Your Chamber at Work - January 8, 2024

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

Bringing people together – that is a critical aspect of the work we do at the KC Chamber! Our staff works hard to provide opportunities for members to make connections that benefit their company or the businesses they represent. And this week, one of our more popular networking events, held at host locations throughout the metropolitan area, launches its 2024 season.

Neighborhood Networking offers members and non-members alike an opportunity to come together twice a month for the professional connections and conversations that help grow their business in a smaller, more intimate environment. Our hosts also get a chance to highlight their workplaces and the impact each organization has on the community. For the first event of 2024, we are thrilled to partner with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM), bringing attendees to one of Kansas City’s renowned institutions in the 18th and Vine Historic District. If you haven’t already, you can register here for the event planned for this Friday, January 12, from 8:30 to 10 a.m.

After you grab a coffee and light breakfast treat, I invite you to mix and mingle with other guests before NLBM President Bob Kendrick welcomes you to the museum to learn more about its history. This is an exciting opportunity to make valuable connections while touring the museum, the world’s only one dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of African-American baseball and its impact on the social advancement of America.

And this is just the first of our Neighborhood Networking events this year! I encourage you to visit the Events page on the KC Chamber website and place these incredible networking opportunities on your calendar. Our next host will be Walz Tetrick Advertising, a 2023 Top 10 Small Business, on January 26, and planning is in the works for our February dates. Be sure to check back often, looking for these networking events that put you in the room with the people who can help you thrive in our regional business community.

Hope to see you on Friday!

ALLYSHIP IN KANSAS CITY

The Allyship in Kansas City series continues in 2024 with a focus on exploring ways for improved allyship with specific communities. We will kick off on February 6 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the Chamber Board Room located inside Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO). In keeping with Black History Month, the first workshop will feature topics related to the perspectives of the Black community in KC. Participants will hear about and actively explore how we can be better allies with our Black colleagues in the workplace, and how we can support and help grow Black-led businesses in our community. The event is free to attend, so register now to take part in this highly engaging series!

The Allyship in KC Series is presented in partnership with ALLY LAB and is made possible by our generous sponsors, including our Presenting Sponsor, CommunityAmerica Credit Union.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY WORKPLACE EVENT

Recent legislative developments such as the PUMP Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act have raised questions regarding compliance and best practices among businesses. On February 13, you can get practical solutions and insights into these groundbreaking workers' rights laws and other "Family Forward Workplace" policies.  Gain valuable knowledge and practical tools necessary to ensure compliance, enhance your company's reputation, and create a workplace that values and supports the needs of employees and their families. This Family Friendly Workplace event is presented by the Women’s Chamber Network of the KCK Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the KC Chamber. 

This free event will take place on February 13 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan. It is essential information for HR professionals, business owners, managers, legal counsel, and anyone interested in creating a more inclusive and family-oriented workplace. Learn more and register here. 

HEALTHY KC VENDOR EXPO

Meet, network, and learn more about emerging trends and important topics in health and wellness from your peers. Share your expertise, and expand your connections at the same time! Be a vendor at the Healthy KC Vendor Expo on March 6 at HyVee Arena, 1800 Genessee. Booths are open from 8-9 a.m., pause for a quick breakfast, and then reopen from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Each booth includes an 8 ft table and 2 chairs, logo recognition at the event, two complimentary tickets to attend, including breakfast. The cost is $200 for KC Chamber members and $400 for non-members. You can sign up here, or contact Grace Dolan, (816) 374-5405 or email gdolan@kcchamber.com. Our Presenting Sponsor is Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, and Premier Sponsor is Lockton. 

GIVE BLOOD – SAVE A LIFE!

You can sign up here to give blood on Wednesday at Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Road, next door to Pierponts. Use the code KC Chamber to sign in. All donors between January 1-31 will be entered for a chance to win a trip to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. Email gdolan@kcchamber.com with any questions.