EPIC’s 17th Annual Business Leaders Event
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Breakfast: 8:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Coors Field, Club Level Concourse
2001 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205
Join us for the 2026 Annual Business Leaders Event, where Colorado’s most influential government, business and community leaders come together to celebrate EPIC’s achievements in the industry and connect with other leaders dedicated to advancing our early childhood efforts.
2026 EPIC Awards
Retired Partner, BDO USA
A longtime champion for children and families, Greg has helped advance EPIC’s mission and strengthen connections between Colorado’s business community and early childhood. His decades of professional and civic leadership, including service on the Colorado Early Childhood Leadership Commission, reflect his commitment to Colorado’s workforce, economy and future.
Read more about the EPIC Award
The EPIC Award, sponsored by PNC Bank, is given to a business leader in the Colorado community who has been a trailblazer and champion for early care and education, impacting the lives and education of our state’s youngest citizens. It represents not only a commitment to engage in efforts to expand access to quality and affordable early childhood education, but a shining example of leadership and efforts to engage the business community and influential business leaders to ensure our children and their families can reach their full potential.
Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce, Northern Colorado Kids Thrive and United Way of Larimer County
Congratulations to the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, Northern Colorado Kids Thrive and United Way of Larimer County on the passage of Larimer County Ballot Measure 1B, a dedicated, long-term investment in childcare that strengthens affordability, capacity, quality and the workforce.
Read more about the Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce, Northern Colorado Kids Thrive and United Way of Larimer County
EPIC is proud to recognize Northern Colorado Kids Thrive, United Way of Larimer County and the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce as the recipients of the 2026 Early Childhood Champion Award.
Together, these organizations demonstrated what can happen when the business community and early childhood leaders unite around a shared vision.
Their partnership brought employers, providers, families and community leaders together to successfully pass Larimer County Ballot Measure 1B, creating a dedicated, long-term investment in childcare. The result will help strengthen affordability, expand capacity, support Colorado’s workforce and improve quality for years to come.
Their work offers a powerful model for communities across Colorado — and beyond.
Read more about the Early Childhood Champion Award
The Early Childhood Champion Award honors employers for their innovation, leadership and investment in strategies that support young children and meet the needs of working families, including early childhood advocacy and expanding access to quality care and education.
Dan Ritchie, chancellor emeritus of the University of Denver, past EPIC board chair and founding member, is remembered for his integrity, compassion and commitment to education. Guided by his “cowboy code of ethics,” he championed the role of business leaders in advancing early childhood development. His legacy continues to inspire us to lead with humility, purpose and action.
Read more about his life and legacy here.
On September 9, 2025, EPIC brought together Colorado business leaders to celebrate our 16th Annual Business Leaders Dinner at the Infinity Park Event Center in Glendale, CO. Part of our dinner program includes an educational discussion among Colorado leaders and partners as they share their own perspectives and work related to childcare and early education. This year we welcomed the ever-amazing Barbara Grogan, whom we honored with the 2025 EPIC Award, and Steve ErkenBrack, president and CEO of Buell Foundation.
Step up to the plate! Click the button below to learn more about our available sponsorship opportunities.
PRESENTED BY
MIMOSA BAR MAJOR LEAGUER
VIP CLUBHOUSE
SILVER SLUGGER
BRONZE BASE HIT
FRIENDS SPONSORS
FOUNDATION SPONSORS / MAJOR SUPPORTERS
Highlights from the 2025 Annual Business Leaders Dinner
