Your Chamber at Work - April 6, 2020

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

As you know, Missouri Governor Mike Parson issued a stay-at-home order for the state on Friday, and we thank him for that. As I’ve said before, the virus doesn’t recognize county lines or municipal boundaries and the order was essential to help flatten the curve for our frontline medical professionals as well as all of us.

The KC Chamber and many other organizations – including our hospitals and medical groups – have been urging him to take this step, and we are grateful for his action. Today’s order will put us one step closer to preparing for the economic recovery that lies ahead.

Here’s a link to the governor’s news release about his order – it contains additional links for further details.

The KC Chamber is also encouraging the state governments of Missouri and Kansas to work with our Kansas City area hospitals to develop a robust and regional strategy to deal with the potential surge of COVID-19 patients. A regional approach to this crisis will help make the best use of our healthcare resources.

Please remember that your Chamber is here for you. Visit our COVID-19 Resource Page and feel free to contact our Membership Director Katie Vivas for help or to answer your questions.

Stay safe.

KCMO COMMITTEE MEETING

The KC Chamber’s April 21 KCMO Committee meeting will feature Councilwoman Katheryn Shields, Chair of the Kansas City Missouri Finance, Governance, and Public Safety Committee, who will discuss the newly passed City Budget, and share some of her budget and infrastructure concerns relative to the COVID-19 crisis. The committee will also have a presentation and be able to provide feedback on preparations for the region’s first Welcoming Plan - which includes a set of strategies to make the Greater Kansas City region a more welcoming community for all residents including immigrants, minorities, military veterans, LGBTQ+ community and more. Register here for this online open meeting.

SAVE MONEY WITH THE KC CHAMBER

Are you taking full advantage of your KC Chamber membership? Our Cost Savings Benefit program through Staples can save you money on tons of office supplies, especially when your “office” is now your dining room table or a spare bedroom. Businesses that are enrolled in the Staples Advantage program through the KC Chamber can get next-day shipping. That includes shipping to your home, too! Even better? No shipping fees and no minimum orders. This perk is available through your KC Chamber membership. For more information, contact Katie Vivas at Vivas@kcchamber.com.

HIRING VETERANS IS GOOD BUSINESS: NAVIGATING THE DIVERSE MILITARY WORKFORCE LANDSCAPE

Hiring men and women from the military means hiring individuals who can bring unique assets to your workforce. Join Jeremy Gray of Noble Consulting as he leads attendees through a free webinar April 28, from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm. He’ll show you how to fully utilize those assets and discusses what qualities veterans are seeking in potential employers, and more. This workshop is sponsored by Grantham University. This is also part of a series of Diversity & Inclusion workshops the Chamber is presenting in 2020 – whether online or in person. A special thanks to our 2020 Presenting Diversity Sponsors: CommunityAmericaCredit Union, Evergy, Hallmark and Sprint.

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR ACE AWARDS AND SUPPLIER DIVERSITY ACE AWARD

Nominations are now open for the KC Chamber’s ACE Awards and Supplier Diversity ACE Award. These awards recognize up-and-coming senior level managers who are advocating for expansion of their company's D&I and/or supplier diversity efforts. Often these honorees are unsung heroes whose diversity work can have great impact on their company’s bottom line. A C-level executive may not receive this award, but is often the nominator. The recipients will be honored at the Chamber’s Power of Diversity Breakfast later in the year. For questions about ACE and Supplier Diversity ACE Award nominations, please contact Greg Valdovino, the KC Chamber’s Director of Diversity & Inclusion – email valdovino@kcchamber.com.