Your Chamber at Work - May 20, 2024

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

Last week’s KC Rising Horizons event revealed the transformational power of collaboration and the synergy that ignites much of our regional success. CPKC Stadium offered the ideal setting to highlight the collective energy that propels progress, including a multi-use development at Berkley Riverfront Park. And KC Rising’s commitment to community partnerships serves to amplify a shared vision of inclusive regional prosperity – a strategic imperative of the KC Chamber as well.

It is true that when regionally focused partners put their heads together and unite behind a common goal, Kansas City can realize any dream. Historically, we can point to the bistate initiative that restored Union Station. And recent hallmarks of community cooperation include:

• COVID-19 Communications: Our colleagues at Mid-America Regional Council were steadfast allies in sharing critical public health information with the community.
• Better KCI: Collective efforts with partners like the Kansas City Area Development Council succeeded in constructing a beautiful single terminal airport.
• Regional Advocacy: Much of our ongoing advocacy work is done in concert with the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, combining efforts for the betterment of our region.
• FIFA World Cup 26™: As we prepare to offer a warm Midwest welcome to international guests, regional leaders have activated to support Visit KC and the KC Sports Commission.

None of us achieve as much alone as we do when we work together. We may stumble at times; however, we always rise again with the support of those equally as enthusiastic about securing a prosperous future for the city we love. I invite you to review KC Rising’s data dashboard to understand the aspirational journey civic leaders are taking together, comparing our growth and development with other benchmark cities, as we endeavor to create the best Kansas City possible.

MISSOURI LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP LUNCHEON

Join us on Wednesday, May 22, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the American (200 E. 25th St, Suite 400, KCMO) for the Missouri Legislative Wrap-Up Luncheon. Our featured speakers include Senate President Caleb Rowden and Speaker of the House Dean Plocher who will share perspectives and punditry on the 2024 session and thoughts about what lies ahead. Lunch is complimentary for Public Policy Council investors and $65 for KC Chamber members. Register now for this inside review of the Missouri legislative session.

ATHENA AWARD AND ATHENA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD

The ATHENA Award has been presented annually by the KC Chamber since 2001 to a person “who has achieved the highest level of professional excellence, devoted time and energy to the community, and especially, opened the doors of leadership opportunity to women.” In 2010, the first Young Professional Leadership distinction was added to the ATHENA program. It is presented to emerging women leaders throughout the metro area, across professional sectors, for exemplary leadership. Nominations for these awards open on Tuesday, May 28, so be thinking about the outstanding female leaders you can nominate for the 2024 awards program. Click here to learn more about the ATHENA awards and be watching for the nomination form next week.

WELCOMING KC LUNCH & LEARN: DELLA LAMB – UNDERSTANDING REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT

Grab your lunch and bring it with you to the KC Public Library Northeast Branch (6000 Wilson Ave., KCMO) on Thursday, June 6, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., for “Refugee Resettlement: The Role of Della Lamb & How to Be Involved”. Sarah Kolsto, Della Lamb Refugee Services Coordinator, will present to the group and help us understand the complexities of resettling refugees in our communities. Register now for this exciting learning opportunity!

GROW TO GENKC: KICKING KC TO THE FUTURE!

genKC, in partnership with Embark by H&R Block, invites you to attend the annual Grow to genKC: Kicking KC to the Future on Wednesday, June 12! Join us from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at H&R Block in downtown Kansas City as area leaders stop by to discuss exciting new developments in regional infrastructure and insights into Kansas City's role in the upcoming World Cup. A networking happy hour will happen immediately after the presentation, allowing attendees to get to know early career professionals and interns. Space is limited, so register now to reserve your spot.