Your Chamber at Work - June 7, 2021

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Newsletters

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

Today marks the opening (in my opinion) of one of Union Station’s most important exhibitions: “Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away.” It’s a collection of more than 700 original objects and 400 photographs, the most comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the history of Auschwitz and its role in the Holocaust ever presented in North America.

The KC Chamber’s offices are in Union Station, and I’ve been delivered a visceral punch in the gut as reminders of the exhibit – the replica of the freight train car used to carry Jews to the ghettos and extermination camps in Poland and the four concrete posts from Auschwitz itself – have been placed on the station’s grounds.

The title of the exhibit reminds us that the evil perpetuated at Auschwitz is indeed not that long ago and not that far away. Antisemitism is still very much with us. Incidents of anti-Jewish vandalism, harassment, and assault were at an all-time high in 2020, and officials have reported a stark increase in such incidents during the recent Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In Kansas City, we have only to look to the 2014 murders outside of the Jewish Community Center and the Village Shalom retirement home. Not long ago…and right here at home.

The evil and hatred that led to Auschwitz and the Holocaust is still with us and must be eradicated. As dedicated Kansas Citians, we all must speak out against anti-Semitism specifically and all hate in general.

The Auschwitz exhibit is not to be missed. To reserve your tickets, click here.

ATHENA AND ATHENA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD NOMINATIONS

From now through June 30, submit your nominations for the ATHENA and ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Awards. The ATHENA Award honors a person who has achieved the highest level of professional excellence, devoted time and energy to the community, and, especially, opened the doors of leadership opportunity to women. The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award is presented to emerging women leaders in the metro area, across professional sectors, for exemplary leadership. Recipients will be selected in August, and awards will be presented in October. Nominate here. Presenting sponsors of the KC Chamber’s women’s leadership programming are Bank Midwest and KPMG.

DIVERSE VOICES MATTER: WOMEN ON BOARDS OF DIRECTORS VIRTUAL EVENT

There’s still time to join us for Diverse Voices Matter: Women on Boards of Directors, June 9, 2 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. Nearly one in 10 boards still have no women leadership, and of the largest 3,000 publicly traded companies, only one in five board members are women. Gender diversity on boards brings diverse perspectives, broadens the talent level, and makes a business stronger. Hear from some of KC’s most successful women as they share how to strengthen your board. Participants include Karen Daniel, Member of the Kansas City Royals Ownership Group, 2020 ATHENA Award Recipient and retired Black & Veatch CFO; Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of United WE; Luann Feehan, President & CEO of Nonprofit Connect; and Nicole Jacobs-Silvey, President & Founder of Connection Coach KC. Register now. Special thanks to our Women’s Leadership Presenting Sponsors Bank Midwest and KPMG.

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING PATIO SERIES: HOTEL KANSAS CITY

After more than a year, we invite you to enjoy Neighborhood Networking with us face to face! Our upcoming Neighborhood Networking Patio Series installment takes place at the gorgeous Hotel Kansas City, Friday, June 18, 8:30 to 10 a.m. Register here. This in-person event is free for Chamber members and just $15 for non-members. Bring your colleagues and friends as you enjoy coffee and reconnect at one of KC’s most popular new hotels. Thanks to our 2021 overall networking sponsors Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Delta Dental, and Mazuma, and our 2021 Neighborhood Networking Sponsors Menlo and Unbound.

VIRTUAL DIVERSITY & INCLUSION WORKSHOP: OVERCOMING UNCONSCIOUS BIAS

Recognizing, overcoming, and learning to avoid implicit biases in business interactions is essential to creating a strong and diverse workforce. Join the KC Chamber and our partners from the Blue Springs Chamber, Grandview Chamber, Liberty Chamber, Mid-America Gay and Lesbian Chamber, and South KC Chamber as we present the latest in our diversity and inclusion workshop series: Overcoming Unconscious Bias, June 22, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register here for this free workshop. Implicit bias counselor Henry E. Lyons will teach the four steps people and businesses should take to manage implicit bias. Thank you to our 2021 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Sponsors. Our Diversity & Inclusion Workshop Series Presenting Sponsor is Commerce Bank. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Presenting Sponsors are CommunityAmerica Credit Union, Evergy and Hallmark.