Your Chamber at Work - March 11, 2024

FROM PRESIDENT AND CEO JOE REARDON

If last week’s employment numbers are any sign, many of us are currently seeking the ideal candidate to fill open job positions. And every vacancy offers the opportunity to be intentional in holding the door open for an increasingly diverse pool of candidates who can bring new perspectives and experiences to our organizations as we seek continuous improvement. 

Several years ago, Project LEAD was created to explore ways to improve diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. The hiring process was identified as one of the first places where meaningful change can happen. Inspired by the Mansfield Rule from the legal industry, the program requires participants to confirm their candidate pools are at least 30 percent diverse, including women and underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. 

Currently, businesses from industries including banking, construction, healthcare and higher education are implementing the objectives of Project LEAD, sharing best practices and learning from each other. As a participant, the KC Chamber is using the Project LEAD standards in screening applicants and advancing candidates through our hiring process, realizing notable gains in the diversity of potential future employees. 

With an organizational commitment to inclusive prosperity, I encourage you to learn more about the goals of Project LEAD. Join us in this ongoing effort to implement data-driven approaches in establishing inclusive hiring practices that broaden the pool of diverse candidates. Step by step, the business community in Kansas City can make considerable progress in creating diverse workplace environments that are inclusive of a variety of perspectives that holistically inspire a sense of belonging for all. 

For more information about Project LEAD, please email info@kcchamber.com.

LISTENING SESSIONS FOR JACKSON COUNTY STADIUM SALES TAX MEASURE

Learn more from the Royals and Chiefs about long-term plans to stay in Kansas City as you prepare to cast a ballot on April 2 to decide on the extension of Jackson County’s 3/8-cent sales tax for stadium projects. A series of listening sessions are planned for those registered voters in Jackson County. Dates are outlined below, including in-person and virtual options.  

In-Person | North Club at GEHA Field | Arrowhead Stadium  
Monday, March 18  
2:30-3:45 p.m.  
Register Here 

Virtual ONLY  
Tuesday, March 26  
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (Session 1)  
Register Here 

Virtual ONLY  
Tuesday, March 26  
3:00-4:00 p.m. (Session 2)  
Register Here 

Please register for just one session. For more insight into the April 2 election for the extension of the stadium sales tax, you are also invited to read this guest commentary in The Kansas City Star that was jointly written by the leaders of the KC Chamber, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and Kansas City Sports Commission. 

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING – CREMA

Start your morning at Crema (1815 Central St., Kansas City, MO) on Friday, March 22, from 8:30 to 10 a.m., and learn more about this design and technology consultancy company that was a Top 10 Small Business in 2023. Crema was started in 2009 by George Brooks and Dan Linhart based on the idea of building a company they'd want to work for. This networking opportunity is a wonderful way to connect with area professionals in an innovative space in the heart of downtown Kansas City – so be sure to put it on your calendar. Neighborhood Networking events are free for KC Chamber members and $15 for non-members. Click here to register now. Thanks to the KC Chamber's 2024 Neighborhood Networking Sponsors, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Delta Dental, Southwest Airlines, UMB, and Unbound.