Your Chamber at Work - January 9, 2023

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Newsletters

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

The Public Safety Coalition – the 16-member organization of which the KC Chamber is a part – met with Kansas City, Missouri’s new Chief of Police Stacey Graves last Friday. She seems both energized and enthusiastic about her new role.
Chief Graves has already named three new deputy chiefs, one of whom is Latino which pleased the Hispanic members of our coalition.
 
She told us she wants to work with business, city, social services, youth, and especially people who have been living in areas experiencing violent crime repeatedly. She made several references to working with youth who are being exposed to and drawn into violent crime.
 
She said that Doug Niemeier is now over KCPD training and they are trying some new things with de-escalation. She said it used to be their mindset was “make sure we go home safe at night.” Now they are taking the approach of “let’s make sure EVERYONE goes home safe at night.”

She is already planning intentional moderated town hall meetings hosted by KCPD in different areas of the city starting in the spring. But she’s also out meeting with local groups now.

Chief Graves also said the department is lining up patrol division commanders with their respective city council members to connect and build relationships and share information. It’s great to see this kind of collaborative energy.

It was good to hear from her, and our coalition is looking forward to working with her going forward.

SMALL BUSINESS SUPERSTARS

It’s time to give some love to your favorite small businesses. Submit your Small Business Superstars now! This is your chance to share your favorite small businesses to be recognized by the KC Chamber. We’re in the third year of this program that celebrates and recognizes small businesses across the region. Superstars have access to special content, networking opportunities, marketing assets and other resources. Submit now through February 1. Last year we recognized more than 2,000 Superstars. Who knows where 2023 can take us! Use this form to submit multiple Superstars. It’s fast, it’s free, and it's fun to help lift others! Startland News is our media sponsor, EAG Advertising & Marketing is the Superstar Presenting Sponsor, and FastSigns Overland Park and Strang Chef Collective are our Superstar sponsors.

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING: STARTLAND NEWS

If you’ve never felt the energy and excitement of a newsroom environment, you’ve GOT to check out Startland News at the Neighborhood Networking on Friday, January 27. From 8:30 to 10 a.m., you can meet the highly caffeinated team at Startland that provides outstanding coverage of the metro area’s entrepreneurs, startups, creatives, makers, and risk-takers. Here is your chance to show them how much you appreciate their inclusive coverage while they share the love and news of our small business community through journalism and events. Startland is located inside Spark Kansas City, at 1475 Walnut, in Kansas City, MO. This event is free for KC Chamber members and $15 for non-members. Please RSVP. Thanks to our overall networking sponsors Delta Dental, and our 2023 Neighborhood Networking Sponsors Kansas City Current and Unbound.

HEARTLAND EXPORT ACCELERATOR INFORMATION SESSIONS

Learn from international trade experts and increase your global presence with the World Trade Center’s Heartland Export Accelerator. World Trade Center Kansas City is holding two information sessions so you can find out if the program is for you: the virtual session on January 26, 10 to 11 a.m., and an in-person session January 31, 4 to 5 p.m. in the World Trade Center Conference Room, on the second floor in the southwest corner of Union Station. Learn how this program goes deeper to help you diversify existing international sales, become more strategic in global business growth, and how to navigate the market. You’ll engage closely with international trade experts while building a strategic and customized export plan. Registration is required.

WELCOMING KC

In 2019, dozens of partners, organizations, businesses, and local governments came together to create a road map to welcome immigrants, refugees, and newcomers to Greater Kansas City. This year, Welcoming KC will begin the application process to become a nationally recognized Welcoming Community with Welcoming America. Welcoming KC is coming off a solid first year of programming, which included a workforce development series focused on immigrants, an international food tour, supporting and promoting the Kansas City LGBTQ Commission’s first year, and hosting a naturalization ceremony welcoming 250 new citizens. Learn more about Welcoming KC, the welcoming plan, the certification process, and how you can play a role in making KC a welcoming place to call home! For more information, contact Jessica Gall, at jgall@kcchamber.com.