Your Chamber at Work - July 8, 2024

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

As children, we dream about what we want to be when we grow up based on the working example of the adults in our lives. As adults, we try to secure high-quality educational systems for future members of our workforce, knowing this is the key to helping them achieve their dreams. That is why the KC Chamber works diligently with state departments of education, legislators and leaders throughout the region to ensure our children are receiving the knowledge and skills necessary for them to be anything they can imagine.

On Monday, July 15, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., community leaders are invited to join the Missouri Chamber Foundation and the KC Chamber in our board room inside Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO) for a roundtable discussion on childcare and early childhood education, both of which lay a solid foundation of readiness for young learners. You’ll also meet Dr. Karla Eslinger, Missouri Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, who also leads Missouri’s Office of Childhood.

This is a terrific opportunity to meet those leading the work for educational excellence and connect with those who can affect progress for learners in Missouri. Please join us by registering online now!

LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD CHAMBER BOARD MEMBERS

The KC Chamber’s Nominating Committee is now accepting Board nominations from the KC Chamber’s membership. Nomination suggestions should be in writing and mailed to:  Mark Garrett, Nominating Committee Chair, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, 30 West Pershing Road, Suite 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64108; or e-mailed to ronfeldt@kcchamber.com, prior to August 7. Chamber bylaws allow additional nominations to be made by petition after the committee has presented its slate.

GENKC NETWORKING NIGHT AT PUTTERY

Whether you're a mini-golf pro or just looking for a fun way to network and unwind, this genKC event is the perfect opportunity to display your skills and connect with colleagues. Join us at Puttery on the Plaza on Monday, July 22, from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m., for unlimited rounds of putt putt and food (vegetarian options available). Each attendee will also receive a drink ticket that can be used for wine, beer or an assortment of non-alcoholic beverage options. Tickets are $25 a person ($50 for a team of 2 or $100 for a team of 4). Learn more and register now!

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING

Mental Health First Aid is an interactive course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. This training on Wednesday, July 31, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., in the KC Chamber Board Room (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO) will give people the skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The evidence behind the program shows that it builds mental health literacy and helps participants understand warning signs of mental health challenges and gain an understanding of their impact and explore common interventions. The cost to participate is $50. Space is limited, so learn more and register today!

POWER OF DIVERSITY

On Friday, August 2, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Muehlebach Tower downtown, you can join us for the POWER of Diversity celebration. The KC Chamber will present Ace Awards and a Champion of Diversity Award. In addition, you’ll be delighted by the “Where Are They Now” panel conversation, which features four past Ace Award winners talking about their leadership journey in the DEI space, and how the landscape has changed since they won their award. The featured panelists include Dr. Andrea Hendricks, of Authentico and Walz Tetrick Advertising; Michael Gonzales of NE&E Consulting; Edgar J. Palacios, of Latinx Education Collaborative and Revolucion Educativa; and Drew Eanes, of JE Dunn Construction and the KC People’s Fund. This panel will be moderated by the KC Chamber’s Board Chair Lisa Ginter of CommunityAmerica Credit Union, the presenting sponsor of this event.

If you’d like to attend, individual tickets are $80 for KC Chamber members/$100 for non-members, and Reserved tables are $850 for members and $1,050 for non-members. Reserved tables include seating for 10, company table signage, and preferred table placement. Learn more and register here!