Your Chamber at Work - September 23, 2024

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce has embarked on its annual Leadership Exchange trip, an event designed to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and drive economic growth within the Kansas City region. Business leaders, government officials, and civic representatives will travel to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota which is recognized for its forward-thinking approach to urban development and regional collaboration.

The Leadership Exchange, an initiative dating back to 2003 when the first delegation traveled to Pittsburgh, serves as a platform for Kansas City’s decision-makers to explore new ideas, learn best practices, and bring back insights that can help shape the region's future. Over the years, the exchange has visited dynamic cities like Detroit, Portland and Austin, focusing on areas such as public infrastructure, education, business development, and technology.

The 2024 exchange continues this tradition by offering participants a firsthand look at how other cities handle pressing issues such as housing, transportation, and workforce development, with a particular focus on how these lessons can be applied in Kansas City. Sessions include topics like “New Light on Literacy” with public school leaders from Minnesota and “Rethinking Community Development” with the GroundBreak Coalition. And yes – our delegation will be studying “The Minneapolis Sports Stadium Journey” with tours of Target Field (home of the Minnesota Twins) and US Bank Stadium (home of the Minnesota Vikings).

The trip underscores the KC Chamber’s commitment to regional advancement, leadership development, and maintaining Kansas City's competitive edge. Be watching our social media channels for images from Leadership Exchange and stay tuned for lessons learned that will influence solutions for Kansas City!

Thank you to  CommunityAmerica Credit Union for its support as Presenting Sponsor for this enlightening trip.

USMCA INSIGHTS: KEY UPDATES & FUTURE IMPACTS

On Thursday, October 3, from noon to 1:30 p.m., you’re invited to join World Trade Center-Kansas City, the Consulate General of Canada in Chicago, the Consulate General of Mexico in Kansas City, and CPKC in the KC Chamber Board Room (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO) for a discussion on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in advance of the review clause slated for July 1, 2026. The upcoming revision will be critical in ascertaining the future of trade in North America and 2024 marks a key year in the preparation process. Our speakers will provide in-depth commentary on the current state of USMCA along with potential opportunities and challenges to its 2026 revision and potential extension. Learn more and register today!

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING: MAZUMA CREDIT UNION

An energizing start to your Friday is assured when you begin the day with coffee and conversation at Neighborhood Networking. On Friday, October 4, join us at Mazuma Credit Union (7260 W 135th St., Overland Park), from 8:30 to 10 a.m., for a morning of lively networking that offers you and your company an opportunity to make the invaluable connections that support business growth. It is free for Chamber members to attend or $15 for non-members. Register today! Thank you to our 2024 Neighborhood Networking Sponsors for their  generous support: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Delta Dental, Southwest Airlines, UMB, and Unbound.

BENEFITS OF THE U.S. FOREIGN TRADE ZONE PROGRAM

The World Trade Center-Kansas City and the Greater Kansas City Foreign Trade Zone invite you to join a seminar on Monday, October 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the KC Chamber Board Room inside Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO) that will explore how the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone program can have a positive impact for manufacturing and distribution operations. There is no cost to attend; however, registration is required as lunch will be provided. Learn more and register now!

ATHENA AWARDS RECEPTION

The ATHENA Leadership Award is presented to individuals honored for professional excellence, community service, and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills. The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award is a natural extension of the awards program and is presented to emerging leaders across professional sectors for exemplary leadership. The KC Chamber invites you to join us in celebrating this year’s honorees – Qiana Thomason, President and CEO of Health Forward Foundation, and Kamera Meaney, Director of Advocacy and Government Relations at University Health – at an awards reception on Wednesday, October 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Starlight Theatre’s Jeannette and Jerome Cohen Community Stage House (4600 Starlight Rd., KCMO). The cost to attend is $55 for Chamber members or $70 for non-members. We appreciate our Presenting Sponsors are KPMG and UMB for helping make this annual celebration possible. Learn more and reserve your spot today!