Your Chamber at Work - March 15, 2021

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

One year ago tomorrow, the KC Chamber closed our offices as the danger of the COVID-19 pandemic became clear. It was a scary time for our organization: one of the things we do is bring people together with more than 300 meetings and events each year and those in-person gatherings were no longer possible. Fortunately, our events team helped us quickly switch to virtual platforms that allowed us to continue our committee meetings and events.

A year later, we’re finally seeing a light at the end of this long, dark tunnel thanks to the ever-increasing number of vaccinations. We continue to be conservative in our approach – no more than ten employees are allowed in our office at any one time (with masks and social distancing required); in-person meetings are not allowed; our events remain virtual. But we can now see a time when life will get back to normal (whatever that new normal may be).

We need your help and your opinion. We’re circulating a new member survey on events. It’s short and asks questions like: When is the earliest you would feel comfortable attending an in-person event? What safety precautions for your next in-person event are the most important to you? Does your company have any restrictions on attending in-person events at this time?

We really appreciate your feedback. It will be incredibly helpful as we navigate the next several months and plan for the future. Thanks for your help.

VIRTUAL SPEED NETWORKING

The KC Chamber has another opportunity to virtually connect with your friends, peers, and fellow Chamber members you haven’t seen in a while. It[s our virtual Face2Face Speed Networking, March 18, 9 to 10 a.m. This high-energy networking event uses the Airmeet platform to safely bring you one-on-one with people, so you can make more meaningful connections. It’s sort of like speed dating, without the dating. You’ll be able to jump around from person to person. Register now. The KC Chamber's 2021 overall networking sponsors are Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Delta Dental, and Mazuma.

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING WITH KC CHAMBER SMALL BUSINESS DIRECTOR VICKY KULIKOV

We started by celebrating KC’s Small Business Superstars and soon the application for Small Business of the Year will be open. The Chamber’s annual Small Business Celebration is here! Join us Friday, March 26, 9 to 10 a.m. for our virtual Neighborhood Networking with Small Business Director Vicky Kulikov. She talks about why the Celebration is more inclusive this year, how businesses can apply for the Mr. K Award, and how KC can continue to support the small businesses that keep us moving forward. The KC Chamber's 2021 Neighborhood Networking Sponsors are Menlo and Unbound. The KC Chamber's 2021 overall networking sponsors are Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Delta Dental, and Mazuma. Our Small Business Celebration Presenting Sponsors are Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City and Evergy. Our CEO Sponsor is Honeywell and our Media Sponsor is Startland News. FastSigns Overland Park is the Superstar Sponsor.

HEALTHY KC ANNUAL EVENT & VENDOR EXPO

We’re about two weeks away from our Healthy KC annual event, March 31, 8 to 10 a.m. We welcome KSHB-TV anchor Cynthia Newsome as our keynote speaker as she shares 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 Healthy KC Certified Companies, wellness 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 to your organization, 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.