Your Chamber at Work - October 28, 2024

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

Months of campaigning are concluding with Election Day only eight days away. Some of you have taken advantage of early voting opportunities.

If you have yet to vote, you still have plenty of time to research candidates and make a plan for November 5. Polling places in Missouri will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Those in Kansas will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. that day. I encourage you to review these two resources and share them as appropriate within your organization.

KC BizPAC, the political action committee of the KC Chamber in partnership with the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, is not affiliated with any political party. Rather, it’s organized to support those state and local candidates who have taken responsible positions on issues involving business and the economic well-being of the Greater Kansas City area and our two states. Here are the candidates endorsed by BizPAC in the upcoming November 5 election.

The KC Media Collective, which includes outlets like KCUR, Kansas City PBS/Flatland and Startland News, has gathered all the information you need for voting in Jackson, Johnson, Clay, Platte and Wyandotte counties. Their guide is entirely free, and written in concise, easy-to-understand language.

Rest assured that Chamber members are not waiting until Election Day to make plans for the 2025 legislative sessions. Our Missouri and Kansas State Affairs Committees will host a joint meeting at noon this Wednesday to review and update our draft state legislative agendas. I invite you to get engaged in the Chamber's public policy efforts. The voices of our business community matter greatly to our elected representatives.

IMMIGRANT ECONOMIC AND WORKFORCE FORUM

According to the American Immigration Council, immigrants in Missouri make up 5.1 percent of the labor force and account for 5.6 percent of entrepreneurs. In Kansas, immigrants make up 7.1 percent of the population and 9.0 percent of the workforce. In both states, immigrants are neighbors, business owners, taxpayers, and workers. They are an integral part of our region's diverse and thriving communities and make extensive contributions that benefit us all. Join us on Friday, November 15, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., in the KC Chamber Board Room (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO), for an in-depth conversation with Kansas City's leading experts on immigration and how we can support immigrants to create a welcoming place for all. Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor REACH Healthcare Foundation, this event is being offered for free. Reserve your spot now!

GEWKC: BUILDING YOUR EXPORT PLAN TO GROW FROM LOCAL TO GLOBAL

Join us for a free interactive workshop on Tuesday, November 19, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., at Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO, hosted by the World Trade Center - Kansas City and U.S. Commercial Service - Kansas City, where we'll unveil essential strategies, practical tips, and valuable resources for your company to go to the next level by going international. With firsthand insights from industry professionals, this event is a must for aspiring global entrepreneurs. Register now!

CENTURIONS INFORMATION SESSION

Interested in taking your leadership development to the next level? Join us on Tuesday, November 19, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., at BHC (7101 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS) for a Centurions Information Session. This two-year program focuses on building community awareness through civic opportunities and on community issues that affect Greater Kansas City. The mission is to prepare a representative cross-section of the community's emerging leaders for their role in shaping the future of Greater Kansas City. Register now to learn more!

137TH ANNUAL DINNER

Prepare for an inspiring evening as we come together for the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce's 137th Annual Dinner on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. This year’s theme, "We Believe in Kansas City," celebrates the spirit, resilience, and unwavering commitment that makes our community unique. This special night, held at the Kansas City Convention Center (301 W 13th Street, KCMO) from 4 to 8 p.m., will bring together local leaders, businesses, and community members to recognize achievements, explore future opportunities, and celebrate the passion that drives our great city forward. This year’s dinner will honor achievements across sectors, spotlight the progress we’ve made together, and inspire new ways to expand our vision for the future. Learn more and register today to ensure you are in the room with the region’s biggest cheerleaders, including featured speaker KC Royals shortstop Bobby Witt, Jr. and the 2024 Kansas Citian of the Year!

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, and our Premier Sponsors at CommunityAmerica Credit Union, Hallmark, JE Dunn Construction and UMB Bank for their generous support of Annual Dinner.