GROWTH & IMPACT The Director of Programs and Initiatives position was created in 2021 to aid in the development of and capacity for both consulting and engage- ment with employers and infrastructure focused initiatives across the state. Since that time, consulting services have increased exponentially, and initiatives focused on meaningful change in child care infrastructure investments and development have actionable progress with high impact implications for local, state and even national legislation and programs Local and national organizations have increasingly sought out EPIC to present, speak, and contribute to key conversations focused on engaging business leaders to address workforce solutions and affordable access to early care and education. These opportunities have given EPIC a wider reach, increased membership opportunities, and a platform for sharing the innovative progress made by EPIC and Colorado. EPIC’s national exposure has also supported higher-level impact on business, community, and political leadership and advocacy across the county. Here are some highlights from the past year: ORGANIZATION EVENT MONTH/YEAR ROLE Public Education and Workforce Project January-June 2022 Facilitator/SME contributor Business Coalition State of Colorado Child Care Compensation October 2022- March 2023 SME Contributor Task Force Center for Children Round Table with Secretary August 2022 Event Host and Families January Contreras Hunt Institute Early Childhood Leadership August 2022 Panelist Summit US Chamber of Commerce Child Care Round Table September 2022 Speaker Foundation First Children’s Finance ECE Business Collaboratory September 2022 Speaker National Conference of State Child Care September 2022 Panelist Legislators Early Childhood Leadership Commissioner Appointment October 2022 Commissioner Commission EPIC has observed that membership growth mirrors the geographic and organizational patterns in programmatic and consulting work and success. In short, direct engagement of employers in project-based work leads to membership, and in some ways, even stronger advocacy and support of EPIC’s work from those employers. Ten additional states have expressed interest in EPIC’s model, including replication of the Design Lab and implementation of the EPIC membership/advocacy model Programs and Initiatives will continue to understand how growth and deepening impacts will shift the direction and needs of this area of development, as well as how best to serve the well-being of business and community through its work and the work of others. 7