Your Chamber at Work - November 12, 2019

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

Data = Understanding.

To quote the former Chair of Hewlett-Packard, Carly Fiorina, “The goal is to turn data into information and information into insight.”

That’s the purpose of the Chamber’s new Greater KC Report, an online database designed to show how our region scores on the many issues we care about: regional vitality, crime and violence, workforce strength, health outcomes, and more. I invite you to scroll through our findings. You may be surprised. You’ll certainly be better informed.

Did you know, for example, that KC outranks St. Louis in per capita GDP? Or that the Kansas side of the KC metro produces nearly 41 percent of Kansas GDP, while the Missouri side produces nearly 23 percent of Missouri’s GDP. (Our region is an economic engine for both states.)

The Greater KC Report also shows that, as a region, we’re lagging behind many of our peer cities in a number of areas. That’s the challenge facing the Chamber, our many partner organizations, and our region.

We’ve been pleased by the interest shown in our new dashboard. A number of organizations have already asked that we include data they’ve collected and we’re continuing to work with our partner, MySidewalk, to update and expand our information.

The report is a new and terrific resource for the KC community. Check it out here.

EDUCATIONAL FORUM ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES

The KC Chamber Real Estate Policy Committee has gathered experts from several stakeholder groups to break down and demystify the economic development incentive tools used on both sides of the state line. This free lunch-and-learn event is Thursday, November 14 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Chamber Board Room, located in the southeast corner of historic Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Rd. Gwen Grant of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City will moderate a panel discussion featuring: Mayor Michael Boehm - City of Lenexa; David Harrison - President of VanTrust Real Estate; Crosby Kemper III – Executive Director of the Kansas City Public Library; Steve McDowell - BNIM, Director of Design; Emmet Pierson – CEO of Community Builders of Kansas City; Terry Ward - North Kansas City Schools Board. Register here for this free event.

EWLC SMALL BUSINESS NETWORKING: SUPPORTING FEMALE LEADERS

The KC Chamber’s Executive Women’s Leadership Council is excited to bring together business and community leaders from across KC, as we focus on how to empower women in positions of leadership. This free event is Thursday, November 14 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Chamber’s Board Room, located in the southeast corner of historic Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Rd. You’ll take part in networking, then enjoy a panel focused on overcoming barriers, lessons learned, and insights for growth. The panel includes Courtney Thomas of the Central Exchange, Angela Hurt of Veracity Consulting, Hailee Bland Walsh of City Gym, and Alicia R. Hooks of Kansas City Kansas Community College. To register for this free event, email Kristine Vainovska Twidwell at twidwell@kcchamber.com.

START THE CHAT

Join Healthy KC as we launch our new workplace mental health survey at Start the Chat, a discussion on the topic of workplace mental health. The free event is Tuesday, November 19 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the KC Chamber Board Room, located in the southeast corner of historic Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Rd. The behavioral health action team of Healthy KC, now known as the Workplace Mental Health Collaborative, will launch a robust new survey focusing on employee mental health, developed by the American Psychiatric Association Foundation's Center for Workplace Mental Health, Mental Health America, and One Mind at Work. Darcy Gruttadaro, director of the Center for Workplace Mental Health, will join us to lead the discussion. The survey is personalized for KC employers. Register now for this free event. Thanks to our Overall Presenting Sponsor Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, our Foundation Supporter REACH Healthcare Foundation, Corporate Champion Sponsor AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, and our Advocate Sponsors CommunityAmerica Credit Union, HCA Midwest Health, Saint Luke’s Health System, The University of Kansas, and The University of Kansas Health System.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS | RIBBON CUTTING - ANTHOLOGY OF THE PLAZA

Anthology of the Plaza is a unique senior living experience located right in one of Kansas City’s most exciting neighborhoods – The Country Club Plaza. Join us for Business After Hours, Thursday, November 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Anthology’s new location at 2 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd., KCMO. Share some appetizers and beverages with Anthology staff and residents, as well as your fellow Chamber members, as we officially cut the ribbon on this new community. Registration is just $5 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members. Reserve your space here. Thank you to our Overall Networking sponsors Mazuma, Sprint, and SS&C.

BE OUR GUEST AT CES®

If you’re interested in or already planning to attend CES in Las Vegas in January, you should consider signing up as a World Trade Center delegate. The delegate package includes free complimentary attendee registration for the exhibit show floor (4500+ exhibitors), keynotes, SuperSessions and select conference sessions; 25% off the purchase of a starter or deluxe Conference Pass; and 10% off the exclusive StoryTech VIP Impact Tour. In addition, you’ll be able to attend the International Matchmaking Reception held on the opening day of CES, get access to International Business Centers on-site, including Wi-Fi, Computer Stations, translators, and private meeting rooms, as well as access to a private WTC Delegate-only Breakfast and reception. For more information or assistance in registering as a WTC delegate, please contact Melissa Miller at mmiller@kcchamber.com or Kaitlin Bast at bast@kcchamber.com. Or call (816) 374-5469 or (816) 374-5465.