Your Chamber at Work - November 9, 2020

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

It’s been a long, hard slog since the COVID-19 pandemic hit us all last March and we’re all tired of it and its impact on our daily lives. But this is no time to become less vigilant. As The Kansas City Star reported over the weekend:

“With more than 6,200 new infections reported across the region in the last seven days, the seven-day rolling average for new cases rose Sunday to 794 — the highest since the pandemic began. This time last week, that average was 585. Two weeks ago, it was 364.”

Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) from hospitals across the region warned Friday that they’re concerned about this trend and worried about hospital capacity as the number of coronavirus cases continues to spike. And the fact that we’re heading into the flu season only complicates matters. (Here’s the link to the CMO’s news briefing.)

Now more than ever, we all need to follow what the CMOs call the “pillars of prevention”: Wash your hands. Maintain social distancing. Wear a mask. And get a flu shot.

This isn’t politics. It’s public health.

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE SHOWCASE

Experts say the pandemic is leading to a rise in depression and anxiety rates. That means workers can’t focus, and are struggling. Join our Healthy KC team and dozens of KC employers for the Mental Health Resource Showcase, a two-day event November 17 & 19, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. This showcase will provide an overview of the various resources and partners that are available within KC to focus on the importance of mental health within the workplace and throughout the Kansas City community at large. Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, and Premier Sponsors Reach Healthcare Foundation and Lockton.

CANCER PREVENTION DURING A PANDEMIC

From solo trips to chemotherapy treatments to mostly virtual follow-ups, COVID-19 has affected cancer treatment and prevention in the U.S. 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. You’ll learn about the American Cancer Society’s screening guidelines, the impact of COVID on prevention rates, and how employers can help their employees during this challenging time. 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 now 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. See us surprise the recipient of the Kansas Citian of the Year Award, we 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 Fridy 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. - 1:00 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 facilitates inclusion for all, and more. Thank you to our 2020 D&I Presenting Sponsors CommunityAmerica Credit Union, Evergy, Hallmark, and T-Mobile.