Fort Collins Area Chamber Honored with 2026 Early Childhood Champion Award

The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to be recognized as a recipient of the 2026 Early Childhood Champion Award from Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC).

Presented at EPIC’s annual celebration on November 11, the award recognizes the Chamber alongside Northern Colorado Kids Thrive and United Way of Larimer County for their collective leadership and advocacy in advancing affordable, accessible childcare for families throughout Larimer County.

The recognition celebrates the successful passage of Larimer County Ballot Measure 1B, which established a dedicated, long-term funding source to make childcare more affordable, expand access to quality care and support the early childhood workforce.

Childcare Is a Workforce and Economic Vitality Issue

For employers across Northern Colorado, access to reliable, affordable childcare is essential to attracting and retaining talent. When working parents have access to quality care, they are better positioned to participate fully in the workforce, pursue professional opportunities and contribute to the regional economy.

For the Chamber, supporting childcare solutions is an important part of building a business environment where employers, employees and families can thrive.

A Shared Commitment to Northern Colorado Families

The passage of Ballot Measure 1B demonstrates what is possible when the business community, early childhood advocates, families and community leaders come together around a shared vision.

Working alongside Northern Colorado Kids Thrive and United Way of Larimer County, the Chamber helped advocate for an investment designed to strengthen the foundations of the region’s economy while improving opportunities for children and working families.

By supporting more accessible childcare, the community is investing not only in today’s workforce but also in the well-being and future potential of the next generation.

Recognizing Leadership and Collaboration

EPIC’s Early Childhood Champion Award recognizes employers and organizations demonstrating innovation, leadership and investment in strategies that support young children and working families. This includes early childhood advocacy and efforts to expand access to quality care and education.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis was also in attendance at the event, underscoring the statewide importance of early childhood investment and collaboration.

Governor Jared Polis

The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce is honored to share this recognition with Northern Colorado Kids Thrive and United Way of Larimer County, and grateful to EPIC for recognizing the collective work behind this milestone.

We look forward to continuing this work with our community partners to make Larimer County a stronger place to live, work and raise a family.