FROM THE KC CHAMBER’S PRESIDENT AND CEO
Kansas City moves forward when regional leaders roll up their sleeves to work together, and few examples embody that spirit more than the Centurions Legacy Project. Each year, the Legacy Committee selects and leads a hands-on effort designed to leave a lasting benefit for our community. They plan the work, rally partners, and organize Centurion volunteers to see the project through, start to finish. That tradition began in the 2007–2008 program year, when Centurions planted trees at Admiral Plaza Park. Since then, they’ve completed 25 Legacy Projects, strengthening organizations across our region: establishing a scholarship at Metropolitan Community College, building with Habitat for Humanity, constructing a hoop house for the children’s therapeutic garden at KVC Niles, advancing public policy advocacy with reStart through an Advocacy Day event, and supporting The Hope Center, among many others.
Service isn’t a slogan for Centurions; it’s a commitment. Each class collectively contributes a minimum of 200 hours to the Legacy Project, and every Centurion is required to complete at least three hours dedicated solely to that project each year, with an overall service requirement of 20 hours per program year. The results speak for themselves: in 2025 alone, Centurions volunteered more than 4,300 hours across 300+ opportunities, meeting urgent needs while building lasting leadership capacity for Kansas City.
If you want to deliver tangible impact, I encourage you to learn more about the Legacy Project and how Centurions serve our city, with nonprofits encouraged to apply by November 7. And if you’re ready to take the next step in your leadership journey, apply for Centurions by January 15. Together, we’ll keep Greater Kansas City moving forward—one project, one partnership, and one leader at a time.
SMALL BUSINESS SUPERSTAR SUBMISSIONS
Picture your morning: the coffee shop that knows your order, the contractor who returns your call on the first ring, the scrappy creative studio pushing ideas that make your brand sharper, the tech team quietly building what’s next. These are the makers and problem-solvers who keep Kansas City humming—and this is the moment to put their names in the spotlight.
Small Business Superstars submissions are open through Wednesday, November 5. If a business has made your day better this year (or any year), tell us. Any for-profit business with 1–250 employees in the Greater Kansas City region is eligible. And yes, you can resubmit the same favorites from past years; our list refreshes annually. It takes just a minute. The impact lasts all year. Submit your Superstars today, before the deadline slips by.
META X KC GAME PLAN: SMALL BUSINESS DIGITAL MARKETING WORKSHOPS
Level up your digital marketing before the global spotlight hits Kansas City. With thanks to Stef Seger, Meta Community Development Manager, Meta is hosting two FREE, in-person workshops on Wednesday, November 5 that are built for small businesses preparing for an expected 650,000 visitors in 2026 and for sustained growth long after the tournament. Expect practical, step-by-step tactics you can put to work the same day.
Morning Session
9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. | Kansas City Public Library, Central Library (14 W. 10th St., KCMO)
Master Facebook, Instagram, Reels, and WhatsApp to attract new customers, promote timely offers, drive foot traffic, and build loyalty. Leave with ready-to-post content ideas, targeting tips, and best practices. Register for the morning session!
Afternoon Session
2:30 to 6:00 p.m. | Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center (8788 Metcalf Ave., OPKS)
Same content as the morning session, just a later time. Pick what fits your schedule. Register for the afternoon session!
If your business wants to be World Cup–ready (and future-ready), this is a can’t-miss opportunity.
138TH ANNUAL DINNER
If “KC Made” is a feeling, this is the night it comes to life. On Tuesday, November 25, the KC Chamber’s 138th Annual Dinner brings our region together for an evening of energy, pride, and can’t-miss surprises—starting with a lively reception and rolling into a seated dinner and show.
This year’s program spotlights Kansas City’s rise as a global soccer capital with two mini panels:
- A look back with FIFA World Cup 26™ honorary co-chairs Clark Hunt (Kansas City Chiefs) and Cliff Illig (Sporting Kansas City) on how Kansas City became a powerhouse.
- A forward view with Kathy Nelson (KC2026 & Visit KC) and FIFA leaders on the decade-long journey that made us a FIFA World Cup 2026™ Host City and what comes next.
We’ll also hear reflections from our outgoing Board Chair, a forward charge from our incoming Chair, and, true to tradition, end the night with the surprise reveal of the 2025 Kansas Citian of the Year. Seats go fast for this one. Bring your team, your clients, and your hometown pride. Reserve your seats today and be part of the story.
NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING – LINDA HALL LIBRARY
Build new relationships and get inspired as Neighborhood Networking travels to the Linda Hall Library (5109 Cherry St., KCMO), one of the world’s premier science and engineering research libraries, on Friday, November 7 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Enjoy coffee and conversation, brief remarks and a raffle, plus optional behind-the-scenes tours that showcase this renowned institution. Come meet fellow members, swap ideas, and leave with a few new contacts (and maybe a fun fact or two). Thanks to our 2025 Networking Sponsors at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Delta Dental, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Southwest Airlines, and UMB Bank for making these connections possible. Learn more and register now.