Chamber Postpones Events Due to COVID-19 Coronavirus

Our top priority is the health and safety of our members and their loved ones. Therefore, in the best interest of our members and our community, the Chamber has decided to cancel or postpone all public events until after the threat of COVID19 has passed. Our decision comes in response to guidance by the CDC and World Health Organization, both of which encourage large gatherings to be postponed to minimize transmission of the virus.

The immediate impacts of this decision include tonight’s B2B Network Event, co-hosted by Jax, our March 19th Coffee Connections, co-hosted by Trilogie, Kay Barnes Leadership Series meetings, and the Transgender Day of Visibility, originally scheduled for March 31st and now rescheduled for June 24th.

We look forward to rescheduling these events when appropriate and will continue to communicate through email and our website. Other Chamber board and committee meetings are being evaluated on a case-by-case basis in real-time. Look for more information from your committee chair or program lead.

We are a community first, and second a group of dedicated and talented professionals working to make Kansas City’s economy more vibrant and inclusive. It is our belief that this decision, and similar decisions being made by other organizations and governments help “flatten the curve” of new infections – and is the best way for Kansas City to get back to work.

This public health crisis does not discriminate on the basis of gender or sexual identity, and our community is no stranger to dealing with health crises. That is why we choose to follow the guidance of medical experts, scientists and leaders around the world in protecting our members, businesses and families. Our executive team believes that by following the precedent set across the country and around the world we set an example as leaders.

We are a business community and know the next few months are going to have serious financial impacts. Whether you are an employee, employer, or entrepreneur this will not be an easy time. These situations make chambers of commerce that much more important and we encourage you to find ways to support each other through the crisis and after the threat has lessened. Do business with members whenever possible and find ways to support our non-profit members whose clients will be hit the hardest.

We must work together during these challenges, as a community. Groups like our Chamber of Commerce remind us that we are never alone. Please check-in on friends and colleagues, show compassion and kindness, and please wash your hands.

Respectfully,

Danny Zaslavsky

Mid-America LGBT Chamber Board President