FROM THE KC CHAMBER’S PRESIDENT AND CEO
As we step into 2026, I want to start by reaffirming our approach to public policy and our work: advocating for smart, pro-growth policy and a strong business climate across the entire Kansas City metro. We know people care deeply about their own communities, and we do too. Our role is to bring business leaders together, stay engaged wherever decisions are being made, and keep the focus on practical solutions that strengthen the region because what happens in one part of the metro so often impacts us all.
With both legislatures returning very soon, I encourage you to review our priorities and share them with your team:
These agendas reflect what we hear from you about the issues that matter most to business growth, talent, investment, and opportunity across the Kansas City region.
I also hope you will join us at Union Station for two timely opportunities to connect directly with policymakers and fellow KC Chamber members:
Kansas State Affairs Kickoff Reception
Wednesday, January 7 | 4:00–5:30 p.m. | KC Chamber Board Room (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO)
Register
Missouri State Affairs Committee Meeting (Kickoff Luncheon)
Friday, January 9 | 12:00–1:15 p.m. | KC Chamber Board Room (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO)
Register
We are also staying actively engaged locally in Kansas City, Missouri. If you are not already receiving the City Haller, I encourage you to sign up. And we are planning a federal fly-in this spring to elevate our region’s priorities in Washington, D.C. If you are interested in participating, please contact our director of Public Policy Ava Delsemme for details.
Here’s to a strong start and a year of working together to keep Greater Kansas City moving forward.
CENTURIONS | VIRTUAL OFFICE HOURS
If you have been thinking about applying for the KC Chamber’s Centurions Leadership Program, which is celebrating 50 years of learning, serving and leading in 2026, this is your moment to take the next step, making sure your application is as strong as possible before time runs out.
The Centurions Recruiting Committee is hosting Centurions | Virtual Office Hours on Monday, January 12, from 12:00–1:00 p.m. This virtual session is designed for interested professionals across the Kansas City region to connect in a more intimate setting, with the opportunity for small-group or one-on-one conversation via Zoom. Zoom details will be sent to registrants prior to the event.
Use this time to ask any last questions about the program, confirm you are on the right track, and put the finishing touches on your submission. Register now! Reminder: Applications for the Pinnacle 2026 cohort are due by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, January 15.
NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING – NELSON-ATKINS MUSEUM OF ART
Join the KC Chamber for Neighborhood Networking at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (4525 Oak St., KCMO) on Friday, January 16, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. Hosted at the museum, this come-and-go style gathering is designed for easy conversation, fresh introductions, and meaningful connections with fellow members.
The Nelson-Atkins offers an inspiring backdrop for our next networking stop, featuring an encyclopedic collection of more than 42,000 art objects and free admission, making it a Kansas City gem worth lingering in—before or after the event. This is sure to be a popular event, so complete your registration today!
This event is made possible by our Networking Sponsors: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Delta Dental, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Southwest Airlines, and UMB Bank.
EMERGING TRENDS IN REAL ESTATE 2026
Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2026 takes place Wednesday, January 21, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., in the KC Chamber Board Room inside Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO). Keynote speaker Haley Anderson, Director of Financial Markets and Real Estate at PwC, will share highlights from the Emerging Trends in Real Estate® United States and Canada 2026 report, now in its 47th edition and widely regarded across the real estate and land use industry.
Expect insight on topics including data centers, senior housing, and storage facilities, and what these trends could mean for the Kansas City region. Tickets are $65 for members and $90 for non-members. Learn more and register today.
SMALL BUSINESS CELEBRATION AWARDS
Now that we are back in the swing of the new year, it is the perfect time to put your business story on paper. The KC Chamber’s Small Business Celebration is one of the largest chamber-led small business recognition series in the country, and we want to see the Kansas City region’s best represented in the applicant pool.
If your business is headquartered in the Kansas City metro area, has 250 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, and is a KC Chamber member by the time you apply, we encourage you to throw your hat in the ring. 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.
Want an inside look at what makes an application stand out? 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.