Your Chamber at Work - July 29, 2024

Did you know that student mobility and houselessness is negatively impacting learning outcomes? Or that chronic absenteeism is keeping kids out of the classroom and away from important lessons that affect their ability to succeed at school? How about the fact that thousands of Kansas Citians struggle with literacy that hinders their ability to get jobs and provide for themselves and their families? These are all lessons learned at the Education Data for Action Summit. The good news: there is a plan in place to address these concerns and you can help support the initiative. 

Those who attended the summit can attest to the inspiring energy and engagement about the Literacy Plan that supports students in the Kansas City Public Education System (KCPES). As community stakeholders, your role in this is integral to achieving the goal to provide programmatic resources to all 40 elementary schools, supporting students in grades K-3 within KCPES. For example, thanks to the funding commitments from The Sherman Family Foundation and The Royals Foundation, programming will begin during the 2024-2025 school year in eight KCPES schools.  

The need to improve literacy rates is urgent within our community and SchoolSmartKC is looking for additional partners. If you are interested in hearing more or discussing how your organization can get involved, please fill out this brief form, and a SchoolSmartKC team member will get in touch with you. For questions related to the Chamber's education advocacy work, please contact Ava Delsemme, Director of Public Policy. 

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING – ZHOU B ART CENTER

Kansas City has a thriving arts scene and the next stop on the Neighborhood Networking tour will elevate your appreciation for the creative. Join us at the newly opened Zhou B Art Center (1801 E 18th St., KCMO) on Friday, August 9, from 8:30 to 10 a.m., for a morning of professional networking surrounded by the arts. The Zhou B Art Center is a pioneering cultural institution dedicated to fostering artistic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. Located in the 18th and Vine District, the center provides a dynamic platform for artists, patrons, and the community to engage with the arts. Its facilities include 45 studio spaces, 3 private event spaces, a sculpture garden and exhibition space – the perfect location for a morning of gathering to make meaningful connections. The event is free to KC Chamber members or $15 for non-members. Register today! Thank you to Neighborhood Networking sponsors Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Delta Dental, Southwest Airlines, UMB, and Unbound.

EXIM BANK LENDER ROUNDTABLE

Join us on Wednesday, August 21, from 11:30 to 1:00 p.m., at Commerce Bank (1000 Walnut St., KCMO) for an in-depth look into the resources and services provided by the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) to support your customers. EXIM Bank is the official credit agency of the United States with a mission of supporting American jobs by facilitating the export of U.S. goods and services. This event is free to attend but registration is required. Lunch will be provided for all registered attendees. Learn more and register online! 

CENTURIONS INFORMATION SESSION

Join us on Thursday, August 22 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. in the KC Chamber offices on the second floor of Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO) for detailed information about the KC Chamber’s Centurions Leadership Program. This two-year program focuses on building community awareness through civic opportunities and on community issues that affect Greater Kansas City. 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 to learn more!

SAVE THE DATE FOR ANNUAL DINNER

At the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce 137th Annual Dinner, you’ll be in the room with the biggest cheerleaders for a thriving regional community and learn about the things that motivate them to amplify success for the people who live and work here – and how the secret of our dynamic city is about to be revealed to a larger world. Join us on Tuesday, November 27, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., in the Kay Barnes Ballroom at the Kansas City Convention Center (301 W 13th Street, KCMO) as we celebrate the leadership of outgoing Board Chair Lisa Ginter of CommunityAmerica Credit Union and welcome incoming Board Chair Charlie Shields of University Health. And make sure to keep your seat for the exciting announcement of the 2024 Kansas Citian of the Year. Learn more and register now! Thank you for the ongoing support of our sponsors, including 2024 Annual Dinner Presenting Sponsor Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City.