FROM THE KC CHAMBER’S PRESIDENT AND CEO
It’s Welcoming Week in Kansas City – a time to embrace the legal immigrant community that enhances our cultural traditions and support the newcomers who bolster the rich diversity of our region. The list of activities includes everything from exploring international cuisine to fostering inclusive workplace environments and are hosted by partners like Jewish Vocational Services and Metropolitan Community Colleges. Our Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Greg Valdovino shares that “Welcoming Week is a fantastic opportunity for us to show our new neighbors that we welcome everyone and encourage all to contribute to the local economy, education and workforce as they add culture to our diverse communities.”
Welcoming Week is also the perfect time for the KC Chamber to reflect on our strategic imperative of Inclusive Prosperity and reacquaint ourselves with the goals of our Welcoming Plan. We know the business community benefits from using all our community assets to ensure Kansas City is a welcoming place for immigrants, refugees, and other newcomers who grow the region’s globally competitive workforce. Members of our immigrant community are also entrepreneurs who start small businesses that diversify offerings in our region and increase opportunity for all our residents.
When Welcoming Week concludes, the Chamber continues with events that help inspire allyship with historically underrepresented groups in our community. I encourage you to mark you calendar for Tuesday, October 29, and our Allyship in Kansas City session that focuses on building the relationships necessary to support our immigrant community. Click here to learn more and register. This is the ideal opportunity to add seats to the table for conversations that represent all voices, and we thank our Presenting Diversity Sponsor CommunityAmerica Credit Union for continuing to support this important work.
NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING: KANSAS CITY ART INSTITUTE
Find creative inspiration for a morning of networking as Neighborhood Networking, the KC Chamber’s premier business networking event, makes a stop at the Kansas City Art Institute (Vanderslice Hall, 4415 Warwick Blvd., KCMO) on Friday, September 20, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. KCAI is a college of art and design offering 13 studio majors and a liberal arts curriculum, providing a challenging curriculum and immersive studio experience for students. Neighborhood Networking is free for Chamber members and $15 for non-members, so register now!
Thank you to our generous sponsors for their support: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Delta Dental, Southwest Airlines, UMB, and Unbound.
AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
The American Red Cross will be in the KC Chamber Board Room (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO) on Monday, September 23, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. for a blood drive. This is an excellent opportunity to donate, helping hospitals throughout our community have the lifesaving resources they need when an emergency arises. Register here to give blood with the American Red Cross and use the code “KCChamber” when signing up for a timeslot.
CENTURIONS INFO SESSION
Interested in taking your leadership development to the next level? Join us on Thursday, September 26, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., at Spotlight (1906 Wyandotte St., KCMO) for a Centurions Information Session. This two-year program focuses on building community awareness through civic opportunities and on community issues that affect Greater Kansas City. The mission is to prepare a representative cross-section of the community’s emerging leaders for their role in shaping the future of Greater Kansas City. Register now to learn more!
KANSAS STATE AFFAIRS WRAP-UP LUNCHEON
If you are interested in legislation in the state of Kansas, be sure to join us for the Kansas State Affairs Wrap-Up Luncheon on Friday, September 27, from 12:00 to 1:15 p.m., in the KC Chamber Board Room (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO) as our featured speakers offer their insights and reflections on the session and share their thoughts on what’s to come. Speakers include Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, Speaker of the House Dan Hawkins, House Majority Leader Chris Croft and Governor Kelly’s Chief of Staff Will Lawrence. The lunch costs $65 for Chamber members and $85 for non-members. Public Policy Council members can attend for free with the 2024 promotional code. Register to attend!
