Your Chamber at Work - May 6, 2024

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

For several decades now, the KC Chamber has influenced the leadership landscape in greater Kansas City through our signature leadership development program, Centurions. This two-year program has prepared emerging leaders across the region for various roles as CEOs, judges and nonprofit executives, proving an unparalleled training ground for future leaders who have forged the path of progress in Kansas City. And it is now time to select our newest class of visionary leaders.

Applications for the Centurions Apex 2024 class are now being accepted as we actively recruit a representative group of diverse leaders for the program. Those interested in participating are invited to learn more by attending an information session. An in-person Centurions Information Session is scheduled for Wednesday, May 15, with a virtual Centurions Office Hours planned for Monday, May 20. An Application Workshop will be held on Wednesday, May 22 to answer any final questions before the submission deadline. Scholarships are also available for those who may need financial assistance, including the Alumni Legacy Scholarship that covers the full cost of tuition and Benchmarking trip fees for a diverse professional working to create equity within diverse communities.

Spend some time today learning more about Centurions and the Apex 2024 class. Then, take the next step in your leadership development journey by completing your application by June 1.

SECOND-CHANCE HIRING SURVEY

The KC Chamber has long advocated for second-chance hiring as a workforce solution. To show support for the Second Chance Risk Reduction Center and the re-entry work of the KC360 public safety model, we would like to get feedback from businesses and nonprofits through a brief survey. The submission deadline is Wednesday, May 15. Thank you for providing your input!

MISSOURI LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP LUNCHEON

Join us on Wednesday, May 22, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the American (200 E. 25th St, Suite 400, KCMO) for the Missouri Legislative Wrap-Up Luncheon. Our featured speakers include Senate President Caleb Rowden and Speaker of the House Dean Plocher who will share perspectives and punditry on the 2024 session and thoughts about what lies ahead. Lunch is complimentary for Public Policy Council investors and $65 for KC Chamber members. Register now for this inside review of the Missouri legislative session.

EMPLOYER SURVEY FOR REGIONAL EARLY LEARNING SYSTEM

The Early Learning Department at MARC along with the Civic Council, KC Chamber, Kids Win Missouri, Kansas Action for Children, and leaders from numerous other local entities are currently planning to improve our regional early learning system. As a part of the planning process, they need to hear from employers. Please share your experiences with hiring, retention, and managing employees as you navigate childcare in this Employer Experiences with Employee’s Child Care Access survey that closes on Friday, May 24.

Your input will help these groups collaborate on and advocate for improved access to resources to support quality childcare in our community. The survey takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete and is available in English and Spanish. To thank you for completing this survey, you will be entered into a raffle to win a $25 Walmart gift card.

MISSOURI CHAMBER MANUFACTURING ROUNDTABLE

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry has engaged the national economic development consulting firm Economic Leadership to develop a report on Missouri’s manufacturing sector and prepare a strategic plan to increase the state’s manufacturing competitiveness. The report, Making Missouri a Manufacturing Powerhouse, will provide a roadmap for policy change needed to bolster all sectors of Missouri’s manufacturing.

Join us for a Manufacturing Powerhouse Roundtable on Friday, May 31, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., at JE Dunn Construction Company (1001 Locust St., KCMO), where we will discuss preliminary polling, research, and policy recommendations, and most importantly, learn where Missouri’s leading manufacturers want us to take action. Ted Abernathy, principal at Economic Leadership, will facilitate the interactive meeting. There is no cost to attend; however, registration is requested by clicking here.