Your Chamber at Work - December 19, 2022

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

Well, the search is over. Kansas City, Missouri’s new Chief of Police is Stacey Graves, a 25-year veteran of the KCMO Police Department and the first woman in its history to permanently hold the position. She was selected in a closed meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners last Thursday.

As you probably know, the KC Chamber is one of 16 business, civic, and faith groups that make up what we call the Public Safety Coalition. Here’s the statement our group issued following Chief Graves’ selection:

“While we have been critical of the Board of Police Commissioner’s process of selecting a new chief of police, the Public Safety Coalition congratulates Stacy Graves on her selection as Kansas City, Missouri’s new Chief of Police. Graves attended several of the Community Listening Sessions to hear from the public on the qualities and priorities they wanted to see in a new chief and met with our Coalition to discuss our shared hopes for public safety. We appreciate the fact that she referenced our Coalition report several times in her appearance at the police board community engagement session, and the fact that her statements to date reflect many of the points made in that report – a focus on combating the city’s violence, open communication, and a determination to have a department that is inclusive and embraces diversity."

“Our 16 organizations pledge to work with the new Chief to accomplish the goals the community told us they want in a new Chief, including ending the violence plaguing our city, community engagement, accountability, and transparency.”

SMALL BUSINESS SUPERSTARS ARE COMING!

From your favorite coffee shop to the mechanic you can’t stop recommending to the marketing agency that gets you clients, it’s time to celebrate the Small Business Superstars in KC! The Chamber’s Small Business Superstar submissions open the week of January 3. This is the third year for this fast-growing program that recognizes and honors YOUR favorite small businesses and serves as the kickoff to the KC Chamber’s Small Business Celebration. Last year we recognized more than 2,000 of KC’s favorite small businesses. Who knows what 2023 will bring? Get your list of Superstars together and keep an eye on your inbox when the submission link goes live!

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING: PARRISH AND SONS CONSTRUCTION

See what’s happening with a two-time Top 10 Small Business and one of KC’s fastest growing Black-owned and woman-owned construction firms – join us at Neighborhood Networking at Parrish & Sons Construction, Friday, January 13 at their South KC headquarters: 800 E. 101st Terrace. Parrish & Sons is literally leaving an impression across KC as they work on high profile projects like the new single airport terminal, the KC Streetcar extension, Avila University, and more. It’s a great way to start 2023 with great networking and renewed connections with Chamber members. Neighborhood Networking is free for KC Chamber and $15 for non-members. Thanks to our overall networking sponsors  Delta Dental and Mazuma Credit Union, and our 2022 Neighborhood Networking sponsors Unbound, Bardavon Health Innovations and Kansas City Current.

CENTURIONS APPLICATION WORKSHOP

It’s KC’s oldest and premier leadership program: Centurions. Now that you’re ready to apply for the Centurions Leadership Program, make sure you ace your application. Register for the Application Workshop, January 11, 3 to 6 p.m. in the KC Chamber Board Room on the first floor of Union Station. Candidates can meet with an active Centurion to review responses, get a better sense of the process, and ask any remaining questions. This workshop is free, but reserve your spot in advance!

KC CHAMBER SOUTHWEST^® BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP

How about starting off the new year by getting the most out of your business travel? The KC Chamber and Southwest^® Business are partnering to offer you exclusive travel discounts through Rapid Rewards^® Business. You can earn free flights for your team, get the most out of your business travel, and enjoy even more Southwest^® perks. It’s not just about the points. This partnership gives you access to the Southwest Business self-service account management tool, Southwest Business Assist™, and unlocks additional benefits when you book travel for groups of 25 or more. And of course, you enjoy the great Southwest travel amenities you already love. Whether you have 5 employees or 105, Southwest Business has a plan for every type of business. Connect with Southwest Business today!