FROM THE KC CHAMBER’S PRESIDENT AND CEO
Public safety is fundamental to a strong, thriving Kansas City region. It influences where families choose to live, where businesses invest and how confident we feel about our community’s future. At the KC Chamber, we know that creating a safer Kansas City requires collaboration, strong leadership and a commitment to listening to those who call our region home.
With Kansas City, Missouri, Police Chief Stacey Graves preparing to retire, our community has an important opportunity to help shape the future of public safety leadership. The KC Chamber is proud to join more than 20 business, civic, faith and community organizations through the Kansas City Public Safety Coalition to host a series of community listening sessions as the Board of Police Commissioners searches for the department’s next Chief of Police.
And we want to hear from you. What qualities should Kansas City’s next police chief bring to the position? What public safety challenges deserve the greatest attention? How can we further strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve?
Five community listening sessions are scheduled, each from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.:
- October 15: Northland Neighborhoods, Inc.
- October 20: Friendship Baptist Church
- October 22: Samuel U. Rodgers’ Propeller Building
- October 29: KC Chamber Board Room at Union Station
- November 5: United Believers Community Church
Feedback from these conversations, along with data from an online community survey, will be shared with the Board of Police Commissioners on November 17 to help inform its decision.
A safe and welcoming Kansas City benefits everyone, but meaningful progress requires all of us working together. I encourage you to participate, share your perspective and invite others to join the conversation. This is an opportunity to help shape the leadership and future of our city.
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF POWER OF DIVERSITY
Twenty-five years ago, the KC Chamber committed to strengthening Greater Kansas City by embracing the POWER of Diversity, grounded in the belief that our region is stronger when people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives have opportunities to contribute, lead and belong. On Wednesday, October 28, we’re celebrating that legacy at our 25th anniversary POWER of Diversity Luncheon, presented by CommunityAmerica Credit Union, and we invite you to join us!
This year’s celebration features keynote speaker Bob Kendrick, President and CEO of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, whose powerful storytelling reminds us of the importance of perseverance, opportunity and recognizing everyone’s contributions. We’ll also honor exceptional leaders with our Ace Awards and organizations committed to welcoming workplaces and communities through our Champion of Diversity Awards.
More than an anniversary celebration, POWER of Diversity is an opportunity to reflect on our progress, recognize those leading the way and recommit to building a Kansas City where everyone can thrive. Join us October 28, at the Muehlebach at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown (200 W. 12th St., KCMO), as we celebrate the people, partnerships and progress of the past 25 years — and help inspire the next 25. Networking begins at 10:30 a.m. with the program starting at 11:30 a.m. Register now!
PUT AI TO WORK FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS
Artificial intelligence can be a powerful tool for small businesses, but knowing where to start can feel like one more thing on an already full to-do list. The KC Chamber is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to bring Small Business B(AI)sics back to Kansas City on Wednesday, November 4, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the KC Chamber Board Room at Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO). This national initiative, supported by Google, offers free, practical AI training to help small businesses grow and remain competitive.
In this in-person session, participants will learn to use accessible AI tools to tackle real business challenges, from improving marketing and customer engagement to streamlining operations, boosting productivity, and making informed decisions. Topics include customer service, scheduling, content creation, data analysis and more. Designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs across industries, the training requires no previous AI or technical experience. Bring a laptop or tablet and questions about your business challenges. The training is free, but space is limited, so register today!
WHAT’S NEXT FOR TRANSIT IN KANSAS CITY?
The FIFA World Cup 26™ showed what’s possible when Greater Kansas City comes together around transportation. New and expanded transit services connected visitors and residents across the region, while the KC Streetcar set a monthly ridership record in June. Now, how do we build on that momentum to strengthen our region’s future?
Join us Tuesday, November 10, for the State of Transit, featuring Jeremy Martin, President and CEO of the Austin Chamber of Commerce, who will share how Austin’s business and transit leaders are working together on a long-term transportation strategy. We’ll also also discuss autonomous vehicles and hear from regional transit leaders about opportunities to improve mobility, expand access to jobs and support Kansas City’s continued economic growth.
The virtual program runs from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Join us to explore how regional collaboration can turn World Cup transportation successes into lasting opportunities for Greater Kansas City. Register now!
TURN RESEARCH INTO ACTION FOR WORKPLACE WELLNESS
Balancing work and personal life isn’t always easy, and the challenges employees face can affect their well-being, job satisfaction and productivity. But what can employers do to make a difference? The KC Chamber’s Healthy KC initiative, in partnership with UMKC’s Henry W. Bloch School of Management, has been exploring that question through new research into the work-life experiences of employees across Greater Kansas City.
Join us Thursday, November 12, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. for “From Research to Action: A Healthy KC Program on Work-Life Wellness”, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City. This free, in-person program will highlight new research on how workplace culture, supervisor support and organizational policies affect employee well-being, satisfaction and retention. Attendees will gain practical strategies for creating healthier, more supportive workplaces and turning research into meaningful action.
The program takes place at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (1400 Baltimore Ave., KCMO). Join us to explore how healthier workplaces build stronger businesses and a stronger Kansas City. Registration is free, so register today!