when businesses invest in care? In Denver, ...

10/14/2026

A new opportunity for Adams County children and families is taking shape in Commerce City! ✨

We're excited to celebrate Delwest Management and the opening of Head Start Greyhound, an example of what's possible when affordable housing and early care and education are thoughtfully considered together.

Executives Partnering to Invest in Children - EPIC is proud to have Delwest President Stacie Packard among our members and to have partnered with the Delwest team over the years as they explored ways to incorporate early care and education into their affordable housing communities.

When housing and early care and education work together, families benefit from greater access to the resources they need to thrive, while communities can strengthen their workforce and local economies. We're excited to see this collaborative effort come to life and help create new opportunities for Adams County families.

Join us in celebrating this milestone! 🎉 Attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, October 23, from 9-11 a.m. at 6230 Glencoe St. in Commerce City.

We hope to see you there!

10/14/2026

Access to childcare is essential to a strong workforce, thriving businesses and healthy communities.

On October 22, PBS12 and Gary Community Ventures will present the premiere of the short documentary Helping Hands and a live taping of PBS12's Decode Colorado: Child Care.

The event offers an opportunity to connect with Colorado leaders and discuss how Colorado can build a childcare system that better supports families, employers and communities. EPIC President and CEO Nicole Riehl will join the panel discussion alongside U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen, state Sen. Scott Bright and Executive Director of The Family Center/La Familia Joe Ziegler.

Attend the event and be part of the conversation. Learn more at https://ow.ly/AzAl50ZWZ2T

10/13/2026

EPIC's Steph Itelman and Sarah Glover recently attended the 2026 Shift Work Forward Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, joining leaders from across the country to explore strategies for strengthening workplaces and communities.

Discussions highlighted the connections between workforce participation, economic opportunity and the policies and partnerships that help workers and families thrive. Childcare was a key part of the conversation, reinforcing its role as essential workforce infrastructure.

New Mexico's approach to expanding childcare access offered valuable insights into how public investment can support working families and strengthen the economy. Executives Partnering to Invest in Children - EPIC is proud to help advance solutions that strengthen the workforce and support working families.

10/09/2026

Childcare is a workforce issue, and businesses have an important role to play in addressing it.

In a new article, Executives Partnering to Invest in Children - EPIC President and CEO Nicole Riehl joins leaders from Denver International Airport (DEN), Guild and Steamboat Resort to explore how employers are investing in childcare solutions to strengthen recruitment, retention and workforce stability.

At EPIC, we're proud to be part of this conversation and to partner with employers as they explore solutions that support working families and build a stronger workforce.

Explore how Colorado employers are turning childcare challenges into opportunities for workforce impact: https://ow.ly/JnL650ZWsqw

10/09/2026

Congratulations to the honorees of the Denver Business Journal's 2026 Partners in Philanthropy Awards! 🎉

Executives Partnering to Invest in Children - EPIC was proud to partner with this year’s event, celebrating the nonprofits, businesses and individuals making a meaningful difference across our community through philanthropy, collaboration and service. Be sure to check out EPIC’s profile in the special insert of the DBJ’s October issue, available today! 📰

EPIC’s Brooke Flower, Kenny Smith, Sarah Glover and Tori Bartels joined the celebration, including recognition of our valued partners and members Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, Colorado Enterprise Fund and YMCA of Metro Denver.

At EPIC, we believe investing in people and bringing sectors together are essential to building stronger communities and a thriving economy. Congratulations to all this year’s honorees for the lasting impact you’re making across Colorado! 👏

10/09/2026

Each year, the EPIC Award recognizes a Colorado business leader who has championed early care and education and helped strengthen the connection between business and early childhood.

This year, we're proud to honor someone who has been a part of that work from the very beginning: Greg Anton, retired partner at BDO USA, emeritus Executives Partnering to Invest in Children - EPIC board and founding member.

The EPIC Award celebrates a trailblazer whose leadership and commitment have helped advance EPIC's mission. Throughout his longstanding involvement with EPIC, Greg has championed children and families while helping build stronger connections between Colorado's business community and early childhood. We look forward to celebrating Greg and his lasting impact at our 17th Annual Business Leaders Event on November 11 at Coors Field. ⚾🏆

Learn more about the event including sponsorship opportunities at https://ow.ly/6txL50ZW7k6

10/08/2026

Executives Partnering to Invest in Children - EPIC was on the road in Grand Junction! 🚗

EPIC Director of Business Engagement and Partnerships Kayla Klein joined Gary Community Ventures and the Colorado Chamber of Commerce at the Colorado Chamber Alliance conference to share updates and insights from the Child Care Access Alliance.

Through the Alliance, seven chambers across Colorado are exploring how childcare challenges affect their local businesses and workforce, with EPIC providing technical assistance through local data, employer insights and other resources.

Kayla was joined by representatives from Grand Junction, Adams County and Aurora, who shared insights from their communities. The conversation highlighted how chambers and business leaders can play a role in addressing childcare as a workforce and economic issue.
We look forward to continue learning alongside our chamber partners and see how these insights can help inform solutions across Colorado.

Adams County Regional Economic Partnership Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce Aurora Chamber of Commerce Greeley Area Chamber of Commerce Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce