FROM THE KC CHAMBER’S PRESIDENT AND CEO
Kansas City is more than a place on a map — it’s a region shaped by pride, partnership, and possibility. Few things reflect that spirit more clearly than our hometown teams.
Last week, the KC Chamber joined with fellow civic and business leaders in a powerful, united call: we must do everything we can to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals right here in our region. These teams do more than play games; they unite us across neighborhoods, across state lines, and across generations. And they help drive our economy forward.
The benefits are significant. From job creation and tourism to strengthening local communities and boosting global visibility, major league sports are a powerful force for economic growth. They help us attract investment, retain top talent, and tell the Kansas City story to the world.
That’s why well-designed public-private partnerships are so important. When done right, they ensure taxpayers have a real stake in long-term decisions about the teams. This is about more than stadiums. It’s about building a future that reflects the strength of our region and the voice of our people.
We’ve already heard from many of you who want to stand with us, and we welcome that energy and commitment. Stay tuned as we work to channel that momentum into collective action. Together, we can keep the heart of Kansas City beating strong, and ensure our region remains major league for generations to come. You can read the joint statement and watch the video now by clicking here.
2025 SMALL BUSINESS CELEBRATION FAN FAVORITES & TOP 10 HONOREES
The excitement of the KC Chamber’s 2025 Small Business Celebration continues to grow with the announcement of this year’s Fan Favorite winners and the prestigious Top 10 Small Business honorees!
During a special Facebook Live reveal, the KC Chamber celebrated this year’s KCNSC Fan Favorites — Alliance Workforce and Holland 1916 – businesses that captured the hearts of the community at the Small Business Celebration Candidates’ Showcase. Thousands of votes were cast, and the support for these businesses was undeniable.
Also announced were the 2025 Top 10 Small Business honorees who are now finalists for the coveted Mr. K Award and the title of KC Chamber Small Business of the Year. These businesses exemplify growth, innovation, community involvement, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our region forward.
The 2025 Top 10 Small Businesses are:
- Café Corazon
- Cenetric Network Services
- DMC Services
- Fresco Marketing
- Holland 1916
- IBC
- Perfect Promotions
- Resolve Counseling
- Taliaferro & Browne
- Woodside Health Club
We’re proud to celebrate these companies and the more than 70 small businesses that participated in this year’s celebration. Each brings something unique to Kansas City’s vibrant business landscape.
Mark your calendar for the Small Business Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, June 17 at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center, where we’ll reveal the Small Business of the Year and honor winners of five specialty awards. You can register now. Until then, keep supporting small business, and keep the celebration going!
STRENGTHENING RESILIENCE WORKSHOP – CONQUERING IMPOSTER SYNDROME
If imposter syndrome has been holding you back, this workshop is your moment to rise. Join us Tuesday, May 6, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the KC Chamber Board Room at Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO) for Strengthening Resilience: Conquering Imposter Syndrome — an energizing, interactive session focused on helping you own your voice and your value.
Together, we’ll unpack identity, stigma, and self-worth through the lens of inclusive growth. You’ll participate in hands-on activities like mapping your intersectionality wheel and rewriting your inner narrative around success. Most importantly, you’ll walk away with eight actionable tools to silence your inner critic and power long-term confidence. Mark your calendar. Claim your confidence. Register today!
Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, CommunityAmerica Credit Union, and our Workshop Series Presenting Sponsors: American Century Investments, Evergy, Hallmark Cards, Inc., and JE Dunn Construction Company.
TALKING TRADE IN RIVERSIDE
On Wednesday, May 7, the Riverside Area Chamber of Commerce (508 NW Vivion Rd., KCMO) will host “Talking Trade,” a morning networking event focused on international trade. Scheduled from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m., this gathering invites business leaders to dive into global market opportunities over coffee. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the world of international trade, this is a great chance to gain insights, make connections, and explore how your business can grow on a global scale. Register now!
10TH ANNUAL HEALTHY KC VENDOR EXPO
On Thursday, May 8, the KC Chamber will host the 10th Annual Healthy KC Vendor Expo at Union Station. The event begins at 8 a.m. with a program recognizing companies that have achieved 2024 Workplace Wellness Certification, exemplifying excellence in Personal Health Resources, Psychosocial Work Environment, Enterprise Community Involvement, and Work Environment.
Following the recognition ceremony, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., attendees can explore the vendor expo in the Grand Plaza. The expo offers opportunities to network with wellness professionals and organizations dedicated to promoting health in the workplace. Join us at Union Station to celebrate and connect with leaders in workplace wellness. Learn more and register today!
