Join us for First Friday Coffee — happening this month on Friday, July 10 due to the Independence Day holiday — as we gather at North Kansas City Parks & Recreation for a lively and informative morning!

☕️ Enjoy coffee, pastries, and casual networking with fellow NKC professionals as we hear from the Parks & Recreation team about upcoming events, amenities, and exciting updates across the city's parks system — maybe even a preview of River Forest Park!

Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to the community, you’ll walk away with fresh insights — and maybe a new favorite park.

Come connect, learn, and celebrate all the green spaces that make North Kansas City such a vibrant place to live, work, and play!

Swift Kick! Community Watch Party & Festival
July 11, 2026 | Downtown North Kansas City

North Kansas City is bringing the excitement of the FIFA World Cup™ to the heart of Northtown with Swift Kick!, a free community watch party and festival in Downtown North Kansas City.

This family-friendly event will transform the Armour Road and Swift Street district into a celebration of soccer, community, and local pride. Attendees can enjoy live World Cup quarterfinal matches on a giant screen, a futsal tournament, food vendors, entertainment, family activities, a beer garden, live music, and more throughout the day.

As the world turns its attention to Kansas City during the FIFA World Cup™, Swift Kick! provides a unique opportunity for residents, visitors, and businesses to come together and be part of this historic moment. Whether you're a passionate soccer fan or simply looking for a fun summer event, this promises to be an exciting day in North Kansas City.

For the full schedule, event details, and festival policies, visit the City's event page.

Swift Kick Information: https://www.nkc.org/our-city/swift-kick

July Luncheon

Meet the Makers of North Kansas City

Discover What's Made Right Here in NKC

From products used around the world to innovations happening just down the street, North Kansas City's manufacturing community plays a vital role in driving our local economy. Yet many of these businesses operate behind the scenes, and most people have no idea what's being designed, engineered, and manufactured right here in our own community.

Join the North Kansas City Business Council for Meet the Makers of North Kansas City, an opportunity to hear directly from several local manufacturers as they each share the story behind their company, what they make, and how they're helping shape the future of North Kansas City.

Each featured manufacturer will give a brief presentation highlighting their business, products, innovations, workforce, and the role North Kansas City has played in their success. You'll discover surprising facts, learn about the wide variety of products made locally, and gain a deeper appreciation for one of our community's strongest economic sectors.

Whether you're a manufacturer, supplier, business owner, community leader, or simply curious about the businesses that call North Kansas City home, you'll leave with a new perspective on the companies driving innovation, creating careers, and contributing to the continued growth of our community.

Come discover what's made right here in NKC and meet the people making it happen.

Presenters:

• Tnemec - https://tnemec.com/about/ - Cory Brown
• Ingredion - https://www.ingredion.com/na/en-us/ - 
• Holland 1916 - https://www.holland1916.com/ - Bob McCarthy
• MyCo Planet LLC - https://mycoplanetkc.com/ - Robin Moore
• Precisions Elements LLC - https://www.precisionelements.com/ - Clifton Robbins 
• IHD Solutions - https://www.ihdsolutions.com/ - Matt Lane

Thank you to our location sponsor: NKC Parks and Rec 
https://www.nkc.org/recreation-4

NKCBC Coffee Connect: Sarah Snyder – Building Stronger Families & Stronger Communities

Join us for our next NKCBC Coffee Connect as we welcome Sarah Snyder, a financial strategist and entrepreneur whose mission is simple: No Family Left Behind.

Drawing from her experience in nonprofit leadership, business ownership, and financial education, Sarah is passionate about helping individuals and families gain the knowledge and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their future. Her work is centered on increasing financial literacy, reducing barriers to financial success, and creating opportunities for families to build lasting stability.

During this engaging discussion, Sarah will share her entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind her mission, lessons learned along the way, and how community-focused businesses can make a meaningful impact beyond the bottom line. Attendees will also hear her perspective on financial education as a tool for strengthening families, supporting future generations, and creating healthier communities.
https://nofamilyleftbehind.co/

Coffee Connect is a casual networking event designed to connect local business owners, professionals, and community leaders while highlighting the stories and experiences of those making a difference in our region.

Come early for networking, bring your questions, and join the conversation.

Networking: 7:45 AM
Program Begins: 8:00 AM

We look forward to seeing you there! 

Coffee Sponsor: Express Employment Professionals

https://www.expresspros.com/us-missouri-northland-kc

Coffee Connect Featuring Unlock KC

Join the North Kansas City Business Council for our First Friday Coffee Connect as we welcome the team behind Unlock KC, a locally owned business creating interactive experiences that bring people together through teamwork, problem-solving, and fun.

Founded by educators and librarians Jessica and Katie, Unlock KC combines the excitement of escape rooms, trivia, and interactive challenges into engaging mobile experiences that can be brought directly to businesses, organizations, schools, and community events. Their innovative approach helps teams strengthen communication, collaboration, and critical thinking while having a great time.

During this month's Coffee Connect, you'll hear the story behind Unlock KC, learn how they transformed a successful classroom concept into a growing business, and discover how interactive experiences can foster stronger connections within teams and communities.

Enjoy coffee, networking, and an opportunity to connect with fellow North Kansas City business and community leaders while learning about one of the unique businesses serving our region.

Free to attend. Guests are welcome.

More Than Meals: How KC Meal Link is Strengthening Our Community

Join the North Kansas City Business Council for our August Coffee Connect as we visit KC Meal Link, a collaborative community hub operated by the Mid-America Regional Council that is helping strengthen food access and nutrition programs throughout the Kansas City region.

Guests will learn how this North Kansas City facility supports home-delivered meal programs, expands partnerships between community organizations and healthcare providers, and serves as a growing resource for addressing food insecurity. As KC Meal Link continues to transition additional programs into the building, attendees will also hear about exciting future plans and new initiatives taking shape.

We'll also explore The Rooftop at KC Meal Link, a unique meeting and event venue overlooking the Kansas City skyline that is available for community gatherings, trainings, and special events. In addition, you'll learn how Guadalupe Centers is utilizing the facility's commercial kitchen to prepare nutritious school meals, further expanding the building's impact throughout our region.

Come enjoy coffee, connect with fellow business and community leaders, and discover how collaboration is creating lasting benefits for North Kansas City and beyond.

August NKCBC Luncheon
Give a Damn: How Care Becomes Your Competitive Advantage

Every business owner is searching for an edge—better technology, better processes, better hiring strategies, or the latest AI tools. But one of the most powerful competitive advantages is often overlooked: creating a culture where people genuinely care.

Join us on August 27 as Justin Ricklefs, Founder & CEO of Guild Collective and author of Give a Damn: The Catalyst for Caring Companies, shares how intentional leadership and a culture of care can strengthen teams, improve retention, and create better experiences for customers.

Whether you lead a team of three or three hundred, you'll discover practical strategies that can be implemented immediately—without increasing your budget or adding layers of management.

Attendees will receive a signed copy of Give a Damn and leave with actionable tools to strengthen their leadership and organizational culture.

Key Takeaways:
• Identify the "quiet drift" that may be costing you your best employees and learn how to address it.
• Explore the Give a Damn Fire Starter Framework—four leadership catalysts that every business owner can put into practice right away.
• Complete a personal Give a Damn Assessment to uncover your greatest opportunity for growth and leave with a clear action plan.

If you're looking to build a stronger team, reduce turnover, and create a workplace culture that drives long-term success, this is a luncheon you won't want to miss.

Ribbon Cutting: Intergetik Marketing Solutions Is Officially Open for Business in Kansas City

Join us as we celebrate the official Kansas City ribbon cutting for Intergetik Marketing Solutions, a full-service digital marketing agency that has been serving KC businesses for years and has now expanded to include a dedicated home in North Kansas City.  

Intergetik was built over 20 years ago on a straightforward belief: small and mid-sized businesses deserve a true marketing partner, not just another vendor. One that shows up, tells the truth, and stays as invested in their growth as they are. From web development and search visibility to digital advertising and marketing systems that actually produce results, Intergetik brings the kind of focused, relationship-driven approach that KC businesses have been looking for.

This is a celebration, and we would love for you to be part of it. Come meet the team, enjoy breakfast and refreshments, and learn more about what Intergetik is building here in Kansas City.

Location - IWerx - 1520 Clay St, North Kansas City, MO 64116

Date and Time - Tuesday Sep 1, 2026 - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Coffee Connect: Intergetik Marketing Solutions – Your Business Exists Online. The Question Is Whether Anyone Can Find It.

Join us for our next NKCBC Coffee Connect as we welcome Rick Brewer, Owner, and Michael Robinson, Director of Sales and Marketing, from Intergetik Marketing Solutions, a full-service digital marketing agency serving businesses across the Kansas City metro.

The reality for most small businesses is that their online presence is working against them without them even knowing it. Customers are searching, competitors are showing up, and too many good companies are invisible in the places that matter most. Rick founded Intergetik over 20 years ago in St. Louis to change that, building the agency around three core disciplines: web development, digital advertising, and search visibility. The Kansas City expansion was a natural next step for a team that had already been serving KC businesses for years and wanted to put real roots down in a market that values the way Intergetik already works.

What sets Intergetik apart is the approach. Clients don't get handed off to a system. They get a team that sits alongside them, learns their business, and stays as invested in their growth as they are. That partnership shows up in websites that convert, search presence that drives the right traffic, and marketing systems that keep working even when you are focused on running your business.

This is a conversation about what it takes to compete online, why the right partner makes all the difference, and how your digital presence can become one of your most powerful tools for growth. https://intergetik.com/

Networking: 7:45 AM
Program Begins: 8:00 AM

We look forward to seeing you there! 
 

Pickle for a Purpose
Game Day at Chicken N Pickle

Benefiting Life Unlimited

Join the North Kansas City Business Council for an afternoon of friendly competition, team building, networking, and community impact at Chicken N Pickle North Kansas City.

Whether you're a seasoned pickleball player or simply looking for a fun way to connect and network with fellow businesses, this event offers something for everyone.

Thanks to the generous support of the Chicken N Pickle Foundation, NKCBC will have exclusive access to indoor pickleball courts for participants, sponsors, and spectators to gather and celebrate.

Most importantly, 100% of net proceeds will be donated to Life Unlimited, a North Kansas City based non-profit that provides services to hundreds of adults with developmental difficulties.  These important programs and services make a big impact and help strengthen our North Kansas City community and beyond.

Your Team Registration Includes

• Entry for a team of two - Minimum of 3 games per team
• Access to pickleball and Chicken N Pickles outdoor games/activities
• Appetizers and desserts
• One complimentary drink ticket per participant
• Opportunities to network with local business leaders and community members
• Prizes for tournament winners
• The chance to make a meaningful impact for a Life Unlimited

Registration

• NKCBC Member Team: $100 (Team of 2)
• Non-Member Team: $150 (Team of 2)
• Spectator: $50 includes snacks & a drink

Space is limited to 24 teams, and registration is expected to fill quickly.

Gather your coworkers, clients, friends, or family members and join us for an afternoon of competition, connection, and community support.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Businesses looking to increase their visibility while supporting a great cause are invited to explore sponsorship opportunities that range from $250-$2500. Sponsors receive recognition through event marketing, social media, website promotion, event signage, and more. Email audrey@nkcbusinesscouncil.com for sponsorship package details.  

Volunteers Welcome

Not playing but still want to be part of the fun?

We're looking for a few volunteers to assist with scoring, participant check-in, game coordination, and event support. Volunteers play an important role in helping create a successful experience for participants and our nonprofit beneficiary.

For volunteer opportunities or sponsorship information, Email
 

BENEFITING: Life Unlimited 
https://www.lifeunlimitedinc.org/

Game & Location Sponsor 

Chicken N Pickle 
https://chickennpickle.com/

Gold Sponsor:

Express Employment Professionals

Building Tomorrow's Leaders Frontline Leadership Development

• Stronger communication across teams
• More confident supervisors and managers
• Better employee engagement
• Reduced turnover
• Improved accountability
• Faster onboarding for new leaders
• Increased leadership capacity from within the organization

• Four 4-hour interactive sessions
• 16 hours of nationally accredited leadership training
• DDI Certified Instructor
• 10:00 AM–2:00 PM (Lunch Break Included)
• Open to businesses throughout the Kansas City region

Coffee Connect at 23rd & Swift on the 23rd

Join the North Kansas City Business Council for a special Coffee Connect at 23rd & Swift Apartments on September 23rd.

This month's gathering offers an opportunity to explore one of North Kansas City's premier residential communities while connecting with fellow business and community leaders.

Guests will enjoy networking, coffee, and a behind-the-scenes look at how modern multifamily developments like 23rd & Swift contribute to the growth, vibrancy, and continued success of North Kansas City. Learn more about the vision behind the community, the resident experience, and the important role housing plays in attracting workforce talent and supporting economic development.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the property and discover why more people are choosing to call North Kansas City home.

Whether you're a business owner, community leader, developer, or simply interested in the continued growth of North Kansas City, this Coffee Connect is a great opportunity to build new relationships and learn more about one of the city's newest residential communities.

Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Time: 7:45 AM – 9:00 AM
Location: 23rd & Swift Apartments
Free and open to all

Join us as we celebrate the businesses that are shaping the future of our community! At the September luncheon, we will recognize the 2026 Investing in North Kansas City honorees—those whose developments, expansions, relocations, and revitalizations are fueling growth and strengthening our local economy.

This annual tribute highlights the investments that keep North Kansas City thriving—making it a dynamic place to do business and a community we’re proud to call home.
 

Join the North Kansas City Business Council for Ideas on Tap, a fun and engaging after-hours networking event that combines professional development with meaningful business connections.

Each session features a guest speaker sharing practical insights, fresh ideas, and real-world experiences that you can apply in your business, career, or organization. Whether you're looking to learn something new, expand your network, or simply connect with other professionals in a relaxed setting, Ideas on Tap offers an enjoyable way to end the workday.

This event is free to attend, and each registered participant will receive one complimentary drink ticket. Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase from the host venue.

Stay tuned for this month's featured speaker and presentation topic   We look forward to seeing you there!

Join us for our October Monthly Luncheon -- on the fourth Thursday this month -- at North Kansas City Fire Station #1 on Howell Street! Enjoy a delicious meal cooked and served by the NKC Fire Department team, then stay for a special presentation: the annual State of the City address from Mayor Jesse Smith, joined by leaders from each City department. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear firsthand about key updates, priorities, and what’s ahead for North Kansas City.

Join us for the November North Kansas City Business Council Luncheon 

Holiday Magic Dinner & Auction

Holiday Magic is the North Kansas City Business Council's premier annual fundraising event, bringing together business leaders, community members, local organizations, and civic partners for an evening that celebrates the spirit of North Kansas City while supporting the Business Council's year-round mission.

The event showcases the strength and diversity of the North Kansas City business community through a "Taste of NKC," featuring specialty food and beverage offerings from local restaurants and businesses. Guests enjoy networking, community engagement, entertainment, and a live and silent auction featuring items generously donated by local businesses and supporters.

Funds raised through Holiday Magic help the North Kansas City Business Council continue its work of informing, supporting, connecting, and advocating for the local business community. These resources support business development programs, networking and educational events, workforce development initiatives, community partnerships, scholarship efforts, and advocacy that contribute to the economic vitality and quality of life in North Kansas City.

More than a fundraiser, Holiday Magic serves as a celebration of the partnerships, businesses, and community leaders who help make North Kansas City a vibrant place to live, work, and do business.

Your support of Holiday Magic directly contributes to strengthening local businesses, fostering community connections, and creating opportunities that benefit the entire North Kansas City community.

Presenting Sponsor