The David and Laura Merage Foundation has taken the lead as Presenting Sponsor of the National Child Care Innovation Summit: Business Leaders in Action, reinforcing its 18-year commitment to expanding affordable, high-quality child care for all children. The Summit will provide the opportunity to dive deep into the processes and mechanisms involved in addressing child care challenges faced by their employees and communities. Thanks to the support of the Foundation, businesses, employers and chamber/economic development partners will learn from innovators who are solving workforce retention and recruitment challenges through child care solutions. The Foundation’s work, though deeply rooted in Colorado, has a venture philanthropy approach rooted in the investment of innovations to address child care challenges and support impactful solutions across the nation. This approach drives key initiatives like Early Learning Ventures (ELV), which empowers child care entrepreneurs with tools and resources through a highly customized and affordable SAAS solution to enhance quality and sustainability of child care businesses. In addition to ELV, David Merage was critical to the development and continued success of Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) and has been at the forefront of advocating for the business community’s commitment to family-friendly solutions. Together, David and Laura have brought together leaders from various sectors to prioritize early care and education as a crucial investment for our nation’s future. David and Laura Merage’s leadership extends into the business community as well, with David’s role as a founding member of EPIC, which galvanizes business leaders to adopt family-friendly practices. The David and Laura Merage Foundation is proud of EPIC’s collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation on the Employer Child Care Navigator — a groundbreaking online tool that helps employers solve child care challenges. The platform includes a vendor directory that connects employers with private and nonprofit partners across the country, turning innovative ideas into concrete child care solutions that create new openings for families. This unique resource exemplifies the Foundation’s focus on moving from concept to implementation, driving real outcomes for children and families. A significant aspect of the Foundation’s strategy involves policy advocacy at both the state and federal levels. Their efforts have been instrumental in shaping ECE policies, increasing accessibility and quality of child care for countless families. In January 2024, the Foundation strengthened its capacity for impact by appointing a new Executive Director, bringing additional expertise to drive innovative, high-impact solutions for early childhood education. Michael Niyompong, who oversees the Merage consortium’s initiatives, has been instrumental in advancing the Foundation’s mission. His leadership and commitment to innovation have earned him accolades such as the Aspen Institute’s Ascend Fellowship and the Denver Business Journal’s C-Suites Award, highlighting his role in driving transformative change in early childhood education. With David, Laura, and Michael at the helm, the David and Laura Merage Foundation continues to forge a path toward a brighter future for families and children through innovative, sustainable solutions.
https://www.epicimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/PRESENTED-BY.png10801080Colorado EPIC/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/epic-logo-sm.pngColorado EPIC2024-11-19 12:42:582025-06-12 14:34:23The David and Laura Merage Foundation Supports National Impact as Presenting Sponsor of the “National Child Care Innovation Summit: Business Leaders in Action”
Access to affordable, quality child care remains a significant challenge for Colorado families. This issue impacts not only parents but also the broader economy. An estimated 10,200 mothers in Colorado are currently sidelined from the labor force due to child care challenges. To better understand the economic implications and explore potential solutions, we partnered with Common Sense Institute Colorado to examine how improving access to affordable child care could strengthen local workforces, drive growth and enhance long-term economic stability. Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) President and CEO Nicole Riehl recently joined Common Sense Institute Colorado’s Coors Economic Mobility Fellow Tamra Ryan, and Arvada Chamber Of Commerce President Kami Welch, to discuss new data showcasing the transformative benefits of expanding child care access for Colorado families. Our analysis highlighted key areas of concern: Access 51% of Coloradans live in a child care desert. There are 88,464 fewer licensed child care slots than the number of children under age 6 with parents in the workforce. Labor Force Participation Mothers with children under age 6 are 15% less likely to participate in the workforce than mothers with older children. If mothers with young children had the same participation rate as those with older children, 60,000 more moms could join Colorado’s labor force. Career Advancement Nationwide, 71% of parents with children under 12 and 77% of parents with children under 5 reported career setbacks due to child care challenges (2018 data). Affordability Colorado ranks 8th in the nation for the highest infant care costs, with the average annual cost being $15,325 per infant. For an average family with an infant and a 4-year-old, child care expenses consume 38% of their annual income. The Economic Impact A return to the workforce by the more than 10,000 mothers currently sidelined due to child care barriers could generate an economic impact of $3.787 billion. Solutions and Opportunities While the challenges are considerable, so are the opportunities. By addressing child care issues, Colorado can unlock significant workforce potential and support economic growth. Explore the full report to learn how incentivizing child care workers and advancing legislative efforts can create meaningful support for Colorado families. A robust child care ecosystem benefits families, businesses, and communities alike. Together, we can create a sustainable framework that supports working parents and secures Colorado’s economic future.
EPIC’s team and membership are proud to serve as leaders, advocates, and partners to advance policy priorities that create positive outcomes for families and the economy. The 2024 Colorado legislative session was full of wins for children and families and our Legislative Advocacy Overview highlights those bills and key activities driven by EPIC.
PRESS RELEASE AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Denver International Airport (DEN) recently received approval from Denver City Council for a three-year Feasibility Study Contract to understand child care needs at the airport and potential solutions associated. Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) will lead to study to find an actionable approach to a child care solution for DEN. “It’s really important for us to understand how we can better support our employees,” said DEN CEO Phil Washington. “As the airport continues to serve a higher volume of passengers with continued excellence, we need to understand how to recruit, retain and grow employees throughout all stages of their lives and careers, and addressing child care needs is a major factor we must consider.” EPIC’s work will be spread across three phases, including the development of a small child care center to serve temporary child care needs associated with the airport’s Center of Equity & Excellence in Aviation (CEEA) along with the feasibility of a larger on-site child care facility and exploration of other potential child care supports to align with DEN’s Vision 100 Plan. A variety of innovative child care models and approaches will be explored, with a particular focus on accommodating our lowest-wage earners. The project will be completed over the course of three years. As the third largest airport in the United States, DEN would join other American airports that already offer child care support, including Los Angeles International Airport and Pittsburgh International Airport. Read the full Press Release. Update as of June 2025 Chalkbeat Colorado spotlighted EPIC’s role in expanding access to child care at Denver International Airport (DEN). Set to open in 2026, the drop-in child care center will be part of DEN’s new Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation. Developed in partnership with EPIC through a feasibility study, the center will offer drop-in and back-up care for up to 20 children to better support working families and strengthen the airport’s workforce. Check out more media coverage: Child care center for DIA employees’ family members in the works – FOX31 Denver KDVR Coming in 2026: A drop-in child care center at the Denver airport – Denver 7 News New child care center coming to Denver airport – 9News Denver DIA is getting a drop-in child care center in 2026 – Denverite
https://www.epicimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Your-paragraph-text-4.png10801080Colorado EPIC/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/epic-logo-sm.pngColorado EPIC2024-05-02 15:48:072025-07-09 17:21:18DEN Set to Begin Feasibility Study with EPIC to Understand Child Care Needs
In Colorado, the child care crisis has reached a critical point, impacting not just families but also the broader economy. As business leaders, we have a unique opportunity and a profound responsibility to address this challenge head-on. At Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC), we are committed to catalyzing this movement by fostering partnerships and advocating for policies that support accessible and affordable child care solutions. Here, we summarize insights and initiatives discussed in recent Denver Business Journal articles that can help guide our collective efforts. The Need for Integrated Child Care Solutions Our advocacy group has always emphasized the necessity of integrating child care facilities within larger community developments, especially affordable housing projects. By doing so, we not only address the child care shortage but also enhance family well-being and community stability. Developers are encouraged to incorporate child care centers into their projects, leveraging financial incentives like tax credits to offset the high costs associated with these facilities. Business Leadership in Advocacy EPIC has long championed the role of executives in using their influence to advocate for better child care policies. Recently, Colorado saw legislative successes with laws that incentivize the creation of child care facilities through property tax credits and rebates. Business leaders are encouraged to engage actively with legislative processes like those for HB24-1237, advocate for increased funding and better policies, and collaborate on initiatives like the building of new child care centers. On-Site Child Care: A Win for Employers and Employees On-site child care is proving to be a beneficial strategy for businesses, enhancing employee satisfaction and retention while addressing child care needs directly. Companies like Guild and Mile High United Way have developed on-site child care facilities, substantially reducing child care costs for employees and setting a valuable example for other organizations. The success stories from these companies highlight the dual benefits of employee welfare and enhanced business performance through such investments. Overcoming Challenges and Seizing Opportunities Building child care facilities, whether on-site or within community developments, involves navigating complex regulatory and financial challenges. EPIC supports businesses by connecting them with the necessary resources and expertise to overcome these barriers. Moreover, financial tools like new market tax credits and low-income housing tax credits are vital for making these projects feasible. The path towards solving Colorado’s child care crisis requires a concerted effort from all sectors, especially from business leaders who can leverage their resources and influence for greater good. By investing in child care, businesses are not just supporting their employees but are also contributing to the economic and social health of our communities. At EPIC, we remain dedicated to supporting these efforts, ensuring that every child and family in Colorado has access to quality, affordable child care. Together, we can transform the landscape of child care in Colorado, creating a model for others to follow and building a brighter future for our children and our state.
https://www.epicimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image001.jpg637519Colorado EPIC/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/epic-logo-sm.pngColorado EPIC2024-04-24 18:52:572025-06-12 14:30:23Leveraging Business Leadership for Child Care Solutions in Colorado
The David and Laura Merage Foundation Supports National Impact as Presenting Sponsor of the “National Child Care Innovation Summit: Business Leaders in Action”
/in Blog, NewsThe David and Laura Merage Foundation has taken the lead as Presenting Sponsor of the National Child Care Innovation Summit: Business Leaders in Action, reinforcing its 18-year commitment to expanding affordable, high-quality child care for all children. The Summit will provide the opportunity to dive deep into the processes and mechanisms involved in addressing child care challenges faced by their employees and communities. Thanks to the support of the Foundation, businesses, employers and chamber/economic development partners will learn from innovators who are solving workforce retention and recruitment challenges through child care solutions. The Foundation’s work, though deeply rooted in Colorado, has a venture philanthropy approach rooted in the investment of innovations to address child care challenges and support impactful solutions across the nation. This approach drives key initiatives like Early Learning Ventures (ELV), which empowers child care entrepreneurs with tools and resources through a highly customized and affordable SAAS solution to enhance quality and sustainability of child care businesses. In addition to ELV, David Merage was critical to the development and continued success of Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) and has been at the forefront of advocating for the business community’s commitment to family-friendly solutions. Together, David and Laura have brought together leaders from various sectors to prioritize early care and education as a crucial investment for our nation’s future. David and Laura Merage’s leadership extends into the business community as well, with David’s role as a founding member of EPIC, which galvanizes business leaders to adopt family-friendly practices. The David and Laura Merage Foundation is proud of EPIC’s collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation on the Employer Child Care Navigator — a groundbreaking online tool that helps employers solve child care challenges. The platform includes a vendor directory that connects employers with private and nonprofit partners across the country, turning innovative ideas into concrete child care solutions that create new openings for families. This unique resource exemplifies the Foundation’s focus on moving from concept to implementation, driving real outcomes for children and families. A significant aspect of the Foundation’s strategy involves policy advocacy at both the state and federal levels. Their efforts have been instrumental in shaping ECE policies, increasing accessibility and quality of child care for countless families. In January 2024, the Foundation strengthened its capacity for impact by appointing a new Executive Director, bringing additional expertise to drive innovative, high-impact solutions for early childhood education. Michael Niyompong, who oversees the Merage consortium’s initiatives, has been instrumental in advancing the Foundation’s mission. His leadership and commitment to innovation have earned him accolades such as the Aspen Institute’s Ascend Fellowship and the Denver Business Journal’s C-Suites Award, highlighting his role in driving transformative change in early childhood education. With David, Laura, and Michael at the helm, the David and Laura Merage Foundation continues to forge a path toward a brighter future for families and children through innovative, sustainable solutions.
Addressing Colorado’s Child Care Crisis: Unlocking Workforce Potential
/in Blog, NewsAccess to affordable, quality child care remains a significant challenge for Colorado families. This issue impacts not only parents but also the broader economy. An estimated 10,200 mothers in Colorado are currently sidelined from the labor force due to child care challenges. To better understand the economic implications and explore potential solutions, we partnered with Common Sense Institute Colorado to examine how improving access to affordable child care could strengthen local workforces, drive growth and enhance long-term economic stability. Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) President and CEO Nicole Riehl recently joined Common Sense Institute Colorado’s Coors Economic Mobility Fellow Tamra Ryan, and Arvada Chamber Of Commerce President Kami Welch, to discuss new data showcasing the transformative benefits of expanding child care access for Colorado families. Our analysis highlighted key areas of concern: Access 51% of Coloradans live in a child care desert. There are 88,464 fewer licensed child care slots than the number of children under age 6 with parents in the workforce. Labor Force Participation Mothers with children under age 6 are 15% less likely to participate in the workforce than mothers with older children. If mothers with young children had the same participation rate as those with older children, 60,000 more moms could join Colorado’s labor force. Career Advancement Nationwide, 71% of parents with children under 12 and 77% of parents with children under 5 reported career setbacks due to child care challenges (2018 data). Affordability Colorado ranks 8th in the nation for the highest infant care costs, with the average annual cost being $15,325 per infant. For an average family with an infant and a 4-year-old, child care expenses consume 38% of their annual income. The Economic Impact A return to the workforce by the more than 10,000 mothers currently sidelined due to child care barriers could generate an economic impact of $3.787 billion. Solutions and Opportunities While the challenges are considerable, so are the opportunities. By addressing child care issues, Colorado can unlock significant workforce potential and support economic growth. Explore the full report to learn how incentivizing child care workers and advancing legislative efforts can create meaningful support for Colorado families. A robust child care ecosystem benefits families, businesses, and communities alike. Together, we can create a sustainable framework that supports working parents and secures Colorado’s economic future.
2024 Policy and Advocacy Report
/in BlogEPIC’s team and membership are proud to serve as leaders, advocates, and partners to advance policy priorities that create positive outcomes for families and the economy. The 2024 Colorado legislative session was full of wins for children and families and our Legislative Advocacy Overview highlights those bills and key activities driven by EPIC.
DEN Set to Begin Feasibility Study with EPIC to Understand Child Care Needs
/in Blog, NewsPRESS RELEASE AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Denver International Airport (DEN) recently received approval from Denver City Council for a three-year Feasibility Study Contract to understand child care needs at the airport and potential solutions associated. Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) will lead to study to find an actionable approach to a child care solution for DEN. “It’s really important for us to understand how we can better support our employees,” said DEN CEO Phil Washington. “As the airport continues to serve a higher volume of passengers with continued excellence, we need to understand how to recruit, retain and grow employees throughout all stages of their lives and careers, and addressing child care needs is a major factor we must consider.” EPIC’s work will be spread across three phases, including the development of a small child care center to serve temporary child care needs associated with the airport’s Center of Equity & Excellence in Aviation (CEEA) along with the feasibility of a larger on-site child care facility and exploration of other potential child care supports to align with DEN’s Vision 100 Plan. A variety of innovative child care models and approaches will be explored, with a particular focus on accommodating our lowest-wage earners. The project will be completed over the course of three years. As the third largest airport in the United States, DEN would join other American airports that already offer child care support, including Los Angeles International Airport and Pittsburgh International Airport. Read the full Press Release. Update as of June 2025 Chalkbeat Colorado spotlighted EPIC’s role in expanding access to child care at Denver International Airport (DEN). Set to open in 2026, the drop-in child care center will be part of DEN’s new Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation. Developed in partnership with EPIC through a feasibility study, the center will offer drop-in and back-up care for up to 20 children to better support working families and strengthen the airport’s workforce. Check out more media coverage: Child care center for DIA employees’ family members in the works – FOX31 Denver KDVR Coming in 2026: A drop-in child care center at the Denver airport – Denver 7 News New child care center coming to Denver airport – 9News Denver DIA is getting a drop-in child care center in 2026 – Denverite
Leveraging Business Leadership for Child Care Solutions in Colorado
/in BlogIn Colorado, the child care crisis has reached a critical point, impacting not just families but also the broader economy. As business leaders, we have a unique opportunity and a profound responsibility to address this challenge head-on. At Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC), we are committed to catalyzing this movement by fostering partnerships and advocating for policies that support accessible and affordable child care solutions. Here, we summarize insights and initiatives discussed in recent Denver Business Journal articles that can help guide our collective efforts. The Need for Integrated Child Care Solutions Our advocacy group has always emphasized the necessity of integrating child care facilities within larger community developments, especially affordable housing projects. By doing so, we not only address the child care shortage but also enhance family well-being and community stability. Developers are encouraged to incorporate child care centers into their projects, leveraging financial incentives like tax credits to offset the high costs associated with these facilities. Business Leadership in Advocacy EPIC has long championed the role of executives in using their influence to advocate for better child care policies. Recently, Colorado saw legislative successes with laws that incentivize the creation of child care facilities through property tax credits and rebates. Business leaders are encouraged to engage actively with legislative processes like those for HB24-1237, advocate for increased funding and better policies, and collaborate on initiatives like the building of new child care centers. On-Site Child Care: A Win for Employers and Employees On-site child care is proving to be a beneficial strategy for businesses, enhancing employee satisfaction and retention while addressing child care needs directly. Companies like Guild and Mile High United Way have developed on-site child care facilities, substantially reducing child care costs for employees and setting a valuable example for other organizations. The success stories from these companies highlight the dual benefits of employee welfare and enhanced business performance through such investments. Overcoming Challenges and Seizing Opportunities Building child care facilities, whether on-site or within community developments, involves navigating complex regulatory and financial challenges. EPIC supports businesses by connecting them with the necessary resources and expertise to overcome these barriers. Moreover, financial tools like new market tax credits and low-income housing tax credits are vital for making these projects feasible. The path towards solving Colorado’s child care crisis requires a concerted effort from all sectors, especially from business leaders who can leverage their resources and influence for greater good. By investing in child care, businesses are not just supporting their employees but are also contributing to the economic and social health of our communities. At EPIC, we remain dedicated to supporting these efforts, ensuring that every child and family in Colorado has access to quality, affordable child care. Together, we can transform the landscape of child care in Colorado, creating a model for others to follow and building a brighter future for our children and our state.