FROM THE KC CHAMBER’S PRESIDENT AND CEO
For 36 years, World Trade Center-Kansas City has helped connect Greater Kansas City businesses to opportunities around the globe. Since the KC Chamber received its World Trade Centers Association license in 1990, WTC-KC has served as a bridge between our regional business community and the people, companies and resources that drive global commerce. Today, we are proud to be part of a network of 330 World Trade Centers worldwide and one of only three chambers of commerce in the United States to operate a licensed World Trade Center.
Those global connections matter because international trade creates opportunities right here at home. Through programs, resources and partnerships, WTC-KC helps businesses navigate global markets, build international relationships and identify new opportunities for growth.
This year offered a powerful reminder of the value of those connections. As Greater Kansas City welcomed the world for the FIFA World Cup 26™, we built relationships that extended far beyond the pitch and demonstrated what we have long known: Kansas City is a global community with businesses, talent and ideas that can compete anywhere.
I’m grateful to our WTC-KC investors and partners whose commitment to international trade strengthens this work year after year. Their support helps connect area businesses with opportunities around the world while raising our regional profile internationally.
Thirty-six years is a milestone worth celebrating, but I’m even more excited about what comes next. Our global relationships are growing, and so are the opportunities before us. Happy anniversary to World Trade Center-Kansas City. Here’s to continuing to connect our region to the world and bring the world closer to Greater Kansas City.
GENKC LAUNCHES NEW ACCESS SCHOLARSHIP
The KC Chamber’s genKC program for early-career professionals is expanding access to professional development, civic engagement and connections with the launch of the new genKC Access Scholarship. Designed to help reduce financial barriers to participation, the scholarship will provide one complimentary genKC membership, valued at $850, for the 2026–2027 program year, running November 1, 2026, through October 31, 2027.
The scholarship will give one emerging professional, founder, employee or organizational leader access to genKC’s year-round programming and opportunities to develop leadership skills, build relationships and become more deeply engaged in the Greater Kansas City community.
Eligible applicants must be based in the Kansas City region and represent a diverse, underrepresented, emerging or resource-limited business or organization that would benefit from greater access to genKC and the KC Chamber community. The participating organization must have fewer than 150 full-time equivalent employees and be a current KC Chamber member or be willing to become a member if selected. Applications are now open and must be submitted by October 16. Apply today!
CENTURIONS | INFORMATION SESSION | LUNCH & LEARN
For 50 years, the KC Chamber’s Centurions Leadership Program has helped develop emerging leaders who are ready to deepen their understanding of Greater Kansas City and play an active role in shaping its future. If you’re interested in becoming part of that legacy, join us for a Centurions Lunch & Learn on Wednesday, October 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The University of Kansas Health System’s Cambridge Conference Room (3825 Cambridge St., KCK).
Centurions is an intensive two-year leadership development program that combines professional development with opportunities to learn about the issues affecting our region, engage in civic and community service, and build relationships with leaders from across Greater Kansas City. Its mission is to prepare a representative cross-section of emerging leaders for their role in our community’s future. The Lunch & Learn is an opportunity to hear more about the Centurions experience, ask questions and explore how the program can help you expand your leadership skills, strengthen your professional network and become more engaged in the community. Register today!
CELEBRATE THE POWER OF DIVERSITY
For 25 years, the KC Chamber’s POWER of Diversity program has brought together business, civic and community leaders to celebrate the people and organizations helping build a stronger, more welcoming Greater Kansas City. On Wednesday, October 28, we’ll mark that milestone while looking ahead to the next 25 years. This year’s POWER of Diversity Luncheon will feature Bob Kendrick, President and CEO of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, whose powerful storytelling brings history to life while exploring the impact of perseverance, opportunity and belonging.
We’ll also celebrate this year’s Ace Award recipients, recognizing outstanding mid-to-senior-level diverse workforce leaders, and Champion of Diversity Award recipients, honoring companies and nonprofit organizations demonstrating a sustained commitment to inclusive workplace practices, leadership and community engagement.
More than an awards program, POWER of Diversity is an opportunity to connect around an idea that has guided this work for a quarter century: our region is stronger when people from different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives have opportunities to contribute, lead and belong. The celebration takes place at the Muehlebach at the Marriott Downtown Hotel (200 W. 12th St., KCMO), with networking beginning at 10:30 a.m. and the program from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come celebrate the progress we’ve made, the leaders moving us forward and the possibilities ahead as we continue building a Greater Kansas City where everyone has an opportunity to thrive. Register now!
PUT AI TO WORK FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS
Artificial intelligence can be a powerful tool for small businesses, but figuring out where to start can sometimes feel like one more thing on an already long 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 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the KC Chamber Board Room inside Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO). This national initiative, supported by Google, provides free, practical AI training to help small businesses grow, remain competitive and strengthen their local economies.
During this in-person session, participants will explore ways to put accessible AI tools to work on real business challenges—from improving marketing and customer engagement to streamlining operations, increasing productivity and supporting better decision-making. The training will also cover applications for customer service, scheduling, content creation, data analysis and more. The program is designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs across industries and requires no previous technical or AI experience. Participants should bring a laptop or tablet along with questions about specific challenges facing their businesses. The training is free, but space is limited, so register today!