5/1/2026
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 door prizes.
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.
Location: Kearney School District Administrative Offices and Board Room
425 W. Washington St.
Kearney, MO 64060
5/6/2026
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.
Registration is Required! A boxed lunch from a local member restaurant is included.Deadline to Register: Noon, Monday, May 4.
Cost: $10.00 Members / $25 Non-Members
We start on time, so arrive early for networking opportunities.
FEATURE PRESENTATION: Hallie Higgason, Political Director, Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Cancellation Policy: Reservations canceled prior to the deadline can be carried over to another luncheon. Reservations canceled after the deadline will be charged full price. If you are unable to attend, please let us know if someone will be attending in your place.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
Location: First Christian Church of Kearney
Registration ends on 5/5/2026
6/3/2026
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.
Registration is Required! A boxed lunch from a local member restaurant is included.Deadline to Register: Noon, Monday, May 1.
Cost: $10.00 Members / $25 Non-Members
We start on time, so arrive early for networking opportunities.
FEATURE PRESENTATION: State of the City & Legislative Update
Cancellation Policy: Reservations canceled prior to the deadline can be carried over to another luncheon. Reservations canceled after the deadline will be charged full price. If you are unable to attend, please let us know if someone will be attending in your place.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
Location: First Christian Church of Kearney
2151 S Jefferson Street
Kearney, MO 64060
Registration ends on 6/2/2026