Your Chamber at Work - July 11, 2022

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

Two important announcements last Thursday, both involving priorities of the KC Chamber: a boost to childcare in Kansas and long-awaited certification for the KU Cancer Center.

First, childcare in Kansas. Last week, Governor Laura Kelly signed bipartisan legislation that provides incentives for Kansas businesses to provide childcare services for their employees, making childcare more accessible and affordable for Kansas workers.

As I told the group gathered for the ceremonial bill signing, increasing childcare opportunities is not only a smart investment for growing today’s workforce, but also ensures that our region will have a robust workforce in the future. At a time of a record tight labor market, breaking down barriers for workers to enter or re-enter the labor force is critical.

In terms of the long-term dividends that are realized by investing in early childcare, we know that the early years for children are vital to healthy brain development. Additionally, we know that kids who are able to get quality childcare and education are more likely to succeed later in life. This is a win-win.

Also last Thursday, the KU Cancer Center announced its designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center – an incredible achievement that has been 20 years in the making.

As KU Chancellor (and KC Chamber Board member) Doug Girod likened the achievement to landing on the moon, adding that the new designation means that “cancer patients throughout our region won’t have to travel far to receive access to clinical trials and treatments, and our researchers will have increased access to federal funding and research dollars.”

Dr. Roy Jensen, director of the KU Cancer Center led the institution’s effort to designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center. He told us, “As one of just 53 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the nation, it means patients will be cared for by the world’s leading cancer experts who have access to a robust portfolio of clinical trials.

“It also means we now have increased access to more federal funding and research dollars,” Jensen said, “which helps us grow and retain our team of internationally renowned researchers and physician-scientists.”

Cancer center designation was one of the Chamber’s original Big 5 goals for Kansas City. Congratulations to Dr. Jensen, KU, and the many many people who supported this effort. Last Thursday was a great day for Kansas City!

GENKC’S GROW TO GENKC: WHY KANSAS CITY IS A KEEPER

Know a talented professional in the early stages of their career? Make sure they’re attending genKC’s Grow to genKC: Why Kansas City is A Keeper event on July 13 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at the T-Mobile Center. This unique event is designed for younger members of your workforce. They’ll make meaningful connections through some serious networking, hear from current genKC Board members about the opportunities and importance of getting involved with the community, and hear from Chris Long, co-owner of the Kansas City Current, as he shares why the team is investing in KC and how sports play an important role in our city’s growth and development. Make sure your team registers now for this great free event so they can meet and get to know other early-career professionals and interns.

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING: AMBASSADOR HOTEL

Here’s your chance to make some new connections before summer gets away from you. Join us for Neighborhood Networking on Friday, July 15 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the Ambassador Hotel, 1111 Grand. The hotel is nestled in what was once the Gates City National Bank more than 100 years ago and on the National Register of Historic Places. Chamber members can register now for free; non-members are $15. The KC Chamber's 2022 Neighborhood Networking sponsors are Unbound, Bardavon Health Innovations and Kansas City Current. The KC Chamber's 2022 overall networking sponsors are Delta Dental and Mazuma Credit Union.

POWER OF DIVERSITY

There’s still time to get your tickets for the region’s premier celebration of KC’s culturally diverse business community: the POWER of Diversity. This year’s breakfast is July 20, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at The LEX, 300 W. 13th Street, below Municipal Auditorium in Downtown Kansas City. The KC Chamber will honor our Ace Awards winners, and the Champion of Diversity and non-profit Champion of Diversity. You’ll also hear why broadening your talent pool to include people with disabilities, returning citizens, and immigrants and refugees can boost your business. The Marshall Project’s Ebony Reed moderates a panel of Kansas City small business owners who have found success with their diverse workforces. Registration for Chamber members is $40 per ticket; with tables of 10 available. Register here, and to learn about pricing for non-members. Thanks to our Presenting Diversity Sponsors  CommunityAmerica Credit Union, Evergy and Hallmark.

SECOND CHANCE HIRING SUMMIT

The KC Chamber is excited to bring together regional businesses, national experts, and Departments of Corrections to help your workplace find skilled employees. Join us for the first-ever Second Chance Hiring Summit, Wednesday, July 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Chamber Board Room, located on the first floor of Union Station, next to Pierpont’s. You’ll learn about everything from broadening your talent pool, human resources factors to consider, and the benefits that a formerly incarcerated employee can bring to your workforce. Note: this event is designed for businesses and organizations who are not already established in the second chance hiring space. It will give them information on where to start, what they need to consider, and more. Register here and read more details for this free event. This is part of our WORC (Workforce Opportunities for Returning Citizens) Initiative. Thank you to our sponsors Jackson County COMBAT, Husch Blackwell, JE Dunn Construction, Kansas City Chiefs, and VanTrust Real Estate.