Your Chamber at Work

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

As you go to the polls on Tuesday (and you’re going, right?) here are the ballot issues on which the Chamber has taken a position.

Missouri Proposition D

This would raise the state’s fuel tax by 2 ½ cents a year for four years, with revenue going to help fix Missouri’s deteriorating roads and bridges. Missouri has one of the lowest fuel taxes in the nation and, while this measure will help, more funding is still needed. Think about the Buck O’Neil Bridge or driving on I-70 as you head to the polls. Vote “yes” on Proposition D.

Library Levy

This measure calls for an 8-cent increase in the Kansas City Library’s property tax based operating levy. The levy hasn’t increased in 22 years and no longer keeps pace with the library’s increasing needs. It’s an important resource for all of us. Vote “yes” on the Library Question.

Jackson County Charter Amendments

The Chamber Board voted unanimously to oppose the proposed amendments to Jackson County’s Charter. The lack of citizen input into the proposals is the primary reason for the Board’s opposition. A citizens charter commission is the usual process and considered good government practice. That didn’t happen. As a result, the seven charter amendments are confused and lack a clear focus.Vote “no” on Jackson County Charter Amendments. Finally, while the Chamber itself does not endorse candidates, our political action committee, BizPAC, does endorse state and local candidates. Click here to see BizPAC’s Missouri and Kansas general election candidate endorsements.
 
Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Kansas, and from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Missouri. Your vote is important.

CHAMBER OFFICERS AND BOARD ELECTED

New officers elected, in addition to Lansford as Chair, include:

• Incoming Chair:  Carolyn Watley, President, CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services, Inc.
• Vice Chair:  Ramin Cherafat, CEO, McCownGordon Construction
• Treasurer:  Mark Garrett, Chief Diversity & Engagement Officer, Smithfield Foods
• Immediate Past Chair:  Matt Condon, CEO, Bardavon Health Innovations

For a complete list of newly-elected Board members, click here.

OPPORTUNITIES IN THE “GREAT WHITE NORTH”

The Consulate General of Canada’s Innovation and Investment team, Laura Dalby and Tina Koltrych, will be in Kansas City November 27 to help you establish or expand your footprint in Canada. The two provide comprehensive, confidential and free services, including identifying strategic market intelligence and key contacts and referrals to in-market legal, financial, immigration, and industry experts.

Get information and advice on establishing a business in Canada, tax benefits and R&D credits, regulations, and more at this WTC breakfast from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the Chamber’s World Trade Center Conference. Register here.

LOOKING TO HIRE NEW EMPLOYEES?

Military veterans are goal-oriented, trained to lead, and know how to make decision. Plus, if you hire an eligible unemployed veteran, your business can take advantage of a number of tax incentives.

Find out more about the benefits of hiring a veteran during a lunch-and-learn at the Chamber Wednesday, December 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Chamber Board Room at Union Station.

The session is free for Chamber members, but please RSVP here.

KEEPING KC’S MOMENTUM

Cities that succeed in the future will be cities that bring everyone along, who help all pockets of their communities engage in the economy, workforce, and place-making.

Join Joseph Parillia of the Brookings Institute, Mark Fisher, Chief Policy Officer of the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, and Ralph Schulz, President and CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce to learn what they know and are doing in the area of inclusive development.

The session is part of the Polsinelli Public Policy Up Close Speakers Series and will be held Monday, December 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the InterContinental Hotel, 401 Ward Parkway, KCMO. To register, click here.