On this special crossover episode, EPIC President and CEO Nicole Riehl joined host Jon Franko on The Manufacturing Employer Podcast, where she reframed childcare as a critical workforce infrastructure issue, not just an employee perk. She also discusses the hidden costs of childcare challenges, and how manufacturers can address absenteeism and turnover linked to them. Listen to the full episode for actionable strategies including flexible scheduling, stipends and community resources and how incremental changes can yield strong ROI in recruitment, retention and productivity.
https://www.epicimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Ep-31.-Manufactoring-Employer-Podcast-graphic-2.png12001200Colorado EPIC/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/epic-logo-sm.pngColorado EPIC2026-07-21 15:25:092026-07-22 13:10:11Ep. 31: The Business Case for Employer-Supported Childcare (The Manufacturing Employer Podcast Crossover Episode)
Originally published by the Estes Park Trail Gazette. Read the full article here. Earlier this month, the Estes Park Board of Trustees expressed support for the town’s Childcare Facility Master Plan following a presentation by EPIC outlining strategies to expand childcare access throughout the Estes Valley.
https://www.epicimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/EPIC-Featured-Images.png10801080Colorado EPIC/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/epic-logo-sm.pngColorado EPIC2026-07-21 10:01:062026-07-21 10:01:06Estes Park Advances Plan to Expand Childcare Capacity
The 2026 legislative session was defined by ongoing budget challenges, requiring policymakers to make difficult decisions as they worked to balance competing priorities, identify efficiencies, reduce spending and explore new revenue opportunities.
By Sarah Glover, Engagement Director, Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) Just as childcare challenges remain one of the biggest barriers to workforce stability, more employers are stepping back from the supports that help solve them.
https://www.epicimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Untitled-design-2026-05-01T154115.368.png10801080Colorado EPIC/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/epic-logo-sm.pngColorado EPIC2026-05-01 10:21:362026-05-01 14:48:51Employers Are Cutting Childcare—Here’s What It’s Really Costing Them
EPIC recently welcomed Pivotal Founder Melinda French Gates, Guild President and CEO Bijal Shah, and Denver International Airport (DEN) President and CEO Phil Washington for a conversation on the critical role employers can play in advancing childcare solutions for working families. The visit follows Pivotal’s transformative investment in EPIC, reflecting a continued commitment to expanding access to childcare options.
Ep. 31: The Business Case for Employer-Supported Childcare (The Manufacturing Employer Podcast Crossover Episode)
/in Blog, PodcastsOn this special crossover episode, EPIC President and CEO Nicole Riehl joined host Jon Franko on The Manufacturing Employer Podcast, where she reframed childcare as a critical workforce infrastructure issue, not just an employee perk. She also discusses the hidden costs of childcare challenges, and how manufacturers can address absenteeism and turnover linked to them. Listen to the full episode for actionable strategies including flexible scheduling, stipends and community resources and how incremental changes can yield strong ROI in recruitment, retention and productivity.
Estes Park Advances Plan to Expand Childcare Capacity
/in Blog, NewsOriginally published by the Estes Park Trail Gazette. Read the full article here. Earlier this month, the Estes Park Board of Trustees expressed support for the town’s Childcare Facility Master Plan following a presentation by EPIC outlining strategies to expand childcare access throughout the Estes Valley.
2026 Colorado Legislative Progress Report
/in Blog, News, PolicyThe 2026 legislative session was defined by ongoing budget challenges, requiring policymakers to make difficult decisions as they worked to balance competing priorities, identify efficiencies, reduce spending and explore new revenue opportunities.
Employers Are Cutting Childcare—Here’s What It’s Really Costing Them
/in BlogBy Sarah Glover, Engagement Director, Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) Just as childcare challenges remain one of the biggest barriers to workforce stability, more employers are stepping back from the supports that help solve them.
Pivotal Founder Melinda French Gates Joins Leaders for Childcare Discussion
/in Blog, NewsEPIC recently welcomed Pivotal Founder Melinda French Gates, Guild President and CEO Bijal Shah, and Denver International Airport (DEN) President and CEO Phil Washington for a conversation on the critical role employers can play in advancing childcare solutions for working families. The visit follows Pivotal’s transformative investment in EPIC, reflecting a continued commitment to expanding access to childcare options.