Ten years ago, the late Herman A. Johnson challenged The Chamber to extend its reach, to become a more inclusive and collaborative resource for businesses. As a result, The Chamber formalized its commitment to all businesses by developing programs to address the unique challenges faced by minority and women-owned businesses in the metropolitan area.

Over the years, this programming has grown and evolved to include the successful Herman A. Johnson Business Mentorship, the popular POWER of Diversity Celebration, and the Ace Awards program (2011 was its flagship year!). While this 10th anniversary milestone is a time to celebrate, it’s also time to consider how we can better serve our rapidly growing minority and women business member base. After many conversations and thoughtful deliberation, the Minority Business Alliance, an independent 501(c)(3), is becoming The Chamber’s Diversity Business Connection.

Businesses already served by the Minority Business Alliance have experienced growth, collectively increasing revenue, job creation, and visibility. As the Diversity Business Connection we will continue to administer and enhance The Chamber’s existing minority business programming. We have exciting plans to celebrate the achievements of emerging minority business executives, to highlight issues of interest to the metro area’s diverse business community, and to host contracting fairs encouraging meaningful business contacts.

While changes are ahead, our core mission remains to empower minority and women-owned businesses and partner them with essential business development resources. We ask for your continued support as we make Kansas City a better place to grow businesses.

Contact us at
30 West Pershing Road
Suite 301
Kansas City, MO 64108
816-374-5494
diversity@kcchamber.com