Your Chamber at Work - August 15, 2022

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

Great news for both transportation and workforce in the KC region. Last week, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced two grants for local transportation projects: $5.6-million for the Bistate Sustainable Reinvestment Corridor Project and $5-million for the 71 Highway Reconnecting Neighborhoods Project. Both were strongly supported by the KC Chamber’s Transportation Committee.

Difficulty in getting to work is a challenge for too many in our region. The Bistate Corridor Project is a 24-mile long zero-emission transit route linking Independence, Missouri on the east, and Wyandotte County on the west. We believe this new route is a way to improve connectivity across the region, increasing workforce access and boosting economic development while, at the same time, reducing carbon emissions. Our congratulations to Representatives Emanuel Cleaver and Sharice Davids for their tireless work on making this grant happen.

The 71 Highway Reconnecting Neighborhoods Project will help develop a clearly defined vision for a safe, connected, and equitable plan that will reconnect the bifurcated and disadvantaged neighborhoods on the east side of Kansas City along the US-71 highway corridor.

Also included in the award announcements were two other projects in our region. The City of Independence was awarded over $10 million for a multimodal corridor along Nolan Road and Excelsior Springs will receive $21.5 million for significant street, curb, gutter, storm drainage, sidewalk, and trail enhancements. We thank Representative Sam Graves for his work and support of that project.

The grant dollars are thanks to passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which the KC Chamber vigorously advocated for.

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING: CHIEFS FIT

Visit one of the most unique fitness centers around in our next Neighborhood Networking at Chiefs Fit, 612 W. 47th St on the Country Club Plaza. Join us Friday, August 26 at 8:30 a.m. to network, enjoy coffee and a light breakfast, and get a look at this incredible facility. It features 37,000 square feet of state-of-the-art fitness and recovery equipment. There’s even an indoor turf field, plus a recovery facility that features cryotherapy treatment, hydromassage machines, NormaTec Compression Systems, a sauna, spray tan booths and full-amenity locker rooms. The KC Chamber's 2022 overall networking sponsors are Delta Dental and Mazuma Credit Union. The KC Chamber's 2022 Neighborhood Networking sponsors are Unbound, Bardavon Health Innovations and Kansas City Current.

D&I AUTHOR SERIES: “A GREAT MORAL AND SOCIAL FORCE: AMERICA’S FIRST BLACK BANKS”

Join the KC Chamber for the next event in the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion author series as we focus on the history of Black banks in America. Tim Todd, Executive Writer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, will discuss his new book A Great Moral and Social Force: America’s First Black Banks,” August 23, 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the Chamber Board room, located on the first floor of Union Station. Todd explores what led to the demise of banks in five U.S. cities when they were at the peak of their success. Register now for this free event to attend in person or take part online! This event is in partnership with the Blue Springs and Independence Chambers of Commerce. Our Presenting Diversity Sponsors are CommunityAmerica Credit Union, Evergy and Hallmark. Our Workshop Presenting Sponsor is Commerce Bank.

CHIEFS KICKOFF LUNCHEON

Get your best Chiefs gear ready. The annual Chiefs Kickoff Luncheon is September 1 at the Loews Kansas City Hotel, 1515 Wyandotte. Coach Andy Reid will talk about the upcoming season, and you’ll hear from Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Chris Jones and all your favorites in a conversation moderated by the one and only Mitch Holthus. Tables of 10 are available for $1,250, and individual tickets are $125. Register here. Contact Laura Dryden at dryden@kcchamber.com if you have questions. Thank you to our Kickoff Sponsors Arvest Bank, ECCO Select, Lockton Companies, and Polsinelli.

THE BUSINESS CASE FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Giving back is good for the soul, and good for business. But how do you start – especially if you’re a small business? Join the Chamber for The Business Case for Community Engagement, Wednesday, September 7, 8:30 to 10 a.m. in our Board Room on the first floor of Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Road, next to Pierpont's. Hear from business and civic leaders known for giving back. In a panel moderated by Jen Houston of H&R Block, leaders will share how to find time and resources, how to get employees involved, and how your business’s bottom line and strategy will impact community engagement. Learn more and register here for this free event! This event will be especially helpful for companies interested in applying for Small Business of the Year in 2023.