Your Chamber at Work - February 24, 2020

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

Good news for one of Kansas City’s major employers, now that a federal judge cleared the last major hurdle to the merger of Sprint and T-Mobile. Though a few more approvals are necessary, T-Mobile says it expects to close on the deal as early as April 1.

The merger means that Sprint will become more competitive in what is a very competitive sector. T-Mobile remains committed to maintaining the Overland Park Sprint campus as its second headquarters, saying it expects to add 1000 new employees to a new customer experience center in OP.

Sprint’s strong civic commitment has been maintained throughout this process, and it’s hoped T-Mobile will continue that commitment going forward.

The Chamber supported the merger in the belief that this was the best way to keep Sprint and its employees competitive. I think there’s a good prospect for robust growth of the new company, and will put the new Sprint/T-Mobile on a path to a more robust business.

HEALTHY KC BREAKFAST

The Chiefs' team clinician Dr. Shaun Tyrance is one of just two team clinicians in the NFL today. He’ll discuss the importance of mental health not just in times of crises, but year-round, at our annual Healthy KC Breakfast, March 4 at Children’s Mercy Park from 7:30 to 10 a.m. Mental health is the focus of this year’s breakfast, as we’ve moved our Healthy KC Workplace Wellness Certifications to every other year. In addition to Dr. Tyrance, we’ll unpack the fascinating results of our new anonymous workplace mental health assessment. There’s still time to take the survey  (it takes about 10 minutes) to get a better picture of how your business or organization supports mental health. Once you take the survey, make sure you register here for the Healthy KC breakfast.

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING: DEMDACO

DEMDACO strives to “lift the spirit” in times of celebration, when comfort is needed, or just to put a smile on someone’s face. See how they do it at our next Neighborhood Networking event at DEMDACO’s Leawood location, Friday March 6 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. off 134th and Nall. Share great conversation and connection over coffee and a light breakfast with other professionals. You’ll see why DEMDACO’s approach to customer service goes deeper than a simple transaction. Register here. This event is free for Chamber members and just $15 for non-members. If you can’t make the March 6 event, you can still save the date for the March 27 Neighborhood Networking at LaunchCode. Thanks to our overall 2020 networking sponsors Mazuma, SS&C, and Sprint.

THE EMERGING IMPACTS OF THE CORONAVIRUS

Join the KC Chamber’s World Trade Center Kansas City, Wednesday March 11, for The Emerging Impacts of the Coronavirus, as we discuss the economic and societal impact of the outbreak. A group of panelists including Kansas City Health Department Director Dr. Rex Archer, and representatives from financial risk-mitigation firm Aon share perspectives from the fields of public health and business and risk management. This event is will take place 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the KC Chamber Board Room, located in the southeast corner of the first floor of historic Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Rd. Register here. Breakfast and parking will be provided. Cost is $10 for Chamber members and $15 for non-members.

SMALL BUSINESS CELEBRATION: CANDIDATES’ SHOWCASE

Save the date of March 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. to attend the first public event of the annual Small Business Celebration: the Candidates’ Showcase. All applicants for Small Business of the Year will receive a table in Union Station’s Grand Hall to showcase their products, services and company culture. But you must register here. This is a great way to network, take a look at fellow applicants, and get your small business in front of the public. Complimentary parking will be available in the four-story Union Station Parking Garage off Pershing and Broadway. Thank you to our 2020 Small Business Programming Sponsors Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City and Evergy, our CEO Level Sponsor Honeywell, and our Candidates’ Showcase Presenting Sponsor is American Century Investments.