Your Chamber at Work - January 29, 2024

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

We know that health and wellness is a vital feature of a thriving and prosperous community. That is one of the reasons why the KC Chamber focuses on programming that helps create a culture of health and wellness throughout the region. In partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Healthy KC is an ongoing initiative that has garnered support from business, medical, philanthropic and community health organizations as we work to bolster mental and physical health in Kansas City.

The Workplace Wellness Certification launched in 2015 to bring people together to recognize and celebrate the companies and organizations that excel in their commitment to improving wellness. This work has evolved and grown to become a meaningful place for leaders to meet, network and learn from each other in discussing emerging health trends and topics.

As our collaborative efforts continue, the Ninth Annual Healthy KC Breakfast and Vendor Expo on March 6 will welcome attendees that value learning from companies on a wealth of topics in an expanded vendor expo focused on “Where’s Wellness?” Guests will discover innovative ideas they can take back to the office for implementation as outstanding examples from each pillar of certification: Personal Health Resources, Psychosocial Work Environment, Enterprise Community Involvement and Work Environment.

Healthy KC is an important initiative. I encourage you to learn more about it and consider attending the Healthy KC Vendor Expo. It is truly an outstanding opportunity for companies to market their services, increase clientele and network with health and wellness decision makers from across the region.

URBAN FINANCIAL SERVICES COALITION 50TH CELEBRATION

This April, Urban Financial Services Coalition will celebrate 50 years of excellence in service to its mission to be the preeminent financial services organization that provides professional development programs, supports educational advancement and promotes economic empowerment for its members and minority communities at large. In a special “Cheers to 50 Years and Beyond” event hosted at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City on April 11-12, attendees will meet industry leaders, grow their professional network and illuminate the path for those who follow after them. President Rapheal Bostic of the Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank will be the keynote speaker among other financial leaders locally and nationally. Learn more about the event by clicking here or you can go ahead and register here.

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING AT NEGRO LEAGUES BASEBALL MUSEUM

One of the gems of Kansas City’s tourist attractions is the next stop on our regional tour of neighborhoods. Step through the doors of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (1616 E. 18th St., Kansas City, MO) and cross the threshold into a bustling era for the historic 18th and Vine district. As the world’s only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of African-American baseball and its impact on the social advancement of America, this is a networking event you do not want to miss. For the love of the game, history and meaningful business conversations, make plans to join us for Neighborhood Network on February 9 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Attendance for Chamber members is free or $15 for non-members. Click here to register now!

FAMILY FRIENDLY WORKPLACES

Join us on Tuesday, February 13, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn (520 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, KS) for an informative session on Family-Friendly Workplaces. This is 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. Gain valuable knowledge and practical tools necessary to ensure compliance, enhance your company's reputation, and create a workplace that values and supports the needs of employees and their families. Learn more and register by clicking here.

DEI CERTIFICATE OF MASTERY & CAPSTONE PROGRAM

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 are invited to take their learning to a new level of mastery with “Strategies for Promoting and Fostering a World-Class Culture of Inclusion”. 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. The inaugural in-person cohort session begins this March and is limited to 30 diverse participants. Come learn more about this first of its kind program at a free informational session on February 7 from 9 to 10 a.m. by registering here. Questions can also be emailed to Greg Valdovino, our Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, at valdovino@kcchamber.com.