Your Chamber at Work - December 18, 2023

Dec 18, 2023

Category:

Newsletters

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

We are in the thick of the holiday season with the end of the year rapidly approaching. Can you believe this is the final Your Chamber at Work of 2023? Where has this year gone? The adage, “Time flies” has never been truer.

If you’re like me, you find that the holiday season inspires a sense of nostalgia that naturally results in taking stock of the past year. As always, my reflections leave me with a sense of gratitude for all who love greater Kansas City as much as I do. I am awestruck by the ongoing commitment to ensuring our region is a wonderful place to work, live and play. In fact, it has become well-known that Kansas Citians dress in KC apparel wherever they go, literally wearing their community pride on their sleeve. This is truly a special place!

One of the best parts about calling Kansas City “home” is that we continue to challenge the status quo and work together to make progress. A few of my favorite accomplishments from 2023 include:

  • The opening of the new terminal at Kansas City International Airport now gives travelers a world-class introduction to the city.
  • The designation of Kansas City as one of 31 U.S. Tech Hubs, bringing federal investment and jobs to our region.
  • The successful hosting of the NFL Draft offered us the opportunity to show that Kansas City is ready for the national – and international – stage.

These are just a few of the things that have increased opportunity for Kansas Citians, giving us a solid foundation for even more to come.

Kansas City’s star is on the rise and next year brings exciting developments like the opening of CPKC Stadium as the home of the KC Current - the first purpose-built stadium in the world for a women’s sports team. The Panasonic plant will begin hiring at the start of the year and Meta’s data center will become operational. We continue to see infrastructure improvements with the Buck O’Neil Bridge as well as advances with public transportation through expanded streetcar lines.

What a thrilling time to be in Kansas City!

As the year slows to its conclusion, the gift of time allows me to reflect on the fact that it is the people of Kansas City who make our community so exceptional. While the list of achievements is impressive, none of it is possible without all of you. This holiday season, I hope you consider with pride all we have achieved together. Then, take a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle to enjoy this magical time of the year. I wish you nothing but happiness and health as you celebrate this festive season.

Happy holidays and I look forward to seeing you in the new year! 

CENTURIONS OFFICE HOURS AND APPLICATION WORKSHOP

The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce's Centurions Leadership Program is a two-year program focused on building community awareness through civic opportunities and on community issues that affect the metropolitan area. Interested professionals from around the region can attend our Office Hours on Tuesday, December 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., hosted by the Recruiting Committee to learn more about the program in a more intimate, small group or one-on-one setting. There is no fee to attend; however, we do ask that attendees RSVP by sending an email to ecarter@kcchamber.com.

Then, mark your calendar for Thursday, January 11, from 2 to 4 p.m., and plan to attend the Centurions Application Workshop. This gives applicants the opportunity to review their application with an active Centurion prior to submission. Again, admission is free. Please RSVP by sending an email to jarquio@kcchamber.com.

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

Register here to give blood with the American Red Crossin the KC Chamber Board Room on the 1st floor of Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO) on Wednesday, January 10! Use the code "KCChamber" to reserve a timeslot between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. that day. All donors between January 1-31 will be entered for a chance to win a trip to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.

SMALL BUSINESS SUPERSTARS

With the new year comes the opportunity to recognize your favorite small business as a superstar! Nominations for the Chamber’s Small Business Superstars open in January, so start thinking about who you want to recognize and be watching for additional information. This is the fourth year for the Chamber’s Small Business Superstar program. These businesses will be given access to exclusive resources such as a digital marketing toolkit, future networking opportunities, and a special window cling announcing the accolade.

Small Business Superstars will also be invited to become Chamber members if they are not currently, allowing them to apply for the 2024 Small Business of the Year or one of the specialty awards that are given at the culmination of our Small Business Celebration.

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORK FOR 2024

Join us for the best business networking event in town – Neighborhood Networking! We have some fantastic hosts for 2024, so get these events on your calendar now. Additional details will be available in the new year, so be watching for more information soon.

  • Friday, January 12, 8:30 to 10 a.m., at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (1616 E. 18th St, Kansas City, MO)
  • Friday, January 26, 8:30 to 10 a.m., at Walz Tetrick Advertising (5201 Johnson Drive, Ste. 500, Mission, KS)