FROM THE KC CHAMBER’S PRESIDENT AND CEO
One of our most significant public policy initiatives is Spotlight on Greater Kansas City, our biennial event that welcomes staff members from Kansas and Missouri Congressional and Senate offices—both in Washington, D.C., and here at home—for a two-day, immersive Kansas City experience. This year’s event, held August 4-5, was a tremendous success.
Spotlight is truly unique in our region and rare among Chambers nationwide. It demands thoughtful content, seamless coordination, and meaningful engagement, all of which were delivered exceptionally well. Through site visits, panel discussions, and conversations with local leaders, our guests saw firsthand how the Kansas City region is leveraging public-private partnerships to advance inclusive economic growth. Topics ranged from preparations for the FIFA World Cup 26™ and investments in multimodal transportation to the evolution of our healthcare ecosystem and the future of digital and energy networks.
We’ve already received positive feedback from participants who left with a stronger understanding of KC’s momentum and priorities. These connections matter, because when important policy decisions are made in Washington, we want our region’s voice to be both informed and heard.
My sincere thanks go to everyone who made this year’s Spotlight possible, with special recognition to our Public Policy team for their leadership. I also want to extend special thanks to our Presenting Sponsors, Black & Veatch and Panasonic, and to all our additional sponsors for partnering with us to tell the KC region’s story. And I invite you to mark your calendars now for our biennial Washington, D.C., Fly-In, returning in early 2026.
CHILD CARE EXCHANGE
Affordable, reliable child care is a growing concern for both working families and employers. On Wednesday, August 20, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., join us in the KC Chamber Board Room (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO) for an important discussion on the Child Care Exchange. This cost-sharing program, supported by Missouri’s new state budget, is a collaborative effort between employers, employees, government, and local organizations to expand access to quality care while easing the burden on families.
Learn how this innovative program works, how your organization can get involved, and why your input is essential. Whether you’re in HR, business leadership, child care, or community support, your voice matters. Register today to help shape a more inclusive, family-friendly future for Kansas City.
NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING AT WOODSIDE
On Friday, August 22, you’re invited to join us for Neighborhood Networking at Woodside, one of the region’s most prestigious health and fitness clubs. Woodside, recently honored as a 2025 Top 10 Small Business, will open its doors to local professionals for a morning of networking, engaging conversations, and exploration of their world-class amenities. From 8:30 to 10:00 a.m., attendees will have the chance to connect with fellow Chamber members and community leaders in a relaxed, come-and-go atmosphere. Enjoy light refreshments, hear brief remarks from Woodside leadership, and take a tour of the facility, which includes state-of-the-art fitness centers, wellness areas, and more.
This is an excellent opportunity to expand your professional network while celebrating the success of one of Greater Kansas City’s top small businesses. Members can attend for free and non-member cost is just $15. Learn more and register today! Thank you to our 2025 Networking Sponsors: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Delta Dental, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Southwest Airlines, and UMB Bank.
CENTURIONS INFORMATION SESSION
If you’re ready to grow as a leader and make a lasting impact in the Kansas City region, don’t miss the upcoming Centurions Information Session on Wednesday, August 27, from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Haren Companies (8035 Neiman Road, Lenexa, KS). This free session offers an inside look at the KC Chamber’s two-year Centurions Leadership Program, designed for mid-career professionals who are passionate about civic engagement, professional development, and community service. You’ll hear from alumni, meet the recruitment team, and learn how to apply. Whether you’re looking to broaden your network or deepen your community involvement, this is your chance to see if Centurions is right for you. Register now!RE-ENTRY SIMULATION
What does it really take to rebuild your life after incarceration? For thousands of returning citizens, the journey is far more challenging than most realize. From securing an ID to finding employment, housing, and healthcare—every step forward can feel like two steps back. On Friday, September 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the KC Chamber and KC 360 will host a Re-Entry Simulation in the KC Chamber Board Room (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO). This powerful experience puts participants in the shoes of someone navigating the realities of reentry, revealing the systemic barriers that make success harder and exploring ways business and civic leaders can help remove them.
The simulation ties directly to the KC Chamber’s strategic priorities: strengthening the workforce, advancing public safety, and ensuring inclusive prosperity. By increasing understanding of reentry challenges, the event aims to spark solutions that support second-chance hiring, reduce recidivism, and open pathways to meaningful employment, benefiting both individuals and the region as a whole. Learn more and register today.