Your Chamber at Work - August 19, 2024
FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO
Did you know that the KC Chamber is one of only three chambers in the U.S. to run a licensed World Trade Center? That means our regional business community benefits from an organization that connects them to the people, companies, data and government agencies that make up the fabric of global commerce. World Trade Center Kansas City (WTCKC) offers a variety of programs and resources to stimulate international trade, including the upcoming EXIM Bank Lender & Exporter Roundtable on Wednesday, August 21. Commerce Bank will host this free event from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., providing an in-depth look into the resources and services provided by the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM). This is a fantastic opportunity for those interested in international trade, so I encourage you to learn more and register today. As part of a network of 330 World Trade Centers, WTCKC connects our business community with educational opportunities that inspire growth as they become more competitive, diversify their portfolios and weather changes in the U.S. domestic economy. If you’d like to discuss ways to get involved, please get in touch with Melissa Miller, Director of WTCKC.
Also, last year’s German trade mission facilitated by WTCKC helped introduce our delegation to the scope of European football and the devoted fans that travel to support their teams as we prepare for FIFA World Cup 26™. The experience provided invaluable lessons that continue to inform our planning. Apart from Dallas, there is a World Trade Center presence in each 2026 World Cup host city, including the only Sister City hosting a World Cup match – Guadalajara, Mexico. It is an exciting time to watch and learn from the other cities working to welcome the world for a memorable tournament. The KC Chamber will soon announce efforts to support area businesses so they can gainfully take part in this unique opportunity, so stay tuned for more in the coming weeks.
BRIDGING THE CAPITAL GAP LENDER SUMMIT
The Kansas SBDC Bridging the Capital Gap Summit is just a few short days away. This event on Thursday, September 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., at Johnson County Community College’s Capitol Federal Conference Center will connect attendees with small businesses, entrepreneurs, bankers and non-traditional lenders in a way that supports those looking to start a business as well as those ready for growth. The event features two presentations, a keynote speaker, three morning breakout sessions and a post-event Happy Hour. And the KC Chamber’s own Director of Small Business Vicky Kulikov will be a presenter, speaking on an afternoon panel on “How Chambers Help Businesses”. Early Bird pricing is $75 through August 21 with the full price of $99 beginning on August 22. This includes breakfast and lunch buffets and a Happy Hour drink ticket. Learn more and register today!
NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING - RECONCILIATION SERVICES
Neighborhood Networking is the KC Chamber’s premier networking event that introduces attendees to member business throughout the region while they get to mix and mingle in a relaxed environment. The next stop on the Neighborhood Networking tour is on Friday, September 6, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m., at Reconciliation Services (3101 Troost Ave, KCMO), an organization established to address the root causes and symptoms of poverty and trauma in our city. They aim to engage with individuals to promote dignity by increasing well-being, foster a healthy community by transforming dividing lines into gathering places, and help people advocate for themselves, their families, and their neighbors. This is a free opportunity for Chamber members or just $15 for non-members. Register now!
Thank you to our 2024 Neighborhood Networking Sponsors for their continued support:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Delta Dental, Southwest Airlines, UMB, and Unbound.
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!
AUTHENTICO DEI CERTIFICATE OF MASTERY & CAPSTONE
If you’ve been following the journey of Authentico’s first cohort of Kansas City area professionals engaged in deeper learning on DEI topics, you’ve likely seen exciting engagement and interactive lessons. Registration will soon begin for a second cohort that will begin in March 2025. The 16-month program is open to DEI professionals, Human Resources leaders and other industry managers and executives looking to discover real solutions to building inclusive organizational environments that inspire cultures of belonging. Cohort size is limited to 30 people who are led by Dr. Andrea Hendricks, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at Authentico, and Dr. Shirley Davis, President of SDS Global Enterprises, who are global thought leaders in diversity, equity and inclusion. To indicate interest and reserve your spot in the program, please email Greg Valdovino, our Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, at valdovino@kcchamber.com.