FROM THE KC CHAMBER’S PRESIDENT AND CEO
250 years in the making. July 4 has always been a time to reflect on ideals that continue to shape America: freedom, opportunity, innovation, and the belief that each generation has the responsibility to build something stronger than what it inherited.
Those values are also deeply rooted here in the Kansas City region.
This summer, our community has welcomed visitors from around the world for the FIFA World Cup 26™. We’ve showcased more than our stadiums and event venues. We’ve demonstrated what makes this region special: neighbors who step up to volunteer, businesses that welcome customers with genuine hospitality, and civic leaders who work together across city, county, and state lines to accomplish something bigger than any one organization could achieve alone.
That collaborative spirit is one of our greatest competitive advantages. It strengthens our economy, attracts people and investment, supports entrepreneurs, and makes our region a place where people want to live, work, and grow their businesses.
As we gather with family and friends this holiday weekend, I hope we’ll also take a moment to appreciate the opportunities we share, and the responsibility we have to continue building a stronger, more welcoming, and more prosperous Greater Kansas City for generations to come.
The American story has always been one of possibility. Here in the heart of America, we have the privilege of helping write its next chapter every day.
From all of us at the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, have a safe, joyful, and meaningful Independence Day.
CAREER CONNECTIONS AT THE POWER 100 SUMMIT
The KC Chamber is proud to serve as a co-host for the Power 100 Summit Career & Hiring Fair, happening Thursday, July 23, from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the UMKC Student Union (5100 Cherry St., KCMO).
Designed to help build strong futures, the event will bring together employers, job seekers, students, professionals, workforce resources, and those exploring new career paths. Attendees can expect employer exhibits, on-site interviews, resume and training resources, panel discussions, interactive demo stations, and executive speed networking.
The event is presented by Blue Symphony LLC and 100 Black Men of Greater Kansas City, with co-hosts including the KC Chamber, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Delta Rho Chapter, UMKC Black Alumni Alliance, and TAASU. Employers can learn more and register now at power100summit.com/careerfair.
NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING – LYRIC OPERA OF KANSAS CITY
Step behind the curtain and make new business connections at our next Neighborhood Networking event, hosted by the Lyric Opera of Kansas City on Friday, July 24, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. at its Opera Center in the Crossroads Arts District (1725 Holmes St.).
Neighborhood Networking offers a unique opportunity to experience a KC Chamber member organization firsthand while building relationships with professionals from across the region. During this event, attendees will enjoy networking, hear brief remarks from the host organization, tour the Lyric Opera’s facilities, and learn more about its impact on the Kansas City community. The organization provides transformational opera experiences while also offering educational and community engagement programs for adults and children throughout the region.
Neighborhood Networking is one of the KC Chamber’s most popular relationship-building programs, giving members the chance to explore businesses and organizations across a variety of industries while making valuable professional connections. Register today!
FOUNDATIONS OF DISABILITY INCLUSION: MYTHS, ETIQUETTE & EVERYDAY PRACTICE
Creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and valued starts with everyday actions. Join the KC Chamber and the Center for Disability Inclusion (CDI) on Tuesday, August 4, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. for Foundations of Disability Inclusion: Myths, Etiquette & Everyday Practice, the first session in the 2026 Inclusive Leadership Workshop Series. The session will be held in the KC Chamber Board Room inside Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO).
This interactive workshop will explore disability inclusion through storytelling, discussion, and practical exercises designed to help participants challenge misconceptions, strengthen inclusive communication, and build confidence in workplace interactions. The August session lays the foundation for the series, with additional workshops scheduled for September 2, October 6, and November 3, each building on the previous session while offering valuable standalone learning opportunities. Whether you’re a new employee, people leader, or executive, you’ll leave with practical tools to help create a workplace where everyone can thrive. Register today!
AI TRAINING FOR REGIONAL SMALL BUSINESSES
Artificial intelligence is transforming the way small businesses operate, and now is the perfect time to learn how it can work for you. Join the KC Chamber, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and Google on Thursday, August 6, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the KC Chamber Board Room inside Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO) for AI Training for Regional Small Businesses, a free, hands-on workshop designed to help entrepreneurs apply AI to real-world business challenges.
Participants will explore practical ways to use AI to strengthen marketing and customer engagement, streamline operations and workflows, boost productivity, and support smarter business decision-making. No technical background or prior AI experience is required, making this session valuable for small business owners across every industry. Bring a laptop or tablet, come ready with questions about your business, and leave with actionable ideas you can put to work right away. There is no cost to attend, but space is limited, so register today!