Your Chamber at Work - September 20, 2021

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

Here’s a chance to put yourself in someone else’s shoes.

On Friday, October 15, the KC Chamber is holding a simulation to help folks understand the many obstacles faced by men and women when they’re released from incarceration and return home to their communities.

It’s part of our WORC initiative (Workplace Opportunities for Returning Citizens), which has a goal of both bolstering our area workforce and helping to reduce crime. Statistics show that the single most effective solution to recidivism is a job. We’re already working with a number of local employers interested in hiring ex-offenders.

The simulation will help employers and HR professionals understand, at a visceral level, the challenges facing those looking to turn their lives around. As a participant, you’ll experience the first month of post-release life, assuming the identity of an ex-offender, briefed on their criminal background, living situation, job situation, and the specific weekly tasks that must be accomplished in order to avoid being sent back to prison. You’ll gain a better understanding of what these men and women face.

The simulation will be held October 15 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. with networking to follow. If you’d like to attend (and I hope you do), click here to register.

HEALTHY KC NETWORKING FORUM: APPRECIATION IN ACTION

Join Healthy KC for Appreciation in Action: How Gratitude Impacts Our Community and Our Businesses, our in-person Networking Forum on Wednesday, September 22, 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Cleveland University-Kansas City, located at 10850 Lowell in Overland Park. Dr. Michelle Robin moderates a panel discussing the role gratitude plays in a successful workplace, how to care for the community-at-large, and more. Register here. Thanks to our Overall Presenting Sponsor Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, and Premier Sponsors Lockton. This event is sponsored by Cleveland University-Kansas City.

GO GLOBAL KC 2021

Get your specially priced tickets now for this Thursday’s Go Global KC, September 23, 7 to 9 a.m. at Summit Tech Academy, 110 NW Technology Parkway in Lee’s Summit. This is World Trade Center Kansas City’s premier event focusing on global trade -- and it’s just $30. This year’s virtual keynote is Don Graves, Deputy Secretary of Commerce. Before he was in that role, Graves had prominent roles in both the private and public sector with KeyBank, with the Obama-Biden Administration as Executive Director of the President’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness, and he led the federal government’s efforts on the economic recovery of Detroit. Attendees will also hear about disruptions to the global supply chain, have the opportunity to take part in breakout sessions with World Trade Centers from Canada, Gibraltar, Philippines, Mexico, and WTCKC will name the 2021 Economic Development Agency of the Year and the 2021 Service Provider of the Year. Thanks to our Presenting Sponsors Global Prep Squad and University of Central Missouri and our Keynote Presenting Sponsor Black & Veatch Corporation.

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING: SPARK KC

Kick off October with coffee, connection, and getting together with your fellow Chamber members at Spark KC for our Neighborhood Networking, Friday, October 1, 8:30 to 10 a.m. See Spark’s brand-new location at 1475 Walnut, featuring private offices and shared workspace for entrepreneurs, creators and innovators. Plus, they’re right in the heart of Downtown, with easy access to the Power & Light District, Crossroads, and the KC Streetcar. This event is free for members and $15 for non-members. Register here. The KC Chamber's 2021 overall networking sponsors are Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Delta Dental, and Mazuma. The 2021 Neighborhood Networking Sponsors are Menlo and Unbound.

CELEBRATE THE ATHENA AWARD RECIPIENTS

Celebrate the 2021 ATHENA Leadership Award and ATHENA Young Professional Award recipients Sherry Turner and Michele L. Watley. Sherry is Executive Director of the Kansas City Women’s Business Center and Michele is the Founder and Owner of The Griot Group LLC. Both will be honored at the KC Chamber’s annual ATHENA Awards Celebration on Thursday, October 7, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The reception honoring the two is a private event due to COVID restrictions, but it’s open to the public via livestream. Register here and you’ll receive the event link. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors Bank Midwest and KPMG.