Your Chamber at Work - March 14, 2022

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

When we think about workforce, we need to think both short and longterm. We know the problems we’re facing now, but thinking about the future requires us to invest in our future workforce. We can’t expect the future to take care of itself – that’s the lesson we’re learning right now.

We have to make sure our kids are ready for opportunity, and we applaud the Kauffman Foundation for spending the resources and time now.

The ProX Summer program is launching in 2022 as a new regional hub and you need to be a part of it! Built by multiple collaborators within the Real World Learning network, this supportive infrastructure aims to bring more employers and youth together for summer real-world learning experiences. Starting with 500 students in 2022 but growing to meet the needs of thousands in the future. Reach out here with questions!

ProX helps build capacity for real-world learning through:

1. Regional brand and common front door – all students and employers come to the same place to come together
2. Consistent and quality client connected projects and internships
3. Common measurement approach – consistent experience measures and participation in summer is reported back to school
4. Robust supports – coaching for employers and students through the experience along with $1,250 student stipend and weekly professional development

Sign up to provide an opportunity – an internship or a project, for one or more students. (remote or in-person). ProX is accepting employer opportunities now through April 10.

Your help is needed and appreciated. Help build our future workforce now!

APPLY FOR SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR! 

We’re still talking about the wonderful evening we had celebrating with the Small Business Superstars last week. This energy isn’t going anywhere, as our Small Business Celebration is officially underway with Small Business of the Year Applications! Chamber small business members are invited to apply for the coveted Mr. K Award and a number of our Specialty Awards through March 22 – one week from tomorrow. The application can be found here, along with criteria, important dates, and more. The Small Business Celebration is recognized as one of the largest in the country. Our Presenting Sponsors are Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City and Evergy. Our CEO Sponsor is Honeywell. Our Candidates’ Showcase Presenting Sponsor is American Century Investments. Our Top 10 Announcement Sponsor is UMB Bank. Our Top 10 Reception Sponsor is Bank Midwest. Our Awards Luncheon Presenting Sponsor is Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Our Executive Sponsor is CommunityAmerica Credit Union. Our Partner Sponsor is H&R Block. Our Associate Sponsors are Arvest Bank, Bank of Blue Valley, Country Club Bank, Enterprise Bank & Trust, Mazuma Credit Union, Menlo, and US Bank. 

TAPPING TODAY’S TALENT: ACCESSING THE VETERAN TALENT POOL

One of the most consistent and quality workforce pools in KC is made up of people who have served in the Armed Forces. Connect with veterans and men and women transitioning into civilian life at Tapping Today’s Talent, Thursday, March 24 from 8 – 9 a.m. in the KC Chamber Board Room. These potential employees bring valuable skills, instincts, characteristics and more. This program is through the Chamber’s Workforce Development Initiative and Military & Veterans Affairs Committee. Register here for this hybrid event. Thanks to our 2022 Workforce Priority Benefactor sponsor Evergy. Our 2022 Military & Veteran Affairs Presenting sponsors are Honeywell and Waddell & Reed. 

POWER OF DIVERSITY ACE NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN

Submit your nominations now for the Chamber’s Ace Awards. These awards are given to three people who are up-and-coming senior level managers at their company who advocate for their organization’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and/or supplier diversity efforts. You can submit now through April 1. The Ace Awards aren’t the only honor recognized at the POWER of Diversity. We also present the Champion of Diversity Award and the Nonprofit Champion of Diversity Award. The awards recognize a regional business and nonprofit organization that has made an impactful commitment to embrace diversity in their workplace, diversity supplier partnerships, and the community. Those applications are opening soon, and in the meantime send us your Ace nominations.

FRIENDSHIPS IN BLACK AND WHITE: CAN WE REALLY HAVE INTERRACIAL FRIENDSHIPS? – AN EWLC NETWORKING EVENT

Why aren't there more interracial friendships? Joins us for a candid conversation about what many call social segregation, March 31, 8:30 – 10 a.m. in the Chamber Board Room, on the first floor of Union Station. Nicole Jacobs-Silvey, President and Founder of Connection Coach KC, and Lindsay Jarquio, Director of Leadership Development at the KC Chamber, will explore this topic while hearing from guest speakers about their experiences. The interactive session is designed for networking and small group sharing. This free event is sponsored by the Chamber’s Executive Women’s Leadership Council. Register here. There will be a light breakfast served.