Your Chamber at Work - April 18, 2022

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Newsletters

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

He moved to a segregated Kansas City from Arkansas in 1933. When he grew up, he joined the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department becoming one of only a handful of African American police officers. About 50 years later, he was appointed by the governor to the Board of Police Commissioners, serving as president for two years of the board that oversees the department he’d joined so many years before.

In 1968, following the riots over the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, he established the City of Kansas City, Missouri’s Human Relations Department and was eventually promoted to Assistant City Manager.

He was elected twice to the City Council, representing the sixth district and serving as mayor-pro-tem. He also served on the board of the Hickman Mills School District. But he’s probably best known for – in 1977 - founding the Ad Hoc Group Against Crime – supporting those who have been impacted by violence and promoting healing and justice. He was named the KC Chamber’s Kansas Citian of the Year in 2019.

“He” is Alvin Brooks and he’s chronicled his 89 years of life in the book Binding Us Together. Please join the Chamber on April 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. when Mr. Brooks will share a lifetime of stories that are heartfelt, tragic, sometimes funny, and revealing.

He is undoubtedly a Kansas City treasure. To register for this very special event, please click here.

SMALL BUSINESS CELEBRATION CANDIDATES’ SHOWCASE

Join us in person for the Small Business Celebration Candidates’ Showcase, this Thursday, 5 to 7 p.m. in Union Station’s Grand Plaza. More than 60 businesses will be there to show off who they are and what they do as they compete to be named Small Business of the Year. This event is open to everyone, just $10 for admission which includes appetizers, drink tickets, and complimentary parking in the Union Station West Yards garage. Get your tickets now! Thank you to American Century Investments for once again being Candidates' Showcase Presenting Sponsor.

2022 Small Business Programming is presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City and Evergy. Our CEO Sponsor is Honeywell. Our Candidates’ Showcase Presenting Sponsor is American Century Investments. Our Top 10 Announcement Presenting Sponsor is UMB Bank. Our Top 10 Reception Presenting Sponsor is Bank Midwest. Our Awards Luncheon Presenting Sponsor is Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Our Executive Sponsor is CommunityAmerica Credit Union. Our Partner Sponsor is H&R Block. Our Associate Sponsors are Arvest BankCountry Club BankEnterprise Bank & TrustMazuma Credit UnionMenlo and US Bank.

TAKE THE COMMUNITY SURVEY FOR THE NEXT KCMO POLICE CHIEF

We need your opinion. Take the survey to share your thoughts on the qualities and priorities the next Kansas City, Missouri Chief of Police should have. This survey is a component part of the Community Listening Sessions we’ve been holding as part of a coalition of 16 business, civic, and interfaith groups. A safe city is a city that is good for business. In order the get the best Chief of Police for Kansas City, the community’s voice is vital. Results from the survey and our Community Listening Sessions will be put into a report we’re preparing for the Board of Police Commissioners. Please let us know what you think.

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING: FLASHCUBE APARTMENTS AND PLEXPOD

Visit one of KC’s coolest coworking spaces – complete with luxury apartments -- at our next Neighborhood Networking in Downtown Kansas City. Experience the Plexpod Flashcube space at our next Neighborhood Networking, this Friday, April 22, 8:30 to 10 a.m. at 720 Main St. The Flashcube Apartments are right on the KC Streetcar line between the Library stop and the City Market. Chamber members can register now for free; it’s $15 for non-members. Our 2022 Neighborhood Networking sponsors are Unbound, Bardavon Health Innovations and Kansas City Current. The KC Chamber's 2022 overall networking sponsors are Delta Dental and Mazuma Credit Union.

GENKC'S STRENGTH IN DIFFERENCES: A ROUNDTABLE EVENT WITH KC LEADERS ON DEI

Retaining a strong workforce is more important than ever, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are key to that success. Register now for genKC’s Strength in Differences: A Roundtable Event with KC Leaders on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, May 12, 4 to 6 p.m. at Polsinelli, 900 W. 48 Pl, Kansas City, Mo. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Hear from DEI thought leaders and learn how local leaders have experienced successes and struggles when it comes to attracting and retaining diverse talent. Space is limited so register now to reserve your seat. For even more discussion, stay after the event for appetizers and drinks. Thank you to our genKC Title Sponsor JE Dunn Construction and our Professional Development Series Sponsors Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP and H&R Block.