FROM THE KC CHAMBER’S PRESIDENT AND CEO
Kansas City has a front-row seat to something special, and the KC Current are a big reason why. Their success on the pitch is matched by their leadership off it, elevating women’s professional sports while helping spark new energy and investment along our riverfront, anchored by CPKC Stadium.
I hope you’ll join us for the 2026 KC Current Kickoff Luncheon on Wednesday, March 11, at Union Station. This matchday preview luncheon brings together KC Chamber members, regional business leaders, and fans to celebrate the Current’s drive to excel in the 2026 season. You’ll have the opportunity to meet standout players, hear insights from the coaching staff, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the organization is building and sustaining a championship-caliber program.
You can also expect a season “game plan reveal,” player spotlights that highlight leadership and purpose on and off the field, and a closer look at the Current’s community impact, including the ways the club continues to strengthen Kansas City’s momentum and visibility on the national stage.
Tables and sponsorships are available, with select options including access to a VIP reception with the Current’s ownership and leadership team. Individual tickets are also available, and you can shop exclusive KC Current apparel before and after the event. Availability is limited, and registration may move to a waiting list as the event fills.
Let’s show up for a team that is helping Kansas City lead, on the field and beyond it. It’s Teal Time, KC.
SMALL BUSINESS CELEBRATION AWARDS
If you’ve been meaning to tell your small business story, this is your nudge. The KC Chamber’s Small Business Celebration is one of the largest chamber-led recognition programs in the country, and we want the Kansas City region well represented in this year’s applicant pool.
We encourage you to apply if your business is headquartered in the KC metro, has 250 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, and will be a KC Chamber member by the time you apply. Eligible companies may apply for multiple awards, including Mr. K Small Business of the Year, Emerging Business, Small Business Spirit of Inclusion, Weida International Small Business, Legacy of Kansas City, and the Luminary Arts & Creative Small Business Award.
Need a quick boost before you hit submit? Join our virtual Small Business Celebration Application Workshop on Wednesday, January 28 from 9:00–10:00 a.m. Bring your questions and hear best practices from a panel of past winners, past Top 10 companies, and past judges.
Applications are due February 18. Start early, be specific, and let your impact shine. Learn more and apply!
RECONNECTING THE WEST SIDE
Kansas City is moving forward on Reconnecting the Westside, a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study focused on improving transportation safety and addressing the long-term challenges created by the construction of I-35 and I-670. This work, led by Kansas City in partnership with MoDOT, reflects a year of community input and represents a unique opportunity to build a more connected future for the Westside neighborhood.
Join us for Reconnecting the West Side on Thursday, January 29, from 8:30–10:00 a.m. in the KC Chamber Board Room (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO). During the program, attendees will review initial and refined alternatives shaped by community feedback and learn how the project is working to improve safety and mobility while reconnecting a neighborhood historically divided by highway infrastructure. This is a timely conversation for anyone interested in the future of transportation, development, and inclusive growth in the Kansas City region. Register today!
THE STATE OF SERIES – HEALTHCARE
Healthcare is one of the most important issues tied to a community’s vitality and wellbeing, and it also represents the largest employer in the private sector. That’s why the KC Chamber’s State of Series – Healthcare is designed to bring business and civic leaders together for practical insight on what’s changing and what’s coming next.
On Thursday, February 19, join us from 8:00–10:00 a.m. in the KC Chamber Board Room at Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO) for an engaging, breakfast conversation on the rapid evolution of healthcare, from research to patient care to the growing role of artificial intelligence. You’ll hear directly from Kansas City-area healthcare leaders about the challenges and opportunities in delivering care, particularly around access, innovation, and an evolving workforce.
We’re also pleased to welcome our keynote speaker, Anthony Chang, PhD, Founder and CEO of BAMF Health, described as the world’s most comprehensive Theranostics center. Dr. Chang is a scientist, researcher, and educator focused on advancing how diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and cardiovascular disease are treated. Learn more and register today!
WORKFORCE WELLNESS SURVEY
The KC Chamber has partnered with the Bloch School of Management at the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) to better understand how work-life experiences influence employee wellness across the Kansas City region. UMKC researchers have developed a quick survey exploring topics related to work, personal life, and overall wellbeing, and we’re inviting Chamber members to participate. Your input will help strengthen the survey and support efforts to better understand and improve the wellbeing of the people who live and work in our community. The survey launches next week, so be watching your email for the link.