Your Chamber at Work - February 20, 2019

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

Five “Opportunity Zones” have been created in Kansas City, Missouri and the KC Chamber is working with the Urban Neighborhood Initiative (UNI), the Kauffman Foundation, and other stakeholders to make those opportunities happen.

Opportunity Zones are economically-distressed communities where new investments may be eligible for preferential tax treatment. Four of Kansas City’s zones are east of Troost; the fifth is in Martin City. Basically, Opportunity Zones are an economic development tool and our goal is to attract new investment in those five areas – investments that enhance the neighborhoods and the lives of neighborhood residents.

A prospectus is being developed showcasing possible investments in KC’s five zones and will be presented at a meeting of investors in San Francisco in March. We’ve been meeting for months with a core group of community leaders. Now we’re going to the community at large, holding a series of forums to ask residents what they’d like to see.

The goal is job creation and long-term investment in these areas. We’ll keep you posted.

CENTURIONS SPRING CLASS OF 2021 ANNOUNCED!

Thirty-five new professionals have been selected as the Chamber’s latest class of Centurions. The Spring 2021 class will continue the tradition of preparing the next generation of leaders across the Greater Kansas City, with the motto of “learn, serve, lead.”

Centurions is Kansas City’s oldest and premier leadership development program. Established in 1976, alums have included CEOs, federal judges, heads of nonprofit organizations, and many more of the region’s most impactful leaders. For a full list of the Spring 2021 class, click here.

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING WITH SAMUEL U. RODGERS HEALTH CENTER

When the staff at Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center says they provide nearly every kind of health services for nearly everyone, they aren’t kidding. From mental health to women’s health to podiatry to dental health, they do it all while making families to focus of their work and mission. Joins us at Rodgers’ downtown campus for our next Neighborhood Networking event this Friday, February 22, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. at 825 Euclid. Get a tour of the facilities to see how Rodgers Health Center can benefit you, your family, and your clients and members. Have coffee, connect with your peers, and learn something that you can take back to your organization.

Thanks to our overall 2019 networking sponsors Mazuma, SS&C/DST, and Sprint. A special thanks to our Neighborhood Networking sponsors Andrews McMeel Universal and Spectrum Reach. Register here. Contact Brandon Krekel with any questions at krekel@kcchamber.com.

HEALTHYKC: TECHNOLOGY TRANSFORMATIONS IN WORKPLACE WELLNESS

In an ever-connected world, innovative technology is helping create better environments at businesses around the globe. At our latest HealthyKC networking forum, discover how Kansas City companies are using those innovations to not only boost productivity but also help enhance the well-being of their employees. Haley Prophet, Senior Wellbeing Specialist at Garmin, will moderate a panel featuring:

• Travis Johnson, Lead Product Manager Consumer Segment, Garmin International
• Chris Hawkins, Chief Wellness Officer, Pro Athlete, Inc.
• Theresa Schnelle, Senior Vice President Total Rewards, Lockton
• Rhonda Dolan, Founder & CEO, Udo

The event is Thursday, February 28 at Garmin International’s Olathe headquarters, 1200 E. 151st, 7:30 a.m. - 9: 00 a.m. It’s free for Chamber members and $10 for non-Chamber members. Register now.

2019 DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION SUMMIT – LEARNING FROM A PAINFUL PAST. HEALING IN THE PRESENT. WORKING TOWARD A BETTER FUTURE.

The KC Chamber and Project Equality partner once again for the 2019 Diversity and Inclusion Summit, Thursday, February 28 at UMKC’s Pierson Auditorium. The all-day event features a keynote address from Dr. Joyce DeGruy, internationally renowned educator, author, and presenter. Dr. DeGruy will address culture, race relations, and contemporary social issues in a discussion of resiliency as she serves as a voice for those who’ve struggled through post traumatic stress.

The summit begins at 8:00 a.m. and goes to 3:00 p.m. For tickets click here. This includes breakfast, lunch, summit sessions, and a copy of Dr. DeGruy’s book. Discounted tickets are available for students.

CANDIDATES AND COLD ONES

Space is filling up quickly for our next Polsinelli Public Policy Up Close Speaker Series event. Come enjoy an adult beverage and get to know all of Kansas City’s mayoral candidates at Candidates and Cold Ones, Monday, March 18 from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. in the Chamber’s Board Room at Union Station, next door to Pierpont’s.

This is an informal event where attendees will hear brief presentations from each of the candidates on what they have in store for Kansas City’s business community. They will then mingle with Chamber members during the reception, with refreshments. Cost is $20 per person for KC Chamber members, with Public Policy Council members receiving up to two admissions free with discount code. Register here today, as space is limited.

The Polsinelli Public Policy Up Close Speaker Series is focused on keeping KC area businesses up-to-date on the issues, policies, and policy trends that impact our region and the nation.