Your Chamber at Work - March 9, 2021

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

Thanks to all of you who submitted your favorite small businesses for the KC Chamber’s new “Superstars” designation. We’ll be notifying those very special businesses about their new title this week and sending them a digital toolkit to help celebrate their new status. These companies are all for-profit, locally owned, are not a franchise, and have fewer than 250 employees.

The Superstars represent a new effort by the Chamber to recognize those small businesses which make a difference in our lives and community. We know the past year has been difficult for those organizations and we want to bring them recognition and support. We’ve had more than 1200 local businesses submitted by you as Superstars – businesses including restaurants, coffee shops, hair salons, tech companies, breweries and printers.

And speaking of small business – don’t miss our Neighborhood Networking session this week and the panel discussion we’ll have with three of our 2020 Top 10 Small Businesses: Signal Theory, McClain’s Bakery + Markets, and the FairWave Coffee Collective/Messenger Coffee & The Roasterie. We’ll have plenty of networking as well. The event is free to attend – click here to register. We’re using a new virtual platform, AirMeet, and you’ll need to create a profile through AirMeet prior to the event. It’s easy to do – you’ll find the AirMeet link on the event page on our website.

Thanks and have a great week! Enjoy the springtime weather!

VIRTUAL SPEED NETWORKING

We’re excited to bring you another opportunity for a high-energy virtual networking event. 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 to say hi and visit. Register now. The KC Chamber's  2021 overall networking sponsors are Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Delta Dental, and Mazuma.

HEALTHY KC ANNUAL EVENT & VENDOR EXPO

The Healthy KC annual event is back, but virtual, as we celebrate resiliency and that KC spirit, March 31, 8 to 10 a.m. We welcome KSHB-TV anchor Cynthia Newsome as our keynote speaker. She’ll share her own experience of strength and 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.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION WORKSHOP: CULTIVATING A DIVERSE WORKFORCE

Register now for Cultivating a Diverse Workforce, April 27, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join Nicole Jacobs-Silvey, President and Founder of Connection Coach KC, as she discusses attracting leaders of color, identifies how to create a pipeline of candidates, and explores the strategies for creating a culture of belonging that is rooted in both equity and inclusion. This is the latest in our 2021 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion series. Our Diversity & Inclusion Workshop Series Presenting Sponsor is Commerce Bank. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Presenting Sponsors are CommunityAmerica Credit Union, Evergy and Hallmark.

SAVE MONEY THANKS TO YOUR CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP

It pays to be a Chamber member. Save money on work supplies you use every day – whether you’re in the workplace or working from home. Your KC Chamber membership means you’re eligible for exclusive savings through the Staples Business Advantage program. It’s an automatic 10% off your order, and free delivery whether it’s to your home or your workplace. Ready to take advantage of this preferred member pricing? Learn more here or email Katie Vivas at vivas@kcchamber.com.