Your Chamber at Work - September 26, 2022

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

As we gear up to welcome the world to KC for the World Cup 2026, our World Trade Center Kansas City is doing good work to make sure KC has a strong presence when it comes to global business.

In just a few days WTC-KC will host Go Global KC – the premier event promoting Kansas City’s vibrant international trade economy. Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to attend this Wednesday in our Chamber Board Room beginning at 3 p.m. This year will focus on ally-shoring, something very timely as businesses rebuild and rely on strategic trading partnerships to move forward. We’ll also announce the 2022 Outstanding Economic Development Agency Award and the 2022 Outstanding Service Provider, and honor KENZEN. They took home the 2022 Weida Award for International Small Business of the Year at our Small Business Awards back in May. Whether you’re part of a larger company or it’s just you and a handful of employees, Go Global will have something valuable for everyone to bring back to the workplace.

That’s not the only way WTC-KC is helping KC grow on a global scale. On October 7,we’re hosting Doing Business with Brazil, Canada, and Mexico. This free event will give you a chance to meet one-on-one with the State of Missouri’s Foreign Office Directors from all three of these countries.

I'm also excited about WTC’s new Heartland Trade Accelerator. Through this program, businesses are learning how to make their own customized, strategic export plan. They are learning directly from international trade experts to better compete and grow in the global marketplace. There are three companies taking part in the first cohort right now, and they’ll graduate this November. Keep an eye out for information as we prepare for a second cohort.

World Trade Center Kansas City and the Chamber are proud to help Kansas City businesses shine internationally. We look forward to seeing you at these events!

HEALTHY KC Q3 NETWORKING FORUM: SUPPORTING MENTAL WELLBEING IN THE WORKPLACE

Culture. Connections. Resources. Support. Learn how these play a major role in elevating mental wellbeing for your employees. Join us for the next Healthy KC Networking Forum, Supporting Mental Wellbeing in the Workplace, this Thursday, September 29, 2022, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at McCownGordon Construction, 850 Main Street, KCMO. Moderator Kathryn Evans of Rooted Strategy leads a group of managers and wellness experts to unpack how managers and team members can best support employees. Register here for this free event. Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City.

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING: BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS OF KANSAS CITY

Save your spot now for a great morning of coffee and connection at our next Neighborhood Networking at Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Kansas City, Friday, October 7. Doors open at 8:30 at BBBSKC’s 1709 Walnut location in Downtown KCMO. Meet some “Bigs” and learn how you can be the one helping “Littles” across Kansas City. Plus, you’ll enjoy that great Chamber networking. It’s free for Chamber members, and $15 for non-members. Register here. Thanks for our 2022 overall networking sponsors Delta Dental and Mazuma Credit Union, and our 2022 Neighborhood Networking sponsors Unbound, Bardavon Health Innovations and Kansas City Current.

ATHENA LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Athena was the goddess of wisdom, strategy, handiwork, and courage among other things. Celebrate and honor the Kansas City women who epitomize these qualities at the ATHENA Awards Reception, Thursday, October 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Little Theatre, 301 W. 13th, KCMO. Dr. Marjorie Williams is the recipient of the ATHENA Leadership Award, given to a person who has achieved the highest level of professional excellence, contributes time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community, and actively assists others, particularly women, in realizing their full leadership potential. The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award recipient is Pooja Shah. This award is given to someone who demonstrates a commitment to the community, which includes supporting other women in business. Tickets are $25 for Chamber members, and $30 for non-members. Thanks to our Presenting Sponsors are KPMG and UMB.

135TH ANNUAL DINNER

The world is coming to KC, and we’ve got a lot to celebrate! Get your tickets now for the 135th Annual Dinner, Tuesday, November 22, at the Kay Barnes Ballroom in the Kansas City Convention Center, 301 W. 13th. Doors open at 4 p.m. for the networking reception; dinner and the program begin at 5:30. From the NFL Draft to a new airport to the World Cup and facilities from global companies like Meta and Panasonic, the world is Connected to KC! We’ll look ahead at everything coming our way and hear why Kansas City is seeing the love from across the globe. And of course we announce the 2022 Kansas Citian of the Year! Get your tickets now for one of the biggest and best events of the year. Special thanks to our 2022 Annual Dinner Presenting Sponsor is Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City. Our Visionary Sponsor is Kansas City Southern. Our Premier Sponsors are Hallmark, JE Dunn Construction, and UMB Bank. Our Executive Sponsors are CommunityAmerica Credit Union and McCownGordon Construction.