Northland Coffee Connect Wednesday, June 3, will be a special celebration at Vocational Services, Inc. (VSI) at 101 W 18^th Ave (one block west of Chicken N Pickle).
 
VSI is celebrating 60 years as a “sheltered workshop”, supporting other businesses with contracted manufacturing services combined with training and jobs for adults with disabilities. One outstanding local example is the 50-year working arrangement VSI has had with Tnemec Company.
 
Please plan to come join in the celebration!
 
In spite of this long history, VSI is experiencing new growth and vitality under the leadership of Kimbal Mothershead. Kimbal was recently selected as the State President of the Missouri Association of Sheltered Workshop Managers.
 
The mission of Vocational Services, Inc. (VSI) is to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and to support their rights by offering choices for employment and community integration.
 

Silver Sponsor:

• Apex Sign & Graphics
• Attic Storage 
• Burlington Northtown Community Credit Union
• Chicken N Pickle
• Jefferson's 
• Edward Jones Investment
• Express Employment Professionals
• Hakes Real Estate
• NKC Nutrition
• Indigex
• Intergetik Marketing Solutions
• [k] WARMAN Architecture+Design
• Leisure World Pool & Hearth
• NOCIX
• Quality Plumbing Inc.
• Security Equipment, Inc
• Star Development
• Swift Screenings Solutions
• Tnemec Company
• Windfield Real Estate LLC

• Chappell's Restaurant & Sports Museum
• Chicken N Pickle
• Cinder Block Brewery
• First Watch
• Julie Sola of Harrah's Kansas City Casino & Hotel
• Tim & Brian Doylan at Edward Jones Investment
• John and Henrietta Miller at StorSafe
• Dan Gray at Quality Plumbing 
• Aloft Hotels & Element Hotels
• Hawaiian Bros Island Grill
• Jefferson's 
• McLain's Market
• North Kansas City Beverage Co.
• Sail Away Wine
• Sugar & Spice Catering
• Tropical Smoothie Cafe
• Callsign Brewing 

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!

July Luncheon: Made for Growth - How Manufacturing Shapes the Future of North Kansas City

Manufacturing has long been a vital part of North Kansas City’s economic strength, creating jobs, supporting investment, and helping shape the future of our business community. As workforce needs, technology, infrastructure, utility demand, and supply chain pressures continue to evolve, local manufacturers are navigating both real challenges and significant opportunities for growth.

Join the North Kansas City Business Council for a timely panel discussion featuring North Kansas City manufacturing leaders and moderated by NKCBC member Doug Schmitz, Area Business Manager for Missouri Enterprise. Doug works with manufacturers across the Kansas City area and Northwest Missouri through Missouri Enterprise, a public-private nonprofit organization that provides consulting and training services to manufacturing companies.

This luncheon will explore how manufacturing impacts not only those within the industry, but also the broader North Kansas City business community. Panelists will discuss workforce development, business expansion, operational challenges, technology adoption, regional competitiveness, and what it will take to keep North Kansas City positioned for continued economic growth.

Whether you are a manufacturer, supplier, service provider, community leader, or business owner interested in the future of our local economy, this conversation will offer valuable insight into one of the key sectors driving progress in North Kansas City.

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.

Get ready for an action-packed afternoon of pickle ball, cornhole and good old-fashioned fun at NKCBC Game Day presented by Harrah's Kansas City Casino & Hotel -- a high-energy team-building event hosted by the North Kansas City Business Council!

Thanks to the generous support of the Chicken N Pickle Foundation, we've got four indoor and four outdoor courts reserved exclusively for NKCBC, along with sections of the biergarten just for our group.

✅ Your ticket includes:

• Participation in all games
• Tasty snacks
• A prize for the winning team
• Your first drink's on us!

All proceeds will support the North Kansas City Police Foundation.

🎯 Slots are limited -- only 20 teams of four players -- so rally your coworkers, colleagues, or clients because registration at $200 per team ($250 per team non-member) is happening now!

🙌 Not playing but still want in on the fun?
We're looking for volunteers to help keep score, explain game rules, and support the action alongside Chicken N Pickle's Game Pros. If you're game to help, email us at info@nkcbusinesscouncil.com.

 

PRESENTING SPONSOR


 

GAMES SPONSOR


 

SUPPORTING SPONSOR


 

BENEFITING THE NKC POLICE FOUNDATION


 

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 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: NKC Health


Platinum Sponsor: Garney Construction


Platinum Sponsor: Tnemec Company 


Gold Sponsor: Hunt Midwest


Silver Sponsor: Life Unlimited Inc.


Technology Sponsor: NOCIX


In-Kind Sponsor: 360picKC


In-Kind Sponsor: Cates Auction


In-Kind Sponsor: Harrah's


In-Kind Sponsor: Unlock KC


Additional sponsorship levels available
To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jennifer or Rich at the NKC Business Council

Holiday Magic Participating Restaurants

Chicken N Pickle
Cinder Block Brewery
Donut King
Harrah's Kansas City Casino & Hotel
Jeffersons
McLain's Market
Paul & Jack's Tavern
Sail Away Wine
Sugar & Spice Catering
Tropical Smoothie Cafe