Second Chance Hiring Summit

Returning citizens could be the answer to your workforce needs. But do you know how, why, or where to get started? Do you know what to be aware of and to watch out for? Do you know how to get buy-in from within your organization?

On July 27, the KC Chamber is bringing together regional businesses, national experts, and Departments of Corrections to help answer your questions and increase your confidence in the process of second chance hiring. Throughout the country, a quarter of the entire U.S. population has a criminal record. Each year more than 4,000 formerly incarcerated individuals will be released into the Kansas City area. While companies may be open to hiring people with criminal records, only 3 percent of HR professionals say their company actively recruits them.

The KC Chamber aims to change the narrative (and the frequency!) of second chance hiring through the Workforce Opportunities for Returning Citizens (WORC) initiative. Through this program, businesses can learn how to navigate the second chance ecosystem and connect with community-based organizations to begin to talent-source returning citizens who can meet their workforce needs. We encourage businesses of all sizes in all industries to discover how second chance hiring can help drive societal change, while simultaneously assisting business growth. Featured speakers during the Summit include:

Nan Gibson, Executive Director, Policy Center JP Morgan Chase
Stanley Ball, Vice President and Chief Litigation Counsel, Eaton Corporation
Patrick Peters, Principal, Jackson Lewis - Cleveland
Anne Parameter, Instructional Designer, Dave’s Killer Bread Foundation

Thank you for our event sponsors:
Jackson County COMBAT
Husch Blackwell
JE Dunn Construction
Kansas City Chiefs
VanTrust Real Estate