Leadership Showcase 2026
Strong businesses need strong leaders — and strong communities do too.

Join us for the Leadership Showcase 2026 on Friday, May 1, from 2:00–4:00 PM at the Kearney School District Central Office Board Room for an afternoon centered on leadership growth, professional development, and the future of our community. This free event is open to the public and offers business and community leaders a unique opportunity to hear directly from members of the current Leadership Academy cohort as they share insights, experiences, and perspectives gained through the program.

The afternoon will include networking, opening remarks by Stacie Bratcher, Executive Director of the Kearney Chamber, presentations and Q&A by Academy attendees, and a keynote by Jim Dickerson, Director of Operations at EquityJet and a 2026 Academy Instructor.

Guests will also enjoy light snacks, beverages, and significant door prizes included. PLUS, a leadership book giveaway for the first 10 attendees courtesy of the Kearney Business Group. 

This year’s cohort represents a strong cross-section of local leadership: Jennifer Grossl, Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative; Angela Gudde, Kearney Enrichment Council/Kearney Senior Center; Zach McMains, Kearney School District; Angel Brown, Lockbaud LLC; and Curtis Murphree, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee & Kona Ice.

Whether you are a business owner, executive, manager, nonprofit leader, educator, or community advocate, this event is an opportunity to invest in the kind of leadership that strengthens organizations, builds partnerships, and moves Kearney forward. Come support emerging leaders, gain fresh perspective, and be part of a conversation that matters to the future of our business community.

• Megan Sahlfeld, Clay County Tourism & Marketing Manager
• Stacie Bratcher, Executive Director, Kearney Chamber of Commerce
• Carolyn Yatsook, Economic Development Director, City of Kearney
• Other local leaders and representatives

Join us for our monthly Membership Luncheon: local food, great connections, and real value for your business!

Held the first Wednesday of each month (except Jan & July) from Noon-1:00pm at the First Christian Church in Kearney, MO.

FEATURE PRESENTATION: Hallie Higgason, Political Director, Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry 

Watch for new Member Exclusive Opportunities to get involved during the monthly Membership Luncheons to gain added exposure for you and your business.

New!! Member Announcements are returning at our monthly luncheon! To keep the program running on time and respect our guest speaker, announcements will be shared only by members who reserve a spot during luncheon registration (first come, first served). Helpful, clear, and quick is the goal… and yes, we do have a whistle if someone goes into overtime.

Thank you to our Empowering Business Excellence Sponsors:

• Kearney Trust Company
• NKC Health
• Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative
• Verimore Bank
• Edward Jones
• Hoffman's D'Creamery
• Oak Point of Kearney
• Tobacco Barn Farm
• Southern Bank
• CONRAD'S 
• Summit Media
• Kearney Fire & Rescue
• Paradigm Direct

Big marketing ideas for Missouri’s small businesses!

Marketing in Missouri isn’t just business—it’s storytelling, grit, and a little bit of Show-Me spirit.

Around here, you’ve got to be part Mark Twain, part Walt Disney, and a little bit Patrick Mahomes—creative, bold, and ready to make big things happen on a small budget.

The Missouri Small Business Marketing Bootcamp takes a practical, no-fluff approach—guiding you through branding, storytelling, social media, and digital marketing, all tailored to Missouri’s small businesses. Whether you’re running a café in Kansas City, a boutique in St. Louis, a service company in Columbia, or a shop on Main Street in a small town, this Bootcamp gives you the strategies and confidence to step up to the plate and knock your marketing out of the park.

Because in the Show-Me State, we don’t just talk about great marketing—we show it.

Thursday - May 7, 2026

Online Only
 

Get Your Boss to Approve You Attending by Telling Him/Her This!

Let’s be real—traveling for a conference can be a headache.
Flights, hotels, meals, time away from work… it all adds up fast. The Missouri Small Business Marketing Bootcamp keeps things simple: no airports, no packing, no extra expenses—just great marketing insight from experts who understand what it’s like to run a small business here in the Show-Me State. Whether you’re running a boutique, managing a local nonprofit, or growing your service company, you can join from wherever you are—no suitcase required.

And here’s the best part: you won’t miss a thing. Sessions are recorded, so if two great talks happen at once, you don’t have to choose—watch one live and catch the other later. Plus, if something really clicks, you can rewatch it anytime. It’s marketing education that fits your schedule, without the hassle of travel.
 

Is the Bootcamp right for me?

The Missouri Small Business Marketing Bootcamp is designed for:
✅ Local shops and boutiques
✅ Service-based businesses and startups
✅ Restaurants, cafés, and hospitality teams
✅ Nonprofits and community organizations
✅ Chambers and downtown associations
✅ Anyone who wants to grow their Missouri brand

If you’re ready to reach more customers, strengthen your message, and build a brand people trust, this Bootcamp is for you.

Kearney Chamber Ambassadors Empower Business Excellence!

Empower Business Excellence

• February 25 - Kearney Chamber
• May 27 - NTRC
• August 26
• November 18

• Introduction & Elevator Pitch
• How are YOU doing? How are things going for the organization?
• What are you Celebrating?
• What major projects are you working on?
• Any Issues? Needs? Questions?
• Resources needed? Or to share?
• How can we help?
• Upcoming events?
• 2026 Initiatives?