Your Chamber at Work - July 6, 2021

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

Nearly a year ago, the people of Missouri voted “yes” to expanding Medicaid in Missouri. It was a big win for so many.

But we’re still waiting and we can’t wait any longer.

That’s why the KC Chamber joined the legal appeal last week to expand Medicaid in Missouri. We’re part of a statewide coalition that filed an amicus curiae brief before the Missouri Supreme Court. It asks the Court to overturn the ruling of the Cole County Circuit Court and find that the State of Missouri must expand Medicaid coverage — as the majority of Missouri voters approved last year — and fund it, which the Missouri General Assembly failed to do.

Expanding Medicaid would create new jobs, provide coverage to a quarter million Missourians who currently fall into a coverage gap, create a more equitable economy, and is key to attracting top talent and growing our economy.

The Chamber has been calling for Medicaid expansion for a long time. It’s been our highest legislative priority for more than a decade. We were the first chamber of commerce in the state to publicly support expansion, but we aren’t alone. Our colleagues at the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, Greater St. Louis, Inc., the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce are also part of the brief. They know how vital Medicaid expansion is to Missouri.

The Court will hear arguments beginning next week. You can read the full brief here.

COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE

Today and tomorrow, the KC Chamber is pleased to host a Community Blood Drive, July 6 & July 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Rd. Local blood banks are facing a critical shortage, and the Community Blood Center currently has less than a 3-day supply of blood products in the Greater Kansas City area. The Kansas City Royals will offer donors their choice of two-tickets to a future game, a t-shirt, or a hat as a thank you to everyone who gives blood. You can find available time slots here for the July 6 drive or the July 7 drive.

WHAT OUR NEW NORMAL MEANS FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Join us for genKC’s virtual event, What Our New Normal Means for Mental Health, July 22, 4 to 5 p.m. This free event features a group of experts who will discuss and answer questions regarding mental health challenges and struggles to maintain healthy work life balance during and post-pandemic. Register now for this free event, and you’ll be able to submit your own questions.

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING PATIO SERIES: T-SHOTZ

Practice your swing and stock up on business cards before our upcoming Neighborhood Networking: Patio Series at T-Shotz, Friday, July 23, 8:30 to 10 a.m. Come to their Northland location at 660 NW Metro North Drive and check out any of the 66 climate-controlled hitting bays. It’s free for members and just $15 for non-members. The KC Chamber's 2021 Neighborhood Networking Sponsors are Menlo and Unbound. The KC Chamber's 2021 overall networking sponsors are Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Delta Dental, and Mazuma.

POWER OF DIVERSITY

Celebrate and honor people who are making diversity, equity, and inclusion a priority in KC. Join us for the POWER of Diversity Event livestream, July 28, 8 to 9:30 am. We will present ACE Awards to mid-to-senior level diverse managers who are having a positive impact on their company’s profitability and increasing their diversity efforts in the workplace, as well as the Champion of Diversity Award. The keynote speaker is former Chamber Board Chair and current member of the Kansas City Royals ownership group, Karen Daniel. Due to COVID restrictions, this event is already at capacity, however it is open to the public via free livestream. Register here. Special thanks to our Presenting sponsors CommunityAmerica Credit Union, Evergy, and Hallmark.