Your Chamber at Work - February 12, 2024

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

In the words of the best coach in the NFL, Andy Reid: “How about those Chiefs!” My heart rate has finally returned to normal after another nail-biting win that earned the home team back-to-back Super Bowl championships. As usual, this was a come-from-behind win that required the team to overcome mistakes and rely on the strength of the team to achieve victory. Congratulations to the Hunt family, the entire Chiefs organization, and the players for another thrilling season.

We now get to celebrate this exciting win with a parade, witnessing a sea of red as Chiefs Kingdom unites to cheer the achievement of a shared vision. The focus may center on realizing the pinnacle of sporting excellence, but it is worth noting the common characteristics that create a greater sense of community. We rally around this team as it mirrors some of what Kansas Citians pride themselves on – patience, perseverance and enthusiastic belief in our collective strength to defy our underdog, “small market” status. You can never count Kansas City out!

Without a doubt, Kansas City is seizing on this big moment and building on the momentum as we look to the future. Whether it is watching the beauty of our downtown skyline on TV or reading news stories featuring the innovation of our small businesses, it is inspiring to watch our city shine. In celebrating the success of the Chiefs, we are also honoring a community that attains greatness when coming together to achieve its goals. Let’s keep it coming!

SMALL BUSINESS CELEBRATION AWARDS APPLICATIONS

Our Small Business Celebration is in full swing, and applications are now open for the following awards:

• Mr. K Small Business of the Year
• Emerging Business Award 
• Small Business Equity Award
• Weida Award for International Small Business of the Year
• Legacy of Kansas City Award
• The Luminary Arts & Creative Small Business Award

For those who have questions about applying, a virtual Small Business Application Workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, March 5, from 9 to 10 a.m. Bring you questions and join us for an inside look at the application with a panel of past winners, Top 10 recipients and judges. This will give you the scoop on best practices for filling out your application, so register here!

Also, be watching for additional information on the new Luminary Arts & Creative Small Business Award for artist-founded and/or artist-run businesses that produce original work and products and who maintain individual ownership of its intellectual property. Developed with guidance from regional arts leaders, this award will celebrate the vibrancy and entrepreneurial ambitions in our regional for-profit arts and culture sector.

DOING BUSINESS WITH MALAYSIA

Join us at the World Trade Center – KC on the second floor of Union Station to learn more about what opportunities exist for successfully doing business with the Malaysian market. This event on Tuesday, February 27, from 9 to 10 a.m., will showcase insights into business opportunities, industry overviews, and best practices for innovative Kansas City companies and start-ups aspiring to succeed in the Malaysian market. Our panelists will cover the collaborative initiatives fostering international business growth, including Malaysia's investment and support programs, with time for questions and discussion. Register here!

AUTHENTICO DEI CERTIFICATE OF MASTERY & CAPSTONE REGISTRATION

Approximately 50 people attended the information session to learn more about an exciting new learning experience for Kansas City area professionals seeking deeper learning on DEI topics. Registration is now open for the inaugural in-person cohort session that will begin in March, and is open to DEI professionals, Human Resources leaders and other industry managers and executives looking to discover real solutions to building inclusive organizational environments that inspire cultures of belonging. This 16-month program is led by Dr. Andrea Hendricks, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at Authentico, and Dr. Shirley Davis, President of SDS Global Enterprises, who are global thought leaders in diversity, equity and inclusion.

Cohort size is limited to 30 people, creating an excellent interactive learning environment intent on bringing diverse participants together to discuss varying perspectives that inspire a broader understanding of the world around us. To indicate interest and reserve your spot in the program, please email Greg Valdovino, our Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, at valdovino@kcchamber.com.

HEALTHY KC VENDOR EXPO

The KC Chamber will launch its 2024 Wellness Certification while guests discover “Where’s Wellness” at the Ninth Annual Health KC Breakfast and Vendor Expo on March 6! Attendees will spend the morning learning creative ideas they can implement at work. These outstanding examples come from each pillar of Workplace Wellness Certification: Personal Health Resources, Psychosocial Work Environment, Enterprise Community Involvement and Work Environment. The vendor expo will be open before and after the program for additional networking opportunities. Find more details and register here!