FROM THE KC CHAMBER’S PRESIDENT AND CEO
The KC Chamber’s 2025 Small Business Celebration has officially wrapped and what an inspiring season it’s been. For nearly 40 years, this celebration has honored the innovation, perseverance, and heart of our region’s small businesses. This year was no exception.
At last week’s Small Business Awards Luncheon, we were proud to name Resolve Counseling & Wellness as the 2025 Mr. K Small Business of the Year. Under the leadership of Amber Reed, Resolve is expanding access to trauma-informed mental health care while building a workplace rooted in inclusivity, growth, and compassion. Their story is a powerful example of small business success with deep community impact.
We also celebrated five additional outstanding honorees:
- Emerging Small Business of the Year: Vine Street Brewing
- Legacy of Kansas City Award: Taliaferro & Browne
- Weida Award for International Small Business: Bestway International
- Small Business Equity Award: Café Corazón
- Luminary Arts & Creative Small Business Award: Complex Flavors Home + Life
Nearly 700 guests joined us for the luncheon, which featured a dynamic keynote from DJ and leadership speaker Rich Bracken. His message on emotional intelligence, and a perfectly curated playlist, brought high energy to the room and even had people dancing in the aisles.
To our award winners, Top 10 finalists, sponsors, and supporters: thank you for making this year’s celebration so memorable. We’ll be sharing more highlights on our social media channels and in the June issue of GROW e-magazine, so stay tuned as we continue to spotlight the small businesses making a big impact. Let’s keep championing the entrepreneurs who power Kansas City forward.
POWER 100 SUMMIT
Prepare to elevate your professional journey at the Power 100 Summit, happening July 17–19, in Kansas City, MO. This dynamic three-day event is designed to empower attendees with actionable insights across career development, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities. The KC Chamber is proud to partner on this powerful experience aimed at driving economic growth and opportunity across our region. Event highlights include:
- Go Higher Career & Hiring Fair (July 17): Connect directly with top-tier employers and participate in executive speed networking sessions at UMKC.
- Networking Extravaganza (July 18): Engage with industry leaders and peers in a vibrant setting infused with art and culture.
- Business & Investment Expo (July 19): Discover strategies for scaling businesses, investing in real estate, and leveraging AI tools for efficiency.
- World Cup Luncheon Panel (July 19): Gain insights on capitalizing on the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup opportunities in Kansas City. Note: This session requires a $15 ticket; other sessions are free.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned professional, or someone looking to make informed investment decisions, the Power 100 Summit offers invaluable resources and networking opportunities to help you achieve your goals. Registration is free, but spaces are limited. Learn more and register today.
POWER OF DIVERSITY
Join us Friday, July 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the KC Chamber’s POWER of Diversity Awards, a celebration of the people and organizations driving progress in workplace inclusion across our region. This year’s luncheon features a keynote from Jennifer Brown, bestselling author of How to Be an Inclusive Leader. A globally recognized expert and speaker, Jennifer will offer powerful, actionable insights on leading with purpose and creating cultures where everyone can thrive.
We’ll also recognize outstanding leaders with the following awards:
- Ace Awards – Honoring emerging professionals who are challenging norms and creating change.
- Champion of Diversity – Recognizing companies putting cultures of belonging into action across hiring, culture, and community.
Whether you’re leading the way or just getting started, this is Kansas City’s premier event for inclusive leadership. Be part of the momentum. Learn more and register now!
KC CHAMBER GENERAL MEMBERSHIP SURVEY
At the KC Chamber, your feedback drives everything we do—from the programs we offer to the advocacy efforts we champion on your behalf. That’s why we’re asking you to take just a few minutes to complete our general Membership Survey.
This is your chance to let us know what’s working, where we can improve, and how we can better support your business and our regional economy. Whether you’re deeply engaged or still exploring what Chamber membership means for you, your insights will help shape our priorities for the year ahead.
The survey is short, confidential, and incredibly valuable. We review every response to ensure your voice is heard and reflected in our work. Take the survey now! And thank you for being an essential part of our KC Chamber community.
SAVE THE DATE: STATE OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Mark your calendar now for the KC Chamber’s 2025 State of Public Safety, set for Thursday, July 31 from 8 to 10 a.m. in the KC Chamber Board Room at Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO). This annual forum brings together top leaders from law enforcement, fire, EMS, and local government to explore the state of safety across the Kansas City region and the role we all play in creating safer communities.
Building on the momentum of last year’s sold-out inaugural event, this year’s program will feature the latest data, emerging trends, and real-world solutions tied to violence prevention, emergency response, and cross-sector collaboration. You’ll hear directly from those on the front lines and learn how business, civic, and community partners are working together through initiatives like the Kansas City Public Safety Coalition and KC360. Whether your organization is already engaged in public safety efforts or looking for the best way to make an impact, this event is an important opportunity to connect, learn, and lead. Learn more and register today! And thank you to our State of Series Presenting Sponsor, UMB Bank.
