FROM THE KC CHAMBER’S PRESIDENT AND CEO
Every year, our Small Business Celebration feels like a love letter to Greater Kansas City. It’s a reminder that from downtown to our main streets, from both sides of the state line, small businesses are the heartbeat of this region. You create jobs, spark innovation, sponsor the local team, and turn big ideas into realities that make KC an even better place to live, work, and play.
We’re now accepting applications for the 2026 Small Business Celebration, known as one of the largest chamber-led small business recognition series in the country. If your business is headquartered in the KC region, has 250 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, and is a KC Chamber member by the time you apply, I’m asking you to seriously consider stepping forward.
Qualifying companies can apply for multiple awards, including the Mr. K Small Business of the Year, Emerging Business Award, Small Business Spirit of Inclusion Award, Weida International Small Business Award, Legacy of Kansas City Award, and the Luminary Arts & Creative Small Business Award.
Why apply now? Because your story matters to this region. Applying is a chance to reflect on your journey, highlight your people, and share how you’re moving Kansas City forward. Participation alone brings powerful exposure, connecting you more deeply into the region’s small business ecosystem and opening doors to new relationships and opportunities.
Applications are due by February 18, 2026. I hope you’ll review the criteria and submit your application soon. Your business helps define what’s possible in Greater Kansas City, and we would be honored to celebrate that with you.
GENKC’S 2025 JINGLE MINGLE
’Tis the season for genKC’s Annual Jingle Mingle — a night where festive fun meets community impact. On Thursday, December 11, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., early career professionals from across the region will gather at The Maverick KC (1911 Broadway Blvd., KCMO) for an evening of connection, holiday cheer, and giving back. This year’s theme, Holiday Cheer, sets the tone for a night filled with festive attire, holiday cocktails, dinner, and plenty of opportunities to meet new people and reconnect with familiar faces.
Jingle Mingle is also about making the season brighter for neighbors in need. In lieu of a cover charge, attendees are asked to bring nonperishable food items totaling at least $15 to support the Bishop Sullivan Center. Their most-needed items include canned chicken or tuna, canned soup, peanut butter, jelly, canned fruit, and toilet paper — simple contributions that make a big difference for Kansas Citians facing food insecurity. Register today!
CENTURIONS INFORMATION SESSION & APPLICATION WORKSHOP
Centurions is KC’s premier two-year leadership program, designed to deepen your civic impact through immersive learning days, site visits with changemakers, and hands-on service. Learn more by locking in this time on your calendar now so you’re ready to complete an application:
- Monday, December 15, 3 to 5 p.m., at Chicken N Pickle in NKC — Register
Then, take your application to the next level with a dedicated workshop on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., in the KC Chamber Board Room (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO) and via Zoom. Review your draft application with an active Centurion, ask questions, and get real-time feedback before you hit submit. Register now to ensure your application for the Pinnacle 2026 cohort is ready by the submission deadline of 11:59 p.m. on January 15. Don’t miss your chance to lead KC forward.
2026 KANSAS STATE AFFAIRS KICKOFF RECEPTION
The KC Chamber is starting the new year by bringing Kansas state leaders and the business community together. Join us for the 2026 Kansas State Affairs Kickoff Reception on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. in the KC Chamber Board Room at Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO).
This annual reception offers a timely opportunity to connect with Kansas state legislators and fellow Chamber members as the 2026 legislative session gets underway. It’s a chance to build relationships, share perspectives, and hear firsthand about the issues and opportunities that will shape the business climate in the year ahead. Registration is $30 per person, and the event is complimentary for Public Policy Council investors. Register today!
2026 JANUARY MISSOURI STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING
As the Missouri General Assembly kicks off its 2026 legislative session, the KC Chamber’s Missouri State Affairs Committee is bringing key leaders to the table for a timely conversation on what’s ahead in Jefferson City.
Join us on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:15 p.m. in the KC Chamber Board Room at Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO) for the 2026 January Missouri State Affairs Committee Meeting. This monthly series convenes during the legislative session to connect Chamber members directly with state policymakers. Lunch is $30 per person, with a complimentary lunch for Public Policy Council investors. If your business operates in Missouri—or you simply want to stay engaged in state-level decision-making—this is a can’t-miss conversation. Register now!