Your Chamber at Work - November 2, 2020

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Newsletters

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

Something else to worry about: the COVID-19 pandemic is spurring spikes in anxiety and depression across the nation. Mental health experts worry about potential increases in depression, PTSD, substance abuse, domestic violence, and a broad range of other issues.

From June 2019 to May 2020, symptoms of anxiety disorder rose from 8.2 percent to 28.2 percent of U.S. adults, while symptoms of depressive disorder rose from 6.6 percent to 24.4. percent.

In response, on November 17 and November 19, the Chamber’s Healthy KC is offering a two-day educational showcase to help tackle the discussion on mental health within the workplace and our community. The showcase will provide an overview of the various resources and partners available to employers and individuals to help manage mental health issues. Topics to be covered include stress, productivity, resiliency, and more.

Here are the links to register for the November 17 and November 19 sessions. Both run from 9 to 10 a.m. 

One more thing: DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!

CANCER PREVENTION DURING A PANDEMIC

Join Healthy KC and The American Cancer Society for a discussion around Cancer Prevention During a Pandemic - Improving Health Behaviors, November 10, 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. Employers will learn about the recently changed American Cancer Society guidelines and how COVID-19 has affected screening rates. Employers will also learn how to provide guidance to employees on appointments and follow-up. Register now for this free event. Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, and our Premier Sponsors REACH Healthcare Foundation and Lockton Companies.

VIRTUAL 133RD ANNUAL DINNER

Get your tickets for our virtual 133rd Annual Dinner, Tuesday, November 24, 3 to 5 p.m. The theme is #UnstoppableKC, as we come together to recognize the people whose acts of bravery, service, conviction, leadership, and community made us unstoppable during one of the most challenging years of our lives. Help us surprise the 2020 Kansas Citian of the Year and welcome our two featured speakers, both representing Unstoppable KC talent:

  • Heidi Gardner, actor and Saturday Night Live cast member from Kansas City, MO.
  • Aaron Thomas, producer and award-winning television and film writer for Friday Night Lights, CSI: NY, and S.W.A.T., from Kansas City, KS.

Heidi will give remarks and Aaron will take part in a fireside chat. Submit your questions for Aaron through our Annual Dinner website. You can also purchase tickets, read more about our featured speakers, and learn about the Remo platform that you’ll use to virtually network with old and new friends. Tickets are $35 and open to everyone, including non-Chamber members. Thank you to our 2020 Annual Dinner Presenting Sponsor, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City.

DEMYSTIFYING THE HIRING OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: HIRING AND RETAINING QUALIFIED TALENT

Register now for our next diversity and inclusion workshop, Demystifying the Hiring of People with Disabilities, Tuesday November 24, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. We welcome Allied Inclusion Works & Disability Inclusion of Greater Kansas City to cover effective strategies and resources to support your outreach and recruitment efforts. They will also review best practices in interviewing individuals with various disabilities and share strategies for on-boarding that facilitate inclusion for all, and more. Thank you to our 2020 Diversity and Inclusion Presenting Sponsors CommunityAmerica Credit Union, Evergy, Hallmark, and T-Mobile.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION: COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AT 18TH AND VINE

Join community leaders and business owners for the latest in The Builders’ Association’s Builders' Talk Town Hall series, November 17 at 10 a.m. The 18th Street Corridor Community & Economic Development virtual event will look at the rich history of the birthplace of KC jazz to the current development potential. Kiona Sinks moderates a panel featuring Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, LaTasha McCall, owner of LM2 Construction & Consulting, LLC, and Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Register now for this free event and submit a question for the panel.