Your Chamber at Work - May 4, 2020

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

With the various stay-at-home orders being lifted today and through the coming week, our primary concern is that our member businesses open safely. That’s why we’ve prepared The Safe Return KC Guide to help you through that process.

The guide is thorough, and is a collaboration between the KC Chamber, Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, Kansas City Area Development Council, and Mid-America Regional Council. We’ve received a lot of thanks and kudos for the guide, including this from The Kansas City Star: “The Safe Return KC guide is such a must-read that we’re not sure an owner should open a nonessential business without poring over it.”

Kind words, and we appreciate it.

In addition to the guide, the KC Chamber has opened a help desk for those of you with questions about reopening. Call or email us at any time between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and we’ll get you the answers you need. The Help Desk phone number is 816-374-5440; the email address is helpdesk@kcchamber.com.

In the meantime, the team that compiled the guide will be meeting this week to update the plan – in part, based on the questions we’ve received from you. Look for that update in the coming week or so.

These are strange times and the virus is still with us. Let’s all stay safe.

PUBLIC POLICY SPEAKER SERIES: CORONAVIRUS AND THE 2020 CAMPAIGN

Our Public Policy Speaker Series returns with Neil Newhouse, co-founder of Public Opinion Strategies. He’ll present Coronavirus and the 2020 Campaign on Wednesday, May 6, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Neil will give his view of critical races six months out – including the presidential election and key congressional races. He’ll also present multiple scenarios reviewing the potential impact of each. Register here. Neil is a former pollster for Senators Mitt Romney and John McCain’s presidential campaigns and dozens of other campaigns across the country.

DEVELOPING THE FUTURE WORKFORCE THROUGH REAL WORLD LEARNING

As a Chamber member, your input is invaluable because you understand the workforce needs in your industry better than anyone else. Join us Wednesday, May 6 from 10 to 11 a.m., to get a better idea of what Real World Learning is, how your business can get involved, and how you can directly connect with students. The goal is to empower students with one or more “Market Value Assets” that show they’re ready to work and learn after graduation. They’ll have employer-recognized skillsets and a network of business contacts to help their transition from classroom to career. Register now to be part of this exciting opportunity as we rethink education to build the workforce of tomorrow.

VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING

Stay connected virtually as we all get through the COVID-19 crisis together. Join us for our next Member Standup, Friday May 8 from 9 to 10 a.m. You’ll get a chance to connect with your fellow Chamber members as you get time to share your story, while listening to others. Just because we can’t get together in person doesn’t mean we can’t take advantage of technology. Register now. We’ll see you this Friday. The KC Chamber's 2020 networking sponsors are Mazuma, SS&C, and Sprint.

DOING BUSINESS WITH CANADA

Two-way trade between the US and Canada totaled more than $725 billion in 2018. While the COVID-19 crisis will no doubt impact the latest numbers, trade with Canada is expected to remain an attractive option in the future thanks to its geographic proximity, similar lifestyle, and favorable business climate. Register here for Doing Business with Canada on May 13 from 8:30 to 10 a.m., then stick around for Virtual Office Hours. This webinar is intended for companies interested in selling their products or services in Canada, those interested in sourcing materials or goods from Canada, and those currently doing business with Canada who are looking to expand or are seeking assistance with current operations.