Your Chamber at Work - June 21, 2021

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

What is implicit bias? Well, first of all, it’s part of being human. Basically it refers to “attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions and decision in an unconscious way, making them difficult to control.” (simplypsychology.org) Research shows that, without even knowing it, we all possess our own implicit biases. We aren’t aware they exist.

Tomorrow, the KC Chamber is offering another in our series of virtual Diversity & Inclusion Workshops, focusing on “Overcoming Unconscious Bias.” Henry E. Lyons, an implicit bias counselor, will share the four steps people and businesses should take to manage unconscious/implicit bias. Click here to register for this free and important session. It will be held tomorrow from 11:30 to 12:30.

We’re very excited to be partnering on this and future D&I workshops with the Blue Springs, Liberty, Independence, Mid-America LGBT, and South Kansas City Chambers of Commerce. The more people involved, the better. Our region is fortunate to have a great network of fantastic Chambers.

I hope you can join us.

2021 SMALL BUSINESS CELEBRATION VIRTUAL AWARDS EVENT

There’s still time to register to watch the Small Business Celebration Virtual Awards Event, Thursday, June 24, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. We announce the 2021 Small Business of the Year, and the recipients of the Emerging Business Award, the Small Business Equity Award, the Weida Award for International Small Business of the Year, and the Legacy of Kansas City Award. Due to COVID restrictions, the event is closed to the public but you can register here to watch the livestream and cheer on the candidates. You’ll also hear from keynote speaker Elizabeth MacBride, award-winning journalist, entrepreneur, and author of The New Builders. Thanks to our overall 2021 Small Business Programming Sponsors, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City and Evergy. The Awards Luncheon Presenting Sponsor is Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

APPOINTMENTS PROJECT INFORMATION SESSION

Learn how to bring more women onto civic boards with by registering for the Appointments Project Information Session, this Wednesday, June 23, noon to 1 p.m. You’ll hear about United WE’s fast-growing Appointments Project, a research-based, tested and systematic approach that has resulted in more than 150 women being appointed to civic boards and commissions, and women of color representing 34% of applicants. Hear from women who have been appointed to boards and commission through the initiative, including Carolyn Watley (Jackson County Pension Plan Board of Trustees), Niki Lee Donawa (KC Health Care Foundation Community Advisory Committee), and Jennifer Ingraham (Missouri Community Service Commission. This virtual event is free. Thank you to our 2021 Women's Leadership Presenting Sponsors, Bank Midwest and KPMG.

POWER OF DIVERSITY

Join us for the POWER of Diversity, the region’s premier celebration of the Metro’s culturally diverse business community, July 28, 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. We will present ACE Awards to mid-to-senior level diverse managers who are having a positive impact on their company’s profitability and increasing their diversity efforts in the workplace, as well the Champion of Diversity Award for a business serving as a role model to others in DEI. The keynote speaker is former Chamber Board Chair and current member of the Kansas City Royals Ownership group, Karen Daniel. Due to COVID restrictions, this event is already at capacity, however it is open to the public via free livestream. Register here. Special thanks to our Presenting sponsors CommunityAmerica Credit Union, Evergy, and Hallmark.

COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE

The Community Blood Center needs your help. Register now to donate blood at Union Station. The KC Chamber, including genKC and Healthy KC, are pleased to host a two-day drive July 6 and July 7, both 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Community Blood Center currently has less than a three-day supply of blood products in the Greater Kansas City area. Sign up for the July 6 drive or the July 7 drive at Union Station, 30 W. Pershing, Kansas City. Use group code WH.