2018 Snapshot Magazine - KCK Chamber

COMMUNITY

2018

SNAPSHOT

LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

"It is often said that history repeats itself." In my case, related to having the privilege of serving as 2018 Chair of our Kansas City Kansas Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors that is indeed the case. The first time I served as Board Chair

was back in 2001. It obviously was a challenging year for our country given the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Conversely in stark contrast, 2001 was one of excitement for Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas with the opening of Kansas Speedway and all of the development that has followed, forever changing the landscape of my hometown. As many of you know I am a native of this community, an "Original Dotte," and darn proud of it.

The renaissance that has taken place in Wyandotte County didn't take place overnight, and it required the collective efforts of many. This past fall, your Chamber took a leadership role in celebrating the 20 year anniversary of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, just as we did back in 1997 when then volunteer leadership stood up, and raised funds to help pass unifying our city and county governments. Speaking of our Chamber taking a leadership role, we did not stop there when we played strategic roles in bringing Kansas Speedway and Hollywood Casino to Wyandotte County. Under the Chairmanship of Mike Smallwood, with Smallwood Lock Supply Inc., we continue to stay abreast of local, state and national legislative issues that impact our membership's business climate, and the greater community.

I would encourage, in particular our business members, to attend our monthly Legislative Committee meetings to stay abreast of the Chamber's Legislative Agenda, and ongoing issues that may arise and impact our membership. Forging strong private-public partnerships has been a strong suit for our Chamber. Our partnerships with Wyandotte Economic Development Council, who we have shared our Minnesota Avenue offices for years, the Kansas City Kansas

Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Unified Government and the Board of Public Utilities are mutually beneficial to each organization. It is mine and our Chamber Board's goal to not only maintain but expand and strengthen those partnerships in 2018 and beyond. We want to work to deepen our relationships with neighboring Metro Kansas City Chambers to find ways we can support each other where we have common interests. While the last couple of years has been a time of change for our Chamber, I want all of you to know, I believe the future of our Chamber is brighter than ever. The creation of the Women's Executive Network and the Young Professionals Group has been a game changer in my opinion for our membership, and the Best of KCK Business Expo, which is held at Children's Mercy Park, is a top notch event providing our members the opportunity to showcase their business in a festive atmosphere second to none.

Finally, I would be remiss if I did express my sincere appreciation to our immediate Past Chair Valerie Mussett with Design Mechanical, Inc., who not only served as our 2016 Board Chair, but stepped into the Chair role again the second half of 2017 when Providence CEO Randy Nyp retired. Valerie's commitment to our Chamber, and the Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas community is without question. It is very comforting to me to be surrounded by Valerie and our 2019 Chair-Elect Tony Privitera with Mark One Electric Company and know they will be a great support to me and the Chamber Staff as I assimilate in to the Chair role one more time. Thank you for your investment and your involvement with this great organization. May this be a year of prosperity both professionally and personally!

Sincerely,

Craig Gaffney

Regional President, Country Club Bank

2018 COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT

KATE KERSHAW

Director of Partnerships & Memberships kate@

KATELYN MCINERNEY

Marketing and Events Manager katelyn@

GA'BRIELLE SAULS

First Impressions Coordinator gabrielle@

DANIEL SILVA

President & CEO daniel@

GEORGE TURNER

Interim Director of Finance george@

CARLOS GARZA

Membership & Events Manager carlos@

MISSION

As a member of the business community in the metropolitan area, the mission of the Kansas City Kansas Chamber of Commerce is to enhance and create opportunities in Wyandotte County which build a quality community to live, work and conduct business.

ABOUT

The KCK Chamber is a membership based

organization led by a volunteer board

with up to 31 Members. The day-to-day

work is handled by a paid staff of full-time

employees. Staff works with a variety of

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committees made up of Members and the

Board of Directors.

The KCK Chamber is proud to be at the forefront of the community's success by enhancing and leveraging the talents and resources of its diverse members to sustain and catapult development opportunities throughout the metropolitan area. The Chamber is excited to serve as the convener and connector for local and regional businesses to collaborate on efforts that improve the economic vitality and quality of life for our diverse region. This in turn creates opportunities in KCK/WyCo, which build a quality community to live, work and conduct business.

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

Dear Valued Chamber Members:

The KCK Chamber is proud to be a collaborator and convener of regional partnerships, and we encourage businesses across the Metropolitan Area to become active and engaged with our uniquely versatile and accessible Chamber. Hosting our KCK Chamber Annual Meeting in downtown Kansas City, Mo. signifies our firm commitment to be a proactive partner in advancing regionalism for a more dynamic Metro. We are so pleased to be joined by KCMO Mayor Sly James and Mayor/CEO of the UG David Alvey, along with so many great partners across the region.

Our KC Metro continues to thrive because of all of the small business owners, entrepreneurs, mid-sized to large corporations, and community stakeholders that prioritize our community. Opportunities are abound, and we are committed to be part of the work that will continue to position our Metro as one of the best in the nation. That means continuing to shore up our urban core by assisting and advocating on behalf of local owned businesses who want to open their doors, do business, create jobs and contribute to our local economy. Businesses like Empire Window Cleaning and High Rise, led by Jorge Aguilar, Owner & CEO, are committing to the urban core and will play a role in continuing to transform the Minnesota Avenue corridor. The University of Kansas Health System changed the skyline on 39th and State Line with the new Cambridge Tower A, and the ripple effects are positively impacting the regional economy.

Our KCK Chamber Board of Directors continues to strategically diversify our leadership and programming, so it is reflective of the community we live, work, and play. Last year, the KCK Chamber rolled out the Women's Executive Network, in partnership with Central Exchange and the KCK Women's Chamber, to promote high-level networking, business development, and opportunities to serve on boards. We also initiated KCK Forward, our young professionals' network, to collaborate with the other metro YP organizations, and connect them to assets here in KCK/ WyCo. Both of these programs have yielded amazing connections and opportunities. Just last month, our KCK Chamber Board of Directors voted to add KCK Forward Chair, and true millennial, Lydia Knopp, of Tico Productions, LLC/Tico Sports, to the Board of Directors.

The KCK Chamber, your Chamber, has a keen eye on the future, but we also honor our past. For over 100 years, the KCK Chamber has served the business community, and for the last 50 years, the KCK Chamber has hosted its monthly Congressional Forum on the third Friday of the month. The KCK Chamber has had the pleasure of hosting U.S. Congressmen and women, U.S. Senators, Kansas Governors, State and local elected officials, leaders of industry, and Kansas icons each month. To the Congressional Forum Board of Directors, and Chairman, Bill Epperheimer, we salute you and thank you for the amazing gift of 50 years of connecting business and government. Here's to another 50 years!

We make it a point to get to know all of our business members from the CEO, to the mid-level executives, to the young up and comers, and build a membership engagement plan that offers return on investment while building lasting relationships that foster opportunities for growth and prosperity. We strive to get people connected! I am indebted to the KCK Chamber Board of Directors, a tireless KCK Chamber staff, and always at the ready volunteers who offer time, treasure, and talents. I am honored to work alongside so many dedicated people. Let's keep the momentum going!

Sincerely,

Daniel Silva

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2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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2017 BY THE NUMBERS

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EMPIRE HIGHRISE

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WOMEN'S EXECUTIVE NETWORK

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AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR

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KCK FORWARD YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

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2018 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY

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CONGRESSIONAL FORUM TURNS 50!

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""The KCK Chamber has been beneficial to the Myasthenia Gravis Association this past year through networking, connecting us to Picture Connect KC for our MGA Triple Crown Showdown 5k Run/Walk, Mile Mosey and Tot Trot. Our partnership allowed for dual exposure to both MGA and Picture Connect through pictures that captured memories for a lifetime."

- Allison Foss, Myasthenia Gravis Association

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Kansas City Kansas Chamber of Commerce

Kansas City Kansas Area Chamber of Commerce

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