Your Chamber at Work - January 16, 2024

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

Supporting inclusive work environments that honor diverse perspectives and foster economic growth, workforce development and innovative business practices throughout the region has long been a priority of the KC Chamber. We know that a thriving community that is supportive of all its residents is more than good business – it is an essential factor to sustaining Kansas City as a prospering place where people want to live.

As such, I’m excited to announce that the Chamber is partnering with Authentico, a national full-service, multicultural marketing agency with a diversity, equity and inclusion practice, to promote its DEI Certificate of Mastery & Capstone Program. “Strategies for Promoting and Fostering a World-Class Culture of Inclusion” is a 16-month program 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.

The inaugural in-person cohort session 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. 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.

For those looking to better navigate DEI conversations, I invite you to learn more about the program and register for the information session on our calendar. I also strongly encourage you to reach out to Greg Valdovino, our Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, to discuss this partnership and the benefits of the program in detail. The goal of the program is to bring people of different backgrounds together for meaningful learning, so consider joining us in the conversation!

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING AT WALZ TETRICK ADVERTISING

The business community understands the importance of evolving to stay ahead of the competition, so Walz Tetrick Advertising (5201 Johnson Dr. Ste. 500, Mission, KS) is the perfect host to highlight how strategic growth results in improved outcomes for customers and clients. Join us for Neighborhood Network on January 26 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. for productive conversations that help your company! You’ll also hear from Walz Tetrick about their efforts to continue delivering powerful integrated marketing solutions that position their clients for ongoing success. Attendance for Chamber members is free or $15 for non-members. Click here to register now!

THE GREAT RESET: 2024 EMERGING TRENDS IN REAL ESTATE

If you work in the real estate industry, or you don’t but want to learn more about how it is changing and growing, make plans to attend The Great Reset: 2024 Emerging Trends in Real Estate on Thursday, February 1, from 2 to 6 p.m., in the KC Chamber Board Room. Steven Weisenburger, Director of Real Estate Business Advisory Services at PWC, will provide an overview of the Emerging Trends in Real Estate® United States and Canada 2024 report, featuring insights from leaders across the real estate sector, including investors, fund managers, developers, property companies, lenders, brokers, advisors and consultants. This year's report emphasizes that adaptability, technology, and environmental resilience are key to the evolving landscape of real estate. Local and regional panels will discuss how Kansas City’s markets will respond. Admission for KC Chamber members is $65 or $90 for non-members. Learn more here and email gdolan@kcchamber.com to register.

ALLYSHIP IN KANSAS CITY

Improving allyship within specific communities will be the focus of The Allyship in Kansas City series as it continues in 2024. In keeping with Black History Month, the first workshop will be held on February 6 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the Chamber Board Room (30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO) and will feature topics related to the perspectives of Kansas City’s Black community. Participants will hear about and actively explore how we can be better allies with our Black colleagues in the workplace, and how we can support and help grow Black-led businesses in our community. The event is free to attend, so register now to take part in this highly engaging series!

FAMILY FRIENDLY WORKPLACES

The Women’s Chamber Network of the Kansas City Kansas Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, presents "Family Friendly Workplaces" – an essential session for HR professionals, business owners, managers, legal counsel, and anyone interested in creating a more inclusive and family-oriented workplace.

Recent legislative developments such as the PUMP Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act have raised questions about compliance and best practices among businesses. This free event on February 13 from 3 to 4:40 p.m. aims to supply practical solutions and insights into these groundbreaking workers' rights laws and other "Family Forward Workplace" policies. Click here to register now!