Your Chamber at Work - March 1, 2021

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

Kudos to Kansas City’s own Jason Sudeikis, who won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor for his work in the Apple-TV hit “Ted Lasso.” His response to the announcement: “This is nuts.” (Here’s a link to his Golden Globes speech, with another Kansas Citian, Don Cheadle, giving him the hurry up sign.)

I haven’t seen “Ted Lasso” – a feel good comedy about an American football coach tapped to lead a British football (aka soccer) team – but I’ve heard good things about it and it’s now on my “Need to Watch” list.

During the pandemic, my wife Amy and I have been doing what we all have: trying to fight boredom and lack of social connection by binge watching shows on Netflix and Disney+. I have to say, I have a new appreciation for online streaming of movies and series. So here are some of our recommendations:

Netflix – so much content, so little time. Everyone is watching “The Crown” and “Ozarks,” but there are some other great shows: “Away”  (a series about a female astronaut commanding a mission to Mars); “Queen's Gambit” (the acclaimed series about an orphaned chess prodigy); and “Monarca” (another series featuring a billionaire tequila tycoon and his family thriving in a corrupt environment catering to Mexico’s business elite).

Disney+ - Everyone loves “Mandalorian,” and I do, too. Here are some other recommendations: Pixar's “Soul” (a movie about a middle school band teacher who travels to another realm to help someone find their passion and discovers what it means to have soul); “The Right Stuff” (a series about astronauts and their families who become instant celebrities in a competition that will either kill them or make them immortal in the quest to be a part of Project Mercury). “Hamilton” is also a must see. And finally, if you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend “Hidden Figures,” starring Kansas City's own Janelle Monae.

To see Jason Sudeikis in “Ted Lasso” guess I’m going to have to subscribe to yet another streaming service…

What are your favorites?

COVID-19, TECHNOLOGY, AND THE FUTURE OF WORK

Be honest: how familiar were you with Zoom, or even Teams, 13 months ago? Many people hadn’t used them, or if they did, it wasn’t often. Now they are requirements for most workplaces to keep moving forward. The pandemic accelerated technology trends that were already in place. The question now is exactly how has technology changed the trajectory of work? Join the KC Chamber and the International Relations Council Wednesday, March 3, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for COVID-19, Technology, and the Future of Work. Hear local experts share insights and forecasts on this evolving ecosystem. Register here for free.

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING: 2020 SMALL BUSINESS TOP 10 PANEL

Join the leaders of three of last year’s Top 10 Small Businesses as they share their successes, challenges, and changes over the past year at our March 12 Neighborhood Networking, 9 to 10 a.m. We welcome Isaac Hodges, Vice President of Sales at FairWave Coffee Collective: Messenger Coffee & The Roasterie , Mollie Lothman , Managing Partner at McLain's Bakery + Markets, and Ali Mahaffy, Co-Chief Executive Officer at Signal Theory. This virtual event is open to all, so make sure you bring your questions and a full cup of coffee for a great morning of connection. The KC Chamber's 2021 Neighborhood Networking Sponsors are Menlo and Unbound.

VIRTUAL SPEED NETWORKING

Join us for our next virtual Face2Face Speed Networking, March 18, 9 to 10 a.m. This event uses the Airmeet platform to safely bring you one-on-one with people, so you can make more meaningful connections. You’ll be able to jump around from person to person. Register now. The KC Chamber's 2021 networking sponsors are Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Delta Dental, and Mazuma.

HEALTHY KC ANNUAL EVENT & VENDOR EXPO

Join us for the virtual sixth annual Healthy KC Annual Event & Vendor Event, March 31, 8 to 10 a.m., focusing on strength and resilience. We welcome KSHB-TV anchor Cynthia Newsome as our keynote speaker. She’ll share her own resilience in her ongoing battle with breast cancer, and how she’s using her gifts to help young women across Greater Kansas City. Attendees will also learn about mental health resources and connect with businesses and organizations in our virtual expo. Register now. Thanks to our Overall Presenting Sponsor Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City and our Premier Sponsor Lockton.