Your Chamber at Work - July 19, 2021

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

After months of study and research, the KC Chamber and Civic Council last week released the first three recommendations on police governance and public safety.

The first recommendation is that investigation of police department personnel should be independent of the Kansas City Police Department for all cases of excessive use of force and all complaints brought by the public. In our listening sessions with community leaders, our two organizations found a lack of transparency and trust in the complaint process. A truly independent investigative structure – with investigators not employed by the police department – would help restore confidence.

The second recommendation calls on the city and Board of Police Commissioners (BOPC) to engage in dialogue – rather than litigation – to find common ground regarding the department’s current budget and other contentious issues. Engaging in protracted litigation diverts funds and wastes valuable time and energy that could be better used to shore up police resources and improve processes.

We received some criticism for not taking a position on local control of the department. We are still studying that issue (and others) but are well aware that there’s not much hope currently that the state legislature is willing to take the action necessary to move control of the police department from the Board of Police Commissioners to the city of Kansas City. Therefore, in the short term, our third recommendation is: as vacancies on the BOPC occur (there’s a vacancy now) we encourage the appointment of new members who reflect the racial, ethnic, and geographic diversity of our community.

Our two organizations continue to study the issues and will issue additional recommendations in the future. For a deeper dive into our joint recommendations, click here.

CYBERSECURITY – WHY HAVEN’T WE FIGURED THIS OUT YET?

COVID showed us how important technology is for any business to survive – and thrive. It also showed us the need to keep up with strong and effective cybersecurity. Join the KC Chamber and Accenture Security for Cybersecurity – Why Haven’t We Figured This Out Yet?, Wednesday, July 21, 10 to 11 a.m. This free virtual event features Doug LaGore, Managing Director and Midwest Security Market Lead, Accenture and CJ Cui, Managing Director and Midwest Products and Cloud Security Lead, Accenture as they review what can be done to remain secure across our industries in Kansas City, and focus on where to invest when the priority is cybersecurity. Register here.

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING PATIO SERIES: T-SHOTZ

How’s your swing? You might want to brush up before this Friday’s Neighborhood Networking: Patio Series at T-Shotz in the Northland. Register here and head out to 660 NW Metro Drive Friday, July 23, 8:30 to 10 a.m. You’ll enjoy coffee, a light breakfast, and connection with your fellow Chamber members. It’s free for members and just $15 for non-members. Invite your friends! The KC Chamber's 2021 Neighborhood Networking Sponsors are Menlo and Unbound. The KC Chamber's 2021 overall networking sponsors are Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Delta Dental, and Mazuma.

WHAT OUR NEW NORMAL MEANS FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Mental health will remain a priority for workplaces around the world even when the pandemic ends. Join us for genKC’s What Our New Normal Means for Mental Health, July 22, 4 to 5 p,m. This free virtual event features a group of experts who will discuss and answer questions regarding mental health challenges and struggles to maintain healthy work life balance during and post-pandemic. Find out how employers can support employees and how employees can find resources. Register now and you’ll be able to submit your own questions.

POWER OF DIVERSITY

Celebrate and honor people who are making diversity, equity, and inclusion a priority in KC. Join us for the POWER of Diversity Event livestream, July 28, 8 to 9:30 a.m. We will present Ace Awards to mid-to-senior level diverse managers who are having a positive impact on their company’s profitability and increasing their diversity efforts in the workplace, as well as the Champion of Diversity Award. We also honor our first ever non-profit Champion of Diversity! The keynote speaker is former Chamber Board Chair and current member of the Kansas City Royals ownership group, Karen Daniel. Due to COVID restrictions, this event is already at capacity, however it is open to the public via free livestream. Register here. Special thanks to our Presenting sponsors CommunityAmerica Credit Union, Evergy, and Hallmark.