Your Chamber at Work - October 9, 2023

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

I don’t usually use this space for a personal statement, but feel obligated/compelled to do so today. My abhorrence demands it. So here it is:

I condemn the terrorist organization Hamas for their sudden and violent attack on Israel this past weekend.

The images of killing and kidnapping we’ve seen over the last few days are appalling and disturbing. Young people running for their lives at a music festival. The half-naked body of a young Israeli woman displayed and spit on in the back of a truck. The gleeful killing of a grandmother posted online, her granddaughter learning of her death when she saw the video.

And now there is war.

It breaks my heart, particularly as my wife Amy and I have been visitors to Israel and have witnessed the amazing people there.

I stand with Israel as it takes the necessary actions to protect its citizens and secure the country from this vile terrorist attack.

AN HONOR FOR COLLABORATION

Beginning in March of 2022, a coalition of 16 (now 17) organizations from the business, ecumenical, interfaith, and anti-violence community convened to establish an early, accessible, and effective platform for the public to engage in the search process for the new Chief of Police for Kansas City Missouri Police Department (KCPD). The Kansas City Public Safety Coalition held a series of seven community listening sessions throughout Kansas City, Missouri, and conducted a survey for the public and members of KCPD to give their input into the qualities that would make the best next Chief of Police. You can learn more about the Coalition’s work here.

On Saturday, October 7, the Coalition received an Outstanding Public Safety Service Award from the South Kansas City Alliance at their sold-out annual Awards Breakfast. It was the only organization to receive this award; additional honorees from KCPD and KCFD were recognized for their individual acts of bravery. The Coalition remains vibrant and strong, committed to engage with the Board of Police Commissioners, the KCPD, and the community to continue healthy dialogue with the goal of reducing violent crime in Kansas City by pursuing solutions together.

THE BUSINESS CASE FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

How do you get started when you want your business to get more involved in the community? Can you find time and resources even without a dedicated staff person? Network with a panel of outstanding business leaders who are known for their commitment to the civic community and get the answers to these questions and more. If you’d like to create a community engagement or corporate social responsibility strategy, start here. We’re meeting in the KC Chamber Board Room at Union Station, next door to Pierpont’s, 8:30 to 10 a.m., 30 W. Pershing Road. This event is free to attend. Please RSVP; light breakfast will be provided. This event is a collaboration between the KC Chamber Foundation and Chamber Small Business programming.

CHINA TOWN HALL: CHINESE IN AMERICA

The 2023 China Town Hall is a must attend for all those interested in the implications of China’s rise on U.S.-China relations and its impact on our towns, states and nation. The International Relations Council, University of Kansas and World Trade Center Kansas City will host this national broadcast featuring a conversation with current U.S. Ambassador to China, Nicholas Burns.

Preceding the national conversation, the local portion of the program will include a panel discussion focused on China’s demography, household registration, and urban-rural politics. Immediately following the national broadcast, guests are also welcome to join the U.S. Heartland China Association for a conversation with Susan Thornton, former U.S. Diplomat to Eurasia and East Asia.

This October 11 China Town Hall is a virtual event with login details provided upon registration. The local program begins at 5 p.m. followed by the national broadcast at 6 p.m. and U.S. Heartland China Association event at 7 p.m. The event is free to attend but registration is required. Learn more and register online here.

TRADE TALKS: IMPORTING FROM ASIA

Spend a Monday evening learning from our speakers as they share everything you need to know if you are considering importing from Asia including Importing 101, legal considerations, and business dos and don’ts. The event is open to business at all stages of the process and attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A will the speakers. Hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be provided. 

Trade Talks will be held at 1475 Walnut St, Kansas City, MO, on Monday, October 30, from 5 to 7 p.m. The event is free for Chamber members; $40 for non-members. Register here.