Your Chamber at Work - October 3, 2022

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

Kansas City, Missouri voters can improve the City’s convention and parks facilities as well as fund much-needed affordable housing by voting “yes” on Questions 1 and 2 on the upcoming November ballot. Neither measure would increase taxes.

The KC Chamber has endorsed both proposals.

Question 1 is a $125-million bond issue for improvements to the City’s convention facilities, parks, public pools, and community centers. $45-million would be invested in Bartle Hall and convention center facilities, including the decrepit Barney Allis Plaza Parking Garage. The convention center is one of the city’s biggest economic engines, generating $325-million in economic impact. Currently, the Convention Center has nearly $40 million in deferred capital maintenance, while the Barney Allis parking garage are also in dire need of complete reconstruction – an expense estimated at $100-million-plus.

$80-million will fund critical improvements to the city’s park system including reopening public pools, upgrading community centers and fitness equipment, improving playgrounds, athletic courts, and trails, constructing new spray grounds and repairing dozens of Kansas City’s famous fountains.

We believe it’s important to continue to invest in our convention facilities and vibrant City parks.

Question 2 would authorize the issuance of up to $50-million in bonds to provide affordable housing for very low-to-moderate income households. This would mark the largest investment in affordable housing in City history, generating thousands of units of much-needed affordable housing over five years through Kansas City’s Housing Trust Fund. The Fund was created in 2018 and is overseen by the KC Housing Department and the Housing Trust Fund Community Advisory Board, the City Council, and the Mayor.

Neither question involves a tax increase because new bonds would be issued as existing debt rolls off.

As Kansas City’s LISC organization notes, “A safe, affordable home is one of the basic requisites of life—It can stimulate spending and employment in the local economy, bring revenue to the community and reduce the likelihood of foreclosure and eviction.”

We urge you to vote “yes” on Questions 1 and 2 come November 8.

ATHENA AWARDS

Tomorrow is the last day to get your tickets for the ATHENA Awards Reception! Come honor the 2022 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient Dr. Marjorie Williams and the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award recipient Pooja Shah this Thursday, October 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Little Theatre, 301 W. 13th in Downtown KCMO. The ATHENA Leadership Awards are named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom, strength, and battle strategy. Hear why these two women embody those characteristics and more. The event is $25 for Chamber members and $30 for non-members. Registration closes tomorrow. Thanks to our Presenting Sponsors, KPMG and UMB.

DOING BUSINESS WITH BRAZIL, CANADA, AND MEXICO

Join the World Trade Center Kansas City and the KC Chamber for Doing Business with Brazil, Canada, and Mexico, Thursday, October 7, 8 to 10 a.m. in the World Trade Center Conference Room at Union Station, 2nd floor, Suite 201. From great infrastructure to a diversified economy, you could find what you’re looking for. We will also welcome the State of Missouri’s Foreign Office Directors from all three countries. Attendees can request one-on-one meetings during registration. This event is free, but registration is required.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AUTHOR SERIES: DARA HORN, PEOPLE LOVE DEAD JEWS

In her latest book, acclaimed author Dara Horn explores a pointed question: Why do far too many people seem to love dead Jews, but ignore the living ones? Is there any connection between recent antisemitic attacks and recent controversies about public Holocaust education? Horn says yes. Join the Chamber for our continuing DEI author series, as Horn discusses her book People Love Dead Jews, Tuesday, October 25, 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. at the Commerce Trust Building, 922 Walnut St, 15th Floor Auditorium. This free workshop focuses on what Horn calls a “strange historic bargain” struck between Jews and non-Jewish societies, including here in the United States. She looks at the parameters of that bargain, and the reasons why we all should opt out. Register here to attend this powerful event. Thanks to Humanities Kansas & Earl J. and Leona K. Tranin Special Fund. The Chamber’s Presenting Diversity Sponsors are CommunityAmerica Credit Union, Evergy and Hallmark. Our Workshop Presenting Sponsor is Commerce Bank.

135TH ANNUAL DINNER: MAKE CONNECTIONS WHILE WE CELEBRATE KC

The world is coming to KC, and we’ve got a lot to celebrate! Join us at the 135th Annual Dinner, Tuesday, November 22, at the Kay Barnes Ballroom in the Kansas City Convention Center, 301 W. 13th in Downtown Kansas City. Doors open at 4 p.m. for our networking reception; dinner and the program begin at 5:30. From the NFL Draft to a new airport to the World Cup and facilities from global companies like Meta and Panasonic, the world is Connected to KC. We’ll also announce the 2022 Kansas Citian of the Year! Get your tickets now for one of the biggest and best events of the year. Special thanks to our 2022 Annual Dinner Presenting Sponsor, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City. Our Visionary Sponsor is Kansas City Southern. Our Premier Sponsors are Hallmark, JE Dunn Construction, and UMB Bank. Our Executive Sponsors are CommunityAmerica Credit Union and McCownGordon Construction.