Your Chamber at Work - April 13, 2021

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

For more than a year we’ve been Zooming along and having virtual meetings and events here at the Chamber, just like many of you. As more businesses start to return to the workplace, our team has started taking a look at what that means for the Chamber – specifically when it comes to holding in-person events for our members.

Thanks to everyone who took our recent in-person events survey to help us get a better picture of what you’re comfortable with. There were some powerful takeaways:

• 48% of respondents still plan to work from home after May 2021.
• 66% would feel comfortable attending an indoor or outdoor non-virtual event this year, as long as there were safety precautions in place.
• Most said the earliest they would feel comfortable attending an in-person event was early fall (27%), while many said they’re already doing in-person events (18.5%). Early or late summer was also a popular answer.
• 50-100 people was the maximum attendance most respondents said they feel comfortable with.
• Nearly all of our Board members say their company has restrictions on attending in-person events right now (92%).

It seems we’re all ready to see people in real life again – one respondent told us they’re “totally done with Zoom.” I can relate. As much as we want to see each other again, know that we are taking our in-person plan very seriously and putting safety and health first.

Also, today we’re releasing another survey on air travel. You may remember we did an aviation survey last August in the middle of the pandemic. With 3 million people a day now getting vaccinated, and many returning to work, this survey is meant to get an update on business and personal travel plans. Both the KCMO Aviation Department and Southwest Airlines told us last summer’s survey was very helpful.  Make sure you take the survey featured here.

SMALL BUSINESS CELEBRATION FINAL APPLICATION WORKSHOP

Learn how to put together a great application for the Chamber’s Small Business Celebration awards at our virtual Application Workshop this Wednesday, April 14, 2 to 3 p.m. Hear from past Mr. K Award winners, judges, and Chamber staff on how to complete a strong application that gets you noticed. Bring your questions for this informative session. This workshop is free, and it’s the last one before the April 30 application deadline. Thanks to our Presenting Sponsors Evergy, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, our CEO Sponsor Honeywell, and our Media Sponsor Startland News.

#SAFERETURNKC RETURN TO WORKPLACE: CHILD CARE & MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR EMPLOYEES

Since the start of the pandemic, women have been disproportionately leaving the workforce due to the demands of childcare, elder care and resulting mental health challenges. Register now for “#SafeReturnKC Return to Workplace: Child Care & Mental Health Support for Employees,” April 22, 1 to 2 p.m. You’ll hear a dynamic conversation on employer policies supporting childcare and mental health resources for employees as organizations pivot back to in-person work environments. Carolyn Watley, KC Chamber Board Chair and Vice President of Community Engagement at CBIZ, and Molly Weaver, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition at Children’s Mercy, moderate a panel featuring Katie Johnson, Director of Global Employee Relations at Black & Veatch, and Jovanna Rohs, Director of Early Learning and Head Start at Mid-America Regional Council. This event is free and virtual, presented by KC Rising, Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, Kansas City Area Development Council, Mid-America Regional Council, SHRM-KC and the KC Chamber.

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 identifies how to create a pipeline of diverse 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, presented in partnership with the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce. Our Diversity & Inclusion Workshop Series Presenting Sponsor is Commerce Bank. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Presenting Sponsors are CommunityAmerica Credit Union, Evergy, and Hallmark. This event is free and virtual.

SHAPING THE NEW NORMAL: HOW BUSINESSES ARE EVOLVING POST-PANDEMIC

Join Healthy KC and the KC Chamber's Executive Women's Leadership Council in a partnered event on "Shaping the New Normal: How Businesses Are Evolving Post-Pandemic,” May 5, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Workstyles and lifestyles may not return to the pre-pandemic normal we once knew – and organizations have a unique opportunity to reset their culture. Stacie Engelman, VP, HR Consultant with Lockton Companies and a panel of community business leaders reflect on what they have learned over the past year and how they’ll implement these lessons into the workplace. You’ll also hear their Return to Work plans and how they will support the mental wellbeing of their employees. Panelists include  Renita Mollman, Chief Administrative Officer, Burns & McDonnell; Tracy Platt, Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resource Officer, Cerner; Wendee Woodson, Director of Human Resources, GBA. Register now for this free and virtual event.