Your Chamber at Work - November 29, 2021

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

I recently had a Chamber Board member – the CEO of a nonprofit – ask if her Board members could attend one of our upcoming Diversity and Inclusion events.

The answer was a resounding YES. Our D&I online series is virtual, it’s absolutely free and open to anyone interested. In fact, the series is in partnership with a number of local chambers also interested in and committed to diversity and inclusion.

The session that piqued her interest is set for Tuesday, December 14 and is an interactive simulation to help participants better understand poverty in Kansas City.

What would it be like to try to live on a limited budget where you had to choose between buying groceries, medicine, or paying your utility bills? In this simulation, you’ll work in a small group to complete a series of budget exercises, navigating difficult decisions within the constraints of scarce time and resources.

You’ll come away with a better understanding of the challenges of families struggling to make ends meet. You’ll also learn how to support and empower vulnerable families in our communities.

The poverty simulation was developed by United Way of Greater Kansas City and we hope you’ll join us December 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Click here to register – and join us for eye-opening lunch hour.

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING: CROSSFIRST BANK

Join us this Friday, December 3, for Neighborhood Networking at CrossFirst Bank new spot at 4622 Pennsylvania, Suite 1500, on the Plaza. You’ll be able to check out CrossFirst’s location at 46 Penn Centre and learn how building solid relationships has helped them reach clients for more than a decade. Doors open at 8:30. Chamber members can register here for free; it’s $15 for non-members. The KC Chamber's 2021 Neighborhood Networking Sponsors are Menlo and Unbound. Our 2021 overall networking sponsors are Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Delta Dental, and Mazuma.

HEALTHY KC Q4 NETWORKING FORUM - MENTAL HEALTH: THE BOTTOM LINE

Our Healthy KC Q4 Networking Forum is here, and we are focusing on Mental Health: The Bottom Line. Join us Tuesday, December 7, 7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m. in the KC Chamber Board Room located on the first floor in the southeast corner of Union Station. There has never been a greater need for mental health resources in the workplace than now. Hear from panelists Ruth Pullins, Chief Human Resources Officer at University Health; Lemuel E. Kimes, LMSW, Adjunct Clinical Instructor, University of Missouri  - Kansas City and Principal at Kimes and Associates; and Mike Chapman, SelectQuote Learning and Development Manager, as they discuss why should focus on mental health now and go over best practices for awareness and support across industries. Register now for this free event, presented by the Behavioral Health Action Team.

ECONOMIC FORECAST

Could an economy recovery be on tap for 2022? Register now for the virtual Economic Forecast, Thursday, December 9, 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Mid-America Regional Council Chief Economic Frank Lenk brings his unique and expert-lens as he looks at what will follow us into the new year from the 2021 economy. Journalist Mary Sanchez of Kansas City PBS also moderates a panel featuring Chris Kuehl of Armada CI, Niki DaSilva of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, business immigration attorney Mira Mdivani, and Angelique Nedved of SchoolSmartKC to discuss the workforce talent and pipeline, how immigration reform is impacting pandemic employment numbers, global supply chain issues, and inflation. This event is virtual for the general public with a $10 admission. Special thanks to our Economic Forecast Presenting Sponsor, BMO Harris Bank. Additional sponsors include Black & Veatch, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Grant Thornton, and UMB.

CENTURIONS INFORMATION SESSION

Get more information about the Centurions’ application process, while you have opportunity to ask questions in a comfortable small-group setting at the next Centurions Information Session. Meet at T-Mobile at 6360 Sprint Parkway, from 4 to 6 p.m. on December 15. For this event, being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is required. By registering for this event, you agree to provide proof of vaccination upon arrival at T-Mobile. COVID-19 vaccination card or photo of vaccination card will be accepted and you must be 15 days past vaccine shot which will qualify you as fully vaccinated. Read through the FAQs and background documents here and bring your questions for active and alumni Centurions and program leaders. There is no cost to attend the session. Register here.