The Chamber - The Freelance Exchange of Kansas City

Bottom-Line Benefits
Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber offers a number of
When
small business big business services
met big benefits.
to all of its members,
including programs like ChamberCHOICE small business health insurance. With a
guaranteed first-year rate cap, ChamberCHOICE is the only health insurance plan
endorsed by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce for small businesses with
50 or fewer employees. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City partners with The
Chamber to offer this important benefit.
And the Kansas City law firm of McDowell, Rice, Smith & Buchanan is one of many
Chamber member companies who value its many advantages. “We take as a matter of
great importance the good health and well-being of all our employees,” explains
John Mueller, equity partner. For more than a decade, he and Lisa Stoecklein,
controller, have teamed up to evaluate healthcare coverage options for the firm.
Dick Gibson
Vice President and
Chief Administrative Officer
Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
Through ChamberCHOICE, McDowell, Rice, Smith & Buchanan began working with
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City nearly four years ago.
“Before, we would go through a painful renewal process at the end of every policy
John Mueller
Attorney at Law
McDowell, Rice, Smith & Buchanan
period. Not only were we fighting to control costs, but to keep our existing coverage
from shrinking,” says Lisa. “Now, we have a long-term plan with built-in cost
controls.”
Lisa Stoecklein
Controller
McDowell, Rice, Smith & Buchanan
2600 Commerce Tower
911 Main Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64105-2049
816/221-2424 • Fax 816/221-7440
[email protected] • www.kcchamber.com
help your
business meet success.
The result: one more example of how The Chamber can
As a consumer, you know
you can save money by
buying in bulk. The same
principle applies when
The Chamber bundles
the buying power of its
members. We’re here to
help your bottom line
with a bundle of costsaving benefits.
“Thanks to ChamberCHOICE small business
health insurance, we are confident
that we’re getting the best product for the best price
with the most comprehensive coverage available.”
John Mueller, Equity Partner
McDowell, Rice, Smith & Buchanan
MyHROnline
As an employer, you certainly understand and appreciate the
importance of developing, communicating and keeping current
your employment policies and benefits information. Now you can
put your workforce employment policy and benefit information
online, so that it’s available to your workforce anytime, anywhere.
MyHROnline can help get you up and running fast, with
easy-to-use templates customized to match your specific situation
and HR needs. Call 816/983-8068 for more information.
ChamberCHOICE small business
health insurance
Computer equipment and
software discounts*
Chamber members can purchase more than 2,000 IBM and thirdparty products at a 10% discounted rate or better. And you can
take advantage of special offers and promotions through the IBM
Corporate Purchase Program. For details, call 816/556-6996, or
visit IBM’s Web site at www.ibm.com/shop/ibmdeals/3730.
KCHasJobs.com*
Give your recruiting power a serious boost through The
Chamber’s online jobs board. Price breaks are available for
Chamber members. Just call 877/345-5025, ext. 117, or visit
KCHasJobs.com to post jobs.
Stowers Innovations*
Get some of the best advice available anywhere on financial
Long-term care insurance*
The Chamber endorses long-term care insurance plans from Blue
Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City. Coverage is available to both
businesses and individuals and your families. Extensive benefits can
If your company has 50 or fewer employees, ChamberCHOICE
be tailored to fit individual needs. For more information call Mike
small business health insurance offers a variety of plans, competitive
Ashley at 913/789-9491.
planning from Jim Stowers, founder and Chairman of the
Board of American Century Companies. Chamber members
get a 20% discount on a variety of Stowers products. Visit
www.kcchamber.com, keyword memberbenefits.
SkillPath training programs*
rates, and a guaranteed rate cap for the second year. Call Blue Cross
Boost your employees’ skills, reach your business goals, and
and Blue Shield of Kansas City at 816/395-2929 or 800/291-0302.
improve your bottom line with technology training from
SkillPath — the nation’s premier business training provider.
401(k) plans*
Chamber members receive 10% off SkillPath’s onsite and
Here’s a way to enhance your employees’ benefits package at a
online technology seminars and courses.
significantly reduced cost.
Alliance Benefit Group and RSM McGladrey offer Chamber
Choose from onsite training tailored to your organization’s
needs and brought right to your company’s door. Or, if you
members exclusive investment options for retirement planning at a
prefer, you can take advantage of the SkillPath difference with
reduced cost. Each company’s plans are different, so contact them
online tech and computer courses to get the results you need.
today for more information. To reach Alliance Benefits Group, call
913/341-4044. To contact RSM McGladrey, call 816/753-3000.
*Discounts available to Chamber members only.
Programs provided by Chamber Management Services, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
Networking
Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
When the
early riser met
the advertiser.
The three-story building that houses
American Micro Company’s document and image scanning company directly
overlooks Hwy. 71 in the heart of Downtown Kansas City. Of course, owners
Mark and Karen Zecy knew that putting a sign on their building would attract
attention. So when it came time to find a knowledgeable sign company, Karen
turned to her Chamber connections.
At a recent Tuesday morning Your Chamber Connection new member
orientation, Karen was introduced to Justin Norris of Sign-A-Rama.
“Whenever we need to find someone new to work with, we always look for
companies who are Chamber members first,” explains Karen. “It tells us they’re
serious about their business and that they’re going to be here for us both today
and tomorrow.”
The rest, as they say, is history. American Micro and Sign-A-Rama teamed
up to help promote Mark and Karen’s scanning business with effective building
Karen Zecy
Co-Owner
American Micro Co.
Justin Norris
Owner
Sign-A-Rama
2600 Commerce Tower
911 Main Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64105-2049
816/221-2424 • Fax 816/221-7440
[email protected] • www.kcchamber.com
signage. So when you’re traveling along Hwy. 71 in Downtown Kansas City,
glance a little to the east. It’s easy to see the results of
another Chamber connection.
If making connections is
what you’re looking to do,
look no further. Whether
it’s Business After Hours,
B2B Expo, a monthly
committee meeting, or any
of the numerous other
events The Chamber offers,
we have networking down
to a science. Join us, and
let The Chamber work for
you, making those key links
to people and services so
important to your success,
and the vitality of your
business. To find information
about upcoming Chamber
networking events, visit the
calendar online at
www.kcchamber.com.
“After all, if somebody feels strongly enough
about their company to become Chamber
members, it elevates them above the crowd.”
Karen Zecy, Co-owner
American Micro Co.
Business After Hours
Chamber Champions
Committees
Business After Hours brings together hundreds (and sometimes
This dynamic group serves as “ambassadors” at Chamber events.
Every Chamber event represents an important networking
thousands!) of business people each month for networking, fun,
They also work to involve current members in The Chamber’s
opportunity. It’s just a matter of getting involved. And
food, and prizes at great venues such as Union Station, Kansas
many civic and volunteer activities. You’ll find a special camaraderie
Chamber committees are a great way to become active in The
Speedway, the Liberty Memorial — or your business. You’ll make
within these Champions — not to mention tremendous
Chamber while establishing critical business relationships.
new business contacts and meet potential customers and vendors.
opportunities to expand your list of professional contacts and leads.
POWER Briefing Sessions
Don’t forget to bring plenty of business cards.
Business Before Hours
B2B Expo
POWER sessions aren’t your typical Chamber educational
Get visible and meet potential customers and vendors with your
opportunity. Each monthly session starts with a half hour
Wake up with The Chamber and make your business connections
very own booth at The Chamber’s Business to Business Expo. Don’t
dedicated to networking, followed by an informative program
before most folks have had their first cup of coffee. Only members
miss this opportunity to put yourself in front of key decision-
on a variety of subjects ranging from dressing for success to
can participate in Business Before Hours, a structured networking
makers.
preventing harassment to managing cash flow.
event where business cards are mandatory. Sit at a table with ten
potential customers, talk about your business for 60 seconds, and
Annual Dinner
distribute your business cards. When everyone at the table has had
See and be seen at The Chamber’s annual meeting, held on the
an opportunity to speak, move to your next assigned table. It’s fast-
Tuesday evening before Thanksgiving. Meet the movers and
paced, results-oriented networking, and it works!
shakers of Greater Kansas City at the pre-dinner reception. But
Your Chamber Connection
As a new member, or the new employee of a member company,
Your Chamber Connection events give you information about
Chamber resources, events, and opportunities in a lighthearted
— but professional — environment, complete with door prizes, a
continental breakfast, and plenty of new acquaintances.
be sure to make your reservation early, because this event sells
out every year.
Minority Business
Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
When POWER
met passion.
Chris Lopez and Anette Wilson,
President and CFO, respectively, of Mid-America Sign Contractors, Inc. were
selected for The Chamber’s Herman A. Johnson Mentorship Program, a part
of the POWER Initiative. POWER (Partnering Organizations With Essential
Resources) was developed by The Chamber’s Minority Business Alliance.
Chris and Anette were paired with Thomas Isenberg, President of Western
Extralite Company, in this three-year program. Mentees and mentor alike agree
that the combination has been helpful, productive, and mutually beneficial.
“This program has been, and continues to be, so valuable for us,” says Chris
Chris Lopez
President
Mid-America Sign Contractors
Lopez. “I don’t think it would be possible to put a price on it.”
Their discussions have involved nearly every issue facing small business
owners, including tax and other financial-related matters, insurance, human
Thomas Isenberg
President
Western Extralite Company
resources, and marketing. “Tom has been great at helping us network — he’s
personally introduced us to a lot of key people.”
Tom meets with Chris and Anette about once a month in their office, and
reveals that he gets “genuine satisfaction in knowing I have made a difference
for them. And, even though I’m technically the mentor, I’m continually
learning
2600 Commerce Tower
911 Main Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64105-2049
816/221-2424 • Fax 816/221-7440
[email protected] • www.kcchamber.com
things that help our business.”
“The program is a very good one,
and I hope to see it continue and expand
at The Chamber.”
Thomas Isenberg, President
Western Extralite Company
What is POWER?
It is an initiative designed to assist
minority businesses and entrepreneurs
in reaching the next level of growth
and success. POWER was created to
promote economic independence and
wealth in the minority communities.
POWER’s objective is to enhance the
business and economic development
of minority businesses through the
formation of successful business
relationships, and by providing
financial resources, training and
collaborative support through
community partners.
The POWER Initiative was designed
to develop partnerships to help
minority business owners grow their
businesses in today’s dynamic market
by leveraging resources, strengthening
managerial and leadership skills and
offering networking opportunities.
For more information about POWER,
call 816/374-5494 or e-mail
[email protected].
Herman A. Johnson Mentorship Program
Community Involvement
POWER of Diversity Dinner
Named in honor of the renowned civic leader, and developed under
The Chamber has worked with colleges such as Central Missouri
Each year, The Chamber celebrates the growth and
his guidance, the Herman A. Johnson Mentorship Program focuses
State University in Warrensburg and Lincoln University in Jefferson
achievements of minority businesses in the community at this
on specific business concerns affecting African-American, Hispanic/
City, providing scholarships to graduating seniors returning to
event. We also give special recognition to our volunteers and
Latino, Asian-American, and American Indian business owners.
Kansas City. Through POWER, minority businesses build more
partners who have made the POWER Initiative successful.
(By the way, both Mid-America Sign Contractors and Western
opportunities for visibility in the community.
The POWER of Diversity Dinner is a much-anticipated gala
Extralite Company participate in this POWER program.)
Like all successful programs, this one has some very clear
event featuring video entertainment and a keynote speaker with
Minority Business Alliance
objectives, including building skills in doing day-to-day business,
There’s power in partnership, and The Chamber’s Minority Business
setting goals and developing an action plan, and working toward
Alliance is dedicated to building opportunities for minority
long-term growth and measurable success.
business throughout the metropolitan area. Its objective is to
If you’d like to get involved, either as a mentor or a mentee, give
us a call at 816/374-5494.
POWER Briefing Sessions
insight into diversity issues.
develop community partnership opportunities for consultation,
support, education, and training. Partners include representatives
from business, minority organizations, community agencies,
foundations, and government.
You’ll make important new contacts and get valuable information
at these monthly POWER sessions. Each one is held in the
late afternoon on the first Thursday of each month. They start
with a half hour of appetizers and networking, and finish with a
presentation on everything from time management and strategic
planning, to handling rejection and dealing with the media.
At first, we planned just a short series of POWER sessions. But
they’ve been so successful and popular, we’ve decided to keep them
going! We’d love to see you there.
“As small business owners,
we’re responsible for guiding our
employees. So it’s nice to know
there’s someone helping to guide us.”
Chris Lopez, President
Mid-America Sign Contractors, Inc.
Workforce
Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
When the
recruiter met
KCHasJobs.com.
If you’re like most smallto-medium-sized businesses,
you don’t have a human resources department. But you still need to know how
to recruit and retain quality employees.
The Chamber works to assist you through education and opportunity.
KCHasJobs.com was developed in 2000 to meet recruiting needs identified by
our active Workforce Solutions committee.
Alliance Staffing is a full-service agency that regularly recruits for financial,
administrative, healthcare and sales candidates. As the office manager of
Alliance Staffing, Inc., Deb King-Crane was well-versed in keeping updated job
postings on several Web sites. However, she wasn’t used to such a response like
Deb King-Crane
Office Manager
Alliance Staffing, Inc.
the one she’s received from The Chamber’s KCHasJobs.com site.
“Since signing up with KCHasJobs.com in September 2002, the site has
generated most of the responses to our job postings. We average 1,100 hits per
week,” says Deb. “KCHasJobs.com is an easy job-posting Web site to use and the
customer service department is easily accessible, always helpful and friendly,”
she testifies.
The bottom line is —
2600 Commerce Tower
911 Main Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64105-2049
816/221-2424 • Fax 816/221-7440
[email protected] • www.kcchamber.com
KCHasJobs.com works for Deb.
Whether it’s giving
your company’s job
openings more visibility,
or helping you connect
with the perfect
employer or employee,
The Chamber is here to
help our members work
smarter, gain greater
visibility and get better
connected.
“We value KCHasJobs.com as a tremendous
tool and asset in our recruiting effort
for qualified candidates.”
Deb King-Crane
Office Manager
Alliance Staffing, Inc.
How do you motivate your employees? How do you find
Military Tours
Industry Consortia
qualified employees in the first place? The Chamber’s Workforce
Have you considered the immense, and immensely talented, pool
You’ll definitely want to check out the Industry Consortia, a
Solutions programs can help. For more information, call
of transitioning military workers? Chances are, you haven’t. But
project that came out of the Workforce Solutions Committee
816/374-5438 or e-mail [email protected].
the fact is, they’re highly skilled with a work ethic ingrained by
in late 2000. This group works to decrease the skill gap between
their years of military service. Transitioning military and their
employers and the workforce. As if that wasn’t enough, it
Best Practices Tours
families are an often-overlooked resource. The Chamber promotes
also helps build relationships between employers and local
communication, understanding and cooperation between the
education and training centers.
Books and classroom lessons about employee relations are certainly
valuable. But nothing compares with first-hand experience. These
tours of local companies with exemplary HR programs will discuss
how their business went from good to great, touching on their
best practices and how their employees help build their company.
business community and the armed forces by connecting area
military bases with area employers.
Workforce Connections
Career Transitions Conference
A skilled, educated workforce is vital to the success of the
business community of Greater Kansas City. Career Transitions
A tour of the host business is included.
This forum gives you the opportunity to present your current job
Conferences bring career changers up-to-date on topics such
openings to a large group of candidate providers — including local
as the interviewing process, how to use technology in a job
Corporate Casting Call
college and university representatives, community and social service
search, and which employers are looking for an applicant. The
agencies, and staffing firms. Come market your jobs for free, and
conference offers employers the chance to describe the types of
make a career connection.
candidates they’re seeking and to market current job openings.
KCHasJobs.com
Workforce Solutions Committee
Whether you’re looking to advertise your positions or find your
We want Chamber members to understand the issues that
next employee (or both), The Chamber’s comprehensive Internet
affect the metropolitan workforce, and provide a way for you
recruitment solution, KCHasJobs.com, has the local focus and
to become more involved in The Chamber. This committee is
national reach area businesses need to recruit candidates from
dedicated to exploring effective solutions regarding workforce
across the country. The site centers on career opportunities in
issues in Greater Kansas City. As a part of this committee you’ll
providers.
the Kansas City region. Members can post jobs, internships, and
not only have a wealth of information at your fingertips, you’ll
volunteer opportunities, as well as search the site’s vast résumé
also help educate members while you learn. The Chamber is
Job Fairs
library. KCHasJobs.com is provided by Chamber Management
consistently working to be the #1 place that our members turn
Services, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Greater Kansas
to for answers to their workforce issues.
Here’s a way to improve your recruiting results dramatically.
We will present a private forum and networking event for your
company, giving your HR representatives the opportunity to
present current job openings, hiring processes and general company
information to local candidate providers. Following the forum, The
Chamber will conduct a private Casting Call for your company,
which includes job seekers provided by attending candidate
providers. The Chamber will market these events and your
company’s current job openings to more than 200 area candidate
And for non-profit organizations, Workforce Solutions offers a
variety of job fair packages to complement your recruitment efforts.
In addition, we work to develop partnerships with area media,
universities, and employers to provide highly effective recruitment
opportunities.
City Chamber of Commerce.