Your Chamber at Work - January 4, 2021

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

The message may be a few days old, but it’s heartfelt nonetheless: Happy New Year to you and yours.

It’s great to say goodbye to 2020 – such a difficult year for all of us – but we know that we’ll still be facing the same pandemic-inspired challenges for awhile. Vaccines provide us hope, but we’ve got several months ahead of us before life can return to normal. Or whatever the “new normal” will be.

At the Chamber, we’re looking forward to once again meeting face-to-face, though we know that will be awhile. Meanwhile, our virtual events and meetings are continuing, as you’ll see below, with a busy schedule of activities ahead in the new year.

We’re ramping up for the start of legislative sessions in Missouri and Kansas, where we’ll continue to advocate on behalf of Kansas City and our business community. Check out our Kansas and Missouri Public Policy Agendas online to see the priorities we’ll be pushing in Jefferson City and Topeka. COVID recovery is at the top of both lists.

2021 has to be better, right? Let me close with this Irish New Year’s toast (I am Irish, after all): “May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light. May good luck pursue you each morning and night.”

FEDERAL ISSUES LISTENING SESSION

A new president and Congress for 2021 means major change to the political landscape. Join us January 6 for our Federal Issues Listening Session, 9:30 to 11 a.m. You’ll hear the key congressional issues and anticipated legislation for next year. Bring your questions as you hear from some of the country’s top experts to brief KC business and policy leaders on what lies ahead on Capitol Hill. Register here.

CHANGING LIVES, CHANGING WORKFORCE

Join the KC Chamber and other partners for an update on the Lansing Correction Career Campus, Monday January 11, 2 to 3:30 p.m. You’ll hear how the Kansas Department of Corrections is working with business leaders, educators, nonprofits and other organizations from across the State of Kansas to create a Career Campus at Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) to help train future members of the workforce and help them graduate with stackable credentials in high demand industries. Business leaders will learn how returning citizens are an underutilized talent pool, and why meaningful work is good for everyone. Register here.

IT’S YOUR MONEY…KEEP MORE OF IT!

Make saving on everyday work supplies part of your 2021 goals. Your KC Chamber membership means you’re eligible for exclusive savings through the Staples Business Advantage program. It’s an automatic 10% off your order, and free delivery whether it’s to your home or your workplace. Ready to take advantage of this preferred member pricing? Learn more here or email Katie Vivas at vivas@kcchamber.com.

COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE WITH COVID ANTIBODY TESTING

The KC Chamber is pleased to host the upcoming Community Blood Drive, Monday, January 25, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in our Chamber Board Room in the southeast corner of Union Station. The CBC will also be testing all donors for COVID antibodies. The need for blood is at pre-COVID levels but the blood supply is dangerously low. Sign up here and read about the safety precautions the CBC is taking to make sure donors and staff are safe.