FROM THE KC CHAMBER’S PRESIDENT AND CEO
One of my favorite traditions each year is celebrating the women whose leadership, vision, and commitment to serving others have helped shape a stronger Greater Kansas City. The ATHENA Leadership Awards remind us that the most meaningful leaders don’t simply achieve success themselves; they open doors, inspire others, and leave their communities better than they found them.
It is my privilege to congratulate our 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient, Angie Long, Chief Investment Officer and a Principal Owner of Palmer Square Capital Management. Angie has distinguished herself as a global financial leader and innovator while helping redefine what’s possible for Kansas City through her civic leadership, economic development efforts, and as co-founder and co-owner of the Kansas City Current. From transforming women’s professional sports to investing in the future of our region, Angie exemplifies bold leadership that creates opportunity and inspires the next generation.
I’m equally honored to recognize Elaina Paige Thomas as our 2026 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award recipient. Through her work as founder of The Next Paige Talent Agency and Next Paige Foundation, Elaina has become a powerful champion for creativity, entrepreneurship, and young talent. She has dedicated her career to helping others discover their potential and pursue their dreams, proving that leadership is measured not only by personal achievement, but by the lives we empower along the way. Her passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment to lifting others make her an extraordinary role model for our community.
I hope you’ll join us on Tuesday, September 29, at the ATHENA Awards Reception, as we celebrate Angie, Elaina, and the remarkable legacy of the ATHENA Awards. Their stories remind us that when leaders invest in people, they strengthen an entire region. It promises to be an inspiring evening, and I encourage you to register today.
MAKE AI WORK FOR YOUR BUSINESS THIS AUGUST
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way businesses operate, and the KC Chamber is offering opportunities this August to help organizations put AI to work with confidence.
On Tuesday, August 11, join Make AI Work for You, a Grow with Google session on the #MakeAIWorkForYou US Tour at the Delta Athenaeum and DEED Foundation (900 Linwood Blvd., KCMO). Designed for business leaders ready to move beyond the basics, this program explores how organizations can integrate AI into everyday workflows, improve efficiency, and maximize business value. Whether you’re looking to streamline operations, strengthen customer engagement, or enhance decision-making, you’ll leave with practical insights you can begin applying right away. Learn more and register today.
And last call! If you’re new to AI or own a small business looking for an introduction, there’s still time to register for AI Training for Regional Kansas City Small Businesses on Thursday, August 6, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the KC Chamber Board Room in Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO). Presented in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and supported by Google, this free Small Business B(AI)sics workshop provides a hands-on introduction to using AI for marketing, productivity, customer engagement, and day-to-day operations. Register now!
STATE OF PUBLIC SAFETY – VIRTUAL
Be part of the conversation on the future of public safety in Greater Kansas City. Join regional leaders on Thursday, August 20, for this timely virtual program exploring the partnerships, innovations, and shared strategies helping create safer communities across our region.
A strong business climate depends on safe neighborhoods, a resilient workforce, and effective collaboration. That’s why the KC Chamber proudly supports the Kansas City Public Safety Coalition, bringing together public safety professionals, business leaders, elected officials, and community partners to address the issues that matter most.
The 2026 State of Public Safety, held virtually from 8:30 to 10 a.m., will feature leaders from law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and other public safety organizations sharing updates on regional priorities, emerging challenges, and collaborative solutions. Whether you’re a business leader, community advocate, nonprofit partner, or engaged resident, you’ll gain valuable insights into the work underway to build a safer, stronger Greater Kansas City. Register today!
FOUNDATIONS OF DISABILITY INCLUSION WORKSHOP SERIES
Words matter. Join us on Wednesday, September 2, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. in the KC Chamber Board Room (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO), for the next session in the Foundations of Disability Inclusion workshop series and discover how inclusive language can help create workplaces where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to succeed.
Speaking of Inclusion: Language that Builds Belonging is the second installment of this free, four-part series presented by the Center for Disability Inclusion (CDI) in partnership with the KC Chamber. Through interactive activities, collaborative discussions, and practical exercises, participants will build confidence using respectful, inclusive language around disability while gaining tools to strengthen workplace culture, customer interactions, and team relationships. The session is designed for professionals across industries and organizations of every size. Register today!
The series continues throughout the fall with Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health Myths and Realities on October 6 and concludes with The Caregiver Lens: Supporting Employees with Disabilities and Their Families on November 3. Whether you attend one workshop or the full series, you’ll gain practical strategies to foster a stronger culture of belonging.
BUILDING THE FUTURE: HIGHER EDUCATION, INNOVATION, AND TALENT
As Greater Kansas City builds on the momentum of hosting the world in 2026, the region has a unique opportunity to strengthen its reputation as a destination for talent, research, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Join the KC Chamber on Wednesday, September 9, from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m., for Building the Future: Higher Education, Innovation, and Talent in Greater Kansas City, hosted by Rockhurst University in Arrupe Hall (5351 Forest Ave., KCMO).
The forum will bring together higher education, business, civic, and community leaders to explore how colleges and universities can help drive workforce development, support cutting-edge research, and prepare students for the evolving demands of today’s economy. Attendees will also learn how growing collaboration among institutions is helping advance shared regional priorities and strengthen Greater Kansas City’s long-term competitiveness. Learn more and register today.