Your Chamber at Work - April 29, 2024

A delegation from the KC Chamber recently ascended Capitol Hill for three days of advocacy work focused on business-friendly public policy with federal legislators who represent both sides of our state line. A group of 25 regional business leaders met with 10 offices for briefings on vital issues such as workforce and education, immigration, transportation and infrastructure and the general political climate that currently exists in our nation’s capital. It was an enlightening three-day experience that will serve to inform our regional public policy work as we plan for the future.

Our local partnerships served to enhance the trip to Washington, DC. Sponsorships from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and The University of Kansas Health System were key to the trip’s success as was Shook, Hardy and Bacon’s who generously hosted our welcome reception. KC Chamber members Honeywell and Polsinelli greeted us with open arms in their DC offices, which offered stunning views that further inspired our group.

Trips like the DC Fly-In are vital to understanding the national legislative perspectives that shape our regional public policy efforts. The relationships made are invaluable to our business community and help our federal representatives stay connected to the local concerns of their constituents. In 2025, we will bring federal public policy guests to Kansas City, placing them into the world of those directly affected by their legislative decision-making. Then, a KC Chamber delegation will once again take our message to Capitol Hill through a DC Fly-In in 2026. Should you be interested in learning more about our federal affairs work, I encourage you to contact our Director of Public Policy Ava Delsemme.

CHAMPION OF DIVERSITY & NONPROFIT CHAMPION OF DIVERSITY AWARDS

The KC Chamber Champion of Diversity is a business or nonprofit organization that can demonstrate adherence to practices which support the business case for workforce diversity as a strategic initiative by ensuring the diversification of staff, suppliers, and community outreach is a normal part of their organizational practice, policy, and culture. This business or nonprofit organization must show their organizational practices are inclusive of all people no matter that person’s race, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation or gender identity. Read more about the Champion of Diversity & Nonprofit Champion of Diversity and submit applications by Friday, May 10. 

VIRTUAL CENTURIONS INFORMATION SESSION

The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce's Centurions Leadership Program is a two-year program focused on building community awareness through civic opportunities and on community issues that affect the entire Kansas City region. The mission is to prepare a representative cross-section of the community's emerging leaders for their role in shaping the future of Greater Kansas City. Register now for a free virtual information session on Wednesday, May 1, from 12-1 p.m., to learn more about this leadership development opportunity. 

SUCCESSFUL SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES

With trade there are always "buzzwords", and sustainability is one we are hearing more often. But what does it mean, and how does it affect global trade and supply chains? The International Steering Committee wants to help answer these questions and more. Join us on Wednesday, May 15, from 3 to 5 p.m., at the Black and Veatch Auditorium and Co-Lab (11404 Lamar Ave, Overland Park, KS) to learn more from experts on the topic. This is a free event; however, registration is required by clicking here.

MISSOURI LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP LUNCHEON

Join us on Wednesday, May 22, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the American (200 E. 25th St, Suite 400, KCMO) for the 2024 Missouri Legislative Wrap-Up Luncheon. We are pleased to welcome our featured speakers Senate President Caleb Rowden and Speaker of the House Dean Plocher who will share perspectives and punditry on the just completed session and thoughts about what lies ahead. Lunch is complimentary for Public Policy Council investors and $65 for KC Chamber members. Register now for this insider review of the Missouri legislative session.