Your Chamber at Work - March 29, 2021

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

It’s hard to wrap your mind around the $1.9-trillion stimulus plan signed into law by President Joe Biden earlier this month. So I thought it might be helpful to share with you an outline of the bill and what it contains put together by the Chamber’s Public Policy staff. Here’s the link.

Stimulus checks are already hitting the bank accounts and mailboxes of individuals throughout our area and across the country which will be of great benefit. Other important measures include resources to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, expansion of the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit, funds for transportation and Infrastructure, expansion of unemployment insurance, and aid to our beleaguered cities and states.

Congress has just passed an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that would extend the program’s application deadline through May 31. That bill is awaiting the President’s signature.

On April 8, the Small Business Administration will start accepting applications for its Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, and is targeting early April to roll out its Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

The Chamber, along with the Civic Council and the Northland and Overland Park Chamber, has been working with our federal officials since last fall urging inclusion of a number of funding efforts included in the final bill. And we’re working now to put together priorities for use of anticipated infrastructure funding, working with governors, commerce departments, and city and county leaders on priorities for the region. The question over the next several months: how do we put these monies to best use and get our regional economy up and running.

Stay tuned!

HEALTHY KC EVENT & VIRTUAL VENDOR EXPO

There’s still time to register for this week’s Healthy KC annual event, March 31, 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.  We welcome KSHB-TV anchor Cynthia Newsome as our keynote speaker as she shares her own experience of strength and resilience in her ongoing battle with breast cancer, and how she’s using her gifts to help young women across Greater Kansas City. Attendees will also learn about mental health resources and connect with businesses and organizations in our virtual expo. Register now. Thanks to our Overall Presenting Sponsor Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City and our Premier Sponsor Lockton.

SMALL BUSINESS CELEBRATION APPLICATION WORKSHOP

Reserve your spot and learn how to put together a great Small Business Celebration Application, at our virtual Application Workshop Wednesday, April 14, 2-3 p.m. You’ll learn the ins and outs of the 2021 application and hear from past winners, Top 10 business owners, and judges. Bring your questions for this informative and vital session before you complete your Small Business Application. There have been several changes to the application this year that you will want to know about. Thanks to our Presenting Sponsors Evergy, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, our CEO Sponsor Honeywell, and our Media Sponsor Startland News.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION WORKSHOP: CULTIVATING A DIVERSE WORKFORCE

Register now for Cultivating a Diverse Workforce, April 27, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Join Nicole Jacobs-Silvey, President and Founder of Connection Coach KC, as she discusses attracting leaders of color, identifies how to create a pipeline of candidates, and explores the strategies for creating a culture of belonging that is rooted in both equity and inclusion. This is the latest in our 2021 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion series. Our Diversity & Inclusion Workshop Series Presenting Sponsor is Commerce Bank. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Presenting Sponsors are CommunityAmerica Credit Union, Evergy and Hallmark.

WORLD TRADE CENTERS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

KC Chamber members are invited to attend the virtual World Trade Center Association’s General Assembly Week, April 26 to April 30, for free. All WTC-affiliated members will have complimentary access to the entire event. Make new connections across all time zones as attendees focus on this year’s theme: the Power of Community. You’ll have access to B2B networking via Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered matchmaking, using an algorithm to effectively connect all attendees to business prospects around the world, an exclusive attendee roster of leaders of business, government, and international organizations from more than 320 World Trade Centers across nearly 100 countries, and more. You can also connect with World Trade Centers in domestic markets! To view the WTCA GA agenda, learn more about AI-powered matchmaking and to register, visit: https://events.bizzabo.com/WTCAGA2021. When registering please make sure to select the WTC Network Delegate option and indicate you are affiliated with World Trade Center- Kansas City.