Your Chamber at Work - February 22, 2021

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

I’ll be one of the more than 300 people online for tomorrow’s Chamber seminar on the Underground Railroad, and I’m really excited about it. The story of the Underground Railroad is an inspiring one, showing how people of good conscience came together to work for the freedom of enslaved peoples. The webinar is scheduled from 11:30 am to 1 pm and it’s free. Click here to register.

This is the first in a year-long series of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion workshops we have planned, and follows sessions on “Cultivating a Diverse Workforce” and “Implicit Bias in the Workplace,” held this past December.

On the subject of implicit bias, here’s the link to a video we shared at our all-staff meeting this morning at the Chamber. It’s well worth viewing.

We’ll be sharing such “diversity moments” twice a month at our full staff meetings, as our Chamber implements an internal diversity plan created by a staff committee. We know if we’re going to “talk the talk” we also need to “walk the walk.”

SMALL BUSINESS SUPERSTARS

We’re kicking off the Small Business Celebration with a twist: we know it’s been a really tough year and we want to recognize as many small businesses as possible. So tell us your favorites! Submit your Small Business Superstars here, before Friday, February 26, and we’ll recognize your favorites as a #SmallBizSuperstar and provide them with physical and digital swag that they can use to show off their small business strength and pride. Hurry, there are only a few days left for submissions!

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING: MINORITY-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS PANEL

Register now for our upcoming virtual Neighborhood Networking this Friday, February 26, 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. as we welcome Thalia Cherry, President/CEO of Cherry Co.; Patricia McCreary, President of Margaret’s Place; Michael Thurman, Owner of Conspicuous Barber. All three will share how they’ve navigated business during a global pandemic, what led them to start their businesses, how they’ve shown resilience during challenges, and how they celebrate successes. Bring a full cup of coffee, your questions, and your energy for opportunity to connect with your fellow Chamber members. Thanks to our 2021 Neighborhood Networking Sponsors, Menlo, and Unbound. The KC Chamber's 2021 overall networking sponsors are Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Delta Dental, and Mazuma.

COVID-19, TECHNOLOGY, AND THE FUTURE OF WORK

Be honest: how familiar were you with Zoom or even Teams 13 months ago? Most people hadn’t used them, or if they did, it wasn’t often. Now they are requirements for most workplaces to keep moving forward. The pandemic accelerated technology trends that were already in place. The question now is exactly how has technology changed the trajectory of work? Join the KC Chamber and the International Relations Council Wednesday, March 3, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for COVID-19, Technology, and the Future of Work. Hear local experts share insights and forecasts on this evolving ecosystem. Register here for free.

HEALTHY KC ANNUAL EVENT & VENDOR EXPO

Join us for the virtual sixth annual Healthy KC Annual Event & Vendor Event, March 31, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., focusing on strength and resilience. We welcome KSHB-TV anchor Cynthia Newsome as our keynote speaker. She’ll share her own resilience in her ongoing battle with breast cancer, and how she’s using her gifts to help young women across Greater Kansas City. Attendees will also learn about mental health resources and connect with businesses and organizations in our virtual expo. Register now Thanks to our Overall Presenting Sponsor Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City and our Premier Sponsor Lockton.