Your Chamber at Work - August 30, 2021

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

One of the concerns we heard in our recent COVID survey had to do with whether or not vaccine mandates were legal. That’s one of the questions we’ll answer in tomorrow’s virtual Chamber session on “Increasing Vaccination Rates in Your Workplace.” Two Stinson lawyers, Molly Keppler and Brittany Barrientos, will answer that question – and more. We’ll also have a panel of business leaders – some of whom who have imposed vaccine mandates for their employees – about how they’re handling the COVID vaccination issue in their workplaces. Panelists include Charlie Shields, Truman Medical Centers/University Health, Diane Gallagher, American Century Investments; Deidre Anderson, United Inner City Services; and Steve Gound, Labconco.

I’ll also outline the full results of our survey. (Thanks for taking it, by the way!) The event is free, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. tomorrow. Click here to register.

Meanwhile, I’m pleased to note that the KC Chamber has been certified “Gold” as part of the “COVID Stops Here” campaign, thanks to our employees’ 94 percent vaccination rate.

The campaign – led by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry – recognizes and celebrates those businesses that have achieved widespread vaccination. Any business in the KC area can participate, including those on the Kansas side of the metro.

Your business is eliglble for one of three certification levels: Gold (90 percent vaccinated); Silver (80 percent vaccinated; and bronze (70 percent vaccinated).

Medical experts have told us time and again – including KC’s own Chief Medical Officers just over two weeks ago – that vaccines work and are key to stopping the spread of the dangerous new Delta variant.

I encourage you to share your company’s successful vaccination rates. You can join the campaign here. And for more information and the list of certified companies – including many from Kansas City – click here.

TACO ROYALE & WELCOMING WEEK

Kansas City, KS was named the taco capital of America in March of this year. Celebrate that and support immigrant-owned small businesses by registering for Taco Royale, on Friday, September 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Early bird registration is just $25 and it gets you one taco at each of the 15 participating restaurants along KCK’s Central Avenue. Early bird ends Wednesday, September 1, then it’s $30 a ticket. Register here! This event kicks off Welcoming Week, which runs September 10-19. Thanks to our partners Welcoming KC, the Central Avenue Betterment Association, and Open Belly Podcast.

GO GLOBAL KC 2021

Experts now say the COVID-19 supply chain issues will mean a major shortage for toys this holiday season, as they become harder to find and more expensive. How long will supply chain disruptions last? What products and goods will bounce back sooner than later? Learn more at World Trade Center Kansas City’s premier event, Go Global KC, September 23, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m at Summit Tech Academy, 110 NW Technology Parkway in Lee’s Summit. Early bird tickets are $30, then $50 after September 2. We name the 2021 Economic Development Agency of the Year and the 2021 Service Provider of the Year, plus take part in breakout sessions with World Trade Centers from Canada, Gibraltar, Philippines, Mexico, and more. Thanks to our Presenting Sponsors Global Prep Squad and University of Central Missouri, and our Keynote Presenting Sponsor Black & Veatch Corporation.

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING: MENLO

Join the KC Chamber and friends at Menlo for some late summer networking at 1901 McGee on September 17. Menlo provides technology solutions for schools and civic organizations and they’ve had an incredible growth trajectory since winning the Mr. K Award as the Chamber’s Small Business of the Year in 2016. You’ll want to hear more about it and take a tour of their bright and fun space. The event opens at 8:30 a.m. and concludes at 10:00. It’s free for KC Chamber members, and $15 for non-members. Register here. Menlo and Unbound are Neighborhood Networking event sponsors for 2021. The KC Chamber’s overall networking sponsors for the year are Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Delta Dental, and Mazuma.

2022 KANSAS AND MISSOURI POLICY AGENDAS

What issues or positions do you want to see the KC Chamber address? Chamber members can submit requested policy positions for both Kansas and Missouri by Wednesday, September 22 at 5 p.m. Just email John Jenks at jjenks@kcchamber.com to receive a submission form, then fill out the form and submit it by the September 22 deadline. Staff will work with Public Policy Council advisors, lobbyists, and Chamber leaders to consider all submissions in drafting the 2022 state policy agendas. Both agendas will be sent to the Chamber Board for approval and adaptation at the November or December Board meeting.