Your Chamber at Work - April 25, 2022

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

It’s been a difficult couple of years for business in general, and for small businesses in particular. That’s why the KC Chamber’s Candidates’ Showcase last week was so impressive. A total of 57 businesses demonstrated their innovation, resiliency, and strength as they showcased their companies. We were especially pleased at the diversity of the businesses represented – 37 percent were minority-owned; 74 percent were women-owned; and 33 percent were women minority-owned businesses. What a great representation of KC area companies!

Congratulations to the three showcase companies voted as Honeywell Fan Favorites: Bliss Books & Wine, More than a Meal, and The Mixing Bowl. Honeywell FM&T President Eric Wollerman made the announcement on Facebook Live earlier today. We’d also like to thank Candidates’ Showcase Presenting Sponsor American Century Investments. 

The Chamber’s annual Small Business Celebration honors the importance of small business. The nearly 27-million small businesses in the U.S. generate about 50 percent of our national GDP. They create jobs, spark innovation, and provide opportunities for women and minorities to achieve financial success and independence.

Ten of the showcased companies will be selected for the Chamber’s Top 10 Small Businesses. (We’ll announce those online this Friday at 8:30 a.m.) And you won’t want to miss the Small Business Awards Luncheon on June 15. Our keynote speaker is Wesley Hamilton, founder of the KC nonprofit Disabled but Not Really (DBNR), working to help those in the disabled community achieve healthier bodies, minds, and lives. Hamilton was shot and paralyzed from the waist down in 2012; he founded DBNR in 2015.

At the luncheon, we’ll honor the Top 10 and announce the winner of the Mr. K Award as the Small Business of the Year. We also present the Legacy of Kansas City Award, Emerging Business of the Year Award, Small Business Equity Award, the Weida Award for the International Small Business of the Year. It’s always a great and inspiring event – hope to see you there!

THE DIVINE NINE AND THE BLUE LINE

The Divine 9 is inviting you to attend the next police chief community listening. They’re partnering with us for The Divine 9 and the Blue Line, Monday May 2, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Delta Athenaeum, 900 E. Linwood. Register here. The Divine 9 is the group of historically African American fraternities and sororities that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Can’t make it? You can still take the survey to share your thoughts on the leadership qualities and priorities that the next Kansas City, Missouri Chief of Police should have. The Chamber is part of a coalition of business, civic, and interfaith groups hosting listening sessions and offering the survey. Results from both surveys and in-person 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: ARTISAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP

They have a reputation for solving the most complex business challenges with innovation, quality, and creativity. Now you can get to know 2021 Top 10 Small Business Artisan Technology Group. Join us Friday May 6, 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Artisan’s KCMO location, 9237 Ward Parkway, Suite 300, for Neighborhood Networking! You’ll connect with your fellow Chamber members for some of the best morning networking in the region. Neighborhood Networking is free for Chamber members, and $15 for non-members. Register here. 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 DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Diverse companies perform well, and equitable companies perform best. genKC will help you dive into diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that have successful outcomes. 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. Hear from DEI thought leaders and learn how local leaders have experienced successes and struggles when it comes to attracting and retaining diverse talent. Retaining a strong workforce is more important than ever, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are key to that success. 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.

ARE YOU A CHAMPION OF DIVERSITY?

The KC Chamber celebrates and honors businesses that make impactful commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We present the Champion of Diversity Award each year at the POWER of Diversity Breakfast. Apply here for the 2022 Champion of Diversity Award or the 2022 Nonprofit Champion of Diversity. Winning businesses are able to demonstrate their organizational practices are inclusive of all people and have a strong focus on diversity in their workplace, diversity supplier partnerships, and in the KC community. Thanks to our Presenting Diversity Sponsors CommunityAmerica Credit Union, Evergy and Hallmark.