FROM THE KC CHAMBER’S PRESIDENT AND CEO
As the KC Chamber’s Centurions program celebrates its 50th anniversary, it’s a great moment to reflect on the legacy this leadership program has built across Greater Kansas City. For five decades, Centurions has developed leaders committed to learning, service, and action. Nearly 2,000 alumni have carried that experience into boardrooms, nonprofit leadership, public service, and neighborhood initiatives, helping move our region forward in meaningful ways.
What makes Centurions unique is its blend of leadership development and real community engagement. Participants gain a deeper understanding of the issues shaping our region while building lasting relationships with peers who share a commitment to making the Kansas City region stronger. The program’s impact extends well beyond each class year, as alumni continue contributing their leadership and civic energy across the community.
As we celebrate this milestone year, we’re also focused on the future and the next generation of leaders ready to step forward. If you’re interested in expanding your leadership skills, growing your professional network, and engaging more deeply in the Kansas City community, consider attending an upcoming Centurions Information Session on March 13, March 24, or April 8 to learn more about the program.
You can also experience the spirit of Centurions firsthand by joining us on April 7 from 12:00 to 2:30 p.m. at the Kansas City Public Library – Plaza Branch Truman Forum (4801 Main St., KCMO) for the Centurions | Welcoming and Belonging Symposium Series: Big Sonia Viewing with Special Guest Regina Kort. The powerful film tells the story of Holocaust survivor and Kansas City activist Sonia Warshawski and will be followed by a community conversation about resilience, history, and belonging.
With 50 years of success developing leaders who strengthen Greater Kansas City, now is the perfect time to learn more about Centurions and consider joining a program with a proud legacy and an even brighter future.
SMALL BUSINESS CELEBRATION CANDIDATES’ SHOWCASE KCNSC FAN FAVORITES
Two standout small businesses captured the spotlight at this year’s Small Business Celebration Candidates’ Showcase, earning Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC) Fan Favorite honors based on votes from supporters at the event. Congratulations to HMC Performance Coatings and 360PicKC, whose engaging presentations and enthusiastic audience support set them apart. Watch the video announcement to see the reveal.
The Candidates’ Showcase is a key milestone in the KC Chamber’s Small Business Celebration, giving candidates the chance to share their stories, highlight their impact, and connect with the region’s business community. This year’s event once again showcased the innovation, resilience, and creativity that define Kansas City’s small business ecosystem.
On April 1, the Top 10 Small Businesses of the Year will be announced. These are the companies moving one step closer to being named the Mr. K Small Business of the Year. Be sure to follow the KC Chamber’s social media channels as we reveal the Top 10 and continue celebrating the entrepreneurs who help power the Greater Kansas City economy.
SAVE THE DATE: WELCOMING & BELONGING WORKSHOPS RETURN THIS FALL
As Kansas City prepares to welcome the world during FIFA World Cup 26™, the KC Chamber is also looking ahead to continuing an important part of our leadership development work: the Welcoming & Belonging Workshop series. These workshops provide practical professional development for leaders across the region, exploring strategies for building inclusive workplace cultures, strengthening collaboration, and creating environments where employees and community members alike feel valued and able to contribute.
This fall’s series will feature a four-part interactive program developed in partnership with the Center for Disability Inclusion. Through engaging activities, case studies, and facilitated discussions, participants will explore topics such as disability inclusion in the workplace, respectful and inclusive language, reducing mental health stigma, and understanding the role of caregivers in building supportive workplace cultures. Each session is designed to provide practical tools leaders can apply immediately within their teams and organizations.
The workshops will take place this fall, following what will be a busy and exciting summer of soccer-related activities across the region. As Kansas City hosts visitors from around the globe, the fall series will offer leaders an opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and continue strengthening the welcoming spirit that defines our community. Learn more about Welcoming & Belonging initiatives on our website, and watch for workshop registration information in an upcoming Your Chamber at Work.
NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING – EASTERSEALS MIDWEST
Start your morning making meaningful connections at the KC Chamber’s next Neighborhood Networking event, hosted by Easterseals Midwest (101 NW Englewood Rd., Gladstone, MO) on Friday, March 27, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.
Neighborhood Networking offers a relaxed and welcoming way to expand your professional network while learning more about organizations making a difference across the Kansas City region. This month’s host, Easterseals Midwest, supports children and adults with disabilities through programs that promote independence, build career skills, and help individuals live more connected lives in their communities.
Whether you’re looking to meet new business contacts, reconnect with Chamber members, or gain insight into a mission-driven organization serving our community, Neighborhood Networking is a great way to start the day. Register today!
KC CHAMBER VIDEO RFP NOW OPEN
In case you missed it: the KC Chamber currently has a Request for Proposal (RFP) open for video production services, and this could be your opportunity to collaborate with our team on upcoming storytelling and marketing efforts.
The Chamber is seeking a qualified video partner to help produce engaging content that highlights our programs, initiatives, and the impact of the regional business community. From event storytelling to promotional and digital content, the selected partner will play an important role in helping us showcase the people, ideas, and momentum shaping Greater Kansas City.
This opportunity is ideal for video production firms, creative agencies, and experienced videographers interested in working with one of the region’s leading business organizations. If your company specializes in video storytelling, content creation, or digital media production, we encourage you to review the RFP and consider submitting a proposal. It’s a great chance to bring your creative expertise to projects that help tell Kansas City’s story and elevate the work happening across our business community. View the full RFP!