Your Chamber at Work - August 19, 2019

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

“Sometimes common sense does prevail.” That’s how Missouri Governor Mike Parson described the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) he and Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed at the KC Chamber’s Governors Summit last Tuesday.

The MOU is a formal acknowledgement of the truce in Kansas City’s divisive economic border war and the culmination of the years of quiet effort by many people and organizations across the region – including the KC Chamber.

Under the agreement, Missouri and Kansas will not grant state tax incentives unless net new jobs in the region are created. A study by the Hall Family Foundation shows that more than $330 million of taxpayer money has been spent since 2011 luring companies back and forth across the state line with no new jobs for the region. Better to combine efforts to bring new companies and jobs to the region – as the two states did in winning the new USDA offices. As Kelly said last Tuesday, “We all want companies to set up shop and flourish in our states.”

The Governors Summit was a celebration, with more than 300 elected officials, business and civic leaders in attendance. As I told the audience, “We believe that breaking these barriers down and ‘Growing Together’ will lead to a strong and prosperous KC region today and for future generations.”

It was a great day.

DOES KC HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO THRIVE?

Our Polsinelli Public Policy Up Close Speaker Series is back with a look at growth in cities, particularly why medium and large-sized cities are outgrowing smaller, less-populated areas. Join Jordan Rappaport, Senior Economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, on Wednesday, September 4 at 7:30 a.m. at the InterContinental Hotel on the Plaza. Learn how big cities can prepare for future economic growth in a rapidly changing world. Registration is open to members and non-members. This event is complimentary for members of the KC Chamber Public Policy Council.

HIRING VETERANS IS GOOD BUSINESS - 2.0:  DEVELOPING A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE WORKFORCE

How does your business or organization stack up when it comes to your competition? Hiring diverse veterans can strengthen your bottom line and create a stronger workplace.  Join us for this free lunch-and-learn, Hiring Veterans is Good Business 2.0: Developing a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce for a Competitive Advantage, Thursday, September 19 at 11:30 a.m. in the KC Chamber Board Room, located on the first floor in the southeast corner of historic Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Rd. Learn the tried and true methods of attracting and recruiting Veterans in a tight labor market. This free event is sponsored by Grantham University, and is free and open to Chamber members and non-members. Please register here.

HEALTHY KC NETWORKING FORUM: DO YOU WORK IN A PSYCHOLOGICALLY HEALTHY WORKPLACE?

We live in a 24/7 society. That often means being tethered to work emails and phone calls even when we’re not on the job. Dr. Kelly Reed, PhD., leads our next Healthy KC Networking Forum: Do You Work in a Psychologically Healthy Workplace? Join us on Wednesday, September 25, at McCownGordon Construction’s new 850 Main St. Headquarters. This highly interactive breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. Dr. Reed will explore what makes a healthy workplace, and how to build and sustain a psychologically healthy workplace culture. Registration is free for Chamber members and just $10 for non-members. Reserve your spot here.

LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD BOARD MEMBERS

Last call for KC Chamber Board nominations from the KC Chamber’s membership.

The KC Chamber’s Nominating Committee is now accepting Board nominations from the KC Chamber’s membership. Nomination suggestions should be in writing and mailed to: Matt Condon, Nominating Committee Chair, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, 30 West Pershing Road, Suite 301, Kansas City, Missouri  64108; or e-mailed to ronfeldt@kcchamber.com, prior to August 30. Chamber bylaws allow additional nominations to be made by petition after the committee has presented its slate.