EPIC’s November 11 event at Coors Field will bring together state and local leaders to celebrate Colorado’s progress in early childhood and explore what’s next for the state’s workforce and economy.

DENVER, CO (November 6, 2026) — Colorado Governor Jared Polis, Governor-elect Phil Weiser and Colorado Rockies owner Dick Monfort will join business and community leaders at Coors Field Nov. 11 for Executives Partnering to Invest in Children’s (EPIC) 17th Annual Business Leaders Event, presented by PNC Bank.

The annual gathering, themed Field of Dreams: A Vision of EPIC Proportions, will bring together more than 275 business executives, policymakers, community leaders and early childhood advocates to recognize Colorado’s progress in addressing childcare challenges and explore opportunities to strengthen the state’s workforce and economy.

Taking place just days after the 2026 election, the event presents a unique opportunity to bring together current and incoming state leadership alongside the business community to discuss the future of early childcare and education in Colorado. As families continue to face challenges accessing affordable, high-quality care, employers increasingly recognize childcare as essential economic infrastructure that supports workforce participation, business growth and long-term economic competitiveness.

A highlight of the morning will be a fireside conversation featuring remarks from Gov. Polis, followed by a moderated discussion with Gov.-elect Weiser and Nicole Dorsey, vice president and director of Client and Community Relations at PNC Bank.

The discussion will focus on Colorado’s progress in expanding access to childcare and early education, the role of public-private partnerships and opportunities for continued collaboration between government, employers and communities.

“Colorado has demonstrated what’s possible when business leaders, policymakers and communities work together to address childcare challenges,” said Nicole Riehl, president and CEO of EPIC. “Bringing together our current and incoming state leadership, alongside

business leaders from across Colorado, creates an important opportunity to recognize the progress we’ve made and discuss how we continue moving forward. Childcare is essential to our workforce and economy, and sustained collaboration will be critical to building solutions that work for families, employers and communities.”

Recognizing Colorado Leaders Making an Impact

EPIC will honor individuals and organizations whose leadership has helped advance early childhood opportunities and strengthen Colorado’s communities.

The 2026 EPIC Award will be presented to Greg Anton, founding partner of Anton Collins Mitchell LLP, former EPIC board chair and member of the Colorado Early Childhood Leadership Commission. Anton has been a longtime advocate for children, families and the business community, helping advance EPIC’s mission and strengthen the connection between business leadership and early childhood investment.

The 2026 Early Childhood Champion Award will recognize Northern Colorado Kids Thrive, the United Way of Larimer County and the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce for their collaborative leadership in advancing childcare solutions in Larimer County. Their partnership helped bring together employers, childcare providers, families and community leaders in support of Larimer County Ballot Measure 1B, creating a dedicated, long-term investment to improve childcare affordability, expand capacity and strengthen the local workforce.

Together, these award recipients demonstrate the impact of business engagement, community partnerships and sustained investment in early childhood.

Building on Colorado’s Leadership

The breakfast will also provide an opportunity for EPIC to share its strategic direction and expanding national efforts to engage business leaders in childcare solutions.

For nearly two decades, EPIC has worked with Colorado’s business community to advance practical, bipartisan approaches that strengthen early childhood systems while supporting employers and working families. Building on that experience, EPIC is expanding its national reach through employer advising, research and resources, and business leadership engagement.

“Colorado has been an important proving ground for what business-led engagement in childcare can accomplish,” said Riehl. “Our next chapter is about taking those lessons,

strengthening our partnerships and helping communities across the country build solutions that support the workforce of today while developing the workforce of tomorrow.”

The event is presented by PNC Bank, with additional support from EPIC’s business and community sponsors. Learn more about EPIC’s 17th Annual Business Leaders Event.