2026 Collector’s Envelope Artwork, Remailing Program Deadlines Announced

The 2026 cachet artwork and verse, designed by Corry McDowell:
“In the Sweetheart City
Joy takes Flight,
80 years of Love
Shining Bright.”
Loveland, Colorado 2026
 
To get this special 2026 collector’s envelope artwork and postmark, package pre-addressed, pre-stamped Valentines in a larger First-Class envelope. Send the envelope to Postmaster - Attention Valentines, 446 E. 29th St., Loveland, CO 80538-9998. Once received, Valentines will be removed from the larger envelope and hand-stamped before being re-mailed to intended recipients. 
The Premier Valentine Sponsor is Elevations Credit Union. The official Valentine drop location sponsors include South State Bank, Bank of Colorado, and 477 Distilling. Drop off self-addressed, stamped Valentine envelopes the locations below.
 
The Post Office will be accepting Valentines to be dropped off in the special Valentine mailboxes through February 12, 2026.
 
The Loveland Post Office
601 Cleveland Ave Loveland, CO 80537
 
Loveland Chamber/Visitor Center
5400 Stone Creek Circle Suite 200
Chamber Monday-Friday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Visitors Center Monday-Saturday  9am-5pm

Elevations Credit Union
970 E Eisenhower Blvd
Monday-Friday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm and Saturday: 9:00 am -12:00pm

SouthState Bank
935 N. Cleveland Ave.
Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
 
The HUB Cafe by Fresh Plate
6402 Union Creek Drive [freshplatecatering.com]
Tuesday-Saturday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm  and Sunday: 1:00 pm-5:00 pm

​Barnyard Vet & Pet Supply
806 14th St SW
Monday-Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 am-1:00 pm
 
SCHEELS
4755 Ronald Reagan Blvd. [google.com] Johnstown, CO 80534
Monday-Friday 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM 
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM  and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM  
 
Mailing Deadlines:
Important Valentine mailing Deadline Dates:

• February 2, 2026 | International Mail deadline
• February 4, 2026 | Continental U.S deadline
• February 9, 2026 | Colorado deadline (within the state)

 ​

Heartfelt Indulgences
​
2026 Loveland Valentine Wine 
Sweet Heart Winery will be featuring their Amador County AVA Barbera 2023.
Experience premium quality Amador (Sierra mountains) Barbera, grown at 1750 ft elevation. Elegantly handcrafted with careful hand sorting, manual punch downs, gentle bladder press, aged with French oak. Taste notes of black cherry, vanilla and nutmeg. A fruit forward, light-medium bodied, bright but integrated acid typical for varietal, tannins balanced with acid profile, full finish that will delight your palate.
 
2026 Loveland Valentine Coffee 
The Loveland Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Top of the Lake Coffee to produce the 2026 official Loveland Valentine coffee. Crafted to celebrate connection, this medium roast Central American blend is all about balance and warmth. Smooth-bodied with a clean, lingering finish, it’s comforting yet vibrant, perfect for slow mornings, cozy afternoons, and moments meant to be savored together. A cup made for sharing, or for treating yourself with a little extra love.

2026 Valentine Beer 
Founded in 2010, Grimm Brothers Brewhouse is Loveland’s oldest Brewery. Once upon a time Grimm Brothers, in collaboration with the Loveland Chamber of Commerce and Visit Loveland, brewed a beer for the Sweetheart City. It was said that beer, known as The Bleeding Heart, held mystic powers. When consumed on a full moon, The Bleeding Heart was said to show you your heart’s true desire.
 
Grimm Brothers Brewhouse is honored and excited to be brewing the 15th version of The Bleeding Heart, Official Valentines Beer of the Sweetheart City. The 2026 version will again be based on Master Thief, our German Porter, with the additional flavors to be revealed at the Loveland Valentine Press Conference on January 6th. It will be available in 16 oz. cans and in kegs starting in mid-January.
 
2026 Valentine Cupcake 
The official Sweetheart City Valentine cupcakes is brought to you by downtown Loveland baker, B Sweet Cupcakes. The featured cupcake of love for 2026 is "Sweetheart Cherry Chocolate Chip."
A Cherry Cupcake with Dark Chocolate Chips topped with Cherry Cream Cheese frosting, dark chocolate drizzle and a dark chocolate heart!
 
2026 Valentine Candle
11 year old, Kinzie Sargent is selling candles for a cause. Kinzie leads with kindness and generosity. With a heart for helping others and a passion for spreading light, she is proud to announce her continued partnership with the Loveland Chamber and Loveland Visitor’s Center. This year’s candle is Sweetheart Spruce! A 6oz 100% hand poured soy candle with a clean scent spruce. ​

Spike that eggnog, Sparky, grab your favorite moose mug, and play BIG DEAL Company’s Christmas Vacation drinking game!  (free printable below)
***Disclosure: Please don’t drive after drinking to put up with your family.

What you will need: Any beer, eggnog, wine, or drink of your choice; a Santa hat; and a single shot of your choice (perhaps a lime Jell-O shot topped with cat food).
 
DRINKING RULES:
Take one drink every time…
●       Ellen calls Clark "Sparky"
●       Someone is wearing an ugly holiday sweater
●       There is singing or bells shaking
●       The swimming pool is referenced
●       Clark is wearing a sports team article of clothing
 
Additional rules…
●       The entire group takes a drink whenever an advent calendar door is opened.
●       You must yell “Shitter’s Full!” any time you leave to use the restroom, otherwise you must finish your beer when you return.
●       The first person to say “Get me somebody! And get me somebody while I'm waiting!” when Frank Shirley appears on screen for the first time chooses a person to finish their drink.
●       The first person to stand up & fully complete the “knock on the door, peek in…” correctly WITH hand gestures during that scene gives two drinks.
●       At any point in the movie, you can point to someone & yell "RUSS!" If they do not respond with "Right here, dad" they must take a drink (max once per person, this could get out of control).
●       Anytime someone misquotes a line in the movie, they have to wear the Santa hat until it gets passed to the next person.
●       When the movie is over, the last person wearing the Santa hat has to shotgun a beer & finish by saying “Ahh, It’s good, It’s good. It’s good.”
 
BIG DEAL Company is a creative collective of women here to bring you joy! We offer a variety of downloadable resources, tips and ideas to make any gathering a success. Follow us on social media - Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest - and sign up for our online newsletter to stay updated on the latest event trends.

As 2025 winds down, we at Big Deal Company are taking a moment to look back on a year packed with excellent partnerships, creative events, and amazing community connections. We’ve learned a lot along the way, from marketing hacks to event design tips, and we’re ready to put all that know-how to work in 2026. Here is our top 10 list of lessons we’re bringing into the new year!

1. Partnership First Mindset
In 2025, Big Deal Company focused on building real partnerships, working alongside clients as strategic partners in communications, events, and nonprofit support—not just as vendors. In 2026, we plan to strengthen this approach with even more teamwork and shared goals.

2. Fractional Support Is Here to Stay
By offering fractional marketing and communications support, we help clients get expert strategy without needing to hire full-time staff. This flexible, effective approach will keep shaping how we serve organizations in 2026.

3. Event Strategy Equals Business Strategy
Our work on big events like NoCoFest showed us that thoughtful event design can shape company culture, boost community involvement, and strengthen brands. We’ll keep using this integrated approach to plan even better events next year.

4. Organic, Human‑First Marketing Works
We’ve learned that making social media feel genuine and relatable is more effective than posting polished ads. This lesson will guide our communications in 2026.
​
5. Community Matters
Our most popular content often highlights local resources, such as Northern Colorado venue guides, and demonstrates the importance of community connections to our business. We’ll continue to focus on regional support and community building in 2026.

6. Thoughtful Experiences Over Templates
Event trends are moving toward immersive, personalized, and community-driven experiences, and we’re on board with this shift. What we’ve learned about micro-experiences and VIP engagement will shape our event designs in 2026.

7. Sustainability & Purpose-Driven Events
Sustainability is now a must in event planning. Our takeaways about eco-friendly practices and values-based programming will guide our work next year.

8. Measurable Impact Over Vanity Metrics
We focus on reporting that connects analytics to real business results, not just likes or impressions. This focus on meaningful KPIs will help us build more innovative strategies in 2026.

9. Continued Learning & Professional Growth
In 2025, we made team development a priority through leadership groups and strategy training. Our commitment to staying ahead of marketing and nonprofit trends will continue to improve what we offer clients next year.
​
10. Smart Use of Tech & Personalization
From event technology to personalized attendee experiences, we see that AI, immersive tools, and customization are becoming essential in 2026. These tech-focused lessons will guide how we plan and market events.

2026 looks like a year full of opportunity, creativity, and growth. By building on these lessons and keeping our focus on partnerships, community, and real results, Big Deal Company is ready to help clients hit new goals and make every event, campaign, and interaction count. As the year unfolds, these insights will keep guiding our strategies to make sure every project makes a real impact.

​As 2025 winds down, we’re taking a moment to reflect on a year full of incredible growth, powerful partnerships, and community-driven impact. At Big Deal Company, we don’t just provide fractional marketing and event support. We serve as true business or organizational partners, connectors, and collaborators. From Northern Colorado event planning to nonprofit communications strategy, we’ve been proud to amplify brands and missions that matter!
 
Here’s a look back at the moments, partnerships, and lessons that defined our 2025—and a glimpse into the bold future we’re building for 2026.

Strategic Partnership in Action: Our Fractional Work Highlights
This year, BIG DEAL was honored to support the Meals on Wheels of Greeley and Weld County team—providing communications planning and development strategy that helped elevate their essential mission. This was a prime example of the kind of deeply integrated, mission-aligned work we love doing through our fractional marketing and communications services.
 
We have also supported Ensight Skills Center, and  NOCOAC in a fractional capacity.
 
When clients bring us in, they don’t get just a consultant—they get a committed partner who’s all in on their vision.

​Events That Connected and Inspire

BIG DEAL + BizWest: A Trusted Event Partner
In 2025, we proudly continued our role as the event planning arm of BizWest, helping produce high-caliber experiences that drive business forward in Northern Colorado.

Discovery Day with Blue Federal Credit Union
One of our most inspiring conference collaborations this year was with Blue Federal Credit Union. We worked closely with their team to plan their annual Discovery Day, from crafting the theme to securing keynote speakers and entertainment. It was a powerful reminder of how intentional event design can spark culture, innovation, and community.

​Brand Elevation in Action: Fundraising with Heart
BIG DEAL was thrilled to support both Donna’s Law Colorado and Saint Transportation. With Donna’s Law, we helped build awareness and raise funds for this important legislation, and Saint Transportation enlisted our help to run their first-ever end-of-year fundraising campaign.
 
Our work helped align messaging, strategy, and storytelling to increase visibility and donor engagement. Supporting important causes with strong communications is central to our mission—and these collaborations reminded us how much a clear voice and strategic planning can move the needle!

NoCoFest: An Event with BIG Heart
If 2025 had a defining moment for our event team, it was NoCoFest—a massive community celebration and fundraiser that tested and showcased our full event planning capabilities. From complex permitting to coordinating vendors and programming, this was our most challenging project—and also our most rewarding!
 
We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve been invited back for NoCoFest 2026, where we’ll bring the same heart and hustle to a new venue and refreshed mission. It’s partnerships like this that fuel us.

​Deepening Roots in Northern Colorado
BIG DEAL continues to grow its presence across Northern Colorado, and our new partnerships with NoCoFest, as well as our work with the new owners of the Promenade Shops at Centerra on their annual Halloween event, have helped solidify our role as a trusted event strategist in the region. We love helping our local communities shine, and our commitment to building meaningful relationships with regional leaders and organizations has never been stronger!

Learning, Leading, and Looking Ahead
2025 wasn’t just about supporting others—it was also about investing in our team. Professional development was a major focus for us this year:

• Christine, our CEO, was accepted into Colorado’s Tourism Leadership Development Cohort
• Christine is also an advisor to Destination Colorado
• Carrie, our CCO, graduated from the Institute for Leaders in Development
• Our many team members completed courses and webinars to stay sharp on the latest marketing and nonprofit strategy trends

These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to excellence, relevance, and service. We believe that by continually investing in ourselves, we become better partners for our clients.

What’s Next for 2026?
Looking ahead, we’re excited to:

• Launch a more formalized nonprofit consulting arm with services spanning communications, grant writing, fundraising strategy, and event planning.
• Partner with more businesses and mission-driven organizations on national and local conferences, retreats, and planning events
• Continue our mission to be true partners—not just vendors—by deeply embedding in the missions of the brands we support

If your organization is looking to elevate your message, plan an unforgettable event, or develop a communications strategy that connects with your audience, we want to be part of your journey.

Let’s Make Big Things Happen in 2026
We believe your success is our success. As we close out 2025, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible organizations we’ve supported—and energized for what’s ahead.
 
Ready to collaborate in 2026? Let’s talk strategy, planning, and impact.
Schedule a Discovery Call: 970-613-1455
 
FAQs
Q: What does “fractional marketing and communications support” mean?
A: Fractional support means you get access to our experienced marketing and communications professionals on a part-time or project basis—without hiring full-time staff. We work as embedded partners, helping with strategy, execution, and growth based on your needs.
 
Q: What types of organizations do you typically work with?
A: We support a diverse mix of nonprofits, small-to-midsize businesses, regional organizations, municipalities, and event-based clients. In 2025, we partnered with entities like Meals on Wheels of Greeley and Weld County, Blue Federal Credit Union, and Donna’s Law.
 
Q: Can you help with event planning outside of Northern Colorado?
A: Yes! While we’re proudly based in Northern Colorado and deeply embedded in the local scene, we’re also equipped to plan and support conferences, retreats, and events nationwide.
 
Q: What makes Big Deal Company different from a traditional marketing agency?
A: We act as strategic partners, not just vendors. That means:

• We integrate with your team
• We help shape both strategy and execution
• We focus on long-term impact and relationship-building, not just short-term campaigns

 
Q: How do I know if fractional support is right for my business or nonprofit?
A: If you:

• Need high-quality marketing or comms support but aren’t ready to hire full-time
• Want strategic direction with execution power
• Need help navigating fundraising, brand visibility, or event planning

…..then fractional support might be perfect for you. Let’s chat to explore fit.
 
Q: Do you offer event planning for internal company events or retreats?
A: Absolutely. We help companies and nonprofits plan everything from internal planning retreats and “Discovery Days” to large-scale public events. Our goal is to create experiences that are intentional, inclusive, and aligned with your brand or mission.
 
Q: How can I work with Big Deal Company in 2026?
A: We’d love to connect! You can:

• Schedule a Discovery Call: 970-613-1455
• Reach out via our contact page

We’re booking now for fractional projects and event planning into Q1 & Q2.

Small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities. They’re the cozy coffee shops that remember your order, the boutiques that stock one-of-a-kind finds, and the service providers who go above and beyond because your business truly matters to them. At BIG DEAL Company, we proudly support and amplify the work of small businesses every day – and we’re here to let you in on a little secret:
Supporting a small business doesn’t have to cost a thing.
In a world where many marketing efforts come with a price tag, there are powerful, totally free ways you can help a local business grow. Here are some BIG ways to make a difference – for free!

1. Write a review
It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s highly influential. According to a recent survey, 93% of customers read online reviews before making a purchase. Whether you use Google, Facebook, Yelp, or another industry-specific platform, your review helps potential customers feel confident about choosing that business. A thoughtful review boosts visibility and adds trust.
​
2. Make a referral
Word-of-mouth marketing still reigns supreme, and it’s absolutely free. Tell your friends, coworkers, and family members about the businesses you love. Recommend your favorite photographer when someone needs headshots, or suggest that fantastic taco truck for a corporate lunch. Every referral extends the business’s reach beyond its own audience, and that matters more than you know.
Bonus points: Tag them when someone asks for recommendations on social media.

3. Follow them on social media
Effortless and effective – follow their page or profile on social media. Businesses use social media to connect with their audiences, announce new products, share behind-the-scenes content, and celebrate wins. When you follow, like, comment, or share their posts, you’re helping them reach more people organically. Algorithms love engagement, which means your one click can lead to dozens of new views.

4. Share their content
If you love what a business posts, don’t just like it – share it. Sharing their content on your feed, stories, or groups exposes the business to an entirely new audience. Think of it as giving them free advertising with little effort to you.

5. Engage with their posts
Comments, likes, tags, and reactions tell platforms that a business’s content matters. The more engagement they get, the more people the algorithm will show it to. Your quick “LOVE this!” or heart emoji goes further than you may realize.

6. Post about them
Take a photo of a product you love, a meal you enjoyed, or a service you received and post it with a tag. That user-generated content not only provides credibility, it tells the world you believe in that business.

7. Attend their events
Whether it’s a ribbon-cutting, pop-up, workshop, or grand opening, showing up matters. A crowd helps build buzz, and your presence means the world to an owner who’s poured their heart into that moment.

8. Join their email list
Staying connected through newsletters helps them communicate directly with people who care. You might not buy today, but being on that list means you’re part of their community, and that alone has value. Plus, being on the list makes it easy for you to forward sales, promotions, and other info to your social circle.

Every single one of these actions (reviews, engagement, referrals, and kindness) creates marketing momentum for businesses. When small businesses grow, our communities grow with them. They hire locally, invest locally, and give back locally.
And the best part is, you can make this BIG impact without spending a dime.
If you’re a small business looking for more support than what a few reviews or referrals can generate, BIG DEAL Company is here to help you grow – without weighing you down. We’re a connected collective of creative experts with deep experience in marketing, event production, and community building; we treat every client as a priority and tailor our services to fit businesses of any size.

The CEO of BIG DEAL Company, Christine Kovacs Forster, lives and breathes JOY.  Entertaining people and being entertained is what simply moves her.  My Big Day (now BIG DEAL) was formed in 2006 after Christine received constant requests to help businesses with their marketing and event planning for life events.  In 2023 she re-branded as BIG DEAL Company.

With 28 years in media and event planning, today her passion lies in creating events for all to enjoy and campaigns that elevate businesses and non-profits. Christine serves on numerous event and marketing committees, was a Commissioner for the City of Loveland and served on boards for local non-profits. Giving back is a priority both personally and professionally.

BIG DEAL clients recognize Christine as their fearless partner who runs each event with a walkie-talkie, clipboard, and numerous spreadsheets. "Organized" is an understatement. Her national media advertising experience lends itself to significant local client successes.  The event & marketing business is a relationship business, and Christine is known for being a connector in the community, and ultimately a friend to everyone she meets!  She and her team pride themselves on extraordinary service and original events.

Education: 
Bachelors in Organizational Communications
Diploma in Learning and Development
Event and Hospitality Management Certification
​Event Marketing Certification
Tourism Marketing Certification
​Gamification Certification
Online Marketing Certification
Hotel & Catering Management Certification
Mobile Marketing Certification
Wedding Planner Certification
TIPS Certified
Tenderwise Training Complete
​Digital Marketing Certification
Responsible Alcohol Sales

With over a decade of experience in professional event planning, Tiffany brings creativity and expertise to every project. Her passion for creating memorable experiences stems from her belief that the perfect blend of cuisine, beverages, music, and people creates extraordinary moments.

With a degree in Hospitality and Restaurant Management, specializing in Event Planning, Tiffany successfully transitioned her event coordination skills into a dynamic marketing career at BIG DEAL Company. She thrives in the fast-paced digital landscape, continuously expanding her expertise through professional development and staying ahead of emerging trends.
Her commitment to excellence and eagerness to embrace new challenges makes her a valuable asset to any project. Tiffany's dedication to continuous learning and growth is reflected in her innovative approaches to both marketing strategies and event management.

Education: 
Internship with My Big Day (now BIG DEAL)
Bachelor of Science, Hospitality and Restaurant Management
Event Marketing Certification
Tourism Marketing Certification
TIPS Certified
Tenderwise Training Complete
Responsible Alcohol Sales

Sarah discovered her passion for events while planning her own wedding in 2011. Since then, she has designed and executed events for life’s most meaningful milestones, with her work featured in renowned publications such as Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, Style Me Pretty, 100 Layer Cake, and You & Your Wedding magazine.

In 2018, Sarah joined BIG DEAL Company, where she has expanded her expertise to include corporate events, nonprofit fundraisers, political campaigns, event marketing, and the company’s signature events. In addition to event planning, Sarah curates content for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. She also channels her creativity into writing blogs for nonprofit organizations and small business clients.

When she is not busy with work or her twin girls, she enjoys time with family and friends, hiking around Fort Collins, solving jigsaw puzzles, and binge-watching a good TV show. Sarah is thrilled to be a member of a creative, innovative team of women.

Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a minor in Fashion Merchandising 
​Tourism Marketing Certification
Political Campaign Internship
TIPS Certified
Tenderwise Training Complete
Event Marketing Certification
Cvent Event Management Certification

Lesli Tanski’s path has been curvy with lots of U-turns, detours, and construction.  Always driven by a sense of curiosity and passion for positivity she has seen success and experienced failure and applies it to her marketing knowledge and skills.  She was born and raised in Colorado and went on to receive her film degree in Vancouver, Canada followed by her undergraduate in Liberal Arts from Colorado State University.  She worked as a commercial producer for Comcast Spotlight for nearly eleven years before opening a food and spirit specialty shop with her husband in downtown Fort Collins.  It was through the business that she fell in love with the connection a business can create with its community whether it’s in person or online.  Other notable accomplishments include a master's degree in Library Education and undergraduate studies in media studies and English.  Lesli has had the fortune of growing up in a family and community that embraces creativity, love, and the common desire to constantly learn new things. 
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Lesli’s other passions include being involved in animal advocacy, being an awesome aunt, knitting, and loving her husband and cats.  In case it’s not obvious she’s a card-carrying cat lady.  

Education:
Masters of Library Education
Bachelor of Arts , Liberal Arts 
Film and Film Studies Degree
Google Analytics Academy Certification

Mikaela brings deep experience in strategic event planning, community relations and corporate social responsibility to The Big Deal Company. As a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) with more than a decade in the nonprofit and corporate sectors, she thrives at the intersection of purpose and business.
Mikaela has banking experience and focuses on marketing and events for the western markets. Previously, she's held various event and community relations roles at IMA Financial Group, BCD Meetings & Events and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.
Mikaela has planned hundreds of events—from VIP dinners and leadership retreats to conferences and city-wide volunteer activations. She's passionate about connecting mission-driven organizations with meaningful resources and corporate partners.
Outside of work, she sits on the Development Committee for the Art Students League of Denver and previously served as Board Chair for Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK).
Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Daniels College of Business, University of Denver 
• Certificate in Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Strategy from University of Colorado - Boulder
• Project Management 360 Certification from Cornell University 
• Certified Meeting Planner (CMP)
• Cvent Event Management Certified 
• Responsible Alcohol Sales Certified (StateFoodSafety)
• Graduate of the Leadership Arts Program, Colorado Business Committee for the Arts
• AI Fundamentals Certificate​
  

​The holidays in Northern Colorado are full of magic, from twinkling lights and cozy community events to steaming cups of cocoa and plenty of festive fun all month long. Whether you love exploring light displays, need to finish your shopping, or just want to enjoy peppermint treats, NoCo has something for you. We’ve put together the Top 33 Holiday To-Do’s across Northern Colorado so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying the season. Put on your gloves, gather your friends and family, and let this list help you make the most of the holidays.

Thank you to all 530 guests, our speakers, amazing vendors and sponsors -- for a fantastic conference!