Your Chamber at Work - April 1, 2024
Apr 01, 2024
FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO
Tomorrow is Election Day, and there is more on the ballot than Jackson County’s 3/8-cent sales tax extension for stadium projects for the Royals and Chiefs. I talked about that campaign and the KC Chamber’s support of passing the extension in last week’s Your Chamber at Work. More details can also be found online at YesOn1JacksonCounty.com.
Now, I’d like to highlight area school districts that have funding issues on the ballot. As recommended by the KC Chamber Superintendents’ Forum, our board recently voted to support passage of bond and levy measures for Kansas City Kansas Public Schools, Grandview C-4 School District, Lone Jack C-6 and Platte County School District. Each district has specific information about their campaigns on their websites. Grandview, Lone Jack and Platte County are all no-tax-increase measures that will be used for improving facilities, enhancing security and/or hiring additional teachers and staff. While the KCK ask does include a tax increase, the district has not put forth a bond issue in quite some time and the improvements contemplated are critical for students and the community.
Strong schools are the backbone of our community, producing an educated workforce for our thriving business community. The more we can support our schools, the more vibrant our neighborhoods are as well. If you are a resident in these school districts, I hope you’ll take some time today to learn about these funding requests that are on the ballot tomorrow and consider voting yes to provide these districts with the resources they are asking for.
Also, consider visiting your county election board’s website to view sample ballots before heading to your polling location. Educate yourself on everything that is on the ballot and go vote!
SMALL BUSINESS CELEBRATION CANDIDATES’ SHOWCASE
Join us in the Grand Plaza at Union Station (30 West Pershing Rd.) on Thursday, April 11, and spend the evening exploring the display tables of those small businesses vying for recognition as a 2024 Small Business of the Year award winner. From 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., we invite you to network with decision-makers from several of the region's best and brightest small businesses. General admission costs $10 and includes food, a drink ticket and complimentary parking in the West Yards Garage behind Union Station. Register now! Presenting sponsor for the Candidates’ Showcase is CommunityAmerica Credit Union.
MEMBER STANDUP
KC Chamber members are invited to our Boardroom at Union Station on Thursday, April 25, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. to network with their fellow members. The evening includes Members at the Mic, giving everyone the chance to introduce themselves. This member-focused event helps you connect with new members and the Chamber staff who support our programs and committees. The new business relationships that you have been looking for may just start at the Member Standup. This is a free event, but reservations are required. Learn more and reserve your spot now!
ALLYSHIP IN KC
The KC Chamber's Allyship Series is back for 2024 as we continue our signature fusion of DEIB and Design Thinking with fun, action-focused learning experiences. On Tuesday, May 7, from 9 to 10 a.m. in the KC Chamber Boardroom, our workshop will focus on allyship with the LGBTQIA+ Community. Participants will learn about issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community in Kansas City and explore ways we can be better allies with our LGBTQ+ colleagues in the workplace and beyond. The Allyship in KC Series is presented in partnership with ALLY LAB, and thank you to all our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion sponsors for making this work possible. This is a free learning opportunity, but registration is recommended. Register now!
CHAMBER WELCOMES NEW VP, CIVIC & COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
Our search for the ideal candidate to join the KC Chamber staff as the leader of our Civic and Community Initiatives team has come to an exciting end! Diane Gallagher joins the Chamber staff on April 1 as a personable, growth-oriented leader with deep civic and community connections in Kansas City. Her enthusiastic leadership style, as well as her extensive board and community service background, make her a perfect fit. Diane’s past roles at American Century Investments and J.P. Morgan have given her experience leading and developing teams in sophisticated environments, and her past role on our Chamber Executive Board provides a strong understanding of our work and processes. As a Centurions alum, Diane also brings a unique insight to the program, and her background in foundation management will enhance efforts to grow the Chamber’s foundation. Undoubtedly, she’ll hit the ground running! Please offer her a warm welcome to the KC Chamber team.