Your Chamber at Work - August 3, 2020

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

At the KC Chamber’s POWER of Diversity event last week, keynote speaker Missouri U.S. Congressman Emanual Cleaver called this moment in time “The Great Reckoning.” After decades in the Civil Rights movement, Rep. Cleaver said he’d seen nothing like the demonstration he visited at Mill Creek Park, where white people outnumbered Black and brown.

Speaking to the virtual crowd of 1700 people, Cleaver added, “Now the business leaders of Kansas City hopefully understand that change is in the air…You can make a change. Things can improve for all of us and you could be the leaders.”

Following his remarks, a panel of Kansas City leaders talked about the next steps the business community and the Chamber should take. Chamber Vice Chair Mark Garrett of Blue Cross and Blue Shield said that businesses and organizations should find ways to recruit and develop young people of color into their organizations, and make sure to give them the resources and tools necessary for them to be successful.

Maurice Watson of Husch Blackwell said diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) efforts need to extend beyond a company’s diversity office – calling for the commitment of “every single officer, every single Board member.” Wendy Guillies of the Kauffman Foundation called for improving access to capital for Black-owned businesses and asked people to support those local organizations that are helping the next generation of Black entrepreneurs.

As for what the Chamber should do, KCMO Councilwoman Melissa Robinson encouraged the Chamber to address how we incentivize development in Kansas City and how to grow purposefully. Guillies said the Chamber was in a unique position to help small businesses, and should steer those businesses toward necessary resources. Watkins encouraged the Chamber to develop metrics for the business community around economic inclusion and the ways it benefits both individual businesses and the community.

It was a fascinating morning, and the panel was the sixth listening session conducted by the Chamber.

Those sessions have been the most well-attended events we’ve held since the pandemic struck, with 1700 people tuned into the POWER of Diversity event, and 600 or so for each of the previous listening sessions.

If you missed any of those sessions, here’s the link to the full menu. They’ve featured Black entrepreneurs, educators, activists, young people, elected officials, and more discussing what they’re experiences in Greater Kansas City have been as Black men and women; systemic racism and its impact on our community; and the perspectives of the next generation.

It’s been a fascinating journey in listening and understanding. Solutions won’t come from an individual program or one organization. Rather we need a holistic and sustainable approach that impacts our region. I believe the Greater KC business community is open to change as never before. It will be hard work and collaboration is essential.

LEARNING SESSION: BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE FOR EQUITABLE EDUCATION

The necessity for online learning in 2020 has compounded the existing stresses of students, parents, teachers, and administrators. On August 13, you can learn more about the additional struggles for families without reliable internet and technology, and what you can do to help.

Picture this. The local library is closed. But the parking lot is completely full. Why? Because the library has left their WiFi available for families in need to access from the parking lot. Digital equity challenges are more common than you may think. Develop a clearer understanding of the issue at a Learning Session on August 13, hosted by the KC Chamber and Urban Neighborhood Initiative. Sign in at 3 p.m. for this free event and hear educators, teachers, and parents talk about the ongoing needs and who is working to meet them.

Special thanks to Bank Midwest and Husch Blackwell for the firms' support of KC Chamber initiatives to advance inclusion prosperity throughout our region.

GO GLOBAL GOES VIRTUAL!

Go Global KC is the World Trade Center - Kansas City's premier annual event showcasing and promoting Kansas City's global trade economy. Register now for the August 11 event from 3 to 5 p.m. for an update on the Greater Kansas City Regional Export Plan and international trade in Kansas City. You’ll also get the unique opportunity to meet other local international trade professionals and hear from thought leaders on the importance of engaging global markets. This year, we welcome keynote presentations from Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Quinton Lucas and Trade Economist Pete Mento. You’ll also get exclusive access to representatives from other WTC locations across the globe, thanks to virtual breakout rooms. Special thanks to this year’s event sponsor Children’s Mercy.

SMALL BUSINESS CELEBRATION VIRTUAL CANDIDATES’ SHOWCASE

We’re taking the Small Business Celebration online this year. We kick off the run to be 2020 Small Business of the Year with our Candidates’ Showcase. Our candidates will have one minute to virtually pitch their business to the judges, then spend a few minutes answering questions “Shark Tank" style from the anonymous judges. Sign up now to watch all of the candidates over two days, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Wednesday, August 19 and Thursday, August 20.  American Century Investments is the Presenting Sponsor for the 2020 Small Business Celebration Candidates’ Showcase. Thanks to our sponsors for continued support of events even during tough times.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION WORKSHOP SERIES: THE BUSINESS CASE FOR SUPPORTIVE SOCIAL SYSTEMS FOR RESPONSIBLE RE-ENTRY

The COVID-19 pandemic is changing how we think about our workforce. Businesses must think differently when it comes to moving forward. Men and women re-entering society after incarceration can help. Register now for this unique workshop August 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to learn why hiring returning citizens is good for business. The Chamber’s WORC (Workforce Opportunities for Returning Citizens) Initiative and our Diversity & Inclusion Committee welcome Reaching Out From Within and Renaissance Solutions, LLP to teach businesses and community how to help returning citizens become successful – and strengthen a business’s bottom line. Thank you to our 2020 Diversity & Inclusion Presenting Sponsors CommunityAmerica Credit Union, Evergy, Hallmark, and T-Mobile.