Your Chamber at Work - February 28, 2022

Feb 28, 2022

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Newsletters

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

Sobering statistics:

  • 2.4 million women left the workforce during the pandemic. One of the key reasons: the lack of childcare.
  • In Kansas City, 30 percent of childcare facilities have closed during that same time.
  • Meanwhile, there are 95,000 jobs available in our region, and our businesses are having difficulty filling those positions.

The lack of available childcare is a business issue, and the Chamber is responding.

  • We led a Legislative Briefing on Childcare featuring 30 legislators and their representatives focusing on the serious challenges facing daycare providers and early learning centers and how this is impacting our workforce.  There was a lot of interest in looking at how employers can offer childcare services for employees or, at the minimum, the business community can amplify the message regarding the critical need for expanded access to quality childcare.
     
  • Chamber staff has been asked to partner with three Missouri legislators to draft and introduce state legislation establishing an employer childcare tax credit in Missouri, similar to the legislation we are championing in Kansas. We have been engaging a variety of stakeholders to build momentum for legislation next year on this vital issue.
     
  • Because of the growing interest at all levels to solve the childcare crisis, our team has been engaged with staff members representing our federal delegation on exploratory opportunities for a federal childcare tax credit based on local examples here in the bi-state region.
     
  • The Chamber is holding meetings with key Kansas legislators and advocacy partners to ramp up support for Kansas employer childcare tax credit legislation.

One of the Chamber’s strength is advocacy for solutions to local issues at the state and federal levels. We’ve been bringing that to bear.

For more on childcare in Kansas City, check out this story in our latest issue of GROW.

APPLY FOR SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR!

The Small Business Celebration is officially underway! Small businesses that are KC Chamber members are invited to apply for the Small Business of the Year Award now through March 22. Applicants are judged on their growth or sustainability, strong employee relations, a record of giving back to the community, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The winner of Small Business of the Year receives the coveted Mr. K Award. Four additional awards are presented: the Emerging Business Award, the Small Business Equity Award, the Weida Award for International Small Business of the Year, and the Legacy of Kansas City Award. More information, including applications, criteria, and important dates can be found here. And don’t miss the Application Workshop this Wednesday at 9 a.m. in our Chamber Board Room, located on the first floor of Union Station next to Pierpont’s. You’ll hear from past winners, judges, and learn how to ace the application. The Small Business Celebration is recognized as one of the largest of its kind in the country. Our Presenting Sponsors are Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City and Evergy. Our CEO Sponsor is Honeywell. Our Candidates’ Showcase Presenting Sponsor is American Century Investments. Our Top 10 Announcement Sponsor is UMB Bank. Our Top 10 Reception Sponsor is Bank Midwest. Our Awards Luncheon Presenting Sponsor is Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Our Executive Sponsor is CommunityAmerica Credit Union. Our Partner Sponsor is H&R Block. Our Associate Sponsors are Arvest Bank, Bank of Blue Valley, Country Club Bank, Enterprise Bank & Trust, Mazuma Credit Union, Menlo, and US Bank. Our Superstar sponsor is FastSigns Overland Park, and Superstar media sponsor is Startland News.

LANGUISHING IN THE WORKPLACE

Healthy KC wants to give you the tools to reinvigorate, reinspire, and help recharge your staff. Join us March 4 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. for the Healthy KC Roundtable: Languishing in the Workplace. You’ll collaborate to develop solutions to help create a workplace where employees can flourish and feel supported and engaged. This in-person event takes place in our Chamber Board Room, located in the southeast corner on the first floor of Union Station. Thanks to our partners Metro Council, BMG Advisors, and Midwest Recovery Centers. Healthy KC Presenting Sponsor is Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City. Our Premier Sponsor is Lockton Companies.

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING: KANSAS CITY TEACHER RESIDENCY

Join us this Friday, March 11 at 8:30 a.m. to connect with the Kansas City Teacher Residency at our next Neighborhood Networking. They’re located in the River Market at 415 Delaware St., Ste. 2W. This non-profit was founded in 2015 and works to improve student outcomes by preparing and supporting teachers. Enjoy hot coffee and a light breakfast as you the Kansas City Teacher Residency is recruiting dedicated professionals across KC. Registration is free for Chamber members, and $15 for non-members. The KC Chamber's 2022 Neighborhood Networking sponsors are Unbound and the Kansas City Current. The 2022 overall networking sponsors are Delta Dental and Mazuma Credit Union.

HEALTHY KC BREAKFAST AND VENDOR EXPO

We’re back in person for this year’s Healthy KC Breakfast and Vendor Expo, March 29, 8 to 10 a.m. at Hy-Vee Arena. This year, the theme is Reflection, Resiliency, and Recovery. In addition to breakfast, attendees can enjoy the Healthy Vendor Expo with nearly two dozen vendors showcasing programs and tools to help promote a healthy workplace. We’ll also kick off the Healthy KC Workplace Wellness Certification. This certification recognizes employers for innovation and excellence in promoting a culture of health and wellness in the workplace. Registration for Chamber members is $25; it’s $35 for non-members. Register here. Thank you to our 2022 Healthy KC Sponsors. The Healthy KC Presenting Sponsor is Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City. Our Premier Sponsor is Lockton Companies.