Your Chamber at Work - December 5, 2022

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

Here’s a list that Kansas City didn’t make, which is both a good and a bad thing.

The list ranks the ten best and worst cities for long layovers.

Kansas City didn’t land on either end of the list.

The good news: we’ll have a new, single terminal opening in just a few months – a new “front door” for our region. And if someone has a long layover, they’ll be able to get a taste of Kansas City – literally, with KC restaurants, shops, and artwork.

When the Chamber, Kansas City Area Development Council, and Civic Council were campaigning for a new terminal, one of the arguments we made was that we’d see an increase in direct flights as a result. That’s already happening: Sun Country Airlines will be the first new airline to fly in and out of KCI’s new terminal. It’s the 11th scheduled passenger air carrier at KCI. Sun Country direct flights to and from Minneapolis will begin May 29, 2023.

Air Canada has announced it will resume its cancelled flights between KCI and Toronto on June 17, 2023, flying a plane that is 50 percent larger than the previous plane used on the route. And KCI’s biggest carrier, Southwest Airlines, has announced it will add more flights to several routes servicing KCI this spring, including Los Angeles, St. Louis, Atlanta, and San Diego. The airline also plans to add flights between KCI and Pensacola, Orlando, and Las Vegas.

Meanwhile, construction of the new terminal is on time and on budget. Can’t wait for the new terminal to open!!!

ECONOMIC FORECAST

There still time to register for this week’s Economic Forecast Virtual Event, Thursday, December 8, 8 to 9:30 a.m. Mid-America Regional Councils Director of Research Services Frank Lenk brings his skills for a look back at 2022 and a look ahead what 2023 will bring for the economy. He’ll focus on jobs, inflation, supply chain, and more. Chris Kuehl of Armada C.I. will then join Frank to answer your questions submitted in the chat. This event is $10 for Chamber members; $20 for non-members. Register here. Thank you to our 2022 Economic Forecast Sponsors. Our Presenting Sponsor is UMB. Our Cornerstone Sponsor is BMO Harris Bank.

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING: SHOP LOCAL KC

What’s better than local shopping for the holidays? Local shopping with connecting with fellow Chamber members! Save your spot now for this Friday’s Neighborhood Networking at Shop Local KC’s Leawood location, 3510 W. 95th St. Doors open at 8:30. Enjoy hot coffee and a light breakfast while checking out Shop Local KC’s merchandise from more than 300 KC artisans! Free for members and $15 for non-members. Register now and we’ll see you there! 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.

GENKC’S JINGLE MINGLE

Gifts. Networking. Holiday sweaters. It doesn’t get much better than genKC’s Jingle Mingle. Join us Friday, December 14, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Chamber Board Room, located in the Southeast corner of Union Station, to get together with early career professionals. Help genKC support Newhouse, a community catalyst for survivors of domestic violence. The cost of entry for this event is a donation to Newhouse's Holiday Boutique or a $10 gift card to any major retailer within the Greater Kansas City region. While genKC is geared for early career professionals, the Jingle Mingle is open to all. Register now!

KC CHAMBER SOUTHWEST^® BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP

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!