Your chamber at Work - October 25, 2021

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

After months of preparation, Kansas City made a great case for our selection as a host city for the 2026 World Cup. Officials from the FIFA Selection Committee heard a formal presentation, enjoyed a barbecue lunch, and toured local facilities (including Arrowhead) that would be put to use in 2026. Their visit ended with a game between the U.S. Women’s Team vs. Korea at Children’s Mercy Park. The game ended in a tie, but the FIFA officials were able to see firsthand the enthusiasm of KC soccer fans.

That enthusiasm isn’t invented – it’s part of our DNA. The love of soccer has grown exponentially over the last several decades from kids soccer to Sporting Kansas City. It’s part of our DNA now.

As a member of the KC World Cup Steering Committee, I enjoyed the opportunity to visit with the folks from FIFA. I stressed that Kansas City loves hosting people and is a city that understands sports is essential for our quality of life. I added that the business community was committed to bringing the World Cup to Kansas City.

All in all, it was a good day for Kansas City. We’ll find out in early 2022 if our bid is successful. So keep your fingers crossed!

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION WORKSHOP SERIES: ACKNOWLEDGING THE DIVIDING LINES: RACE AND REAL ESTATE

There’s still time to register for the latest workshop in our Diversity & Inclusion series. Join us tomorrow, October 26, for Acknowledging the Dividing Lines: Race and Real Estate, from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. KC real estate attorney Shomari Benton has a conversation with Tanner Colby, author of “Some of the My Best Friends Are Black: The Strange Story of Integration in America.” Kansas City is featured in Colby’s book, and the impact the city had on race and housing policies in other communities. Educator Marlee Bunch moderates the conversation, looking at the effect those policies still have on KC. Our 2021 Diversity & Inclusion Workshop Series Presenting Sponsor is Commerce Bank, and our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Presenting Sponsors CommunityAmerica Credit Union, Evergy and Hallmark. This event series is in partnership with the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce, Grandview Chamber of Commerce, Independence Chamber of Commerce, Liberty Area Chamber of Commerce, Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and the South Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING: UNBOUND

Our next Neighborhood Networking event is this Friday, October 29 with Unbound, an international nonprofit committed to honoring the dignity of every person and putting the needs of the marginalized and vulnerable first. See their newly completed Experience Center at 1 Elmwood Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas. Coffee is served at 8:30 a.m. and networking goes until 10 a.m. This event is free for Chamber members and $15 for non-members. Unbound is one of the sponsors of this year’s Neighborhood Networking series, along with Menlo. Thanks to our 2021 overall networking sponsors Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Delta Dental, and Mazuma.

GIVE YOUR INPUT ON THE CLIMATE PROTECTION PLAN

You’re invited to attend the KCMO Climate Protection Plan Strategies meeting, Wednesday, November 17, 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the Chamber Board Room. The City of Kansas City, Missouri is updating the 2008 Climate Protection Plan. As part of this process, the City wants to collaborate with Kansas City residents, businesses, and organizations to explore strategies that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create more resilient neighborhoods. As a member of the business community, come share your perspective on what has worked well, what hasn’t, and what existing activities are happening in Kansas City that they can support. RSVP to Adam Timmerman at atimmerman@kcchamber.com today.

134TH ANNUAL DINNER

Kick off Thanksgiving by celebrating Kansas City with the Chamber’s 134th Annual Dinner, Tuesday, November 23, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. This year’s theme: Kansas City For All! We welcome keynote speakers Davyeon Ross, Co-Founder and President of ShotTracker, and Kansas City, KS native Kalen Allen, rising content creator, actor, and entertainment personality, best known for his recurring guest spot on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Musician Casi Joy is back for a live performance! Get your tickets today for the virtual livestream for $30. Due to COVID restrictions, we are limited on in-person capacity. Please reach out to annualdinner@kcchamber.com if you are interested in purchasing a table or sponsorship information. Thank you to our 2021 Annual Dinner Presenting Sponsor, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City our Premier Sponsors are Hallmark, JE Dunn Construction, McCownGordon Construction and UMB Bank, and our Executive Sponsor CommunityAmerica Credit Union.